Congratulations to all who have made it this far!
Now, in July, we will cover Book 3 of Mere Christianity:
CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOR
Lewis begins with some foundational principles,
showing how the following world’s standard of morality:
is radically different than Christianity’s standard of behavior.
The truth is, even if we are in the privacy of our own bedroom,
what we do does affect others, for as John Donne put it:
Lewis says: “Moral rules are instructions for running a machine.”
When we break the moral rule, even in the privacy of our own home,
whether it is too much food, too much television, or too much ruminating over wrongs done to us, we hurt our machine, which is part of the big machine
of society. Or, as Jesus puts it, “a little yeast can ruin the whole dough.”
Lewis also dismantles the world’s view of God, which is often that God is a Cosmic Killjoy.
Instead, we find, as John Piper put it:
In true Lewis’ style, he is helping us to think,
to logically unravel the lies the world embraces,
so that the truth can set us free.
Since it’s a holiday week with the 4th of July, we’ll just do 2 short chapters, but get started now so you don’t fall behind!
Concerning my posts — two things:
If any of you have access to more “doodle chapters,” tell us!
Also, about a month ago I had the button to receive e-mails removed as so many complained that they had checked it without understanding how many e-mails they would get. Since it is costly to have the website people go in and remove their check, I eliminated the button. But that may have been rash — so I’d like to know how many of you were using it and liked it and are sorry it is gone. (And I do want to thank the people who donate to help me with costs!)
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
2. Can you give an illustration from your own life that would dismantle either of these lies?
- Lie 1: We can break a moral law without hurting ourselves or others
- Lie 2: God’s rules mean He is a cosmic killjoy
Monday: The Three Parts of Morality
3. Read and/or watch this chapter and share two things that stood out to you.
Tuesday: Reflections on Chapter 1 of Book 3:
Point One: Thinking of moral laws as a way to keep our machine running smoothly
I, Dee, think I will always have to fight the desire to eat junk, deceiving myself to do it. Yet I know that it breaks down my machine, making me sluggish and sad, and that does affect not just me but others. Who wants to be around a woman like this?
4. Where are some areas where you tend to deceive yourself and hurt yourself? Be specific. Explain how it also hurts others.
Point Two. Moral laws are not ideals, for ideals can be personal preferences. But moral laws are immutable, just like the law of gravity. They are not a matter of personal preference, they are given to protect you and every moral failure is going to eventually cause you and others trouble, for it is breaking God’s perfect plan.
5. Where do you see the world going crazy with thinking morality is personal preference?
Illustration: ships sailing in formation
6. What are the three points of morality?
7. How does Lewis use a fleet of ships moving to illustrate the above?
8. Why does Lewis say that the fact that people are going to live forever factor into the consideration of their choices?
Wednesday (Happy 4th of July!) & Thursday: The Cardinal Virtues
9. Read and/or listen to the following and comment on two things that stood out to you.
Friday: Reflecting on Cardinal Virtues
10. What does Lewis say is the difference between cardinal and theological virtues?
11. What is prudence? Where would you be wise to ask God for it in your life now?
I’ve been going through Keller’s devotional on Proverbs this summer and he makes the point that proverbs show us the same action can be right or wrong, given the circumstances. Sometimes it is right to answer a fool, and sometimes it is not. It takes prudence to know the right course.
12. Lewis makes the point that today temperance just has come to mean teetotalers — but that is Mohammedanism. How does Lewis say the Christian should think of temperance?
I have spoken for the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, which still exists, but has broadened their perspective to temperance in all things. But the below poster from their original days made me smile.
13. Idolatry is often turning a good thing into an ultimate thing, being intemperate. Where do you need to ask God for temperance?
14. How does Lewis define justice? Why do you think Lady Justice has a blindfold on? (How this might help transform the news media — if they didn’t know which side the Republicans or Democrats were on?)
15. Fortitude is the courage to persevere. Where do you need to ask God for this?
If ever I or my children would complain to Steve about how much work we had to do, he would tell us: “When that happens to me, I work as hard as I can and as long as I can and then, as things are accomplished, I feel so much better!”
This month I have 8 grandchildren and some of their friends here. Whenever I hear “I’m bored” I tell them that is a choice. They must persevere with their creativity until they are not bored or face discipline!
Saturday:
15. What is your take-a-way this week and why?
76 comments
About the email button: I quit using it a long time ago because of the number of emails that I got. If I want to find responses I usually just search my name on the page. But for people who like it you could have it less accessible and just a short note that tells people how to find it, with the clear understanding that if it’s checked it can’t be unchecked. It’s not permanent so they won’t get email responses forever so if they check it and don’t like it once, they won’t do it again.
Dawn — one of my great tech and copy editor people — it only lasts for one week? I might have calmed some people down if they knew that. And as far as telling them I can’t fix it, I can’t seem to do that when they are so upset! But I didn’t know about the one week thing. What I’ve found is that many don’t read directions — and I know I can be like that too!
I am out of town again this week–headed to a specialty children’s hospital in California with Philip, so I won’t be very active, but reading along! As for the button–I did use it most weeks, but not as much recently. I think it’s fine to not have it, just something for us to get used to. I want you to do what’s easiest for David & financially best for you, it’s just not that big a deal either way.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
So much! That we are not islands–when I choose to break the moral law, there is a ripple effect to others’ lives.
Also, that God is not a “cosmic kill joy”. This reminded me of something Spurgeon said: “There is nothing in the law of God that will rob you of happiness; it only denies you that which would cost you sorrow.”
I liked what you said here about Lewis too, how he helps us: “to logically unravel the lies the world embraces, so that the truth can set us free.”
Lie rob us from true worship–it’s like they are the life support system for our idols! Only telling the truth allows us to truly worship God as we were created to do and I know the more I experience that true worship, the more I can be truly satisfied.
So good to have your responses, Lizzy! I like “lies are life support for our idols” and the Spurgeon quote!
Hi, Lizzy! Be thinking of you and Philip as you make the trip. I like” lies are life support of our idols”.
I was in total agreement with the idea that all of our choices affect other people until I read “too much food, too much TV, too much thinking about hurts” then I really had to think how could that possibly have any impact on society as a whole?
I guess a big part of it would be that these actions are “me” focused and if I am “me” focused in the privacy of my own home then it would also affect my attitudes and actions when I am out interacting in the world as well.
None of these things leaves me feeling good about myself and that too has an effect on how I view the world and treat the world.
You did some good pondering and I liked how you saw it had a ripple effect!
My thoughts on the e-mail button. Early on I checked it and decided not to use it because I felt like my inbox was just inundated with too many emails. I also inadvertently checked it awhile back but I knew it was only for the current week so just lived with it. Honestly never thought of asking to have emails stopped from it. I agree with Lizzy and think it would be fine not to have it.
Email button:
I have used it a couple times but since I’m on the site regularly I have no need for it.
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Lewis’s quote “In reality, moral rules are directions for running the human machine. Every moral rule is there to prevent a breakdown, or a strain, or a friction, in the running of that machine. That is why these rules at first seem to be constantly interfering with our natural inclinations.”
His point about these rules constantly interfering with our natural inclinations is the whole problem of the inherent sin nature of mankind. Our natural inclinations lead us astray. That inherent selfishness of wanting to go my own way and do my own thing. No one really wants to be told what to do.
Moral law as a system of guidelines for behavior keeps the human machine running well and when I agree to the value of observing moral law and applying it to my life the blessing of a smoother running machine is mine.
2. Can you give an illustration from your own life that would dismantle either of these lies?
Lie 1: We can break a moral law without hurting ourselves or others
When I have indulged myself in anger and bitterness over an offense inflicted upon me by another it resulted in breakdown, strain and friction as Lewis says.
My emotions were affected. It strained my relationship with others and created friction. With God’s help in choosing to forgive and move toward acting in a loving response I found freedom to oil the machine in a healthy way.
Lie 2: God’s rules mean He is a cosmic killjoy
Such a horrible lie about the character of God. Rules themselves can be a cosmic killjoy to my selfish desires but God as a wonderful and caring Father provides great protection through His rules for my life. I have tried to think where in my life I would go unrestrained if I could and the terrible result it would cause. Fortunately I don’t have any major moral failure in my past but like everyone my bent is to sin. I could easily have been an adulterer, a thief and given in to a murderous heart. But God has poured out his grace to me and kept me in spite of me. It’s a Love that will not let me go. He has put joy into my heart. Because of Him I gave not been deprived of joy!
Great reflections, Bev — on Cosmic Killjoy — and I liked your re-iteration and reflection here:
His point about these rules constantly interfering with our natural inclinations is the whole problem of the inherent sin nature of mankind. Our natural inclinations lead us astray. That inherent selfishness of wanting to go my own way and do my own thing. No one really wants to be told what to do.
1. Things that stood out, not just one! There is some truth to Miley Cyrus’s quote. Your choices are your choices. What she doesn’t see or say is that each choice has a greater consequence. We need to be much more careful as we choose, and I am preaching to myself here. They say that when you fly an airplane, just a tiny drift uncorrected can land you in Africa instead of England. You didn’t think your choice mattered, but it did.
I love John Donne’s quote, and have since I was a teenager.
in response to Dawn asking how our choices affect society. When I eat too much and get obese, I run up the possibility of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. When a group of us are in that boat, insurance rates go up. Productivity in the job sector goes down. What I choose to buy at the store, any store, changes what they order for next month. Retailers spend millions figuring out how to encourage us to buy their product. Take porn for example. A multi billion dollar industry. It affects crime rates, human trafficking and internet safety for our children.
I’d never heard Piper’s quote before, but it is great. I think of God’s standards as a fence. It’s job is not primarily to keep me away from pleasure, but to protect me from the evil, disappointment and destruction on the other side.
Dee, I only used the button a couple times. Seems to me you should be able to get rid of it. To help you with expenses, can we donate to that specifically?
Mary — I loved your response to Dawn. So good.
I am actually using all donations that come to me from this blog to the expenses of the blog — unless they are tagged for the prison ministry. Thank you!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Firstly, I am glad to get back to our study. Having been in Louisville, KY for Nationals kept me from investing in it last week. Thank you for your prayers for us. Although we did not get a medal, my husband and I and my students had a lot of fun and opportunities to interact and to get to know each other.
Secondly, I remember watching Miley Cyrus with my daughter when she was on a TV series. We laughed at her antics and ways so her friends will not find out about her double life. No, Miley. Whatever our choice is DO affect/can hurt others. I also agree with John Donne that no man is an island entirely by itself.
Spending a week with my husband and my three students proved a point. Even simple choices that I made like when to get up on a particular day affected our schedule. If we would have been late, it will stress all of us and we would surely affect the atmosphere of the contest. I overheard the over-all chairman of the contest saying a group was 45 minutes late. He was not very happy and the comment (I was one of the judges) colored my view of the group that was late although I did not judge their particular pathway.
And I wouldn’t be surprised, Bing, if one member of that group caused the others to be late!
Dee, I have not used that button and don’t need it.
2. Lie #1. Can we break a moral law without hurting ourselves or others? My experience is that while a man may think his lust is his own concern, it makes his wife unhappy and insecure. When a woman puts on too much weight, she is likewise telling her husband that he doesn’t matter much to her. When they are hurting, the words that come out of their mouths does not model truth and love, but reflects the world.
Lie #2. God’s rules mean He is a cosmic killjoy. This is harder, because in the short run, sin is pleasant. Much more pleasant than obedience and self control. We have to look farther out to see the truth. I heard an illustration once of offering a group of children a dime right now, or a dollar in a week. They went for the dime. We do the same thing with God. Instead of waiting for His best, we grab some shiny toy and forfeit the greater value He wanted for us.
I agree with Lizzy. Lies are life supports to our idols.
The button is back on — and I’ve changed what I’ve said to newcomers. Thanks all!
2. Can you give an illustration from your own life that would dismantle either of these lies?
Lie 1: We can break a moral law without hurting ourselves or others.
My daughter has a close friend who is gay and lives with his boyfriend. She says that as long as they are happy, others should not be concerned or disapprove of their lifestyle. I am interested in the souls of these 2 friends even if they are not my own. And this has affected my relationship with my daughter as she refuses to listen to what God says about homosexuality in the Bible. The enemy sure wants our young people to focus on ME.
So many Christian parents are in this situation today, Bing. I was too with my daughter Sally when she too has a college roommate who has married another woman, has children, and are happy. I know my fear was that this was influencing Sally’s high view of Scripture, because she was reading books that justified this lifestyle scripturally. She was willing to read other books too — but God turned her ideas around Himself — it was kind of wild, for it was after she read a historical fiction book by Lynn Austin (Waves of Mercy) that had nothing to do with homosexuality — but somehow, just brought her back. It was one of those times when I gave up control, stopped talking about it, and He came running. I will pray for your daughter and her heart and for God to protect her from the evil one.
Thank you, Dee. I continue to trust God and plead for my daughter and her friends.
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I thought of the song by Simon and Garfunkel, I Am A Rock. “I’ve built walls, a fortress deep and mighty. That none may penetrate. I have no need for friendship, friendship causes pain. It’s laughter and it’s loving I disdain…a rock feels no pain and an island never cries.” I often think how much easier life would be if I was an island, but that isn’t how God created us and if we all lived as islands how would our individual machines learn to love and be part of the big machine? I have to admit I really struggle with this, as I tend to be a loner. But I also know that is being selfish, sinful and definitely goes against scripture. Hebrews 10:24-25
Oh Sharon — I wish all loners had your heart of obedience!
3. What stood out from chapter three. How true that the modern world wants to focus on only one aspect of morality, if it is willing to focus at all. I see our culture heavily focused on ‘tidying’ up the individual. Shelves are full of books on how to improve, be rid of guilt, or start a new habit. Lewis saw the primary focus being on the first law, relations between individuals. I am either looking at this wrong or just not looking where he meant, because what I see is people demanding that we agree with their choices, and then we will get along.
The most important thing I saw in this chapter was Lewis bringing in ‘who we belong to’, and how seeing from that perspective completely changes everything. Underneath, people know if Christianity is true, they can’t continue to do just as they wish. And that is why they hate it, and are more and more hating those of us who are Christians.
4. Your example, Dee, of always having to struggle with the urge to eat wrong resonates with me. When I think of my pursuits as being the most important, then there are times my husband doesn’t get fed, has an ill tempered wife, or people God has placed in my path get ignored instead of ministered to. If I thought more, there would be a half dozen or more besides these.
3. I read and watched the doodle. I think it’s interesting that Lewis breaks down the interactions of humanity as he does; man to man, man to himself, and man to God. I guess I haven’t given much thought to how a person treats his body having any effect on someone else. I have thought of God giving me this “temple” and I should take care of it though.
2. Can you give an illustration from your own life that would dismantle either of these lies?
Lie 1: We can break a moral law without hurting ourselves or others
I was married at 21 to my college boyfriend because we had been spending so much time together either at his apartment or my apartment and I was feeling uncomfortable with that arrangement. I knew my mom would not approve and we spent so much money on rent for two places. I decided to convince him if we were going to live together we needed to get married. He agreed and we got married. We lasted three years and then I realized what I did by convincing him and going through with it was so wrong. My family had gotten so close to him and now we were getting divorced (again, my decision). I told my sister and BIL that they should remain friends with him because he was so upset. They did. Years later, I was jealous that they were still friends and I was the one left out! Our actions do affect others.
Miley Cyrus must not think her outlandish actions had any effect on her mom and dad….I still cringe when I see my son with all his tattoos. Makes me think he is dirty.
Lie 2: God’s rules mean He is a cosmic killjoy
Well, this one is a bit harder…I know that I should make God happy with my actions. However it does seem that the schoolboy said it best, …He is someone waiting around for us to mess up, or something like that. As humans, we want to do right but we do the very thing we should not do; it is who we are. So knowing that upfront, we are going to mess up but God isn’t waiting for us to strike down. Sometimes we mess up and it seems as if he is “none the wiser.” So, I don’t think He is monitoring each move. He did, however, leave a conscience within us to guide us. We commit a sin and up pops the idea that it was wrong. I should want to strive for being the best me God wants.
I don’t think I had heard the story of your young marriage, Laura. You are insightful into your past.
Monitoring every move –I don’t look at it like that, but as quenching the Spirit that empowers us. Thoughts?
I think God does monitor every move, but not waiting to strike us. He wants to protect us and to start the process of making all things turn out for good when we mess us. Kind of like watching a toddler. You watch because they are so prone to get hurt or into trouble without you.
Love the toddler picture as I am surrounded by them this month! Yesterday Steven, who was two, fell frontwards in one foot of water with his life preserver and sent his mama running like a gazelle. Many tears.
Mary: Love the toddler picture as I am surrounded by them this month! Yesterday Steven, who was two, fell frontwards in one foot of water with his life preserver and sent his mama running like a gazelle. Many tears.
5. The world says more and more things are OK as a personal preference, or even as a right. Not just cohabitation, but homosexuality, gender identity, physician assisted suicide (which I am happy to say, did not make it onto the ballot here in SD), the use of marijuana and other ‘recreational’ drugs.
6. The three moralities. Laura said it so well, man to man, man to self, and man to God
Today, my husband and I are celebrating our 42nd anniversary. The reason I am telling you this is because of the sweet gift Dee and Steve gave to us for a wedding gift. It was a gift certificate to a really nice restaurant in Portland, OR called London Grill. It is one gift I still remember and especially the givers. I did not know them but I knew they were very special to my husbands family!❤️ So glad to reconnect through this blog.
What a memory, Sharon! We so love having you here!
Happy anniversary, Sharon! I hope you and your hubby enjoyed a lovely day.
Happy anniversary Sharon! July 3rd would have been my moms 91 st birthday. A special day for us as well ♥️.
Happy 4th to All of you — let us know how God shows up for you today! I am blessed to have three families here to celebrate and it is perfect weather. I’m thankful for each of you — and especially sticking with it in this summer book club!
I do believe God showed up for us yesterday! My youngest son says our family can’t get through a holiday without a fight; it’s a joke he and I have together. Yesterday we managed to make it the whole day without incident. Granted, we were missing two, but they aren’t normally part of the problem necessarily. About halfway through the day I realized things were going pretty well and commented to God how I was happy, but to not “tease” me…it was a perfect day. Sarah and I actually had a decent conversation (not one where I talk and she yells at me) about her situation too; a sort of planning ahead type of talk. Thanks be to God!
Laura, your good day is a delight to hear about. That is answer to prayer for you and your family. A small step in the right direction in this very hard journey for you personally. Will continue to pray for you and your family situation.
Good news…praise God!
I am here this week and in Florida with my husband, daughter and son who lives in Houston. I’m going to ask my daughter if she’ll let me use her chrome book because it’s hard for me to type on my phone! I am enjoying the good discussion here, reading Lewis’ book, and am also continuing to read The Sacred Journey by Frederick Buechner, which is my first taste of his writings and his writing is of great depth and beauty.
I love Buechner too. So glad for this time with your family.
Happy Independence day, blog sisters!
Many thanks for your leadership in this summer book club, Dee!
2. Give an illustration from your own life that would dismantle either of these lies.
#1. We can break a moral law without hurting self or others.
(deceit) My first husband drained our savings account to the bare minimum without my knowledge I found this out when I called the bank asking them to make a funds transfer only to find out that all of the funds were gone. The trust I had in him took a fatal blow…this and other similar actions eventually lead to our divorce affecting not only each of us, but our two children. Clearly he was aware of his deceitful actions being wrong; he used to tell me that it was easier to beg for forgiveness than ask permission.
3. Chapter 1, Book 3…share two things that stood out to you.
1. The analogies of the fleet of ships and the band to explain the three parts of morality and each part’s significance to the whole.
2. “all thinking will be mere moonshine unless we realize that nothing but the courage and unselfishness of individuals is ever going to make any system work properly.”
4. Where are some areas you tend to deceive and hurt yourself? Explain how it hurts others.
eating…my husband I both try to eat healthy and are very careful about the grocery items we purchase (e.g., look at ingredient lists for natural, whole-grain items, careful not to purchase items that will sabotage our health effort). Every once and awhile, I get a craving for something sweet and/or salty, e.g., cherry turnover or pie, vanilla ice cream, potato chips. I convince myself that I deserve to indulge, indulging this one time isn’t going to really make a difference overall. I buy the item(s) and instead of eating just one, I polish off a few, half a bag, multiple bowls, etc. This isn’t good for me as I am pre-diabetic and need to watch the glycemic index of food carefully or eventually I will become diabetic, I feel sad at my lack of self control, and usually my stomach doesn’t feel so great after one of these binges. This also impacts my hubby, as he joins me in my indulgences.
exercise…I know that frequent exercising (my goal is 5 days per week) is good for me physically and mentally. Some days I talk myself out of exercising in favor of sleeping in, leisurely drinking my morning coffee, or I make a deal with myself that I will exercise later in the day (never happens). Not exercising impacts my health and wellbeing, it gets me out of my exercise routine making it much easier to not exercise the next day, my weight increases and mental wellbeing declines. What do they say…when Momma ain’t happy, no one is happy…:D
Good reminder to link those 3 parts of morality to the ships!
Monday: The three parts of morality
2. Read and/or watch this chapter and share two things that stood out to you.
Moral rules are for the running of the human machine.
Every moral failure will cause trouble not only for yourself but for others.
Tuesday: Reflections on Chapter 1 of Book 3:
Point One: Thinking of moral laws as a way to keep our machine running smoothly.
I think of my students who do not eat breakfast because they do not want to get up early enough (smile) to fix something or plan for it the night before. They are the ones who are often sluggish in the classroom and irritable. Of course, I realize some of them may not have the family support to provide food on the table. I try to keep some granola bars in my drawers and often I have takers for those.
Where are some areas where you tend to deceive yourself and hurt yourself? Be specific. Explain how it also hurts others.
My tendency to procrastinate because I want things to be perfect before I plunge into something. Example: not following up with a letter or a call or visit to somebody. Then when I do so, the recipients are always appreciative far more than I can imagine. I realize then that I am depriving the other person of the joy of receiving and I, of giving.
Point Two. Moral laws are not ideals, for ideals can be personal preferences. But moral laws are immutable, just like the law of gravity. They are not a matter of personal preference, they are given to protect you and every moral failure is going to eventually cause you and others trouble, for it is breaking God’s perfect plan.
5. Where do you see the world going crazy with thinking morality is personal preference?
Homosexuality, couples living together, excesses
6. What are the three points of morality?
excesses fair play and harmony -social
Harmonizing each thing inside-individual
man and the power who created Him-spiritual
I also like what Laura wrote: man to man, man to self, and man to God
7. Lewis says if you think of a fleet of ships (using that in wartime would have been compelling) and realize that the ships have to keep the right relationship between each of them, that is law one. Then they need to have everything functioning correctly on the inside in every detail, that is law two. For law three, he says that they all need to be headed toward the same destination, directed by something other than themselves.
8. Lewis says people need to factor in living forever when they make decisions. He illustrates that with bad habits that need to be nipped. I think people can easily twist that idea, saying if I live forever, then I will never get charged with my wrong doings so I don’t have to change. Lewis seems to assume that everyone has a basic acknowledgement of judgment. Maybe we have grown so much worse in our culture that we’ve lost that or we just don’t care.
9. Book three, chapter two. I’ve never thought about virtues as something I should want. I thought they were antiquated ideas referring to behaviors Christians, true Christians, did anyway. So this is all new. When he says to strive not just for the actions, but for the character the actions build, I want to get on board! Then, when he says that even in the life to come we will need such character, I am doubly in. I’ve always felt that we are left on earth after conversion partly to influence others toward Jesus, and partly to be developing something in ourselves that we can’t develop in heaven. Now I have a name for both. Character.
10. Lewis says the difference between cardinal and theological virtues is that the theological ones are for Christians only, while the cardinal ones are really for all people. Meaning that all people should be trying to improve their common sense, moderation, truthfulness, and courage, to use other words for those virtues.
11. I said prudence could also be called common sense, but it is really more than that. It is making wise decisions, looking not only at expediency, but at how our decisions will play out for ourselves and others decades into the future. So many people live moment by moment and have no clue how to do this. They are constantly in survival mode. I think of those that are in and out of prison as an example. And I think of Laura’s daughter here and send up a prayer. God is having me flex my rather puny prudence muscle by consistently following through with some medical advice, and also to turn to Him with every choice of what and when to eat.
“Flex my puny prudence muscle to follow through on medical advice on eating” Good
I have thought of the first two points of morality, but had not thought of the third, relations between man and his creator, the way Lewis describes as far as an eternal perspective: now there are a good many things which would not be worth bothering about if I were going to live only 70 years, but which I had better bother about very seriously if I am going to live forever! I’ve always thought that in eternity I will be perfected. Dee, do you think he’s saying that we take our flawed personality with us to eternity? Or is it more that we answer to God, and therefore need to work towards holiness, need to keep an eternal perspective?
5. Where do you see the world going crazy with thinking morality is personal preference?
legalized assisted suicide, abortion, cohabitation, recreational drug use, pornography
6. What are the three points of morality?
1. fair play and harmony among individuals; social relations
2. harmonizing the things inside each individual (“tidying up”)
3. general purpose of human life as a whole
7. How does Lewis use a fleet of ships moving to illustrate the above?
The ships must move in an organized formation so as not to crash into each other or other things/obstacles (social relations), each individual ship must be seaworthy (individual), and all of the ships moving towards a consistent, correct destination (general purpose as a whole).
8. Why does Lewis say that the fact that people are going to live forever factor into the consideration of their choices?
Lewis says if individuals live for a finite amount of time, then a state, nation, civilizations, i.e., social relations, become of utmost importance, for they will outlive the individual. But if individuals live for an infinite amount of time, outliving states, nations, civilizations, etc., then individual choices are of great importance. Lewis uses the example of one’s bad temper and anger increasing over a period of seventy years versus a million (infinite)…the period of seventy years would largely show little noticeable difference, but over a million years it “might be absolute hell.”
4. Where are some areas where you tend to deceive yourself and hurt yourself? Be specific. Explain how it also hurts others.
As I look back over the last 15 years, I realize how I have made my job somewhat about myself.let me explain…I guess I can say that I usually try to find “fun” in anything I am doing; it’s a trait that I have always had, I think. So if I start getting bored with teaching I would conjure up some excitement, like going on a 37 day research cruise in the Eastern Pacific Ocean with scientists, or learning how to make asphalt with a UNH professor. These things take time away from my family, and during the research cruise one of my two teenagers got thrown in jail! My mom was helping take care of the kids with my husband (who encouraged me to go) and I’m sure it was hard on her too. So they all “suffered” because I was focused on my career. I think I might have given them more of my attention instead of seeking something for myself.
5. Where do you see the world going crazy with thinking morality is personal preference?
Again, this has to do with education oddly enough! I think this fits the criteria Dee is speaking of, but I’m not quite sure.
I hope I can say this without offending anyone (disclaimer); remember I have one of these types of students too. Way back in the early nineties when I started teaching, our government decided to mainstream children with disabilities. Prior to that they were in classrooms with actual special ed teachers (who went to school for that particular specialty). The students with behavior issues that were severe were in their own environment as well.
The decision to mainstream also came with a lot of paperwork; the birth of the “IEP” (Individual Education Plan). It all sounded like a great moral thing to do, right? We make all students feel like they belong and can succeed in school. Unfortunately, over the course of time (over 20+ years) we seem to have shot ourselves in the foot. I see parents, administrators, and teachers in conflict, I see students who have become lazy because people consistently do things for them and they don’t even try themselves, I see teachers feeling so overwhelmed by the idea that we can superhumanly, somehow, create so many individual lessons for each and every student in every class that pretty soon one gives up and teaches (perhaps) at a lower level than we should because then all will “get it,” and I know realistically, the honors kids will always take care of themselves, the special ed kids will always be taken care of, and the kids that always lose are the 75% in the middle who are falling through the cracks. These are our “worker bees” as I like to call them; the hard working citizens who will be plumbers, chefs, electricians, and nail technicians. These are the ones who will help run the economy and be valuable to our country (not that others won’t). I saw a better way to be more individualized to the student when they were in a learning environment that had the educated person in that field teaching at the level of those particular students at once. Their individual needs were met because the teacher wasn’t running around trying to service everyone who all had different needs (generally speaking).
The lie is that we are being “moral” when we follow individualized education plans, when the reality is others are being hurt because of the personal preference (my child needs extra attention) to make us look good by this new method of teaching in inclusion. We would like all people are treated well, not just some groups, right? I don’t believe any of the aforementioned groups is getting what it needs in totality. It’s not an individual school issue or district issue, it’s a whole nation issue, as it’s a federally mandated one. Teachers are doing what they can do, but the struggle is enormous and not recognized. It isn’t an option to fail. In my opinion it’s a problem and we, as a country are seeing the problem (whether we want to or not) in the schools and beyond.
Tuesday
4. Where are some areas where you tend to deceive yourself and hurt yourself? Be specific. Explain how it hurts others.
Right now I’m struggling with our church. I’m deceiving myself in that it’s ok to back off and not be a participant and in so doing I’m hurting myself in not allowing God to use me or serve Him. I’m hurting others, my family, because my attitude is seen by them and therefore they are doing the same. I hope this makes sense.
5. Where do you see the world going crazy with thinking morality is personal preference?
This is an interesting question because what I see in this country right now is, as long as you agree with my morals or lack thereof, you’re a person I’ll listen to. Thinking morality is a personal preference is causing divisions and hatred.
6. What are the three points of morality?
Relations between man and man, things inside each man and relations between man and the power that made him.
7. How does Lewis use a fleet of ships to illustrate the above?
If the ships are all in good working order there won’t be a collision of the fleet and they must have a purpose or destitination…otherwise the voyage would be a failure.
8. Why does Lewis say that the fact that people are going to live forever factor into the consideration of their choices?
”Now there are a good many things which would not be worth bothering about if I were going to live only seventy years, but which I had better bother about very seriously if I’m going to live forever.”
I’m not real sure I understand this? I know that what we do here has eternal value and will be tested by fire. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15.
Sharon — so appreciate your honest vulnerability.
On question 8, what Lewis believes is interesting, in that, and 1 John supports this, that every time we choose to walk in the light, the light grows in us and every time we choose to walk in the darkness, the darkness gets a better grip on us. What mystifies me is that the moment we see Jesus we will be changed and be like him, we won’t sin anymore, so I don’t see that process continuing into eternity. However, what we are when we get there may, indeed, as you say, affect our place in heaven — but as Jonathan Edwards says, there won’t be envy about that as there is no sin. It is an intriguing discussion.
Sharon, I do understand your answer to #4. I do the same thing, because I feel somewhat disconnected at church and so deceive myself that I really don’t need to work on this and I often just go to Sunday school and then go home. I find myself disillusioned with church.
6. What are the three points of morality?
Man to man, man to self, and man to God.
7. How does Lewis use a fleet of ships moving to illustrate the above?
Lewis believes that a single ship should take care of its parts to be able to run efficiently. If it runs well then there is less chance of it being part of a collision with other ships. It should also have a course of travel in which it traverses.
The analogy is this: each of us needs to take care of ourselves because we affect one another when we don’t. We are all part of a team that runs well together when we all take care of ourselves. Running well means peace and harmony in the world; a good thing. Our steady course is charted by God who gives us a purpose and provides the original conscience which drives the system in the first place.
8. Why does Lewis say that the fact that people are going to live forever factor into the consideration of their choices?
If we only lived 70 years then we would have sinned but it might not be noticeable because 70 years is a short period of time. Because we live in eternity our sin over time grows and the hell we are in is multipled exponentially…definitely not something I have ever considered!
See the discussion I’m having with Sharon, above, Laura — as you bring up an interesting point. The people in hell may grow worse and worse making hell even more hellish.
12. We have the saying, ‘moderation in all things’. I think that is the essence of how Lewis describes temperance.
13. I need temperance from God in moving forward with some mentoring ideas at my church. To trust God with the timing, letting Him own it and not me. And then again, also with food.
Interesting to parallel temperance with patience, Mary.
9. Two things that stand out:
Mohammadiam is the religion of no drink.
Lewis was reading this himself! Right?! I got distracted by that one and need to go back again!
10. What does Lewis say is the difference between cardinal and theological virtues?
Cardinal are those everyone knows. Theological are those known by Christians.
11. What is prudence? Where would you be wise to ask God for it in your life now?
Prudence means practical common sense. He says it is taking the time to think through decisions methodically.
I tend to struggle when it comes to common sense…I suppose I would like it with respect to my daughter and her boyfriends situation.
12. How does Lewis say the Christian should think of temperance?
To reflect on all things of question; those we might want to abstain from because they might not be good for us…things like drinking but also too much golf, shopping, etc. He says we should, know when to stop and not impose our thinking on those who do enjoy without trouble.
10. what does Lewis say is the difference between cardinal and theological virtues?
Cardinal virtues are behaviors recognized by all as decent, responsible, honorable, etc. Theological virtues are a set of behaviors recognized as desireable only by a subset of people, Christians.
11. What is prudence?
Prudence is giving thought to one’s actions not only in terms of the present, but in terms of future consequences thereof; use of “common sense” in one’s actions.
Where would you be wise to ask God for prudence in your life right now?
A couple different places…in financial dealings with my daughter and related to a future move.
12. How does Lewis say the Christian should think of temperance?
As partaking in something to an appropriate level, but not to a point of overindulgence.
13. where do you need to ask God for temperance?
Lately, in my eating…I have been over indulging recently.
14. How does Lewis define justice?
fair treatment, honesty, equitable
Why do you think Lady Justice has a blindfold on?
for impartiality sake, to maintain objectivity
Thursday
9. Read and/or listen to the following and comment on two things that stood out to you.
”Anyone who is honestly trying to be a Christian will soon find his intelligence sharpened: one of the reasons why it needs no special education to be a Christian is that Christianity is an education itself.” So true!
”…a man who perseveres in doing just actions gets in the end a certain quality of character. Now it is that quality rather than the particular actions which we mean when we talk of virtue.”
Friday
10. What does Lewis say is the difference between cardinal and theological virtues?
Cardinal virtues are recognized by all civilized people and theological ones only Christians, as a rule, know.
11. What is prudence?
Prudence is having common sense, good judgement.
Where would you be wise to ask God for it in your life now?
In regards to my church.
12. Lewis makes the point that today temperance just has come to mean teetotalers – but that is Mohammedanism. How does Lewis say the Christian should think of temperance?
The whole point of temperance in the life of a Christian boils down to motive…it’s motivated by a conviction God has laid upon the individual’s heart. His motive should not be to condemn others, but rather be happy they can enjoy it.
13. Idolatry is often turning a good thing into an ultimate thing, being intemperate. Where do you need to ask God for temperance?
Getting more active.
14. How does Lewis define justice?
“It is the old name for everything we should now call ‘fairness’; it includes honesty, give and take, truthfulness, keeping promises, and all that side of life.”
Why do you think Lady Justice has a blindfold on? (How this might help transform the news media – if they didn’t know which side the Republicans or Democrats were on?)
To show that justice should be applied to everyone equally. I had an interesting discussion with my daughter about this as she’s a lawyer. I asked her if she sees the blindfold come off of judges in the courtroom and her response was she sees it take place with different economical groups, which is sad. I then asked her if she ever became a judge would that affect her decisions? She said I would hope not, but I’m sure you become jaded after doing it for awhile.
15. Fortitude is the courage to persevere. Where do you need to ask God for this?
In my daily walk with Him.
14. Lewis defines justice as rightness, truthfulness, and fairness. Lady Justice wears a blindfold because she is not to be influenced by the who that is before her, but with what is right.
Our local newspaper got upset that the new mayor, who happens to be a Christian, declined to attend a gay pride event. He said he had a family commitment, which I believe he did since it was on Father’s Day weekend. The week after in an article about something completely different, they wrote that the mayor couldn’t attend ‘he probably has another family commitment ‘. It was completely uncalled for and the most blatant abuse of journalism I’ve ever seen.
15. The courage to persevere. I need this in my long road ahead to lose the 65# still to go. But also in my everyday relationships. To keep on keeping on, as Christ wants me to. Especially when it comes to watching for opportunities to develop bridges with unbelievers. But mostly in prayer. That I not grow weary in it.
Wednesday (Happy 4th of July!) & Thursday: The Cardinal Virtues
9. Read and/or listen to the following and comment on two things that stood out to you.
So many things stood out to me but I will limit myself to 2:
Speaking of prudence: (God) has room for people with very little sense, but He wants everyone to use what sense they have.
Speaking of temperance: …God is not deceived by externals.
Friday: Reflecting on Cardinal Virtues
10. What does Lewis say is the difference between cardinal and theological virtues?
The first 4 all civilized people recognized and the last three only Christians knew about.
11. What is prudence? Where would you be wise to ask God for it in your life now?
Prudence means practical common sense, taking the trouble to think out what you are doing and what is likely to come of it.
how to balance my pastor/husband in all the “good” ministry opportunities in our church so as not to be overwhelmed
12. How does Lewis say the Christian should think of temperance?
…not abstaining but going the right length and no further. Moderation in everything.
13. Idolatry is often turning a good thing into an ultimate thing, being intemperate. Where do you need to ask God for temperance?
After being in chronic shoulder problems for so many years and trying many exercise regimen, I have finally found one that I like and seems to be helping me stay on track. Nowadays, I tend to overdo it. Lord, help me to have temperance in this area.
14. How does Lewis define justice? Why do you think Lady Justice has a blindfold on? (How this might help transform the news media — if they didn’t know which side the Republicans or Democrats were on?)
It is the old name for everything we should now call ‘fairness’; it includes honesty, give and take, truthfulness, keeping promises, and all that side of life.
So justice will be impartial
News will be objective and impartial instead of opinions and personal political affiliations
15. Fortitude is the courage to persevere. Where do you need to ask God for this?
In prayer
In being a grace dispensers (thank you, Philip Yancey) to those who are hurting and those I disagree with, to those who have hurt me.
14. How does Lewis define justice? Why do you think Lady Justice has a blindfold on? (How this might help transform the news media — if they didn’t know which side the Republicans or Democrats were on?)
Lewis says justice includes all thing fair; honesty, give and take, truthfulness, and keeping promises. Lady Justice needs to be blind to bias of any kind to make decisions. Yes, the media is a joke now. If journalists didn’t know specifics they would be more truthful and less biased.
15. Fortitude is the courage to persevere. Where do you need to ask God for this?
Hmm, I usually am pretty good with this one; sticking it out when the going is tough…probably my eating habits is where I fall down lately and tend to give up.
Saturday:
15. What is your take-a-way this week and why?
That whatever I do affects me and others. That this material world will always have a strong push against God’s standards and I need to be vigilant. The last picture of the warrior moving forward in battle with a strong grip to his shield and sword struck me. I thought of the armor of God in Ephesians 6 which talks about the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. My faith will keep me strong moving forward and the Word of God should be my ready offensive weapon. The humble stance of bowing the head as protected by the shield.
I need to stay in the Word, meditate on it and memorize it so when the battle is strong, I can stand in its truth and promises. My faith will look up to the one and only true God and only one and true Savior, Jesus Christ.
One take-away from discussion is that people in hell may be growing worse and worse. Not repenting but shaking their fist at God.
Take away. How much work I have in front of me with just there four. And we haven’t even gotten to the Christian ones!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The world’s standard of morality, as summed up in Miley Cyrus’ quote, “As long as you’re not hurting anyone, your choices are your choices.” My thoughts are focused on the “your choices are your choices”. This implies ownership, and the secular man or woman does truly believe this because he or she believes, “I own myself”. The believer comes to understand that he is owned by God, who bought him with a price. Of course, we still make our own choices, but when we ask God for help, or let the Holy Spirit guide us, then our choices are often His choices as we choose the high road; when we choose to do the right thing when we want to do the wrong thing. Secular thinking is like the poem Invictus, which says, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” So is the “your choices are your choices”….they are both saying “I will answer to no one”.
The second thing that stood out to me was in Lewis’ quote about moral rules are directions for running the human machine. It was only when I read it a few times that I noticed he said, “That is why these rules at first seem to be constantly interfering with our natural inclinations.” It strikes me that we not only are like broken machines, but also we are used to running as broken machines, and our natural (sinful) inclinations are to continue to operate like that.
2. Can you give an illustration from your own life that would dismantle either of these lies?
Lie 1: We can break a moral law without hurting ourselves or others
In the opening, Dee mentioned spending too much time ruminating over wrongs done to us. That is a big one for me. Unfortunately, I seem to have a very good memory and offenses that happened years ago, I can remember the specifics as if it happened last week. I know that God says not to let a bitter root grow in me, lest it hurt the people around me, as my bitterness will infect them. I once heard a pastor describe it like trying to play the piano with your elbow: it is impossible to only hit one key; with your elbow you hit several. I can deceive myself into thinking that because all this ruminating and brooding is only going on in my own private thoughts and so it doesn’t hurt anyone else, but the truth is, it leads to putting walls up against others, caricaturing others, and often leads to my sharing verbally what this person did to me, and that affects then how others see that person. I really struggle with this area in my marriage, going over past (or not so past) disappointments, hurts, frustrations. I know my children haven’t had the best example given to them of a healthy marriage.
Monday: The Three Parts of Morality
3. Read and/or watch this chapter and share two things that stood out to you.
Lewis opens with the schoolboy’s thoughts on what he believed God was like: the sort of person who is always snooping around to see if anyone is enjoying himself and then trying to stop it. Lewis says the word “morality” raises the same kind of idea in people’s minds: something that interferes or stops you from having a good time. After I came to know the Lord, I had someone in my life say the same thing about me: “You used to be fun”. Of course, in my new belief I may well have been legalistic, but there were things I used to do that didn’t give me any enjoyment anymore.
Lewis stresses that morality has three parts, but modern man’s thinking about morality usually stops with the first part and is only concerned with harmony between individuals. However, Lewis says, “Unless we go on to the second thing – the tidying up inside each human being – we are only deceiving ourselves.” Lewis also says, “….but as long as men are twisters or bullies they will find some new way of carrying on the old game under the new system. You cannot make men good by law.” I think that even as believers, we can deceive ourselves when our outward behavior conforms but inside we are still twisted and we are not dealing with what is in our hearts.
Tuesday: Reflections on Chapter 1 of Book 3:
Point One: Thinking of moral laws as a way to keep our machines running smoothly
4. Where are some areas where you tend to deceive yourself and hurt yourself? Be specific. Explain how it also hurts others.
Because I’ve had a difficult or disappointing marriage, and also I wasn’t a Christian when I got married, I didn’t follow God’s way of putting my husband first. Instead, I was dependent on my children for love, companionship, affirmation, and security. I just know I feel better when they’re around. I am very afraid of a future alone with just me and my husband. Not knowing, at first, and then deceiving myself into making my children my identity and purpose in life has hurt me in that idols, as Dee says, only turn around to devour you. It has hurt my marriage and I haven’t been a good example of a godly wife for my children.
5. Where do you see the world going crazy with thinking morality is personal preference?
I think in the areas of sexuality, homosexuality, and gender. Many Christians embraced the “50 Shades” books and movie. I appreciate Juli Slattery writing an answer to this in Pulling Back the Shades.
6. What are the three points of morality?
Fair play and harmony, harmony inside the individual, and what man was made for or the purpose of human life.
7. How does Lewis use a fleet of ships moving to illustrate the above?
Point 1, man to man is illustrated by a fleet of ships making a successful voyage when they do not collide with each other or get in each other’s way; they must sail in formation. Point 2, inside a man is illustrated by each ship in the fleet must be sea-worthy and have all its parts working correctly for it to avoid collisions. Point 3, man’s purpose in life is illustrated by asking where is the fleet going or what is its mission.
8. Why does Lewis say that the fact that people are going to live forever factor into the consideration of their choices?
Lewis writes, “Now there are a good many things which would not be worth bothering about if I were going to live only seventy years, but which I had better bother about very seriously if I am going to live forever.” Lewis uses the example of a bad temper gradually getting worse; in 70 years it might not be too noticeable, but “it might be absolute hell in a million years.” He says, “Hell is the precisely correct technical term for what it would be.” I am assuming his example refers to unbelievers, that in hell, their sin nature will only grow worse and worse, making hell the awful place that it is? Because a believer won’t keep getting worse in heaven?