Mere Christianity: Understanding Morality

Quarrelling

• Quarrelling involves trying to prove the other person wrong.

Mere Christianity's Purpose

• Originally written as a series of radio talks.

The Law of Human Nature

• Also known as the Law of Nature, Morality, the Moral Law, Decent Conduct, the Law of Right and Wrong.
• Perceived as universally understood, not needing explicit teaching.
• Demonstrated by the existence of universal moral concepts throughout human societies.
• Proven by human beings' tendency to excuse their wrongdoing.
• Inscribed in our hearts by God.

Herd Instinct and Instinct

• Herd instinct is the desire to protect and assist one's own.
• Instinct is a strong desire to act in a specific way.
• The Moral Law isn't an instinct because there isn't a uniquely "good" instinct.
• Instincts themselves are neither good nor bad.

The Moral Law and Social Convention

• The Moral Law isn't a social convention (something learned and man-made).
• It's based on what humans ought to do, even if they don't.
• Key characteristics of humans: knowing the right way to behave, but not always behaving that way.

The Universe and the Something Behind It

• Materialist View: The universe arose from chance and matter/space exist independently.
• Religious View: The universe exists for a reason; something like a mind is behind it, with purposes and preferences.
• The universe and the Moral Law offer evidence for the Something/Somebody behind the universe.
• The universe signifies the Something/Somebody as an artist, not necessarily fond of humans.
• The Moral Law implies the Something/Somebody is interested in right conduct.

The Purpose of the Moral Law

• To guide us toward goodness and ethical behavior.

The Quickest Way Forward

• Recognizing mistakes and rectifying them is the fastest path forward.

Morality and Christianity

• Christianity requires acknowledging a Power behind the Moral Law and acknowledging our wrongdoings.
• Christianity emphasizes harmony with others, God, and oneself as core moral principles.
• Mortal sin destroys charity, while venial sin allows charity to diminish.
• Concepts like fair play and a general purpose for living are also related to morality.

Key Passions and Virtues

• Principle passions include love, hatred, anger, joy, desire, fear, and sadness.
• "Cardo" means hinge, referring to a key issue or significant factor.
• Theological virtues are faith, hope, and charity (love).
• Cardinal virtues are fortitude (courage), prudence (common sense), temperance (self-discipline), and justice.

The Golden Rule

• "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Church and Community

• The "Church" is more than just clergy; it refers to all practicing Christians.
• Christian communities are characterized by obedience, courtesy, and the avoidance of "passengers" or "parasites".

Charity and Giving

• Be generous, giving more than you can spare for charity.
• Tithing is giving 10% of one's income.
• Fear of insecurity is a major obstacle to giving.

Growth and Transformation

• Constant progress toward becoming angelic or demonic is a key concept.
• Our desires, especially sexual ones, become distorted through unbridled indulgence.

Sex and Marriage

• Christianity advocates for marriage as a sacred union.
• The "engine of marriage" runs on love that is unwavering.
• Sex outside of marriage is considered immoral.
• “Being in love” is insufficient basis for marriage; it’s more than just a feeling.

Forgiveness and Eternal Life

• Forgiveness is vital; we won’t be forgiven if we don't forgive.
• Practicing forgiveness, even in small ways, is important.

Gifts and Fruits of the Spirit

• Gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, knowledge, understanding, wonder and awe, courage, right judgment, and reverence.
• Fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faith, modesty, self-control, and chastity.

The Deadly Sins and Lively Virtues

• Deadly Sins: pride, gluttony, greed (avarice), lust, envy, anger, and sloth.
• Lively Virtues include humility, asceticism (self-discipline), generosity, chastity, admiration, forgiveness, and zeal for the mission.

Pride and Humility

• Pride is the greatest sin, feeding all other sins.
• Realizing pride is the first step towards humility.
• Recognizing pride in oneself is the first step towards humility.

God, Love, and Faith

• Loving God involves wishing him/her/it well, wanting what's best for the Divine.
• Faith in God motivates good actions.
• God's grace restores what sin has damaged.
• God created humans to know, love, and serve him.

Morality and the Spiritual Life

• Morality is concerned with choices in actions.
• Humans evaluate others by outward actions, often ignoring deeper motivations.
• Every choice shapes us toward heavenliness or hellishness.
• Celibacy is abstinence from sexual activity for life.

Everyday Choices and the Spiritual Path

• Small, everyday decisions are important because their effects increase over time.
• Helping neighbors, even if love is difficult, is crucial.
• Patience is a necessary virtue to be developed within ourselves.
• Practical applications of Christian virtues and knowledge can create spiritual growth.

The Fool's Way, the Way of the Disillusioned, the Christian Way

• The Fool's Way seeks boundless satisfaction through transient interests, leading to disillusionment.
• The Disillusioned Way seeks contentment in limited expectations.
• The Christian Way trusts that desires will be met through a proper and wholesome relationship with God.

Faith

• Faith involves belief, relying on God.
• Practicing Christian virtues strengthens faith.
• God desires a particular relationship with humans.
• Faith in God leads to good deeds.

Eternal Life, the Catholic Church, and Forgiveness

• Eternal life is a continual hope.
• The Catholic Church sees sex as sacred and good.
• Forgiveness is vital for eternal salvation.

Other Key Concepts

• The “human machine” can be improved through morality and psychoanalysis.
• Moral choices involve both actions and inner feelings.
• Grave matter in morality is specified by the Ten Commandments.
• Humans are becoming heavenbound or hellbound through their choices.
• Pornography is a serious spiritual problem.
• Pride is a competitive vice, seeking power rather than fulfillment.
• Knowing one is in God’s presence leads to self-forgetfulness.