Mere Christianity Summary

"Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important." – C.S. Lewis

1. Morality is a universal human instinct

Humans have an innate sense of morality that transcends culture, time, and place. This "moral law" is not something we consciously learn but rather something we intuitively feel. When people argue or quarrel, they appeal to a shared sense of fairness and justice, showing that these principles are universally understood, even if we break them occasionally.

For example, a child might claim something is "not fair" when their sibling gets more than they do, instinctively referencing an agreed idea of fairness. Similarly, adults might justify their wrongful actions with excuses, demonstrating that they, too, know the standard they’ve violated but want exceptions made for themselves.

These universal principles strongly suggest that morality is not a human-made construct. Lewis refers to this as the "law of nature," and he asserts that it is as real as the physical laws of gravity and motion. However, unlike physical laws, this moral law can be disobeyed because humans possess free will.

Examples

• The concept of fairness arises naturally in children.
• People often make excuses for immoral acts rather than argue morality doesn't matter.
• Cultures across the world condemn lying and praise honesty.

2. Morality transcends culture and era

Lewis argues that while certain cultural behaviors vary, fundamental moral values persist across histories and societies. These consistent patterns hint at some deeper truth rather than rules simply created by individual societies.

A look at various historical societies—for instance, how ancient Romans fed Christians to lions—might suggest moral differences. However, even in such cases, people typically knew deep down that their actions violated universal principles, but societal pressures overrode this moral compass.

Anthropology and history, rather than undermining the idea of moral law, often show its universality. Everywhere, people recognize values like honesty, loyalty, and bravery. There’s never been a society that praised cowardice or deemed lies virtuous, reinforcing the stability of these moral principles through time.

Examples

• The core values of honesty and courage exist universally across cultures.
• Roman practices like gladiator fights were exceptions to deeper shared human values.
• Societies everywhere teach children moral values rooted in these universal norms.

3. The moral law hints at a divine source

The existence of a universal moral law suggests there may be a higher power or ultimate source behind it. If we were merely physical beings shaped by random processes, such a sense of morality would seem illogical.

Materialists argue the universe operates through blind forces without ultimate purpose. Yet, humans feel moral impulses that push us beyond basic survival needs, suggesting a deeper reality. Purely physical processes can’t explain why humanity feels love, fairness, or guilt.

Lewis ties moral law to theism. He suggests that the existence of moral law points toward a higher consciousness that has given the universe order and purpose. This isn’t conclusive proof of God, but it provides a compelling argument for those open to seeing a spiritual reality behind life.

Examples

• Moral behavior often conflicts with survival instincts, which materialism can't explain.
• People across cultures believe in cosmic justice for wrongdoers, even if not explicitly religious.
• Moral impulses feel external, as though they come from a higher guidance.

4. Jesus's divinity is the most reasonable explanation

Lewis presents a choice known as the "trilemma": Jesus was either Lord, a liar, or deluded. If Jesus claimed to be God, he cannot simply be considered a great moral teacher unless he was truthful about his divine identity.

Some argue Jesus may have been lying to gain power or influence, but his humble life and self-sacrifice argue against this. Others believe he might have been delusional, yet this seems inconsistent with the wisdom and clarity of his teachings.

Given the evidence from Jesus’s life, actions, and impact on history, Lewis concludes that the only reasonable explanation is that Jesus was truthful about his divinity. This claim is central to Christianity.

Examples

• Jesus preached humility and honesty—unlikely traits for a liar.
• His teachings show intelligence, ruling out the notion of delusion.
• Historical records consistently portray Jesus's life as humble and selfless.

5. The problem of evil is tied to free will

Many question how an all-powerful, benevolent God could allow evil and suffering. Lewis contends that evil stems from human free will, which God gave us as it allows for true love and goodness.

Without free will, humanity would be incapable of genuine morality. Goodness wouldn’t mean anything if it weren’t possible to also choose evil. By misusing free will, humans corrupted God’s perfect world, which explains the presence of suffering.

God respects the freedom he granted us and thus doesn’t intervene every time we stray. However, free will remains essential for love, courage, and meaningful morality—all of which would be impossible without the capacity to make moral choices.

Examples

• Free will enables both great love and profound hate.
• Moral virtues like courage depend on the possibility of fear and failure.
• A world without the option of evil would also lack true goodness.

6. Morality begins with inward change

Christian morality isn’t about rule-following; it’s about transformation. Rules serve only as guideposts to help individuals cultivate genuine character. Christianity focuses on improving what lies inside the soul.

Lewis critiques people who do good deeds for the sake of rewards, such as getting into heaven. True moral change comes not from superficial acts but from growing a heart that genuinely loves justice and goodness.

By aligning interior motives with actions, Christians aim for a deeper transformation. It’s not enough to follow commands reluctantly. Instead, Christianity urges believers to become people who naturally embody virtues in their thoughts and deeds.

Examples

• A person who helps others out of love has greater moral depth than one seeking external praise.
• The Christian path encourages genuine love rather than bribery-like incentives for heaven.
• Transformation of inner motives leads to lasting goodness.

7. Christ is the model of perfect virtue

Jesus represents the ultimate model for humanity. He bridged the divine and the human, showing through his life what moral living looks like in practice. Christians follow Christ not merely for his divinity but for the virtues he embodied.

Jesus’s example combines virtues like justice and mercy, which otherwise might seem opposed. His life and forgiveness even on the cross provide a benchmark for selflessness and grace.

By emulating Christ, Christians aspire to move closer to a life guided by love, humility, and virtue, rather than one dominated by selfish desires.

Examples

• Jesus forgave his executioners, embodying humility.
• His teachings upheld justice while emphasizing mercy.
• His life demonstrated how to love enemies as oneself.

8. Christian virtues lead to true fulfillment

The three Christian virtues—hope, faith, and charity—work to create spiritual and emotional well-being. Living by these virtues improves individuals and strengthens communities.

Hope encourages resilience, reminding believers of eternal joy beyond earthly struggles. Faith fortifies convictions against doubt and provides stability in an unpredictable world. Charity fosters generosity and real love, even for difficult people, transforming relationships.

While these practices challenge human selfishness, they ultimately bring profound satisfaction and peace. Living virtuously fulfills deeper longings for meaning and connection.

Examples

• Hope helps people endure challenges with positivity.
• Faith supports people in uncertain times, giving them courage against despair.
• Charity transforms negative feelings into genuine love for others.

9. Christianity aligns with human evolution

Lewis observes that Christianity fits into humanity's evolutionary development. The moral law, the central tenet of Christianity, represents a survival advantage as it fosters harmony and cooperation.

Just as eyes evolved to see, Lewis argues humans' moral and spiritual insights evolved to understand divine principles. Religions like Christianity emphasize care for others, which strengthens communities and aids survival.

Rather than contradict evolutionary science, Christianity complements it by explaining why humans are uniquely equipped for moral consciousness and spiritual growth.

Examples

• Moral teachings promote trust, which strengthens societies.
• Selflessness aids collective survival in challenging circumstances.
• Christianity’s rapid global spread aligns with its valuable moral principles.

Takeaways

1. Seek personal transformation by aligning your actions and inner character. Strive to live with genuine love and integrity, not just superficial rule-following.
2. Reflect on the moral law you sense within yourself. Consider how these innate principles shape your ethical decisions and connect you to a larger spiritual purpose.
3. Practice the Christian virtues of hope, faith, and charity daily. Look for ways to embody these principles, whether by helping a neighbor, finding peace amid challenges, or trusting in a better future.