Name: Mere Christianity
Rating: 4.547619047619047 (210 reviews)
ISBN: 9780684823782

C. S. Lewis

Discusses the essence of Christian faith and the doctrine of the Trinity.

Comprising The Case for Christianity, Christian Behaviour, and Beyond Personality

Mere Christianity

Claudine

Moriah Howard

“Good people know about both good nd evil: bad people do not know about either.”

Amelia Reinertsen

[We must ask] “Are these doctrines true: Is holiness here? Does my conscience move me towards this? Is my reluctance to knock at this door due to my pride, or my mere taste, or my personal dislike of this particular door-keeper?” 

When you have reached your own room, be kind to those who have chosen different doors and to those who are still in the hall. If they are wrong they need your prayers all the more; and if they are your enemies, then you are under orders to pray for them. That is one of the rules common to the whole house. 

C.S. Lewis

A revised and amplified edition, with a new introduction, of the three books "Broadcast Talks," "Christian Behaviour," and "Beyond Personality" by the acclaimed author of "The Chronicles of Narnia."

Ibrahim Seliman

They always recommend this book for anyone struggling with belief in God. I did enjoy this book in my early twenties as a new convert to Christianity. It surprises me how such books are so popular and actually get through to some people’s mind and hearts and they regain their faith as a result of reading such books. If I was an agnostic and was given such book I would be confirmed all the more in my rejection of faith matters. It takes people like Antony Flew, John Polkinghorne, Einstein, Paul Davies, and such the like to woo me into being theistic, which I happily am.

A clear and deep introduction to Christian theology, illustrated with rich metaphors and imagery. Well worth the read!

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.

rumbledethumps

My least favorite kind of spirituality book. The author has an existing religious belief, and then tries to rationally justify it with reason. But his arguments are flawed and easily dispensed with. I would much rather read a memoir about his journey to faith, than an attempt to rationalize that which is basically irrational. If faith is belief without evidence, one should not try to logically prove the foundations of one’s faith.

Absolutely no words to describe how wonderful this book was! Every Christian should read it.

Angel Martinez

Read this in an attempt to strengthen my faith and address any concerns I might have. While I'm not sure I understand and believe everything yet, I know for sure that the way religion operates never fails to pose questions and get you thinking. (Goodreads, let us give half-stars: I think three is too low for this one)

A beautiful Large Print edition of Mere Christianity - a book that uncovers common ground upon which all those who have Christian faith can stand together.

Brings you back to the basics without sacrificing a complex discussion and understanding. I don’t agree with everything he said but there are things worth discussing amidst some wisdom.

Was intrigued by Lewis’ belief in purgatory and that he seemingly was open to evolution — both never were brought to my attention.

Brianna

Brings you back to the basics without sacrificing a complex discussion and understanding. I don’t agree with everything he said but there are things worth discussing amidst some wisdom.

Was intrigued by Lewis’ belief in purgatory and that he seemingly was open to evolution — both never were brought to my attention.

Emmett

C.S. Lewis convinced me that a rare breed of contemporary Christian thinker exists: those who believed that the common reader/believer was not a fool. That the ability to reason and think for oneself wasn't reserved for the 'educated', whatever that may mean, but present in every person who gave pause in their lives and devoted some time to looking. And that reason (or logic, or any of its more technical cognates; a rose by any name smells just as sweet) could be simple yet powerful. 

Lewis' style is persuasive and commonsensical, conversational and brilliant. This text is presented in the form of expository reflections that he claims, are no more than the thoughts of an inexperienced believer, but he yields wonderful insight from his putting together of the experience of daily life and scriptural teaching. He takes a fundamental tenet of Christian belief - 'faith' or 'hope' or 'marriage' - and literally turns understanding inside out, while flooding the room of the mind with light. It is as if, prior to reading his reasoning on what some thing might mean, I had not, for all these years, fully understood the meaning of that thing and how it should be for me. That thing no longer is just a word gleaned from a verse, or a stock phrase thrown around in airy spiritual banter (that, whether one realises or not, mean nearly nothing to oneself). In gentle simplicity, his words illuminate the Word's lucidity and power.

It would be helpful if a study edition of this book exists, with scriptural references, but then again maybe not. I've approached Mere Christianity as a reflective piece suitable for deeper engagement, and consider finding its scriptural accompaniment as a step taken in this endeavour.

Emanuil Gospodinov

Olivia McDaniel

CS Lewis is such an amazing author!
He has a way of writing that makes his books easy reads and still goes so deep with the topics he writes about.

Jeni Enjaian

A review from my old blog...

Lewis utilizes all kinds of illustrations which put heady, complicated truths into easy to understand nuggets that the every day person can grab. Occasionally as I read along I had some aha moments and then again some moments where I understood the analogy or illustration but disagreed with the underlying point.

The above happened several times in the last chapter where Lewis uses the Theory of Evolution as an illustration. No where does he say that he does or does not believe in evolution. For me, though, the illustrations just weren't as poignant because I do not believe in evolution.

I found this book to be an interesting read. I suppose that I could have gleaned more from the book had I had the time to read the book much slower but still... I enjoyed the read.

Danica Holdaway

This book blew the lid off Christianity for me, in the best way. As a lifelong Christian, Lewis posed philosophical, theological, and even scientific questions with logical answers that fit into gaps I didn't realize I had. He opened up a totally new realm of Christianity for me, like when you start studying abstract numbers in Algebra and suddenly you realize you were just doing children's math before. 

I highly recommend this to all Christians, and to anyone who thinks Christianity is just a hypocritical mess. C.S. Lewis has some simple (and some complex) ideas for you.

Sarah Selden

Sonia Flores

I think Lewis is the kind of author (or, to be more specific, this is the kind of book) that, whether you like it or not, won't leave you indifferent if you get to read the whole thing. And your opinion will always depend of your beliefs. For me, there is no middle ground.
There are transitions, and there will be opposition, but the fact that Lewis published taking the risks involved in doing so is very important in this scope; this is not a book with a lack of arguments, actually, it's pretty consistent and I agree with most of it.

I admire this man.

This hugely popular international bestseller is being repackaged and rebranded as the leading title in the C.S. Lewis Signature Classics range. One of the most popular and beloved introductions to the concept of faith ever written, Mere Christianity has sold millions of copies worldwide. The timeless questions of spirituality which Lewis raises will have resonance with a new generation of readers. Mere Christianity brings together Lewis's legendary broadcast talks of the war years, talks in which he set out simply to 'explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times.' Rejecting the boundaries that divide Christianity's many denominations, C.S. Lewis provides an unequaled opportunity for believers and nonbelievers alike to hear a powerful, rational case for the Christian faith. This scintiallating collection confirms C.S. Lewis's reputation as one of the leading writers and thinkers of our age.

Jane Krauss

** spoiler alert **
           I read this book as part of a book club and honestly found it hard to put down. Sorry book club, I have a read it a bit too fast. I would recommend this book if your knew to faith or have grown up in the church. All in all, it's a good read and amazingly still very relevant to our time today. 

“When you are tempted not to bother about another person’s troubles because they are no business of yours, remember that though his different from you he is part of the same organism as you.” What important message for 2020

Lauren James

I love C.S. Lewis' writing. I don't agree with everything he says, but I love the way he makes you think about things. And I personally think is analogies are A+.

Matthew Hayward

This book is a classic for a reason. Excellent exposé by Lewis on the fundamentals of Christianity, managing, in his typical style, to keep the tone light and easy to read, and the book peppered with excellent and on-point illustrations throughout.

gracyn neely

Evelyn Krupicka

One of the most popular and beloved introductions to the concept of faith ever written, ‘Mere Christianity’ has sold millions of copies worldwide.

Mere Christianity Comprising The Case for Christianity, Christian Behaviour, and Beyond Personality

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