Rating: 
Summary: A Classic Apologetic
Review: I give this book 5 stars even though there a couple of things in the book that I don't totally agree with. Normally, when I like a book but find some things about it that are of concern to me, I will give the book a 4 star rating and explain the concerns that prevented me from giving the book 5 stars. But I'm not doing that in this case, primarily because the concerns I have are minor in nature and represent an extremely small amount of what Lewis discusses in the book. So with that explanation out of the way, I'd like to describe the things about the book that I found to be very positive.First, Lewis' writing style is exquisite. Those who are interested in writing books should study Lewis purely as an education in how to write a thought provoking and engaging book in an exciting literary way. There are many fine books out on the market, but few can match Mere Christianity in terms of exquisite grammatical presentation. It was a joy to read a book by an author who not only displays excellence in the subject being discussed, but also commands a high competence level in the language he/she is using to communicate the subject matter. Secondly, the subject matter itself is highly refined and presented in an extraordinarily sensible way. Lewis was not a pastor or a theologian, he was a layman. Sometimes, this is to his detriment in his writings, but often, it is to his benefit. Being a layman espousing the truths of Christianity gives him a unique perspective and insight into the faith itself as well as an insight into the thought processes of non Christians examining the claims of Christianity. The apologetic that he puts forth in these pages provides a very rare combination of being easy to follow, yet being highly intellectual in its approach. He builds his apologetic one argument at a time, each argument building upon the last. And he presents these arguments in impeccably concise language so that he does not bog the reader down in having to sift through many pages to try and reach the point that Lewis is trying to make. This is often the biggest problem with modern apologetic books. Many authors today spend a lot of time in their books trying to make the same point in many ways, and by doing so, often dilute their ultimate point in a sea of repetitous arguments. Lewis makes his points in concise language, and this makes his arguments very persuasive and sharp. Lastly, the high level of logic, intellect, and common sense that buttresses his apologetic builds confidence in the reader that Christianity is a faith that makes sense intellectually. It is difficult to find a comprehensive non Christian rebuttal to Mere Christianity. Even some of those who disagree with Mere Christianity and the assertions put forward have admitted that they were humbled by the arguments put forward and compliment Lewis and his intellect. In conclusion, this is a book that I would highly recommend to all Christians not only as a classic apologetic but also because of the exquisite literary style. I would also highly recommend this to anyone who may be hung up on the philosophical integrity of Christianity. I would also recommend this book as a very good witnessing tool for those who know somebody who has intellectual concerns about Christianity. Mere Christianity is a top apologetic book.
Rating:
Summary: Infinite stars for a book of eternal wisdom!
Review: C. S. Lewis rejects the boundaries that divide Christianity's many denominations. While religious belief is not a concern for some, to many more it is an extremely serious decision, requiring deep thought and the entire energy of the mind. In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis leads all the Christian religions to common ground. This book is in fact a defense of the beliefs common to all Christians at all times. Originally, these ideas were contained in three separate books. Prior to 1943 they were only heard as informal radio broadcasts. This is why you will see colloquialisms used and the conversational style of the writing. When you read C. S. Lewis' work, you can hear his voice. Sometimes I forget I am reading. Like a friend with a cup of coffee in hand, he sits across from us. He then leads us up a ladder of logical thinking. He starts on the lowest step and gives us confidence to climb the next step. He guides us through an incredible thought process to a conclusion, which is perhaps so logical it becomes irrevocable truth. If you were to fall off a real ladder, your body would simply be obeying the laws of Gravity. He brilliantly explains how there is an eternal Law of Human Nature. This is the law of how mankind "ought" to behave in order to maintain a safe and happy society where everyone plays fair. Unfortunately, we all know how our society has failed to practice this law in all aspects of life. If you want a definition for this law it can only be "morals." A word from which many reel, as if a light was shining brightly in their eyes. To others: it is a light by which they see the path they walk through life. C. S. Lewis divides morality into three main sections: the actions, reasons behind the actions and why man was created. When you realize that different beliefs about the universe can make us behave differently; you can then make some compelling arguments in favor of Christianity. C. S. Lewis was an atheist (as was my father once and his writing reminds me of a conversation with my father for some reason, perhaps they came to some of the same conclusions) who later became a Christian. He is perhaps one of the most qualified individuals to discuss a universe at war, for the idea of atheism and Christianity could not be more diametrically opposed. "Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance." --C. S. Lewis Like a voice from the grave (he passed away in 1963), C. S. Lewis speaks as if this message was for the year 2000. I read this work 53 years after it was written and the truths are still eternal. Good and Evil are perhaps the oldest concept we know of. I found it interesting when he pointed out that without good, evil would not exist. That good allows evil to occur. For example: selfishness is undesirable, while unselfishness is desirable. The basis for this is founded in some deep religious beliefs. He explains how this all relates to the moral laws of nature. I enjoyed his discussion of the Theological Virtues (Faith/Hope/Charity) and the Cardinal (pivotal) Virtues (Prudence/Temperance/Justice/Fortitude). His chapter on the issue of "Pride" (the most evil of all vices) also shows how "power" is what pride wants. "There is nothing that makes a man feel more superior to others as being able to move them about like toy soldiers." --C. S. Lewis Through this book, you will gain a greater understanding of what holds us all together, what makes us responsible to one another. You may even conclude that those who find morals threatening, may in fact be the largest threat to a civilized society. If we all had morals we would simply have a safer environment to thrive and be happy in. It is simply the way you look at it. Mere Christianity is one of the most thought provoking books I have ever read to date! If you are at all interested in the logical basis for Christianity, this book goes to the depths of thought and reveals the essence of the beliefs behind the beliefs. This book becomes perfume, which completely seduces your soul. For Christians, it will be a reminder of the truth you hold dear and a reminder of our eternal life. For those who love the Narnia Chronicles, page 146 gives you an insight into the "time factor." (The children in the story can leave the material world and when they return, time never changes.) One of my favorite quotes from Mere Christianity: " When it (Christianity) tells you to feed the hungry it does not give you a lesson in cookery." --C. S. Lewis, page 79 On page 87 you will also find a beautiful passage. It is my all-time favorite passage to explain LIFE! It is a must read. This book will put your brain in gear and send you on a drive to enlightenment. I intend to read every one of Lewis' books. His work is deep, yet understandable. Eternally Recommended. C. S. Lewis is my all-time favorite author. I was first introduced to his writing as a very young child in second grade. It was then that I fell in love with his writing. Through the Narnia Chronicles, C.S. Lewis weaves the morals and beliefs children need to learn. I recommend Mere Christianity for non-Christians and Christians. For all children, The Chronicles of Narnia will enlighten them and they will never forget the stories! I also reviewed the set. They are the most magical stories a child can read. Mere Christianity is perhaps the most brilliant explanation for Christian beliefs any adult can read.
Rating:
Summary: Diamonds or coal, take your pick.
Review: As a young man trying to decide whether or not to believe the things I grew up in, this book was very helpful to me. I remember reading the chapter on pride, "The Great Sin," one night at a camp in Alaska where I was counseling. The Holy Spirit showed me myself in that chapter. I poured over this book in those days, internalized it, even learned Chinese hoping to translate it. I have since "moved on" to more detailed and empirically-oriented books by Christians, skeptics, and followers of other religions. Many of these offer interesting facts and insights. But the only place I have found as much wisdom as here (outside the Bible) was G. K. Chestertons's Everlasting Man, which influenced Lewis to faith. (As for Conversations With God, the innane "revelation" one reader recommends instead, a single paragraph of Lewis or Chesterton contains more wisdom than the whole first volume.) Lewis has a marvelous gift for explaining things in simple terms without patronizing or talking down. Some may find his argument difficult, and others, too simple. In that case I recommend further reading; Lewis is not trying to be thorough. I agree with the skeptic below that Lewis does not offer "proof" of God, or even logically-compelling evidence. He dismisses atheism with amazing abruptness. "Atheism is too simple. . . If the universe has no meaning, we would never have found out." (How does he know that? Does he have a control universe in his pocket?) But don't misunderstand. Lewis does not really offer "proof" of God. Notice he calls section one, "Right and Wrong as a Clue to the Meaning of the Universe." Lewis views our relationship with God not in scientific but in personal terms. God does not force faith on His wayward children, but drops hints for those who are seeking, is his assumption. Life is not an equation, but an adventure, even a romance with truth. Some also suggest a loophole in Lewis' famous "Liar, Lunatic, or Lord" argument for the deity of Christ. Jesus' words were misrepresented by his followers, they say: he didn't really make the claims the Gospels say he did. Here again, remember that Lewis is trying to be concise. If you want his answer to that objection (still a very devastating answer, if you are familiar with Jesus Seminar material), you'll find it in his essay, Fernseed and Elephants. The argument is also more fully developed in the first chapters of "On the Man Called Christ," in part two of Everlasting Man, where I guess Lewis found it in the first place. There are books with a more empirical approach to the existence of God; Hugh Ross' book on the Anthropic Principle, Creator and the Cosmos, for example, or Don Richardson's Eternity in Their Hearts, that shows how God has worked in cultures around the world. My new book, Jesus and the Religions of Man, argues for the existence of God from comparative religion and miracles. It also discusses the divinity of Jesus in relation to other religions. But I don't know any modern popular author of any viewpoint who can hold a candle to Lewis or Chesterton in terms of expressing deep truths in simple words. Reading Mere Christianity and finding only "a mess of holes," would be like going into a mine full of precious jewels and coming out with bucket of coal. There are truths here that will enrich you the rest of your life, if you lay hold of them. d.marshall@sun.ac.jp
Rating: 
Summary: Weak and illogical, but still potentially useful
Review: I read this book on the recommendation of several Christians, including some who seemed quite intelligent. I was therefore surprised to find, upon reading it, that the basic argument Lewis makes is a mess of holes, even by the standards of religious apology. Lewis attempts to present a logical case for the existence of a Christian God, starting with general premises and building to greater religious specificity. But even his very first, most general premises are weak, almost foolishly so, and wouldn't convince anyone who wasn't already psychologically committed to being convinced. And many of the subsequent elements in his argument are also patently flawed. The net result is a chain of logic that is broken at many points, starting with the first link. So why did I give the book three stars? Because while not providing any rational defense of Christianity--if such is even possible--Lewis does provide some nice insights, including folksy but penetrating formulations, of fundamental Christian beliefs. So, from my perspective, the book can help someone understand what Christianity is, but it certainly won't convince anyone who is thinking clearly to believe.
Rating:
Summary: Simply Convincing Case For Christianity
Review: Powerful. Convincing. True. Authoritative. Clear. Deep. Resonating. Penetrating. Lucid. Persuasive. Friendly. Thoughtful. Courteous. Masterful. Humble. Reflective. Challenging. Personable. Relevant. Believable. Fluid. Weighty. Methodical. Skeptic, Sage or Saint? Compare your beliefs to C.S.Lewis and see how well they hold up.
Rating:
Summary: Lucid and Thoughtful
Review: It works in three parts, putting forward an argument for the existence of God, then for Christianity, then for Christian doctrine. It deals with some complicated questions with ease and asks some in response. Even if you dislike the book from heresay or disagree with Christianity full stop, it is worth reading and weighing up
Rating:
Summary: The definitive work for the case of Christianity
Review: Although Lewis was a skeptic for much of his life, he was smart enough to consider the possibility that he might be wrong about his nonbelief in God (for the first half of his life, anyway). Mere Christianity is a compilation of the reasons why he converted. It should be pointed out that this book will not prove Christianity to be true. Trusting in Christ is still a faith issue. However, the evidence presented by Lewis is strong enough to get even the most ardent skeptic to think through the philosophical arguments used to bolster the case Christianity. This book is good for a number of reasons. I appreciate Lewis' candor and frankness as he supports the truth of Christianity. It has been instrumental in the conversions of many people, even those who are very prominent in the Christian scene today. (I think it is wonderful how much more popular Lewis is today than when he was alive!) Indeed, his writing has touched a great number of people, including me. In fact, I've read all of his nonfictional works, and I find it fascinating to track with Lewis' reasoning and argumentation. As you can see, this book has my highest recommendation.
Rating:
Summary: First of Many
Review: This was the first C.S. Lewis book I read and I became one of his fans after only a few chapters. He begins with basic human nature and then expands to more specific Christian beliefs. He doesn't go into denominational doctrines, hence the title, but explains a basic overview of the what's & why's of Christianity. I was not only impressed by his thoughts, but how well he explains them to the reader. I highly recommend this book not only to Christians, but to anyone who wants to know (especially critics & sceptics of) the basics of Christianity.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't buy this unless you already own Mere Christianity
Review: The reviews on this page are erroneously coupled with The Shepherd's Notes (like Cliff notes, but by the Shepherd, one supposes) to Mere Christianity, NOT the book itself. I bought this thing, and since I do my own reading and can generally keep up with Mr. Lewis' excellent writing style, this was the last thing I needed. The reviews posted here are good and accurate, but the book you're buying is not the one you think it is. Be careful!
Rating:
Summary: An instant Classic - Lewis is a Modern Day Philosopher
Review: Mere Christianity is one of my favorite books of C.S. Lewis's entire collection and life works. This book summarizes the entire Christian belief system. From human nature, to the law, to Christian "Behaviour", this book has it all. A must-buy for any student 'seeking the truth', or anyone wanting to understand what Christianity is about (secondary to the Holy Bible, of course).
| 
