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| Dorothy L. Sayers (1893-1957) |
“We are constantly assured that the churches are empty because preachers insist too much upon doctrine — ‘dull dogma,’ as people call it. The fact is the precise opposite. It is the neglect of dogma that makes for dullness. The Christian faith is the most exciting drama that ever staggered the imagination of man — and the dogma is the drama…. This is the dogma we find so dull — this terrifying drama which God is the victim and the hero. If this is dull, then what, in Heaven’s name, is worthy to be called exciting? The people who hanged Christ never, to do them justice, accused Him of being a bore — on the contrary; they thought Him too dynamic to be safe. It has been left for later generations to muffle up that shattering personality and surround Him with an atmosphere of tedium. We have very efficiently pared the claws of the Lion of Judah, certifying Him ‘meek and mild,’ and recommended Him as a fitting household pet for pale curates and pious old ladies.”
--Dorothy Sayers, "Creed or Chaos?" in The Whimsical Christian: 18 Essays
2 comments:
Sayers is, of course, correct.
"...too dynamic to be safe."
What's that Narnia line from Lucy?
"“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”"
Have you read her, "The Man Who Would Be King"?
No I haven't read it . . . yet! It's on my mental list though. Thanks for all your recent comments. Glad to know I still have at least one faithful reader. :)
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