Christianity By Cs Lewis Sparknotes
C.S. Lewis first introduced his views about Christianity through several years of radio broadcast series. The material used on air was reintroduced to provide guidelines that uphold the beliefs and reinforce the values of Christians. Lewis addressed topics of theology, beliefs between what is right and wrong, expectations of mortality, and moral. These guidelines existed among several cultures for many years. This book provides a broad, but detailed description of objections related to natural law and how God is the giver of not only natural human laws but all laws.
The author shared his take on mortality in his first book, “Right and Wrong as a Clue to the Meaning of the Universe.” Lewis enlightens us with an in-depth discussion on mortality, focusing on the Law of Nature. He explained humans are curious to know what is perceived to be right or wrong according to cultural moral norms or universal ethical standards. These standards among religions are considered similar by society, but different among individuals. Lewis points out that quarrels are related to the …show more content…
laws or rules of what is right or wrong and follow the standards. He explained that quarrels are not just verbally expressing disapproval of an individuals’ behaviors, but as a means of fulfilling the criteria set by society; the way society expects us to react to a specific situation.
In one’s lifespan, we are subjected to laws and at some point. Our culture and beliefs sometimes influence our choice to disobey these laws. These laws are referred to as Rule or Law of Nature. Lewis shared that those who are in violation of these rules do not dismiss the fact that the laws or regulations exist, but will find a logic to why the rules or laws do not apply to his or her reason for breaking them. The temptation is more often blamed for breaking the rules than merely trying to understand why they exist, but the fact remains the choice is still in the hands of man whether to obey or disobey laws. Man, always makes excuses when the decision is also made not to behave decently, use our herd instincts, or Moral Law.
Lewis discussed having an urge or strong desire to behave in predictable ways is following Moral Law. Lewis explained the difference between morals and instinct in an example of what we “ought” to do. He shared there are two desires that we may feel at that time can lead us to either use our herd instincts and help, or our other desire to stay away from danger. Whatever instinct is weaker, that is the one our conscience will convince us to follow. These desires are what connects our instincts to Moral Law. Lewis stated, “Moral Law tells us the tune we have to play; our instincts are merely the keys” (p. 6).
Moral Law controls our instincts and impulses. Lewis points out The Laws of Nature relies on gravity, and all Humans have no objections to this Law. Lewis discussed what lies behind these laws and the way the universe is viewed by the materialist and religious views. The Materialist views want us to believe there is no explanation why some things in the universe exist. Individuals with this view seem to think that space, time, and matter have always existed. The religious views lead many to believe there is a conscious mind with a purpose behind the universes’ existence. Lewis explained that the only force behind the universe is God and he expects us to abide by his teachings, his laws. Lewis shared without Moral Law we would cease to exist.
Lewis explained in book two “What Christians believe” that we are taught to believe, our religion has something unique to offer. Lewis shared how individuals view atheism and Christianity sharing one thing in common, simplicity. He shared people perceive Christianity as simple. Reasons for this belief is people think everything is perfect because God is perfect. Lewis shared this reason alone does not make this religion simple, it is complicated. The mistake made by some is how each sees God differently and believe in God. Lewis shared in "The Rival Conceptions of God" that practicing atheist believe that all other religions are wrong, no exceptions (Lewis, 2009). Lewis shared that humanity was thought to be divided into majority and minority. Lewis shared that the majority believe there is a God or Gods that exist and a few, the minority, believe there is no God (Lewis, 2009). Christianity is among the majority which includes Greeks, Romans, and Platonists. Lewis discussed how individuals are divided by the sort of Gods individuals chose to believe exist.
This division between denominations produced two different ideas. The first idea was God is way beyond good or beyond evil, and the second is God is righteous and wants us to behave in ways he dictates. Lewis shared his views on Dualism explaining that there are two powers: equal and independent. These powers are also referred to as powers, spirits, or Gods and have been around for eternity and each believes one is good and the other is bad. Lewis explained in the practical conclusion that sharing God’s humility and his sufferings, we find hope and life. Lewis stressed how important it is to obey the Laws of God and live this new life of Christianity that begins with baptism and ends with communion. The good we do is of Gods’ liking and for Gods; grace. Lewis believed it was his plan from God to educate non-believers that we must be accepting of Christ and his teachings to be saved. Lewis thought if he lives a Christian life and practices good Christian behavior, this will please God.
Lewis shared that there are rules for living and these are dictated by Moral Rules.
In book three “Christian Behavior," moral rules provide that direction. Lewis shared this does not mean stopping the things that we enjoy, but practicing moral obedience to help us achieve higher morals that pleases God. Three morals are discussed and among the most important rules and moral standards. Lewis (2009), stated "firstly, fair play and harmony between individuals. Secondly, tidying up or harmonizing the things inside each. Thirdly, what man was made for” (p. 72). Lewis explained that Christ teachings are not new information and relate it to social mortality. Christ told us how he wants us to live according to his to teachings. There are certain principles and guidelines that can be applied to the Laws that help us model the Christian faith, including having a clear understanding of
mortality.
Reflecting on modeling the Christian faith, Lewis introduced seven ‘virtues,' four are called ‘Cardinal' virtues, three ‘Theological' virtues. According to Lewis (2009), the ‘Cardinal’ values are known by all, but the ‘Theological’ ones are only known by Christians. Lewis discussed prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude. Lewis explained it is important to distinguish between the virtues and doing so will help unravel those inner qualities that make us better people, better Christians. Lewis discussed forgiveness and how individuals should forgive, just as Christ forgives our sins. Lewis explained love one another does not mean to love what the person was done but to love the person.
Lewis shared in book four “Beyond Personality: or First Steps in the Doctrine of the Trinity” that Theology is having a clear view of God. Lewis compared Theology to a map, doctrines are a map to finding our way to God, and Christianity is something we experience not something that can be studied. Lewis explained that God is three, living together as one being. Lewis wants us to understand our purpose is to fulfill the life of Christ. We must understand and believe God is our present, not past or future and always right on time. Our purpose is to form a union with Christ. Lewis wants us to remember Christianity will be more comfortable if we face the hardships in the world in which we live.
Christianity is not easy or hard; we must decide if we want to become a part of Christ, experience mortality, follow and abide by the natural law or recognize when we are on the wrong path. Lewis decided to share his thoughts not to try to convince individuals that one religion is better than the other but to share his view with others who needed guidance. Lewis shared his views on Christianity from the outside looking in and exposed his hardships. He wants us to understand that humans cannot live up to the moral standards that are vitally important to existence. Lewis explains how Christianity can be easier if we face the hardships in the world in which we live. Christ knows we are far from perfect, but living in him; we can work to be perfect.
The author shared his take on mortality in his first book, “Right and Wrong as a Clue to the Meaning of the Universe.” Lewis enlightens us with an in-depth discussion on mortality, focusing on the Law of Nature. He explained humans are curious to know what is perceived to be right or wrong according to cultural moral norms or universal ethical standards. These standards among religions are considered similar by society, but different among individuals. Lewis points out that quarrels are related to the …show more content…
laws or rules of what is right or wrong and follow the standards. He explained that quarrels are not just verbally expressing disapproval of an individuals’ behaviors, but as a means of fulfilling the criteria set by society; the way society expects us to react to a specific situation.
In one’s lifespan, we are subjected to laws and at some point. Our culture and beliefs sometimes influence our choice to disobey these laws. These laws are referred to as Rule or Law of Nature. Lewis shared that those who are in violation of these rules do not dismiss the fact that the laws or regulations exist, but will find a logic to why the rules or laws do not apply to his or her reason for breaking them. The temptation is more often blamed for breaking the rules than merely trying to understand why they exist, but the fact remains the choice is still in the hands of man whether to obey or disobey laws. Man, always makes excuses when the decision is also made not to behave decently, use our herd instincts, or Moral Law.
Lewis discussed having an urge or strong desire to behave in predictable ways is following Moral Law. Lewis explained the difference between morals and instinct in an example of what we “ought” to do. He shared there are two desires that we may feel at that time can lead us to either use our herd instincts and help, or our other desire to stay away from danger. Whatever instinct is weaker, that is the one our conscience will convince us to follow. These desires are what connects our instincts to Moral Law. Lewis stated, “Moral Law tells us the tune we have to play; our instincts are merely the keys” (p. 6).
Moral Law controls our instincts and impulses. Lewis points out The Laws of Nature relies on gravity, and all Humans have no objections to this Law. Lewis discussed what lies behind these laws and the way the universe is viewed by the materialist and religious views. The Materialist views want us to believe there is no explanation why some things in the universe exist. Individuals with this view seem to think that space, time, and matter have always existed. The religious views lead many to believe there is a conscious mind with a purpose behind the universes’ existence. Lewis explained that the only force behind the universe is God and he expects us to abide by his teachings, his laws. Lewis shared without Moral Law we would cease to exist.
Lewis explained in book two “What Christians believe” that we are taught to believe, our religion has something unique to offer. Lewis shared how individuals view atheism and Christianity sharing one thing in common, simplicity. He shared people perceive Christianity as simple. Reasons for this belief is people think everything is perfect because God is perfect. Lewis shared this reason alone does not make this religion simple, it is complicated. The mistake made by some is how each sees God differently and believe in God. Lewis shared in "The Rival Conceptions of God" that practicing atheist believe that all other religions are wrong, no exceptions (Lewis, 2009). Lewis shared that humanity was thought to be divided into majority and minority. Lewis shared that the majority believe there is a God or Gods that exist and a few, the minority, believe there is no God (Lewis, 2009). Christianity is among the majority which includes Greeks, Romans, and Platonists. Lewis discussed how individuals are divided by the sort of Gods individuals chose to believe exist.
This division between denominations produced two different ideas. The first idea was God is way beyond good or beyond evil, and the second is God is righteous and wants us to behave in ways he dictates. Lewis shared his views on Dualism explaining that there are two powers: equal and independent. These powers are also referred to as powers, spirits, or Gods and have been around for eternity and each believes one is good and the other is bad. Lewis explained in the practical conclusion that sharing God’s humility and his sufferings, we find hope and life. Lewis stressed how important it is to obey the Laws of God and live this new life of Christianity that begins with baptism and ends with communion. The good we do is of Gods’ liking and for Gods; grace. Lewis believed it was his plan from God to educate non-believers that we must be accepting of Christ and his teachings to be saved. Lewis thought if he lives a Christian life and practices good Christian behavior, this will please God.
Lewis shared that there are rules for living and these are dictated by Moral Rules.
In book three “Christian Behavior," moral rules provide that direction. Lewis shared this does not mean stopping the things that we enjoy, but practicing moral obedience to help us achieve higher morals that pleases God. Three morals are discussed and among the most important rules and moral standards. Lewis (2009), stated "firstly, fair play and harmony between individuals. Secondly, tidying up or harmonizing the things inside each. Thirdly, what man was made for” (p. 72). Lewis explained that Christ teachings are not new information and relate it to social mortality. Christ told us how he wants us to live according to his to teachings. There are certain principles and guidelines that can be applied to the Laws that help us model the Christian faith, including having a clear understanding of
mortality.
Reflecting on modeling the Christian faith, Lewis introduced seven ‘virtues,' four are called ‘Cardinal' virtues, three ‘Theological' virtues. According to Lewis (2009), the ‘Cardinal’ values are known by all, but the ‘Theological’ ones are only known by Christians. Lewis discussed prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude. Lewis explained it is important to distinguish between the virtues and doing so will help unravel those inner qualities that make us better people, better Christians. Lewis discussed forgiveness and how individuals should forgive, just as Christ forgives our sins. Lewis explained love one another does not mean to love what the person was done but to love the person.
Lewis shared in book four “Beyond Personality: or First Steps in the Doctrine of the Trinity” that Theology is having a clear view of God. Lewis compared Theology to a map, doctrines are a map to finding our way to God, and Christianity is something we experience not something that can be studied. Lewis explained that God is three, living together as one being. Lewis wants us to understand our purpose is to fulfill the life of Christ. We must understand and believe God is our present, not past or future and always right on time. Our purpose is to form a union with Christ. Lewis wants us to remember Christianity will be more comfortable if we face the hardships in the world in which we live.
Christianity is not easy or hard; we must decide if we want to become a part of Christ, experience mortality, follow and abide by the natural law or recognize when we are on the wrong path. Lewis decided to share his thoughts not to try to convince individuals that one religion is better than the other but to share his view with others who needed guidance. Lewis shared his views on Christianity from the outside looking in and exposed his hardships. He wants us to understand that humans cannot live up to the moral standards that are vitally important to existence. Lewis explains how Christianity can be easier if we face the hardships in the world in which we live. Christ knows we are far from perfect, but living in him; we can work to be perfect.