When weighing these which can be influential segues into the Christian church, we have to be cautious.
Usually, those who come from the world carry into the church their pre-Christian baggage and hand it off to the newly transformed.
In a really possible way, I see these as utilized by God to a noble goal however in one other approach – we have to hold our eyes extensive open.
For instance, C.S. Lewis was a superb, fantastic author and thinker. I learn him and revel in no matter he says. His pathways to the Christian religion are maybe unparalleled within the final century for reaching the unreachable erudite mental European and their offspring.
Nonetheless, he solely had a satisfactory understanding of Christian theology. I consider he believed it however he typically misunderstood it. As a extremely literary man of phrases his doctrine of scripture was a tragic failure, his doctrine of God maybe barely orthodox and his soteriology a purse of differing traditions held collectively by metaphors and fairy tales.
Don’t get me unsuitable right here, his worth is highly effective. He’s a doorway to God by way of a pen and ink. Among the best British ethicists of the post-war period. However he couldn’t have been a minister in any cautious denomination (those that take faith significantly). He was magnificent however simply barely advisable on some crucial issues.
Right here’s the purpose, some women and men like this, they’re a blessing to the world and draw individuals nearer to Christ by way of genius, zeal and ignorance. They don’t know higher, however neither do those to whom they’re known as to minister. Generally a prophet is named to the Jews and generally to the gentiles however Christ ministers to all of them. So that they serve their godly goal. I don’t suppose their blessings by God will likely be diminished on this.
However actually, for the church, for those who already know Christ and the Bible, and see clearly by way of the oracles of God .. they could be a useless distraction. The theology isn’t superb and the visions and insights that shock and draw the worldly minded are by the deeply Christian thoughts, both already identified or may be extra powerfully gained by way of different extra pure sources.
I really like Lewis, but when i need to know something about critical faith there are 100 puritans that knew it higher and with a readability and doctrinal purity he couldn’t attain.
Studying Augustine, Luther, Calvin and the Divines, I by no means really feel like I have to examine Lewis on one thing earlier than I transfer on.
It’s only a matter of majoring on the majors.
Neiswonger
