I am registered for a class this semester entitled "Thought of CS Lewis". In this class we will be exploring Lewis' writings as it relates to philosophy and theology, and part of the assignment is keeping a daily journal on notable quotes from his works. I am a big fan of the Screwtape Letters and give you this quote for February 1, 2010.
"And now for your blunders. On your own shoing you first of all al-lowed the patient to read a book he really enjoyed, because he enjoyed it and not in order to make clever remarks about it to his new friends. In the second place, you allowed him to walk down to the old mill and have tea there – a walk through country he really likes, and taken alone. In other words you allowed him two real positive Pleasures." ~CS Lewis, Screwtape Letters, 13
This quote from the screwtape letters, from a senior 'devil' to a young understudy, highlights CS Lewis understanding of Joy and pleasure. There is happiness, fleeting pleasures, and there is a true joy and pleasure that satisfies the created human. It satisfies the pleasure that a man can find in God's pure creation, and this as the senior 'devil' rightly understands is dangerous. In Lewis' own description of his conversion, he repeatedly highlights this concept of joy – ever elusive to him, but always there. What does this mean? When we read, do we read for the pure enjoyment of reading? When we pray, do we draw close to God for the peace and joy it brings? When we study God's word, do we study to grow in knowledge of our creator? Live in this creation, enjoying the revelation as a precious gift from God.
