Pride and Divine Correction: A Timeless Conversation with C.S. Lewis
In the hallowed halls of Oxford's Magdalen College, where wisdom seems to seep from the very stones, a conversation between C.S. Lewis and a troubled student unfolds—a dialogue that resonates deeply with our modern struggles with pride and divine correction.
The Setting
Picture this: A warm autumn afternoon in 1950, sunlight filtering through leaded glass windows, casting honeyed shadows across ancient wooden floors. In C.S. Lewis's study, a student grapples with Isaiah 5:15—a verse that speaks of humanity's destruction and the humbling of the arrogant. This scene, though historical in setting, mirrors our contemporary wrestling with divine justice and mercy.
The Heart of the Matter
The dialogue begins with a question that many of us have asked: Why must God's correction seem so severe? Through Lewis's characteristic blend of wit and wisdom, we're led to understand that what appears as destruction often serves as divine reconstruction. Like a doctor breaking a fever or setting a broken bone, God's seemingly harsh corrections serve a healing purpose.
Pride: The Universal Challenge
What makes this conversation particularly poignant is its exploration of pride—that most insidious of sins that convinces us we have no sin at all. As Lewis points out, pride builds "sturdy fortifications" around our hearts, preventing us from seeing our desperate need for God. The student's realization about Judah's arrogance—challenging God to execute His plan just so they could see it—serves as a sobering reminder of humanity's perpetual struggle with pride.
The Modern Parallel
Today, we might not openly challenge God to prove Himself, but don't we sometimes demand signs or explanations that suit our understanding? Don't we, like the people of Judah, occasionally presume to know better than divine wisdom? The conversation between Lewis and the student strips away the historical distance and presents us with a mirror to our own spiritual condition.
The Gift of Holy Fear
Perhaps the most striking insight from this dialogue is Lewis's perspective on spiritual anxiety. When the student expresses nervousness about crossing boundaries with God, Lewis reframes this fear as a gift—a sign of spiritual health. In an age where irreverence often masquerades as authenticity, this reminder of the value of holy fear feels particularly relevant.
Lessons for Today
Several key insights emerge from this dialogue that speak directly to our modern context:
The destruction of pride is never punitive but restorative
Spiritual anxiety can be a sign of health rather than weakness
True wisdom begins with reverence for God
Self-sufficiency is often the greatest barrier to spiritual growth
The Deeper Understanding
What makes this conversation so powerful is its progression from initial doubt to deeper understanding. Through Lewis's masterful use of analogies—from fever breaking to weeds requiring uprooting—we're led to see divine correction not as cruel punishment but as necessary healing.
Conclusion
This dialogue, though set in a different era, speaks powerfully to our present moment. In a world that often celebrates self-sufficiency and questions divine authority, the humble wisdom exchanged between professor and student offers a refreshing perspective on pride, correction, and spiritual growth.
As we reflect on this conversation, we might ask ourselves: Where have we, like Judah, reversed God's moral order in our own lives? Where has pride built fortifications that need dismantling? Perhaps, like the student, we'll find that our very awareness of these questions is itself a gift of grace.
About the Author: Angela Diaz explores theological insights and their modern applications through historical and contemporary lenses. This piece is part of a series examining timeless wisdom from Christian thinkers.
