I thank you. As a matter of fact, I understand Borg's postition somewhat having read many links and commentaries; although it is true I have not read any of his books--and perhaps I should.
As to your continued reliance on Lewis's feeling that the "tone and textures" of the scriptures (those ones which Lewis chose to believe in, I mean) did not feel like mythology, I can only suggest that you have a very low bar for credulity and for criticism. The fact that Lewis had some scholarly merit (and wrote wonderful fantasies, as well) does not give his "feelings" priority over the scholarship of thousands whom disagree with him. After all, Muslim "scholars" believe in Allah, ETC. The very plethora of CONTRADICTORY beliefs held by "scholars" suggests that such authority when it comes to questions of WANTING to believe in something is undependable, DOES IT NOT?
More important than the ability to slog it out in universities, in such cases, is the question of motive, background, bias, inclination, and emotional stability. There is little to recommend scholarship if it flows from extreme bias or prejudice. Jewish scholars are Jewish scholars, Navaho scholars are Navaho scholars, and CS lewis was a sensitive and troubled man with a strange emotional life.
I have read all of his fantasy and much of his religious writing, btw--although, it has been a while. I don't dispute his ability to philosophize. I dispute his objectivity and his axiomatic premises. No clear thinking person simply places the Christian myths over the Muslim ones...or any of the many thousands...strictly on emotional whim and frailty.
Let me ask you this: Is it significant for you that Lewis (The scholar) chose Christianity (with much prompting from Tolkien, et al) and that Islamic "scholars" chose Islam and that atheistic scholars such as Bertrand Russell, Ingersol, Joseph Lewis, Paine, McCabe, and Voltaire chose to denounce the mythology and irrationality right across the board without prejudice?
I can certainly appreciate the philosophical quest for meaning and the address of certain questions, but do you really think it is "scholarly" to choose between ugly, brutal, primitive, and revolting scribbles from the past? |
