The “Jack” That C.S. Lewis Almost Became
Another man nicknamed "Jack" reveals what could've happened
Both C.S. Lewis and his contemporary J.B.S. Haldane went by “Jack.” Many biographical facts could lead someone to confuse the two, especially early in their lives, but the two ended up on “opposite sides.”
Those of us who appreciate Lewis’ writing can be thankful for the fork in the road, but it should also serve as a reminder that we could be the one who changes the life trajectory for someone else.
Both were born in the 1890s to practicing Christian families, but both rejected their childhood faith for atheism. The two maintained a lifelong hatred of the English education system. Both served in World War I until they were injured.
Both earned degrees at Oxford, later taught at Cambridge and became famed professors who often lectured on subjects outside of their official training. Both also wrote essays and children’s books to promote their perspective. The two died within almost a year of each other in the early 1960s.
Lewis, however, left his atheism behind after his long talk with J.R.R. Tolkien and Hugo Dyson, while Haldane became more entrenched in his rejection of Christianity. As a result the two became frequent public sparring partners.
In fact, Lewis said an essay by Haldane was one of the primary motivations behind the Ransom Trilogy. Writing to a friend, Lewis said Haldane’s writing took space travel seriously but with a “desperately immoral outlook which I try to pillory in Weston.”
Lewis believed Haldane was writing from “the opposite side” as himself. For all that the two men disagreed over, they agreed on this.
Haldane wrote at least two pieces criticizing Lewis, including a review of the Ransom trilogy. He praised Lewis’ skill as a writer but accused him of advocating for what amounts to a theocracy.
Lewis wrote a reply to Haldane, but it was never published in either of their lifetimes. Walter Hooper included the reply in two collections—Of Other Worlds: Essays and Stories and On Stories: And Other Essays on Literature—since the response describes some of Lewis’ approach to writing.
In Surprised by Joy, Lewis described his conversion as God being the One seeking after him, but God’s actions involved the choices of many humans, some of whom never met Lewis.
Multiple books and written works laid the foundation for Lewis’ faith, while friendships and conversations with Tolkien and others helped to drive home the point.
“Jack” Lewis may have followed the same path as “Jack” Haldane were it not for those who were faithful in seemingly small moments that led to a significant decision by Lewis and the resulting monumental impact.
You and I likely never truly know the full eternal results of our faithfulness, but we never know the future results in the moment. We just simply have to make the choice of obedience.
That will undoubtedly lead to changing the trajectories of countless “Jacks.”
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Later this week, I’ll post my review/reflections on Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Next week, we’ll look at Haldane’s criticism of Lewis and Lewis’ previously unpublished response.
Next month, we’ll begin our next C.S. Lewis read-along for paid subscribers: The Last Battle.
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