Prompts for discussion, September 16
Mere Christianity
Book One: “Right and Wrong as a Clue to the Meaning of the Universe”
Overview
As Lewis states multiple times in this opening section, he does not approach anything to do with Christianity in particular in the beginning of Mere Christianity. He believes that our sense of right and wrong are a clue to the fact that there is meaning in the universe and what this meaning might look like. Ultimately, he is making his case that we know we do not consistently or perfectly do right. Bringing us to the place of knowing we have a problem is, for Lewis, a necessary first step in order to prepare us to hear the message of Christianity. Book One is that first step.
Some Questions to Consider
1. How did you find the experience of reading the opening chapters of the book? Lewis employs a very logic-based style of discussion. Is this a different type of reading than you are used to? How difficult did you find it to settle into this form of making an argument.
2. In chapter 1, Lewis argues that there is a “law of human nature” that we all recognize—a standard for right and wrong behaviour—and that we do not keep this law. Do you think Lewis’ case for there being a “law of human nature” holds up today? In what areas of life do you think people would most be willing to admit that there is an accepted standard of right and wrong?
3. In chapter 2, Lewis argues that the law of human nature is not the same thing as instinct. What do you think of his argument about this? Does his idea of “a third thing” outside of our instincts or impulses make sense to you?
4. As Lewis moves in chapter 4 to discuss “What Lies Behind the Law” he lays out two broad views of what the universe really is and how it came to be there. The two views are the “materialist view” and the “religious view.” Does this still fit our world today? Or are there other views on offer? What did you think of Lewis’ discussion of the “Life-Force” view at the end of the chapter?
5. What do you make of Lewis’ idea of the reality of a good God in chapter 5? Consider this quotation:
Some people talk as if meeting the gaze of absolute goodness would be fun. They need to think again. They are still only playing with religion. Goodness is either the great safety or the great danger—according to the way you react to it. And we have reacted the wrong way.
6. Do you agree that in order for Christianity to speak into people’s lives, they need to come to recognize that there is a standard of right and wrong and that they have failed to keep it?
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