The Question of God

C. S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud Debate God, Love, Sex, and the Meaning of Life

By: Dr. Armand M. Nicholi Jr.

Narrated by: Robert Whitfield

Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

Renowned psychiatrist and educator Armand Nicholi here presents a fascinating comparison of the beliefs of Sigmund Freud and C. S. Lewis.

For all the variety of specific religious beliefs, there are fundamentally only two kinds of people: believers and nonbelievers. In the 20th century, no spokesman was more prominent for nonbelief than Sigmund Freud, and no one argued for belief more successfully than C. S. Lewis. From pain and suffering to love and sex, from God to morality, Lewis and Freud carefully argued opposing positions and even considered the chief objections to their positions.

Based on Nicholi’s years of studying both men, including wide access to Freud’s letters, this debate on the greatest of subjects strikes at the deepest chords in our souls.

©2002 Armand Nicholi (P)2002 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Robert Whitfield’s reading is both warm and authoritative; his engaging style is reminiscent of a favorite professor’s class lecture. Highly recommended.” ( Library Journal)

“With his sophisticated, urbane voice, Robert Whitfield sounds like a faculty member at an Ivy League institution, which is exactly what the author of this work is….Nicholi covers much difficult material, and Whitfield presents in a lively, enjoyable manner.” ( AudioFile)

Breath taking

What a classic! I couldn't stop listening to the audio. Deep insights into life and its essence and how we experience it. My will to live and to to do so to God's will has been fortified! Thanks to the author so such meticulous research. I recommend this to anyone!

An eye opener

Makes the listener realize how fragile we, humans, are regardless if we believe in god or not and suffering is our destiny!

I am a psychiatrist and loved it

As a psychiatrist myself I really appreciate this very fair minded and balanced comparison of the respective views of Freud and Lewis. I recommend this book very highly.

Incredible

I saw the play based on this book several years ago and have been wanting to read this since. It is hard to say which is better! The contrasting of the views and the way they played out in the lives of these 2 great men is rivetting. I highly recommend this book. Also if you can ever attend "Freud's Last Session" you will love it.

Debate

Even though they lived and wrote at different times, their ideas are interestingly arranged in a way that feels like a natural debate. The author begins by describing the lives of both great scholars, then he stacks their ideas against one another, topic by topic. Part one debates belief systems and world views: Lewis the converted Christian, and Freud the materialist. Part two debates choices in life and the reasons each man chose his path. As I listened to the arguments of both sides I was struck by the interesting idea that even though both men held their beliefs strongly, one was hopeful and joyful, even in death, and the other was cold, bitter, and afraid until his self-inflicted end. Thanks for buying this book for me mom.

This book is for truth-seekers, debaters, and cynics.
(Rated PG-13, Score 10/10, Hardback 295p.)

Brilliant

I was quite surprised at the quality of both the narration and content in a book included with membership. The comparison and contrast between CS Lewis and Freud makes their views easier to comprehend and more memorable. The narrator holds the listeners interest. Highly recommend

In the end one view stands clearly above...

In the end one view stands clearly above the other. Which view would you prefer?

I Got a Lot Out of This Book!

A life of pride in one's self is a life of contempt for one's fellow man. I am not sure that was the message I was supposed to take away from this, but it definitely seemed like an overarching theme.

A must-listen!

I've enjoyed listening to this book mainly because Mr. Whitfield is the best narrator ever.

Superb!

An exquisite take-down of Freud’s moral arguments with proof that he did not live according to the flabby moral standards he flaunted. In contrast, C. S. Lewis’ brilliance, humility and eloquence are breathtaking, literally breathtaking.