Bethel Book Club discussion

WOW, WOW, WOW! This section of the book is jammed pack with stuff to discuss! We could have reduced the book reading to just this section and spent a Summer unpacking it!!!!

I will try to be brief in my summary and hopefully let you fill in the gaps – love to hear what all of you have to say about this part of the book…
In the section on Christian Marriage, I love what he said on page 107 – “The Christian law is not forcing upon the passion of love something which is foreign to that passion’s own nature: it is demanding that lovers should take seriously something which their passion itself impels them to do”. The last paragraph on that same page is powerful in its discussion on commitment.

Pages 108-112 gives a great discussion on why it is not only normal but healthy for the “thrill” of love to settle down over time and allow the thrills of other aspects of life to live as well. Also, that it is normal to grow closer in the relationship as the thrill subsides into a deeper connection rather than the chasing after a new thrill as seems to be the cultural norm.
Question: What was your thoughts as to the discussion on pages 112-114 as to a Christian marriage vs a State marriage? Love to hear your feedback…

The whole chapter on forgiveness was great and I loved the opening statement on page 115 – “Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have something to forgive…” Loved the “Love the sinner and hate the sin” talk on pages 116-118 – best explanation for that concept I have ever read…

There is really nothing to add to Chapter 8 – he does a brilliant job of nailing down our issue with pride and how it is the core sin that births so many other sins in our lives. This was a very convicting chapter. I loved his statement on page 122 about how to determine how much pride we have by measuring it against how much we hate the pride we see in others…. Ouch!

This book has turned the corner for me and I am so looking forward to reading the next section – let me hear your thoughts…

Lewis' explanation of why the man is to be the head of the household is not a great explanation. He never mentions Ephesians 5. People always take note (and sometimes with disdain) that a woman is to submit to her husband but never bring up the fact that a husband has an obligation to do what (or let the wife do what) is best for her. People always see this as one sided, Lewis just seems to think it is only logical that the man be the leader. I'll chalk that up to his never having been married and the fact that this was presented in the 40's and 50's. Don't get me wrong. I agree that the husband is the spiritual leader, but he is also obligated to consider his wife and family above himself. I just don't think Lewis explained it all that well.

I like his explanation of of "love you neighbor as yourself" I know I do plenty of things that I get mad and even hate myself for. So, it's OK to get mad and dislike things that other people do, we just have to remember to love them anyway.