Mere Christianity
by C. S. Lewis
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Book Reviews of Mere Christianity
Book Review: Christianity 101
Summary: 5 Stars
Clive Staples Lewis (1898-1963) was one of the greatest Christian authors of the twentieth century. Widely remembered for his excellent Chronicles of Narnia, he also wrote many excellent non-fiction works on Christianity and perhaps the greatest of them all is this book, Mere Christianity.
Mere Christianity was adopted from a series of radio talks that Mr. Lewis gave on the BBC during World War 2. In general, if I had to describe this book in a simple phrase, I would call it, Christianity 101. Among the things that the author discusses are differences in the worldviews of Atheists versus Theists and Pantheists versus believers in a personal God, to make the case for the superiority of Christianity, and to discuss many aspects Christian behavior and ethics.
Overall, I found this to be a wonderful book, one that I really do believe should be read by all Christians. Mr. Lewis was an Anglican, but he wrote this book so that it would cover the basics of the faith as accepted by all Christian believers - Catholic and Protestants. So, if you want a great book on Christianity, one of the best, then get this book!
Book Review: Remember the Ladies?
Summary: 4 Stars
I am usually a great fan of C.S. Lewis, and as a Christian I have found much inspiration in his works. However, as a woman, I found much that was troubling in Mere Christianity. When Lewis stated in his preface that he wasn't covering the issue of abortion because he was not female and had no experience with it I rejoiced, hoping that I would have a reprieve from the many Christian books that demanded that women be obedient, no matter how intelligent or practical they might be. Unfortunately, I was sad to find that Lewis fell into the same old rut as so many of his peers. I found the notion that most women feel guilty for being sometimes in charge insulting to say the least. I do not consider myself a feminist necessarily, but I have enough of a brain to know when I'm being asked to do something completely unreasonable, which submitting because I am apparently scarier than a man is.
It's really a pity, because it was otherwise a great, uplifting book. I just wish there was more understanding for half of the people who might read it.
Book Review: awesome, but oft-misused work
Summary: 5 Stars
I listened to this book in audio format from Audible, and although I had read it multiple times--the audio format added a whole new rich texture that I enjoyed thoroughly. Lewis' clarity never ceases to amaze me and strengthen my faith. One thing I do want to note though is how Lewis is misused. Often I hear many Christians state (sometimes as an excuse to avoid taking a position on the things that God intends us to study) that they just practice "mere Christianity." Lewis would not have approved. He never intended his work to be used in that manner. I suggest these "mere Christians" re-read this book and take to heart Lewis' admonition that the basic principles he elucidated are not intended to be a stopping place, but rather a juncture that we all pass through in the "hall" on the way to the "room" that will be our home. We are not intended to remain in the milk of "mere Christianity," but to move on to the rich and bountiful meat of deep study and immersion into the joy of knowing God.Book Review: Complete garbage
Summary: 1 Stars
I wish people, eager to pronounce their faith in a god, would follow through with the necessary implications if it were true.
Christopher Hitchens tellingly criticizes Lewis for being unable to complete a syllogism, and he is right on the mark. "Obvious" that the possibly fictional character of Jesus is not a madman, hence, the claims of the New Testament must be true? (Not much help in deciding between the competing claims.) If you accept that as logical, you can love this book without bothering to read it.
Reading this book will waste precious hours of your life that you will never get back. If you had to choose between sitting through one of the atrocious movies based on his inane books, or reading this tripe, it would quite literally be a toss up.
You will be more intellectually stimulated by thinking about this gem, from the late great Kurt Vonnegut:
"I was the victim of a series of accidents, as are we all."
Book Review: A monolith of Christian literature
Summary: 5 Stars
The breadth and scope of this book are truly staggering. Lewis, a former atheist, tackles virtually every major issue one could think of pertaining to Christianity (his starting point is actually philosophy and natural law) with precision and clarity. His style is very readable and replete with profound imagery that adds layers of meaning to his writing (I will grant that some of these illustrations are a bit dated, but the brilliance is still there). Lewis writes with honesty, humility and simplicity. This book is teeming with information, and an intial reading will only begin the process of gleaning the treasures this volume contains. It is a book I have found myself returning to again and again to re-read sections or parts I have highlighted. I would go so far as to contend that virtually anyone who reads this book will be challenged or transformed by some portion of it, regardless of their beliefs. It is truly that remarkable. Highly recommended.