From Dream to Waking
This is how I distinguish dreaming and waking. When I am awake I can, in some degree, account for and study my dream. The dragon that pursued me last night can be fitted into my waking world. I know that there are such things as dreams; I know that I had eaten an indigestible dinner; I know that a man of my reading might be expected to dream of dragons. But while in the nightmare I could not have fitted in my waking experience. The waking world is judged more real because it can thus contain the dreaming world; the dreaming world is judged less real because it cannot contain the waking one. For the same reason I am certain that in passing from the scientific points of view to the theological, I have passed from dream to waking. Christian theology can fit in science, art, morality, and the sub-Christian religions. The scientific point of view cannot fit in any of these things, not even science itself. I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.
~C.S. Lewis, "Is Theology Poetry?", The Weight of Glory (1945)
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Cool link of the day: Wandering Fire Pottery
5 Comment(s):
This quote confuses me a little, in that I don't understand what he means by "The scientific point of view cannot fit in any of these things, not even science itself." How can scientific beliefs not fit in a belief in science?
Also, I'm not sure what he means by sub-Christian religions. Is he speaking of pre-christianity--those religions that existed before Christian teachings? or is he speaking of non-Christian religions, like Buddhism and Hinduism?
But I do love the last line of this passage.
Kerewyn: Hmmm... but what if the dreaming world contains all elements taken FROM the waking world? Actually... I know what he means here but can't find equivalent language to discuss it, and admire anyone who can. An interesting quote! (but I can't figure out the last bit either)
Psalm 36:9
"For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light."
That's perfect. Thanks, Roger! =)
I love your site and check in most days to read what you have posted. Thank you.
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