We have two bits of evidence about the Somebody. One is the universe He has made. If we used that as our only clue, I think we should have to conclude that He was a great artist (for the universe is a very beautiful place), but also that He is quite merciless and no friend to man (for the universe is a very dangerous and terrifying place.) ...The other bit of evidence is that Moral Law which He has put in our minds. And this is a better bit of evidence than the other, because it is inside information. You find out more about God from the Moral Law than from the universe in general just as you find out more about a man by listening to his conversation than by looking at a house he has built.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The universe shows God as a beautiful but merciless artist; the Moral Law inside us gives better insight into God, like knowing a man by conversation rather than his house.
- In plain terms
- The world hints at God’s art and danger, but our inner moral sense reveals more about Him, like learning a person by talk, not their home.
- What can you take from it?
- Inner moral awareness informs us about God more than observing the world.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does your conscience tell you about God?
- How does the world seem cruel or beautiful?
Another view
Moral law is interpreted differently across cultures and individuals.
More from C. S. Lewis
Badness is only spoiled goodness.
Permalink to quote #58 My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? A man does not call a line crooked un…
Permalink to quote #60 Now is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It won't last forever. We must take it or leave it.
Permalink to quote #57
Related quotes
Si hubiera estado presente en la Creacion, habria dado algunas indicaciones utiles.
Alfonso X of CastileAlfonso X of Castile quote #1 Translated: 'Had I been present at the Creation, I would have given some useful hints for the better ordering of the universe.'
Alfonso X of CastileAlfonso X of Castile quote #2 Nemo sane christifidelium eat infitias, ad Ecclesiae Magisterium interpretationem legis moralis naturalis spectare.
Paul VI (Pope)Paul VI (Pope) quote #2