Mere Christianity

C. S. Lewis rejects the boundaries that divide Christianity's many denominations. While religious belief is not a concern for some, to many more it is an extremely serious decision, requiring deep thought and the entire energy of the mind. In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis leads all the Christian religions to common ground. This book is in fact a defense of the beliefs common to all Christians at all times. Originally, these ideas were contained in three separate books. Prior to 1943 they were only heard as informal radio broadcasts. This is why you will see colloquialisms used and the conversational style of the writing. When you read C. S. Lewis' work, you can hear his voice. Sometimes I forget I am reading. Like a friend with a cup of coffee in hand, he sits across from us. He then leads us up a ladder of logical thinking. He starts on the lowest step and gives us confidence to climb the next step. He guides us through an incredible thought process to a conclusion, which is perhaps so logical it becomes irrevocable truth. If you were to fall off a real ladder, your body would simply be obeying the laws of Gravity. He brilliantly explains how there is an eternal Law of Human Nature. This is the law of how mankind "ought" to behave in order to maintain a safe and happy society where everyone plays fair. Unfortunately, we all know how our society has failed to practice this law in all aspects of life. If you want a definition for this law it can only be "morals." A word from which many reel, as if a light was shining brightly in their eyes. To others: it is a light by which they see the path they walk through life. C. S. Lewis divides morality into three main sections: the actions, reasons behind the actions and why man was created. When you realize that different beliefs about the universe can make us behave differently; you can then make some compelling arguments in favor of Christianity. C. S. Lewis was an atheist (as was my father once and his writing reminds me of a conversation with my father for some reason, perhaps they came to some of the same conclusions) who later became a Christian. He is perhaps one of the most qualified individuals to discuss a universe at war, for the idea of atheism and Christianity could not be more diametrically opposed. "Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance." --C. S. Lewis Like a voice from the grave (he passed away in 1963), C. S. Lewis speaks as if this message was for the year 2000. I read this work 53 years after it was written and the truths are still eternal. Good and Evil are perhaps the oldest concept we know of. I found it interesting when he pointed out that without good, evil would not exist. That good allows evil to occur. For example: selfishness is undesirable, while unselfishness is desirable. The basis for this is founded in some deep religious beliefs. He explains how this all relates to the moral laws of nature. I enjoyed his discussion of the Theological Virtues (Faith/Hope/Charity) and the Cardinal (pivotal) Virtues (Prudence/Temperance/Justice/Fortitude). His chapter on the issue of "Pride" (the most evil of all vices) also shows how "power" is what pride wants. "There is nothing that makes a man feel more superior to others as being able to move them about like toy soldiers." --C. S. Lewis Through this book, you will gain a greater understanding of what holds us all together, what makes us responsible to one another. You may even conclude that those who find morals threatening, may in fact be the largest threat to a civilized society. If we all had morals we would simply have a safer environment to thrive and be happy in. It is simply the way you look at it. Mere Christianity is one of the most thought provoking books I have ever read to date! If you are at all interested in the logical basis for Christianity, this book goes to the depths of thought and reveals the essence of the beliefs behind the beliefs. This book becomes perfume, which completely seduces your soul. For Christians, it will be a reminder of the truth you hold dear and a reminder of our eternal life. For those who love the Narnia Chronicles, page 146 gives you an insight into the "time factor." (The children in the story can leave the material world and when they return, time never changes.) One of my favorite quotes from Mere Christianity: " When it (Christianity) tells you to feed the hungry it does not give you a lesson in cookery." --C. S. Lewis, page 79 On page 87 you will also find a beautiful passage. It is my all-time favorite passage to explain LIFE! It is a must read. This book will put your brain in gear and send you on a drive to enlightenment. I intend to read every one of Lewis' books. His work is deep, yet understandable. Eternally Recommended. C. S. Lewis is my all-time favorite author. I was first introduced to his writing as a very young child in second grade. It was then that I fell in love with his writing. Through the Narnia Chronicles, C.S. Lewis weaves the morals and beliefs children need to learn. I recommend Mere Christianity for non-Christians and Christians. For all children, The Chronicles of Narnia will enlighten them and they will never forget the stories! I also reviewed the set. They are the most magical stories a child can read. Mere Christianity is perhaps the most brilliant explanation for Christian beliefs any adult can read. ~The Rebecca Review

A Must-Read Classic That Solidifies the Logic of Faith. ​Mere Christianity is not just a book; it's an experience in philosophical clarity and theological depth. It is a great book that should be on everyone's bookshelf, regardless of their current beliefs. ​Impact: Lewis's logical progression, starting from the universal "Law of Human Nature" and building toward core Christian doctrines, is incredibly compelling. Reading this book genuinely strengthened [my] belief by giving a robust, reasoned structure to the faith. ​Clarity: The concepts, which began as BBC radio broadcasts, are presented in remarkably clear and accessible prose. Lewis avoids dense theological jargon, making complex arguments approachable for the average reader. ​If you are looking for a clear, logical, and deeply thoughtful defense of the Christian faith, this book is unparalleled. I wholeheartedly recommend this timeless classic!

In this book you will learn what Christianity is all about. CS Lewis is indeed a brilliant man, and his insights and and vision is beyond normal human beings. A must read.

This book contains seven books by Lewis and each book is a wonderful read. I feel as though I am having a conversation with the author each time I read a page. His illustrations for me are exactly right for me. Not something I pick up and read for hours though since I need to chew on what he says frequently.

Favorite writer

I realize it doesn’t change the words on the page - but I do not like the uneven sloppy cut pages

Magnificent book. One of the greatest Christian apologetic works ever written. Mere Christianity is simple, clear, and powerful. Lewis gives you a surface-level introduction to philosophy, morality, and the logic of the Christian worldview without overwhelming you. It is the perfect book for anyone who wants a better understanding of their faith or for anyone searching for purpose, meaning, or the foundations of Christianity. As for the people complaining about the page edges: the design is intentional. The uneven, rough edges are called deckle edges, meant to give the book a classic, vintage look. Nothing is wrong with the printing. In short: the content is life-changing, and the design is deliberate. A must-read for every Christian and every seeker.

In the Christian literature, Mere Christianity (1952), C.S. Lewis defines what Christianity is, based solely on the Bible. This book is a collection of his talks about Christianity broadcasted on the London BBC radio station during World War II. Lewis splits this book into four main sections, beginning with a logical explanation of why there must be a higher power who oversees the universe, to one of the most confusing aspect of Christianity, the Trinity. I would highly recommend this book to anyone Christian or not because it focuses merely on explaining what Christianity is, what Christians believe, and how they act as a result of their beliefs, rather than, persuading readers to convert to Christianity. One of the main aspects I thoroughly enjoyed about Lewis’s book is that he discusses topics spoken about among all people and really get readers thinking deep into what they believe themselves. For example, in chapter four, Lewis addresses the question of how the universe came into existence. First and foremost, this explanation is based on the idea that humans are the controlling force and highest creature of this Earth. Lewis goes about explaining how in order to observe or study something, one must be outside and/or above the group, so as to not have a bias, and derive conclusions strictly based off of evidence just as, “Man from the outside… study electricity and cabbages” (Lewis 23). If man are the highest creature, who must be higher to know the answers to the questions humans struggle with such as the creation and purpose of the universe? Based off of this reasoning, there must be a higher power, as even through scientific observation, research, and experimentation, there still lie thousands of unanswered questions known to man. What about moral law? How does one determine what is right or wrong? If humans are the highest power of this earth and come to a debate of right versus wrong, who shall be the one to settle this dispute? That is something this book will answers. As you can see, C.S. Lewis really gets readers engaged, and pushes them to discover in themselves what they believe to be true. This text is perfect for anyone who is even in the slightest interested in learning about Christianity and wants to learn more about themselves. The text does consist of some confusing topics that may be difficult to understand (even for myself, a 17-year-old), as well as some topics that may be inappropriate for young children (sexual morality topics); therefore, I would recommend this book to high school age and up. By reading this book, I was exposed to questions I had not thought of before which drove me to dig deep inside myself and challenge some of my beliefs and opinions. After reading this book, I am looking forward to reading more books by C.S. Lewis.

Me parece que el escritor es muy bueno y sigo descubriendo el libro, me gusta mucho poder leerlo desde el celular.

I’m not even finished with this book yet, but I felt like I needed to say something about it. Mere Christianity is not a light or fluffy read. It really makes you think. C.S. Lewis explains things in a very logical and straightforward way, which I appreciate. He talks about big topics like morality and faith in a way that feels honest and thoughtful, not pushy. There were a few parts I had to reread because they’re quite dense, but that’s also what makes it good. It challenges you. Even when I don’t fully understand something, I find myself thinking about it later in the day. If you’re looking for something simple and devotional, this might not be it. But if you want something that stretches your thinking and makes you reflect more deeply on what you believe, it’s definitely worth reading. I’ll update this once I finish it, but so far I’m really glad I started it.

The reason of our lives is quite simple: spiritual growth. It is something that I have been hearing since I was a little kid and it is written in the Bible is so many ways, but for me it is being great to read books like this one that allows us to have this truth written deep down in our hearts.

Great book to read to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the Lord

Je recommande cet ouvrage: il est drôle, relaxant et très profond philosophiquement parlant. A avoir dans sa bibliothèque !