“I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn, and we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them and we help them in return.” While many of us can look at our lives and apply these words from the hit Broadway musical Wicked to people and relationships, I think it can also be applied to the stories and literature that stayed with us as we grew up.
For many of us J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis wrote this kind of life-changing literature. In The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Tolkien invites us to travel from Hobbiton to Middle Earth and back with our friends Frodo and Sam. In The Chronicles of Narnia Lewis allowed us to crawl through the wardrobe with Lucy from the land of “Spare ‘Oom” and into Narnia. These men created for generations of story-lovers timeless tales of adventure, heroism and most importantly friendship. Perhaps they could not have done this if the two of them had not themselves lived out the grand adventure of friendship together.
This adventure began, as so many do, on an ordinary day, in an ordinary place. Tolkien and Lewis met at Oxford University, where they both taught, in a staff meeting. Their friendship began with doubts. The two were opposites in many ways. Tolkien was an atheist, Lewis, a Christian theologian. Tolkien was a scholar of linguistics, Lewis a scholar of literature. Tolkien was a staunch academic, while Lewis was comfortable as a public figure.
The two soon discovered their mutual love of language and storytelling. Lewis later played a foundational role in Tolkien’s conversion to Christianity. And, they also found that they shared similar griefs, both having fought in the trenches or World War I and both having lost their parents at a young age. They found solace from these griefs in imagination and storytelling. Tolkien and Lewis, along with other friends and colleagues read mythic tales together, and later began writing their own. This fellowship of friends is known as the Inklings.
Lewis was the foundational member of this group. He was also a well-renowned public figure in England at the time; praised by Oxford University for his sermons and writings, both religious and mythical. Tolkien on the other hand, though equally as successful in the literary realm, received a more mocking acknowledgment for his fantastical works. He was a linguist and a scholar, tales of dwarves, hobbits, rings and men seemed unfitting for a man of such academic prowess.
As a result of some of these things tensions arose between Lewis and Tolkien, particularly in the later years of their friendship. And, as in most grand adventures, disaster struck. After the two friends drifted apart, Lewis had a heart-attack. Tolkien, prompted by the urgency of time, attempted to rekindle his lost friendship with Lewis.
Actor and writer David Payne is an expert on this portion of the adventure of Lewis and Tolkien. So much so, he wrote a three-person play centered around this climactic moment. This play stars Payne as C.S. Lewis, Gregory Welsch as J.R.R Tolkien, and Krystin Larsen as Hattie. It is a moment in time that will allow the audience to better understand these two men and the friendship they shared. Payne describes this play as, “a celebration of friendship.”
Join the celebration and learn the end of the tale of friendship January 25 and 26 at 7 p.m. at Geneva College. The event will be held in John White Chapel. Tickets are available at www.geneva.edu/academics/crossroads/gvals/index.
For more information about Christ-centered education at Geneva College, please contact the Admissions Office – 800-847-8255 or admissions@geneva.edu.
Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
Jan 17, 2019
Read about the origins of Black History Month, some people in history you may not have heard before, and why Black history should be celebrated year-round.
Read to learn more about the history and celebration of the newest federal holiday, Juneteenth.
After ministering in local churches for nearly 20 years, Geneva College alumnus Kent Chevalier '99 accepted a unique ministry position as the chaplain for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers through the Athletes in Action organization. Chevalier and wife Erica support the players and their families during the season and raise their own support in the off season.
Though the path is uncertain, He knows the way, He created the path, and He already knows your destination. In the meantime, trust this season of graduation and rest in Him. Rest in His arms as you wait for the journey to begin.
When you’re starting college, you might not know what you want to focus on yet. That is completely normal and much more common than you might think. So, yes, you can start college as an undeclared major and many schools encourage this time of exploration. Geneva College even has a dedicated program for students with undeclared majors to help them identify God’s calling in their lives and careers.
One of the greatest ways to prepare for the job market after graduation is to participate in an internship program. If you’re new to the internship process, you probably have lots of questions.
Arcade video games. Go-Karts. Trampolines. Ice cream. History. Need a place to get away from the books and papers for an afternoon of fun? Here's part 2 of your guide to the numerous places to visit in the Beaver Falls area.
As I walked the Via Dolorosa (The Way of Suffering), I was walking the very path of Christ from Palm Sunday to the crucifixion. As I stood in the remains of Jericho, I was reminded of God’s faithfulness in delivering the city into the hands of the Israelites. As I scooped water from the Jordan River, I was reminded that Christ is the living water. It was indeed the trip of a lifetime and my faith will forever be changed because of it.
How should leaders deal with difficult situations in difficult times? Geneva College’s John Gallo and Jenna Bieber provide a guidebook for leaders. "Lessons from Cain and Abel to Guide Leaders Through Turbulent Times" walks readers through the account of Cain and Abel to teach leaders the importance of justice, mercy, harmony and equality.
Each February, the U.S. recognizes the importance of African Americans throughout our country’s history with Black History Month. This month provides us with a time to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of African American heroes and learn more about their impact on our nation. As part of this month-long celebration, find out more about some of the most important historical figures who have played an important role in U.S. history.
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