Bethel Book Club discussion

Lewis is still building his case for the Christian God, but is restraining himself with hopes of drawing in the unbelieving audience and not running them off right off the bat. Some interesting points are brought up in this section and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on these and what parts struck you...

On page 31, he says that we are in a fix - if the universe is governed strictly by an “absolute goodness” then we are never going to be good enough to satisfy it plus we keep putting ourselves at odds with it everyday day without much chance of getting any better tomorrow. Reading that makes me grateful that our God is a merciful God and forgiving God otherwise life would be very defeating and hopeless. This also causes me to think about how I treat others - am I more like this “absolute goodness” or am I like God?

Starting on page 35, he begins the process of defining Christianity and starts with transitioning from an impersonal god to a personal God like the One we serve. Atheists view that there is no god at all - personal or impersonal. But I love how Lewis destroys their argument which brings in the concept of cruel and evil when those concepts are only valid in a Christian worldview. If there is no God, then there is no basis for good or moral actions. So, to say the world is cruel or evil, then the atheist has to “steal” from Christianity to make their argument. Frank Turek has written a wonderful book dealing with this called “Stealing From God” that I highly recommend.

What are some of your thoughts on this section and what spoke to your heart - please add to the conversation.

I'm just now catching up on my reading. The first 20 pages were hard to read for me so I had to re-read a few times and I think if I could have heard his inflections in the radio broadcast that it would have made a lot more easier to understand. I find it very interesting that he is reasoning out his understanding of this world, people, and why we are here. Growing up with a Christian worldview made it easy for me to not even question these things. So reading about his reasoning process helps me understand more of what other people may be thinking. Of course, I think he is going deeper than most people do. Then I ask but why is that so? Maybe my assumption is incorrect and just maybe most people do ask the hard questions but just don't search for the answers.

I have enjoyed reading this book, although it is very difficult. I felt the last chapter we read was much easier to understand. I agree with the fact that there is an unseen force guiding us towards the right way. I also liked his point that God is who we need but also want to hide from - because of the moral law.

It's difficult for me to understand. I'm 71 and it's hard to comprehend that people don't believe in God and everything is his creation but the book is interesting

The breakdown of the materialist vs. religious view is intriguing. Lewis speaks from a scholarly perspective that I appreciate in part, because some of the "smartest" people I know and love don't KNOW Jesus, and question the existence of any god. For him to state so clearly that it really is "a matter of common sense" resonates with me.
Circular arguments make my head hurt a little, but, it's so true... If we didn't find that godly influence inside ourselves, in the form of a conscience (an acknowledgment of right and wrong), it would be easier to dismiss the existence of God. "Surely this ought to arouse our suspicions." I'm pretty sure they had to edit out: "ya dummy"
And isn't it so true that in one moment we find ourselves "on His side" (God) and in the very next, begging for exception!
I like things to be black and white and simple, but I certainly appreciate serving a merciful God; even if Lewis hasn't got to that part yet.

From the point of view of a person who resists over-analysis or analysis-paralysis...I am struggling in this section. What’s the nutshell? What’s the big picture? (What my internal self is saying). However, I’ve had the benefit and privilege to be raised in the southeastern US where, by in large, Christianity is a “given”. That said, I’m now on page 47 and feel (finally) arriving at the entree portion. BIGGEST appetizer ever! :). All joking aside, I do see the value in Lewis’ means of communicating to the more scientifically and analytically minded audience as that’s the audience who may need a more detailed and logical step by step explanation. Faith to me is believing in the unseen and unknown. Excited for pages 47+

I’ve been sidetracked with other things but have been able to catch up with my reading. This is not a book you can read quickly. LOL! For me it raises so many questions or thoughts, I have to stop to consider them or reread until I understand his point.

I read this book many years ago but I have found my understanding has changed with my “world” experiences...
I have heard the questions and arguments on both sides for or against Christianity (good vs evil). Lewis definitely seems to cover all sides.

Whew! I’ve been occupied with other things and got behind in my reading. This is not a book you can read quickly LOL! His observations and my own questions cause me to stop and ponder or reread until I understand.

One idea that struck me was the following......
If you want to know him, then you will. But will you like it, is another question. Coming to Christ does have a way of challenging everything you think of as ‘normal’ as an unbeliever. I’m trying to keep that attitude. My prayer is God challenge everything I think or believe until it lines up with You! That is true freedom!!!