Society & Morality - Mere Christianity Book 3 Chapter 3 - Episode 16

This week we're talking about how Christian morality can and would shape society. 

...Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who ask you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...

1 Peter 3:15

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Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:12

Hello everyone and welcome back to the Reason Why podcast. This is where we break down what Christians believe, why they believe it, and how to know whether it's true or not. We are continuing our way through Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, one chapter at a time. And today we are in book three, chapter three, social morality. Now, before we jump in, it's important to remember something Lewis has been doing this whole time. He's not introducing brand new ideas. He's reminding us of things that we already, deep down, know to be true. And that's what the best teachers do. They just teach us and continue to remind us of things that we already know. Alright, so we have done a breakdown of morality in general. And last time we discussed four specific morals known as the cardinal virtues. And today we are going to look at some morals in regard to society. Let's establish something from the get-go. Christianity is not a political system. God has given us a sense of right and wrong, the moral law that we learned way back in the beginning of this series. He's given us historical examples, like Israel and the setup of their nation. We have the teachings of Jesus and the instruction through the early church. But what he hasn't given us is a step-by-step political blueprint. For example, the Bible says feed the hungry, but it doesn't tell us exactly how to build systems, programs, or governments to do that. Why? Well, because Christianity is more like a director than a detailed manual. Gives the goal, and then humans use their God-given gifts and wisdom and judgment to carry it out. Now, if Christianity is true, and if people actually lived it out, then yes, it would benefit society to have Christians involved in public life. But Lewis makes an important distinction here. That does not mean that pastors and priests and church leaders should run the government. Their role is to teach and guide spiritually. That's their sphere. It's very specific. Instead, it's everyday men and women who genuinely follow Jesus and who have skills in leadership, law, business, and service who should bring those values into society. I want to make a quick note here on separation of church and state. The phrase separation of church and state is not in our constitution. Thomas Jefferson wrote it in a letter some years after the Constitution. In some ways, it can be implied from the First Amendment, which states, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. Essentially, it's a protection to keep any religion from controlling the government and any government from controlling religions. It doesn't mean faith has no place in public life. It means the church and the state have different roles and authorities. The goal isn't to remove morality from society, that's impossible, but to avoid misusing religious authority for political power. We'll leave it at that and move on to our next point. What would a Christian society look like? Lewis gives us a few characteristics, and they're interesting. Number one, simplicity over luxury. In a fully Christian society, people would work. They would contribute and live simply. There wouldn't be this obsession with status and luxury and showing off. Honestly, as I read this part of the chapter, it was hard not to wonder what Lewis would think about our world today. I think he'd be appalled. Secondly, obedience, not blind obedience, but a general posture of respect for authority and order. Thirdly, cheerfulness, not forced happiness, not toxic positivity, but a deep, steady joy rooted in something beyond our circumstances. So at this point in the chapter, Lewis says that a truly Christian society might give a curious impression of looking a bit like socialism in its economic arena, but more old-fashioned in its private sector. Now, most of us wouldn't like all of it. We might like parts, but not the whole picture. And that reveals we all come into these conversations with our own preferences, our own ideas about what society should look like. Lewis then brings up something that feels very relevant to today: lending money at interest, also known as usury. Historically, many major thinkers, including Jewish, pagan, Christian traditions, warned against it. Now, Lewis admits he's not entirely sure how to apply that in a modern economy, but he does point out our entire system today runs on debt and interest. And it's worth at least asking, is this actually working well for people? It sure doesn't seem like it's working out too well for the masses right now. Lewis might not have felt equipped to talk more on the topic of economics. I sure don't. But if you're interested in that kind of stuff, I highly recommend Thomas Sowell. He's a treasure and a wealth of information on economics. Now, next up in our societal morality is charity, maybe better understood as generosity. Christians are called to love others, care for the poor, give sacrificially. And Lewis challenges us here. He suggests that most of us probably don't give enough. Often because we're afraid of not having enough ourselves. And sometimes we give in ways that are comfortable, rather than in ways that truly cost us something. And this one it hits. I mean, consider the children all over the world dying in abject poverty, whom we can help save their lives by providing meals and or an education simply by cutting out a luxury or two. Here's Lewis's big point. He closes this chapter by acknowledging he's probably offended everyone. Some people think he's gone too far. Others think he hasn't gone far enough. Why is that? Because we all come into this, assuming, even subconsciously, I kind of know what the ideal society should look like. And Lewis says that reveals something deeper. We're often looking for God to agree with us instead of recognizing him as the authority over us. And this brings everything full circle to the real issue. A good society is not just about better systems, better laws, better ideas. It's about better people and more accurately, changed people. Because at the root of all of this, it's a heart issue. I'll be honest, this chapter felt a little tricky for me. There's a part of it that almost sounds like a perfect Christian society could exist. I don't think that fully happens this side of Jesus returning. But maybe that's part of the point. Because even if perfection isn't possible yet, doesn't mean we don't strive toward it. Okay, so what does this look like practically? Well, first, we work and contribute, being useful and productive. We live with integrity and appropriate obedience. We carry real joy, we practice prudence and generosity, and we're willing to give even when it costs us. Not to earn anything, but because this is who we are becoming. So next time we'll dive into a really interesting chapter entitled Morality and Psychoanalysis, where Lewis begins to explore what's going on beneath the surface of our behavior. Thanks so much for listening and watching. I'm so glad you're here. If this was helpful, please share it with somebody who you think might enjoy it as well. Don't forget, you can find more resources and content on my website and Facebook and Instagram at Seek Truth Here. And remember, the truth is worth knowing and sharing. I'll see you next time. God bless.