C.S. Lewis stands as one of the most influential Christian authors and thinkers of the past 100 years, authoring such classic works as Mere Christianity and The Chronicles of Narnia. Yet one important book that is little known among Christians and thinkers alike is a small work called The Abolition of Man. This book was recently commended by The Theology Pugcast podcast, and was once named by National Review as one of the top 100 important books of the 20th century. It’s a vivid and persuasive defense of objective, universal values and standards, and a prophetic critique of the current prevailing dominance of scientism, subjectivism, and post-modernism. In it, Lewis compellingly argues for an objective set of values for human life, as well as for an ardent defense against the arrogant humanistic progressivism of our western secular culture. Christians and non-Christians alike can learn a lot from it about upholding what is objectively good and true, pursuing the right goals in educating children and people, and understanding the motives between the ostensibly well-intentioned efforts of social elites to transform westerners’ values and behaviors.

In this discussion, Chris and Casey discuss this book in detail after giving a brief background of the life of C.S. Lewis. They note the insightful ideas that Lewis conveys, and also note the glaring deficiencies in his arguments. As well as highlighting how Lewis skillfully defends the objective moral standard and value system built into the consciences of all people, we point out that he fails to provide a Christ-centered and biblically-supported argument for the indispensable value of the gospel, nor points to the hope that is found in the redemption and return of the Lord Jesus. However, if you want to learn how to think and argue about the important topics of education, morality, and western social conditions, then this is worth your time to learn about.