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mere christianity
mere christianity
Mere Christianity Book 3-Christian Behaviour
Chapter: 1: The Three parts of Morality
Lewis moves from his discussion of what Christians believe to how Christians behave,
or at least how they should. This first section deals with the issue of morality itself,
more specifically, how morality is often mistaken as God’s way of spoiling our fun.
Another error Lewis counters is the idea that morality is an individual issue; I can do
as I please as long as it does not harm anyone else. This is the first part of morality.
Lewis contends that there are two additional parts that must be accounted for if one
desires a true life of morality. These are the interior condition of mankind, and man’s
relation to his Creator.
Lewis argues that moral rules are intended not to spoil our fun, but to release us to
live a more enjoyable life by preventing breakdown, strain or friction to life. He
compares humanity to a machine that will only run smoothly when such rules are
followed. The feeling of interruption comes from our ignorance of how the machine
runs best, so we constantly have to be corrected at first. Lewis cautions that to
dismiss the right or perfect way of doing things as simply as “high ideal” is dangerous,
for this is an ideal (like perfect gear changing) that must be pursued to avoid as much
trouble as possible. In other words, we should always try to get it right as best we
can. The trouble caused by failing to obey moral rules leads to two additional
breakdowns; when humans drift apart and when they collide.
Morality is concerned then with human harmony, internal harmony, and harmony with
God. Lewis illustrates these parts of morality with a fleet of ships. What one does with
their ship is an individual choice all would agree, but the internal workings of the ship
have to be considered in light of the rest of the fleet. If my ship has no rudder, it will
collide with another. In addition, one must recognize the difference between freedom
and autonomy. While I am free to operate my ship, I must recognize that “my” ship is
on loan from a higher authority. How he wants the ship run is ultimately what is
important.
Lewis concludes that because life should be lived in light of eternity one’s moral
decisions must reflect that reality. I would be interested in discussing Lewis’ beliefs
about how current behavior effects eternal destiny in contrast to the Baptist belief in
“once saved, always saved”. Specifically, how each of these views influence one’s
living.
Chapter: 1: The Three parts of Morality
Lewis moves from his discussion of what Christians believe to how Christians behave,
or at least how they should. This first section deals with the issue of morality itself,
more specifically, how morality is often mistaken as God’s way of spoiling our fun.
Another error Lewis counters is the idea that morality is an individual issue; I can do
as I please as long as it does not harm anyone else. This is the first part of morality.
Lewis contends that there are two additional parts that must be accounted for if one
desires a true life of morality. These are the interior condition of mankind, and man’s
relation to his Creator.
Lewis argues that moral rules are intended not to spoil our fun, but to release us to
live a more enjoyable life by preventing breakdown, strain or friction to life. He
compares humanity to a machine that will only run smoothly when such rules are
followed. The feeling of interruption comes from our ignorance of how the machine
runs best, so we constantly have to be corrected at first. Lewis cautions that to
dismiss the right or perfect way of doing things as simply as “high ideal” is dangerous,
for this is an ideal (like perfect gear changing) that must be pursued to avoid as much
trouble as possible. In other words, we should always try to get it right as best we
can. The trouble caused by failing to obey moral rules leads to two additional
breakdowns; when humans drift apart and when they collide.
Morality is concerned then with human harmony, internal harmony, and harmony with
God. Lewis illustrates these parts of morality with a fleet of ships. What one does with
their ship is an individual choice all would agree, but the internal workings of the ship
have to be considered in light of the rest of the fleet. If my ship has no rudder, it will
collide with another. In addition, one must recognize the difference between freedom
and autonomy. While I am free to operate my ship, I must recognize that “my” ship is
on loan from a higher authority. How he wants the ship run is ultimately what is
important.
Lewis concludes that because life should be lived in light of eternity one’s moral
decisions must reflect that reality. I would be interested in discussing Lewis’ beliefs
about how current behavior effects eternal destiny in contrast to the Baptist belief in
“once saved, always saved”. Specifically, how each of these views influence one’s
living.
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