Bible Quote by C.S. Lewis
““Talk to me about the truth of religion and I'll listen gladly. Talk to me about the duty of religion and I'll listen submissively. But don't come talking to me about the consolations of religion or I shall suspect that you don't understand. Unless, of course, you can literally believe all that stuff about family reunions 'on the further shore,' pictured in entirely earthly terms. But that is all unscriptural, all out of bad hymns and lithographs. There's not a word of it in the Bible. And it rings false. We know it couldn't be like that. Reality never repeats. The exact same thing is never taken away and given back. How well the Spiritualists bait their hook! 'Things on this side are not so different after all.' There are cigars in Heaven. For that is what we should all like. The happy past restored.””
About This Quote
The speaker distinguishes between intellectual curiosity about religion, obedient duty, and comforting myths, rejecting the latter as unbiblical and unrealistic.
In simple terms: He doubts comforting religious myths that lack scriptural basis.
Key Takeaway
Question religious claims against evidence.
Themes
faith
skepticism
truth
religion
mythology
Mood
skeptical
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
analytical
skeptical
When to use this quote
- personal belief
- theological debate
- spiritual seeking
- academic discussion
Key Concepts
scripture
existential doubt
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence supports your religious beliefs?
- How do you differentiate doctrine from myth?
A Different Perspective
Religious comfort narratives may ignore reality and promote false hope.
