Blog & Mablog

Epimenides, Lewis, and the Van Tillians

Apr 9, 2025
Dive into the intriguing misconceptions about New Testament teachings in the context of the Old Testament, especially regarding Jews and Gentiles. Discover how Gentiles played pivotal roles in biblical narratives, illustrating genuine faith without conversion. The discussion then shifts to C.S. Lewis's 'The Pilgrim's Regress,' tackling the struggles of pagans in grasping divine truths. Finally, explore Cornelius Van Til's philosophical insights on epistemology and his perspectives on knowing truth through faith in the triune God.
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INSIGHT

Old Testament Salvation

  • In the Old Testament, salvation didn't require becoming Jewish, unlike the New Testament where becoming Christian is necessary.
  • Many Gentiles trusted in the God of the Jews without converting, like Naaman, Jethro, Melchizedek, and Obed-Edom.
ANECDOTE

Epimenides and Zeus

  • Epimenides, a Cretan prophet, rebuked his countrymen for believing Zeus was once mortal and built him a tomb.
  • He affirmed Zeus's immortality, using language Paul later echoed in Acts, suggesting some pagans grasped the true God.
INSIGHT

Pagan Glimpses of Truth

  • C.S. Lewis argued that pagans didn't get everything wrong, receiving glimpses of truth beyond themselves, although their interpretations often became distorted.
  • Lewis's point, illustrated in Pilgrim's Regress, highlights how God revealed truth even outside traditional Jewish/Christian contexts.
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