For here is spiritual pride, the ultimate sin, in action — the sin of believing in one’s own righteousness. The true prophet says humbly, “To me, a sinful man, God spoke.” But the scribes and Pharisees declare, “When we speak, God agrees.” They feel no need of a special revelation, for they are always, in their own view, infallible. It is this self-righteousness of the pious that most breeds atheism, by inspiring all decent, ordinary men with loathing of the enormous lie.

Joy Davidman (1915-1960) American poet; wife of C.S. Lewis [Joy Davidman Gresham]

Smoke on the Mountain (1955)