One evening at Oxford, before C. S. Lewis was converted to Christianity, he had a famous conversation with J. R. R. Tolkein in which Lewis lamented that though he had always loved the myths, that they were “lies, though breathed through silver.”
Tolkien told him they were not lies at all, for every story that touches the heart does so because it taps into the true story of Christ, and “steers us, however shakily, to the true harbor.”
Indeed, in his chapter called “Let’s Pretend” Lewis uses two “myths.” The first is Beauty and The Beast, showing the power of love to transform a beast into a man.
To see a re-enactment of this life-changing love, here’s a clip from Beauty and the Beast.
Then, here is the life-changing conversation re-enacted between two actors who play Lewis and Tolkien, before Tolkien wrote Lord of the Rings or Lewis wrote Narnia.
I have been so very blessed by the fiction of Lewis. One day my daughter Sally and I went to see a play of Screwtape Letters. There was a little gymnast who played one of the devil’s helpers who would climb a rope ladder to get the mail in a sort of bank tube that came down from the demon on earth. That day’s news would tell if the demon on earth was being successful in discouraging his client, a Christian, on earth. If it was good news for the devil, (the client was backing away from God) his little helper demon would laugh and leap to the ground doing cartwheels across the stage. If it was bad news, (the client was pressing into God during his trial) the little demon would fall from the ladder, clawing the air, and screeching.
Sally had been going through a severe test: depression and infertility for three years. When we left the theatre she said, “I am going to trust God with this, and that demon will fall, screeching!” God had used that fictional tale to help the truth of Scripture be illumined to Sally and penetrate her heart.
I could tell many stories like this — but hope to hear from you concerning some ways “myths” — either those of Lewis or another, have illumined spiritual truth and steered you, as Tolkien says, “however shakily, toward the true harbor.”
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
2. If you have read any of Lewis’s fiction (Narnia, Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Space Trilogy), can you share one story that illuminated spiritual truth for you and why?
Monday: Two Notes
3. Read or listen to Book 4, Chapter 6 of Mere Christianity.
4. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Tuesday: Reflections
5. Why does Lewis believe God gave us free will? Do you believe that what he says below is true? Why or why not? (Free will and Predestination are both in Scripture — two seemingly contradictory truths that one day we will understand. Lewis leans closer to the free will viewpoint, Reformed believers lean closer to the Predestination viewpoint.)
In this chapter, Lewis returns to a common thread. God is what He is, and has ordained certain inalienable truths, and even if we disagree, we cannot change that. “Rock bottom” he writes, “it is nonsensical” to try to have it be different.
6. How do people in the world try to re-define God?
7. One area that our world is re-defining with alarming speed is marriage. What thoughts do you have on this?
8. What is Lewis’ second point and what thoughts do you have on this?
Wednesday: Let’s Pretend
9. Read or listen to Book 4, Chapter 7 and share your notes or thoughts.
Thursday-Friday: Reflections on “Let’s Pretend”
Lewis particularly liked the myths — and many of them powerfully portray redemptive truth. Watch this 5 minute video on the myth of Narcissus and share your comments and thoughts.
10. Comments and thoughts?
11. Do you have a myth you like? If so, what is it and what is your take-away from it?
In the beginning of this series, I asked you to share favorite books — and it was wonderful! I have read several of those suggestions this summer. Now I’d like you to share a story, movie, or book of fiction that has a powerful spiritual message. In fact, it is important to be looking for redemptive messages in anything we read or watch, for God can use non-Christians, as he did Cyrus, for His purposes. I’ll go first, and then it is your turn. Karen and David Mains stressed watching television with you children and then discussing the redemptive and non-redemptive messages to help them develop discernment.
Our family was quite excited to have the movie Leave No Trace come out this summer for it was based on Peter Rock’s book, My Abandonment, and Peter is my nephew, my sister Bonnie’s son. The film won the Sundance award for best full feature film. I thought it was stunning. Here is the trailer to the movie:
Peter is not a Christian, but there are redemptive messages in his book, and in the movie. I don’t want to give away the ending, but despite coming to see life very differently, the father and daughter were able to maintain their great bond of love. I thought about how differently I see life than Peter and his family, but how important it is that we maintain our bond of love. (Movie coming out on Netflix in late October)
12. Now it is your turn to share a book or movie that moved you, but was not specifically Christian, and what redemptive message you saw.
13. The other story Lewis points to is one of a man who wore a mask for a long time. What happened and what point was Lewis making?
Saturday:
14. What is your take-a-way and why?
88 comments
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
It stood out to me that the things that move us all point to the gospel, we long for redemption and ache for something that, even on the best days, this life never really satisfies.
2. If you have read any of Lewis’s fiction (Narnia, Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Space Trilogy), can you share one story that illuminated spiritual truth for you and why?
I read Till We Have Faces when it was a Midday Connection Book Club selection. I remember that it was powerful and renewed my convictions about how selfish we can be, even in the way that we love one another. I should probably read it again.
I haven’t been on this summer, I fell behind and dropped out, but I always feel the lack of being here when I stay away. So here I am again, at least for now.
Oh Chris — I am always so very happy to see you. God has turned you into a great heart, though what a furnace you have been through! I love you dearly and it is a joy to “see” you — however long you feel led to journey with us. And I haven’t read “Til We Have Faces” but I will now!
I love you Dee, and am so grateful for you.
Dear Chris, made me smile to see you here, love you
Always love seeing you here, Chris!!
Welcome back, Chris!
♥️
Thanks for the warm welcome, you all are so kind to me 🙂
What stood out to me was the exchange between Tolkien & Lewis. Wow, I wish I could make things that convincing & without any fear or apology! I read the Chronicles of Narnia to my kids but didn’t know that Lewis was a Christian until the last few years. Since then I’ve watched 2 of the movies again thro new eyes. Aslan is such a beautiful picture of Christ ; the stone table, the ressurection; the battle between good & evil & how Christ wins. So many great pictures of the Christian life & the adventure we are caught up in with Him. It just excited me & re-invigorated me. God’s plans & purposes are so much bigger than just my small world…good reminder. And yet He comes & reveals Himself in surprising & intimate ways when we are looking for Him. 🙂
Jenny–great illustrations from Narnia–love how you went back and watched through “new” and awakened eyes! 🙂
That’s interesting Jenny. When did you become a Christian? Love your post.
Oh Dee, I’ve been a Christian since I was 17, but strayed away in my 20’s & came back! Now I’m in early 60’s …so its been a long time. I s’pose I just didn’t have my eyes wide open when I first read the stories, but I always LOVED them!! 🙂
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I have read or heard the conversation between Lewis and Tolkien before. It is so beautiful. How winsomely Tolkien points Lewis to Christ. I am not a very good witness — too timid, not good at risk-taking with those who I fear may not want to hear God’s truth. It is an issue I have been praying about – that God will give me holy boldness and the wisdom to winsomely speak to others about the Christ I adore.
Lewis’ Mere Christianity is a fascinating book. There is so much depth to it. Yet I find myself wishing it was put into today’s language and idiom so that it might be more accessible to today’s reader. There are so many things that Lewis talks about that both Christians and non-Christians need to hear and ponder.
I also have news. I have just been hired for a 3 month position doing Tourist Information and library work at our local community library. It is a full-time position beginning next week, so I don’t know how much I will be able to follow along with Dee’s study here until perhaps December. Also, I will be away for the last part of this week, so, again, it will be hard to follow along. But I will miss this blog so much. It constantly spurs me on to think deeply of the things of Christ. Those of you who are able, I would appreciate your prayers. I have not worked outside the home and church for more than 10 years so a full-time position in the secular world will be a considerable stretch for me. I do feel inadequate, yet I feel sure this is something God placed in my hands for this time.
Diane, I pray that this is a rewarding job for u & that the Lord will give you His strength & joy in the work. Interesting timing that u are praying about holy boldness! We’ll see what God does with that! I’m sure He will be shining thro u! 🙂
Diane, I had the same thought as Jenny about your prayer and then getting this job….I will pray for this to be a good ‘stretch’ for you!
Thanks for your prayers, ladies. God is with me as I embark on this new adventure. Though I am afraid, I will step out in faith. I definitely will check in here when I can.
Also, we are moving our son back home today as he embarks on a new adventure himself by going back to university to study Business. He will be living at home temporarily, hoping to find a decent apartment and roommate soon, to move closer to the university. (We live an hour away.) But here it is: we will have two adult children living back in our home “temporarily” again. (Our daughter has been with us since last year.) And that does not even count the fact that we have 3 grandchildren with us most weekends. I would appreciate your prayers for all this as well. We see “through a glass darkly” – knowing God is at work, but not understanding his ways.
Diane, I will pray too-I know you will be an asset to your new employers!
I find that working makes me so so glad to come home, even when home is sometimes hard…it is good to miss it.
Oh Diane– we will miss you so but I do believe God will shine through you in this position and I will pray for exactly that.
Jump in whenever you like, but don’t feel any pressure either. You are loved here!
Diane, I will pray for your new position! I love libraries; such a place of comfort. I will miss you here and know that you will have many opportunities to bless those with whom you are in contact with in your new job. Take care!
Diane, thankful for this answered prayer about your job! You are always missed and I hope you’re able to check in now and then, but I will continue prayers for His blessings on this new job and all the adjustments it will require. I can imagine Him using you mightily in this position!
Lizzy, nice to see u again! 🙂
Thanks, Lizzy.
Diane, I have been gone from the blog this week as school has taken a lot of my time with an enrollment that has doubled for my class. I do want to tell you that I am praying for you as you start a new job and also have your adult children at home for a little while.
Thanks, Bing, for the prayers regarding the new job. I begin tomorrow.
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? 2. If you have read any of Lewis’s fiction can you share one story that illuminated spiritual truth for you and why?
I’m going to answer these two questions together because what stood out to me was Sally’s reaction to the play, “I am going to trust God with this, and that demon will fall, screeching.” I have never read any of Lewis’s books but one book that really illuminated a spiritual truth to me was, In This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti. It really opened my eyes to see the importance of prayer, trusting God and the ongoing battle taking place in the heavenly realm. Daniel speaks of this in Chapter 10:12-13 “Then he (an angel) said, Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come to answer your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia(an evil angelic being) blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit of the prince of the kingdom of Persia.”
I remember when that book was a big hit, Sharon. But my Sally had nightmares after that one — I think she was too young when her brothers encouraged her to read it.
I read that one, too! And also had nightmares, Dee! But what spiritual lessons one can glean from it.
1. The clip of Lewis and Tolkien! I wish I had the transcript of that. I could see how Tolkien saw that every story has something in it that points to God, because everything is really about Him. Even the things that don’t want to be.
2. There was so much in The Screwtape Letters. It has been some time since I’ve read it, but envy ploy the demon was told to use I’ve had used against me.
In Narnia, the thing I most liked was that the story was really a circle, where it all tied together. I’m not doing a good job of sharing as you asked us to, so will give one more try at it. In Narnia, the four children are royalty. They have to learn to behave that way, and to fight as royalty fights at the head of the army. But back home, they are just school children. That is so true for each believer. In the spiritual realm, we are daughters of the King. We are in training to behave like it, on and off the battle field. But in our earthly life, we are just ordinary women doing ordinary things.
Mary, I like your example here from Narnia, and I had never thought of that before, that the children being royalty in Narnia symbolizes the reality of our position spiritually as daughters of the King, but here in our earthly life, we’re just ordinary people doing our ordinary things. By the way, thanks for your recommendation of the book by Brother Lawrence – I did have a copy of it, had started reading it but never got back to it. I’ll have to find it now!
That’s a good illustration — Kings and Queens we will be!
May, yes, indeed. What a great reminder to think of our position in Christ.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
How it was the story of The Screwtape Letters that helped Sally to face her problems with new determination….you are right, Dee, that a story can penetrate our hearts. I guess that’s why Jesus told so many stories! Max Lucado uses the example of Beauty and the Beast in a different way in one of his books. He writes that we are beasts by nature, but that Jesus became the Beast so that we could become the Beauty.
That’s a great use of Beauty and the Beast too!
2. If you have read any of Lewis’ fiction, can you share one story that illuminated spiritual truth and why?
I am thinking of the Narnia series, and the part where Edmund meets the White Witch. She finds out that Edmund loves Turkish Delight, and keeps feeding it to him and his desire for it grows and grows until it leads him to betraying his friends. Edmund is blinded to the reality of who and what the witch is, at first, thinking her kind and gentle. When she turns on him, it is truly terrible. Satan, I believe, often comes to us in disguise as well, and tempts us in the areas in which we are weak and vulnerable. I now know too, through our study of Idol Lies, that the story of Edmund and the Turkish Delight is also one of idolatry. The witch also tempted him with saying that Edmund should be king, feeding his idol of power and control. Like Dee has said, at first, our idols seem to be our friends, but when they turn on us, they bring nothing but heartache and despair and destruction.
Turkish delight is a great illustration!
3. Why didn’t the “Father beget many sons from the beginning, instead of first making toy soldiers and then bringing them to life by such a painful and difficult process?” Lewis says the easy part is because God wanted love from free will. The hard part is that there is only One Son of God. Their relationship one to the other is different. His question, was time, space, and matter created so that God could make many creatures and then change them to spiritual beings? Christianity thinks of individuals as organs in a body, belonging to one another, but each one unique and necessary to the whole. I didn’t understand the terms Individualist and Totalitarian.
Mary — thinking in terms of World War II, there were those who didn’t want to get involved, (individualism) and then there was Hitler (Totalitarian) — That was my take…thoughts?
Thank you, Dee. That explaination helps.
4. In Ephesians 2:7, Paul says that we are for the display of God’s splendor in the coming ages.
5. Lewis says he believes God gave us free will because a world of robots could never love, and therefore never know infinite happiness. He also says that while free will made evil possible, it also is the only thing that makes possible love or joy or any goodness worth having. I agree, because that choice makes all the difference in the world. I want my husband to love me from free will. God wants our love in the same way. I do see predestination in the scriptures also, and though we can’t figure it out, it is obvious God uses both.
4. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Probably because of issues I am involved in at present what stood out to me was the concept of the organism. I am seeing the effect of some so committed to the organism of an institution that it prevents them from addressing the very real problems therein and others who feel so disconnected from it that they are too apathetic to get involved.
I really liked this quote:
“He (the devil) always sends errors into the world in pairs–pairs of opposites…He relies on your extra dislike of one to draw you gradually into the opposite one. But do not let us be fooled. We have to keep our eyes on the goal and go straight through between both errors. We have no other concern than that with either of them.”
5. Why does Lewis believe God gave us free will? Do you believe that what he says below is true? Why or why not? (Free will and Predestination are both in Scripture — two seemingly contradictory truths that one day we will understand. Lewis leans closer to the free will viewpoint, Reformed believers lean closer to the Predestination viewpoint.)
Lewis says free will is necessary so that we can choose to really love God.
I have been influenced by his thinking but I wonder if it encompasses the rest of what the bible says about God’s sovereignty. Maybe it is a cop-out, but on this topic I always default to this quote from Spurgeon:
“The system of truth is not one straight line, but two. No man will ever get a right view of the gospel until he knows how to look at the two lines at once. I am taught in one book to believe that what I sow I shall reap: I am taught in another place, that “it is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.” I see in one place, God presiding over all in providence; and yet I see, and I cannot help seeing, that man acts as he pleases, and that God has left his actions to his own will, in a great measure. Now, if I were to declare that man was so free to act, that there was no presidence of God over his actions, I should be driven very near to Atheism; and if, on the other hand, I declare that God so overrules all things, as that man is not free enough to be responsible, I am driven at once into Antinomianism or fatalism. That God predestines, and that man is responsible, are two things that few can see. They are believed to be inconsistent and contradictory; but they are not. It is just the fault of our weak judgment. Two truths cannot be contradictory to each other. If, then, I find taught in one place that everything is fore-ordained,that is true; and if I find in another place that man is responsible for all his actions, that is true; and it is my folly that leads me to imagine that two truths can ever contradict each other. These two truths, I do not believe, can ever be welded into one upon any human anvil, but one they shall be in eternity: they are two lines that are so nearly parallel, that the mind that shall pursue them farthest, will never discover that they converge; but they do converge, and they will meet somewhere in eternity, close to the throne of God, whence all truth doth spring.”
What a great Spurgeon quote. I’ve heard the two lines at once illustration, but didn’t realize the origin was Spurgeon. And I love that they converge close to the throne of God. Spurgeon is so great at pictures!
Chris, thank you for the quote from Spurgeon. I love his devotions-he so brings up the Scripture with clarity. And what poetry!
4. I thought this was good:
“When you find yourself wanting to turn your children, or pupils, or even your neighbours, into people exactly like yourself, remember that God probably never meant them to be that. You and they are different organs, intended to do different things.”
Tuesday
4. What stands out to you from the above and why…Book 4, Chapter 6? “Christianity thinks of human individuals not as mere members of a group or items in a list, but as organs in a body – different from one another and each contributing what no other could.” This is important to remember because within the body of Christ we need each other. We can’t go it on our own and become individualists. Also, in order for the body of Christ to function there needs to be differences as well, thus avoiding totalitarianism. The beauty of the body of Christ is unity through diversity.
6. People in the world try to define God by their own reasoning and emotions. I think there is a certain amount of choosing to turn their backs on the truth, because exposure to truth calls us to die to self. It points out where we are wrong. While we are content to admit we are not perfect, we are dead set against seeing ourselves as we really are.
7. Redefining marriage. My knee jerk reaction is to say, what a ridiculous proposition! Every culture throughout history has seen marriage as essential, and more than civil. It is a contract between male and female, and usually involves the prevailing religion as well, asking for God’s blessing on the union.
8. Lewis’s second point lost me at the beginning. I couldn’t get what the two opposites were, or what the right stance was. Once down to ‘things which are part of a single organism may be very different from one another,’ then I could track again. The Bible says repeatedly that believers across the ages are one family, one nation, one essence but with individual parts. I find that both a mystery and a comfort.
Tuesday
5. Why does Lewis believe God gave us free will? “He gave them free will because a world of mere automata could never love and therefore never know infinite happiness.” Do you believe that what he says below is true? Why or why not? No, I don’t believe it’s true as I believe predestination or the sovereignty of God is biblical (John 6:65; Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 1:4-5). I really like the quote from Spurgeon that Christine used…covers it quite well.
I like this response from John MacArthur when asked why he believed in the sovereignty of God…”Can a person unaided by God – a sinful person, left on his own, choose Christ, turn from sin, embrace the truth, receive the gospel, believe and be saved? If you say yes, then you don’t understand man’s sinful nature. If a man is blind and dead and double – blinded by Satan, and cut off from God, and in the deeds of his flesh he can do no good thing, and all his righteousness is filthy rags, and no one seeks after God – if man can do nothing you have to believe in the sovereignty of God because God has to invade.”
This is such a difficult doctrine to understand and accept because our “natural” mind, our pride, loathes the suggestion that God orders everything, controls everything, and rules over everything. I have just come to take it in faith and know that one day it will all fall into place.
“To be predestined means God decreed your eternal joy prior to any foresight of faith or good works in you.” ~ Jonathan Edwards
6. How do people in the world try to redefine God?
As a higher power, which to me keeps Him at a distance and impersonal.
7. One area our world is redefining with alarming speed is marriage. What thoughts do you have in this?
I think this must really break Gods heart! Marriage is a sacred institution that God meant to be between a man and a woman. I wonder though what role the church has or hasn’t played in this?!
8. What is Lewis’ second point and what thoughts do you have on this?
”The fact that the human race is in a sense, one thing, one huge organism, like a tree, can’t be confused with the idea that individual differences do not matter.” I think he says it well in that Christianity is thought of as organs in a body (the body of Christ)-different from one another and each contributing what no other could.
9. Lewis says, what is the good of pretending to be something you are not? And then he answers it by saying that if it helps lead up to the real thing, and that real thing is good, then it is a good thing. He says that often the only way to get a quality for real is to start behaving as if you had it already. I do this at work all the time! I may be frazzled and short of time, but to my patients, I am calm and patient. After years of doing this, in my personal life I can pretty much calm myself and choose to exhibit patience. So, I should start acting like I have self control.
He talks about the two discoveries. One…we not only do sinful acts, we are sinful. We cannot change our motives in our sin. Only God can do that. Two…God is the one who models pretending for us. He pretends by treating us as His children when we are not. He is like the parent who teaches a child to talk by talking to it, even before they understand the words. Lord, right now I don’t understand all You are trying to teach me about self control, but I want to.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR DEAR DEE!!! Oh how LOVED you are! We are so thankful for your faithful, wise mentoring and teaching! What a gift you are Dee! Praying you have a wonderful, joy-filled day and praising Him for the gift of you!!
That’s our Lizzy –the wonderful rememberer of birthdays — thank you! I have Linda Strom here, and that is always special for me. I’m thankful for each new day — and it is wonderful I have sisters like all of you!
Happy, happy birthday to you, Dee. May it be even more special than you are!!
Happy Birthday Dee!🎁🎈🎉.
May you have a blessed day!
I hope it has been an especially wonderful birthday for you Dee, I am so glad to know that Linda is with you 🙂
Dee, So wonderful to have Linda there with you!
Happy Birthday Dee♥️♥️♥️!
Happy birthday, Dee!
My thoughts on Chapter 7: “…surely, what a man does when he is taken off his guard is the best evidence for what sort of a man he is… Surely, what pops out before the man has time to put on a disguise is the truth… If there are rats in the cellar you are most likely to see them if you go in very suddenly. But the suddenness does not create the rats: it only prevents them from hiding. In the same way the suddenness of the provocation does not make me an ill-tempered man; it only shows me what an ill-tempered man I am.”
Unfortunately, this speaks volumes for my behavior at work yesterday. I normally do not speak out even when I am fuming inside. Yesterday, in a meeting with the director of our department I reacted to some things that we were being told and I said things in a way that I shouldn’t have. I was very unhappy with myself afterwards.
I think that I was more embarrassed that I blew my cover and people in authority got to see how I “really” am. I don’t want this to be how I really am 🙁
Awww, Dawn. I do love your vulnerability – -and we can all identify.
Happy , Happy Birthday dear Dee! May you be “surprised by joy”! Blessings abundant on u!
11. The myth of Narcissis. Being infatuated or even in love with yourself. It is important to cultivate motivation and gifts, not just your dreams. Focus on others and their needs. Evaluate honestly both your strengths and your weaknesses to create or see opportunities. Narcissis is less a myth than we think. Our culture encourages everyone to think of themselves more highly than they ought. Like satan’s lies, it promises but can’t deliver. God’s message, on the other hand, tells us truth about ourselves and then holds out a hand to help us out of our pit.
13. I couldn’t think of an answer for #12, but I have a couple movies. Gattaca. It is science fiction, in a society that manipulates genetics. If your genes don’t measure up, you are ‘invalid’, and are very limited in what you can do. The main character reacts against that. It has some tough scenes and themes, but it intrigues me. With Christ we are given the opportunity to be way more than the sum of our parts. Next is the Spitfire Grill. Set in New England, a girl comes out of prison and is placed in a small town to work at the café. Slowly, the girl and the town grow on each other. She discovers a secret, but it costs her. I saw the girl carry burdens not her own, just as Jesus has done for me.
Mary, I really like the movie Gattaca….but such a sad ending!
5. Why does Lewis believe God gave us free will? Do you believe that what he says below is true? Why or why not?
Lewis says that we were given free will because if not, we would be automated people who didn’t know how to love. But then, God made us to love, except Adam and Eve messed that up in the garden. I think God was being merciful and didn’t want us to be condemned. He gave us the free will to give us another chance. Sure, we could choose to blow it and mess ourselves up, but that was better than instant death forever, right. I wonder why He didn’t just wipe the humans clean after the apple and create another set?
When you say “…he says below…” I am guessing you mean the picture of the child on the adult’s shoulders? I suppose to know what love is, you must know evil. I believe in a little bit of both; free will and predestination. He was merciful and gave free will, knowing we might end up making the wrong choices, however His hand is ultimately on our lives as well. It is a partnership, like the dance we have discussed. I think he wanted us as partners because anytime you can own something, you take better care of it. He knew if we felt we had some part that we would be better caretakers of ourselves.
Incidentally, when I think of free will, I think of Catholicism. Purgatory and such.
6. How do people in the world try to re-define God?
Some people think God is equal to nature; that they are being “spiritual” when they engage in the beauty of our world.
7. One area that our world is re-defining with alarming speed is marriage. What thoughts do you have on this?
You guys know how I feel about this topic; marriage is biblical, it says it is between a man and a woman. It also says people should not engage in sex with the same sex, animals, etc. It says it in various places in both the OT and the NT. It says it many times, not just once. To claim “marriage” and be gay is a mockery of our faith and the church. I left an entire denomination over this point; that they were not being true to their doctrine by allowing homosexuals to be “married” in the church.
This has led to the awful idea that children can now redefine who they are gender wise. Adults are being dragged into this idea and allowing their children to do so as well. Psychologists (I’m sure) are on the offense agreeing so that these children (?!) won’t commit suicide. That statement (about psychologists, not about the suicide thing – I had a friend have this happen to her and her daughter) is speculation, but I’m guessing if they want business they would be agreeable not otherwise. It is a sad state of affairs, especially when we are talking about such a small sector of the country (<3%, maybe more like 0.3%). The rest of us must endure and the news media would make you believe half the country was gay and transgender. The really sad thing is exposing children to all of this, as if it’s normal. We are supposed to protect kids as adults. They are kids until they are 18, but now they can have abortions (Massachusetts) and change their sex (Michigan I believe) without parental knowledge. Children cannot make life changing decisions like these when they are just that, children. It is proven that the brain isn’t fully developed until around age 25, and brain scans of teenagers are similar to those of an insane person! Yet, if it makes you feel good then just do it right? Ridiculous.
Sorry, I can’t sugar coat this topic 🤷♀️, but I know one thing is sure…all you need is love ♥️. I won’t change people with my views, but I can love them into it, right? It’s what Jesus would do. I do let them know how I feel so I don’t just accept their views, I push back. Yes Dee, I have grown in your midst!
Thank you all for the wonderful birthday greetings! You are dear to me.
9. Read or listen to Book 4, Chapter 7 and share your notes or thoughts.
He talks about two kinds of pretending, bad and good. The good kind is “where the pretence leads up to the real thing.” He uses the example of “when you’re not feeling particularly friendly but you know you ought to be, the best thing you can do, very often, is to put on a friendly manner and behave as if you were a nicer person than you actually are. And in a few minutes, as we have all noticed, you will be really feeling friendlier than you were.” Being an introvert I find myself when I’m in a group of people, to pretend I want to be there, when in reality I want to turn around and run away. It never fails that I usually end up enjoying myself but it does exhaust me.
I love this, Sharon. “I pretend I want to be there.” I will try that at my next neighborhood cocktail party!
Happy birthday Susan!!
Book 4. Ch 7. From Sharon:
“He talks about two kinds of pretending, bad and good. The good kind is “where the pretence leads up to the real thing.” I never really thought of this, but we are told in Colossians(?) to “put on Christ”, & I guess that’s like dressing up 🙂 The more we do it intentionally, the more like Christ we become. And yet it’s always the work of the Holy Spirit in us, making us more like Him.
I have been following most of the blog even tho I didn’t comment much this week. Been a busy week at work, & my son visited us for a few days 🙂 You are all very inspiring & insightful! Thank you for sharing your hearts <3
Sharon, I am so like you in some ways. I am also an introvert and groups exhaust me but I do want to be there for people because I do care. God often supernaturally works in my heart and just like you, I do enjoy myself despite the exhaustion. (Smile)
Read or listen to Book 4, Chapter 6 of Mere Christianity.
4. What stands out to you from the above and why?
“The process of being turned from a creature into a son would not have been difficult or painful if the human race had not turned away from God centuries ago.” Ah yes, if only….
I also like Lewis’ argument that to insist on using words like “could have been” when applied to God is senseless.
5. Why does Lewis believe God gave us free will? Do you believe that what he says below is true? Why or why not?
Lewis believes God gave us free will because if He had made us like robots (automata), we wouldn’t be capable of love and couldn’t experience happiness. That free will is the only thing that makes possible any love, joy, or goodness worth having….I think the key word here is worth having. If God had made us like robots, we would have been ‘programmed’ like a computer to love, to be good. It wouldn’t be in our ‘program’ to do evil. So we’d all be nice little happy robots, and we would love each other because we couldn’t do otherwise. But when a person chooses to love and do good, even when it goes against their desires for selfishness or to not love, that gives their actions and choices worth. And the resulting joy from doing good is also worth something – not just how it makes you feel inside, but also experiencing His smile upon you.
Dee, I haven’t been on here in the past few days so I missed wishing you a Happy Birthday….I hope you had a great visit with your friend Linda! Thank you for being here faithfully with us every week, every day!
🙂 Thanks, dear Susan!
8. What is Lewis’ second point and what thoughts do you have on this?
Lewis says we (the whole human race) are all parts of a whole organism and one person who does something affects another whether they mean to or not. I agree with this. Just this morning I was looking at a family members info on FB, and for “religious views” he had written, “I’m all set, thanks.” It made me sad for him although he and I have sparred about a lot in the past and aren’t the best of “friends” as relatives go. I am sad though. I wish I knew how to make it right, but I’m not sure if I really care all that much truth be told. I know that’s not how I should be, but there you go! I seem to remember someone (maybe Susan) who spoke of these kinds of family relations. I know I should probably make things right by some sort of pleasant contact, but in my heart I think he won’t care anyway; I why should I try? The reason I went on his FB account is because I didn’t see his upcoming birthday listed and wondered if we were still friends. I guess I could wish him a happy birthday that day regardless. That might break the ice. I don’t think he will ever change his views though, his parent weren’t believers either. We don’t live close and don’t see each other very often. My husband, his uncle, has really argued with him in the past as well. My husband can be even more passionate about his views than I am (sometimes not showing any Christian side unfortunately). They are both a bit arrogant, him more so than my husband. Any advice Susan or others? I think making good on my side might help me avoid that devil that Lewis speaks of who is trying to make us either individualist or totalitarians.
Paul’s advice to those unequally yoked comes to mind. I’m paraphrasing here, but as long as they don’t shut the door on you, do your best to keep it open. You never know when your influence could help bring them into the kingdom. But if they slam the door and walk away, let them.
Laura, families can be so hard! I guess it wouldn’t hurt to send him a birthday card in the mail….you could write a short note as well in the card, maybe even bring some light humor into it, something like ‘I know we’ve butted heads in the past, but I really do want to wish you a happy birthday….’ if you feel that’s appropriate! His response to you reaching out is his responsibility.
I can relate to what you said, “I wish I knew how to make it right, but I’m not sure if I really care that much truth be told.” I’ve felt exactly the same way about some people. It helps me to remember that the Bible defines love in terms of action, not feelings. I don’t have to have feelings in order to show love.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSAN — I DON’T KNOW A LOT OF BIRTHDAYS, BUT SUSAN HAS BEEN HERE FROM THE BEGINNING AND IS SUCH A CONTEMPLATIVE SOURCE OF WISDOM AND ENCOURAGEMENT! SO HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Thanks, Dee! (“Susan has been here from the beginning…..” Susan is getting old-:)
Susan, happy birthday, dear one. Well, maybe older, but not old. And wow-you were here from the beginning and that says a lot of your commitment to the group. And, yes, thank you for sharing your words of wisdom as Dee has said.
6. How do people in the world try to re-define God?
I think one of the biggest examples is that in any community, you can bring people from all different faiths and having forms of spirituality, and have a communal prayer service and pray to “God”, and for each faith or belief represented there, God means something different. God is not necessarily the God of the Bible. In some churches also where the “health and wealth gospel” is preached, God is Someone who wants you to be happy, healthy, wealthy.
Dee, belated happy birthday and many thanks for your wonderful ministry to us! I have not been here at all this week. So tired from our first week of school. I am hoping I am not getting sick or anything as I can hardly stay awake after 830 PM!
Anyway, I am trying to catch up and so love the interchange between Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. This study has stretched me quite a bit and am so glad I can always come back and just feed on the sharing of thoughts and Scriptures even if I myself have not responded to each question or prompt.
🙂
12. Now it is your turn to share a book or movie that moved you, but was not specifically Christian, and what redemptive message you saw.
Schindler’s List was a movie that moved me. Schindler, a German businessman risked his life by saving many Jews, who he basically bought by bribing the Nazi’s.
13. The other story Lewis points to it one of a man who wore a mask for a long time. What happened and what point was Lewis making?
Someone wore a mask that made them look much nicer than they were. After having to wear it for years, when they took it off their face had grown to fit it. They were now beautiful. I think the point he’s making is the longer we put on Christ or as he says “dress up as Christ”, the more we become like Him.
Happy Birthday Susan!! 🍰🍭🍧🎁♥️♥️♥️
My take-a-way is that I’m so impressed with how many are still with us as we near the end. I know we lost many, for this is a challenging book, and not a Bible study — but we kept many. And I’m thankful. I know I wondered what I would do if no one stayed to the end…but here you are!
It has been very challenging, but I really appreciate the time and work you put in each week to keep us on track…thank you! I must admit, I’m not sure I would of stuck it out on my own. I also appreciate everyone’s input as that has helped too!!
10. Comments and thoughts?
I do do agree with this premise, especially in education! Profs think they are SO special, and even some of my colleagues do in high school. I have had a colleagues say this very thing to me; “I know I’m a good teacher.” I guess my view is always that I can be better than I am. I’m always striving to have a better lab/lesson than I did before. Although am I being narcissistic by just saying that??!
I think that’s a godly view, Laura!
Even though I feel like a caboose here, I’m still hanging on (even if by a thread), keeping up with reading assignments & study. But like Sharon said, if it weren’t for all the great insight & help from everyone here, I know I would have given up long ago. Lewis is just far too deep for my “summer brain” (maybe fall-winter-spring as well!) I am not sorry I took on the challenge–I have learned some really surprising, invaluable lessons with this book which have inspired me tremendously…to the point of them clinging to me all week long! I am also looking forward to summarization points at the end (if memory serves me right I think you mentioned doing that Dee?), as well as going through my own notes & writing highlights down to share with my kids.
A belated happy birthday to both Dee & Susan, with love!
12. Now it is your turn to share a book or movie that moved you, but was not specifically Christian, and what redemptive message you saw.
I was listening to a Tim Keller sermon the other day and he mentioned a movie called, “The Trip to Bountiful.” I decided to get it from our library and my husband and I watched it tonight. The premise is an old woman lives with her married son and is trying to find her way back to the place she lived as a child and then an adult (set in the 1950’s). The DIL is annoyed with the old woman and the three bicker a lot. The son doesn’t want his mom to go back to her home. The old woman decides to leave on her own and gets to the run down town where no one lives anymore. The son tracks her down (wife in tow) and the two reminisce about old times. The three come to a consensus to not argue anymore and to try to be less annoying to one another.
The redemptive part is that by allowing the old woman to see her former home “one last time before she dies” the family is “saved.”
Very sweet and I cried most of the time!
Laura, I looked into this movie recently….I wanted to watch the original movie but was only able to find the newer version. Which one did you watch?
I didn’t know there were two versions! I guess the newer one with Cicily Tyson and Vanessa Williams.