North Carolina
The Life and Works of C. S. Lewis: Inspiration, Belief, and Imagination
Program No. 21023RJ
The Life and Works of C. S. Lewis: Inspiration, Belief, and Imagination
The Life and Works of C. S. Lewis: Inspiration, Belief, and Imagination
Participant Reviews
Based on 32 Reviews
SHOWING
You can't beat Montreat... for a workshop site.
— Review left August 29, 2026
Thank you for offering this splendid workshop about the life and works of C.S.Lewis. The range and depth of Lewis' mind is awe-inspiring. I personally have explored his religious writings over a two year period. This worksop did a good job discussing these, but also introduced me to his writings in British literature , science fiction and mythology.
Zachary Rhone was an outstanding instructor. His deep knowledge of the topic was evident not only in his presentations but in the selections from Lewis' writings that participants were invited to discuss. He has a pleasant personality, a good sense of humor, and excellent interpersonal skills.
I found that the other members of the group greatly enhanced my experience. We were, for the most part, an older group. Some participants used canes or walkers. But their intelligence was energetic and engaging. It was fun to be with other "nerds" who enjoyed these sometimes challenging readings as much as I do, and who had an impressive range of knowledge.
Montreat is a beautiful place, the food was excellent (!), and the staff was very helpful. A suggestion: add a small rack and hangers in the rooms.
Thank you, Road Scholar, for another outstanding program.
— Review left August 24, 2026
My wife and I found this program to be the most inspirational six days we could have hoped for! Thank You!! --Jerry & Jane Armour
— Review left August 21, 2026
Wonderful Program! It will increase your comfort Zone!
— Review left August 18, 2026
This was my 6th Road Scholar trip to the Assembly Inn in Black Mountain but I didn't really know what to expect since I was not that familiar with C.S. Lewis. Dr. Rhone was interesting and effective and made everyone feel comfortable with the class no matter what our level of knowledge. He gave each student a 27-page booklet of readings from a broad range of Lewis' writings. We could all find something to connect with. We got to know each other in small group discussions and the class touched on Oxford, Sci-fi, fairy tales, WW1, WW2, problem relationships, symbolism, the Inklings--including Tolkien, and more. All in the setting of the Assembly Inn near Black Mountain, NC. The Inn planned walks for our afternoon free time and music, etc., at night. Be aware that the Inn was built over 100 years ago and has tiny bathrooms, only one small elevator and other signs of it's time. The Inn goes out of it's way to make things as comfortable and usable as possible.
— Review left August 18, 2026
This was a wonderful week. Montreat is beautiful and the professor was excellent. He took us seriously and there were some great class discussions. I learned so much. Except for the movie night to watch, “Shadowlands,” the evening activities were rather anemic and the musicians for one evening failed to show up. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this program.
— Review left October 8, 2025
Excellent experience with so much wonderful information and stories about CS Lewis. Great accommodations at Montreat. If ypu are new to CSLewis or well read of his this is a program that will enhance everyone's learning and engagement with his writings, his stories, his life and his impact on our world.
— Review left August 22, 2025
Great work folks. Enjoyed it all the way. Ron
— Review left August 18, 2025
If you want to learn about C.S. Lewis, this is the perfect class. You will be amazed by this knowledgeable and understandable presentation by Dr.Zachary Rhone.
— Review left August 11, 2025
Perfect mix of learning and relaxation.As a solo traveler, I found the program just the right size . The setting is beautiful. I plan to return for another program at Montreat soon.
— Review left July 2, 2025
Learning experience par excellence
— Review left May 25, 2025
OUTSTANDING !
I continue to pray for the restoration of your beautiful site, for all the dedicated people whose diligence has preserved the integrity of programs and for the community effected by the dreadful storms. May God Bless each one of you!
Since this is my first year as a 'road scholar' I was hesitant to sign-up for such a singular topic/author/scholar out of concern there might be an obnoxious sense of superiority. Rather, I found the entire program from the leaders of the group to the participants to be the exact opposite. I'm becoming a C.S. Lewis follower. as well as a Roads Scholar supporter.
The program's outstanding scholar was inspiring. The combination of his scope knowledge, charming demeanor. and refreshing sense of humor was remarkable.
Thank you one and all,
MaryKay Ruwe
— Review left October 30, 2024
The instructor is the college professor you wished you'd had. He knew the material, made it interesting, and respected all attendees. The Montreat setting is beautiful -- mountains, a lake, and a hundred-year-old stone retreat center. The week was terrific. If you like C.S. Lewis, it's perfect.
— Review left August 19, 2024
The best aspect our trip was our fine instructor, Professor Zach Rhone, who was full of knowledge and enthusiasm for C. S. Lewis and authored a book on the topic. We learned a lot. The mountain inn was fine but dated. A bigger elevator would be nice, and it may be time to install tvs in rooms. The food was mostly good and occasionally very good. Montreat offers a beautiful setting, and we enjoyed the tour of the campus. The evening entertainment was good. We enjoyed Michael Ruiz's piano performance and the Sourwood Ridge Mountain Band. It was helpful to have Wednesday afternoon free so that we could visit Biltmore. We look forward to other Road Scholar programs.
— Review left August 14, 2024
I really enjoyed the C S Lewis program held at Montreat. The lectures and discussions helped be better understand how Lewis's life and thought developed. Especially, I got a fresh appreciation for the strategic impact on him of fellow strong intellectuals who were Christians. Montreat is a very pleasant place, wooded but not buggy, with a little stream running through it. Short and long hikes available. Great food, and nice people attending the classes.
— Review left August 9, 2024
A beautiful setting, stimulating information from an expert in the field, & good people--all the right ingredients! Thanks, Road Scholars
— Review left May 19, 2024
This was my first time on a Road Scholar trip. It was wonderful! Not only was this trip everything I'd hoped it would be but after talking with others that had been on many trips with this organization (8, 14, 29!) I'm definitely preparing for my next adventure!
— Review left May 17, 2024
After my first Road Scholar experience (The Works of C.S. Lewis at Montreat Conference Center), I am hooked! The class sessions were excellent and very informative, and the whole whole program experience exceeded my expectations. Well organized and well balanced, and held in a beautiful session. Couldn't have asked for anything more.
— Review left August 18, 2023
Excellent program!
— Review left May 20, 2023
Fabulous...
I wouldn't change one thing!
— Review left May 20, 2023
Don King's "The Life and Works of C.S. Lewis" was an exceptional class. His breadth of knowledge was impressive and his lectures were accessible, educational, and so enjoyable. If you are on the fence about enrolling in this class, I heartily recommend it for both C.S. Lewis novices (like me) or Lewis aficionados.
— Review left August 26, 2022
The instructor, Don King, is very knowledgeable about C. S. Lewis
— Review left August 13, 2022
The C.S. Lewis instructor was VERY knowledgeable and facilitated good discussion. He was very approachable.
— Review left August 13, 2022
If you are interested in learning more about C.S. Lewis, his writings and his life, this is a program for you.
— Review left May 16, 2022
A deep dive into a fascinating writer and how he makes Christianity come alive
— Review left May 14, 2022
Dr. Don King was an excellent lecturer on C. S. Lewis. He has interviewed the people who actually knew C. S. Lewis, and has written books on him. I highly recommend this class if you are interested in C. S. Lewis and his literature.
— Review left May 14, 2022
An informative 5 days for Christians and others who are Anglophiles about one of the top 10 authors using the English language in the 20th century.
— Review left August 21, 2021
For scholars, as well as those only mildly interested in the life and writings of C S Lewis, this program is a must. Anyone who has ever been to Narnia will enjoy it. The facilities at Montreat are outstanding.
— Review left August 13, 2021
Classroom experience in a beautiful old stone building in a really beautiful part of the country. Interesting lessons made me want to read more of Lewis's works.
— Review left August 13, 2021
Took the C.S. Lewis life and writings trip. Instructor Dr. Don King was great! So personable and extremely knowledgeable. 40 years experience with Lewis. Working on his ninth book on Lewis and related.
His sessions were always interesting. It was as much a launch into continuing an exploration of C.S. Lewis as I could imagine. Never expected it would such an introduction into the world of poetry as it was.
The venue, Montreat, and surrounding area were incredible. Got outside as much as possible.
Really enjoyed meeting so many interesting people. And that's across all the different courses being held concurrently.
Everything was so very well organized!
— Review left June 18, 2019
The C.S. Lewis class is of the highest quality. Both inspiring and mind-expanding. Great leadership from Dr. King. In a most beautiful setting. I would highly recommend this class.
— Review left June 5, 2019
If you have any interest in CS Lewis, this is a tremendous course presented by an amazing and very well organized instructor. Dr. King's presentations were over the top with regard to the subject matter and presented it in many formats to keep your undivided attention. The Montreat Conf Ctr enhanced our "heady" subject. Great facility. My experience was totally over the top!!
— Review left May 25, 2019