Westminster Abbey has stood for centuries and been the site of the coronation of many English monarchs. The foundations of the church predate the Norman Conquest of 1066 and the church houses many structures rooted in English history.
In one section of Westminster Abbey is Poet’s Corner where notable British authors are honored. Some of the greats memorialized there are Geoffrey Chaucer and William Shakespeare. It is considered a remarkable honor to be represented in this place commemorating those who have written enduring literature.
In 2013 C. S. Lewis was given his own memorial stone in Poet’s Corner. Around 1,000 guests from around the world attended the service to see the stone unveiled.Douglas Gresham, the son of Lewis’s wife Joy, spoke at the service. Former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams, a fan of Lewis’ work, gave the main address at the ceremony. Also, present was Walter Hooper who was Lewis’ personal secretary.
On the stone is this quote by the famous Oxford Don: “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”
One wonders how C. S. Lewis might feel about all this fanfare. As a young man Lewis coveted literary fame. However, when he became a Christian, he demonstrated a remarkable humility concerning his later literary success. So why isn’t this posthumous honor a form of vain glory?
Perhaps the best way of looking at this memorial stone is to remember another one which initial caused controversy but ultimately served as a lasting reminder of God’s greatness.
Holman Bible Handbook summarizes the account of this memorial stone as recorded in Joshua 22: “With the land under the control of Israel, Joshua commended and then released the Transjordan tribes to return to their allotted territories (22:1–9).The Transjordan tribes erected an altar on the west bank as a testimony to their relationship with their brothers, but Israel misunderstood this as an act of idolatry. Israel gathered for war because they feared that the anger of the Lord would be kindled against them as it was at Peor (Num 25) and at Ai (Josh 7:6–12). Israel had learned not to tolerate sin (22:10–20).A delegation led by Phineas investigated. The Transjordan tribes explained that the altar was built for a witness and not for animal sacrifice (22:21–29). The war was averted, and the altar was named ‘Witness’ (22:30–34).”
This key verse stands out concerning the memorial stone: “The people of Reuben and the people of Gad called the altar Witness, ‘For,’ they said, ‘it is a witness between us that the Lord is God’.”
The memorial stone of C. S. Lewis bears witness to the truth which can be found in the Person of Jesus Christ. It is a spiritual reminder of how Christ transforms our entire view of the world. In this sense it deflects our attention away from Lewis and onto the life transforming power of the Savior.
What spiritual reminders have you used to keep the grace of God before you in life’s journey?