"I take it as a first principle that we must not interpret any one part of Scripture so that it contradicts other parts . . . . The real inter-relation between God's omnipotence and Man's freedom is something we can't find out. Looking at the Sheep & the Goats every man can be quite sure that every kind act he does will be accepted by Christ. Yet, equally, we all do feel sure that all the good in us comes from Grace. We have to leave it at that. I find the best plan is to take the Calvinist view of my own virtues and other people's vices; and the other view of my own vices and other peoples virtues. But tho' there is much to be puzzled about, there is nothing to be worried about. It is plain from Scripture that, in whatever sense the Pauline doctrine is true, it is not true in any sense which excludes its (apparent) opposite. You know what Luther said: 'Do you doubt if you are chosen? Then say your prayers and you may conclude that you are.'" ( pp.354-355). In light of this quote, can we conclude Lewis may have been just a little..., teeny bit convinced of the doctrines of grace? What do you think?
2 comments:
The doctrines of grace are inescapable if you read and believe the scriptures. It is only when our skewed sence of justice enters into the equation that we tend to doubt man's depravity. It would not surprise me in the least if Lewis held Calvinist leanings. Every believer, either openly or secretly, holds on to grace or works.
I'd have to say that in reading many of his writings, and his church background being Anglican, he might have had some leanings, but was probably more Arminian. I say this because on the depravity issue, he would view mankind (in reading The Great Divorce, for example) as "bent" rather than "broken." There is also a strong element of choice/free will that is prevalent (in my opinion).
But Zach is quite right when he states that every beliver in Christ holds to grace or works. Indeed.
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