Yesterday I came across something that left me dumbfounded. Dumbfounded.
Now, I view most information found on the internet with the same level of wide-eyed trust I view Facebook quizzes with (you may refer to this post),Colleen On How To Be A Modern Day Bombshell , and there are times I stumble across something that is simply too important not to share.
I regret profoundly that I can't find the site I read this on but at least I can share it here. With utter dismay and a brow wrinkled from trying to understand the words before me. I'm afraid I puzzled in vain for though I believe the words wholeheartedly because I read them on the internet, I can not claim to understand them.
The site I was on proclaimed that C.S Lewis was not a Christian at all. (This was underlined and in bold letters.) You know what he was? He was a Roman Catholic Anglican. Yes my friends. A Roman Catholic Anglican.
Now aside from the fact that there is no such thing as a Roman Catholic Anglican (or so I believed until yesterday at least), both the Roman Catholic and Anglican denominations are in fact Christian (again, or so I believed until yesterday). It then went on to say that C.S Lewis was also of the Devil as well. I was mightily perplexed. A Roman Catholic Anglican of the Devil.
Well, just thought I'd let you all know. I'm now off to research this "Roman Catholic Anglican of the Devil" denomination.
Thank goodness for the internet. I would have absolutely hated to be in the dark about this!
(Disclaimer: I felt that it was unnecessary at first to include a disclaimer but I shall none the less lest I be taken too seriously, my writing in this post is satirical. The site in which I found the "info" about C.S. Lewis is real and my post is mocking that site. In reality I only trust 97 percent of what I read online.;)
33 comments:
What absolute nonsense. Worse than that, its slander. Just pick up ANY book by CS LEWIS and you will read about faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. He wrote Screwtape Letters, more relevant in the world today than even when he wrote it. (Yes, it may seem a bit dated to some, but this is how the dark side works, folks!) And read his Mere Christianity, or better yet his childrens books, the Narnia series. This man had a faith in Christ which most of us ought to have, and for shame, if we do not! I hate slander in all its forms, and you certainly found a site that is full of slander, Colleen. Isn't it awful some of the stuff that is in print out there? Kate
You don't think there is a church where Roman Catholic Anglicans of the Devil meet for fellowship then? Hmmm *bites lip* but I read it online...
;)
No but I totally agree. of course he was Christian. He was an atheist and converted to Anglicanism I think. Incredibly wise man. I love him actually!
I am also a fan of CS Lewis, read many of his books...loved your post, do I detect a hint of sarcasm? :)
I hope you're well. Have a great day!
Colleen, information on the net is to be taken with a pinch of salt. There are many many such information which parades as truth and one should be wise enough to investigate it further.
Well, . . .
Joy always,
Susan
Deborah, yes, perhaps a hint.:)
Susan Deborah, I know.:) The entire post is a mockery.:) Joy to you too!
Oh goodness...a little bit of sarcasm have we...lol...so really you don't believe everything you read on the internet?...lol...and those facebook quizes...lol...hope you get to the bottom ot this. Happy hump day dear Colleen!
Haha! No CS Lewis was definitely Christian. If you want to hear a funny story, JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis were actually Christian buddies. They used to debate and talk for hours about doctrine and beliefs. One day they challenged each other to see who could come up with the best Christian fiction, thus we have The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings. Who'd of thought what would come of their challenge. :) The top of our browsers should read, "Proceed with caution..."
I find it very disturbing that you indicate that facebook quizzes might be somewhat less than accurate and reliable....I feel as though the identity I have carefully forged by sweating and agonising over numerous facebook quizzes is now in danger of crumbling, and I am left dangling over the precipice hanging on to the edge of the cliff of sanity by my fingertips!
I have actually never read JRR Tolkien, I can't wrap my head around those books.:)
Haha Lori, it was as touch sarcastic I suppose but meant to be funny too! It is more like wonder that someone can think this!:)
Anonymous, I don't mind the comment thread being hijacked int he slightest. I am a fan of freedom of speech after all. :) Please feel free to comment on anything you like.
Karen, I hear you!:)
Kristen, you made me laugh so hard! LOVE it! We are of one mind concerning FB, I also base my entire identity upon its quizzes...;)
Mom, I also have confidence in the church of the future!
I hope it is clear that this is just supposed to be a funny, rather sarcastic post. Maybe I have too high opinion of my own sense of humor. :)
I kind of just expected comments along the lines of "Colleen, you are hilarious." or "Colleen, you have no equal in anything! I adore you!" or "Colleen, speaking of churches, is there one where we can worship you?" Things along that vein.:)
To anybody wondering, of course there isn't a church like that just as there is no real Roman Catholic Anglican of the Devil Church.
Have a splendid evening and as always thank you for coming by.
Ha ha! Oh the things people write these days!
colleen, speaking of churches, "Is there one where we can worship YOU?
Oh goodness, the sky is falling! I read it on the internet. No wait, was it Henny Penny or Chicken Little, lol. Love the sarcasm ;-)
Oh Esther, I know!:) If only everyone wrote like you, the world would be a happier and more joyful place! Thank you for spreading that around!
Mom, now that, that right there is just a fabulous comment! I love it, I mean I'm blushing but I love it.:)
Joyful, thank you my friend! I only do sarcasm occasionally so perhaps that's why it's unexpected when it comes.:) I enjoy it too though and some topics are too good to pass up.:) Yes, the internet is sacred in its truth.:)
Colleen, I've read such nonsense before. It seems that some people believe that if you don't live out your faith in just a certain way; then you are of the devil. God didn't create us with a cookie cutter.....we're different, different ways of expressing ourselves, different passions, etc... I'm so glad that He is far more loving and tolerant than we are! I LOVE CS Lewis and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is just amazing! ~Serene
Well now, this is a surprise! Of the devil, huh? I'm so glad we have the internet to keep us informed of such things!
I grew up in a strict protestant religion that taught us that Catholics were not christians. I am a practicing human now and leaving the judging to God. We were told we were the only ones going to heaven. Hard to believe, right? I imagine they are still out there saying the same thing. It is the black and white mentality kills all the fun. It would be great if everyone thought it was as obsurd as you did.
Serene, I couldn't agree more. I don't believe we are capable of understanding the hugeness with which God loves, it's just beyond us!
Mari, yes, isn't it good to know these things?:) Hehe!
Grace-Workinprogress, Thank you for stopping by! You are very welcome here. Being a Roman Catholic myself, I have certainly heard that view before. :) There seem to be so many misconceptions out there when really we should just be focusing on the word of God!:) Have a great day!
Great post, Colleen!
You've hit bull's eye with this revealing.
Seems like we all are pagan brutes under a varnish of civilization.
Indeed, we have such a long way to go.
If we could stop being so judgmental and at least google before we talk!
Yes, it feels at times that world is getting a bit more ignorant by each day.;)
I too at times find some very odd statements online, some make me upset, some I just pass in amusement.;) And some make me laugh.;)
I take the good with the bad.,)
Have a great day dear Colleen,
xoxoxo
One thing I know, Colleen... the bible says that "by their fruits you shall know them."
Many sites on the internet are very good at judging people... but the measuring stick that is used is quite questionable.
One thing I know also is that in heaven there will be no denominational labels.
Love
Lidj
A most interesting post :-)
I enjoyed reading through the comments :-)
Take care and have a great day :-)
~Ron
*******
im excited about your adoption journey...here's to hoping that all goes well...
Colleen, Our minds must think alike. I saw your post in my RSS reader, and I CRACKED UP laughing! :)
On a serious note though, it's a sad reality that there are many Protestant "Christians" who are convinced Catholics aren't Christian. And they are often very un-Christian in proclaiming that "fact".
The important thing is that people love CS Lewis as a writer. His faith is his own personal matter.
However, I suppose the catholic- protestant division is a sad issue in Christianity. I wouldn't know much about that as I'm jewish by faith.
Felisol, so true! I do wonder why people feel such a need to judge like this?
Zuzana, I also just laugh (like in this case:) and take the good with the bad. There is some amazing material for ironic, farcical writing out there.:)
Lidj, there certainly won't be, that's true.
Ron, I'm glad you enjoyed the post and comments Ron, have a great day too!
Miss Pancakes, thank you Sweetie!
Carol, I'm relieved to know someone thought it was funny at least!!:) That is all I meant it as but I think the tone online can be hard to judge sometimes.:)
DUTA, thank you for your comment! I agree of course that his faith is his own personal matter, but on this particular website I came across it was being so ridiculously and falsely brandied about you see, so the entire thing deserved to be mocked.:) He was an Anglican man after converting from atheism, not Roman Catholic and certainly not of the Devil!:)
That's the only point I meant to make. Yes, his writing would be incredible regardless.
The Catholic-Protestant division is certainly unfortunate and I think many wish it were otherwise but such is the world we live in...
Have a lovely day!
them roman catholic anglican satanists! and he's from northern ireland too ;)
x
Well that about explains it.;)
Actually, joking aside, it might go somewhat further to explaining some things than one might think. It has been noted that an amazing amount of people who have delved deeply into Lewis' work have ended up converting to the Catholic Faith whereas he did not, even though Catholics (especially Tolkien) were also instrumental in his final conversion to Christianity and he had (to my knowledge) a sacramental view of Christianity. Again it has been speculated that some good-old fashioned Ulster prejudice would at least be one of the factors militating against a conversion. God and Lewis alone know the details and circumstances surrounding his faith and the intentions of his heart.
He became, as far as I know, somewhat of a high Anglican, which to many more evangelical Protestanst who would see 'Roman Catholic' as being a dirty word (or two dirty words to be more precise), would be just a small step away from the gutter. The term Roman Catholic added to Anglican is probably used as a way of expressing their disgust at what they see as his being far too close to being a Catholic and hence spreading what they deem to be devilish superstition. Much of C.S Lewis' work is intended to be Christian apologia. Even if much of it is quite generic, he would probably be sacramental enough for these people to deem it to be pretty dangerous stuff.
Karen, I believe Tolkien began to write the Lord of the Rings independently of his friendship with Lewis, and indeed before he met Lewis (though I can't remember exactly). Certainly, he began to make up the world of LOTR before. I think it is somewhat of a myth that LOTR began as the result of a challenge between him and Lewis.
However, Lewis became a great sounding board and an important encouragement to him as he used to read out portions of his work. Tolkien, otoh, did not like Narnia. For one , he thought (as far as I remember) that the world in Narnia just was not coherent and though through enough, which objection I guess one has to see against the background of Tolkien himself making up languages, myths, legends, histories, genealogies and pondering the thing for decades. Tolkien's world is amazingly detailed, coherent and comprehensive.
Colleen, if you have never been able to get into Tolkien's world, it might be worth to note that many people struggle with the beginning of The Lord of the Rings, i.e. the long, drawn-out description of the party. It is easier to appreciate this part once one becomes more familiar with the world. He has a superlative command of the English language. I recommend the creation account at the start of The Silmarillion as a small sample of the treasures of Tolkien.
You might be interested to know that he also has some works for children. There is a charming wee book called Roverandum about a wee dog. I intend to buy it for my goddaughter when she hits the right age. The only trouble is that I'm not quite sure which agegroup it would be appropriate for. :-) Quite young children anyway.
Well, I shall stop my ramblings here.
Kirsten (I noticed I called you Kristen by mistake earlier, I'm sorry! It was just a spelling error, I do know your name.:)
Anyway thank you very much for such a fascinating and detailed explanation! I enjoyed reading it and actually appreciate learning it very much! May I ask how you know so much about him?
And you know, I am a really avid reader and love a lot of various literature so maybe you are right and should try to sink my teeth into Tolkien's work again...really give it more of a chance. I confess to only reading a few pages and just kind of leaving it...I will definitely try to read it though. I know it is worth it.
You are welcome to ramble here anytime! :) Have a wonderful weekend!
Oh, I'm afraid I'm no expert by far, hence the many qualifiers. However, I've read a few books on Tolkien, Lewis and the Inklings, variously by Carpenter and Pearse, and there is also a fascinating volume of selected letters by Tolkien out, edited by Carpenter and Christopher Tolkien. I like it also because it respects his privacy. I picked up a copy by Joy Gresham 's son in a second hand bookstore or library sale or something about his time with Lewis too, but haven't got reading it yet. It might be interesting. I also need to return to Carpenter's biography of Tolkien, because it was positively fascinating, but for some reason I still didn't get finishing it. I can't remember now why. If you wish to read more on Lewis specifically, Carpenter's book on the Inklings would be quite interesting. Because he had written a biography on Tolkien, he only briefly dealt with him and focused on Lewis and Williams. Joseph Pearse has written a book specifically on Lewis and the Catholic Church.
There are, however, numerous biographies, and I'm only recommending those because I have read them and I thought they were interesting, not because I have any basis on which to say which would be the best.
The internet is NOT always right?! Say what?! :)
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