ABSTRACT
Despite Macmurray’s generalized definition of religion, he emphasizes Christianity especially, partly due to the fact that it is the official religion of his country and also on the grounds that it contains an important feature which other religions lack. Nevertheless, his faith in Christianity is accompanied by the acknowledgement that it is, in essence, almost impossible to define (CS, pp. 7-15; CH, pp. 1-15; a1937a). In western Europe, phrases such as ‘a Christian morality’ and/or ‘a Christian attitude’ are utilized as if they are generally understood; however, there is widespread disagreement both within and outside the various denominations of the Christian religion concerning what it means to be a Christian. It is of primary importance for Macmurray that Christianity be defined in such a way as to render it a practically effective strategy for human progress; otherwise he must conclude that it is mere idealism and abandon his belief in it. In order to assess its meaning then, he begins with an examination of its roots rather than its modern expressions.
