“I tend to find the doctrinal books often more helpful in devotion than the devotional books, and I rather suspect that the same experience may await many others. I believe that many who find that “nothing happens” when they sit down, or kneel down, to a book of devotion, would find that the heart sings unbidden while they are working their way through a tough bit of theology with a pipe in their teeth and a pencil in their hand.” ~ C.S. Lewis
I ran across this quote on Tim Challies Blog. He puts great quotes at the end of each Al La Carte section (which is links to articles and news) and many really resonate with me. This one especially. I guess I thought I was odd that I would rather study scripture or read theology (not very complicated stuff) than an inspirational book or use devotional materials that give a nice thought for the day. I’d rather read and pray the prayers of the puritans (and occasionally the celts) than most anything modern. And I think all this relates to the realization that I would rather sing modern or ancient hymns than simple praise songs. For me it is all about the depth of the expression. I am awed by writing or singing that expresses profound truths. Honestly I get restless singing simple love songs to Jesus when I could be praising the magnificence of God. So, I take a pass on much of what many others I know read… and then think I am some sort of odd ball (and not very spiritual). So C.S. Lewis gave me great comfort today. Now to get me a good long pipe…
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