Sense of Right and Wrong - A Clue to the Universe's Meaning
When we are wronged, we are quick to appeal to a common standard of behavior. We say things like, “How’d you like it if anyone did the same to you;” or “That’s my seat, I was there first;” or “Come on, you promised.” But for our own gain, we are quick to ignore this standard. In other words, we know what’s right, and we don’t care.
This standard doesn’t come from benefiting us, because doing what’s right may be good for others or society, but detrimental to us. It isn’t an instinct. Instincts can be incorrect, and the standard guides our instincts. It isn’t a human convention because it transcends cultures.
So, where does this standard come from?
Our universe was either formed by chance or by a conscious and purposeful power. If this power exists, it couldn’t show itself as something inside the universe—no more than an architect of a house being a fireplace.
One way for this power to show itself is by influencing us to behave in a certain way (moral law).
We didn’t create this moral law, and others can’t see it by our behaviors because we follow it only sporadically. But it still exerts influence on us.
This power is intensely interested in right conduct, like fair play, selflessness, courage, honesty, and truthfulness. In that sense we should agree with Christianity and some other religions that God is “good.” But this power isn’t indulgent or soft, and doesn’t seem to care how difficult or dangerous it can be to do right.
If the universe isn’t governed by a power of goodness, all our efforts to do good are hopeless in the long run. But if the universe is governed by the power of good, then we are making ourselves enemies to this power when we don’t do what is right.
If you agree that such a power of goodness exists, you should understand your desperate position and your need for Christianity.
Christianity explains how God is the power behind the standard. Christianity tells us how we can’t meet the standard, and how God became a man to provide a way for us to meet it and save us from God’s wrath. Christianity tells us to repent and promises us forgiveness if we do.
Summary of Book One in Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.
This standard doesn’t come from benefiting us, because doing what’s right may be good for others or society, but detrimental to us. It isn’t an instinct. Instincts can be incorrect, and the standard guides our instincts. It isn’t a human convention because it transcends cultures.
So, where does this standard come from?
Our universe was either formed by chance or by a conscious and purposeful power. If this power exists, it couldn’t show itself as something inside the universe—no more than an architect of a house being a fireplace.
One way for this power to show itself is by influencing us to behave in a certain way (moral law).
We didn’t create this moral law, and others can’t see it by our behaviors because we follow it only sporadically. But it still exerts influence on us.
This power is intensely interested in right conduct, like fair play, selflessness, courage, honesty, and truthfulness. In that sense we should agree with Christianity and some other religions that God is “good.” But this power isn’t indulgent or soft, and doesn’t seem to care how difficult or dangerous it can be to do right.
If the universe isn’t governed by a power of goodness, all our efforts to do good are hopeless in the long run. But if the universe is governed by the power of good, then we are making ourselves enemies to this power when we don’t do what is right.
If you agree that such a power of goodness exists, you should understand your desperate position and your need for Christianity.
Christianity explains how God is the power behind the standard. Christianity tells us how we can’t meet the standard, and how God became a man to provide a way for us to meet it and save us from God’s wrath. Christianity tells us to repent and promises us forgiveness if we do.
Summary of Book One in Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.