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On the back of Satan's neck is a nail scarred footprint.
C. S. Lewis
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that even the forces of evil are marked by the suffering of good, symbolizing hope in the face of darkness.

In this profound quote, C. S. Lewis uses the imagery of a nail-scarred footprint on the back of Satan's neck to illustrate a powerful idea: that evil is forever haunted by the suffering inflicted through good and sacrifice. It evokes the Christian narrative of redemption, suggesting that even the darkest forces cannot escape the impact of sacrifice and love, represented here by the scars of Christ. This imagery can lead to reflection on the nature of good and evil, and how even in despair, hope and light persist.

Themes

SufferingHopeGoodEvilSacrificeRedemption

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a sermon to illustrate the victory of good over evil.

More from C. S. Lewis

A dogmatic belief in objective value is necessary to the very idea of a rule which is not tyranny or an obedience which is not slavery.
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I enjoyed my breakfast this morning, and I think that was a good thing and do not think it was condemned by God. But I do not think myself a good man for enjoying it.
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Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.
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Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved.
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I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. It doesn't change God - it changes me.
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The instrument through which you see God is your whole self. And if a man's self is not kept clean and bright, his glimpse of God will be blurred
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