C.S. Lewis, or Clive Staples Lewis, is a British writer and theologian. Known for his works in The Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis wrote other books explaining his Christian faith.
What is Mere Christianity?
Mere Christianity is a Christian apologetical book based on a series of BBC radio talks between 1941–1944. Before it became a book, it came as three separate volumes covering Lewis’ radio arguments.
What is the book’s summary?
C.S. lewis’ Mere Christianity aims to prove to skeptics the existence of God. The book starts with logical proof of the Christian God’s existence. Eventually, the book shifts to the common ground upon which all Christian faith stand together. The book is a classic because it offers a powerful and rational case for Christianity as a whole.
What are some essential takeaways from the book?
Mere Christianity is chockfull of information that deciphers, dissects, and analyzes the Christian faith. Nevertheless, there are some key takeaways that many readers have picked up on. Some of them include the following:
1. The Law of Nature or Moral Law is unique to humanity. This law is irrefutable, but we have a choice on whether we follow it.
2. The best proof of God’s existence is our conscience. Everyone experiences a sense of moral obligation to do what is right. Lewis believes that this proof of universal “moral conscience” is consistent among time and cultures—which can only be made possible by a god who has created humans.
3. Despite Christianity being the world’s leading religion, it is not simple. It also deals tremendously with reality which is complicated. One reason why it’s complicated is that it deals with facts that can be unexpected. If Christianity is a simple religion, it has no facts to contemplate.
4. God gave men free will because it is the only way to make love or goodness worth having. Despite the possibilities of evil arising, love and goodness are worth the effort.
5. The evilest sin of all is pride. Pride is a terrible sin because it is the foundation that leads people to every other vice imaginable. Lewis believes that pride is the complete antithesis of a righteous God.
What is the reception for Mere Christianity?
Mere Christianity’s initial reviews were overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Many of which were from Christian publications. However, decades later, it has since cultivated a mixed reception. Some reasons include Lewis’ arguments, lack of biblical scholarship support, faulty logic, and false analogies.
Should I read Mere Christianity?
Nevertheless, Mere Christianity has endured and is now considered a Christian literature classic. This book is a great read to start if you are looking for a straightforward and easily digestible reference.
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis is now available on Amazon.