Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis
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Book Reviews of Mere Christianity
Book Review: Outstanding defense and explanation of Christianity
Summary: 5 Stars
Mere Christianity contains extremely well-written and solid defenses of four of the basic doctrines of Christianity: (1) That an objective standard of right and wrong really exists, and its origin is God; (2) that every human except Jesus has violated that standard; (3) that the man Jesus was, shockingly, God in flesh; and (4) that Christ's death has made it possible for us to have a right relationship with God. Mere Christianity also contains an excellent general description of basic Christian living and morality, as well as a very readable and compelling explanation of the Trinity (the "super-personal" God) in the last section of the book, "Beyond Personality."
Lewis's defense of Christianity, though not logically airtight, is utterly reasonable, a breath of fresh air in its abundance of uncommon sense. This book has enough persuasive force to persuade unbelievers to faith (I know from personal experience), and it also can solidify the faith of Christians who do not understand Christianity as well as they would like.
Atheists and agnostics ignore or dismiss this book at their peril. Those looking for absolute certainty will indeed be disappointed by the arguments in this book, but then such logical idiots would be disappointed by just about any argument. There are indeed gaps in Mr. Lewis's logic, but where his syllogisms end his penetrating insights into reality usually carry his arguments the rest of the way. Mr. Lewis's defense of morality, for example, is not immune to logical assault, but he does give plenty of sensible reasons to believe in moral realism over its alternative, moral relativism.
Additionally, it is worth noting, as some others have, that Mere Christianity is not, and was not intended to be, a philosophical or theological monograph. Instead, Mere Christianity is a lightly-edited compilation of a series of BBC broadcast talks. Given the time constraints that a BBC broadcast imposes, it would be unfair to pan the book for its lack of depth in addressing some points. Incidentally, those looking for more depth on certain points can find it in other Lewis books and essays. Precisely because of its breadth and brevity, however, Mere Christianity is as good an introduction to C. S. Lewis's work as one can find.
In sum, Mere Christianity admirably meets its objectives: to defend and explain Christianity for a general audience. And Mr. Lewis' tone -- conversational, congenial, and, most importantly, humble -- makes this book simply delightful to read.
Book Review: Challenge to Christians and Concise Rationale for Atheists
Summary: 5 Stars
C.S. Lewis is arguably the premier apologetic writer of the 20th century, his case for the Christian faith made even more powerful by his former atheism. "Mere Christianity" may be more important now for the modern audience than it was back in 1952. Lewis is one of my favorite writers and this book is a definitive classic, a masterpiece. It is a brilliant rationale: encouraging and challenging alike. Simply put, the book invites the reader to become a "New Man." In a warm, conversational tone, Lewis addresses the Big questions in four parts: morality as God's law; what Christians believe; Christian behavior, such as the cardinal virtues and problem of sin; and the theological doctrine of Christianity, all of which are concerns to living this "new" life, the life of a Christian. As stated in Matthew 16:25 of the NIV Bible, "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it." Lewis takes this idea -- which looks abstract to a non-Christian -- and illustrates, in concrete terms, the rationale behind the Christian faith. Why must Christians give up their "lives" -- their "selves" -- to come closer to Christ? It is a choice at odds with the humanistic society we live in. Christians have been warned of this struggle and of the importance to adhere to the age-old truths in the Bible: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world." (Romans 12:2). The journey has been described as a daily walk: with each step one is either closer to Christ or further away. As Lewis puts it, "Every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses, into something a little different than it was before." For the Christian, that "something different" looks more like Christ and less like us. The importance of this idea cannot be overstated for a modern, cynical, self-sufficient and self-important -- and largely secular -- society. Particularly powerful is the writing on the dichotomy of good and evil--how morality (right and wrong) appears to be a subjective issue, or as atheists like to claim, "common sense." Not everyone appears to need Christ, at least not while things are going splendidly. As Lewis sadly surmises, "If you have sound nerves and intelligence and health and popularity and a good upbringing, you are likely to be quite satisfied with your character as it is. "Why drag God into it?" you may ask." Why indeed? This book may inspire you to find out.Book Review: Nothing mere about this work
Summary: 5 Stars
C.S. Lewis is a great writer; so great that, while reading his "Mere Christianity," one almost gets the idea that this man could convince you about anything, perhaps even that pigs fly when they get enough motivation. But, at a certain point in reading, it becomes evident that this book isn't compelling just because of Lewis's literary and argumentative skill; it's compelling because the ideas are monumental and the scope is universal. It just so happens that the ideas professed in the book require a mind like Lewis's to fully develop them-- and in an entertaining way, I might add.
The book, which was originally a radio broadcast during the early 1940s, initially gets into the nature of man and the species' tendency to maintain a standard of morality (Natural Law). He then describes the dichotomy of belief (including secular and religious), which has existed since prehistory. Finally he delves into the specific religion of Christianity and makes a great, uncompromising argument for his belief. He spends most of the last section showing how a non-Christian can test the waters of the faith and eventually become immersed.
His points are well thought out and his language is expert and it is a pleasure to read his work, including the dated British phrases like, "...he will be complaining 'It's not fair' before you can say Jack Robinson." Who's Jack Robinson? Some may be turned away from the theological nature of the book, or the fact that it was written so long ago, but they will be glad to find out that this work is a very practical, timeless piece that can offer anyone something of value. Two memorable concepts that stick out to me are Lewis's development of our Natural Law, in which the author shows how we all acknowledge there is a just standard out there, which we always hold others to yet consistently fail to hold ourselves to. Another memorable concept was how prayer literally transforms our minds and beings by our putting on Christ's clothes.
While "Mere Christianity" can offer something to everyone, I strongly recommend it to open-minded secularists who think religions to be on the level of silly superstitions (Lewis himself was counted as one before his conversion), and Christians who don't really know why they are who they profess to be. What they will find is a thorough, intelligent, witty, and prfound review of the most popular religion of all humanity.
Book Review: Merely Props
Summary: 5 Stars
I have heard for the last five years or so that C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity is an essential read for every Christian, but now after having read it, I whole-heartedly agree! I might go so far as to say that for Christian and Atheist alike it is valuable. Lewis' logic is incredible! He carefully reasons out the stance of the Christian mind everywhere regardless of creed or affiliation.
Mere Christianity is actually a set of talks given originally on British radio. Lewis discussed in three books or parts the following things:
* Right and Wrong - a clever discussion of Man's moral law
* Christian Beliefs - the logical reason for the existence of a God and its alternatives
* Christian Behavior - the essence of Man's moral law
* The doctrine of the Trinity - God as we believe him to be
I thoroughly enjoyed Lewis' discussion of Man's view of right and wrong. He presents it as a code of morals that everyone should adhere to but doesn't. Oddly enough, as I read Lewis' reasoning, I saw myself in a new light of logic and was able to reflect on the humor of my own state without condemning myself for weakness; I merely felt the desire to be more informed. We are the mortal man and Lewis says:
"We do not merely observe men, we are men. In this case we have, so to speak, inside information; we are in the know. And because of that, we know that men find themselves under a moral law, which they did not make, and cannot quite forget even when they try, and which they know they ought to obey."
Not only was I enlightened to the state of Man and his logic as far as religion is concerned but was also able to see concepts of religion piece by piece. I was forced to evaluate my own comments and previous religious discussions from logistical standpoint. Christianity really does have more logic than I have previously given my faith credit for. It isn't just believing. It is seeing that all alternatives do not hold the creditable reasoning that the existence of a God and a greater plan do.
Overall the book was entertaining and fun, thought provoking and engaging, though sometimes a little more thought-provoking than I had thought to give. I enjoyed it! Make sure that you take the time to evaluate yourself while reading it; it will surely enlighten and improve upon your own genius. It certainly has changed mine.
Book Review: Thoroughly deserves its status as a classic
Summary: 5 Stars
Although there are doubtless classics that don't deserve that status, this book is not one of them. This book is an absolute must-read that has stood the test of time very well and is still thoroughly relevant today. There are a few books I think every Christian should read; this one is near the top.
Whether you're a new Christian trying to learn more about your faith, or you've been a Christian for awhile and want to learn how to defend your faith, or aren't a Christian at all and would like to know why Christians believe what they do, then this is the book for you. I wouldn't even think about going into apologetics without having read it, and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to non-Christians and "seekers" who want to learn more about Christianity. This is also a great book for Christians of any maturity level; in fact, it's one you'll probably want to read multiple times.
In our postmodernist, relativistic age where people are becoming increasingly skeptical of Christianity, it is becoming more important than ever to be able to articulate and defend the truth clearly, and this book will help you do that as a Christian. Christianity is facing challenges on every side, from the rise of Islam to the popularity of the "New Atheists" to the dominance of secular humanism in the public school system, and Christians MUST be able to respond to these challenges; if we can't, then I fear for the future of Christianity in this culture.
Not that the benefits of this book are exclusively for Christians. Even if you're a non-Christian, I think you will find this book informative and thought-provoking; it will show you that being a Christian does not require you to exercise blind faith, check reason at the door, or ignore the facts. I once heard someone define faith as believing something you know isn't true; C. S. Lewis shows that, at least in terms of Christianity, nothing could be further from the truth. Who knows - you may even be persuaded by this book, as many other people have, and become a Christian yourself. But even if you don't, I think you will still find this book challenging.
I honestly can't recommend this book enough. I can't think of anyone who I wouldn't recommend this book to, and I would recommend it without reservation or qualification. If you've never read this book, I suggest you do so as soon as you can.