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
Non-Christians seem to think that the Incarnation implies some particular merit or excellence in humanity. But of course it implies just the reverse: a particular demerit and depravity. No creature that deserved Redemption would need to be redeemed. They that are whole need not the physician. Christ died for men precisely because men are not worth dying for; to make them worth it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the idea that humanity's need for redemption stems from its inherent flaws, rather than any excellence.
C. S. Lewis articulates the Christian belief that the Incarnation of Christ serves as a profound reflection of humanity's depravity rather than its merits. His argument suggests that if humanity were inherently worthy, there would be no need for redemption; thus, it underscores the notion that Christ's sacrifice was made for flawed beings to bestow upon them worthiness through grace.
Themes
RedemptionHumanityFlawsSacrificeGrace
In practice
Example use cases
When discussing themes of humility and grace in a religious context.
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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