C.S. Lewis - Mere Christianity Book One, Chapters 1-3

Unfortunately, as we humans muddle through life and think we have a good plan worked out, God has a way of changing things mid-stream. Such a situation has obviously arisen for RC and myself too, to a smaller degree. Even so, this book deserves to be looked at and discussed in order that we may all get a better grasp of what Mr. Lewis describes as 'Mere Christianity'. RC, you will be in my prayers as you face whatever trials may be befalling you.

For those of you that would prefer, a downloadable audio version of this book, including the preface, is available at: http://www.apollos.ws/blog/mere-christianity-audio-book.html

Before I begin in earnest, I think it would be worth mentioning that Lewis doesn't use the word 'mere' as we usually intend it in modern language, meaning 'nothing more than' or 'only', but as the exact opposite, meaning 'nothing less than' or 'absolute'. So, in essence, Lewis is trying to describe for us what he sees as his absolute meaning of what it means to be a Christian. He is trying to describe what he calls 'the great hall' that all Christians start in before they find the rooms of their own faith and denominations. I found it very eloquent the way he describes us moving from room to room and waiting to find the right room for ourselves and his beseeching that we be charitable to those who have chosen another room than our own. So to those who have chosen a different room than my own, I thank you for coming to visit and to share what you have learned where you reside. And to those still searching, please come in and warm yourself and enjoy some conversation.

In Chapter One, Lewis lays the groundwork for his entire argument by introducing the law of Human Nature. He describes this 'law' as a standard of behavior that we all understand. He says this isn't a natural Law such as gravity because we can either choose to follow the rules of behavior or not. Natural Laws like gravity work on us even if we choose not to accept them. He goes on to say that this law is present in all of us regardless of our predisposition to follow them. He explains that even the person who does not act 'fairly' will try to justify why the law does not apply to his specific situation and he is, therefore, not required act accordingly - thus proving the standard exists. I thoroughly enjoyed how Lewis explained that even the man who says he does not believe in absolute right and wrong will change his tune when he feels he is the one being treated 'unfairly'.

Chapter Two covers some of the objections people might have to accepting this law of Human Nature. Lewis starts by making the distinction between instinct and Moral Law by making the argument that often Moral Law contradicts instinct or governs over two contradicting instincts - as when we place ourselves in danger to help someone else. He also shows the difference between social convention and Moral Law by making the argument that conventions may differ and change, but the Moral Law crosses social lines. He concludes by making the case for our evolving Code of Decency - saying that, yes, it has evolved, which goes to show our growth in knowledge as well as finding better ways to interact with one another.

Chapter Three opens with a profound statement: That we all know there is this Moral Law and that we all know we should be following it, but nevertheless we do not. Lewis makes the point that, though we know it is better for society as a whole to act in a just way with one another, none of us do so all the time. Some do so more than others, but we all fail to meet the standard we set for ourselves and our neighbors.

Since this blog was envisioned as a forum to study together and have discourse, please share your thoughts!