Rival Conceptions of God

1. Stoics-believe that a mistake in judgment result in destructive emotion

Platonists- believe that objects represent ideas and the ideas are what's important.

Hindus- believe that everybody has an immortal soul, moving on to different lives.

Mohammedans- believe that Mohammed was sent from their god, Allah

2. Lewis uses the word "damned" to show how different religions all believe the other is wrong, and some are even hostile towards the other. It's appropriate because all religions claim that they are the only right one, and that everybody is wrong.

3. Lewis develops his argument by first stating that there are two main groups, those who do believe in some kind of God or gods, and those who do not. He then continues to narrow the group that believe in some kind of God or gods, into different categories- different God or gods they believe in. Some believe that God is the universe, others that He created it. Some believe God is pure and holy, while others believe He can be good or evil. Lewis then states how he was lead to his belief in Christianity. Finally, he says that without having an idea of what is just or unjust, a man cannot judge the world. He finishes with his beliefs.

4. Lewis uses definitions to strengthen his essay by having somewhere to start, and creating his structure.

5. Lewis uses his last paragraph to create and irrefutable argument in favor of the existence of God. The paragraph is coherently reasoned because it follows the same line of reasoning as the rest of the essay, and finishes his point strong.

6. Lewis's idea of justice is critical, because without it, his argument is almost non-existent. His use of the word is idiosyncratic. A reader must accept the definition understand the essay because it revolves around that word.

Lewis's warrant is that for us to understand what is "just" we must first understand what is "unjust". Making the audience understand what both "right" and "wrong" are based on, this essay has the most in common with the essay "The New Immorality".

First Post: The Beginning

Yes, everything and everyone has a beginning. Well, everyone except for God at least. I remember when I got baptized. Everything leading up to that seemed dreadful. It was constantly on my mind. When the pastor would have an altar call, my heart would begin beating at 1,572, 293, 928, 832 bpm. What I was most afraid of, was getting in front of all those people in church. That was the real dilemma. I decided to talk to the pastor. I told him I would like to get baptized along with the other people who made that decision. We had a long talk. He made sure I 'knew what I was getting myself into.' I'm happy to say I did.
The following Sunday, I prayed in front of the entire church (yeah, it was a bit scary). After that, I was pretty much set. The day of the baptism came fast. Leading up to it, I felt a mixture of anxiety, and eagerness. When I finally entered those waters however, I knew that my life would never be the same.