Stepson of C.S. Lewis, Douglas Gresham, interviewed by Derick Bingham
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- Опубліковано 28 кві 2015
- The stepson of CS Lewis, and the co-producer of the 'Narnia' series of feature films, interviewed in 1998 by the late Derick Bingham. The setting was Rathvinden House, the then home of Douglas and Merrie Gresham, during a period when they lived in County Carlow, Ireland.
Douglas discusses his upbringing, the impact that his mother's death had on himself and on C.S Lewis, his 'wild' days drifting from job to job, finding Merrie and securing her hand in marriage in spite of two years of rejection, how he then almost threw away the marriage he had strived for through a regrettable indiscretion, and how that incident led to a permanent change of direction for him.
Camerawork and production by John Callister and original music composed and performed by Keith Getty.
Douglas' wife, Merrie, also has a powerful story to tell; how she was abandoned by her mother at 6 years of age, etc. You can see a short documentary at the link below:
• Merrie Gresham: Stepda...
"Jack taught me that our own work is not nearly as important as the interruptions to it". What a marvellous statement.
From what I understand , the interruptions that wake us up out of our comfort zone are blessings in disguise, gifts, with which if we allow, with which we learn, we grow & oh boy do we learn.
Amen...📜✝️💕
When he said this, did anyone else think of Professor Kirk telling the Pevensey children how much he loved to be interrupted?
Oh, I loved this statement from CS Lewis! I think it says a lot about the man!!! I am so glad that his stepson shared this! I need to hear statements like this!!! I will try and use this in my life! Thank you very much…
Awesome interview!
I watched "Shadowlands" in
1993 and rewatched it again
a couple of days ago. I am
lost in the story of C. S. Lewis.
Shadowlands is only a tiny slice of his life. Read the books he wrote. Library books are free
Such an articulate, wise man - Lewis must have been very proud of him; loved this interview
I had just finished watching the film "Shadowlands" for the first time before watching this heartfelt interview of Douglas and his life's journey. God is good! I also loved it when he said of C.S. Lewis, "he didn't leave a shadow, he left a glow," and I'm fortunate enough sometimes to bask in that glow." Beautiful!
What a treat to watch Shadowlands & then watch the interview with "Jack's" stepson, Douglas. A beautiful, & kind family history. Heartfelt thanks for this interview. It made the movie make a lot more sense and wonderful to see original pictures of Joy & Jack together! Many thanks for this heartwarming interview with Douglas, where life's tragedies have the potential to change into great lessons & triumphs! 🦋
I agree with you
Beautiful story. God is great and moves in such mysterious ways.
C S Lewis would be so happy for his beloved stepson. God bless.
One of the best interviews! NEVER Doubt The Power Of God 🙏❤️🙏
Great interviewer. Listened well, knew when to ask the next question.
Lovely, lovely, thought provoking interview. Thanks both to Derick Bingham and Douglas Gresham.
What a beautiful soul, and fascinating man in his own right. I am so glad he accepted Jesus into his life.
I totally agree
Yes, how wonderful to see Douglas and hear what he has to say - inspiring and REAL. .. (Looks like they tore out the altar ribs in the Anglican churches/chapels, too. Glad he could kneel at the rail back then, before Christ.)
He sounds just like his stepfather
Fantastic interview. I listened absolutely mesmerized. This man has wisdom.
He obviously inherited his mother's gifted intellect! Thanks for this beautiful interview!
I am 68 and remember clearly at the age of ten checking out of our library my first Narnia book by C.S. Lewis. I lived to read then and read all of them passionately. This was such a treat to find this interview. Thank you .
God bless you !
I'm 69 and somehow the Narnia books escaped my net until fairly recently. It was interesting to read them as and adult. I passed them on to my great-nephew who loved them. Since then I've introduced him to the works of C.S. Lewis's great friend Tolkien.
I am 22, and I also clearly remember my first time reading The Magician's Nephew at the age of ten. The Narnia books are truly timeless.
@@ethantester7085 That was written by C.S. Lewis? IDNK that.
I read them in college after my conversion, I loved the imagery and symbolism, I remember tears of joy rolling down when the Dawn Treader reached the "Edge of the world" in Voyage of the DT), and of course as all the beings ran towards the arriving heavenly realms crying "Farther Up and Further In" at the end of The Last Battle.
Loved the line “Jack wasn’t a shadow. He was a glow!….” That just summed up their relationship. And it was a moving moment.
Thankyou interview man for facilitating this interview. 🇦🇺
What a blessing to hear this story
What a story of the work the Lord has done in this mans life. Awesome.
“Our own personal work is nowhere near as important as the interruptions. The interruptions are the real substance of God’s job for us”. What an encouragement and a positive confirmation for how I’ve always lived life but been second guessing myself about the past few months… it IS so profoundly true. Hearing this was no coincidence. Thank you and God bless.
This is just a variation of the old saw “Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans” (quoted by John Lennon in one of his last songs) with God gratuitously added. Without the God bit it’s undoubtedly true, but the God bit puts me in mind of Niel’s Bohr’s famous retort to Einstein when Einstein majestically proclaimed that “God doesn’t play dice with the universe.” “Stop telling God what to do,” Bohr admonished him. That’s advice we can-and should-all take to heart. If God has “a job for us”, we don’t and can’t know what it is. It’s astonishingly arrogant to pretend otherwise.
I could listen this gentleman for hours! Very interesting interview, thank you for sharing.
What a nice man and how nice to know that C.S. Lewis was such a nice man, husband, father, friend. Thank you!
“Love is what you do”. ❤️
I'm reading a book titled "Love Does".
Yes
This interview brought tears to my eyes. How refreshing and honest I loved every moment of it.
To mine as well.
Such a wonderful, warm and honest interview with such insights into CS Lewis's character. Loved his comment about how Jack viewed interruptions as more important.
he is such a well-spoken person. Such a rich vocabulary...
You have no idea...word wizard. .I prefer. .
Wizard of ahs.....
Having parents he had its no surprise
@@johnpontes812 they taught me how to master lies and illusions ...
The Kennedy Os enigmas and magical trajectories ..
Well he is the stepson of a writer what do you exspect
@@craigkelly4278 a master of lies and illusions.
"I don't like the term, 'falling in love'. . .romance, feelings. . .they don't last. . . love is what you DO". Douglas, with this one statement you have encapsulated your step-father -- and much of the reason why our world is in so much pain. Thank you for your reminisces. . .Wow, a postscript here (eight more minutes left, I might add more!) --- I cannot BELIEVE your transparency regarding your 'fall' in misjudgment, and as you said, pride and arrogance that led to it. Thank you, Douglas, you have modeled how one ought to handle grievous sin: facing it forthrightly, no whining and excuses; giving such a natural explanation of HOW we get ourselves into such messes (we have no moral guide, no plumb-line without Jesus Christ) and giving, throughout this narrative of your straying and falling, credit to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for rescuing you. Thank you! Jack and your mother are proud, I am sure, of how you "faced it".
Really? You don't know any people who have a moral compass without being Jesus followers? Truth and love is truth and love, no matter how they come into your life. Accepting a higher power is human, not Christian. Like Jesus. He did that, without having a Jesus to accept.
Thank you!
@@livb6945 agree
agape love, what you 'do'
@@livb6945 A moral compass, conscience, is in built in us when we are born as humans; whether we lived centuries ago or in the remotest corner of the earth or the thick of the city etc. Living, walking by the higher call, the less traveled road is a different matter altogether. Billions live or at least try to live a moral life, barely making it; living a life of defeat, of secrets, of unimaginable stress and some of absolute monstrosity. The victory through meekness, recognition and acknowledgment of our shortcomings and God’s empowering, energizing, saving of us through Christ is what the gentleman and the comment are speaking of. As to Jesus, He is the way, the truth and the life, God’s wisdom, love itself; He did not, does not need to, ‘accept’ anything. He is who He is, our blessed hope, the Lion and the Lamb. Dig into the scriptures; it is something that “happens” to one, never something that one can explain to another. We all grapple with it throughout our lives, I think, that mysteriously beautiful and beautifying truth. Peace and love to you.
Excellent interview, Derick Bingham!! It's fascinating to hear from someone who was so close to C.S. Lewis. I watched the allegoric Chronicles of Narnia w/a friend recently bcs my youngest son read it in Lit class& loved it. Now I want to see 'em all. The parallels are awesome:Jesus as the Lion..
Excellent interview. What a fascinating life told by a extremely articulate and insightful man. In a very matter-of fact-way he tells his journey to Christianity and his experience of the Lord's constant presence.. Very much à la CS Lewis.
He didnt leave a shadow .. he left a glow
The radio host makes sense. I’m very impressed by his ability to communicate so quickly, seamlessly and elegantly.
Merrie and Doug were so good to me and wonderful friends. I lived with them just over 6 months and it was a time I will never forget.
I disagree..
I met a guy, a Lear jet pilot, in the late 1990's by the name of James Gresham in NC, USA, who talked about Australia and Northern Ireland and all the various jobs he had. He taught us all how do the waltz. I never got the connection that he was the son of Douglas Gresham, the grand stepson of C.S. Lewis until after he had long since left and one of my close friends told me about him. He was a very interesting character. I spotted him in the family photo in this piece. In many ways he is so much like his dad. Great guy.
Alec Epting Yep, that is Doug and Merrie’s son. They are a very interesting and fun family ❣️
@@alecepting1371 well...this c s Lewis seeks revenge for John Kennedy death and Walt Disney death..
This c s Lewis solves the Kennedy Oz enigmas and the dead Disney and associates .
RKO media's is Kennedy .
Disney media's is Disney...
Most of you watched RKO and Disney shows...
I do this because c s Lewis was killed same day as Kennedy....
I do this because Aldous Huxley died same day as Kennedy and Lewis..
" Why is a raven like a writing desk , because the both have caws for thoughts...."
Now you all know the answer to the riddle from Alice in Wonderland ..
Remember Narnia? C S Lewis ? Disney ?
That is lovely! God bless you :))
Thanks for sharing this quality interview.
Pride, vanity is such a common failing of so many of us, me included. I enjoyed meeting Douglas very much, there is a lot of 'food for thought' here.
It is so good to hear the story of Douglas . Jesus Christ is King and Lord forever in the life of Douglas and C.S. Lewis and his mother Joy and also in my life .
Amen
Mine too.
What an inspiring and uplifting life and relationship with CS Lewis… and Jesus!
How wonderful to hear of how the Lord patiently worked in his life, right from childhood. So encouraging.
The Chronicles of Narnia was a tribute to the love to children. C. S. Lewis loved the idea of children; he observed them and later he could bestow this love on his stepsons.
I really enjoyed this interview. I’m kind of new to C. S. Lewis, I’ve been reading Mere Christianity, and love the book.
Mere Christianity is a classic and one of the best books I’ve ever read!
just started it myself, cheers!
Don't forget G K Chesterton too, who influenced Lewis.. :)
The book can change you.
What a powerful and classy voice coming from this gentleman.
I knew someone who used to work at the Kilns. She was educating people about The Kilns. I would feel so blessed to work anywhere near anything having to do with this or the UK.
I know his voice from Focus on the Family Radio Theatre “Hello, I am Douglas Gresham” introducing the Narnia audio dramas. His voice has such richness and commands one to listen, not only to his recollections of living with C.S. Lewis, but his voice acting and reading of any kind.
I “Happened” upon this video….. so glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed listening ‼️. Thank you for sharing. What an interesting man…. Most importantly…. An humble Christian man. God Bless you!
I've known "CS Lewis" sixty years, but only in the past year, learned his great passion for Christ, and the enormously helpful writings of his. My greatest regret is not having been able to visit in this time, video, this man, and enjoy this live. This has been one of the more wonderful, fulfilling interviews I've watched recently. Thank you very much!
Came across this today and thoroughly enjoyed the interview with Douglas. How refreshing his honesty and yrs, isn't pride and arrogance the sin that trips us all up?
Well, Douglas I often wondered how your life turned out! You came to Katanning, WA to work at 6WB when we were living in the Residence. We were recent migrants too. I was, at that stage, struggling with my faith, but my children enjoyed the Narnia books. When I finally stopped arguing with God I was so blessed to read C. S. Lewis's books which helped me enormously. By this time you and the family were long gone, but I now enjoy John Lennox videos and he, like me, is a great fan of Lewis. So thrilled to know you finally came into the Kingdom.
I was wondering what years he was in WA and what media he was on.
@@allymayful It would have been late 1971 or early 1972 cos my son was a bit older than his 2 little ones and I remember him because he was so very very English and Katanning was a tiny town of farming Aussies. I was still suffering from culture shock.
I agree with you
I always wondered what happened to his stepson so it's great to finally know his perspective on his upbringing his life turned out very good
What a wonderful interview! Uplifting and real! Absolutely Lovely!
What a marvelous man, so steeped in that same aura of transcendence and immanent Presence that CSL conveyed through his writings.
His story about his favorite written passage or moment with CSL starting around 27:08 is a tiny bright jewel.
Absolutely amazing to hear the influence of CS Lewis and so much of what he wrote being spoken by his son truly as his own. Gives some interesting insight into who Lewis was as a father and how much of what he wrote must have been a part of his daily speaking and thinking. I wasn't sure what to expect, if it would be a person who knew Lewis talking about him, as I've seen before. But this was really a person who had been with and been taught by Lewis, really great interview.
What a great interview! Delightful man and still in love with his Mary! Thank you!
"I asked him the very first impression was of the legendary writer!"
"It was a little disappointing" hahaha
Didn't expect him to be such a Sean Connery!
Nice that Douglas and Merrie adopted. I think his relationship with Jack showed him that not all parents are biologically related to their children.
Wow! What an interview 👏
I’m so grateful for his honesty and his personality is captivating 🙏🌎🦋
That part about interruptions is beyond our complete understanding, but, so very dear to the ways of our Lord. What a path to follow for all.
Beautiful testimony!
Thank you for explaining why he was called Jack!
What an amazing, inspiring, person!!
As Christ said, "The Kingdom of God lies within!"
Beautiful interview.
Thank you!
What a blessing this video was. "The only change I would make would be that I would commit my life to Christ immediately..." True wisdom.
Brilliant interview.
What a nice man just himself.
Haha, rather say. What a nice side of this man you've seen. That's the work of Jesus through Grace in the face of Sin.
I enjoyed this so much ... So much of God's fullness here ...
I often wondered what happened to the little boy in the film. This was great to watch and so glad that Douglas committed to Christ in the end.
@John Murphy, He said just because you believe in Jesus Christ or God doesn't mean you are a Christian. Satan knows Jesus Christ and his demons and fallen angels tremble at the sound of his name. To become a true Christian believer, you must believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins on the cross and rose again on the third day becoming a new perfect being, the final Adam. Triumphing over evil and corruption (spiritually) forever and giving us eternal life in God's presence. By believing through faith you essentially cleanse your spirit from the first Adam's corruption and become a Child of God. This allows you to become one with the Lord and Saviour, Only God, Jesus Christ. You delight in his presence in Heaven and feel his presence through the Holy Spirit (which is Jesus Christ) on earth.
John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
After this, the desire to read God's word, the Bible, and your desire to go to church to be around other believers - Child's of God, and surrounding yourself with Christian friends will naturally occur. The Christian life is a life long eternal journey. You find yourself by seeking the truth which is Jesus Christ.
A Christian walks into a Catholic Church during communion and realized ...
A little Catholic girl named Alice asked , how many comnunions till we eat a whole Jesus ...
@@beblader9 Royal liars ..
@@saskoilersfanwhy are you so bitter? I feel sad for you, and I don't mean this in a condescending way at all. I just wonder why all your remarks throughout this comments section are so negative? Was there some personal injustice that you felt was done to you? What is it?
An amazing testimony. A beautiful ministry, or rather a ministry doing beautiful things. Thank you for your honesty and transparency.
Honesty and transparency. Hahahahaha . On liars world...hahahaha..
Wonderful interview. Thank you for sharing.
I am reading a book about Joy's life now where she just heard she has cancer. I am happy to hear she went into remission. And also nice to hear the story of Douglas. Only nothing about Davey. But the lord Jesus done it again. So pleased to hear that, amazing how His ways are. Still hoping for a little revival in my life too.🙏 blessings in your ministry❤
Treat it as a relationship instead of a religion and your revival will be there.
God bless you with the constant company of His Holy Spirit.
A fascinating life story flavoured by a huge amount of soul searching honesty honest. Good stuff.
Tom McClean Iii
I am in awe! What a great testimony he has. It is the first time I saw/heard more of CS Lewis's stepchildren. I should have searched for it a long time ago!
Thank you for uploading this interesting story.
N.Z 🌻🌻🌻 🇳🇿
A lot of famous people, including John Lennox, would take pride in the fact that they had some sort of connection with Jack. Doug is on another level :)
His voice is amazing!
What a blessed life Douglas has experienced. He's learned well. He's a credit to God's goodness to us all. Pain & joy has shaped him into a godly man.
I met him in Oak Brook, Illinois, a couple of years back! A Charming Gentleman! A Great speaker!
I so wish for every person to listen or read My Life Story of C S Lewis and then Douglas Gresham's live story. It really left a "glow" for me as well. That is the same Jesus Christ and Lord of Lords that we know today.
I am blessed to walk past 10 High Street Oxford everyday. I often pause and pay my respects to Joy, then go on my way in thanks for the love she brought to Jack. Thanks for sharing this
✨ A direct connection across the veil!! ✨. So beautiful! 💜 And so interesting!
How wonderful she lived for four more years after you and Jesus prayed. Thy will be done is so wonderful and powerful. Religion has nothing to do with what you experienced in my opinion. Lead by example is a basic tenet of life.
10:00 “ Our own personal work is nowhere near as important as the interruptions to it! The interruptions are the real substance of God’s work for us.”. 💛
I think you are well on the track of humbleness and can truly bridge people between pride and humbleness given your personal journey. Blessings on you and your family’s journey with your ministry.
I absolutely loved his book Lenton Lands, he is a great writer in his own right.
Terrific interview. Congratulations to both parties.
You can still see the pain when he talks about his mother.
It always are there The pain. I see it clear
That is such a gift, to have this knowledge of Our Lord and the Trinity.
That was so enjoyable to watch.
His speaking of Jesus Christ is so sincere and genuine.
And the most important thing he talked about.
He seems to me to be a man of quality and honestly. His personality reflects the notion that if you believe in something it will be right. His therapy I think resembles somewhat of an Alcoholics Anonymous approach. I just stumbled on the C. S. Lewis story and now, another journey begins with me. I do very much like the Douglas interview. Now to move on perhaps to the famous story of Narnia. I saw the movie and it was marvelous. Anyhow, thank you very much Douglas and family for sharing your story. Yours truly, Mr. Holliday in Los Angeles, California, USA at the age of 78.
Oh how exciting for you to have not yet read the Narnia series! I can promise you, you will not regret reading them! There is so much more depth and feeling to them than anything that the film's could convey. Please start with the Magicians Nephew, which though written after the series, is supposed to come first.
I would also recommend reading Lewis's "Space Trilogy" and another book of his I enjoyed was "The Great Divorce". ❤
Such a captivating interview!
15:57 Very profound and true.
10:05 - wow, not sure why, but this hit me personally. So impatient at times with 'interruptions.' May we all learn to become as selfless as it seems Jack was.
Certainly a wonderful interview. Thank you
What a wonderful interview! What a brilliant life...lived by God's grace. Sweet man, blessed marriage ❣
Fascinating! Is there a better word? I wish I could think of one. Completely honest! Something rarely seen. Douglas is completely free! His example is pure gold. I so admire him and his lovely wife, Merrie.
Such a humble man. Insightful interview.
The CONFESSION EXPERIENCE and
Eating humble pie is priceless.
Yes
How strange and yet how wonderful so much of this seems to me! As if the video itself didn’t have plenty of food for thought, it was delightful to discover that the beautiful theme music was written by Keith Getty, who has since gone on to a very fruitful musical career with his lovely, talented bride, Kristyn.
Thank you for your kind comment re the theme music, Larry. Yes, Keith and I are from the same town, Lisburn, in Northern Ireland, where his parents still live. I had the privilege of benefiting from his talent in the early days of his career. A very talented young man and always a lot of fun to work with.
The interesting thing about this is that this guy was there right in it!
CS Lewis would be quite pleased with Douglas. What a fascinating story!
Amen we grow in love......it’s an action of devotion and trusting of each other’s wisdom.....
What a beautifully honest and authentic man.....and so interesting.
Thankful to run across this. Blessings from SW FL USA
Just watching this oct 21 and it’s so beautiful brings tears
Listening to him talk about romance and "clouds of perfume," dude I can totally tell Lewis' manner of speaking totally rubbed off on him haha! Very intelligent! :)
What a beautiful story, life really. Thank you!
Very interesting interview. I watched the film Shadowlands last night , and wanted to know more about all of them , Douglas first K
I loved this interview really encouraging