Feeling Quote by C.S. Lewis
““You will remember how, as a schoolboy, I had destroyed my religious life by a vicious subjectivism which made 'realizations' the aim of prayer; turning away from God to seek states of mind, and trying to produce those states of mind by 'maistry'.””
About This Quote
The speaker recounts a youthful rebellion against organized religion, replacing worship with a self‑directed quest for altered consciousness through intellectual and mystical practices.
In simple terms: A personal crisis of faith driven by subjective experience.
Key Takeaway
Faith can be reduced to a self‑indulgent pursuit of feeling.
Themes
faith
subjectivity
spiritual crisis
intellectualism
prayer
self‑knowledge
Mood
reflective
confessional
introspective
Type
personal anecdote
philosophical reflection
When to use this quote
- young adult questioning belief
- seeking meaning through philosophy
- exploring alternative spirituality
- academic study of religion
Key Concepts
religion
subjectivism
mind‑states
ritual
mysticism
Practical Applications
- writing on spiritual authenticity
- counseling for faith transitions
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to seek God through personal experience rather than doctrine?
- How can one balance intellectual inquiry with spiritual humility?
