January 20, 2004
C.S. Lewis on Community
He works on us in all sorts of ways. But above all, he works on us through each other. Men are mirrors, or “carriers” of Christ to other men. Ususally it is those who know Him that bring Him to others. That is why the church, the whole body of Christians showing Him to one another, is so important. It is so easy to think that the church has a lot of different objects – education, buildings, missions, holding services…the Church exists for no other purpose but to draw men to Christ. to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time. God became man for no other purpose. It is even doubtful, you know, whether the whole universe was created for any other purpose.
- C.S. Lewis
I am preaching on community at church this sunday…I almost feel like I could just read this quote and I would be done. Authentic community, no matter how nice and “comfy and nice” it is, apart from the mission of Christ, bringing life to mankind and redeeming creation, is devoid of eternal value.
01.20.04
By: matt
Indeed… it’s the trickle-down effect.
Life without God is utterly meaningless. Purpose apart from God’s purpose is utterly worthless. Community, religion, career, family, relationship, without the Mission of Christ, is ultimately worthless.
It’s all gonna burn.
01.21.04
By: Todd
no kiddng…
hey, why am i getting the feeling here that you are the only one who ever reads this site! Thank man!
01.21.04
By: matt
dude, you have to ADVERTISE your site! tell all of your friends, anyone who is online a lot. I’m sure you do that already though.
Why do i read this site? I think you have interesting thoughts. And even if you didn’t, you were kind enough to let me have a link on here :)
01.22.04
By: pavi
What a beautiful quote!
06.5.08
By: pilgrim in progress - C.S. Lewis on Community
[...] (HT: Todd Hiestand) [...]
06.9.08
By: Jonathan Dodson
What’s the source on the Lewis quote? Mere?
thanks.
06.10.08
By: Todd
Jonathan, great question! i honestly don’t remember. i posted this in 2003 so I’m racking my brain to figure it out. i really want to know too. if i figure it out, i’ll be sure to let you know.
02.11.10
By: Craig Hensel
Hey fellas. Jonathan and Todd, I believe it comes from Mere Christianity. Chapter 30 I believe. Peace fellas.
11.18.10
By: Scotty Ga
My question is: Why is it than whenever someone cites Lewis they ignore “A Grief Observed”?
It is really personal to me, as I lost my wife after a protracted and diabolical illness which lasted most of the time we were together.
When I read “A Grief Observed” it was only shortly after she died, and I was amazed at the parallel between Lewis’ experience with Helen and my own, and I fully share the bitterness of how the aftelike appeared sans a continuation of a close personal and loving relationship with his (my) spouse.
To me it seems that this is a major deal, but I wonder why this particular piece of work has been “swept under the rug” by so many contemporary Christian writers.