Mere Christianity Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is quarrelling?

Trying to show that the other person is in the wrong.

What was the original purpose of Mere Christianity?

A series of radio talks.

Why is the Law of Human Nature sometimes called the Law of Nature?

Because people thought it did not need to be taught; everyone just knew it.

What is another name for the Law of Human Nature? (Select all that apply)

<p>Morality</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do we know the Law of Human Nature is a solid truth?

<p>Because everyone around the world has an idea of how we ought to behave.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evidence do we have that the Law of Human Nature really exists?

<p>Human beings make excuses for behaving badly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do we know about moral teachings from ancient societies?

<p>They are all very similar in what they consider right and wrong.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main points of Book 1 Chapter 1 of Mere Christianity?

<p>The existence of the Law of Human Nature</p> Signup and view all the answers

How was the Moral Law inscribed on our hearts?

<p>By God.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define herd instinct.

<p>The desire to help and protect our own.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do we know the Moral Law is not an instinct?

<p>Because there is not an instinct we can call good.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Instincts are either good or bad.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

When you have two impulses, what is the third thing that tells you to do one impulse while suppressing the other?

<p>Law of Human Nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define social convention.

<p>Something that is learned and man made.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Moral Law based on?

<p>What human beings ought to do, but do not.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Lewis say are two odd things about human beings?

<p>They know how they should behave, but they don't behave that way.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Law of Nature tell us?

<p>What things do.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Law of Human Nature tell us?

<p>What people ought to do.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Moral Law mean?

<p>Decent Conduct.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which view of how the universe came into being believes matter and space just happen to exist?

<p>The Materialist View</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which view of how the universe came into being is based on chance?

<p>The Materialist View</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which view of how the universe came into being believes there is something like a mind behind the universe?

<p>The Religious View</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which view of how the universe came into being is based on purposes and preferences?

<p>The Religious View</p> Signup and view all the answers

What two pieces of evidence tell us something about the Something or Somebody behind the universe?

<p>The universe and the Moral Law.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Moral Law tell us about the Something behind the universe?

<p>It is interested in right conduct.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the universe tell us about the Something behind the universe?

<p>It is an artist and does not seem to like us very much.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do we know the Something behind the universe is interested in right conduct?

<p>The Moral Law.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How would a Something or Somebody behind the universe make itself known to us?

<p>Through an influence or command inside us.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Moral Law?

<p>Goodness and good behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is "going back" the quickest way forward?

<p>After you have recognized you made a mistake, you can go back, get on the right path, and continue moving forward.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do human beings have to face in order for Christianity to make sense?

<p>There is a Power behind the Moral Law, and when we break the Law, we put ourselves wrong with that Power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one part of Morality? (Select all that apply)

<p>Harmony with ourselves</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between Mortal and Venial Sin?

<p>Mortal sin destroys charity in the heart; venial sin allows charity to subside.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to harmony between individuals?

<p>Fair play.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to harmony between human beings and the Power that made them?

<p>General purpose of life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the principle passions? (Select all that apply)

<p>Sadness</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does "cardo" mean?

<p>Hinge; pivotal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three Theological Virtues? (Select all that apply)

<p>Hope</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to "love yourself"?

<p>You wish your own good.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the four Cardinal Virtues? (Select all that apply)

<p>Justice</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does fortitude mean?

<p>Courage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does prudence mean?

<p>Common sense.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does temperance mean?

<p>Self-discipline.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does C.S. Lewis recite the Golden Rule?

<p>Do as you would be done by.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Lewis, what do MOST people mean when they refer to the "Church"?

<p>The clergy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should people mean when they refer to "Church"?

<p>All practicing Christians.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a Christian community?

<p>Obedience, courtesy, no passengers or parasites.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Lewis say about giving to charity?

<p>Give more than you can spare.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is tithing?

<p>Giving 10% of your income to charity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the greatest obstacle to giving to the poor?

<p>Fear of insecurity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Lewis mean when he says, "Each of us at each moment is progressing to the one state or the other"?

<p>We are becoming heavenly creatures or hellish creatures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason Lewis says our sexual appetite is out of order?

<p>Human beings believe all sexual desires are normal and healthy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What great religion is almost the only religion to approve of the body?

<p>Christianity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does justice have to do with Christian marriage?

<p>Keeping of promises.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to our appetites when we indulge them (give into them)?

<p>They grow.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the idea of Christian marriage based on?

<p>Christ's words.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the "engine of marriage" run on?

<p>A quieter love.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is sex outside of marriage immoral?

<p>Because it isolates one kind of union from all other kinds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is "being in love" not a basis for marriage?

<p>&quot;Being in love&quot; is just a feeling.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is forgiveness important to eternal life?

<p>If we do not forgive, we will not be forgiven.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Lewis, which virtue is more unpopular than chastity?

<p>Forgiveness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

If you have a hard time forgiving, what can you do to begin forgiving?

<p>Begin forgiving in little ways.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit? (Select all that apply)

<p>Wisdom</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does "loving him" mean in scripture?

<p>Wishing him good.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the greatest sin according to Lewis?

<p>Pride.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the Deadly Sins? (Select all that apply)

<p>Gluttony</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the Lively Virtues? (Select all that apply)

<p>Zeal for the Mission</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which virtue helps combat pride?

<p>Humility.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which virtue helps combat gluttony?

<p>Asceticism (self-discipline).</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which virtue helps combat greed (avarice)?

<p>Generosity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Deadly Sin leads to all other sins?

<p>Pride.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Finish this quote: "When a friend of mine succeeds,..."

<p>...something in me dies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who said, "My heart is restless until it rests in Thee"?

<p>St. Augustine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does the Catholic Church protect sex so carefully?

<p>Because it is sacred and good and deserves to be protected.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Bishop Barron, what is a rampant spiritual problem?

<p>Pornography.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which vice is competitive by nature?

<p>Pride.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does pride really enjoy?

<p>Power.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has been the chief cause of misery all over the world?

<p>Pride.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do you know you are in the presence of God?

<p>You forget about yourself.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in becoming humble?

<p>Realizing you are proud.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does "Charity" mean in the Christian sense?

<p>Love; wanting what's best for the other person.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are two techniques for putting the human machine right?

<p>Morality and psychoanalysis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What things are involved when you make a moral choice?

<p>Act of choosing and feelings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, what specifies Grave Matter?

<p>The Ten Commandments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

With what is Morality concerned?

<p>Acts of choice.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do humans judge others?

<p>By external actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

With every choice, what are we becoming?

<p>Heavenly creatures or hellish creatures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is celibacy?

<p>Abstaining from sex your entire life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should we do if we are having trouble loving our neighbor?

<p>Act like you love them anyway.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are little decisions we make every day so important?

<p>Because good and evil both increase with compound interest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the virtue of Hope?

<p>A continual looking forward to eternal life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe "The Fool's Way" of fulfilling your life.

<p>Never being satisfied, always being bored and discontented, always thinking the latest is &quot;the Real Thing&quot; and always being disappointed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity Study Notes

  • Core Concept: The book explores the fundamental moral law inherent in human nature, its connection to a transcendent being, and the implications for Christian faith.

The Moral Law (Law of Human Nature)

  • Existence: The Moral Law, or Law of Human Nature, is a universal standard of right and wrong, recognized intuitively by people worldwide. Humans often rationalize bad behavior, indicating belief in this law despite not always following it.
  • Evidence: Similarities in moral teachings across cultures and historical periods support its existence, contradicting the idea of it being simply learned behavior. Examples of human conscience and judgment further highlight this truth.
  • Source: The Moral Law is believed to have been inscribed within each person by God.

Nature of the Law

  • Universal: People globally recognize the same fundamental moral principles.
  • Instinct vs. Reason: The Law is not a mere instinct. It's a moral sense that transcends basic desires or inclinations.
  • Ought vs. Is: The law dictates what people ought to do rather than what they actually do – an important distinction.

Relationship to a Transcendent Being

  • Evidence of a Creator: The universe and the Moral Law, both existing and indicating purpose and preference, can point to a transcendent being responsible for both.
  • Nature of the Creator: The Moral Law suggests a being concerned with morality.
  • Interaction: The universe and the Moral Law suggest qualities of a divine being which cares about right conduct, an artist, yet seems to be displeased by mankind's choices and behaviors.

Christian Morality

  • Virtues and Vices: Christian morality focuses on virtues like charity, hope, faith, and combating vices like pride, lust, envy, and anger. Specific qualities of Christian community are noted as important to the practice.
  • Harmony: Christian morality emphasizes harmony within oneself, with others, and with God.
  • Gradual Improvement: Moral growth is a lifelong process; good and evil actions continually increase over time. This is why choices matter greatly.

Application and Reflection

  • Personal Responsibility: Moral choices profoundly shape a person's destiny; choices often go unnoticed even though they are compounding themselves.
  • Guidance and Growth: People are capable of improving their lives by applying Christian principles and striving for deeper understanding.
  • Purpose: The concepts covered here promote achieving individual and collective betterment.

Christian Marriage and Celibacy

  • Sex and Marriage: Sexual activity within marriage is considered sacred and should adhere to Christian principles.
  • Celibacy: Abstinence (celibacy) is a choice, not inherently bad, but a matter of personal devotion.
  • Important Considerations: Genuine love, promises, and respect are crucial elements of Christian marriage.

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Description

This quiz focuses on C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity, particularly examining the concept of the Moral Law, its universal nature, and its implications for Christian belief. It highlights the innate moral understanding shared across human cultures and its divine origin.

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