The Problem of Pain

Title: The Problem of Pain
Author: C. S. Lewis
Publisher: Harper Collins, 1940
Pages: 164
Begun: September 10, 2009
Completed: September 15, 2009

I must confess that this book was a monumental disappointment to me. This was probably partially due to the fact that I had high expectations in approaching this book. Yet it was a good exercise in plowing through to the very end despite the temptation to put the book away a quarter of the way through.

The book, in short, is a collection of philosophical essays and ramblings on the subject of pain, though he does not address the subject until about half-way through. I found it difficult to grasp his train of thought as he was constantly changing courses.

The most problematic chapter was The Fall of Man, where Lewis discusses his belief in theistic evolution. He explains the stages of transformation that man went through to become the "man" he is....."For long centuries God perfected the animal form which was to become the vehicle of humanity and the image of Himself." He goes on later to describe man as the "perfect animal."

Another troubling, yet almost laughable, chapter was Animal Pain. Lewis comes close to suggesting the immortality of the animal kingdom. I suppose this makes sense to Lewis in light of his theistic evolutionistic position. If man is merely a glorified animal, then animals must be made up of basically the same stuff as man (i.e. emotions, conscience, pain, etc.).

The denial of total depravity on page 61 on the grounds that man has the innate ability to do some good was also theologically off course. Lewis also repeatedly stresses the free will of man's conscience, while ignoring the sovereignty of the Almighty.

This was a very interesting, yet disappointing read.