Is Christianity Hard or Easy? by C.S. Lewis Doodle (BBC Talk 24, Mere Christianity, Bk 4, Chapter 8)

Summary

In this excerpt from C.S. Lewis's *Mere Christianity*, the speaker explores the difference between Christianity and conventional morality. Christianity is presented as a radical transformation of the self, where one 'puts on Christ' to become a son of God, rather than merely following a set of moral rules. In contrast, ordinary morality involves sacrificing personal desires to meet societal or moral obligations. Christianity, however, is not about managing desires, but about becoming a new being with new desires, fundamentally changing one's identity and relationship with both God and the world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Christianity is not just about following rules or being morally good; it is about a complete transformation of the self by 'putting on Christ.'
• 😀 The concept of 'putting on Christ' means becoming a son of God, which is the core of the Christian faith, not just one of many tasks.
• 😀 Christianity differs from ordinary moral systems in that it asks for a radical change in identity, rather than just managing the self's desires according to moral standards.
• 😀 Ordinary morality focuses on balancing personal desires with societal norms, often by suppressing desires deemed 'wrong' and fulfilling those seen as 'right.'
• 😀 In ordinary morality, people hope that after fulfilling moral obligations, they will still have the freedom to pursue their own desires and interests.
• 😀 Christianity, however, asks for more than just compliance with moral standards; it demands the creation of a new self, aligned with God’s will.
• 😀 The transformation of the self in Christianity is not an optional exercise for the elite; it is central to the Christian faith and available to all believers.
• 😀 Becoming a Christian is not about meeting external moral demands but about embodying a new identity in Christ, which reshapes one's entire life and purpose.
• 😀 The Christian path is not about balancing the 'ordinary self' with a moral code; it's about surrendering the old self to be recreated in Christ’s image.
• 😀 Christianity offers a complete transformation of the self, rather than a way to merely follow a set of moral rules or conform to societal expectations.

Q & A

What is the main idea C.S. Lewis presents about Christianity in this passage?

C.S. Lewis emphasizes that Christianity is not just one of many duties or practices to follow, but rather it is the entire essence of the Christian faith. The concept of 'putting on Christ' is central, where the believer begins by adopting the identity of a child of God, ultimately becoming a true son or daughter of God.

How does C.S. Lewis distinguish between Christianity and ordinary ideas of morality?

Lewis contrasts Christianity with common concepts of morality by explaining that, in traditional morality, a person’s desires are viewed as something to be controlled or moderated by external moral demands. Christianity, however, is about transforming the person entirely, starting with the act of adopting a Christ-like identity, not merely controlling desires.

What is the common misconception about 'being good' before someone becomes a Christian?

Before becoming a Christian, people often think 'being good' means following external moral rules that limit personal desires. The goal is to satisfy both personal interests and the demands of morality, hoping that after fulfilling these demands, the individual can return to pursuing their own desires.

What does C.S. Lewis mean by 'putting on Christ'?

By 'putting on Christ,' Lewis means adopting the identity of Christ, metaphorically dressing oneself as a child of God. This act is the beginning of the Christian life, and it is the process through which the believer becomes a true son or daughter of God.

How does the concept of 'putting on Christ' differ from merely following moral rules?

The concept of 'putting on Christ' involves a fundamental transformation of the self, not just adhering to external rules. In Christianity, it’s not about simply adjusting one's behavior to meet moral standards, but about becoming a new person with a new identity in Christ.

What does Lewis suggest about the relationship between 'morality' and personal desires in the context of Christianity?

Lewis suggests that in Christianity, morality is not about suppressing personal desires for the sake of external standards. Instead, the Christian life involves a deeper transformation where the individual’s desires are aligned with God's will, transcending the need to merely manage them.

What is the 'ordinary self' that Lewis refers to in the passage?

The 'ordinary self' refers to a person’s natural, untransformed state, where desires and interests are primarily self-serving. This self operates based on personal wants and tends to view external moral obligations as interruptions to personal desires.

How does Lewis describe the role of 'morality' in the life of a Christian?

Lewis describes 'morality' in Christianity not as a set of external rules or restrictions, but as part of a deeper, internal transformation. It is about aligning oneself with Christ and growing into a true child of God, rather than just giving in to moral demands.

What does Lewis mean by 'the poor natural self' in the context of Christian morality?

The 'poor natural self' refers to the human self before it undergoes transformation through Christ. It is seen as 'poor' because, while it may seek to satisfy its own desires, it is ultimately limited and unfulfilled without the deeper change brought about by the Christian faith.

Why does C.S. Lewis say that Christianity offers 'nothing else at all' besides 'putting on Christ'?

Lewis argues that the core of Christianity is the transformation that occurs when a person 'puts on Christ' and becomes a true child of God. This transformation is the heart of the Christian experience, and there is no other goal or purpose in Christianity beyond this fundamental change.