Mere Christianity
by C. S. Lewis
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Book Reviews of Mere Christianity
Book Review: "Mere Assertion" would be a better title
Summary: 1 Stars
If C.S. Lewis is, as a previous reviewer put it, "perhaps the twentieth century's finest Christian writer" that may go a long way towards explaining why Christianity continues to lose adherents. This book is, quite frankly, worthless. From the opening in which he argues that since we all share a sense of right and wrong (unsupported assertion) it must have a supernatural source (Non Sequitur), to the "lord/liar/lunatic" argument (commonly known since the book's publication as "Lewis's False Trilemma"), he doesn't miss the chance to fall into an obvious and easily refuted logical fallacy at every turn. Whatever one's opinion of Christianity, it deserves a better defense than this.Lewis may have had a marvelous way with words, but as a logician or a theologian, he's simply appalling. While this book may appeal to the already converted on an emotional level, it's unlikely to influence any non-believer who posseses the slightest grasp of logic and reason.
Book Review: Mere Christianity
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a book that explains the true principles of Christianity. It goes beyond anything that I have ever heard or read beginning with natural law. But it does not stop there, as it highlights the two next important steps all of humanity needs to take. It is a must read for anyone looking for the truth and core of Christianity and anyone simply looking for connection with Spirituality. There are thousands of new age Christian writings, watered down to suit those who want the blessings without doing the work. This book implies that we have work to do and clearly explains why and how.
Written in 1952 or around there. Its words, descriptions and comparisons are timeless.
For those who want to believe in God, but are constantly questioning Christian teachings, yet, having explored other Spiritual modalities and are still left feeling empty, this writing will answer your questions. CS Lewis was a gift to all seekers.
Book Review: Wonderful read, although some theological oddities
Summary: 4 Stars
CS Lewis is almost always wonderful reading. This one was a bit odd to read as it's written primarily to a non-Christian audience. It's essentially a logical argument for Christianity, and of course Lewis does a great job of that. He's one of Christianity's great thinkers, and I think it's not a coincidence that he came out of a non-Christian background. He pulls from the common objections to Christianity heavily, which makes this a wonderful book not just for unbelievers, but for Christians who have doubts as to the rationality of their faith in Jesus.
Lewis was an Anglican in the 40s, so there are some weird dated references, and of course there are places where I'm far more of a Calvinist than Lewis was. However, these are nits, and hardly worth picking at. If you're dealing with an educated agnostic or atheist, and need to speak on their level about Christianity, there's hardly a better choice.
Book Review: Smooth and Elegant Apologetic
Summary: 5 Stars
Atheists, skeptics in general, and non-believers in particular, are not just incorrect but actually irrational. They are purporting to prove that faith is unreasonable but CS Lewis demonstrates that truth and reason must have a source beyond mere human beings. Lewis defends Mere Christianity in a smooth, elegant, and compelling manner.
Christianity Today named this as "One of the most important religious books of the 20th century." I would add that it is one of the most important books of any genre. Modern apologists quote this volume more than any other work besides the Bible (from Bahnsen, p. 8 VTA to Zacharias).
All apologists must read this work and it is still a nice gift for our friends and loved-ones who are not Christians.
The Necessary Existence of God: The Proof of Christianity Through Presuppositional Apologetics
Book Review: Absolute Masterpiece of Christian Apologetics for both Christians and Skeptics
Summary: 5 Stars
I have read many books on Christian Apologetics. Mere Christianity is the clearest, most concise, rational, reasonable, logical, compelling, matter-of-fact and down-to-earth presentation and defense of the Christian faith that I have ever come across. Two things put the book on a higher level than most other books on the subject: first, C.S. Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century (I recommend ANY of his many books on Christianity and of course The Chronicles of Narnia and The Space Trilogy); second, he was an atheist until the age of 32, so he knew firsthand the beliefs, objections, arguments and rationalizations of the atheistic position. Any skeptics reading this who are truly and honestly searching for truth should read this book and Handbook Of Christian Apologetics by Peter Kreeft and Ronald Tacelli.