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Christianity Quote by C.S. Lewis

“If conversion to Christianity makes no improvement in a man's outward actions – if he continues to be just a snobbish or spiteful or envious or ambitious as he was before – then I think we must suspect that his 'conversion' was largely imaginary; and after one's original conversion, every time one…” quote by C.S. Lewis
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““If conversion to Christianity makes no improvement in a man's outward actions – if he continues to be just a snobbish or spiteful or envious or ambitious as he was before – then I think we must suspect that his 'conversion' was largely imaginary; and after one's original conversion, every time one thinks one has made an advance, that is the test to apply. Fine feelings, new insights, greater interest in 'religion' mean nothing unless they make our actual behavior better; just as in an illness 'feeling better' is not much good if the thermometer shows that your temperature is still going up. In that sense the outer world is quite right to judge Christianity by its results. Christ told us to judge by results. A tree is known by its fruit; or, as we say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. When we Christians behave badly, or fail to behave well, we are making Christianity unbelievable to the outside world. The war-time posters told us that Careless Talk costs Lives. It is equally true that Careless Lives cost Talk. Our careless lives set the outer world taking; and we give them grounds for talking in a way that throws doubt on the truth of Christianity itself.””

C.S. Lewis

About This Quote

Source Book: The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis, 1942

True conversion must be reflected in outward behavior; inner feelings are irrelevant if actions remain unchanged.

In simple terms: Conversion is shown by deeds, not feelings.

Key Takeaway

Align actions with belief.

Themes

faith authenticity behavior hypocrisy

Mood

reflective serious

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • public conduct
  • leadership
  • community service

Key Concepts

moral transformation integrity social impact

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you measure the impact of your faith on others?
  • What actions best demonstrate genuine belief?
A Different Perspective

Inner change without external evidence can be misleading.

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