In 1945 C. S. Lewis wrote a novel called That Hideous Strength, which is relevant today. It was the final installment of a space trilogy. The last one involved a frightening society called the N.I.C.E. – and it was anything but nice!
The National Institute of Coordinated Experiments is given free power by the government to conduct all sorts of experiments to solve social and genetic problems. It turns out to be a ruthless social engineering organization reminiscent of Joseph Stalin’s regime. It suffers no moral restrictions as it murders and lies its way into more and more powers.
Interestingly, one central part of the plot involves the preservation of the head of a convicted murderer. The scientist involved in this bizarre experiment is an Italian called Filostrato.
Lewis’ novel That Hideous Strength was visionary in many ways. Its warning theme hasn’t run out. In fact it is even timelier today than it ever was. In 2000 Phillip E. Johnson wrote an important article showing why this is the case:
Most futuristic novels seem out “of“ date after a decade or two, but That Hideous Strength is more timely today than when the book was published in 1945. On the day I began to reread the book for this essay, the press reported that a British government agency called the Human Fertilization and Embryological Authority (HFEA) is sounding out public opinion about the use of Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis, which will allow parents to screen their embryos for genetic defects. Critics believe that the HFEA has already decided to go full steam ahead with the procedure, and they don’t believe the Authority’s assurances that this technique (and others to follow) will be used only to screen for genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis and not to produce “designer babies.”…keep reading
Johnson was right.
Even as I write today (2015), we see that a real Italian scientist (Sergio Canavero) plans to transplant a live man’s head (Valery Spiridonov) onto a different (dead man’s) body in order to keep him alive. What a strange coincidence! Read it HERE
The first social engineering experiment into immortality was conducted in Eden when Satan tempted Eve (Gen 3:1-7). It has continued throughout our history (Babel etc). Yet man’s search for immortality through science is destined to fail.
There is only one path which guarantees us life and joy with God throughout eternity. Unfortunately, man largely scoffs and rejects Jesus Christ’s incredibly gracious offer to us.
As the Apostles Paul and John wrote:
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1Cor 2:9
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed – in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1Cor 15:51-54
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
1 John 3:2
What wonderful promises!
Where have you placed your faith?
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