Mere Christianity

Rating:
Summary: not very good..
Review: i could only read half an hour of this critically aclaimed outline. its too wordy/complicated for even the very seasoned christian.

Rating:
Summary: Deeply moving and thought-provoking
Review: In the foreword it is explained that this book is not one of philosophical musings but a work of oral literature addressed to a people at war. It was originally broadcast by the BBC from 1942 to 1944, hence the gripping metaphors like the image of the earth as enemy-occupied territory. Mere Christianity is a book of plain but moving language.

In Book One: Right and Wrong As a Clue To The Meaning Of The Universe, Lewis looks at the law of human nature (inherent knowledge of right and wrong), certain objections, the reality of the law and that which lies behind the law. Here he discusses the materialist, the life-force and the religious views of life.

Book Two is a discussion on what Christians believe, in terms of the aforementioned occupied territory, a coming invasion, the penitent, and the practical conclusion. This section also deals with pantheism, dualism, free will, the divinity of Christ and God's intentions with the world.

Book Three investigates Christian behaviour, in terms of the cardinal virtues, social and personal morality, morality and psychology, marriage, forgiveness, the great sin (narcissistic pride; in this regard, please also read People Of The Lie by M Scott Peck), and what charity, hope and faith really mean.

Book 4 is a captivating explanation of the doctrine of the trinity. I found this part very interesting and sometimes deeply moving. Lewis speculates on the nature of time, the nature of man and the nature of God, as the Father the source, the Son an emanation of the source and the Holy Spirit as the spirit of love between Father and Son. Lewis explains what he thinks is the process whereby the individual receives a higher nature. This change in consciousness (infusion of the Holy Spirit) leads to a transcendence of the mortal nature by transforming the individual into a child of the divine.

He argues convincingly for personalities in God and God as the ultimate personality. I found this very illuminating, also in light of having recently read the books by Deborah Whitehouse and Alan Anderson on Process New Thought, especially their view of the personhood of God and panentheism as it emerges from the work of Alfred North Whitehead.

Mere Christianity is a most memorable work that expresses ideas that are relevant to our times. It is a very refreshing expression of a personal Christian belief system that could serve as a strong antidote to the dictatorship of dogma or the staid boredom often associated with 20th century religion in the West. Deeply illuminating, Lewis' words I am sure make many people reconsider important ideas that they had taken for granted.

I am not sure how close Lewis came to the truth in every respect, but much in his vision is inspiring, noble and infused with a sense of logic and common sense. Lewis' writing has an uplifting effect on the spirit. I recommend Mere Christianity to all people of faith and those in search of meaning. One might not ultimately agree with everything, but the thoughts expressed here certainly make you think.


Rating:
Summary: A Layman's explanation of Christianity
Review: C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity is a great work about faith. Many intellectuals may scoff in contempt about some of the logic that Lewis uses, but in some ways that is the entire point of this book. He gives a concise and easily understandable description of what faith means. Keep in mind that this book is comprised of essays, many of which were born out of a radio program during World War 2.

While Mere Christianity is a great read it should not be taken as the gospel truth. C.S. Lewis was a brilliant individual, but some of his beliefs about women in a religious perspective are outdated. He would be the first to tell you that he was nothing more than a layman when it comes to explaining the Kingdom of God. Qualms aside, this is a really great book and it is easy to read. Those that like Mere Christianity should read Lewis' The Screwtape Letters.