Bethel Book Club discussion

Wow, these 20 pages are jam packed with discussion material – both about the author and about the writings of the author. This is where we see a glimpse into Lewis’ theology and how he differs somewhat from a normal evangelical approach to Scripture. What are some of the differences that you noticed or what were some of the passages that might have caused you to pause and even scratch your head?
Lewis was Anglican with a somewhat Catholic influence in his background which you can see in the last section of Book 2 (pages 60-65). I would love to hear your thoughts on that section) I will reserve mine for now in order to not influence the discussion right up front – I will chime in after others have had a chance to “speak”.
I liked how he closed out the discussion on morality by how it not only influences our external actions, but also the internal choices, decisions, motives, and thoughts we have as well as how it affects our relationship with God. So many times, folks are just trying to clean up their actions with will power or some other man-made device without concern about who they are on this inside and how their actions have eternal ramifications. The Christian understands that letting the second thing (eternal change on the inside) take priority will take care of the other two.
One of my favorite lines was on page 77 – In speaking about what God desires of his people – “He wants a child’s heart but a grown up’s head”!!!!!
The last section was again a great discussion about the importance of our faith being real – otherwise the right actions for the wrong reasons are not helpful for building the character and spiritual development that God desires in us.
Those are some of my takes – I would love to hear yours….

His references to 'his church' did make me take a beat. I have to remember Lewis' origins and that he offers explanation and this 'unpacking' as a help, not a stumbling block. To me, baptism, in and of itself isn't nearly as important as belief, and the Lord's supper is another ceremonial act; however the repentance that happens with it, is where our focus should be, from where I stand.
As he talks about the "next step in evolution" I actually really love the idea that the Christian's new life in christ is the next step! To ask Jesus to live in and through us: supernatural!
There are so many "good people" who won't be in heaven, because they don't "get it"-- that we can't save ourselves.
I absolutely loved his statement about the courage and unselfishness of individuals making the world go 'round. And the idea that the law doesn't control the goodness of people, and that without good people, we can't have a good society...our individual morality will dictate the kind of world, the society we live in now, but if we are truly immortal then our effect on our generation isn't as important as our own everlasting life. That's a lot to think on, but I think that was his point. We can't just be "good enough" in our Christian walk; it should be a constant effort.
The cardinal virtues section appeals to teacher in me, and also the lifelong learner! We should learn as much as we can so that we can defend ourselves from the enemy, and help others who are trying to wrap their heads around the idea of Christianity.
Temperance is a hot button for me; not in relation to alcohol, but in all the things that I let take priority my life, where God should ALWAYS be. So, even though I may fool myself into believing what I am doing is SO important: "God isn't deceived by externals"
I have lots of questions about how heaven will be...and I can't imagine never being hungry, because I LOVE to eat. Heaven without tacos?!?! But, it somehow makes sense, that even though there won't be danger or injustice in heaven, to be the individual I need to be there, I must be courageous and just now.

I love the points y’all have mentioned! So much good stuff here. It’s hard to know where to start!

I did wonder about Lewis with the discussion of a Christ-like life. I, too, had to remember what he “derived from others.” :) He is definitely not afraid to discuss it all. I like that he clarifies the meaning of a Christ- life in us. As Believers, we sometimes forget our lingo doesn’t make sense to the world. However, we are truly “the physical organism through which Christ acts,”

He makes you think about a lot of some decisions we make and how I view things have becoming a Christian and still learning

He gives you a lot to think about. But I think the two major points for myself are the following:

“ he wants a child’s heart but a grownups head”. To be simple, single minded, affectionate and teachable.

“If people have not got at least the beginnings of those qualities inside them, then no possible external conditions could make a ‘Heaven’ for them -“

Great discussion points - I kinda figured this section of the book would stir some conversation. Keep the comments coming....

Well, I'm probably the only one in the group who has not yet chimed in and that's partially because I got behind. Apparently, I am still behind because I just finished this section (5 days late)! Some librarian, huh? In all fairness, I'm on summer break - and I was on vacation last week. OK, here goes. I know I'm running a risk here but this might be a little political. The picture that Lewis paints of this world and it's society, though originally presented in one media or another, over 70 years ago, reflects a lot of what the world believes today. It just goes to show you that our world's ideologies have been sliding in the current direction for quite a while. With all the talk about socialism in the news lately, I heard one person being interviewed somewhere who said something like, "If Christians were really loving and caring they would embrace the idea of our government helping everyone to live and have everything they need." This is the excuse some groups use when saying that Christians "hate". I'll tell you, at first I really had to think about that for a while. Now, there is a lot more this than I can put here but Lews' explanation of the ships is exactly why socialism doesn't work. Yes, number 1 sounds great but 2 and 3 do not align with everyone's ideology. People do NOT tend their own ships and do not realize they they do not OWN their ship. People tend to give in the greed, want of power, laziness, (Satan) etc. I read a book about the Mayflower and the Puritans who settled here (OK - I didn't finish it but still)..... They tried, to have a "commune" society where no one would own anything and they would share. It didn't even work among the Puritans! That was partially because some who came on the ship and helped with the settlement were not Puritans. They were sailors, builders, business men, etc. Anyway, if they couldn't make it work?????
BTW - after I read that statement in the news and gave it some thought, I realized that Jesus told us to "Love one another" and we Christians do! But, Jesus did not tell us to give it to the government to skim a bunch off the top and THEN give what little was left of it to those in need. Instead, we are to give of the "First Fruits" which is what we do when we tithe to send missionaries to go where the need is and when we ourselves go to the mission fields. The first order of business for any mission assignment is to meet the physical needs of the people. Lastly, I found the explanations of "Prudence" and "temperance" to be very enlightening. I hope I didn't ruffle any feathers here!

Oops! I may have just stepped it it! I just read the next section!