Mere Christianity

If Keirkegaard founded protestant existentialism, Mr. Lewis aims towards perfecting it by way of trimming the fat. This book not only questions the edicts of our Faith, but answers with a simplicity and economy of motion - a surgeon's blade. To strip away all that is not Christianity; to name it as 'religion', and to dwell only on the salient points of our faith, Mr. Lewis has nearly written a modern-day discourse in the mold of Decartes. He urges a deconstruction of confounded and mingled doctrines.

Other works, including Narnia, but most notably Miracles and the sometimes scathing ScrewTape Letters, contain more metaphysical daring - exploring the logic of that which defies logic, and the need and cause for fantastic forces in a mundane universe. Mere Christianity, however, is intended as a cultural palette cleansing of homogenized beliefs and misconceptions.

While it should be noted that certain sections of this work seem to wear on in tiresome laundry-lists of doctrine, he more often engagingly challenges the pan-theists or 'life-force' subscribers, who confine the super-natural intellect to a forest, a tree, or a single leaf, depending on a pre-conceived portrait of a god that suits the occasion. He identifies this trend in the religious thought of his day as well as ours, equating it to the failed myths of long dead civilizations:

"...for a great many ideas about God which are trotted out as novelties today are simply the ones which real theologians tried centuries ago and rejected. To believe in in the popular religion of modern(ity) is retrogression - like believing the earth is flat..."

To hitch this work along-side some of the greatest authors of western thought may seem audacious (considering we know his Christian leanings), but if faith or religion alone invalidates a thinker, then we must throw out our Locke, Descartes, Keirkegaard, and every last one of our precious Greeks. The true skeptic of modernity would be well-served to place this alongside the darlings of philosophy on his shelf, and in his consideration.

My favorite book. This book seriously helped to redefine the way I look at life and the way I try to live my life. Lewis puts so many difficult things into perspective and shows the truths about Christianity. If you consider yourself a Christian, read this book. It will move you in so many ways.

One of the greatest books ever written on the subject of Christian faith. A must-read for all Christians, as well as all who are interested in learning more about the Christian faith.

Genius. This book is a must-read for all Christians or people wishing to find out more about Christianity on a personal level, rather than a historical or high-handed theological level. The insight and clarity with which Lewis writes is a joy to read. A truly ecumenical book which does not sacrifice doctrine for fuzzy thinking, but pieces to the very heart of what makes Christianity "Christian."

Put simply, 'Mere Christianity' is a short, lucid introduction to Christianity. Lewis moves first from a form of the moral argument for God's existence through an explanation of Christian teachings and doctrines with a concluding explication of what it means to be a Christian.

This brief summary, however, does absolutely no justice to the content of this powerful book. Lewis enjoys a command of the language like few other authors and he employs it here with unmatched deftness. His insights are indelibly penetrating; the movement of his thinking prevails over and over.

The result is something altogether astounding, so full of spiritual acuity that it becomes an indispensable little book; to be read over and over with insight to be treasured anew with each read.

Great book...definitely not flippant reading. Something to be read slowly with pen in hand. C.S. Lewis has such a way of taking a challenging thought and making it understandable to all people. This should be a must read for everyone; Christian or not.

Favorite book ever. Re-read it almost every year. Especially love Lewis's take on the Christian virtues.

As long as you bear in mind that this book is designed to introduce Christian concepts rather than explain more in-depth subjects, this book will prove very handy.

This is one of my favorite books on Christianity. It comes from more of an anecdotal perspective. It is really great if your faith is firmly rooted. As a Christian it simply articulates feelings I have always felt, but never been able to express. As a non believer his "lack of evidence" may dissuade you, although the only evidence he uses is the Bible and real life experience (which is all he needs).

An intelligent explanation of the faith we hold so dear.