Thanks goes to Eric Carpenter for this photo. His post also informed me that C. S. Lewis and John F. Kennedy both died on the same day.
I love this quote, but what I really love is that Lewis is smoking. I sure wish Lewis were alive today so he could weigh in on all that is going on Christianity.
Yes, bearing one’s cross daily is not as comfortable as drinking some port and smoking a cigarette [let everyone do it who likes it. As for me – Pew! – port too bitter and smoke stinks 😉 ].
Maybe it all depends on the definition of happiness. I guess that C.S. Lewis – here at least – spoke of pleasure rather than of Christian happiness which, of course, cannot be found in any outwardly oriented religion if we are not indwelt by the Holy Spirit who gives us love, joy, peace, and much more (Gal 5:22-23). Or in other words,
“Don’t let your happiness depend on something you may lose.”
“God can’t give us peace and happiness apart from Himself because there is no such thing.” (C.S. Lewis)
Actually, biblical happiness exists as King James ( 😉 ) confirms.
“Happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.” (Ps 144:15 KJV)
“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” (Prv 3:13 KJV)
“If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you.” (1 Pt 4:14 KJV)
Don’t worry, be happy … for it is written,
“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Phil 4:4 KJV)
🙂
Susanne,
Yes, biblical happiness does exist. I probably think of it more as “joy,” which is something we can feel despite “unhappy” circumstances in life.
Yes, you are right, Jeremy. I didn’t think of circumstances at all because I was so happily joy-focused 🙂 .
Yes and no. True, the sanctification process of Christianity is much more difficult than living for yourself; however, resting in the salvation/justification/presence of God benefits of Christianity brings joy.
Who needs the musings of C S Lewis when we have you Jeremy?
What?! 🙂
I sometimes think most of what I have learned has come from reading C.S. Lewis.
I am really not sure what is this post for. Is this any kind of apologia for cigarette using?
Yes, that is exactly it. I am telling people to go smoke cigarettes.
I like what my pastor says: “Welcome to Christianity! Come on in, the water’s choppy…”
Excellent.
Ha! That’s good. Very choppy indeed! Sometimes terrifyingly choppy.
I remember that day very vividly. Unfortunately, Lewis’ passing went almost unnoticed, due to the Kennedy story.
Joy and happiness are probably not exactly the same thing.
You may be aware that cigarette smoking was not Lewis’ only, or even his worst foible. He didn’t exactly subscribe to the legalism of the C of E of his day, and I suspect would not subscribe to the legalism we find in many of our churches today.
I have started reading the new CS Lewis biography. It is very good so far.
C. S. L. did not appreciate what Jesus does to the condemned soul! Did he realize that he would stand before Jesus not to determine his eternal destiny but what it would be like! (his eternal destiny) What writings of his that Jesus would really value in return for his place in His Kingdom.
There is no question that his writings were brilliant and God does appreciate it to a degree. C. S. L. influence for Christianity was immense in that it open men’s and women’s thoughts to a Triune God who would judge the world with honesty. However he did not make it clear that Jesus has been judged for the world and that belief in Him (for everlasting life) makes you eternally secure in His Hands!
You are right, Harrison, as we can read it, for example, here http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2011/01/28/cautions-for-mere-christianity/
PS
We may read, watch, and listen to whatever we want as long as we are able to discern the spirits (1 Jn 4:1). Otherwise, confusion will surely arise.
Yes, he may not have taught this as clearly as I would have liked.
There’s such a contrast between the “happy/comfort” that the world – and sometimes I – strive for and the one I see described in scripture. (2 Corinthians 6:3-10, emphasis verse 10)
I spent many an hour enjoying C.S.L. different novels! Jeremy, you could write a novel , without any thing illicit being said or done, as Lewis did, about a man who found ways to talk about Jesus (Gods Grace you know what I mean) over and against the forces surrounding him. The Grace that is actuated but not impowerd by our will for everlasting life from Jesus. This Jesus is the Power that gives and keeps us!
Are you asking me to write a novel? Ha! I am a TERRIBLE story teller. Absolutely horrendous. If a novel ever came out of my head, it would truly be a miracle of God. Ha! How about you writing one?!