God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics
Book Description
Imagine a courtroom where faith stands trial, and the stakes are eternal. In "God in the Dock," C.S. Lewis presents a series of compelling essays that challenge conventional thinking about theology and ethics. With razor-sharp wit and profound insight, he tackles life’s biggest questions: Is God blameless in a broken world? How do morality and grace intertwine? As each argument unfolds, readers are drawn into a debate that reverberates through time, forcing a reckoning with belief, doubt, and the very nature of human existence. Are these timeless ideas a cornerstone of faith, or a ticking time bomb awaiting discovery?
Quick Summary
“God in the Dock” is a wide-ranging collection of essays by C.S. Lewis, exploring fundamental questions of Christianity, ethics, and the role of faith in modern society. Through thoughtful argument and vivid metaphors, Lewis addresses challenges to religious belief, critiques superficial objections to Christianity, and probes the responsibilities of believers. He critiques the modern tendency to place God on trial—“in the dock”—expecting Him to answer for the world’s problems, while neglecting personal self-examination. Lewis discusses topics such as miracles, the implications of Christian ethics, and the ways cultural trends dilute faith’s radical demands. His essays collectively defend the rationality of faith, highlight the challenges of genuine Christian living, and invite readers to approach theology with both humility and rigorous thought.
Summary of Key Ideas
Table of Contents
Putting God on Trial: Modern Skepticism and Faith
C.S. Lewis critiques the modern attitude of making God the defendant—placing Him in the dock—demanding answers for suffering and evil, rather than honestly assessing human responsibility. He argues that the modern skeptic expects God to be justified on human terms, turning the sacred into a courtroom debate. Lewis maintains that the real issue is not whether God can be acquitted, but whether humanity is willing to acknowledge its own moral and spiritual shortcomings. This inversion of judgment reflects broader cultural changes that distance people from faith’s demands and authentic self-examination.
Christian Morality in Everyday Life
Central to Lewis’s essays is an exploration of Christian morality and its practical implications. He emphasizes that true Christian ethics go far beyond mere adherence to rules or social conventions. Instead, Christianity requires profound transformation of one’s character and priorities. Lewis warns against using moral language to justify self-interest and highlights the difference between true virtue and outward conformity. He explores issues of justice, charity, and forgiveness, showing how Christian ethics challenge comfortable norms and call for radical love and humility.
Miracles and the Limits of Science
A recurring theme is the relationship between miracles and scientific understanding. Lewis tackles the skepticism toward miracles prevalent in his time, arguing that science cannot logically rule out the possibility of the supernatural. He clarifies that faith in miracles is not irrational, but rather reflects an openness to realities beyond empirical measurement. Through careful reasoning, Lewis distinguishes between belief in the supernatural and credulity, suggesting that genuine miracles support—and do not contradict—the greater order of creation revealed by faith.
The Problem of Evil and Human Responsibility
Lewis addresses the perennial problem of evil, noting how critics often use suffering as evidence against God’s goodness or existence. He reframes the question, pointing out that the awareness of evil presupposes a moral standard, which itself hints at a transcendent source. Rather than exonerating humanity by blaming God, Lewis urges introspection and repentance. He sees suffering’s challenge as not to condemn God, but to recognize the limits of human understanding and the call to moral responsibility.
Evangelism, Communication, and Cultural Barriers
Throughout the collection, Lewis reflects on the challenges of communicating Christianity in a secular and skeptical culture. He exposes pitfalls in both apologetics and evangelism: jargon, cultural disconnects, and institutional barriers can all prevent genuine engagement with the gospel. Lewis advocates for clarity, imagination, and humility, encouraging believers to present their faith honestly without compromising its claims. His reflections remain relevant for anyone seeking to bridge divides between faith and a rapidly changing world.