Rating: 
Summary: A Tale of Two Reviews
Review: Judging from earlier reviews, you'll either love this one or you'll hate it. A quick scan of the ratings reveals that Christians love it while agnostics and atheists pan it. From 129 ratings out there, only four readers provided on-the-fence "3 star" reviews. By joining this lonely (objective?) crowd, I'm hoping to convince myself that writing review number 130 is not purely an exercise in conceit but can provide a different perspective on the work. First, let's recognize that this book is really a combination of three prior, separate essays comprising two distinct topics. These topics are an apologetic of the Christian faith and a high-level review of fundamental Christian beliefs held across denominations. Those who offer blanket criticism appear to miss this distinction and view the entire work as an apologetic. In my view, these distinct components differ sharply in intent and quality and therefore deserve separate reviews. As to the common threads throughout the work, they are largely positive. Readers of other Lewis works will be familiar with his wonderful ability to write in clear, concise, conversational prose and these gifts are on display throughout the book. His capacity for using metaphors and analogies if rightfully renowned and is particularly helpful in explaining complex beliefs and doctrine. Unfortunately, the pure apologetic section of the work falls far short of it's target of providing a rational justification for the faith. Lewis attempts to structure logical deductive and inductive reasoning arguments to support his conclusion that there is a single God and that Jesus was his only Son. Surprisingly for one of Lewis' obvious intellect, his logic if rife with serious flaws. Two quick examples are symptomatic. First, Lewis states that "Reality is something you could not have guessed. This is one of the reason's I believe in Christianity. It is a religion you could not have guessed." What he means is that the world is complex and therefore a religion that accurately explains the world must be complex. Thus, because Christianity is complex, it accurately explains the world. This logic leaves seekers of religion free to accept any "complicated" belief system (in fact, the more complicated the better). Second, Lewis argues that Jesus must be the Son of God because the Bible makes it clear that he was "neither a lunatic nor a fiend" and that he must be either a lunatic/fiend or the Son of God. In addition to several deductive logic holes, the argument faces an obvious circularity problem (i.e. 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). These and other similar examples of poor logic lead me to give a "2 star" rating to this section of the work. For all the issues with Lewis' apologetic efforts, his attempt to provide an easily understandable, concise summary of the major cross-denominational Christian beliefs is outstanding. One can take issue with the lack of depth and breadth of coverage, but only if one does not clearly understand Lewis' objectives. His discussion of the cardinal virtues, the sin of pride and the trinity are among the most clearly articulated explanations I have seen. While the passage of time has exposed several of his points (e.g. the Christian wife's obligation to "obey" her husband) as no longer falling within the common Christian belief set, on the whole he clearly succeeds in his goals. Thus, I give a "4 star" rating to this section of the work. The 2 and 4 stars equate to an overall 3 star rating. C.S. Lewis fans should read the book for an interesting perspective on his personal beliefs. Those looking for a clear explanation of those common beliefs that Christians hold dear would get great value from the work. Those looking for a compelling, rational defense of the faith would be better served looking elsewhere.
Rating: 
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.
Rating:
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: Merely the best
Review: The life of C.S. Lewis is truly inspiring. He is an amazing man of God. With the gifts bestowed unto him, Lewis writes Mere Christianity- the best introduction to the Christian faith for anyone from the simpleton to the learned businessperson. Mere Christianity is a group of war-time BBC talks gathered together. In them, Lewis is persuasive and serious, humourous and easy-to-read.
I recommend all of C.S. Lewis' works.
You have not truly read a good book until you have read Lewis.
Rating:
Summary: Merely Christian
Review: This is one of the best summaries of the essentials of Christianity I have read. Lewis avoids all the common pitfalls in the usual presentation of the gospel. Some people emphasize doctrine and theology to a tiring degree, others focus primarily on getting close to God and focusing on your relationship with Jesus, and another group of people incessantly preaches how we must live and what we must do as Christians. But all of these positions polarize the truth - mere Christianity expresses all of these aspects at once, without contradiction. True doctrine is only attained by communion with God, and this results in a holy, Christian life. Mere Christianity is so powerful because it harmonizes all of these aspects in such a glorious manner. You read his defense of the existence of God, move through his explanation of the basics of Christianity and Christian conduct, and then finish with his thoughts on the Trinity. You never get an impression of imbalance, or of partiality to some "pet doctrine" as Christian authors often have. All of it is written in his typical even-handed, charming, down-to-earth fashion. This would be my top recommendation for an enjoyable summary of Christian doctrine and practice.
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