Chapter 2- Some Objections

I'm glad this chapter is here. It shows a thoroughness of logic. The argument here comes down to the idea of a conscience of the mind that is the deciding factor between our spirit and mind. I believe our spirit holds our best qualities such as love, adventure, passion, joy, thankfulness, and hard work. Our body in itself is not sinful, however, it holds the driving force for most sinful acts. In the chapter it talks about the need to procreate or the need to fight as the basis of good things. I am going to add food and an activity to that list for our time (its the PT in me haha). These acts can be completely pure or the basis for our downfall. I believe it is all about our relationship with them.

Pastor Koch taught a mens retreat about Solomon a while back. He spoke of this topic quite a bit. Solomen came up with a few conclusions about life after he had literally done done everything he had ever dreamed of (which included becoming the wisest man ever). He said that there was happiness is physical labor itself but not the end product. He also showed that even the best human with the favor of god is sinful. Like all of us Solomon had a great spirit and normal desires of the flesh. Also, like all of us, he had times of being rightious and times of great sin. What I have learned from Solomon is that the battle takes place in the mind. The mind controls the body and can either ignore or flatout say no to the spirit. So I pray that we all protect our minds and be good role models for others to say no to our bodies a little more often.

Peace

Adam

Chapter 1: The law of human nature

Lewis kicks off with an assertion that there is a universal moral law that applies to all people. This raises a lot of questions (i.e. where does this law come from?) which Lewis explores in subsequent chapters. The concept of natural law also lays the foundation for discussions about sin and redemption.

I think he makes a convincing case that there is a basic standard of fairness that all people and nations unconsciously expect others to achieve. I don't think there are many who would disagree with the form of universal law presented. Even people who believe in moral relativism espouse peace and tolerance, which are themselves a form of universal law.

What might be more controversial is the assertion that the law of human nature is as fundamental as gravitation. Moral law is considerably more complex and less well defined than physical laws like gravitation (which can be described by a single equation). Biology might be a better analogy. It is a fuzzy science that has some basic actors (DNA, the cell) which result in considerable variation.

The fact that there are Christians coming from every culture in the world speaks to a set of universal principles. People from every conceivable moral background have found value in the teachings and principles of Christ.

Christianity 101

Lewis raises a few questions in the intro worth noting our thinking through. What does the word Christian mean? Is there such a thing as mere Christianity? A set of beliefs that all Christians would agree to? As I pondered this question I wondered if it were possible. Jesus, Trinity, sin, salvation.... Is there something in common between Catholics and fundamental baptists and liberal methodists or Epicopalians? Maybe the creed? What is at the heart of Christian belief?  What might Lewis write about in a book of Christian 101?