5. According to Lewis' writings in Part I, Essay 17, "Answers to Question on Christianity", what is problematic for Christians about healing the sick, and why is this action acceptable anyways?

6. What is the purpose of the prayer books according to Lewis?

7. How did Lewis' Socratic Club operate?

8. What argument does Lewis make to suggest that science incapable of invalidating religion?

9. According to Lewis' argument in Part I, Essay 12, "Man or Rabbit?", what are the difficulties of using Christianity to become a better person ?

10. Explain the distinction that Lewis makes between thinking and imagining.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lewis explains that self-love is a complicated subject for Christians. He states that Jesus' commandment to "love thy neighbor as yourself" is an important contribution of the faith, and it implicitly encourages love of the self. However, he suggests that Christians are also commanded to avoid excessive greed, worldliness, and other symptoms of self-love.

1) Explain the reasons that Lewis gives to suggest that Christians are conflicted over the subject of self love, and discuss why this conflict is more prevalent in Christianity than in other faiths.

2) Discuss some of the dangers that Lewis explains that Christians face in practicing either excessive or insufficient self-love.

3) Explain Lewis' opinion on the subject of self-love within Christianity and discuss the way that he believes Christians should resolve this problem.

Essay Topic 2

Dogma is the more or less unchanging set of beliefs and rules that establish and maintain a religion's identity. Although often vehemently despised by materialist thinkers and liberal churches, Lewis contends that dogma is an important component of faith and essential for a mature religion.

1) Explain what dogma is, especially in the Christian church, and how and why is remains unchanging. Explain one element of Christian dogma that has not changed significantly in a very long time.

2) Discuss the problems that outsiders, liberal thinkers, and materials have with dogma.

3) Explain how dogma aids a religion in maintaining its cohesion, and explain Lewis' suggestion that dogma's unchanging nature is a strength, and not a weakness.

Essay Topic 3

Lewis discusses the arguments that many have made, believing that females should be allowed to serve the Christian church as priests. He suggests that this reform has been enacted in very few denominations for good reasons, and he cites practical and theological reasons to advise against it.

1) Discuss some of the practical difficulties that Lewis brings up regarding allowing women to serve as priests, and the theological basis behind this restriction.

2) Explain the arguments that Lewis explains that speak in favor of allowing females to serve as priests.

3) Using Lewis' predictions and warnings, speculate about what the consequences would be for a major denomination within Christianity to allow females to serve as priests.

(see the answer keys)

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