I couldn’t agree more with what C.S. Lewis said about truth being found in other religions. As Christians we are so quick to see only our way. Now, don’t get me wrong I am in no way saying that other religions are correct, because salvation through Jesus Christ is the only way, however other religions do hold bits and pieces of truth. It is important for us to see and acknowledge those pieces of truth so we understand where other religions are coming from and we know how to best relate to them.
I enjoyed his contrast between pantheism and Christianity. I have never thought that deeply on the idea of how the world was created, it all just makes sense to me. I have never needed an explanation to see the truth. However it is great to see how we differ so much and what others believe about the creation of the world.
Overall I thought this was a very strong essay, written with conviction and insight.
Anyone agree? Disagree?
Jill
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4 comments:
I completely agree with Jillian. I was on a Greyhound bus with two Muslims a couple of months ago. We got into sort of a "friendly" debate so I had my Bible out and they had their Koran. The sad news is that I needed my concordance and they didn't even have one in theirs. There is much truth to be found in the disipline and devotion of their religion.
I appreciated C.S. Lewis calling Christianity a "fighting religion," although I think religion seems to have a few negative connotations that come along with it anymore. It is a fighting religion in the sense that true followers of Christ will not compromise theology by any means; in Christianity, truth is not relative, but is absolute.
I have also thought recently about the definition of just and unjust and how it is that I came to understand that definition. I have never thought, however, that this thought proves the existence of God. This was a very strong essay and leaves me with a simple yet moving thought: He is just that much bigger than I am.
Yes! Yes! I think that the seminary that I visited last semester with a friend should have their faculty members read this essay! They should read and discuss the essay before allowing students to conduct a class with anti-missionary thoughts. I agree with C.S. Lewis! Yes! There could be some pints or even gallons of truth in other religions. To say anything that doesn't have Jesus' name on it is anti-Christian or anti-God is ridiculous. I admire apologetic works like those of C.S. Lewis. I believe that anyone going on a short term (or even a long term) mission trip should read this essay!
First C.S. Lewis is the greatest apologist of our time! And I am completely bias towards any of his works.
However, being a Religion and Philosophy major I have been introduced to other religions through several of my classes and I agree that truth can be found in other religions. Overall I feel like Western Christianity is one of the most exclusivistic religions in the world. We need to open ourselves up to other things, not necessarily to accept them but to at least understand where they are coming from.
And I completely agree with Elijah about everyone who is going on a mission trip needing to read this essay.
I do not know Lewis as the rest of you. I do see he is an extremely deep thinker and good at what he does.
We do need to be knowledgeable of other religions in order to define and defend our own. The Koran is memorized by its followers. Few Christians are memorizing the Bible. Jehovah Witnesses and Mormans are out banging on doors, when some Christians cannot even enter their own church doors and love as they are commanded, let alone pray in public with other believers. I believe it is possibly more difficult to be a Christian than most other religions, as we are judged so harshly by our thoughts and actions, and there is less flexibility in truth/just/unjust. Some religions are very free; anything goes--that would be the easy way--but that won't get us into heaven.
I like the fact that he went from an atheist to a Christian and is stepping out to let others know, especially since he is well known, people will read his work and learn about God and truth.
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