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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Mere Christianity summary
C.S. Lewis
Timeless reflections in defense of Christianity
31 mins
Brief summary
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis is a philosophical and theological book that explores the core beliefs of Christianity. It argues that there is a fundamental moral law that governs the universe and that Christianity offers the best explanation for this law.
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Mere Christianity
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Key idea 1 of 9
All human beings have an intuitive knowledge of the universal moral law.
When humans have disagreements with one another – which happens a lot – how do we resolve them?
Do we fight it out like animals? Well, sometimes, sure. But, usually, we avoid physical altercations by using our words. To put it another way, we quarrel with one another. Quarreling is a distinctly human activity. We all do it.
Children quarrel all the time. They say things like "that’s not fair" and "but mum, you promised!"
And it’s not just children – adults are just as prone to petty quibbling. They say things like "Hey, I was there first," or "I helped you out, so you owe me." And, of course, lovers are wont to make the accusation
you’re lying." So, just what does this love of quarreling say about us?
The key message here is: All human beings have an intuitive knowledge of the universal moral law.
What’s common to all these examples is that the offended party appeals to some kind of moral principle such as fairness or honesty. What’s more, they always expect their opponent to adhere to the same principles.
In practice, that’s exactly what we find. Conflicting parties rarely disagree about the moral principles. When someone is caught having done something wrong – maybe they stole something or lied to their partner – they’re unlikely to argue that the victim’s moral standard is at fault, that actually stealing or lying are good things. No, instead they’re anxious to provide excuses as to why they should be exempted in this particular case. They might say, "I’m hard up for cash right now" or "Sorry, I had a lapse of judgment."
So, even when people break the standards of decent behavior, they still feel, on an intuitive level, that they’ve actually done something wrong.
This intuitive aspect of morality is key. We might provide perfunctory reasons for our actions, but ultimately, all of us – children and adults alike – feel intuitively when something is right or wrong, fair or unfair.
The author calls this the law of nature – a universal standard of good and decent behavior that’s felt by all human beings.
Of course, this moral law of nature differs from what we ordinarily understand as a law of nature. You can’t exactly break the law of gravitation, say, but you are free to break or ignore moral rules. Even so, we should still think of morality as a law because it’s by no means an arbitrary human invention – all humans at all times have felt the same moral impulses.
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What is Mere Christianity about?
Mere Christianity (1952) is one of the most famous and influential apologetics for the Christian faith ever written. Compiled from C.S. Lewis’s legendary World War II radio broadcasts, it brings together a series of timeless reflections designed to explain and defend Christianity. Mere Christianity outlines Lewis’s arguments for the truth of the Christian doctrine. It also explores what Christian life involves and why Lewis thinks we’re all better off as Christians.
Mere Christianity Review
Mere Christianity (Mere Christianity-publishing-date) offers a profound look at Christian beliefs and values. Here's what makes it special:
Dive into Mere Christianity for a transformative exploration of the Christian faith.
- Presents a logical and accessible case for Christianity's core tenets, appealing to believers and skeptics alike.
- Its timeless wisdom has made it a classic, inspiring generations of readers.
- The book's engaging and thought-provoking approach encourages deep reflection on faith and morality.
Dive into Mere Christianity for a transformative exploration of the Christian faith.
Best quote from Mere Christianity
Both parties have in mind a law, or rule of fair play, or morality or whatever you want to call it, which they both have in common.
—C.S. Lewis
Who should read Mere Christianity?
- Believers who want to strengthen their faith
- Nonbelievers who like to challenge their worldview
- Non-Christians looking for a clear introduction to Christian beliefs
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Mere Christianity FAQs
What is the main message of Mere Christianity?
Mere Christianity aims to present the core beliefs and values that unite all Christians.
How long does it take to read Mere Christianity?
It takes about 5 hours to read Mere Christianity, while the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Mere Christianity a good book? Is it worth reading?
Mere Christianity is a classic work, offering timeless wisdom and insights into the Christian faith.
Who is the author of Mere Christianity?
The author of Mere Christianity is C.S. Lewis.
How many chapters are in Mere Christianity?
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis has 33 chapters. They are divided into four parts: Book 1 - Right and Wrong as a Clue to the Meaning of the Universe, Book 2 - What Christians Believe, Book 3 - Christian Behaviour, and Book 4 - Beyond Personality: Or First Steps in the Doctrine of the Trinity.
How many pages are in Mere Christianity?
Mere Christianity contains approximately 227 pages.
When was Mere Christianity published?
Mere Christianity was first published in 1952.
What to read after Mere Christianity?
If you're wondering what to read next after Mere Christianity, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Reason For God by Timothy Keller
- The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
- A History of God by Karen Armstrong
- The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis
- Buddhism – Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen
- Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
- Learning to Pray by James Martin
- Stolen Focus by Johann Hari
- The Only Little Prayer You Need by Debra Landwehr Engle
- Why I Am a Hindu by Shashi Tharoor