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Summary: "Mere Assertion" would be a better title
Review: If C.S. Lewis is, as a previous reviewer put it, "perhaps the twentieth century's finest Christian writer" that may go a long way towards explaining why Christianity continues to lose adherents. This book is, quite frankly, worthless. From the opening in which he argues that since we all share a sense of right and wrong (unsupported assertion) it must have a supernatural source (Non Sequitur), to the "lord/liar/lunatic" argument (commonly known since the book's publication as "Lewis's False Trilemma"), he doesn't miss the chance to fall into an obvious and easily refuted logical fallacy at every turn. Whatever one's opinion of Christianity, it deserves a better defense than this.Lewis may have had a marvelous way with words, but as a logician or a theologian, he's simply appalling. While this book may appeal to the already converted on an emotional level, it's unlikely to influence any non-believer who posseses the slightest grasp of logic and reason.
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Summary: After the first few chapters...
Review: After having only read the first five chapters of this book, I can already conclude that in my opinion, this book fails miserably at presenting a logical argument for the basis of Christianity. Lewis employs one logical fallacy after another in the first few chapters to prove that there is some Universal code of conduct (whether we follow it or not is our own personal decision). He claims that set A of morals obviously is "more correct" than set B of morals, as set A models itself more closely to the Law of Human Decency. His argument is strongly based on his belief that morality does not change over time, nor does it differ in any significant way from culture to culture. This is simply untrue, and his entire argument can so easily be disproved that a child could come up with sufficient counterexamples. Two quickly jump to mind... Firstly, attitudes towards homosexuality (homosexuals are abhorrently immoral in the eyes of Christians, but homosexuality was considered a blessing in the eyes of North American Indian religions). Secondly, attitudes towards drugs (Christians seem opposed to drugs and view drugs as being immoral, whereas many other cultures embrace drugs and find them to be a wonderful tool of knowledge). Who is to dictate which culture is more right in this case? Christians would obviously state that they are correct, seeing as homosexuality is condemned by the Bible. However, to say that Christians are correct would be to use the assumption that Christianity is correct, which is what Lewis is trying to prove in this book. You cannot use an assumption to prove an assumption! (The sky is green. Hence, the sky must be green.) Lewis' logic often resembles something akin to using examples to prove a point. Anyone who understands basic mathematics would realize that examples are utterly insufficient in proving a theory. I can easily say that 0 + 1 = 1 and 2 + (-1) = 1, hence any two numbers added together must equal 1. But clearly 3 + 3 = 1 is a ridiculous statement to make. Thus, sadly, there is little point for me in continuing to read this book, as Lewis will be extending his argument for Christianity based on his earlier arguments, which I believe I have sufficiently disproven. I give this book two stars because despite the fact that I think Lewis' arguments are flawed, his writing style is excellent. I realize that some of the Christians here will mod down this review as being unuseful, but just because my views disagree with yours does not indicate that my review is any less valid, important, or useful than your own. There is no harm in disagreeing and I hope I inspire at least one of you to read this book more critically and formulate your own arguments for the validity of Christianity. I read your reviews with an open mind. I hope that you will do the same with mine.
Rating: 
Summary: Titles can be misleading - this is a great book on issues
Review: By "mere" Christianity, Lewis means that he is writing about the fundamental issues that all Christ-based religions can agree upon. It is written in a conversational tone, with few references to particular bible verses. An outstanding work. This was written 50 years ago but is timeless and accurate today.
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Summary: Intellectual Garbage
Review: C.S. Lewis does a diservice to Christianity in this book. His views are narrow and his explanations both condescending and banal. The statement that Jesus can be only the son of God, or one of a demon is ridiculous and serves only to keep himself feeling safe. He ignores scripture by stating this. "All things I have done, you can do also and more...." He ignores what does not fit his preconceived notions and speaks primarily to and for old women wanting the assertions that they have always believed in validated by an intellectual. He takes no risks in this. He does not stretch his mind, or the reader's imagination. It's old dogma spoken in a modern and rational language. It's dull in the extreme.
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Summary: The book which changed my life.
Review: In this book, Lewis tells it as it is, no frills no false promises, just the bare facts. Starting as Lewis often does, from essentially nothing and building on simple day-to-day examples he explains from the ground up the what and why of Christianity. Later he delves into more complicated and tricky philosphical questions which have held many back from believing. While not proving christianity (an impossibility in my opinion), he makes a very strong case and this is truly the book which changed my life.
If you like it, check out "The Pilgrims Regress" also by Lewis, easily the best book I have ever read!
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Summary: Oh NOW I get it
Review: Probally the first book one should read if they are either Christian, Considering converting from or converting to any christian denomination. (Short of the Bible of course) This is a book written by a classic philosopher who was a late convert to Christianity on a RATIONAL basis. In the modern world it the idea that one could find a rational basis for Christian belief is considered a joke. Clearly Lewis found it the opposite. His arguements are fresh and lucid and the fact that he is well read in the ancients and the classics is evident here as he makes his case. The single best thing he does here is make plain that Christianity is not the key to a pain free life or a panacea. It is more of an acknowlidgement of a state of facts, A willingness to accept these facts knowing the consequences and rewards thereof. His path was reason and arguement. It may be yours as well.
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Summary: Enchanting trip through Christianity
Review: This is really one of the best Christians books of all time. The intention of Jack was to write about Christianity taking out the typical religious sting. This is not a small fit given the exclusive nature of religion. And Jack achieves his task marvelously. When Jack writes is like an old loved friend explaining to us things that until this moment where elusive to our understanding. He led us in a journey describing the enchanting building of Christianity and leave us marveled at the splendor of our discovery. This is a MUST have for any library (buy it hard copy, when you read it you will know why).
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Summary: More Meaningful at 48 Than at 18
Review: I have just finished re-reading this short, powerful book, which was first given to me by my father on my 18th birthday. At the time, it struck me as eminently logical, extraordinarily well written, and a more powerful nudge toward Christianity than all my prior religious education. What a wonderful gift! What was true then is even more so now,after thirty years. Nowhere else (save in the Bible itself) is a more eloquent exposition of Christianity's basic tenets presented. It will be less than thirty years before I read it again.
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Summary: A masterpiece! WARNING: WILL CHALLENGE YOUR THEOLOGY!!!
Review: I first read this book while stuck in bed following a surgery I had in the summer of 1996. I found the book to be enjoyable (if somewhat heavy) reading as I first went through it. At first, there was nothing I hadn't expected; just a thoroughly well thought out, eminently logical, predominantly intellectual case built in defense of the Christian faith -- in short, typical Lewis. Then came the chapter entitled "The New Men." In it, Lewis makes a masterful comparison between the New Birth and the Theory of Evolution, eventually reaching a discussion of Man's ultimate destiny, again presented eminently logically -- but with a conclusion which will shake the complacent, unthinking, indoctrinated churchgoer to his or her heels!!! What is that conclusion, you ask? I'm not giving it away. You'll have to buy the book and see for yourself. Believe me, if taken to heart, it is life changing!
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Summary: A Must-Read for all Truth-Seekers!
Review: If I could have everyone in the world to read one book (besides the Holy Bible) it would be this one. I don't think anyone has ever discussed the logic and philosophy of Christian thinking the way Lewis does. Much of what has been written on Christian apologetics since has been a ... of this book. I can't wait to get to heaven to talk to C.S. Lewis. If you are a Christian or are someone interested in learning more about Christianity, give this book at try. It is very easy to read. It is hard to put down.
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