Mere Christianity

A few months back I read Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis and found the work thought provoking, logical and relevant. The recent discussion in social media regarding same sex marriage reminded me of the book. The following are two excepts from the Mere Christianity.

From the Preface:
"In Book III, which deals with morals, I have also passed over some things in silence, but for a different reason. Ever since I served as an infantryman in the First World War I have had a great dislike of people who, themselves in ease and safety, issue exhortations to men in the front line. As a result I have a reluctance to say much about temptations to which I myself am not exposed. No man, I suppose is temped to every sin. It so happens that the impulse which makes men gamble has been left out of my make-up; and, no doubt, I pay for this by lacking some good impulse of which it is the excess of perversion. I therefore did not feel myself qualified to give advice about permissible and impermissible gambling: if there is any permissible, for I do not claim to know even that. I have also said nothing about birth-control. I am not a woman nor even a married man, nor am I am priest. I did not think it my place to take a firm line about pains, dangers and expenses from which I am protected; having no pastoral office which obliged me to do so."

From Book 3. Christian Behaviour, Chapter 6 Christian Marriage:
"Before leaving the question of divorce, I should like to distinguish two things which are very often confused. The Christian conception of marriage is one: the other is the quite different question - how far Christians, if they are voters or Members of Parliament, ought to try to force their views of marriage on the rest of the community by embodying them in the divorce laws. A great many people seem to think that if you are a Christian yourself you should try to make divorce difficult to every one."
"There ought to be two distinct kinds of marriage: one governed by the State with rules enforced on all citizens, the other governed by the Church with rules enforced by her on her own members."

The words written by Lewis sixty years ago relate well to the current debate and polarization on the issue of same sex marriage. Not to mention they match quiet well with my own personal view of the subject.

Thankfully we live in a society where Christians have religious freedom and can view same sex marriage as going against Biblical teaching. The same freedom of our society provides equal rights to all people including the right for two homosexual, consenting adults to share in the benefits given to heterosexual adults.

Thinking logically about a more pertinent moral issue, based on Biblical teaching, that has a much broader impact than same sex marriage is gluttony. Currently, 68% of Americans are overweight or obese.

Logic, common sense and moderation seem to be lost in public debate whether discussing marriage, tax code, or the environment. It seems the sinful behavior that is most damaging to our society may actually be pride.

She Walks

If you have followed our story then you know waiting for Grace to walk has been more than just a developmental milestone. For us it is a relief. The first 15 months of Grace's life were spent mostly in some type of device to correct her hip dysplasia. Each visit to the specialist bought more discouraging news including hearing that her right hip was not healed after enduring surgery and three months in a spica cast. We were devastatingly disappointed and there was a part of me that wasn't certain medicine could repair her body.

Last Thursday afternoon Jack played at the park with a friend from the neighborhood. Gracie squirmed and whined to go play with Jack and his friend. Normally I let her crawl around and climb up the play equipment chasing after the three-year-olds. On Thursday, however, Jack and his pal were playing in the brambles gathering miscellaneous berries and branches to "feed the ants". I couldn't let Gracie down to chase them on her knees because her little legs would have gotten torn up. After struggling with her for a few minutes I finally said, "if you want to play with them then you need to walk." She didn't walk and we left the park a little bit later.

The next morning prior to Christian leaving for work Gracie walked. We were in the living room in our pajamas and she walked from Christian into my arms. We yelled and cheered and high-fived. She then walked from me to Jack and Jack to Christian and back to me. We cheered and laughed and got a little teary. Our sweet girl can walk!

She has advanced very quickly over a few short days and is now walking everywhere. We are excited and pleased to watch her discover her world in a completely new way. It is amazing the difference a year makes. We are so proud of you sweet Grace for your determination and strength.