parallel tracks

as the short break between winter semester and  spring term continues, i have pushed myself to read more and more. right now i'm still reading C.S Lewis' Mere Christianity which has been quite the adventure.  it's somewhat strange reading a book on theology written by a non-LDS author (although his books have practically been quoted enough in general conference to be added to canonized scripture).  today i read a paragraph that was very interesting, and although i've heard it quoted before by LDS authorities i would like to quote it here again because it makes a great point as to what living the gospel is really all about. 

     "Christ says, 'Give me all.  i don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much or your work: I want you.  I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it.  no half-measures are any good.  i don't want to cut off a branch here and a branch there, i want to have the whole tree down.  i don't want to drill the tooth, or crown it, or stop it, but to have it out. Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked- the whole outfit.  i will give you a new self instead. in fact i will give you Myself: my own will shall become yours.'"

C.S. Lewis, although he belonged to the church of england, was a pretty smart guy.  and though he didn't have the fullness of the gospel, he understood it very well.  reading this book has been great and i highly recommend it to anyone.  only one disclaimer to those who might venture the effort.  make sure that you understand the LDS gospel well before because his book will make more sense and there are parts of his book that, although good analogies or interesting doctrines, run parallel to the true revealed gospel.  i use the word "parallel" because it is close to the truth and it's going in the right direction but slightly off, like train tracks running close to each other are not the same, but lead ultimately to the same destination.  try it for yourself, i recommend it.