The Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis

Why read the book?

C.S. Lewis wrote The Weight of Glory. It is a collection of nine essays, most originally delivered as sermons or lectures during the Second World War.

The book includes well-known pieces such as “The Weight of Glory,” “Learning in War-Time,” “Why I Am Not a Pacifist,” “The Inner Ring,” “Membership,” “On Forgiveness,” and “A Slip of the Tongue.”

Lewis explores how the Christian life is shaped by the reality of heaven and hell, the proper place of culture and education in difficult times, the dangers of seeking status, and the moral questions raised by war. He argues that our smallest actions and choices have enormous eternal consequences. The book helps readers see ordinary life with new eyes and gives clear guidance on how to live faithfully in a broken world.

Favourite quote

The pacifist position, if consistently held, would make it impossible for a Christian to serve as a policeman, to punish a child, or even to defend his own mother from a murderer.

What I Loved

The Weight of Glory is one of Lewis’s most inspiring and practical books. I was especially struck by the essay “Why I Am Not a Pacifist.” Lewis explains with great clarity why absolute pacifism cannot be the Christian position.

He shows that love sometimes requires the use of force to protect the innocent and resist greater evil. The essay helped me see that refusing to fight can itself become a form of selfishness when it leaves others defenceless. The whole collection is full of the same clear thinking and warm encouragement.

Lewis reminds us that the glory we are offered is far greater than anything this world can give, and that we must learn to weigh our choices in the light of eternity. His writing is both intellectually sharp and deeply pastoral. Readers come away with a stronger sense of purpose and a clearer understanding of what it means to live as a Christian in difficult times.

Key Takeaway

Our smallest choices carry eternal weight. We are called to live for the glory that God offers rather than for comfort, status, or safety in this present world.

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