magic and science as twins

Wow, does Lewis give us a powerful insight today in A Year with C.S. Lewis.

He says that we moderns tend to think that science did away with the superstitious, magical thinking of the "dark ages". But he points out that this simply isn't true. That magic and science both grew into their powerful forms around the same time, and science weeded magic out over time.

But the great insight is in showing the difference between wisdom, found in Christianity (and in other religions, to some extent) and the folly that is found in scientism (not useful science, but science as a world view) and magic.

Lewis points out that wisdom teaches us to say "yes" to God, the way that Jesus did, the way that Mary did. The way that all of the great heroes of the Bible and the saints of history have done. Learning to AGREE with God, and invite Him to work His will in our lives, bringing us to great joy and peace.

Magic and scientism, on the other hand, are the great "no" to the reality of God. They seek to control the world around us, rather than learn to let God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven. One great philosopher went so far as to say that saying "no" to God is the way that we say "yes" to mankind. We have to edge God out of the equation, both magic and scientism tell us, in order for man to do what benefits him. That's why there is such a huge argument over stem cell research. Wisdom tells us not to kill embryonic humans in order to harvest their cells for research (and there IS a way to use stem cells without killing embryonic humans). But scientism says "We must do what benefits mankind, even if it means killing people."

So let us be wise. Many of us start off in a very unwise place, myself included. Great foolishness is bound up in our hearts, but wisdom helps us drive it out. And wisdom says "Yes, God. Your will be done in my life, as it is in heaven."

God, thank You for wisdom.