Book Discussion Outline: Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

Week 1: Introduction and Book 1 – “Right and Wrong as a Clue to the Meaning of the Universe”

  • What do you think about the idea that there is a universal moral law that all people seem to know about?
  • How does Lewis use the concept of “natural law” to support his argument for the existence of God?
  • What are some of the challenges to the idea of a universal moral law, and how does Lewis respond to them?

Week 2: Book 2 – “What Christians Believe”

  • How would you define Christianity? What do you think are its most important beliefs?
  • What do you think of Lewis’s argument that Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord? Do you find it convincing?
  • How does Lewis explain the idea of the Trinity, and why do you think it is important?

Week 3: Book 3 – “Christian Behaviour”

  • What do you think of Lewis’s idea that Christianity is not just about “being good,” but about becoming the kind of person God wants us to be?
  • How does Lewis use the idea of “virtue” to explain Christian behaviour? Do you think this is a helpful concept?
  • How would you respond to Lewis’s claim that the Christian idea of forgiveness is both unique and essential to Christian ethics?

Week 4: Book 4 – “Beyond Personality: Or First Steps in the Doctrine of the Trinity”

  • What do you think of Lewis’s attempt to explain the Trinity using analogies like “a cube” or “a musical chord”? Do these analogies help you understand the Trinity better?
  • What are some of the difficulties of understanding the Trinity, and how does Lewis try to address them?
  • What do you think of Lewis’s argument that the Trinity is not just an abstract doctrine, but is relevant to our everyday lives?

Week 5: Book 4 (continued) – “Beyond Personality: Or First Steps in the Doctrine of the Trinity”

  • How would you explain the difference between “being” and “personhood”? How does this relate to the Trinity?
  • How does Lewis use the idea of “the divine dance” to explain the relationship between the three persons of the Trinity?
  • What do you think of Lewis’s idea that the Trinity is a model for human relationships?

Week 6: Book 5 – “The Practical Conclusion”

  • What do you think of Lewis’s argument that Christianity is not just a “religion,” but a way of life?
  • How does Lewis explain the idea of “salvation,” and why do you think it is important?
  • What are some of the challenges of living as a Christian in the modern world, and how can we overcome them?

Week 7: Conclusion – “We Have Cause to Be Uneasy”

  • What do you think of Lewis’s final warning that we should not become complacent in our faith?
  • What are some of the ways that we can continue to grow in our Christian faith?
  • How has reading Mere Christianity affected your own beliefs and understanding of Christianity?

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