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Religion Spirituality

By Self Publishing Titans
Mere Christianity

Mere Christianity

by C. S. Lewis, Kathleen Norris

4.8 (21225 ratings)
Religion Spirituality

Published

February 6, 2001

Pages

227 pages

Language

English

Publisher

Harper San Francisco

Available Formats & Prices

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$0.99

Hardcover

$17.75

Paperback

$10.78

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About This Book

C.S. Lewis is the ideal persuader for the half-convinced, for the good man who would like to be a Christian but finds his intellect getting in the way." — Anthony Burgess, New York Times Book Review Our moral consciousness and moral judgements are proof to the human race that a moral being exists—God. Mere Christianity explores the core beliefs of Christianity by providing an unequaled opportunity for believers and nonbelievers alike to hear a powerful, rational case for the Christian faith.

A brilliant collection, Mere Christianity remains strikingly fresh for the modern reader and at the same time confirms C. S. Lewis’s reputation as one of the leading writer and thinkers of our age.

The book brings together Lewis’ legendary broadcast talks during World War II. Lewis discusses that everyone is curious about: right and wrong, human nature, morality, marriage, sins, forgiveness, faith, hope, generosity, and kindness.

Introduction

C.S. Lewis's "Mere Christianity" is a compelling exploration of the essential beliefs that underpin the Christian faith. Originally delivered as wartime radio broadcasts, these edited speeches lay out Lewis's insightful examination of Christian doctrines and their relevance to human behavior and morality.

With clarity and logic, Lewis unravels complex theological concepts, inviting both Christians and skeptics alike to contemplate the profound implications of faith in everyday life.

Key Takeaways

C.S. Lewis presents morality as the foundation of a meaningful life. Christianity demands not just belief but active moral and spiritual transformation.

Faith offers a universal moral law transcending cultural and personal biases.

Detailed Description

Mere Christianity crafted by C.S. Lewis serves as a beacon for those seeking to understand the tenets of Christian faith beyond denominational boundaries. Through a series of philosophical arguments Lewis articulates a rational basis for belief in God addressing doubts and questions that permeate the modern landscape.

His approach is neither preachy nor condescending but merges logic with spiritual insight. In a world often divided by religious differences Lewis emphasizes a core moral code inherent to all humanity. He explores the universal applicability of Christian principles emphasizing love forgiveness and humility as central themes.

Rather than focusing on peripheral theological debates Lewis directs readers to the heart of Christian ethics and philosophy encouraging them to view Christianity as a transformative journey rather than mere dogma. The book is organized into manageable sections each building upon the last to create a cohesive understanding of Christianity. Lewis begins by establishing the plausibility of moral law arguing that recognition of right and wrong points to a divine source.

He then delves into the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and their implications for human behavior. By dissecting common objections to Christianity Lewis provides reasoned responses that resonate with logical simplicity and spiritual depth. Mere Christianity challenges its audience inviting both believers and non-believers to scrutinize their convictions and consider the role of faith in shaping ethical conduct.

Lewis's eloquent prose and philosophical rigor inspire readers to envision a society guided by compassion and justice. As relevant today as when it was first published Mere Christianity continues to illuminate paths toward moral clarity and spiritual understanding.

Standout Features

One of the most compelling aspects of Mere Christianity is its universality C.S Lewis deliberately avoids delving into divisive religious doctrines or denominational lines Instead he distills Christianity into its most essential elements offering a common ground for discussion and reflection This allows readers from diverse backgrounds to engage with the text without preconceived barriers often associated with organized religion Lewis's dismissal of unnecessary theological complexities makes the book accessible to anyone eager to explore profound ideas about morality faith and human nature.

Book Details

ISBN-10:

0060652926

ISBN-13:

978-0060652920

Dimensions:

5.31 x 0.64 x 8 inches

Weight:

2.31 pounds

Specifications

Pages:227 pages
Language:English
Published:February 6, 2001
Publisher:Harper San Francisco
Authors:C. S. Lewis, Kathleen Norris

Rating

4.8

Based on 21225 ratings

Customer Reviews

Excellent read. Immensely relevant and practical.

Verified Purchase
RevRick
August 12, 2024

Lerws' style is remarkably accessible for those who have a desire to better understand the reason for being. Although written for the educated, I think most anyone will benefit.

Fantastic!

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Jon Stephen
August 19, 2024

Such a wonderful Author, with insights into wisdom through the ages. No small wonder why C S Lewis is a literary giant! This book will remain relevant now and forevermore.

Good stuff

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Cassie
May 7, 2024

I like the way the author approached Christianity from a neutral position. Very helpful if you are curious about Christianity.

Great Texture and Quality

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Courtney
August 26, 2024

I gifted this book to a friend so I cannot review the content written. But the book looked and felt great! It felt very high quality with a papery “unfinished” texture. I love books that aren’t “perfect” feeling in the way that every page is perfectly cut to the same length and the cover is super smooth and glossy. This book had an old fashioned feel to it that made me happy and excited to gift it to a friend. I have heard that the content in the book is great so I will definitely be buying myself a copy soon!

Great read

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CBoff
September 11, 2024

I highly recommend this read. The author makes a great argument for Christianity and provides simple to understand support for his arguments, especially for a non-believer.

Extremely well written description of Christianity and opposing views by an intellectual giant.

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Gayle Curry
August 4, 2024

C. S Lewis has the intellect and ability to write above the head of the most educated people (Miracles), but in this book he writes clearly and plainly writes for the masses. He explains the reasoning of those who claim to be atheistic and those who in faith believe in one true God and in the substitutionary death/resurrection of Jesus. Lewis has a gift of logical reasoning beyond most of us who have never taken the time to evaluate who we are and what we believe and why. I am humbled that I have not given more time and thought to my faith and the true design and foundation of it.

Merely wonderful

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Daniel Conway
August 21, 2024

CS Lewis’s masterful introduction to Christianity succeeds. Having begun as a non-Christian, or even an anti-Christian, the effects of Lewis’s conversion are profound. His grasp of the Truth (intellectual, moral and spiritual) is simple but it penetrates deeply and broadly into the heart of what Life (and After Life) means for us personally and practically. I urge everyone—Christian, member of a different faith tradition, agnostic, or atheist—to read (or reread) Mere Christianity. It is merely wonderful.

Infinite stars for a book of eternal wisdom!

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The Rebecca Review
November 21, 2000

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. ~The Rebecca Review