1. Welcome to Baptist Board, a friendly forum to discuss the Baptist Faith in a friendly surrounding.

    Your voice is missing! You will need to register to get access to all the features that our community has to offer.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon and God Bless!

Reading C.S.Lewis can be Dangerous

Discussion in 'Books & Publications Forum' started by procyon, Dec 12, 2005.

  1. Jer2913

    Jer2913 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2005
    Messages:
    28
    Likes Received:
    0
    Procyon, would you mind giving us some expamples of C.S. Lewis's writings that get you to think that he used Pagan philsophy for Christianity at times?
    I myself haven't read the whole book of Mere Christianity, I think I'm in the third part, I just got through where he explains an idea of how Christ was able to atone for our sins. So far I don't think I have really read anything that sounds wrong in it. Although I know a while ago when I was just starting to read it he was explaining morality. On morality, part of it sounded like he was saying that truth is different in different situations, which I don't think is biblical, but that was the only thing really that I remember. Now if I read that part again I might understand better of what he was saying, but I'm not really sure.
    But Procyon, do ya think you could give us some expamples on C.S. Lewis using pagan philosphy in his writings? Thanks! :-D


    Jer2913
     
  2. procyon

    procyon New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2005
    Messages:
    157
    Likes Received:
    0
    David Cloud, a Fundamental Baptist and a spokesman of other Fundamentalist Bible-believing Christians, has written an article "Beware of C.S.Lewis" in his website, www.wayoflife.org
    May be you should take a look at it.

    However, I have come to the conclusion that C.S. Lewis is dangerous, because after my close and continued reading of the Bible [and the revelation of the Holy Spirit], I can categorically state that C.S.Lewis knew very little of the Bible, was certainly not Biblical, was not spiritual, was not living a holy life, was no witness for Christ, and his entire philosophy is a hotchpotch mixture of various pagan myths and beliefs.
     
  3. Jer2913

    Jer2913 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2005
    Messages:
    28
    Likes Received:
    0
    I'll take a look at the site. In the meantime. Here's a link I found, it's an interview with C.S. Lewis's step son Douglas Gresham. http://www.duncanentertainment.com/interview_gresham.php

    They are talking about C.S.Lewis from his stepsons perspective. See what ya think of it.

    Jer2913
     
  4. Bible-boy

    Bible-boy Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2002
    Messages:
    4,254
    Likes Received:
    1
    Then I guess we should also beware of reading Plato, Aristotle, and other Great Books of the Western World. Someone should have explained that to Dr. Paige Patterson before he instituted the BA in History of Ideas program at Southeastern College at Wake Forest (shares campus with SEBTS). :rolleyes:

    I don't think anyone worships C.S. Lewis as an idol. :rolleyes:

    That is a good question. However, it would still be a valid question even if the Bible were the only book ever published in the entire world. The answer is that our hearts are wicked and left unchecked by the Holy Spirit we will always go astray. I agree with your prayer. [​IMG]
     
  5. Bible-boy

    Bible-boy Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2002
    Messages:
    4,254
    Likes Received:
    1
    You could not be more wrong. As I pointed out in my previous post the entire History of Ideas program at Southeastern College at Wake Forest (shares campus with SEBTS) is based on the Great Books of the Western World. When one reads these works with a critical eye and a biblical understanding it makes you into a great Christian apologist. Understanding these works gives you the greatest ability to understand why the post-modern world thinks and acts the way it does, and opens the door for you to be able to witness for Christ using the language and terminology that post-modern people understand.
     
  6. procyon

    procyon New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2005
    Messages:
    157
    Likes Received:
    0
    I understand why so many are passionate about C.S.Lewis. He seems to be the darling of what I call the neo-evangelicals. He appears to justify fundamental Christian theology, but there is subtle twist here and there and only those who are spiritual and strong in the Word of God [the Bible] can discern the 'snares of the enemy'. :cool:

    Nobody would have minded if C.S.Lewis did not claim to be Christian and stand as a defender of the faith. But he becomes dangerous when he 'postures' as a Christian theologian, when in fact his understanding of the Bible is so limited. He may be intellectual, but he is not spiritual. [​IMG]
     
  7. Sularis

    Sularis Member

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2000
    Messages:
    943
    Likes Received:
    0
    I read the way of life articles - and may i say - biased to the point of not noticing contradictory evidence

    and procyon - here's the point

    DEFEND YOUR POINTS

    You judge another man's salvation - that makes you guilty of sin and in error - it would've been far better to say that you dont agree with CS Lewis and why - supporting with quotes

    the way of life folk - need to

    1) lighten up
    2) find some Turkish Delight (this is a joke)
    3) and re-read from the viewpoint of repentance.

    I could go into more detail procyon - but I want you to try and think about repentance/salvation and how it ties into the final judgement. Cant give too much away
     
  8. procyon

    procyon New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2005
    Messages:
    157
    Likes Received:
    0
    "Great Books of the Western World. When one reads these works with a critical eye and a biblical understanding it makes you into a great Christian apologist". "Understanding these works gives you the greatest ability to understand why the post-modern world thinks and acts the way it does, and opens the door for you to be able to witness for Christ using the language and terminology that post-modern people understand".Bible Boy

    I don't want to be a 'great Christian apologist'; I don't want the 'greatest ability' to understand post-modernism. I don't want to be enmeshed in vain theological complexities in an academic program. I want to live the Christian life, led by the Spirit of God. I would prefer the 'foolishness of God' to all of man's intellectual brilliance [and spiritual dullness!]

    When will we learn true humility and stop being impressed by so called intellectual giants [spiritual pygmies] like C.S.Lewis? I suppose hero-worship [idolatry] runs in our blood!
     
  9. Bro. James

    Bro. James Well-Known Member
    Site Supporter

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2004
    Messages:
    3,130
    Likes Received:
    59
    Faith:
    Baptist
    Nothing wrong with facing the enemy head-on--if we have the whole armour of God in place. Only Jesus can shield the fiery darts of the Devil. Satan knows more scripture than we, and he is the master of confusion.

    Selah,

    Bro. James
     
  10. DesiderioDomini

    DesiderioDomini New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2005
    Messages:
    836
    Likes Received:
    0
    That is not all you said. You claimed that CSL is in hell, and you accused him of pagan theology.

    You have been asked several times for examples, and in response to that, you post one article from David Cloud. That article is so off-based, its not even funny. But here is something I do know: When those of your persuasion (fundamentalist) make an accusation, and when asked to provide evidence are reluctant to do so, the accusation was a flat out LIE. I truely wish there was another way to say that, but if you HONESTLY had evidence that CSL believed in pagan theology, YOU WOULD HAVE INCLUDED A REFERENCE IN YOUR VERY NEXT POST. You did not, in fact you posted several more times before even offering up 2nd hand evidence from Cloud.
    I find your behavior to be dishonest, and I feel repentance is in order.

    What's ironic about this is I am not even a fan of CSL! I read ONE BOOK OF HIS, and didnt even finish it (Screwtape letters) because his style of writing simply annoyed me, most likely because he is British. I have absolutely ZERO emotional ties to CSL, so your statement of me making an idol of him is laughable.

    The fact that you have still offered no evidence of your own means 2 things:

    1. This accusation was most likely brought to your attention by someone else, and you bought it.

    2. You have no factual evidence first hand, because otherwise you would have been quick to provide it.

    I now realize that the verses I posted for you went unnoticed, since you seem to have no problem with slander, spreading gossip, causing dissention, and avoiding responsibility for your actions.

    I wish I could have some faith that you would set this straight and repent of your misinformation, but I have dealt with this type of accusation before, and you would be one of the very few who actually cared about whether or not his accusation was true. Most simply live for the kill, as they say. They truely dont care if the facts back them up. Its a very sad state of affairs, always pointing the finger.

    I ask you again, read those verses, and examine your statements. I would love to be wrong about you.
     
  11. rsr

    rsr <b> 7,000 posts club</b>
    Moderator

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2001
    Messages:
    11,851
    Likes Received:
    1,084
    Faith:
    Baptist
    Then I would advise you not to read these people's objectionable works lest you be contaminated.

    As far as hero worship — LOL. I don't worship any heroes; in fact, I have an allergy to celebrities of any sort. I happen to like reading Lewis, just as I enjoy reading Mark Twain. Neither of them do I consider heroes.
     
  12. procyon

    procyon New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2005
    Messages:
    157
    Likes Received:
    0
    I'm glad I've seen through C.S.Lewis [​IMG] . There was a time when I was excited about him. But after thoroughly reading the Word of God, I realise that immature minds can be carried away by the heresies of intellectual minds like CSL's. :eek:

    The proof of one knowing Christ is not by talking about Him, but by living His life. The life-style of CSL was very peculiar and not to be emulated. In other words, back up your faith by your testimony!! :cool: [​IMG]
     
  13. Phillip

    Phillip <b>Moderator</b>

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Messages:
    6,708
    Likes Received:
    0
    Procyon, do you know ANY human that is perfect?

    I say we do NOT emulate anybody except Christ.

    If we do that, then we can read literature like C. S. Lewis' with a discerning mind.
     
  14. natters

    natters New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 23, 2004
    Messages:
    2,496
    Likes Received:
    0
    After reading the Word of God, I realized that with things (like Narnia, Christian writers whom we're not in 100% agreement with, companies that hold morally questionable stances, and so on), we can eat the meat and spit out the bones, we can keep the baby and throw out just the bathwater.
     
  15. Phillip

    Phillip <b>Moderator</b>

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2001
    Messages:
    6,708
    Likes Received:
    0
    Procyon, I too am glad you have seen through C. S. Lewis and found out that he just happens to be a sinner. So, when do we start the book burning. We'll start with your collection; since you seem to be susceptable to FICTION. [​IMG]
     
  16. ccrobinson

    ccrobinson Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2005
    Messages:
    4,459
    Likes Received:
    1
    We'll have us a little book barbecue. They'll see the flames for miles. We'll dance around it like wild Injuns! [​IMG]
     
  17. DesiderioDomini

    DesiderioDomini New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2005
    Messages:
    836
    Likes Received:
    0
    Once again, you are proving why the unsaved world rejects the garbage you call "fundamentalism". Wanna know why?

    because you are LONG on ACCUSATIONS (isnt that Satan's job?) and short on evidence, even when asked several times.

    You are a gossip, a slanderer, and a liar, up until the second you offer evidence for the accusations you have made. Obviously, you have continued to reject the bible with your actions.

    "THIS is what an unbelieving world, simply finds UNBELIEVABLE"

    The character of fundies like you embarrass the name of Christ. Do us all a favor, read what that bible says about slander, then come back and either recant your statements, or offer some evidence behind them.

    OR, you can continue to do what you are doing, and give a few more unsaved people one more reason to reject Christ, because if his followers care nothing about the truth, how can Jesus be truth?

    It doesnt seem like you care one bit that your actions are against scripture. That is a scary place to be, having a heart so hardened that even scripture wont crack it.
     
  18. tinytim

    tinytim <img src =/tim2.jpg>

    Joined:
    Oct 31, 2003
    Messages:
    11,250
    Likes Received:
    0
    That settles it. David Cloud is against Lewis.
    Lewis must be right!!

    Reading David Cloud is dangerous. He adds unscriptual legalism to the Word of God, and calls everyone that doesn't agree with him wrong.

    Sorry, I don't trust Cloud's convictions, he is wrong too many times.
     
  19. Helen

    Helen <img src =/Helen2.gif>

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2001
    Messages:
    11,703
    Likes Received:
    2
    When someone decides to burn Lewis' books, I refuse to give up mine! I deeply appreciate his writings in his essays and sermons. They have caused me to think about things I might not have considered otherwise and this has resulted in my loving God more and appreciating my fellow man more. If this is the fruit of his teaching, then his teaching isn't too bad!

    He explores Christian concepts from the point of view of a born again Christian. Certainly I disagree with some of the symbolism he uses, especially in his fiction. But I do understand why he used it and what he was trying to convey. So I am not offended by it.

    He was a brilliant and humble -- and funny -- Christian brother. He was very insightful regarding human nature and that is often what we see him exploring in the light of Christianity. Screwtape Letters and The Great Divorce are excellent examples of this.

    The greatest danger about Lewis is that he made you think. Some people are allergic to that. They break out in paranoia.
     
  20. tinytim

    tinytim <img src =/tim2.jpg>

    Joined:
    Oct 31, 2003
    Messages:
    11,250
    Likes Received:
    0
    Is that what the red rash is? Good. ... I was beginning to worry.

    I hate to think... It makes my head hurt.
    I'll just take what others say at face value and not do my own research. (Tim says a bit sarcasticly!!!)
     
Loading...