North Carolina

The Life and Works of C. S. Lewis: Inspiration, Belief and the Power of Language

Program No. 21023RJ
See the world through the eyes of C. S. Lewis as you join experts to view and discuss rare materials, hear a broadcast from his Oxford days and have a virtual visit of his England home.

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Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
May 12 - May 17, 2024
Starting at
899
Aug 4 - Aug 9, 2024
Starting at
899
May 18 - May 23, 2025
Starting at
949
Aug 3 - Aug 8, 2025
Starting at
949
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
May 12 - May 17, 2024
Starting at
1,099
Aug 4 - Aug 9, 2024
Starting at
1,099
May 18 - May 23, 2025
Starting at
1,179
Aug 3 - Aug 8, 2025
Starting at
1,179

At a Glance

Enjoy a comprehensive survey of C. S. Lewis’ life and work. Led by a noted Lewis scholar, focus on his extraordinary imagination and how he presented a rational basis for Christian faith, powerfully, persuasively and delightfully developed in books and movies that have achieved worldwide popularity.
Activity Level
Easy Going
All facilities are in one building, with approximately 300 yards walking required; a few stairs. Outside areas are mountainous, with inclines and uneven terrain.

What You'll Learn

  • In addition to selections from his letters, journals, poems, fiction and non-fiction, view and discuss important new video productions and gain perspectives on the ideas, thoughts and opinions of the 20th century’s most popular Christian author.
  • Hear a rare broadcast of one of Lewis’ talks on BBC radio during WWII when he was at Oxford, including material that later appeared in his book on theology, Mere Christianity, considered a classic of Christian apologetics.
  • Take a “virtual” exploration of Lewis’ home — The Kilns — in Oxford, England, and learn about newly discovered love sonnets written to Lewis by his wife, Joy Davidman.

General Notes

The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for early morning exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, an authentic farm-to-table or locally sourced meal, a live performance or event, and a value-priced single room. Opportunities are available for traveling companions to attend a different program at Montreat during the same week. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Don King
Don King led seminars on C. S. Lewis at the Kilns — Lewis’ home just outside Oxford — for the C. S. Lewis Foundation in 2004, 2009, 2019, and 2023. A professor of English since 1974, he has written books including "C. S. Lewis, Poet: The Legacy of His Poetic Impulse," "Out of My Bone: The Letters of Joy Davidman," "The Collected Poems of C. S. Lewis: A Critical Edition," and "A Naked Tree: Joy Davidman’s Love Sonnets to C. S. Lewis and Other Poems."

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Don King
Don King led seminars on C. S. Lewis at the Kilns — Lewis’ home just outside Oxford — for the C. S. Lewis Foundation in 2004, 2009, 2019, and 2023. A professor of English since 1974, he has written books including "C. S. Lewis, Poet: The Legacy of His Poetic Impulse," "Out of My Bone: The Letters of Joy Davidman," "The Collected Poems of C. S. Lewis: A Critical Edition," and "A Naked Tree: Joy Davidman’s Love Sonnets to C. S. Lewis and Other Poems."
Profile Image of Tracy Bailey
Tracy Bailey View biography
Tracy has been on the program staff of Montreat Conference Center since 1986. She began working with Elderhostel programs in 1989, and in 1997 assumed the additional role of on-site coordinator. A native of the area, she graduated from Asheville-Buncombe Technical College in 1981. Her favorite hobbies are hiking, pottery and reading. Tracy married Sam in 2007, and added three daughters to her family. In addition to her own grown children, she and Sam have been foster parents since 2010. They have four grandchildren.
Profile Image of Zachary Rhone
Zachary Rhone View biography
Zachary Rhone specializes in fantasy, science fiction, and the work of authors J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, and George MacDonald. Outside his specialties, he has an insatiable epistemophilia which urges him to read and learn across disciplines. In addition to research writing, Dr. Rhone is an active technical and creative writer. He is a sub-creator who enjoys building worlds, designing and playing tabletop games, preparing all kinds of foods and beverages, growing things, singing, and songwriting.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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