Seeking the Secret Place: The Spiritual Formation of C. S. Lewis

In "Seeking the Secret Places," historian and C. S. Lewis scholar, Dr. Lyle Dorsett, writes a lively story of the spiritual life of author C. S. Lewis. As Dorsett notes in his Preface, much has been written about Lewis the Christian author, but much less about "how he grew from infancy to maturity in the Christian faith" (p. 15). Thus, Dorsett's purpose is pinpoint: "As a student of his life and writings for well over two decades, I have been intrigued by a question that has inspired this book: How did C. S. Lewis mature spiritually after his conversion to Christianity in 1931?" (p. 15).Prayer is the first of Lewis' spiritual habits that Dorsett explores. Appropriately so, since Lewis himself taught other young converts that the first rule of spiritual growth was "be busy learning to pray" (p. 30). Dorsett's description of Lewis' struggle with believing prayer, brought on it part by the death of Lewis' mother when he was only nine, is worth the price of the book. Lewis summarized his own battle, as only he could: "Often when I pray, I wonder if I am not posting letters to a non-existent address" (p. 34). Throughout his excellent chapter on prayer, Dorsett demonstrates the stages of growth in Lewis' prayer life and the nature of that life of prayer. In no small part, prayer for Lewis had to be real, not sentimental, because our lives "do in truth influence God" (p. 39), and because "one of the purposes for which God instituted prayer may have been to bear witness that the course of events is not governed like a state but created like a work of art to which every being makes its contribution (in prayer) a conscious contribution, and in which every being is both an end and a means" (p. 39).Reading this chapter not only informed me, but enthused me, even as "joining into this artistic enterprise enthused C. S. Lewis" (p. 39). "That we creatures are coworkers with the Creator quite simply excited him" (p. 39). As he grew in the school of prayer, Lewis was delighted to learn "that God invites us to be partakers in the execution of his will" (p. 46). Dorsett's explanation of Lewis' views on the age-old issue of Divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and prayer, provide some of the clearest, most practical theology that you can read on the topic.Real regarding prayer as petition, Lewis was even more raw concerning prayer as praise, noting that initially he felt as if God said, "What I most want is to be told that I am good and great" (p. 47). "He wrote that such an attitude disgusts us when we encounter it in humans" (p. 47). A lifetime of struggle to praise led to a depth of insight toward the end of his life. "It is not that God insists or demands our praises, it is that when we begin to see Him more clearly--then who He is demands one's praise" (p. 48).To his description of Lewis growing in grace through the spiritual discipline of prayer, Dorsett adds equally compelling chapters on Lewis and Scripture, Lewis and the Church, Lewis and Spiritual Friends, Lewis and Spiritual Guidance, and Lewis on Soul Care (what I call "sufferology"). Dorsett then concludes with an important chapter summarizing Lewis' spiritual formation legacy.If you want to understand C. S. Lewis' practice of the traditional spiritual disciplines of the faith, I know of no better source than "Seeking the Secret Place." If you want to be schooled in why and how to practice these disciplines, and if you want to be motivated to do so, then "Seeking the Secret Place" is the place for you.Reviewer: Dr. Robert W. Kellemen is the author of "Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," and the forthcoming "Sacred Companions: A History of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."

"Seeking the Secret Place - The Spiritual Formation of C.S. Lewis" is the result of Lyle Dorsett undertaking the "systematic and carefully recording the reminiscences of C.S. Lewis's surviving friends, relatives, and associates" in 1981. Over the course of seven years, he personally interviewed 42 people. From their revelations, he provides information about how C.S. Lewis matured as a Christian from his conversion until his death. Dorsett provides previously unknown (at least to me!) examples of Lewis's obedience to Christ in his prayer life, scripture reading, and submission to guidance, among others. This is a slender volume, easily read, and extremely informative - a must if you are interested in C.S. Lewis.

Excellent book! Lyle Dorsett has done considerable work interviewing those who knew C.S. Lewis and reviewing Lewis' material. I recommend this book to those who have read Lewis' books and would like a more intimate knowledge of C.S. Lewis as a man and as a believer. Lyle Dorsett readily answers correspondence and impresses me as an insightful author who presents C.S. Lewis as a humble, caring and passionate believer. I would heartily recommend this book and intend on reading other books by Mr. Dorsett.

Dorsett's book, backed by extensive research, not only covers some lesser known aspects of C. S. Lewis' personal life and spiritual growth, but also is very helpful to those seeking to grow as Christians themselves. I personally found both the guidance given to Lewis and the guidance he gave to others very instructive and edifying.

Lyle Dorsett captures the heart of C.S Lewis' prayer life following Lewis' surrender to the King of kings and LORD of lords, Jesus. The book is not only factual, but inspirational. My copy is highlighted with statements that have spoken directly to my spirit. They is such depth in the wisdom God blessed both of these men with, concerning "The Secret Place" of prayer. The 20 years Mr. Dorsett spent examining Professor Lewis' Christian "habits" have apparently paid off for him and for the readers of this MARVELLOUS book.