A dogmatic belief in objective value is necessary to the very idea of a rule which is not tyranny or an obedience which is not slavery.
C. S. LewisRead
An 'impersonal God'-well and good. A subjective God of beauty, truth and goodness, inside our own heads-better still. A formless life-force surging through us, a vast power which we can tap-best of all. But God himself, alive, pulling at the other end of the cord, perhaps approaching at an infinite speed, the hunter, King, husband-that is quite another matter.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the varying perceptions of God, ranging from an abstract concept to a personal relationship that influences our lives.
C. S. Lewis explores the complexity of understanding God, suggesting that while an impersonal or subjective view of divinity can be comforting, the idea of a personal God who actively engages with us presents a deeper reality. He contrasts different interpretations of God, emphasizing that a personal connection with the divine can bring about profound changes in our lives and experiences.
Themes
GodPersonalDivinePerceptionFaith
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on spirituality in a philosophy class.
More from C. S. Lewis
All quotes →I enjoyed my breakfast this morning, and I think that was a good thing and do not think it was condemned by God. But I do not think myself a good man for enjoying it.
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Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.
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Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved.
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I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. It doesn't change God - it changes me.
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The instrument through which you see God is your whole self. And if a man's self is not kept clean and bright, his glimpse of God will be blurred
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