Tolkein was an influence, among many. "...Bringing back to the...fold" is too strong.
Tolkein was an influence, among many. "...Bringing back to the...fold" is too strong.
I believe it was in
Surprised by Joy that Lewis said that George MacDonald's
Phantastes and Lilith was responsible for baptizing his imagination. He also credited his atheist Scot tutor's training his mind to ruthlessly cut through the crap with making him unable to evade the truth of God when he saw it. I don't remember the exact quote, but he said something to the effect that he was a most reluctant convert, that he was dragged into the Kingdom kicking and struggling, looking everywhere for some way out.
Okay, here's the quote:
That which I greatly feared had at last come upon me. In the Trinity Term of 1929 I gave in, and admitted that God was God, and knelt and prayed: perhaps, that night, the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England. I did not then see what is now the most shining and obvious thing; the Divine humility which will accept a convert even on such terms. The Prodigal Son at least walked home on his own feet. But who can duly adore that Love which will open the high gates to prodigal who is brought in kicking, struggling, resentful, and darting his eyes in every direction for a chance of escape?