Fitz Allison suggested at the recent Mockingbird conference that we take a look at an essay by C.S. Lewis called “Fern Seed and Elephants.” It was in the context of Fitz talking about how to read the Bible — and how it makes a big difference, as it does when you are falling in love, with whether you approach the Bible (or beloved) with Trust… or with Suspicion.
Here are a few selected bits… click here to read the whole thing.
It is hard to persevere in a close study when you can work up no prima facie confidence in your teachers.
[Modern biblical critics] ask me to believe they can read between the lines of the old texts; the evidence is their obvious inability to read (in any sense worth discussing) the lines themselves. They claim to see fern-seed and can’t see an elephant ten yards way in broad daylight.
Reflection on the extreme improbability of his own life – by historical standards – seems to me a profitable exercise for everyone. It encourages a due agnosticism….. For agnosticism is, in a sense, what I am preaching. I do not wish to reduce the sceptical elements in your minds. I am only suggesting that it need not be reserved exclusively for the New Testament and the Creeds. Try doubting something else.
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2 responses to “Fern Seed and Elephants”
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How I love C.S. Lewis. If I'm being honest, I have to admit that I came to trust and love HIM before coming to trust and love the Lord. He was my guide into belief, and he continues to hold my hand along that road. Thanks so much for sharing this, John.
What a great conclusion Missionary to the priests of one's own church is an embarrassing role; though I have a horrid feeling that if such mission work is not soon undertaken the future history of the Church of England is likely to be short.