Meaning

[anna.the.gentle]

I need help in figuring out the meaning of Lewis' quote which happens to be my favorite. It's going to be the quote I'm going to put in my yearbook.

The quote:
"I believe in Christianity as I believe the sun has risen as I believe the sun has risen not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."

Thanks!

 

[EveningStar]

Let me give you an example:

One day you wake up and go to school and everywhere you go people are complaining that they got in trouble for something they didn't do, and in every case a teacher says they saw them doing it--case closed. You have your suspicions about them, but still you wonder about this because it's happening everywhere. Then at the end of the day you meet one new guy that looks a bit strange. He introduces himself and brags in you that he has the ability to change his shape to be anything he desires--a chair, a book, or even just like you! To prove it, he turns into your principal, glasses, moustache and all. Now is his admission a single bit of knowledge, or does it make you go "AHA!" inside and think "Wow, this guy has been impersonating people all over the place and getting them in trouble!" Suddenly your whole strange day makes sense. You not only believe HIM but you believe all your FRIENDS because of him.

It's like that with Christianity and the strange things of this world. Christianity does not merely make sense, but it makes everything else make sense.

 

[Into the Wardrobe]

Wonderful explanation as always dear badger!

Does that clear it up for ya Anna, or do you still have more questions? That's a great quote Anna, blessings to you with that!

 

[Lady Badger]

Huh? Oh, yeah!

That is the most bizarre analogy to the Christian worldview I've ever heard. Which is exactly why I like it! Strangely fulfilling...

Let me give you an example:

One day you wake up and go to school and everywhere you go people are complaining that they got in trouble for something they didn't do, and in every case a teacher says they saw them doing it--case closed. You have your suspicions about them, but still you wonder about this because it's happening everywhere. Then at the end of the day you meet one new guy that looks a bit strange. He introduces himself and brags in you that he has the ability to change his shape to be anything he desires--a chair, a book, or even just like you! To prove it, he turns into your principal, glasses, moustache and all. Now is his admission a single bit of knowledge, or does it make you go "AHA!" inside and think "Wow, this guy has been impersonating people all over the place and getting them in trouble!" Suddenly your whole strange day makes sense. You not only believe HIM but you believe all your FRIENDS because of him.

It's like that with Christianity and the strange things of this world. Christianity does not merely make sense, but it makes everything else make sense.

 

[littlemanpoet]

I believe in Christianity as I believe the sun has risen not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.

The sun is an analogy first for Jesus Christ and the fact of his resurrection. Not only is Jesus the truth, but He explains everything else. The sun's rising is a natural every day occurrence while Jesus' resurrection was unique; which is why it's an analogy. Its second analog is the teachings of the Christian faith which have their basis in Jesus. At least, that's my understanding of hte analogy.