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C. S. Lewis Bible: New Revised Standard Version
Beloved author C. S. Lewis is one of the world's most influential Christian thinkers and a trusted companion for millions of readers. The C. S. Lewis Bible draws upon the distinctive wisdom of Lewis's celebrated spiritual classics--Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Problem of Pain, Miracles, and A Grief Observed--as well as his other distinguished works, and pairs them alongside the life-giving words of Scripture.
As you engage in devotional Bible reading with the full text of the trusted NRSV Bible, you will also gain insight from Lewis's writings and spiritual journey while exploring key issues in the life of faith. Each reading will draw you deeper into Scripture as you wrestle with and meditate on spiritual truths woven throughout the text. The C. S. Lewis Bible is an indispensable companion for everyone who cherishes Lewis's timeless words and seeks to meditate on the truths of Scripture.
As you engage in devotional Bible reading with the full text of the trusted NRSV Bible, you will also gain insight from Lewis's writings and spiritual journey while exploring key issues in the life of faith. Each reading will draw you deeper into Scripture as you wrestle with and meditate on spiritual truths woven throughout the text. The C. S. Lewis Bible is an indispensable companion for everyone who cherishes Lewis's timeless words and seeks to meditate on the truths of Scripture.
1529 pages, Hardcover
First published May 26, 2011
878 people are currently reading
943 people want to read
About the author
C.S. Lewis
1,061 books48.3k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Clive Staples Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954. He was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include Mere Christianity, Out of the Silent Planet, The Great Divorce, The Screwtape Letters, and the universally acknowledged classics The Chronicles of Narnia. To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and been transformed into three major motion pictures.
Lewis was married to poet Joy Davidman.
W.H. Lewis was his elder brother]
Clive Staples Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954. He was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include Mere Christianity, Out of the Silent Planet, The Great Divorce, The Screwtape Letters, and the universally acknowledged classics The Chronicles of Narnia. To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and been transformed into three major motion pictures.
Lewis was married to poet Joy Davidman.
W.H. Lewis was his elder brother]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 20, 2019
A very good bible!!!
Beautifully crafted, its pages filled with artistic compilations..
C. S. Lewis one of the most influential Christians thinkers, pairing selected readings from his work with the Scriptures will benefit every single one bible reader..
Dean;)
Beautifully crafted, its pages filled with artistic compilations..
C. S. Lewis one of the most influential Christians thinkers, pairing selected readings from his work with the Scriptures will benefit every single one bible reader..
Dean;)
February 10, 2014
I was skeptical of yet another this or that Bible [waiting for somebody to come out with Scripture for cat-lovers or a Dorcas edition for folks into sewing] but this is what I read before bed. The excerpts from Lewis' books, letters, etc, prove insightful and valuable. I actually acquired this book when I learned of a promo via Douglas Grisham's Twitter feed. But it's been surprisingly good and I recommend it to others.
December 13, 2015
As a daily Bible reader and a C.S. Lewis admirer, this book combines a couple of my favorite things. The entire text of the NRSV is contained in this book, so it is a regular Bible. I might categorize it as a Bible+, in that it includes hundreds of Lewis references. There are sidebars, footnotes, and quotes contained in the pages alongside the biblical text, Lewis references that deal with the subject, character, or specific text at hand. I like the format. I have attempted to use this Bible as my daily reading Bible a few different times, but I think the NRSV translation leaves a little to be desired. I've made it through the first half a couple of times, and I do enjoy the Lewis references, but the translation is less than optimum in my view.
February 10, 2017
I've never understood the enthusiasm for study Bibles on a single theme or with a single person's commentary. Obviously, they are popular because you can see them everywhere. When this Bible came to my attention, I blanched.
However, it seems as if 2014 is fast becoming my "year of C.S. Lewis" as I work my way through his books in audio format. So I took a closer look on Amazon where I found Brandon Vogt's review, which I encourage you to read. I trust Brandon's judgment a lot from having read his blog. His thoughtful comments also showed that he, too, was leery of this sort of study bible. He pointed out that, with care, one can view such a work as having midrash available on scripture and that opened up another way to consider it.
I'm not crazy about the NRSV translation but that is a matter of personal taste admittedly. Catholics will note that this is a Protestant Bible and so has fewer books than a Catholic Bible would. The committee who put this together does seem to have done an impressive job of carefully matching Lewis's comments in the appropriate spot without overdoing it. It is definitely a Bible first and foremost, with occasional C.S. Lewis comments from a wide variety of sources. It quickly became a favorite morning read.
I do want to mention that except for the cover, this book is a work of beauty. The typesetting, format, and overall look are gorgeous. The cover ... well, you can see that for yourself. Nothing can make it anything except ugly. But once the cover is opened, the interior is beautiful. This is the book that proves the old adage. Don't judge this book by its cover.
However, it seems as if 2014 is fast becoming my "year of C.S. Lewis" as I work my way through his books in audio format. So I took a closer look on Amazon where I found Brandon Vogt's review, which I encourage you to read. I trust Brandon's judgment a lot from having read his blog. His thoughtful comments also showed that he, too, was leery of this sort of study bible. He pointed out that, with care, one can view such a work as having midrash available on scripture and that opened up another way to consider it.
I'm not crazy about the NRSV translation but that is a matter of personal taste admittedly. Catholics will note that this is a Protestant Bible and so has fewer books than a Catholic Bible would. The committee who put this together does seem to have done an impressive job of carefully matching Lewis's comments in the appropriate spot without overdoing it. It is definitely a Bible first and foremost, with occasional C.S. Lewis comments from a wide variety of sources. It quickly became a favorite morning read.
I do want to mention that except for the cover, this book is a work of beauty. The typesetting, format, and overall look are gorgeous. The cover ... well, you can see that for yourself. Nothing can make it anything except ugly. But once the cover is opened, the interior is beautiful. This is the book that proves the old adage. Don't judge this book by its cover.
July 28, 2014
I struggle with finding the Bible boring or being overwhelmed with what it is saying verses what is culturally influenced either in scripture or in my own heart. Overall, I find it easy to put the Bible down, and instead pray or find a book by someone (like C.S. Lewis) reflecting on the Bible in a way I just honestly understand better.
For me, Lewis is one of the best minds to walk down the path of joy, of pain, and/or of grief with. I often turn to his books in time of heavy life events or serious reflection. I find truth in his words, and it is very clear that Lewis not only cared very deeply about his relationship with God, but that he was an interesting, wise man. Why wouldn't I want all of those things with me when opening my Bible?
This is one of two Bibles I genuinely like and take refuge in. I feel it's an interesting Bible with unique subtexts and excerpts tied in, but not so much so that it is drawing me away from the original text.
For me, Lewis is one of the best minds to walk down the path of joy, of pain, and/or of grief with. I often turn to his books in time of heavy life events or serious reflection. I find truth in his words, and it is very clear that Lewis not only cared very deeply about his relationship with God, but that he was an interesting, wise man. Why wouldn't I want all of those things with me when opening my Bible?
This is one of two Bibles I genuinely like and take refuge in. I feel it's an interesting Bible with unique subtexts and excerpts tied in, but not so much so that it is drawing me away from the original text.
December 31, 2018
The C. S. Lewis Bible
I have read many of Lewis's books. I love his insight and the way he explains his understanding of God's Word. Reading the Bible through the year with Lewis's notes was inspiring.
I have read many of Lewis's books. I love his insight and the way he explains his understanding of God's Word. Reading the Bible through the year with Lewis's notes was inspiring.
March 5, 2019
I absolutely love this Bible. I love C.S. Lewis and it's cool how throughout the Bible are small snippets from his books, notes, and even letters. Kind of a neat way to study the Bible with someone you look up to.
July 13, 2012
Definitely a great book. I do wish it could have been done in a more study Bible form though so that I could use it in my daily reading plan with out feel that there is too much to read, and I feel that more of his teachings could have been used. Great for any C.S. Lewis fan and for anyone who wants to get a little preview of some of his books. It even includes some quotes from Chronicles of Narnia a great book series.
January 1, 2015
I really enjoyed all the C.S. Lewis inserts throughout the Bible, and the introduction was particularly good. Highly recommend for anyone planning to read through the Bible in a year!
December 30, 2023
Lovely edition, and beautiful book especially at this pricepoint (often available at $30-40.)
I enjoyed reading the NRSV but really would have preferred this to have been the newest addition (NRSV UE)
If you're a big CS Lewis fan or CS Lewis curious this Bible has excerpts from letters and books spread throughout the entire book in places where they relate to the text but not in a way that interrupts the text or is particularly frequent.
The beauty and Bare Bones nature of this Edition make it hard to dislike probably not anyone's decade long go to daily reader.
I enjoyed reading the NRSV but really would have preferred this to have been the newest addition (NRSV UE)
If you're a big CS Lewis fan or CS Lewis curious this Bible has excerpts from letters and books spread throughout the entire book in places where they relate to the text but not in a way that interrupts the text or is particularly frequent.
The beauty and Bare Bones nature of this Edition make it hard to dislike probably not anyone's decade long go to daily reader.
August 5, 2023
The experience of reading through the Bible was greatly enhanced by well chosen excerpts from the vast writings of C.S. Lewis that related to Scripture verses throughout. While some were complex and in-depth, others were but a few sentences. All, however, enhanced the benefit and clarified the instruction that flows from daily reading of the Bible. This is an excellent faith resource and one I highly recommend.
April 21, 2019
Skimmed through. I quite like the idea and am indebted to this volume for finding some real gems of quotations, but was disappointed to not find more, and think it could have some more gripping selections. Still, to each his own.
May 1, 2019
Brilliant biblical reflections in his letters to people including J R R Tolkien (both of which served in the trenches in the First World War.) and placed by the relevant scripture - Brilliance total Brilliance.
April 30, 2024
THIS is my Bible. LOVE the translation and Lewis's insights really help me appreciate/examine the Scriptures in new and exciting ways. I feel like God's word is easier to see at work in my life with this study!
March 9, 2019
This NRSV Bible is filled with comments and observations from the writings of C.S. Lewis. This is not a study Bible but it is a great tool for devotional reading. I loved it!
May 13, 2019
I do not like the kindle form of this bible. Its very hard to navigate.
July 8, 2019
Chose an easier version to read than the King James and read it through for the first time in my life. An accomplishment for me. I enjoyed the excerpts from C. S. Lewis's writings.
December 12, 2021
Excellent way to study the Bible and CS Lewis simultaneously!!
October 15, 2024
Well worth your time and effort.
February 25, 2025
Great translation, with many excerpts, thoughts, and more from CS Lewis. So glad I read this version.
August 24, 2022
I love C. S. Lewis, so I was pretty excited when I discovered that there was a C. S. Lewis study Bible. Then, I was a bit disappointed to find that it only came in the NRSV translation. I am all for accurate modern-language translations of the Bible, but in my circles the New Revised Standard Version has a reputation for being a translation that is untrustworthy, biased, and corrupted by the liberal theology of its translators. Nevertheless, I know that cries of “it’s a corrupt translation!” are usually nitpicking and overblown so I decided to read and evaluate it for myself, both in terms of the NRSV translation and the C. S. Lewis excerpts used as commentary.
The Translation:
Admittedly, I went into this biased by what I had heard in the past, but I don’t think the concerns are completely unfounded (though they are a bit overblown). The translators offer a huge number of notations that provide alternate readings or say, “exact meaning is uncertain.” By itself that isn’t necessarily a bad thing – there are minor differences between ancient manuscripts and any attempt at translation reveals the ambiguity in language.
However, the ways that many these alternate readings and ambiguities of language are handled by the NRSV seem questionable. For example:
- Some supposed ambiguities are left nearly nonsensical rather than making a good-faith effort to provide a meaningful translation.
- Some alternate readings are completely conjectural, amending the underlying text without any ancient manuscript evidence
- Unlikely alternate readings are often given as much weight as well-attested ones
- More subjectively, there does appear to be some theological bias in deciding which variant to put in the main text and which to put in the footnote (especially in sections relating to prophecy and the Holy Spirit).
Overall, I wouldn’t call this an unusably corrupt translation, but it certainly wouldn’t be in my top 5 recommended English Bible translations. Other modern English translations (e.g. ESV & NIV) are more helpful in their handling of ambiguous phrases and less likely to include alternate readings that are clearly secondary or conjectural in nature.
C. S. Lewis Notes:
For me, the editorial choices regarding C. S. Lewis excerpts were a mixed bag. Most of them were insightful and moving (because Lewis is amazing), but some of them (especially in the Old Testament) seemed barely related to the passage in which the footnote occurred.
Additionally, there seemed to be an inordinate number of quotes from Reflections on the Psalms in which Lewis questions the historicity and/or goodness of certain parts of the Bible. Lewis was definitely influenced by the “higher criticism” of liberal theology, and even though he rarely mentions it in his writings, the editors seem intent on highlighting this (including in a concluding essay). That said, they do include Lewis’s insights on the veracity of Jesus’ virgin birth, miracles, and bodily resurrection, all of which are frequently denied in liberal theology.
Overall Impression:
Fusing the NRSV translation with a selection of explanatory/inspirational C. S. Lewis quotes isn’t the worst thing ever, but I think you would be a lot better off just reading Lewis on his own and reading a different modern-English translation.
The Translation:
Admittedly, I went into this biased by what I had heard in the past, but I don’t think the concerns are completely unfounded (though they are a bit overblown). The translators offer a huge number of notations that provide alternate readings or say, “exact meaning is uncertain.” By itself that isn’t necessarily a bad thing – there are minor differences between ancient manuscripts and any attempt at translation reveals the ambiguity in language.
However, the ways that many these alternate readings and ambiguities of language are handled by the NRSV seem questionable. For example:
- Some supposed ambiguities are left nearly nonsensical rather than making a good-faith effort to provide a meaningful translation.
- Some alternate readings are completely conjectural, amending the underlying text without any ancient manuscript evidence
- Unlikely alternate readings are often given as much weight as well-attested ones
- More subjectively, there does appear to be some theological bias in deciding which variant to put in the main text and which to put in the footnote (especially in sections relating to prophecy and the Holy Spirit).
Overall, I wouldn’t call this an unusably corrupt translation, but it certainly wouldn’t be in my top 5 recommended English Bible translations. Other modern English translations (e.g. ESV & NIV) are more helpful in their handling of ambiguous phrases and less likely to include alternate readings that are clearly secondary or conjectural in nature.
C. S. Lewis Notes:
For me, the editorial choices regarding C. S. Lewis excerpts were a mixed bag. Most of them were insightful and moving (because Lewis is amazing), but some of them (especially in the Old Testament) seemed barely related to the passage in which the footnote occurred.
Additionally, there seemed to be an inordinate number of quotes from Reflections on the Psalms in which Lewis questions the historicity and/or goodness of certain parts of the Bible. Lewis was definitely influenced by the “higher criticism” of liberal theology, and even though he rarely mentions it in his writings, the editors seem intent on highlighting this (including in a concluding essay). That said, they do include Lewis’s insights on the veracity of Jesus’ virgin birth, miracles, and bodily resurrection, all of which are frequently denied in liberal theology.
Overall Impression:
Fusing the NRSV translation with a selection of explanatory/inspirational C. S. Lewis quotes isn’t the worst thing ever, but I think you would be a lot better off just reading Lewis on his own and reading a different modern-English translation.
January 7, 2023
NRSV is not my usual translation. I prefer the NASB, ESV, and NKJV for in-depth study and teaching. The NRSV seems more in the thought-for-thought camp, as opposed to word-for-word, and has a liberal or progressive bias. Still, excellent "for reading, reflection, and inspiration." The quotes from C.S. Lewis' writings were wonderful to read alongside the Scriptures. They were, for the most part, relevant and thought-provoking. I enjoyed this Study Bible.
December 31, 2022
What an amazing Bible. I like the NRSC translation and this one is supplemented with numerous quotes from various C. S. Lewis’ writings. This has inspired me throughput a rough 2022. I look forward to reading more of C. S. Lewis’ works.
December 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this Bible version with excerpts from CS Lewis's writings. The editing of these excerpts provided great insight & wisdom for living this Christian life. Lewis brings a voice we don't often hear today.
August 1, 2021
Of course, I am not, nor will I ever be, finished reading my Bible (until I pass away, that is); but I just realized that it's still on my "currently reading" list (of course it is!), so I decided to remove it.
I do love this translation, though - especially in the New Testament, where the letters of Paul are (for me) sometimes extremely hard to understand, in other translations. The stories, too, come to life, and are delightful and easy to read and understand.
Definitely a must-have for any Bible enthusiast or serious student - or anyone...
I do love this translation, though - especially in the New Testament, where the letters of Paul are (for me) sometimes extremely hard to understand, in other translations. The stories, too, come to life, and are delightful and easy to read and understand.
Definitely a must-have for any Bible enthusiast or serious student - or anyone...
July 23, 2015
I found the C.S. Lewis quotes and excerpts to add a great deal of depth to the Scriptures. For those who find the Bible difficult to read, this version will most likely help as C.S. Lewis' amazing mind brings a fresh perspective and relevance to everything. The editors did a great job in strategically placing relevant C.S. Lewis writings even to the most difficult of subjects.
I put together a reading plan so that I would finish this Bible in December (started in January), I finished 5 months early...
I put together a reading plan so that I would finish this Bible in December (started in January), I finished 5 months early...
October 4, 2013
I don't usually like a bible with another authors writing interspersed, i think the bible itself is compelling enough, the additional details are just a distraction. However Lewis is such an inspiration that his words and insights are much appreciated. I like CS Lewis enough that I actually got excited when i saw this bible and having read through many different versions and translations I found this one a pleasure.
Read
March 16, 2016The notes in the book come from various places (like his books or letters to others). I thought when I got it that it had his personal handwritten notes, but no. Still very interesting to read.
So,l finally read through the bible, reading at least one chapter every day. I think i'll go back and read the new testament, reading three versions and the notes. I don't think i'll be as disciplined though and won't read some every day.
So,l finally read through the bible, reading at least one chapter every day. I think i'll go back and read the new testament, reading three versions and the notes. I don't think i'll be as disciplined though and won't read some every day.
Read
June 28, 2012It's the Bible, what can I say? It is the RSV which many have "knee jerked" against but I have found to be sound and fair in its translation. The notes of Lewis are well placed. I have made it my daily Bible reading selection.
December 31, 2013
While I do relish diving deeper into the Word with study Bibles, it is good to sometimes just encounter the text as it is. This Bible provided just that with samples from various writings and letters of C.S. Lewis really along to accentuate the readings. I heartily enjoyed it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews