I’m so grateful for your commentaries. I have to say, I really got bogged down in Chapter 5. Some of the things Lewis said seemed contradictory about the “Somebody”. Then, I tried reading it as a non-believer who needed convincing. Maybe weird to do it that way but it (and your thoughts) helped me understand the “what” and “why” he said what he did.
I appreciate your thoughts! This is one of my favorite chapters because the great divide (or as Lewis puts it, "the terrible fix) between us and God is stated so simply, yet so profoundly. It certainly brings to mind the struggle that Paul wrote about (and which we all experience) in Romans 7:14-23.
However, I think my favorite part of this chapter really puts the AI generated response in your last post to shame. And unfortunately, this belief - "many people find comfort and meaning in believing in a higher power" - is commonly touted by those who really don't understand Christianity. Most of us who have truly experienced Christ can attest to Lewis's view that although Christianity often gives us glimpses of future unspeakable comforts, it begins and has many seasons along the way into emotions and situations that are far from comfortable and/or remotely understandable. As Lewis states, "In religion, as in war and everything else, comfort is the one things you cannot get by looking for it. If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end. If you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth - only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin with and, in the end, despair." I applaud Lewis for stating this hard truth because it's one that needs to be said and said more often, but I'm not eloquent enough to do so. :)
Brad, I am thankful for your insights. Mr. Lewis’ writings go over my head at times but his arguments are quite compelling.
I’m so grateful for your commentaries. I have to say, I really got bogged down in Chapter 5. Some of the things Lewis said seemed contradictory about the “Somebody”. Then, I tried reading it as a non-believer who needed convincing. Maybe weird to do it that way but it (and your thoughts) helped me understand the “what” and “why” he said what he did.
I appreciate your thoughts! This is one of my favorite chapters because the great divide (or as Lewis puts it, "the terrible fix) between us and God is stated so simply, yet so profoundly. It certainly brings to mind the struggle that Paul wrote about (and which we all experience) in Romans 7:14-23.
However, I think my favorite part of this chapter really puts the AI generated response in your last post to shame. And unfortunately, this belief - "many people find comfort and meaning in believing in a higher power" - is commonly touted by those who really don't understand Christianity. Most of us who have truly experienced Christ can attest to Lewis's view that although Christianity often gives us glimpses of future unspeakable comforts, it begins and has many seasons along the way into emotions and situations that are far from comfortable and/or remotely understandable. As Lewis states, "In religion, as in war and everything else, comfort is the one things you cannot get by looking for it. If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end. If you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth - only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin with and, in the end, despair." I applaud Lewis for stating this hard truth because it's one that needs to be said and said more often, but I'm not eloquent enough to do so. :)