The Magician’s Twin: C.S. Lewis and the Case against Scientism (2012)
John G West (Editor)
This collection of essays by 10 prominent contemporary intellectuals delves into C.S. Lewis’s critique of modern science-oriented civilization, where science is often elevated to a secular form of religion. Lewis challenges the prevailing notion of scientism, which sees science as the sole source of truth and wisdom, and warns against its dehumanizing effects on society. He argues that while science is valuable within its domain, when it encroaches into areas beyond its scope, it leads to detrimental consequences. Lewis compares science to magic, highlighting how both can be akin to religions, fostering strong beliefs and authority figures within their respective fields. He emphasizes the importance of skepticism and critical thinking in the face of ideologies masquerading as science. Ultimately, Lewis advocates for a broader understanding of human knowledge that acknowledges the limitations of science and embraces the richness of other disciplines, including religion, in providing meaning and understanding to human existence.
Science fiction often exploits a magical worldview, celebrating great scientists like Darwin and Einstein. Evolutionism, stemming from Darwin’s Theory, suggests matter can guide itself, an irrational concept. If our minds are products of irrational processes, how can we trust them to be rational? Scientism, akin to ancient magicians seeking control through knowledge, fosters a dangerous quest for power without ethical constraints, risking disaster. To safeguard humanity’s future, we must curb the influence of scientism and subject science to ethical oversight. Understanding the natural world’s design and its relationship with the supernatural is crucial for preserving human freedom and dignity, making it a matter of life and death.
The Way of Perfection –
St. Teresa of Avila
One of the timeless classics of Catholic spirituality, authored by the Spanish Carmelite mystic and reformer, Teresa of Avila, offers profound insights into the essence of spiritual life. With a focus on monastic living, the book comprises 42 chapters, serving as a practical guide to a prayerful existence. Teresa, the first woman Doctor of the Church, shares her teachings and counsels her fellow sisters towards spiritual perfection. Emphasizing her own experiences and insights gained through prayer, she highlights key pillars such as fraternal love, detachment from worldly possessions, and genuine humility. Each chapter begins with a summary of the key ideas presented.
These are:
- The importance of prayer as prime duty, with fasts, penances, and silence as essential
- The indwelling presence of God attained through the solitude within
- Vocal prayers should be said with mindful attention.
- “Recollection” involves gathering one’s faculties to be with God.
- Meditation serves as the initial step towards acquiring virtues.
- Commence prayer by acknowledging God’s intimate presence.
- Prayer of Quiet entails surrendering the will, leading to spiritual joy.
- Contemplation, a divine gift, surpasses natural abilities.
- Poverty encompasses various virtues, granting dominion over earthly goods.
- Detachment involves prioritizing God over worldly possessions.
- Mortification of the body aids in overcoming self-indulgence.
- Humility is the true measure of spiritual progress, crucial for prayer.
- Perseverance ensures victory in spiritual battles.
- Holy friendship aims at promoting virtue in others.
- Obedience to God’s will is the central virtue emphasized by Teresa.
- Trials and temptations are divine means of guiding believers towards fulfillment.
- Teresa highlights the trans-formative power of the Eucharist and the importance of faith.
The final chapter reflects on the Lord’s Prayer, particularly the plea to be delivered from evil.
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