Rating: 
Summary: can't find a better introduction
Review: Found this book to be the best of introduction to the essence of Christianity without getting bogged down by the dogmas of the numerous denominations. For someone who is already a Christian, CS Lewis's lucid style will reinforce the greatness of the religion and will surely the reader will appreciate his ancestors for having choosen this faith. For anyone who is not a Christian and is looking to know more of the faith ,surely there cannot be a better book than this.
Rating:
Summary: Simply clearing somthing up.
Review: "Reality is something you could not have guessed. This is one of the reasons I believe in Christianity. It is a religion you could not have guessed."
Mr. Lewis is not saying anything about and odd twist in reality and he certainly isnt saying that since the universe is complex and since Christianity is capable of explaning it, it therefore has to be complex and true.
All that he is saying here is much like reality, Christinity is not a faith that can be conceptualized by a human mind. If reality did not exist, and we somehow did (which is impossible to say the least), we would not be able to come up with such an idea. Therefore Mr.Lewis'logic is as follows.
1- Reality is not something that a mere human mind can come up with.
2- Christianity is not something that a mere humand mind can come up with.
3- Then just as reality is REAL so is Christianity.
The argument contains no circulatory logic and it certainly isnt self defeating.
P.S: there is no point in attempting to come up with examples to disprove this statement, because that in its essence would be self defeating. Because by giving any example,that would disqualify your statement because it was somthing that was imaginabled by the human mind.
Rating: 
Summary: A Classic Apology
Review: Religious or athiest (which, one could argue, is a religion itself), all will agree that Lewis was a master of his craft. Few men possess the talent to strip an issue down to its core, exposing its true (or the author's view of the truth) value. Other apologists, like Chesterton, get bogged down and easily lose the reader. Lewis, on the other hand, has a knack for making the most complex appear trivially simple. For those who reject Christianity, Lewis offers at the very least an exercise in logic and reasoning. He'll begin an argument with simple reasoning, akin to "you agree that two plus two equals 4, corrct?", and then before you know it, he'll trap you in a logical parlor trick, forcing you to either accept his reasoning, or argue that two plus two does not equal four. It takes a few readings of some passages to discover some errors (as I percieve them)in his assumptions. He writes with such lucidity and confidence that you'll find yourself mesmerized and nodding along with him. But he lost me at the pivotal point, where he argues for Christ's divinity. Lewis warns us of those who would look to Jesus as a moral teacher, and not as the Son of God, saying that they then are placing their trust at what would be, by their denial of Christ as Savior, in the hands of a lunatic. If Christ is not God, than he was insane; for only an insane man would argue that he was the Son of God. Thus, you must completely dismiss Jesus as a relevant moral teacher, or accept his divinity. I believe Lewis is on shaky ground here. A popular example to argue the contrary is the story of John Nash, popularized by the movie A Beautiful Mind. Nash was insane - certifiably so - yet that doesn't preclude mathemeticians from accepting his mathematical ideas as correct. Granted mathematics and religion are not the same (but probably closer than most would like to believe), but I think the point is still valid - "insanity" does not preclude someone from the validity of their work. I am not arguing that Christ was insane, I'm just trying to illustrate that the pivotal argument of the apology is on very shaky ground. I can accept his arguments regarding the internal moral law and such, but I expected a much better argument for the most important issue an apologist can address - the divinity of Jesus Christ. But it is still worth 4 stars for the greatness of his writing, and its excellent treatise on "What Christians Believe". At the very least, this book will force you to think - a dying art itself.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating!
Review: I bought this book having read only the review and I got a lot more than I had bargained for. This is a very direct lesson from Lewis to his readers about the very kernel of Christian philosophy. I recommend it without reserve for anyone with some background knowledge of Chistianity. This book will touch you very deeply. Buy one and share it with friends!
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Summary: Nothing Mere about it !
Review: Sometimes a classic is remembered only as a classic and not for what made it a classic. Sometimes a generation passes and one of its greatest voices is remembered by name only. For some people, re-reading a classic may refresh their mind and heart with a book enjoyed long ago. For others, the classic book is a new conversation with timeless ideas. Mere Christianity is a classic, and C.S. Lewis is still a great voice echoing to new generations. Mere Christianity was first published in 1952 as a compilation of books and responses to questions produced from a four-part series of radio broadcasts that Lewis gave during World War II; consequently, the book has four sections corresponding to the radio series. The short chapters in Mere Christianity are brilliantly written and enjoyable to read. Each chapter progresses through a tour of Christian beliefs and practices for the unbeliever who is honestly interested in understanding Christianity. Objections are dealt with as they logically arise. Throughout the book, Lewis is constructing a case to prove that Christianity is a logical response to the questions of our lives. Like a lawyer in court, he persuades us through the cumulative weight of his case, never getting ahead of himself. He also proves he is a master of the hypothetical example that clarifies a difficult idea. Mere Christianity is a treasure trove of amazing anecdotes that can be remembered and shared with those seeking answers about Christianity. The first section, "Right and Wrong as a Clue to the Meaning of the Universe," begins by observing that a certain degree of morality is common among men. Nature has checks and balances that any culture can use to gauge proper behavior. The author calls this condition "Moral Law" and establishes that it must exist as an absolute standard. If no final standard exists, Lewis argues "there would be no sense in preferring civilized morality to savage morality, or Christian morality to Nazi morality" (p.25). Moral Law is shown to be the effect of a higher cause, which is tentatively called "God" at this point in the book. Section two, "What Christians Believe," uses reason to eliminate competing views of God such as pantheism, dualism, atheism and other variants. The problem of evil is dealt with primarily by reason of universal morality or justice. Lewis asks for the basis of any claim calling God unjust if there is no absolute standard of just and unjust to begin with. Free will, mans' fallen condition, and the relationship between faith and works are used to show the necessity of the gospel. Only God, through Christ's sacrifice, could restore the relationship with man since, as Lewis says - "the worse you are the more you need it and the less you can do it. The only person who could do it perfectly would be a perfect person - and he would not need it" (p.60).
The third section, "Christian Behavior," explains that Christian duty and outward behavior is an expected consequence of the spiritual influence of Christ. The four "cardinal" virtues of prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude are observed as they occur both inside and outside of Christianity. The chapters on sexual morality and Christian marriage are very insightful and are as accurate as if they were written yesterday. Pride is called "The Great Sin" and is presented in a manner consistent with the Bible. Pride is the central problem in human history and is a spiritual vice from Hell, delivered to us by Satan who is also full of pride. The final section, "Beyond Personality: Or First Steps in the Doctrine of the Trinity," is the most theological part of the book. Lewis stays close to the Bible throughout most of the discussion but does not use it as part of his case. Theology is shown to be both practical and important. The theological nature of Jesus is unique among all men since he was begotten and not just created. The book concludes by showing that what seems so simple and unlikely is, in fact, the most powerful force the earth will ever know. When the case built throughout the book is complete, we see that giving up our corrupted lives to partake in the perfect life of Christ is the most consistent and realistic response we could ever have to our human condition. Lewis writes from deep within his heart on all subjects. You may not agree with every statement made in the book, but you will laugh aloud frequently and understand "Mere Christianity" in a new way. Mere Christianity isn't "mere" at all.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully simple and logical
Review: A series of radio talks compiled into a beautiful little book that is inspiring and challenging to Christians of all denominations to examine what it is that we profess to believe and to recommit to our faith. A concise and lucid explanation of what Christianity is and what it requires of it's followers.
A great book to read again and again.
Rating:
Summary: Scarecrows Are For The Birds
Review: Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis is a book I consider must reading for everyone. You've probably noticed that I have given it five stars, and from this you may conclude that I am a believer (and you would be right). However, I am not saying that you have to agree with this book. Just get it, read it, reread it, and ponder it. One reading is not enough. The reason I say this is that we all have a tendency to read what we expect a writer to say into what he actually does say. Many critics of Lewis often set up "straw man" arguments. They read some flawed logic into his words and then easily knock it down. For example, Lewis said, "Reality is something you could not have guessed. This is one of the reasons I believe in Christianity. It is a religion you could not have guessed." The context of these statements shows that Lewis meant that reality has a curious twist of "oddness" about it, and this is one of the reasons he is a believer; Christianity echoes that curious twist of oddness. Please note, he said "one of the reasons", by which he meant "in conjunction with other reasons" that he has given. Some say he meant that the world is complex, Christianity is complex, therefore it must be true. They then demolish this straw man by pointing out that all this really means is that a person is free to attend the most complicated religion of their choice. That is not what Lewis said. It is always a good idea to check the context when interpreting any statement. "Circular reasoning" can also be a staw man argument. For example, Lewis is supposed to have said that one believes what the New Testament says because Jesus is the Son of God and one believes He is the Son of God because of the Bible's description of His life. If Lewis actually implied that, it would be circular reasoning and worthy of being discounted. But did he? I have read Mere Christianity several times and I never got that Lewis was saying one belives what the New Testament says "because Jesus is the Son of God." Lewis says the New Testament is reliable reporting, and gives other reasons for believing this, but Jesus being the Son of God is that which is to be demonstrated. These are just two examples of many straw man arguments based on not paying attention to what C.S. Lewis actually does say in Mere Christianity. Maybe if you get it, read it, reread it, and ponder it, you will find a really valid argument against it. Until then, don't jump to conclusions or assume you already know what this book is all about. I will try to do the same.
Rating:
Summary: Reviewer Beware!
Review: As with any art form, whether painting, sculpture, or literature, there are works that you review and there are works that review you. Whether reviewers realize it or not, their ability to recognize a masterpiece is reflected in their comments on this particular work. I am not saying that everyone must agree with everything in this book any more than everyone must agree with Christianity in general. I am only saying that if anyone wants to understand the basics of orthodox Christianity, that person must contend with this work. It is probably the broadest, simpliest, statement on Christian doctrine penned in the 20th century. It is probably responsible for more people converting to the Christian faith than any other 20th century book. If you are a Christian and have not wrestled with the concepts of this book, do not call yourself a scholar. If you are not a Christian and are interested in the faith, this book is a great starting place. If you think you are a Christian, but strongly disagree with the majority of this work, your theology is probably not within the bounds of historic, orthodox Christianity. I realize my comments are likely to offend some. I am not trying to make a judgement of whether this book is accurate or if any particular person is good or evil. I am merely stating that this book has one of the best grasps of historic Christian theology you will come across. If you want to study the Christian faith, get this book.
Rating:
Summary: Mere Christianity
Review: This palpable book was origionally a talk that C.S. Lewis gave over WW2 radio, so the reader will note that it has been simplified(like a talk) so that a less educated man could read and understand it. I've found Mere Christianity to be a giant help in my christian studies, for C.S. Lewis is a great theologian and a great writer as well. Mere Christianity is a collection of 3 books, the first half is pure philosophy, then secondly is pure theology. Alot of the philosophy goes along the lines of Immanual Kant's arguments for God, "the moral law". Lewis addressed and challenged the great scientist Sigmond Freud more then once in this book. But if you want to learn more about Freud and Lewis' conflicting concepts, I'd sugjest that you'd read a religous philosophy book called "The Question Of God". It is a debate! Theism VS. Atheism! ...Interestingly enough
Rating:
Summary: Necessary for understanding Christianity
Review: Whether you like it or not, this book defines Christianity for modern evangelicals more than any other text, excepting perhaps Matthew and Romans in the New Testament. Lewis is at his rhetorical and biblical finest. If you cannot admire his mastery of the form at the least, you ought get therapy for self-deception.
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