Tuesday, August 15, 2006

C. S. Lewis on the Emptiness of External Religion


To follow the previous post, here is a quote from C. S. Lewis where he is making the point that the worst sins are often not the obvious ones, but can often be masked in religiosity. Lewis specifically mentions the pleasure of power, which is a good warning to anyone in leadership. This quote is also a good reminder of the heart of the problem and our need of the gospel, not just moral renovation:

"A cold, self-righteous prig who goes regularly to church may be far nearer to hell than a prostitute. But, of course, it is better to be neither."
Mere Christianity, 95.

He had a way with words didn't he. :)

3 comments:

Jeremiah said...

Dr. Van Neste,

I'm sure it was pure coincidence that you included a picture of Lewis enjoying a cigar?

But surely the days of us viewing holiness simply in terms of abstinence from outward vices is past, right? :)

Seriously, well needed words to hear in our day, brother.

Jeremiah

Sam Bullington said...

Hmm. A good Cigar and a C. S. Lewis book. Does it get any better? Perhaps a couple of friends who also enjoy a good cigar and a good Lewis book (are there any bad ones?).

Anonymous said...

It's a pipe actually.