Christian groups criticize 'C.S. Lewis Bible'

Written by Eric Tiansay

Monday, 13 December 2010 03:01 PM America/New_York

Some evangelical groups are criticizing HarperOne's recently released The C.S. Lewis Bible, which combines the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) text with readings from a selection of Lewis' works, including Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters and The Problem of Pain.

The Christian groups, some who have started a petition to cease publication of the Bible, claim that the NRSV is too feminist and too liberal for Lewis—widely considered a conservative champion.

"I'm shocked that anyone could take offense to this Bible," said HarperOne Senior Vice President and Publisher Mark Tauber. "We assembled an incredible group of leading C.S. Lewis scholars, and I think the end result is a fitting tribute to one of the most revered Christian thinkers of our time."

The NRSV was good for the project because it is used by Catholics and Protestants, and Lewis enjoys a wide readership across different church traditions, Tauber said.