Both psychoanalysis and Christian morality engage with human behavior, but their primary focuses and ultimate goals differ significantly. Psychoanalysis, particularly in the Freudian sense discussed by C. S. Lewis, aims to improve the psychological foundation of human choice. It focuses on identifying and addressing abnormal feelings and subconscious issues, which Lewis terms the "raw material" upon which moral decisions are made. By removing these psychological impediments, psychoanalysis seeks to provide individuals with a healthier inner landscape for making choices. It views these underlying psychological issues as diseases needing a cure, not sins requiring repentance.

In stark contrast, Christian morality centers on the "acts of choice themselves". It guides individuals in making moral decisions based on principles like "Do as you would be done by." Its aim is the transformation of the individual's character and will, shaping the "central part" of the person towards harmony with God and others. This transformation occurs through the continuous exercise of free will in making moral choices, which Christian morality views as having eternal consequences. Wrong choices are considered sins that require repentance.

While psychoanalysis can potentially provide better "raw material" for choice by addressing psychological ailments, it does not determine the moral outcome. That remains the domain of free will, which is the central concern of Christian morality. Thus, while they may have some overlapping techniques and a shared interest in human well-being, their aims are distinct: psychoanalysis focuses on the psychological preconditions of choice, while Christian morality focuses on the moral choices themselves and their impact on the soul and eternal destiny.

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