Mere Christianity: Understanding Morality

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of little decisions we make every day?

They are generally irrelevant to our overall choice.

They help increase both good and evil through compound interest. (correct)

They shape our character in minor ways.

They have little impact on our lives.

What is described as 'The Fool’s Way' of fulfilling one's life?

Pursuing immediate satisfaction and finding peace.

Settling for what one has and being content.

Consistently seeking new experiences while never feeling fulfilled. (correct)

Finding joy in simplicity and routine.

What does the virtue of Hope represent?

A strong belief in earthly treasures.

A desire for immediate fulfillment.

A continual looking forward to eternal life. (correct)

An acceptance of life’s uncertainties.

What does Faith lead to according to the discussed concepts?

Good actions arising from a belief in God. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Christ’s grace in our lives?

It restores what sin has damaged in us. Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for the Law of Human Nature?

Moral Law Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Mere Christianity?

To serve as a series of radio talks Signup and view all the answers

How do we know the Moral Law is inscribed on our hearts?

By divine revelation Signup and view all the answers

What evidence suggests the existence of the Law of Human Nature?

Individuals regularly excuse bad behavior Signup and view all the answers

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

The Law of Human Nature exists and is universally acknowledged Signup and view all the answers

Which view of the universe believes in an inherent purpose behind its existence?

The Religious View Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinction between the Law of Nature and the Law of Human Nature?

The Law of Nature reflects innate human behavior, while the Law of Human Nature indicates moral obligations. Signup and view all the answers

What do ancient moral teachings reveal about their similarities?

They consistently emphasize common values of right and wrong. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Moral Law indicate about the Something behind the universe?

It is interested in right conduct. Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for Christianity to make sense for human beings?

Recognition of a Power behind the Moral Law. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the term 'fair play' refer to in the context of morality?

Harmony between individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Why is 'being in love' not a sustainable basis for marriage?

It is merely a temporary feeling. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to our appetites when we continuously indulge them?

They grow stronger. Signup and view all the answers

Which virtue is deemed to combat pride effectively?

Humility. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Catholic Church aim to protect regarding sex?

It is sacred and good. Signup and view all the answers

What is the greatest sin according to Lewis?

Pride. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of morality involves harmony with God?

Spiritual alignment. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'engine of marriage' run on, according to the discussed principles?

A quieter love. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit?

Power. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lewis mean by stating that we are progressing towards one state or the other?

We are becoming heavenly creatures or hellish creatures. Signup and view all the answers

What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit mentioned?

Joy, peace, self-control. Signup and view all the answers

How does Lewis define charity in the Christian context?

Wanting what's best for others. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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 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.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of C.S. Lewis's 'Mere Christianity', focusing on the nature of quarrelling, the universal Law of Human Nature, and how moral instincts differ from social conventions. This quiz encourages you to delve into moral philosophy and the inherent values that guide human behavior.