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.
C. S. LewisRead
Christ died for men precisely because men are not worth dying for; to make them worth it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that Christ's sacrifice elevates humanity's intrinsic value, despite its flaws.
C. S. Lewis emphasizes the profound nature of sacrifice by stating that Christ's death serves to uplift and grant worth to humanity, which may seem unworthy on its own. This reflects a deep philosophical view on the relationship between divine love, sacrifice, and the inherent value of human life, suggesting that true worth comes from love and selflessness rather than inherent qualities.
Themes
SacrificeValueLoveHumanityWorth
In practice
Example use cases
During a sermon emphasizing selflessness in relationships.
More from C. S. Lewis
All quotes βI 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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