Episode Details

C.S. Lewis – The Pilgrim’s Regress: An Allegorical Apology for Christianity, Reason, and Romanticism – Great Works in Western Literature with Joseph Pearce

In this episode of The Great Works in Western Literature, Joseph Pearce and Kris McGregor explore C.S. Lewis’s often-overlooked work The Pilgrim’s Regress, a rich allegorical journey that reflects Lewis’s own path from atheism to Christian faith. Written shortly after his conversion, the story follows a young man named John as he leaves behind a distorted understanding of God and embarks on a quest to discover truth, meaning, and the source of his deepest desire. Through encounters with figures representing intellectual movements such as Enlightenment rationalism, romanticism, and modernism, Lewis reveals the spiritual confusion of the modern age and the longing at the heart of every human soul.

The discussion highlights how The Pilgrim’s Regress presents conversion as both a journey forward and a return, requiring the unlearning of false ideas and the rediscovery of truth through reason, history, and ultimately the guidance of the Church. Pearce emphasizes Lewis’s insight into the harmony of faith and reason, as well as the necessity of humility in receiving truth as a gift rather than something to be grasped. Though less well known than Lewis’s other works, this powerful allegory offers profound insight into the intellectual and spiritual struggles of modern life, inviting readers to examine their own journey toward truth, virtue, and communion with God.

You can purchase a copy of the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

1. John begins his journey with a distorted understanding of God. How can false ideas about God shape our spiritual struggles?
2. The story shows that desire can lead either to confusion or to truth. How can we discern whether our desires are guiding us toward what is truly good?
3. John encounters many intellectual movements that promise truth but fall short. What modern ideas or influences can lead us away from authentic faith?
4. Lewis presents conversion as a process of “unlearning” error. What beliefs or assumptions might you need to re-examine in your own life?
5. Reason, philosophy, and theology are shown to work together. How can we better integrate faith and reason in our search for truth?
6. The journey ultimately leads John toward the Church. What role does the Church play in guiding us toward a fuller understanding of God?

You can learn more about Joseph’s books, teaching, and writing by visiting his website Joseph Pearce: Celebrating the True, the Good and the Beautiful at jpearce.co

A native of England, Joseph Pearce is the