Sterling Terrell

smart ideas from books

Do We Desire Heaven?

Do We Desire Heaven?

We certainly don’t act as if we desire heaven, do we?

I mean, the envy and greed and gossip and pride that spring forth from our lips and hearts without the least bit of encouragement tells the story.

It is a story we tell by our actions.

However, it may also be likely that when we lay our heads on our pillows at night and close our eyes – our hearts disagree.

Or at least I hope they do.

I think it natural – and human – for us to wish for more than just “this.”

There have been times when I think we do not desire heaven; but more often I find myself wondering whether, in our heart of hearts, we have ever desired anything else. You may have noticed that the books you really love are bound together by a secret thread. You know very well what is the common quality that makes you love them, though you cannot put it into words: but most of your friends do not see it at all, and often wonder why, liking this, you should also like that.

-C.S. Lewis, The Problem Of Pain (Amazon)

The Doctrine Of Hell

The Doctrine Of Hell

The doctrine of hell is something that nobody wants to think about, much less talk about (or write about).

I get it.

Assuming the premise is true, what kind of God would not offer forgiveness and redemption?

The retort, of course, is that he does.

Indeed, this entire issue is the part Lewis would remove if he were able.

Maybe we all would.

In the long run the answer to all those who object to the doctrine of hell, is itself a question: ‘What are you asking God to do?’ To wipe out their past sins and, at all costs, to give them a fresh start, smoothing every difficulty and offering every miraculous help? But He has done so, on Calvary. To forgive them? They will not be forgiven. To leave them alone? Alas, I am afraid that is what He does.

-C.S. Lewis, The Problem Of Pain (Amazon)