An Analogy

I was on the road Tuesday and Wednesday, and I listened the entire audiobook of Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis. 

To hear the whole book in what felt like one sitting was an odd experience.  The advantage is that I heard the whole book as one piece, each part fitting togehter with the other parts to make a cohesive unit.  I must admit, however, that it was a large amount of information to digest in one large gulp.  I think I might have retained more if I had read it chapter by chapter and given it some thought as I went along.  I have read the book before, and this was a different way to encounter it.

Several images from the book stand out in my mind, including this one to explain Theology.  One man might say to you, "I have seen God, and I don't need your theology to explain him: I have experienced him."  Lewis says that is true, as far as it goes, and he agrees with the man to a point.

Consider that you are standing beside the ocean, feet in the surf.  It is a wonderful experience.  It is much better than looking at a map of the ocean.  However, the useful thing about a map is that it is a composite of many people's views and knowledge of and about the ocean -- not just yours.  And if you goal is to cross the ocean -- if you have a destination -- then you will need the map.  Standing, looking at the ocean won't get you there.

The same can be said of theology.  An experience of God is wonderful -- a gift.  Theology is a combination of many people's experiences of God, and it is a way for you to move beyond your own, personal experience, to a place of growth.

I like the analogy.