Great post!

Have a good one,
Adobe Man

Thanks for the thoughtful response and good questions.

I think that if you read C.S. Lewis more extensively you will discover that he did in fact believe in an actual spirit world, populated by angels and demons. This is the classical and orthodox Christian view of reality, and if C.S. Lewis was anything, he was an orthodox Christian. I don’t think he would disagree with your question as to whether or not anyone (Christian or not) can become tainted, wounded, and “bent” through the sins of others… especially by parents and as a child. This unfortunately happens all the time in a fallen world (another orthodox Christian view).

Lewis threw in the seeing ourselves as a small and dirty object because that is the Christian view of humanity (total depravity) outside of God. It is the result of man’s rejection of God (in the garden) and his continual rejection ever since then. This in no way changes the reality that we are created in God’s image… but because of sin and the fall, we are a “bent” image.

Lewis believed that a Christian is one who has allowed God to unbend him, through the work of his son, Jesus Christ. So, in a real sense, Christians are very much aware of two things at the same time… their own depravity and sin that separated them from God, and God’s great mercy, compassion and grace in transforming us into something more like his Son (the word Christian literally means “little Christ”).

So, it follows that it is completely incongruous for a Christian to become arrogant and proud of himself and his own accomplishments, and maintain the Christ-like humility that is required to even become a “believer.” Lewis and myself have experienced people who call themselves “Christian” but do not exhibit this humble quality, and show no gratefulness for what God has done for them. This condition is what Lewis called the Great Sin.

I posted this article by Lewis because I have in fact seen this sin exhibited up front and personal in recent months, by someone I know. It has been painful to watch and experience. It has also been sobering to look at myself and see the roots and seeds of the same pride always lurking and tempting me to make the same mistake.

I take heart not in what I am through my own will power, brute strength and force, but in who I am because of what Christ has done in transforming my life. I see myself as “good” only through what Christ has done in me. I can take no credit for any “goodness.” I believe this orthodox Christian perspective is what Lewis was reflecting on as well.

Hope that helps… let me know.

Dan.