Last week, I did some archival research at Wheaton College’s Marion E. Wade Center, and enjoyed a few presentations from scholars about C.S. Lewis and his friends.
One of them, Charles Williams, has been a complicated topic from his death onward. I’ve discussed him in articles for Christianity.com and Fellowship & Fairydust, mostly hinting at the darker side of his life that continues to shock people. While I was at Wheaton, a great presentation by Dr. Sorina Higgins explored that side – his involvement in several secret societies, his bizarre relationships with women who asked him to spiritually mentor them – in full. It led to some good but tough conversations about what he believed, practiced, and how we view him today.
At some point during those conversations, someone suggested there needs to be an article discussing Williams’ complexities. I had been tinkering for a few months with the idea that an article comparing Williams’ actions with things many disgraced church leaders have done in recent years would make for a good discussion. For one thing, it would show that there are lessons to be learned by having conversations about Williams, instead of pushing away from talking about him at all.
Sorina happened to be part of the conversation, and liked the idea. And was kind enough to let me use her blog The Oddest Inkling to share my ideas.
G. Connor Salter 
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