Show Notes
Before Lewis delves into more specifics about what constitutes the "Christian life," he explores the relationship between morality and psychoanalysis, both of which claim to "put the human machine right." This leads him to clarifying that Christian morality isn't a reward system for keeping rules but an acknowledgment that every one of our choices contributes to the growth of our central being "either into a creature that is in harmony with God, and with other creatures, and with itself, or else into one that is in a state of war and hatred with God, and with its fellow-creatures, and with itself."
More from Mere Christianity, by C. S. Lewis
This short episode shares the "About the author" blurb from the book. It also mentions that I'll be recording The Screwtape Letters next: search for it under mandmbowles!
What is the "next step in evolution"? What will the "new men" look and be like? In this final chapter, Lewis concludes his consideration of mere Christianity by examining the possibilities.
In this chapter, Lewis responds to the criticism that, if Christianity is true, why are not all Christians obviously nicer than all non-Christians?
In chapter 8, Lewis commented on Jesus's words, "Be ye perfect." He spends this entire chapter elaborating on the meaning of this statement, explaining his view of Jesus's intent.
In the last few chapters, Lewis has presented the Christian idea of dressing up as a Son of God as the means of becoming a son of God. In this chapter, he contrasts this with ordinary ideas of "morality" and "being good." Against this background, he then addresses the contrasting views of the Christian life as being hard and easy.