Episode Details

Episode 289 continues our Sunday Series through C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity with Chapter 3 of Book 3, Social Morality. Lance Smith explores Lewis' argument that Christianity applies not only to individual lives but also to society as a whole. Lewis begins with two foundational ideas: Christianity doesn't invent a new social morality but calls us back to the Golden Rule, and it cannot be reduced to the platform of any political party.

Lewis then sketches what a genuinely Christian society might look like—one marked by honest work, humility instead of vanity, generosity instead of selfishness, respect for rightful authority, and genuine courtesy. Such a society, Lewis argues, would challenge both the political Left and the Right. He also raises historical questions about lending money at interest, not to settle the debate, but to encourage Christians to think carefully about assumptions our culture often takes for granted.

The episode closes with Lewis' challenging call to generosity: Christian charity should cost us something. Ultimately, lasting social change begins not with politics, but with transformed hearts that love and obey God. Christianity is not a political ally to be enlisted—it is a Master to be followed.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

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Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com

1. Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001. Available at: https://a.co/d/0eXcvERk