Introduction
In 1942, as Britain was engulfed in the chaos and uncertainty of World War II, C.S. Lewis delivered a series of radio broadcasts that would later become the book "Mere Christianity." At a time when public morale was at its lowest, Lewis's reflections on faith and morality served as a beacon of hope for a nation in desperate need of spiritual rejuvenation.
"Mere Christianity" is not just a book about Christianity; it's a profound exploration of morality and faith that speaks to believers and non-believers alike. In an era defined by skepticism and nihilism, Lewis's timeless reflections offer a restorative perspective on the human spirit and our place in the universe.
This summary will delve into the key ideas presented in "Mere Christianity," exploring Lewis's arguments for the existence of God, the nature of morality, and the core tenets of Christian faith. Whether you're a devout Christian, a curious skeptic, or somewhere in between, these insights offer a thought-provoking journey into some of life's most fundamental questions.
The Universal Moral Law
An Intuitive Sense of Right and Wrong
Lewis begins his exploration of Christianity by examining a fundamental aspect of human behavior: our tendency to quarrel. From children bickering over fairness to adults arguing about broken promises, humans constantly appeal to some kind of moral standard in their disagreements.
What's striking about these quarrels is that people rarely disagree about the moral principles themselves. When caught doing something wrong, individuals typically don't argue that stealing or lying are good things. Instead, they offer excuses for why their particular case should be an exception. This suggests that even when people break moral standards, they intuitively recognize that they've done something wrong.
Lewis argues that this intuitive sense of right and wrong points to the existence of a universal moral law. He calls this the "law of nature" – a standard of good and decent behavior that all humans inherently understand and feel compelled to follow, even if they don't always succeed in doing so.
The Nature of Moral Law
It's important to note that this moral law differs from what we typically think of as laws of nature, like gravity. You can't break the law of gravity, but you can choose to ignore or break moral rules. However, Lewis contends that morality should still be considered a law because it's not an arbitrary human invention. Instead, it's a fundamental truth that humans across all times and cultures have recognized and felt bound by.
This universal moral law raises intriguing questions about the nature of our universe and our place in it. If such a law exists, where does it come from? And what does its existence tell us about the fundamental nature of reality?
Morality Across Cultures and Time
The Cultural Relativist Argument
Some people, known as cultural relativists, argue against the idea of a universal moral law. They contend that our understanding of right and wrong is learned from the society we live in, and that different societies have different moral standards based on their unique customs and cultures.
Cultural relativists often point to the fact that we have to teach children how to behave as evidence that moral standards are not innate but learned. They also cite historical examples of cultures with seemingly different moral systems, such as ancient Rome's acceptance of gladiatorial combat, as proof that morality varies across time and place.
The Case for Moral Consistency
Lewis, however, argues that these objections don't hold up under scrutiny. While it's true that we teach children moral behavior, this doesn't necessarily mean that moral truths are arbitrary. Just as we teach children mathematics in school, but the truths of mathematics exist independently of our teaching them, moral truths can be both taught and objectively real.
As for historical examples of differing moral standards, Lewis suggests that it's simpler to view these as instances of societies behaving immorally rather than having fundamentally different values. He argues that if we look closely at history and anthropology, we find far more consistency in moral values across cultures than differences.
For instance, no culture celebrates cowardice as a virtue or upholds lying as a positive trait. The basic tenets of morality – kindness, honesty, courage – are remarkably consistent across human societies throughout history.
This consistency, Lewis contends, supports the idea of a universal moral law that transcends cultural and historical boundaries. It suggests that morality is not merely a human invention but a fundamental aspect of our reality, as real and unchanging as mathematical truths.
The Implications of Moral Law
Materialism vs. Spiritualism
The existence of a universal moral law has profound implications for how we understand the nature of our universe. Lewis argues that it doesn't fit well with a purely materialistic worldview, which sees the universe as the product of random interactions between bits of matter over time.
Instead, the moral law seems to point towards a more spiritual understanding of the universe – one guided by some underlying intent or design. This is because the moral law is concerned with how humans treat each other, suggesting a universe that cares about human behavior and wellbeing.
The Limits of Science
Lewis is careful to note that this question of materialism versus spiritualism can't be answered by science alone. While science is excellent at describing how the universe behaves, it's not equipped to answer fundamental "why" questions about the nature of existence.
To understand the "why" behind the universe, we need to look inward. Through introspection, we can sense the powerful force of the moral law acting on us and informing our behavior. This moral force, which compels us to treat each other well, is difficult to account for in a cold, arbitrary universe of pure materialism.
The Case for Theism
The existence of the moral law, therefore, suggests the presence of a mind or consciousness behind the universe – one that cares about human beings and their behavior. While this doesn't necessarily prove the existence of the Christian God specifically, it does provide evidence for some kind of moral being or intelligence underlying reality.
This argument forms the basis of Lewis's case for theism – the belief in the existence of God or gods. He contends that the existence of moral law, if not proving God's existence outright, at least makes it a more plausible explanation for the nature of our universe than pure materialism.
The Divinity of Jesus
The Trilemma
Having established a case for theism, Lewis then turns to the specific claims of Christianity, focusing on the central figure of Jesus Christ. He presents what has come to be known as Lewis's Trilemma, an argument centered on Jesus's claim in the New Testament to be divine.
Lewis argues that logically, there are only three possible interpretations of Jesus's claim:
- Jesus was telling the truth and is indeed divine.
- Jesus was consciously lying, knowing he was only human.
- Jesus genuinely believed he was divine but was delusional.
Each of these possibilities presents its own challenges to our understanding of Jesus and his role in history.
Evaluating the Options
Lewis dismisses the idea that Jesus could have been just a great moral teacher who wasn't actually divine. He argues that if Jesus wasn't truly divine, then his claim to be so would make him either a liar or a lunatic, neither of which is compatible with being a great moral teacher.
So which of the three options is most likely? Lewis contends that based on everything we know about Jesus – his life, character, and teachings – the first option is actually the most probable.
Jesus lived a modest life and preached humility and honesty, which counts against the idea that he was intentionally deceiving people for personal gain. His teachings and actions also demonstrate great wisdom and sanity, making it unlikely that he was delusional in this one specific area of his identity.
The Most Probable Conclusion
While it may seem extraordinary to modern ears, Lewis argues that the most logical conclusion, based on the evidence, is that Jesus was telling the truth about his divinity. This forms a cornerstone of Christian belief and sets Christianity apart from other moral philosophies or religious traditions.
The Problem of Evil
The Classic Objection
One of the most common objections to Christianity – and indeed to the existence of a benevolent God in general – is the problem of evil. This argument typically goes as follows: If there is an all-powerful and benevolent God, why does suffering exist in the world? Surely such a God would have both the power and the will to eliminate suffering.
Understanding Good and Evil
To address this objection, Lewis first examines the relationship between good and evil. He argues that good is inherently superior to evil, not just in a moral sense, but in a more fundamental way.
Goodness, Lewis contends, is primary and self-sufficient. It's possible to do good things for their own sake. Evil, on the other hand, is always secondary and parasitic upon the good. Bad actions are always done in pursuit of some perceived good, even if that pursuit is misguided or excessive.
This understanding of good and evil aligns with the Christian concept of evil as corrupted good, symbolized by the devil as a fallen angel.
Free Will and the Origin of Evil
With this framework in mind, Lewis presents his theodicy – an argument reconciling the existence of a just God with the presence of evil in the world. He posits that when God created the world, it was perfectly good. Evil entered the world through the actions of human free will.
But why would God give humans free will if we were only going to misuse it? Lewis argues that without genuine freedom to choose between good and evil, humans could never truly behave morally. Real goodness requires the possibility of choosing otherwise.
This explanation doesn't eliminate all the difficult questions surrounding the problem of evil, but it offers a perspective that allows for both human freedom and divine goodness.
The Nature of Christian Morality
Beyond Rules and Regulations
Many people, both believers and non-believers, misunderstand the nature of Christian morality. They see it as a set of restrictive rules designed to limit pleasure and happiness. Lewis argues that this is a fundamental misrepresentation of what Christian morality is about.
To illustrate why morality can't be solely about following rules, Lewis presents the example of a man whose outward behavior is exemplary – he's polite, volunteers for good causes, and donates to charity. However, this man's inner motivations are entirely selfish; he only acts morally to secure a place in heaven and inwardly resents his good deeds.
This example highlights the crucial difference between outward moral behavior and inward moral character. True morality, Lewis argues, is about more than just acting morally – it's about being moral.
Transformation of Character
The rules and dictates of Christianity, then, are not an end in themselves. Rather, they serve as a framework to guide believers towards the development of a truly moral character. The ultimate goal of Christian morality is the radical transformation of the individual's inner nature or soul.
This focus on self-improvement and character development is crucial to Christianity. It's about filling one's soul with love and goodness, not just adhering to a set of external rules. This process of moral growth, Lewis argues, is not restrictive but liberating. It helps individuals become more mature, fulfilled, and genuinely good people.
Preparation for Eternity
Lewis also presents a more metaphysical argument for the importance of moral character development. If the state of our soul when we die is the condition we'll have to endure for eternity, then the work we do to improve our souls on Earth is essential preparation for the afterlife.
In this view, entering heaven in the next life means nothing less than making our souls heavenly here on Earth. This perspective gives added weight and urgency to the process of moral development in this life.
Christ as the Exemplar of Virtue
Two Ways of Living
Lewis argues that humans are capable of leading two very different kinds of life. The first is base and material, focused on earthly desires and personal gain. This is the default mode of human existence – inherently selfish and concerned primarily with survival.
The second way of life is spiritual, centered on the pursuit of moral ideals. Ironically, while the objects of earthly desires (like money, power, or pleasure) are fleeting, spiritual ideals provide a more lasting satisfaction.
The Christian Journey
The Christian journey, according to Lewis, begins with the realization of how far our current, material existence is from the joy of a truly moral life. This recognition often comes with a sense of dismay or even nausea – the uncomfortable realization that we've been living wrongly.
But this realization also opens the door to transformation. By embracing the Christian life, individuals can transcend their innate selfishness and achieve a higher mode of being. The further one progresses on this path, the more one departs from base animal instincts and comes to resemble the divine.
Christ as the Perfect Example
But how can imperfect humans hope to resemble a perfect God? This is where the figure of Christ becomes crucial in Christian thought. In Jesus, Christians find the ideal confluence of human and divine qualities.
Lewis argues that the very purpose of Jesus's earthly life was to show humans, by example, how to live a truly moral life. In his life, Jesus embodied the cardinal virtues of prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude. Even in his death, he demonstrated perfect atonement.
This is why, for Christians, worshipping Christ and striving to live the most virtuous life possible are one and the same thing. By emulating Christ, believers aim to transcend their material existence and approximate divine virtue.
The Theological Virtues
Hope
Lewis examines the three principal virtues of Christianity: hope, faith, and charity. He begins with hope, which in the Christian context means looking forward to the eternal joy that awaits beyond earthly life.
Some critics argue that this focus on the afterlife is a form of escapism, distracting believers from enjoying their current lives. Lewis counters this by pointing out that people with hope – those who look forward to a better future – are often the ones who live their current lives with the greatest zeal and least worry. Their hope allows them to face life's struggles with resilience, knowing that something better awaits.
Faith
Faith, in Lewis's view, is not blind belief but the ability to remain steadfast in beliefs arrived at through reason. He argues that faith is not the opposite of reason, but its complement.
Without faith, our beliefs would be at the mercy of our changing moods and circumstances. Faith provides the strength to stick to our convictions even when doubt creeps in. This is why, Lewis argues, people without faith often end up plagued by doubt and have weak convictions.
Charity
Charity, in the Christian sense, goes beyond mere generosity. It's about respecting and supporting others, even those we may not naturally like. Lewis points out a profound truth about charity: when we consistently act as though we love someone, we often end up genuinely loving them.
This principle highlights the transformative power of charity. By practicing it, we not only help others but also fill our own souls with genuine feelings of love and goodwill.
Christianity and Evolution
Reconciling Faith and Science
Many people believe that Christianity and the theory of evolution are fundamentally at odds. Lewis argues that this is not the case – in fact, Christianity and evolution can complement each other.
He suggests that the advent of the Christian religion can be seen as another step in the evolutionary process, one that has given humans an advantage and helped them to survive and thrive.
Spiritual Evolution
Just as certain physiological traits developed in our ancestors because they helped them survive (like light-sensitive cells evolving into eyes), Lewis argues that Christianity represents a spiritual trait that has helped humans survive and flourish.
The moral law upheld by Christianity sets out best practices for harmony between human beings. Communities that embrace these values tend to be more cohesive and better equipped to face life's challenges. In this sense, Christianity represents a kind of spiritual "survival of the fittest."
Practical Benefits of Christian Values
The values emphasized by Christianity – such as unconditional support between community members, even when it's not personally profitable – have extreme practical value for individuals and societies. These values help create strong, resilient communities that are better able to survive and thrive.
In this way, Lewis argues, Christianity isn't just about preparing for the afterlife – it's about creating the best possible life here on Earth, both for individuals and for society as a whole.
The Rational Case for Christianity
Filling the Gaps in Scientific Understanding
Lewis makes a compelling case that Christianity is not only rational but also complementary to scientific understanding. While science excels at describing how the universe behaves, it struggles with fundamental "why" questions about existence.
Christianity, Lewis argues, fills these gaps. It provides potential answers to questions like "Why does the universe exist?" and "Why do humans universally feel moral principles?" where science falls short.
A Guide for Living
Moreover, while science can tell us a great deal about the world, it doesn't provide guidance on how we ought to live or what values we should uphold. Christianity, on the other hand, offers a comprehensive framework for living a moral and fulfilling life.
Lewis contends that the Christian way of life is not just spiritually rewarding, but also the most rational approach to living. It provides a blueprint for personal growth, community harmony, and ultimate fulfillment.
The Reasonableness of Faith
Throughout "Mere Christianity," Lewis challenges the notion that faith is irrational or anti-intellectual. Instead, he presents Christianity as a reasonable response to the evidence we see in the world around us and feel within ourselves.
From the universal moral law to the historical figure of Jesus Christ, from the transformative power of Christian virtues to the practical benefits of Christian living, Lewis builds a case for Christianity that appeals to both heart and mind.
Conclusion
"Mere Christianity" is more than just a defense of Christian doctrine. It's an invitation to consider the deepest questions of human existence and to explore a worldview that has profoundly shaped Western civilization.
Lewis's arguments challenge both believers and non-believers to think more deeply about their beliefs and values. For Christians, the book offers a reasoned foundation for faith and a call to live out that faith more fully. For skeptics, it presents Christianity in a new light, addressing common objections and offering compelling reasons to consider the Christian worldview.
Ultimately, "Mere Christianity" is about the transformative power of faith – not just in an abstract, theological sense, but in the practical, day-to-day reality of human life. Lewis argues that embracing Christianity can lead to a more moral, fulfilling, and rational way of living.
In a world often characterized by moral relativism and spiritual uncertainty, Lewis's clear-eyed examination of Christian faith continues to resonate. Whether you're a lifelong believer, a curious skeptic, or somewhere in between, "Mere Christianity" offers profound insights into the nature of morality, the human condition, and our place in the universe.
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, Lewis's words remind us of the enduring relevance of Christian thought. They challenge us to consider not just what we believe, but how those beliefs shape our character, our actions, and ultimately, our world.