C.S. Lewis Initiative
The C.S. Lewis Initiative promotes intellectual growth, spiritual formation, and cultural engagement through studying the theological and literary contributions of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and other key figures in The Inklings. This is accomplished through:
- Student-led endeavorsSuch as the newly formed Lewis and Tolkien student society
- Curriculum enhancementsA number of courses on Lewis, Tolkien, and fellow Inklings are being designed and offered from philosophical, theological, and literary perspectives
- Community engagementSuch as The Portland C.S. Lewis Society, Inklings and Poetry, and other ventures
- Scholarly research and conferencesSuch as Sehnsucht: The C.S. Lewis Journal, The Undiscovered C.S. Lewis Conference, and smaller events
The Undiscovered C.S. Lewis Conference
September 5-8, 2024
Join us for this multi-day event showcasing lesser-known scholarship on Lewis, theatrical productions, and much more.
Sehnsucht: The C.S. Lewis Journal
The world’s only peer-reviewed journal devoted exclusively to the study of C.S. Lewis and his writings. Submit a paper proposal, and access all volumes for free.
The Portland C.S. Lewis Society
The Portland C.S. Lewis Society, founded in 1972, is the second-oldest C.S. Lewis Society in the world and remains the oldest C.S. Lewis Society that continues to meet in person.
New Course! J.R.R. Tolkien: Intellect and Imagination
Through lectures, discussions, guest lectures by international experts, and Oxford-style tutorials, we examine the life, faith, and lesser-known works of Tolkien through literary, ethical, philosophical, and theological perspectives. Enroll for Spring 2025 at !
Meet the Director
Jason Lepojärvi, PhD
C.S. Lewis Associate Professor of Theology & Literature
Director, C.S. Lewis Initiative
Teaching and research interests
- The Inklings (C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and friends)
- Love in religion, philosophy, and literature
- Ethics
Follow Us!
If you would like to support the C.S. Lewis Initiative's mission of furthering student-led endeavors, curriculum enhancements, community engagement, and scholarly research and conferences, please consider donating here.
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