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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:

1. The importance of prayer as prime duty, with fasts, penances, and silence as essential
2. The indwelling presence of God attained through the solitude within
3. Vocal prayers should be said with mindful attention.
4. “Recollection” involves gathering one’s faculties to be with God.
5. Meditation serves as the initial step towards acquiring virtues.
6. Commence prayer by acknowledging God’s intimate presence.
7. Prayer of Quiet entails surrendering the will, leading to spiritual joy.
8. Contemplation, a divine gift, surpasses natural abilities.
9. Poverty encompasses various virtues, granting dominion over earthly goods.
10. Detachment involves prioritizing God over worldly possessions.
11. Mortification of the body aids in overcoming self-indulgence.
12. Humility is the true measure of spiritual progress, crucial for prayer.
13. Perseverance ensures victory in spiritual battles.
14. Holy friendship aims at promoting virtue in others.
15. Obedience to God’s will is the central virtue emphasized by Teresa.
16. Trials and temptations are divine means of guiding believers towards fulfillment.
17. 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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Phil McGill (not his real name), a rich businessman from an upper-class family in Massachusetts, USA, shared this experience with me. His story enlightened me a lot.

We had become friends, and he was taking me to his home for dinner. At a certain moment, he stopped, and said: “What a lovely tree!” We both looked at a large tree near the road. It was lush and green. The sky was a beautiful blue.

“Earlier,” he told me, “I never stopped to look at the beauty of nature. I just drove my car, to get back home fast.”

“What changed you, Phil?”

“A close friend’s death.”

“Oh! How did it affect you?”

“We were the same age. He died of a heart attack at the age of forty-two. I had never thought of death until then. I just took everything for granted—my life, my health, my loving wife, my two wonderful daughters, my work. I simply kept busy, went to work every morning, came back home in the evening.”

Fr Joe Mannath SDB

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“I am not going to transfer the money.”  That is what I heard one of the community members telling the other as they came out of a meeting.  In the meeting, the librarian of the College had said that he was running short of funds to buy new books and insisted that the different department heads should transfer the money that was collected by the departments as library fees to the account of the library.  In the discussion that followed some of the department heads complained that the books that had been bought were of a general nature and were not of much use for their departments.  Further, they argued that the departments themselves were running short of money for their various expenses and so were not in a position to pass on any money.  It was also insinuated that the librarian was not fully dedicated to his work.  After a prolonged discussion during which each one tried to present his position with hardly anyone listening attentively to the other, no solution was reached.  And after the meeting one of the heads stated categorically that he would not transfer the money.

            Conflicts of different kinds and intensity are part of our everyday life.  When they are handled poorly, they rob us of much time and energy, create undue stress, and at times, lead to souring of relationships.  If they are managed properly conflicts could be vehicles of growth.   Let us try to understand conflicts better and how to handle them in constructive ways.

Jose Kuttianimattathil, sdb

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“It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you down. It’s the pebble in your shoe.” –Muhammad Ali

Answers to the emotions shown on the six faces in the previous issue;

 First face; happiness: second – sadness: third – fear: fourth – anger: fifth – surprise: sixth – disgust.

While the cognitive dimension deals with the mind, the emotional dimension deals with the heart of the person. That is to say, the focus is on emotions, feelings, moods and affections of people. In this issue, we shall look at the manner in which we can become acquainted with our emotions. Not just get acquainted, but manage them, befriend them and empower these emotions to allow us to reach wholeness in our lives.

Let us consider this particular situation that happened a few years ago: The principal of a renowned school in a certain city, was well known for his expert running of the school, for achieving hundred percent pass results in government exams and for his oratorical skills. Along with all these positive qualities, one other thing he was famous for, was his short temper and sharp tongue. Teachers, office staff, parents were all victims to his sharp tongue. Once, an important piece of information had arrived from the education department asking him to present himself personally with the required documents that same day or else, face serious action. The staff left it on the principal’s table and planned to tell him as soon as he arrived at the office. But on that day, when the principal arrived, he was already red with anger and was barking orders at everyone. In this hullabaloo, the office staff forgot to inform him about that important letter. And of course, the principal had to face the consequences.

Fr. Dr. Joseph Jeyaraj, sdb

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Servant of God: Jules Chevalier

Born into a family facing financial hardship, a young boy aspired to become a priest despite all obstacles. His father, educated but not successful in trade or business, held no religious beliefs, while his mother, illiterate but deeply faithful, instilled in him a profound sense of God’s presence. This boy grew up to be none other than the Founder of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, the Servant of God Jules Chevalier (15 March 1824 – 21 October 1907). As we celebrate his 200th birth anniversary, we reflect on the humble beginnings of this remarkable man, who founded the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, and the Chevalier Lay Family.

If you have a Dream, God has a Way! 

Jules Chevalier, born on March 15, 1824, in Richelieu, France, was raised by a mother deeply devoted to the Lord. Despite facing financial hardship, his passion for the priesthood was discouraged initially. He supported his family as a shoemaker apprentice. However, at seventeen, a wealthy landowner near Vatan sponsored his seminary education upon learning of his aspiration. This experience taught Chevalier the lesson: “Have your dreams, and God will find a way to fulfill them,” reflecting his belief in divine providence.

Sr Lini Sheeja MSC

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The phrase Dei Verbum, Latin for ‘Word of God,’ is taken from the first line of the document, a customary practice for titles of major Catholic documents. While many commentators start with Lumen Gentium when reviewing Vatican II, Dei Verbum, the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, serves as the fundamental lens through which we can best grasp the Council’s work. Dei Verbum’s renewed stress on Sacred Scripture emphasised the necessity to anchor all the Council documents in scriptural texts. Dei Verbum also marks the first comprehensive teaching on God’s Revelation by an ecumenical council in Church history. Although relatively short compared with Lumen Gentium – the other twin pillar of the Council, Dei Verbum is the most theological of all the Decrees. It comprises a preface and six chapters: Revelation itself; the Transmission of Revelation; Inspiration and Interpretation of Scripture; the Old Testament; the New Testament; and Scripture in the Life of the Church.

PUSH FOR AGGIORNAMENTO

There was a widespread consensus that the Council needed to produce a significant document on Revelation and the Bible. A drafting commission was formed, but its members got entrenched in a conservative stance, that it was the pastoral duty of bishops to defend against any error of biblical interpretation.  The Council Fathers found this first draft, titled ‘De fontibus Revelationis’ (On the Sources of Revelation), as overly conservative and inadequate. They felt it didn’t align with the vision of aggiornamento (or renewal) articulated by Pope John XXIII for the Council. Following preliminary debates and a vote that signalled a desire for a completely different approach, Pope John XXIII intervened directly. He proposed the withdrawal of the draft and the formation of a new joint commission. This commission, co-led by Cardinal Bea, comprised members of the previous commission alongside scholars trained in critical biblical studies.

Br. Sunil Britto CFC

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Making the shift from the tomb to the alleluia is a remarkable experience that represents hope emerging from despair. In this reflection, we explore the complex aspects of this metamorphosis, looking at the human experience of confronting pessimism and learning the resilience that results in a victorious alleluia.

The tomb conjures up an image of a dark, hopeless place. It could be a site of loss, personal struggle, or a difficult situation that casts people into a hopeless state of mind. The weight of adversity can be oppressive in this state, obscuring any glimmer of light with its shadows. However, the human soul is astonishingly resilient. From the grave to the alleluia, there are several mental, emotional, and occasionally even spiritual changes. It is evidence of the inherent ability for change that every individual possesses. A common first step in this transformation is acknowledgment, which is facing the depths of despair head-on and embracing it without giving in to its permanence.

A small change happens when people struggle with their situation. Seeds of Resilience are sown in the rich soil of vulnerability. The initial signs of hope arise when one acknowledges their own vulnerability. Despite the difficult terrain, the journey turns into a process of tending to these fragile shoots. Connection and community are essential components of this life-changing experience. Since humans are social creatures, having supportive relationships in one’s life can spur positive transformation. People take comfort in the trip from tomb to alleluia together, whether via mutual experiences, sympathetic understanding, or cooperative activities.

Fr. Dr. John Singarayar SVD

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The Book of Daniel (2013): 90 minutes

Director: Anna Zielinski

Robert Miano, Lance Henrikson, Andrew Bongiorno

This is a dramatization of the story of the legendary prophet Daniel, presented as a series of flashbacks narrated by the elderly Daniel before King Cyrus. It is contextualized as the aged Daniel recounting the story before the Persian King Cyrus covering a time span of 70 years of Israelite exile in Babylon. It unfolds through five major episodes, each highlighting the indefatigable faith and moral courage of the legendary prophet. Babylon on the banks of the River Euphrates was the seat of the mighty new Babylonian empire under King Nebuchadnezzar who seized Jerusalem in 605 B.C. When he enslaved the Jews the young boy Daniel along with many other young men was among the exiles.  Daniel and his friends refuse forbidden food, remaining faithful to their God. Two weeks afterwards their diet proves better than that of their Babylonian peers when they appear healthier.

Recognized for his wisdom, Daniel became an adviser to King Nebuchadnezzar, and faced jealousy and danger from courtiers. But Daniel remains the king’s faithful servant without giving up his God. Despite being thrown into a lion’s den, Daniel’s faith protects him, showcasing his unyielding devotion.

In a dramatic turn, King Nebuchadnezzar, troubled by a forgotten dream, threatens his astrologers and magicians with death if they fail to recall and interpret it. Daniel steps in, guided by God, and unveils the dream’s meaning: a colossal image symbolizing future world history, from Babylon’s reign to the rise of other empires and ultimately the Kingdom of God. Impressed, Nebuchadnezzar appoints Daniel as ruler over Babylon. The narrative then follows how these prophecies unfold, including Daniel and his friends surviving the fiery furnace and the lion’s den under Darius’s rule, and the downfall of Belteshazzar, among other historical events.

My Best Friend Anne Frank (2021): 103 minutes

Director: Ben Sombogaart

Cast: Roeland Fernhout, Aiko Beemsterboer, Stefan de Walle, Josephine Arendsen, Lottie Hellingman  et al

This movie is the latest among many movies inspired by the remarkable story of Anne Frank. Based on Alison Leslie Gold’s book, Memories of Anne Frank: Reflections of a Childhood Friend, the film intricately weaves together the recollections of Hannah Goslar, Anne’s closest companion and neighbor during their time in Amsterdam. The film moves between their carefree youth and the grim reality of the Holocaust, set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Amsterdam.  It highlights the struggles of the Jewish community, Hannah and Anne’s increasing awareness of anti-Semitism, and their resilient optimism despite the oppressive circumstances.

Hannah, in particular, harbors selfless aspirations of emulating Florence Nightingale, even amidst the encroaching darkness of the Nazi regime. Meanwhile, Anne’s family, like many others, plans an escape to Switzerland, only to have their hopes dashed when their hiding place is betrayed, leading to their eventual capture. Tragedy strikes further as Hannah’s mother passes away during childbirth, and the Goslar family, too, falls victim to the Nazi dragnet. Detained in an exchange camp, their fate becomes entwined with that of countless others, as they are held as bargaining chips in the brutal calculus of war. Separated from her dearest friend, Hannah is left to grapple with the harrowing realities of existence in the shadow of genocide. The film poignantly captures the anguish of loss, the relentless march of despair, and the indomitable human spirit that perseveres even in the face of unimaginable adversity. Even as it portrays the unforgettable horrors of racist persecution and the horrors of the World war, it is also a tale of friendship and human bonding in the days of such horror, a celebration of humanity.

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I wish I could, like many other congregations, extol the virtues of our founder as wonderful, pious, holy, and perfect. Unfortunately, I cannot, because he was far from flawless. At times he got very angry, battled with compulsive gambling, and revealed his fragility, weakness, and woundedness. However, he was not pretentious, self-righteous or full of false humility, His humility was genuine, arising from an honest acknowledgment of his sinfulness and faults. In other words, he was fully human! And that’s precisely what I like about him.

Ian Travers-Ball was born in Australia in 1928 to a well-to-do family. He received his education at the prestigious Jesuit-run Xavier College in Melbourne. Despite not being at the top of his class, at graduation near the end of World War II, he secured a good job at an insurance company.  He already had an inkling of a vocation to the priesthood but his drive to gamble on horses was stronger. Then the day of reckoning, as he used to describe it, arrived one Saturday afternoon in June 1951 when he lost everything on a bet. That day marked a trans-formative experience: he began praying and attending Mass more regularly. Eventually, he confided in a Jesuit priest about his desire to join the order.

Br Carmel Duca MC

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Protection of the rights of religious and ethnic minorities is fundamental to India’s secular values, with a legacy of embracing all religions under its fold. India has consistently upheld the principle of equality. Article 30 of the Indian Constitution is one of the key provisions safeguarding minority rights. It falls under Part III of the Indian Constitution, which delineates fundamental rights granted to all citizens of India, regardless of caste, religion, sex, or place of birth. Article 30 guarantees minorities the right “to establish and administer educational institutions.”

Article 30(1)

Article 30(1) grants all linguistic and religious minorities the ‘right to establish’ and the ‘right to administer’ educational institutions of their choice. This provision extends to two categories of minorities: religious and linguistic. The right conferred upon these minorities—to ‘establish’— implies the authority to bring into existence, while the right to administer an institution entails the freedom to effectively manage and oversee its operations. This management must be free from control and restrictions, allowing the founders of the institution to shape it according to the ideals and values of their community, thereby serving the interests and betterment of the community, as well as others, in imparting education. The founding mothers and fathers of the Constitution provided minority communities with the option to establish such educational institutions to serve dual purposes: safeguarding their religion, language, or culture, and providing general education to their children in their own language.

Sr Adv Mary Scaria SCJM   

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