In a 1959 letter to Mary Wimberley, C.S. Lewis, beloved author and theologian, made a bold statement that continues to spark discussion in 2024: "God is so masculine, that He makes all of creation seem feminine in comparison." This quote, …
In a 1959 letter to Mary Wimberley, C.S. Lewis, beloved author and theologian, made a bold statement that continues to spark discussion in 2024: "God is so masculine, that He makes all of creation seem feminine in comparison." This quote, while cryptic, throws open the door to a fascinating contemplation of Lewis's understanding of God, humanity, and the nature of love.
But what did Lewis mean by "masculine" and "feminine"? It's important to remember that he wasn't referring to human gender in the literal sense. For Lewis, these terms were metaphors, describing a dynamic between creator and creation. He saw God as the ultimate source, brimming with creativity, initiative, and power – qualities traditionally associated with masculinity. On the other hand, he viewed creation, including humans, as receptive, responsive, and dependent, qualities often linked to femininity.
However, Lewis's use of these metaphors went beyond simple stereotypes. He wasn't advocating for dominance or submissiveness, but rather highlighting the contrasting roles in a loving relationship. Just as a child receives from a parent or a lover from a beloved, we humans open ourselves to God's grace and love through a receptive, "feminine" posture. This doesn't imply weakness, but rather humility, trust, and surrender.
But this "feminine" receptivity comes with a challenge. In our world obsessed with control and self-sufficiency, embracing vulnerability and laying down our wills can feel uncomfortable. We're taught to be assertive, independent, and in charge. Yet, Lewis suggests that true intimacy with God, the ultimate source of love and life, requires a different approach. Just as a flower opens its petals to the sun, we must open ourselves to receive the divine.
Dare to consider: what does it mean to surrender to God's love? Could it be laying down our pride, our need for control, and choosing receptivity instead? Is it in this opening, this so called "feminine" act, that we discover the m..
