Ratings149
Average rating4.3
A forceful and accessible discussion of Christian belief that has become one of the most popular introductions to Christianity and one of the most popular of Lewis's books. Uncovers common ground upon which all Christians can stand together.
Reviews with the most likes.
Easy read, but man what great insight.
This man is one who can eloquently set about on explaining the difficult things for the dimwitted.
If you're seeking, searching or questioning faith of any kind, I'd recommend including this book alongside whatever else you may be reading.
I loved this book. I don't agree with everything C.S. Lewis says, I agree with the majority. This is a great thought provoking read. I think I'd like to thread it in a few years.
Although he betrays in a few places that this was written by a British man in the 1940s (the language is a bit stuffy, a he makes a few side comments that lean on gender stereotypes), overall this is as good as any modern definition of the Christian faith, a sort of Nicene Creed for today's world.
Coming to Lewis a bit later than most of the people in my theological circles, I think as strictly speaking “apologetics,” I'd still be more likely to hand someone Screwtape Letters if they didn't know anything about Christianity since it takes a more creative route. But the straightforward logic in Mere Christianity is great stuff for conveying the intellectual tradition of the faith in accessible language for laypeople. His approach to all people having a conscience, science as a source of knowledge, and the shortcomings of society's definition of “progress” are very sound. I was also a bit surprised by his heavy emphasis on sanctification, the process of leaning into virtues that reinforce each other and make us more holy over time. Lewis has become an evangelical saint, and evangelical traditions don't always lean into sanctification language, so I really appreciated its presence here. Reminds me of the Hebrew word timshel, which appears in Steinbeck's East of Eden and a Mumford and Sons song: “And you have your choices / and these are what make man great / his ladder to the stars.”
I particularly appreciated his ecumenical spirit, which is both always generous and particularly suited for today's world, when denominational affiliation means less than it used to. He also uses lots of practical metaphors, and he comes across as authentically humble.
A good read for someone with major doubts (either within the church or outside it), or someone who just wants to have a better understanding of the intellectual foundations of the Christian faith.
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2,755 booksWhen you think back on every book you've ever read, what are some of your favorites? These can be from any time of your life – books that resonated with you as a kid, ones that shaped your personal...