Quote by C.S. Lewis
The more we believe that God hurts only to heal, the less we can believe that there is any use in begging for tenderness. A cruel man might be bribed...But suppose that what you are up against is a surgeon whose intentions are wholly good. The kinder and more conscientious he is, the more inexorably he will go on cutting. If he yielded to your entreaties, if he stopped before the operation was complete, all the pain up to that point would have been useless. But is it credible that such extremities of torture should be necessary for us? Well, take your choice. The tortures occur. If they are unnecessary, then there is no God or a bad one. If there is a good God, then these tortures are necessary. For no even moderately good Being could possibly inflict or permit them if they weren't. Either way, we're for it.
Summary
This quote explores the concept of pain and suffering in relation to belief in a higher power. It suggests that if we believe in a God who allows suffering for a greater purpose (such as healing), it becomes difficult to ask for comfort or relief. The quote further discusses the idea that if suffering is inflicted by a compassionate and skilled surgeon (symbolizing God), it implies a necessary and purposeful aspect to the pain. The quote concludes by presenting a dichotomy: if the tortures are unnecessary, then it questions the existence or benevolence of God, but if there is a good God, then the tortures must serve a purpose.
Topics
Inspirational Religious
By C.S. Lewis
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