Mere Christianity

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It's a hit!

If Keirkegaard founded protestant existentialism, Mr. Lewis aims towards perfecting it by way of trimming the fat. This book not only questions the... (show more)

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. (show less)

 

 

by Timothy Lake

No, it's a flop!

In all the years that I've been reading, there have been many books that have made me feel proud and happy while reading them, but it takes a speci... (show more)

In all the years that I've been reading, there have been many books that have made me feel proud and happy while reading them, but it takes a special kind of book to make me feel angry. C.S. Lewis' argument for the Christian faith, "Mere Christianity", is one such book.

The book was given to me by an acquaintance who told me it would go a long way in explaining why Christians believe what they believe. What I discovered, however, is that Lewis' book is filled with ridiculous assertions and logical fallacies that are so ludicrous they'd be laughable if the book weren't serious. This book is obviously not meant for the firm non-believer, but I find it appalling that the arguments laid out here are even accepted at face value by believers. Surely there are better arguments out there than the silly "either Jesus was insane or the Son of God" statement. Perhaps the only upside to Lewis' thesis is that he is nonjudgmental and eager as he lays out his defense for his faith, but a poor argument told in an interesting manner is still a poor argument.

Perhaps Lewis makes a better case for Christianity in other books, but it is certainly not in "Mere Christianity". Christians deserve a better defense than what is found here, which makes it sad that C.S. Lewis has the "honor" of being the only author I've nearly thrown across the room in disgust after reading his book. (show less)

 

 

by Gareth Basset

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  The first half of this book is amazing and still 'spot on' even 60 years later! It is true, every person should read this book. The only reason it isn't 5 stars is that he can get a little repetitive and righteous at times. Seeing that this was written in the 40's....some of the views on sexuality are almost comical in today's world. This book is really about common decency and respect - something this country seems to have lost in the last 10 years or so. While reading the book, it w... (show more)

  The first half of this book is amazing and still 'spot on' even 60 years later! It is true, every person should read this book. The only reason it isn't 5 stars is that he can get a little repetitive and righteous at times. Seeing that this was written in the 40's....some of the views on sexuality are almost comical in today's world. This book is really about common decency and respect - something this country seems to have lost in the last 10 years or so. While reading the book, it was nice to fantasize that people could actually return to a more civil existance, treat people with fairness, focus on what is important and to stop being so judgemental. Many people have forgotten or perhaps never learned the real story of Christ - the real reason God put him on this earth. This book is a good reminder. I will be reading it again at some point. (show less)

   

   

  by James Piper on Feb 14, 2009 at 04:55PM

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  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.

   

   

  by Facebook-gebruiker on Jan 28, 2008 at 02:23PM

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