TLS signed “Love, Phil,” one page, 8.5 x 11, September 14, 1981. Letter to science fiction author Patricia Warrick, in full: "Last night I came across the enclosed passage in a very long and difficult book on theology by Paul Tillich. I had no idea, none whatsoever, that the central vision in VALIS was a doctrine that Luther had invented, and so was transported with delight, inasmuch as Luther was no fly-by-night. What Luther expresses here is precisely and exactly what I saw in March, 1974 that is put forth in VALIS as the ultimate vision. I guess this perforce makes me a follower of Luther's strain of Christianity. I must say that I was truly astounded when I read this passage, since it is not merely similar to my experience; it is my experience. Note that Tillich says that Luther did not merely teach this doctrine; he invented it, and it marks a crucial difference between Luther and the other Reformers. Thus it is a major doctrine (or belief, if you will; viewpoint regarding where and what Christ is now)." Dick has included the referenced passage from Tillich's work, A History of Christian Thought. In fine condition. In the months of February and March 1974, Dick, then still convalescing and medicating himself from an impacted wisdom tooth, began to experience a series of hallucinations. Dick, who referred to them as ‘2-3-74’ in the shorthand, believed that his thoughts were being invaded ‘by a transcendentally rational mind’ of which he referred to as ‘Zebra,’ ‘God,’ or ‘VALIS.’ He documented these experiences in letters to Patricia Warrick.
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