This study of the literary relationship between Charles Williams and C. S. Lewis during the years 1936-1945 focuses on the theme of 'co-inherence' at the centre of their friendship. The idea of 'co-inherence' has long been recognized as an important contribution of Williams to theology, and had significant influence on the thought of Lewis. This account of the two writers' conviction that human persons 'inhere' or 'dwell' both in each other and in the triune God reveals many inter-relationships between their writings that would otherwise be missed. It also shows up profound differences between their world-views, and a gradual, though incomplete, convergence onto common ground. Exploring the idea of co-inherence throws light on the fictional worlds they created, as well as on their treatment (whether together or separately) of a wide range of theological and literary subjects: the Arthurian tradition, the poetry of William Blake and Thomas Traherne, the theology of Karl Barth, the nature of human and divine love, and the doctrine of the Trinity. This study draws for the first time on transcriptions of Williams' lectures from 1932 to 1939, tracing more clearly the development and use of the idea of co-inherence in his thought than has been possible before. Finally, an account of the use of the word 'co-inherence' in English-speaking theology suggests that the differences that existed between Lewis and Williams, especially on the place of analogy and participation in human experience of God, might be resolved by a theology of co-inherence in the Trinity.

About the Author
Paul S. Fiddes is Professor of Systematic Theology in the University of Oxford (2002), Senior Research Fellow of Regent's Park College, Oxford, and Honorary Fellow of St. Peter's College, Oxford. He took first-class degrees in English (1968) and Theology (1970) in the University of Oxford, gained a DPhil in Theology from Oxford (1975) and was awarded a DD from Oxford (2004). He was Fellow in Christian Doctrine at Regent's Park College Oxford (1975-1989) and Principal of the College 1989-2007. He is Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Bucharest, and a Fellow of the British Academy (2020).

Reviews
the book as a whole is of scholarly value and can be useful for those interested to learn more about co-inherence and how Williams and Lewis employ this in their writings, and may lead to greater understanding of these authors * Tiffany Brooke Martin, Mythlore *
Fiddes' book is consistently well-argued, well-structured and comprehensively referenced, .... it is approachable and thoughtful throughout. * Rupert Loydell, International Times *
Charles Williams and C.S. Lewis: Friends in Co-inherence is a rich and informative study which will not only become a significant contribution to the literature of commentary on these two remarkable men, their friendship, and their work, but will also increase our understanding of the concept of co-inherence itself which, in some form or other, stands at the heart of Christian life and faith. * Brian Horne, VII: Journal of the Marion E. Wade Center *
Fiddes' work deserves strong commendation for its comprehensive and rewarding treatment of their relationship and the relevant aspects of their literary output. * Peter Stiles, The Glass *



Book Information
ISBN 9780192845467
Author Paul S. Fiddes
Format Hardback
Page Count 432
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 786g
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 163mm * 32mm