Mere Christianity Chapters 1-2 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How does C.S. Lewis describe his position in the church?

He describes himself as an ordinary layman.

What did C.S. Lewis believe his service was to his unbelieving neighbors in writing this book?

His job was to explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times.

What were his two main reasons for thinking that divisive Christian questions should be treated by experts?

The first reason is that the questions which divide Christians often involve complex theology. The second reason is that such discussions do not typically persuade outsiders.

What did the book reviews and letters from readers say that he succeeded in?

He succeeded in presenting an agreed, or common, or central, or 'mere' Christianity. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think HCF stands for?

Highest Common Factor. Signup and view all the answers

What does C.S. Lewis find 'consoling'?

There is communion and we are all connected by the Holy Spirit. Signup and view all the answers

What does C.S. Lewis say about judging whether a person is close to Christ?

It is not out of place to say who is or who isn't close to him. Signup and view all the answers

How does C.S. Lewis define the word 'Christian'?

A follower of Christ. Signup and view all the answers

When were people first called Christians?

At Antioch to the disciples. Signup and view all the answers

What is his description of the 'hall' and the 'rooms' in the house pertaining to?

The different denominations. Signup and view all the answers

How does C.S. Lewis suggest that we should approach finding the right door or room for each of us?

To keep praying and waiting. Signup and view all the answers

What is the wrong question to ask according to C.S. Lewis?

Do I like that kind of service? Signup and view all the answers

What are the right questions to ask?

Is holiness here? Does my conscience move me towards this? Is my reluctance to knock at this door due to my pride? Signup and view all the answers

How should we treat those who have chosen different doors than us?

Be kind. Signup and view all the answers

What does it say in the first paragraph of the Foreword about the context of this book?

Historical. Signup and view all the answers

What did C.S. Lewis talk about on the radio show?

The problems of suffering, pain, and evil in this world. Signup and view all the answers

What prompted him to speak on suffering, pain, and evil?

His own convictions. Signup and view all the answers

What can we learn from people disagreeing or quarreling?

They are appealing to some kind of standard of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the different names this standard can or has been called?

The rule or 'law' of right or wrong; in the past, this was called 'the law of nature'. Signup and view all the answers

How is the Law of Human Nature different from other laws of nature?

Man can choose to obey or disobey the law of human nature. Signup and view all the answers

Why have people called this Rule about Right and Wrong the Law of Nature?

They thought everyone knew it by nature. Signup and view all the answers

On what basis have some denied the Law of (Human) Nature?

Different civilizations and ages have had different notions of decent behavior. Signup and view all the answers

How does Lewis respond to the denial of the Law of Nature?

None of us are really keeping the Law of Nature. Signup and view all the answers

What is the next point Lewis makes about our Human Law of Nature?

No one really keeps the law of nature; we fail to practice what we expect from others. Signup and view all the answers

Put Lewis' summary into your own words.

Humans believe everyone must behave correctly but typically do not behave that way, reflecting our flawed nature. Signup and view all the answers

Isn't the Moral Law just an innate or inbred herd instinct?

Inbred herd instinct. Signup and view all the answers

What are some herd instincts that Lewis notes?

Mother love and instinct for food. Signup and view all the answers

How is the Moral Law perceived differently than an instinct, desire, or impulse?

Moral law is a feeling whether you want to or not. Signup and view all the answers

Using music as an analogy, how does Lewis distinguish the Moral Law from an instinct?

Moral law tells us what tune to play and our instincts are the keys. Signup and view all the answers

If we had two opposing instincts but no inner Moral Law, what would determine which instinct would be followed?

The stronger instinct would be followed. Signup and view all the answers

Why can't there be one impulse which is always good that is actually the Moral Law?

Typically our impulses are bad. Signup and view all the answers

Isn't the Moral Law simply a social convention learned by education?

No. Signup and view all the answers

List some human conventions that you have learned from your parents or society.

How to walk, how to talk, how to eat food. Signup and view all the answers

What example of a real truth does Lewis cite?

Math. Signup and view all the answers

What two reasons does Lewis give for the Moral Law being a reality and not a convention?

People are haunted by a sense of behavior they ought to practice, and they fail to do so. Signup and view all the answers

What is Lewis' reply to the argument that the Moral Law was responsible for witch burning in the past?

It was a moral fact. They should be punished. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

C.S. Lewis and Mere Christianity: Key Points

C.S. Lewis identifies himself as an ordinary layman in the church, emphasizing relatability to the average Christian.
He aims to clarify and defend a common core of Christian belief, which cuts across denominational divides.
Lewis posits that division among Christians often arises from complex theological issues better suited for scholars rather than general discourse.
Discussions of disputed theological points do not typically inspire outsiders to join Christianity, which undermines their purpose.
According to reader feedback, Lewis was successful in presenting a unified concept of "mere" Christianity.
HCF stands for Highest Common Factor, reflecting the core themes shared among various Christian denominations.
He finds comfort in the idea of communion and connection among believers through the Holy Spirit.
Lewis believes it is acceptable to discern who is close to Christ in order to foster a genuine understanding of faith.
The term "Christian" is defined simply as a follower of Christ.
The title "Christian" was first applied to disciples in Antioch, marking an important historical moment in Christianity.
Lewis uses a metaphor of a house with many rooms to describe different denominations within Christianity.
He encourages patience in exploring faith, promoting prayer and waiting for guidance in choosing a path.
Lewis warns against asking if one likes a particular service, framing it as a misguided approach.
Instead, he suggests asking whether holiness is present, if one's conscience feels compelled towards something, or if reluctance is due to pride or personal bias.
Kindness should be extended to individuals who have chosen different faith pathways.
The book situates Christianity within a historical context, highlighting its development and influence over time.
Lewis engages with themes of suffering, pain, and evil, addressing these challenging topics due to his own strong convictions.
Disagreements among people indicate an appeal to an underlying common standard of behavior.
The Moral Law, or the law of human nature, has been historically recognized as a concept that everyone theoretically knows intuitively.
The Law of Human Nature differs from scientific laws as it involves choice; people can choose to obey or disobey moral principles.
Past cultures believed in a universal understanding of right and wrong, furthering discussions around objective morality.
Critics of the Law of Nature argue that moral understanding varies across cultures and time; however, Lewis counters that this does not negate its existence.
Lewis emphasizes that people frequently do not adhere to the Law of Nature, making excuses for their failings.
Human behavior showcases a belief in moral standards, even as individuals often violate them.
Lewis contrasts the Moral Law against herd instincts, asserting that moral obligations are felt distinctly from basic animal instincts.
Using music as a metaphor, the Moral Law guides behavior while instincts represent underlying drives.
If instincts were left unchecked and no Moral Law existed, decisions would be based solely on the strongest impulse.
The idea of a singular good impulse as the Moral Law is challenged, since human instincts typically lead to moral failings.
Despite societal influences, the Moral Law is described as a reality independent of education.
Conventionally learned behaviors (e.g., walking, talking) differ significantly from universally recognized truths, like mathematical principles.
Lewis asserts that human conscience reveals a deep-seated understanding of what is right and wrong, regardless of individual actions.
He addresses historical moral failures (e.g., witch hunts) by distinguishing between the existence of moral law and its misuse.

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Test your understanding of the key concepts from chapters 1 and 2 of C.S. Lewis's 'Mere Christianity'. These flashcards address pivotal points about Lewis's role in the church and his aims in writing this book for both Christians and non-believers. Ideal for students wanting to deepen their comprehension of the text.