C.S. Lewis gave a powerful response to an atheist astronaut who claimed there is no God after traveling in space. But the Christian author said, “We relate to God as Hamlet would relate to Shakespeare.”
C.S. Lewis’ response
Yuri Gagarin, the first Russian cosmonaut, was the first human to journey into outer space. Upon his return, he staunchly affirmed the atheistic perspective, stating that his experience in the cosmos validated this belief. He asserted that despite traveling into space, he did not encounter God.
During this period, C.S. Lewis was still alive and had learned of Yuri’s comments. Taken aback by his declaration, Lewis countered it with an essay titled “The Seeing Eye.”
In it, he said, “You wouldn’t relate to God the way a person on the first floor relates to a person on the second floor. Another is you don’t find God by going higher up in your own space.”
“If God is our Creator, then we would relate to God as Hamlet would relate to Shakespeare. Now, how would Hamlet ever gonna know anything about Shakespeare? Hamlet’s not gonna find him anywhere on stage. The only way he’s ever going to meet him is if Shakespeare writes himself into the play.”
Shakespeare
C.S. Lewis’ insight into Shakespeare writing himself into his work is exemplified in Dorothy Sayers’ novels featuring Detective Lord Peter Wimsey. Midway through Wimsey’s narrative, a romantic interest emerged in the form of Harriet Vane.
Scholars of Dorothy’s works suggest that she delved into the world she crafted and Wimsey’s character. Witnessing his loneliness and out of love for the character, she inserted herself to bring him solace.
Similarly, God looked upon the world He created and the people He adored. Observing their suffering and vulnerability, He inscribed Himself into the narrative. He revealed Himself in Jesus and delivered us from death.
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