Speakers

I distinctly remember 2 speakers coming to our class this semester. The first was Professor Ribeiro's father in law. Originally, he lived in the Netherlands. But he raised his family serving the Lord in Brazil. He spoke about vocation and finding God's calling. This is a topic we talk about alot at Calvin. We do not want to waste our lives, we want to serve God in whatever we do. I also remember Luke coming to talk to our class. He spoke about life at Calvin. He spoke about taking professors out to dinner, prayer groups, balancing school, work, and a social life. Honestly, I did not get much out of this talk. Luke didn't talk much about struggles, it seemed as if he has it all together. I guess its hard to share with alot of strangers, nonetheless. When people seem to "have it all together" I find it intimidating, cause I don't. And I know that I will never know everything. I appreciate it alot more when speakers show their humanity more, that they are not beyond my struggles. I guess I just did not relate to his talk.

Mere Christianity Ch 1-4

In the first few chapters of Mere Christianity, CS Lewis talks about the universal moral standard that all men seem to know about, but hardly follow. This law is proof of God's existence, or at least the existence of a greater being. We do not exist on our own, we exist because He created us.
Lewis brought up another interesting point. Most natural laws are simply just what occurs in nature. Rocks fall, hence the law of gravity. But this moral law is not what happens in nature. And this seems normal to us. But something is wrong. We are imperfect, inconsistent. We can only long for and work toward the consistency that we will never achieve. And somehow through this striving, although we will fail continually, Jesus will renew, revive, and reconcile us to himself. After each failing he'll pick us up again, and teach us the same thing over again. And we'll be just a little closer to what we're longing for.

De Descriptione Temporum

In this essay C.S. Lewis expounds on his approach while accepting the position as the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University. First, he talks about history- and how we divide it. In order to understand history, we divide it into periods. Dramatic changes did not happen overnight; however. History is really just everyday life. Small changes happen continually. Thus man and society have evolved. Lewis points out that even though his focus is going to be "Medieval and Renaissance Literature," who can really define that period? It cannot be discussed without some reference to it's own past and future.
Lewis also talks about the difference between the Renaissance and modern culture- even recent modern culture. The secularization of society, increase in skepticism, and emphasis of progress are wholly different from the ideologies that tie every other period of history together. We are not returning to paganism, we are rejecting religion altogether. We do not seek to conserve and preserve the goods we have already acquired- we want newer, better things. Modernization has brought about the biggest change thus far in history, Lewis argues.
Finally, Lewis claims that he is a student of this era of literature. He may not have the best understanding of it, but he reads Medieval/Renaissance literature as if he lived then. So, what he lacks in understanding hopefully he'll make up in character. You learn more about dinosaurs by seeing one, not by reading about them for years. In the same, Lewis hopes to teach the rest more about Medieval literature, because he is, in a sense, a dinosaur.
I really enjoyed this essay. I find history somewhat fascinating- how movements and ideas have gradually developed, then how they affect us today. I also found it interesting that Lewis does not like to separate different chunks of history. I've rarely thought about that before. Thoughts, movements did not develop overnight. Like everything else in life, like the history we are creating today, it's a process. Life is relational and complex- these truths are easy to forget- in search of quick solutions. I've been really learning this in my faith. I used to think "Ok God taught me this, I've got it down now- what next?" And then, a few months later I'd have the same questions, the same struggles. And I'd ask God..."why am I struggling with this again? aren't there other things for me to learn? why don't i get it? can't i just be done?" But...it's a process. My relationship with God is a process. He loves me when I question him. He loves me when I don't. My relationships with peoples- they're processes too. Am I going to choose to love them today? Am I going to even think about choosing to love them, or will I be so caught up in myself that they're needs won't even come to mind? Will I be looking at the clock, thinking of the work I need to get done tonight while listening to a friend? These are things I'm learning. Love people. Love God. These are things I've been learning. These are things I will always be learning. I will never have them down. . .

The Abolition of Man Chapter Three

In this chapter, Lewis argues that we disregard the Tao as we seek to conquer Nature. Once we finally "conquer Nature" by redefining morality, Nature has really conquered us. Without a universal standard, we are subject to our whims, our emotions, our momentary desires. Thus, our natures have gotten the best of us.
Lewis does not argue against modern science, instead he calls for a new approach to science. Instead of looking at everything objectively apart from the Tao, we should look at like, at the world- as a whole. We cannot separate science from the rest of our lives. And, if we do approach science from a moral standpoint, we cannot go wrong.

I found Lewis' arguements very interesting. To some extent, we have fulfilled them. The Tao is old fashioned, science is sure. Yet when the two are apart, we are left with a sense of meaninglessness. Thus, we fulfill our desires-in search for meaning, to conquer nature. Instead Nature gets a greater hold on us. We can longer control ourselves and are thus dehumanized.

The Abolition of Man Chapter Two

In this chapter, Lewis further argues against a new movement focusing on reason and science- devoid of values and emotion. He argues that without following universal moral law, we are left to our instincts. We have many different instincts, and how can we discern which instincts should be followed and which should be curbed? Thus the mind cannot be divorced from the heart.
Lewis also criticizes that practice of throwing out traditional values in search of newer truer ones. New values stem from old ones. Lewis claims that the only way we can throw out traditional values is if we completely remake man's moral/mental compass. After all, we've remade and conquered everything else. . .
I agree- the soul and body should not be separated. Recently we have been realizing this. We are beginning to look at life from a more holistic point of view. We need to look out for the physical along with the emotional/spiritual. If one area is hurting, so will the other.

The Abolition of Man

I found this chapter confusing. I wasn't familiar with many of his references- so the email with notes was very helpful. In "The Abolition of Man" Lewis critiques the new educational method for high schoolers. In a new textbook, two authors dismiss emotion in learning. They basically claim that we don't mean what we say. If I say, "You are calm," I'm not really talking about you, I'm really talking about my own feelings- "I am calm." Then they try to separate emotion from learning. Mind over feelings. The two must be divorced. This philosophy can lead to dangerous places- if what we say has no meaning, if we employ reason only and deny emotion- why do we have morals? Lewis cites moral law from many ancient religions. Reason and feeling cannot be separated from each other. A man may know everything in his mind, but if he doesn't know it in his mind- what good is it?
I see this trend in schooling. We don't talk much about how we react mentally and emotionally to what we read, see, and learn in the classroom. We learn the facts. We try to learn objectively- but can learning ever really be objective? Since education has taken this extreme- pop culture and entertainment seem to have taken the other extreme. The emphasis is on feelings. If feelings are completely irrational- then we can follow them fully without thinking. It's the only option. Mind or body. Neither extreme is healthy.
Lewis argues that we need a balance of reason and emotion, that the two are intertwined. When talking about our denial of heart, of emotion, Lewis states, "In a sort of ghastly simplicity we remove the organ and demand the function. We make men without chests and expect of them virtue and enterprise. We laugh at honour and are shocked to find traitors in our midst. "
Really our separation of heart and mind, of feeling and reason is completely irrational.

Show and Tell

“No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.”-C.S. Lewis

I never related grief to fear before. The more I think about it, the more I see the comparison. I’m sad when I lose something that was close and important to me. When I lose a good friend, or a plan that I had been looking forward to for a long time doesn’t work out- I get upset.
This grief comes from fear- MY plans are ruined. I don’t know where to go next. MY friend isn’t there anymore- I don’t know who to turn to. I feel uncertain and alone. Then I remember God. And he shows me His reasons- he makes me rely on Him, not myself or others. These truths that “I know” are cemented into my being through such experiences- through grief.

Meditations in a Tool Shed

I like how CS Lewis does not discount either perspective in "Meditations in a Tool Shed." The point of view of the man in love is legitimate as well as the explanation of this phenomenon by a psychologist, a man outside of the picture. He emphasizes that we need a balanced perspective- understanding of both areas. Head knowledge without experience is meaningless. I can know all the facts and theology about God, but if I do not have a relationship with God I still don't know God. However, experience is best coupled with knowledge. Doctrines and theology add to one's faith and help to make it firm. Both are necessary for a balanced perspective of God and faith.

The Inner Ring

The little clicks or circles that C.S. Lewis is talking about in "The Inner Ring" reminds me alot of high school. I remember that I could not wait for college- I'd be free of clicks and jealousies that were so elementary. As I got older I realized that these things cannot be avoided. Everywhere I go there are groups of people who are and people who aren't. From school to the workplace, clicks are unavoidable.
I still find clicks annoying. I try to be accepting of everyone- to have true friendships like Lewis refers to in the end of the essay. These are the most valuable.

The Fall

Growing up in the church, attending a Christian school and now a Christian college, I've heard about "The Fall" alot. It's easy for me to forget what it means. I can get caught up in living my life, going through the motions of Christianity until the going gets tough. Things don't go how I want them to. I begin to question God. Then I try to fix them. I try to become the Christian I should be. It never works. I try to get to Jesus on my own. My faith is based on grace not works. On Jesus' death and resurrection. Yet somehow, I forget that so easily. This chapter was good for me to read, especially around Easter. It helped me gear my mind toward the abundance of grace God shows me each day.

Friendship

I found this essay very interesting. Lewis described friendship as both pure and unnatural. Biologically, humans do not need friendship to continue the race. Friends are not consumed with each other but with a common interest or vision. He says, "Lovers are normally face to face, absorbed in each other; Friends, side by side, absorbed in some common interest."

I find it interesting that Lewis distinguishes between friendship and eros. I don't think eros should exist without friendship. Ideally, a marriage should exist between the best of friends who share a common vision.

I did disagree with Lewis' thoughts on women. He talked about women and children as lesser than men. Men have the deeper, greater thoughts while women participate in meaningless chatter. He basically said that women and men cannot meet on the same level intellectually. I understand that he comes from a different era, but I still disagree. Some of my closest friends are guys. I enjoy deep conversations, I don't enjoy gossip or "meaningless chatter."

Eros

C.S. Lewis gave an interesting perspective of Eros in "The Four Loves." I usually think of eros as sexual desire. Lewis claims that eros is more complex than I consider it to be. Eros is not just sexual desire- sex is a result of Eros. Eros is romantic love- lovers are pretty much obsessed with each other. This love seems like the relationship depicted in the Song of Solomon. Lovers care not for themselves. They are concerned only with their lover.
Lewis cites benefits and dangers of eros love. Too often the church forgets that sex is a gift from God. We take sex too seriously. God has a sense of humor. There is a certain playfulness in romantic relationships. Lovers find laughter in all sorts of situations.
On the more serious side, Eros is a picture of Christ and the Church. A husband is to love his wife in the same way that Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. After that explanation, Ephesians 5:32 says"This is a great mystery- but I speak concerning Christ and the Church." We cannot understand the full depth of a true, loving, unconditional relationship. And somehow this is just the slightest picture of the love Christ has for us.
Like all things, eros can be distorted. Eros claims to be immortal, yet it is fleeting. This love does not last long, but lovers must learn to continue to love each other even when they don't feel like it. Eros can also be idolized. This is unhealthy for the lovers and for their relationship. Their love can be distorted into hatred and manipulation.
I agree mostly with what Lewis says. Two people in love often act on feelings and make rash decisions. It feels wrong not to act on their feelings. We would be wise to consider the warnings from the lovers in Song of Solomon 8:4-
"I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, Do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases."

The Sermon and The Lunch

There are many things the Christian community does not like to talk about. I attended Christian school all of my life, and I know that no one struggles with lust or sex. No one has even been exposed to alcohol. Sometimes, as Christians, we feel bogged down. We may not feel motivated to do our jobs or complete our schoolwork effectively, but this is the only thing we struggle with. Only bad kids drink. If someone thinks about having sex outside of marriage they surely do not know Jesus. These stigmas in the church are a hindrance to the community. Life is not that easy. To want to follow Jesus means to struggle. We're human even though we like to deny it.
C.S. Lewis alludes to the practice of oversimplifying life in "The Sermon and The Lunch." A preacher speaks about how character is built in the home. Lewis recalls his last dinner with the preacher's family. They argued and interrupted each other. The father spoke foolishly, the mother was hysterical. This is where character is built. Often times, family life is seen in a romantic sense. Familial struggle don't exist for Christians.
Struggles-familial, sexual, emotional- don't happen to good Christians. Because of this supposed fact, many struggle alone. They do not seek encouragement from their fellow believers. Instead of being real with each other, instead of standing in solidarity with each other, instead of being honest- too often believers try to patch up problems themselves. They put on their best face and hope no one sees their lives falling apart, lest they be shunned. This hypocrisy is something we need to fight against. After all, Jesus hung out with the tax collectors, prostitutes, and the diseased. He called the Pharisees "whitewashed tombs." What are we really? What do we pretend to be?

Learning in War Time

In "Learning in War Time" C.S. Lewis talks about how there is no such thing as "normal life." Life essentials cannot be laid aside because of inconvenient situations- even war. There is always a million reasons not to do something. For now, for whatever reason, some of us are called to be students. God has given us a desire for beauty and knowledge. Even if our search for knowledge and beauty seems inconclusive, it will be built upon by others. Our search is not in vain.
This is one thing I've been understanding more and more. I used to always look ahead to the future when I would live differently- I'd wake up every morning, read my bible, pray, go for a run. Somehow, I've never changed. Life is still normal. I also remember field hockey season. My friend and I always said "as soon as hockey's over," we'll get back on track with God. Hockey season ended, and I occupied my time with other things. If I don't seek God today, what will change in the future?

Vocation and the Kingdom of God

This chapter talked about "the kingdom of God." In a practical way. God has given us free will. Ideally our little "kingdoms" will align with His kingdom. For now, I'm called to be at Calvin. I always look forward to "someday" when hopefully I'll be serving God in another country, and I will fully see how God is working in me and using me each and everyday. The older I get the more I realize that life is "the everyday." I need to learn to seek God here, now.
I also enjoyed the quotation by Richard J. Foster, "Superficiality is the curse of our age. The doctrine of instant satisfaction is a primary spiritual problem. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people." I've grown up in a Christian atmosphere. It's easy to get caught up in the motions, for all to appear to be "good" Christians- who don't struggle with anything and who have a perfect relationship with God. What we need is to be vulnerable with each other. To love and accept each other unconditionally- instead of judging each other.

The Screwtape Letters- Letters VIII and IX

I can relate to both of these letters. In Letter VIII, Screwtape advises his nephew to take advantage of the dull times of human life. In these times idle thoughts can be a detriment to one's faith. The "black and white" lines swirl into a dark gray. Good things that God has given us to enjoy- sex, alcohol, and relationships are gradually perverted. Any satisfaction found in them is lost with this perversion. It seems like we're longing for the meaning and fulfillment that comes through God alone, but we deny that it comes from God. We try to find it in the mere actions without the spiritual aspect of them. . .
I really enjoyed Letter IX. "He wants them to learn to walk and must therefore take away His hand; and if only the will to walk is really there He is pleased even with their stumbles." This is one thing I've been gradually learning. I also look forward to the "mountain-top" experiences with God. I long for those moments when I have no doubts, when I know I'm exactly where God wants me to be. But, most of life is the "everyday."And somehow, God loves me in the everyday, he shows himself in a million small ways each day that I easily overlook. It's also amazing to me that God loves me even when I stumble. Often times in my faith I get to doing things on my own. I forget that Jesus died for me- on nothing I have done. When I stumble in my faith and doubt him I feel like I have failed- but thats the point. I can't do it on my own. Thats WHY Jesus died.

"Screwtape Letters. . . Numero Uno"

I found this letter very interesting. Screwtape explains that humans hold to a bunch of contradicting philosophies at the same time. We say we believe them, but our lives do not reflect our beliefs. He also emphasizes how we get caught up in "ordinary life." When we do start have thoughts toward God, we dismiss them once we come in contact with regular life.
Moreover I also found it interesting how he talked about how argument does not convince humans to follow or not follow God. The best way to draw someone away from God is to distract them.
All of these points seem very true. This letter was thought provoking. A relationship with God means loving him and seeking him in the midst of ordinary life. Can ordinary life become extraordinary? Do I settle for too little? Or is monotony just part of life? We all have those "mountain-top" experiences- then we come down again, and "ordinary life" resumes. But can we live on the mountain-top? Do we give in too easily to "ordinary life?" Obviously, we will have our ups and downs, but what about the middles?

"On Forgiveness"

I got a book a few years ago with a bunch of essays by C.S. Lewis. Over interim I found myself reading an essay "On Forgiveness." Lewis talks about forgiveness, how he doesn't usually grasp its meaning. He says, “I find that when I think I am asking God to forgive me I am often in reality (unless I watch myself very carefully) asking Him to do something quite different. I am asking Him not to forgive me but to excuse me. Forgiveness says ‘Yes, you have done this thing, but I accept your apology; I will never hold it against you and everything between us two will be exactly as it was before.’ But excusing says; I see that you couldn’t help it or didn’t mean it; you weren’t really to blame.’ If one was not really to blame then there is nothing to forgive. . .But the trouble is that what we call ‘asking God’s forgiveness’ very often really consists in asking God to accept our excuses. . .We are so very anxious to point out [our excuses] to God (and to ourselves) that we are apt to forget the really important thing; that is, the bit left over, the bit which the excuses don’t cover, the bit which is inexcusable but not, thank God unforgivable. . .Real forgiveness means looking steadily at the sin, the sin that is left over without any excuse, after all allowances have been made, and seeing it in all its horror, dirt, meanness, and malice, and nevertheless being wholly reconciled to the man who has done it. That, and only that, is forgiveness, and that we can always have from God if ask for it."
Ok, thats a pretty long quote. I just couldn't leave any of it out... Forgiveness is something I don't often think about. My religion- my claim is that my life is based on forgiveness. Jesus died for my sins. I'm forgiven. If I thought about this everyday, If I sought to understand exactly what it means to be forgiven- my life would be drastically different. No day could possibly be that bad- how can I complain about menial things when ALL of my sins have been forgiven- forever- on nothing I have done? How can I possibly have a bad attitude- if I realize I'm forgiven, I'm debt-free? How can I feel inferior if I remember that God loves me, God wants a relationship with me- even though I'm sinful. I have not even begun to understand the depths of God's forgiveness.

"Our English Syllabus"

I really enjoyed "Our English Syllabus" by C.S. Lewis. Often times I feel like I'm learning about one side of an issue. Yes, this syllabus is good for high school (but I was starting to get sick of it). Now, I love learning. I love learning things that will challenge the way I think. I agree with Lewis- students should be able to explore, to learn for themselves. They should be given freedom to be creative. They should question things- never just accept the status quo. This inquiry, this search for truth and knowledge is a gift from God. We can also have peace knowing that we will never know everything, but He does. That's why He's God and we're not. Even though we can't possibly understand and discover everything, we can still enjoy the journey. Finally, this learning should be carried on throughout life, not just for 4 years in college.

We Have No Right To Happiness

A giant snowstorm hit yesterday. In my philosophy class, we were talking about the snow. Some of us enjoy snow, others hate the cold weather. We all came to the same conclusion; however. Since we cannot change our situation- the snow, but we can change our attitudes, we might as well enjoy the weather. The snowy weather was beyond our control, yet it still affected our attitude, our happiness. C.S. Lewis also admits that often times we look to things beyond our control to make us happy in "We Have No Right To Happiness." He uses the example of a couple who left their spouses for each other. After all, they have a right to happiness don't they?
The woman who told them of this couple suggested that they have a legal and even moral right to happiness. Obvious from the title, the reader knows that Lewis disagrees. Instead he argues that we have a right to happiness within lawful means- moral law and state law. He argues that a society given over to immediate pleasures would deteriorate.
I also found the last two paragraphs very interesting. Lewis showed that a society given over to sexual pleasures would be demeaning to women. Ultimately, women would be harmed. And to battle this women have become more promiscuous. This is prevalent in our society today. Everyone longs to be loved. Most would risk all instead of losing this one chance at love, forever. The fulfillment from acting on sexual impulses does not last.
Lewis also made another interesting point. He stated that this mentality of acting impulsively, disregarding moral and natural law would spill over into all aspects of society. And it has, almost undetected. Without moral standards, society deteriorates.

Bulverism

I found C.S. Lewis' essay on "Bulverism" very interesting. I see bulverism all around. We are constantly trying to explain why someone believes something, then we dismiss his reasoning and purposes as simple and stupid. Bulverism attempts to refute an argument without real arguments. The purposes behind a thought are dismissed instead of proving the idea wrong itself. However, I believe that there is some good to understand the thought processes behind certain ideas. In understand the influences and thought processes behind an ideology, we better understand another section of the world. Instead of dismissing an argument with this background information, we should understand the background information in order to better understand the ideology, then refute it logically and reasonably.
When looking for an example of understanding, yet still refuting an ideology one could use communism. Ideally, communism looks great. Equality and justice for all. After all, capitalism cannot exist without poor people. Someone has to be exploited in order to make a profit, in order for capitalism to continue. Not everyone can be rich. So, communism looks wonderful. It even looks biblical. After all, in Acts didn't all the believers share everything in common? They loved each other and shared their lives- emotionally, spiritually, and materially with each other? Doesn't that sound beautiful? So, I have this understanding of communism. I understand why communists believe what they believe. However, I am not a communist. I know that communism is impossible. It's impossible because we are tainted. We're sinful and selfish. We cannot live together and share everything. We always want more, we want to better ourselves instead of our neighbor.
I also enjoyed how CS Lewis brought us to God, the One who is behind Reason. Without Him we could KNOW nothing. We try to make ourselves independent of his authority through our own thought, our own reason. But without him, without this higher power, our reason would not exist. It would not be credible. Yet, we still try to divorce Reason from the Supernatural, when in fact they go hand in hand.

Chapter 1: Longing and Hope

I found the first chapter of Plantinga's book very similar to "The Weight of Glory." I discussed the longing and fulfillment in my other blog, but a few more things stood out to me in this reading. First of all, I really enjoyed the idea that beauty, the fulfillment of this longing, comes through people. We will never be completely filled on earth, but our relationships and daily tasks are not meaningless. God created me for today. If I remember this, I can take joy in each day.
I also liked the idea that "genuine hope always combines imagination, faith, and desire." I'm often a realist. Growing up I was always fascinated by the lives of missionaries who came to visit my church. I almost idolized them. They were super-humans, used by God. "God would never use me in amazing ways," I thought. Since then I've grown in confidence, God has placed many encouragers in my life at various times. A few years ago I remember my friend Henry saying, "Our God is the God of dreams." We often forget that "nothing is impossible with God." It is easy to get bogged down by the world, by bills, broken relationships, and unfulfilled visions- yet we cannot give up hope. I believe that God gives us dreams, he will grow us in faith (alot!), and he will be found faithful to fulfill them. They may not happen the way we planned, but thats part of the excitement.
I just spent the last paragraph showing how our God is the God of what seems impossible. I can say that, but do I really believe it? Shalom, reconciliation, the world the way it should be- all this sounds wonderful, but is it realistic? Sometimes its hard for me to believe. I know in my mind that God is greater than man, but it's not something I have fully learned in my heart yet. I see inequality and racism, I hear insincere words and empty promises- all this in the church and Christian institutions. If we do not love each other, how can we love the world?

The Weight of Glory

I was reading Ephesians 1 today with a friend. We came across words like power, glory, and hope- words we hear all the time, yet think little about. Right now, I do not know what these words mean. I could give you a definition for each of them. I know them in my mind, but not my heart. I do know; however, that I have this longing that C.S. Lewis describes in "The Weight of Glory." I ache for something more, but I'm not quite sure what. Words cannot express this desire.
Often times I look to good times in the past, times I remember as feeling full, as Lewis describes. I also draw hope from the future. "Once I get to college, my life will be in place. I'll be where God wants me to be." I reach this points and life seems to just go on. I've been learning that life on earth is not glorious, yet somehow it's still beautiful. God loves me in the everyday, in the small things.
So, Lewis talks about my longing -this glory. I cannot wait for it to be fulfilled. I cannot wait to finally feel comfortable with myself. I will be sure of who God created me to be. I will be new, fresh, revived. A few things do help with this longing though. I long to realize God's love for me and to love him in return. That is not my only task; however. God created us to love people. And this love, these relationships are fulfilling. I've met alot of new people since coming to Calvin. It's easy for me to dismiss people before I meet them. I limit myself on the relationships I could form before a word is said. Lewis refutes this type of thinking. He calls us to see others as children of God. They, too will be glorious. God created them, God loves them. God will affirm them.