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
We may note in passing that He (Jesus) was never regarded as a mere moral teacher. He did not produce that effect on any of the people who actually met Him. He produced mainly three effects - Hatred - Terror - Adoration. There was no trace of people expressing mild admiration.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the profound impact Jesus had on those who encountered him, indicating that people reacted with strong emotions rather than indifference.
C. S. Lewis emphasizes that Jesus was not simply viewed as a moral instructor but instead evoked intense feelings of hatred, terror, or adoration among those who met him. This suggests that Jesus was a figure who transcended conventional moral teachings, stirring deep responses in people that reflected their understanding of his nature and message, leaving no room for neutral feelings about him.
Themes
JesusImpactEmotionsMoral TeachingAdoration
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about the nature of religious figures and their influence on society.
More from C. S. Lewis
All quotes →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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