When most people think of death they do not usually consider the death of stars. However, astronomers do and from the passing of a star they hope to glean significant information about the nature of stars. In The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, C. S. Lewis’ Narnian tale of a journey to the edge of the world, Eustace views stars as a scientist would: “In our world,” said Eustace, “a star is a huge ball of flaming gas.” But, his companion Ramandu reminds him, “Even in your world, my son, that is not what a star is but only what it is made of.” (page 226)
I am reminded of Paul’s statement in Romans 8:19-22
For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.
We, like Eustace, learn ever more what stars are made of, but I would argue we still do not know what stars are. Some will say they are nothing but what they are made of, but I like Lewis’ vision better. It makes the heavens even more majestic than they already are.
The late stages of Nebula NGC 6543
You can download the full images from here.
Quotes like that are the reason why the Chronicles of Narnia are so dear to me. R.C. Sproul Jr. did a series on the Chronicles and he talked briefly about exactly what you mentioned – that we often think of our world in enlightenment terms as just a big machine. He goes on to show how Lewis is good at breaking us of this unhealthy habit, and installing in us instead a healthy since of wonder and awe at creation.
Thanks for continuing this series – its been another voice calling believers to regain their love and awe for the absolutely amazing universe in which we live. And thanks for reminding me of another great Lewis quote.