When we were first informed that we would have to read The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, I was kind of excited. The main concept of the book seemed very interesting. When I began reading the text earlier in the week, I had a very difficult time following it. I tried to re-read certain passages, in case I had just missed something, but the first letter was terribly hard to understand. I wish they would have given more of an introduction to the letters because the preface didn't establish all main points.
As I continued reading, there were certain passages that did catch my eye. I liked how he kept relating back to 'real life'. He kept mentioning that he must keep his patient on that train of thought. I also found it interesting that he related religion to science. A quote that stuck out to me in the reading was when he said, "do not attempt to use science against christianity." (page 4) I found this intriguing because we very often relate these two things. If religion can't provide a direct answer for us, we turn to science to help, and vice versa. I know that I always use science, biology, and evolution as a ways of understanding where we have come from. It's hard for me to 100% believe in only religion, and my extremely large love for science tends to win over my beliefs.
As I continued reading, I found another passage that caught my eye. It was on page 7 of the text, half way through the second paragraph. He starts out by saying, "In every department of life it marks the transition from dreaming aspiration to laborious doing...." it continuues on to say, "...any of the goals which He sets before them: He leaves them to 'do it on their own.'" I found this passage extremely appealing. I'm not sure why but when I read it, I stopped and thought about it. I liked the way it was worded, even if it is bashing Christian religion. He's talking about the goals He supposedly sets for us and how He won't carry you to help you fulfill these goals. I can't completely agree with this idea, but I found it up for discussion. Does anyone really believe that He sets these goals for us, but we must obtain them on our own? Does faith and belief play into this idea? Does He set goals for us in hopes that we can fulfill them with Him in mind?
Just a little food for though!! :)
Enjoy!!
3 comments:
Becky,
As I read through your post I was very surprised at how similar our thoughts were on this book. It is no wonder we get along so well!
I also found the literature very confusing and found myself trying to reread the letter in hopes of some conclusions or clarity, but my attempts also failed me. The idea of 'real life' came up in both of our posts and i think that this is a really important point that he makes. My love of science also makes some of these ideas hard to follow, but also it helps me answer the unanswered questions that I have in life.
I do not agree with the idea that God sets goals for us and we must obtain them on our own, I believe in the Bible versus that says something along the lines of 'He doesn't walk in front of us, He doesn't walk behind us, but He walks with us'. I do believe that He does set these goals for us in hopes that we can fulfill them with Him in mind, because as a Christian we are taught to live our lives with him and for him. Just some things to think about....
Becky,
So it seems as though many of us are having trouble understanding clearly what theh story is all about.
I like the quote that you took from the book about science. I think you made a good point that we do try to use science to answer many questions. Ha and yes, you do love your sciences!
Going off of Corriana's response I think she used a great line about God being within us. She put it better than I could, so I'm just going to say I agree with her.
Becky-
I agree that it was very hard to understand the letters at first. The wording was different than in most texts. I also agree that I liked how he said not to use science with religion because then he will lose them. I understand because we do compare the two as you say. I also agree with what Corianna said that I don't believe God sets goals for us and leaves us to obtain them. I believe that He may just plant the thought in our head through the Holy Spirit and then works through that. He definitely does not make us do it alone, however some one must be willing. That is a really interesting quotation though to look at.
Post a Comment