"Conversion for me was not a Damascus Road experience. I slowly moved into an intellectual acceptance of what my intuition had always known"
About this Quote
Madeleine L'Engle's quote shows her personal journey of spiritual conversion, contrasting the significant change of Saul on the road to Damascus with her own gradual acceptance of faith. The "Damascus Road experience" describes the scriptural account of Saul (later known as Paul the Apostle), who went through an unexpected and extensive conversion to Christianity after a direct and dramatic encounter with God. On the other hand, L'Engle's journey recommends a transformative process that was subtle and intellectual instead of immediate and emotional.
L'Engle keeps in mind that her conversion included moving "slowly" towards an "intellectual approval". This part of the quote indicates a steady and thoughtful journey towards faith, one marked by reflection, research study, and reflection. Unlike Saul, who experienced a single, life-altering moment, L'Engle's faith unfolded with time. This kind of conversion is frequently characterized by a deep engagement with philosophical and theological concerns, eventually leading to a belief system that resonates with factor and intellect.
The expression "what my instinct had actually constantly understood" indicates that L'Engle's beliefs were innately present within her, even before her conscious acknowledgment. This suggests an intrinsic, user-friendly sense of spirituality or reality that she felt internally. Her intellectual journey, then, was a procedure of aligning her mindful thoughts with these instinctive sensations.
L'Engle's quote can resonate with numerous who experience faith as a progressing understanding instead of an immediate revelation. It acknowledges the varied paths individuals may take towards spiritual enlightenment. Her emphasis on intuition and intellectual approval highlights an unified balance in between emotion and reason in matters of faith. This perspective provides convenience to those who may not have experienced dramatic spiritual awakenings, verifying the credibility of steady, reflective journeys towards belief. By sharing her story, L'Engle offers an inclusive view of conversion, recognizing that spiritual development can be both individual and complex.