CS Lewis had interesting things to say about “taking God out of the equation”. If we see Jesus as merely a great teacher, then we are left with nothing but a crazy man who walked around claiming to be God. Who needs such a meshuga for a teacher?? Either Jesus is the Son of God or he is someone best ignored. The middle position — that he was a Great Rabbi — is untenable.
Yup, the C.S. Lewis “Lord, Liar, or Lunatic” argument. Very well thought out, however, one has to believe that Jesus said the things he is claimed to have said in the bible in order for this argument to hold water. And just so someone doesn’t jump on me with flying accusations, yes I believe Jesus said those things.
Yes. C.S. Lewis wrote very elouently about how you eiher had to believe it ALL — the peace, love, etc AND that He was the son of God — or dismiss it ALL as lies or insanity —
you couldn’t just pick the “nice” part and ignore that He said himself that He was the son of god.
I’m going to have to read some CS Lewis, he’s been coming up a lot in conversation. Got any recommendations?