What we learn from experience depends on the kind of philosophy we bring to experience.
C.S. Lewis, Miracles: A Preliminary Study, Page 11.
In Miracles C.S. Lewis wants to convince his readers that miracles, especially the grand miracle of the Incarnation where God became Man in Jesus, are possible and fitting. He does this by challenging views of nature, both theistic and atheistic, that reject the supernatural as a source for miracles.
Naturalism claims that supernatural reality does not exist implying that there could be no miracles. Lewis takes from Naturalism that nature is orderly, impersonal cause and effect processes. He then shows that our reasoning ability would not be the result of such processes. Whenever we reason we thereby demonstrate reality that Naturalism cannot explain without something else outside it.
Hence, given Naturalism’s presuppositions about nature, nature cannot be the whole show. Alvin Plantinga carried this idea further in his Evolutionary Argument Against Naturalism.
Combine Naturalism with some field of consciousness (to avoid the supernatural) and one gets Pantheism, an ancient but ever-popular form of spirituality. Lewis writes (pages 99-100), “The popular ‘religion’ excludes miracles because it excludes the ‘living God’ of Christianity and believes instead in a kind of God who obviously would not do miracles, or indeed anything else.”
Although that characterization of Pantheism makes sense, it seems limited. These nature religions also have an ominous underbelly of demonic activity that Ephesians 6 warns us about. Miracles are wonders to our eyes. God is not the only source of them.
Furthermore, I see Platonism as a rationalization of these popular religions that Lewis objects to. However, and this is where my problems start, Lewis views Christianity as having “incorporated both” Platonism and Judaism (page 101). After reading his appendix on special providences I lost the ‘living God’ in all that philosophy.
There is much in Miracles of value especially when Lewis uses the presuppositions of Naturalism to argue for the supernatural, however, I suspect that Lewis accepted without adequate questioning many of the presuppositions of Naturalism such as impersonal natural laws and my own worldview inclines me to trust the Jewish scriptures over Plato.
Next Sunday I will look at miracles as presented by Greg Bahnsen.
The audio below is a reading of a shorter essay by Lewis on the topic of miracles.
Weekly Bible Reading: Job (Audio)
Commentary: David Pawson, Job, Part 28 and Part 29, Unlocking the Bible
Poetry, Short Prose and Walking 
Thanks for sharing this Frank..
What I take away from this, (just where I am right now), is that we all have a natural inclination to idolize people of great and worldwide reputation in the Christian realm just as people do in the natural realm. I love listening to and reading the words of those who are smarter than me (which is most of you) but we all are but mortal humans, subject to error and difference of opinion. God esteems the Word higher than His name. (Ps 138:2) We are to learn and glean from people, but not to the exclusion of a personal relationship with the trinitarian God. It is Him I will stand before when my life here is over.
LikeLiked by 2 people
We have to stand with the Word. It is good that you brought that point across. I do like reading C.S. Lewis, but it is only the Bible that ultimately counts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always look forward to your Sunday Walk. This is the truth: “my own worldview inclines me to trust the Jewish scriptures over Plato.”
Blessings.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Michael! There is much to value in the Bible, and it is easier to understand than Plato.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Much to think on here. I admit to admiring and trusting Lewis to the point where I would probably not be able to reason out inconsistencies. I would just think I did not understand. The point you are making is valid. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I do like reading C.S. Lewis. Much of what he says I agree with. Sometimes however I have my doubts. Thank you, Oneta!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Our priest often quotes C.S. Lewis and I love to read him. His logic!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I enjoy reading him as ell and much of what he says I agree with. Thank you, Myrna!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sunday walk inspiring. Thank you….
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Ana Rosario!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember eagerly beginning to read Miracles and then getting lost in all the philosophy 🙂 Thanks for bringing C. S. Lewis’ writing to mind. I often pray to God for His miraculous intervention in the lives of people!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is hard to read. I may have misunderstood it.
The first part about Naturalism made the most sense to me. Thank you, Lynn!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I look forward to next Sunday’s post on Greg Bahnsen!
LikeLiked by 2 people
That post will be based on an essay in Bahnsen’s Always Ready that you referred to in one of your posts. I think Bahnsen had a better understanding of miracles than Lewis did, assuming I understand the issues involved.
LikeLiked by 1 person
👍👍👍👍
LikeLiked by 2 people