Mere Christianity

Mere Christianity
By: C.S. Lewis

1. Would you Recommend this Book?

Of course. This is perhaps the first apologetic type book that I ever read and I try to go back and read it again every few years. This is one of the 5 books that I recommend most often.


2. What is the Main Point?

Lewis is arguing for the truth of Christianity, and as opposed to defending particular secondary or tertiary issues, he focuses on that which he calls “Mere” Christianity. This is a great book to introduce one to this kind of thought and to give an intellectual grounding for many things the Christian believes already and the non-Christian takes for granted.


3. Which Parts should I read if I’m short on Time?

Read Book 1 (which will make you want to read the rest)


4. Why does this book Matter?

Lewis addresses common issues of doubt without hostility but with hard to argue against reasoning; Lewis himself was converted largely through the lines of thought that he uses in this book, so he has thought through them well and feels them emotionally. Even the non-Christian will really enjoy this book and acknowledge the truth of so much in it even if they disagree with the foundational truth for which he is arguing.
 
In a modern world that has gotten worse at thinking, this book is immensely helpful. And of course as Christians, we should strive to be able to talk to the world with as much wisdom, clarity, and power as Lewis.


5. Is this Book an “Easy-Read?” (Include Length)

It’s not as easy as you’d want it to be, but I’m not sure it could have been made easier and held onto its profundity and beauty. Go back and read that sentence again, and the next one too, and anytime you need to. Take your time; there’s more there than first meets the eye anyway so you might as well go slowly. Around 220 pages, depending on version.

 
6. Who is this Author and what did you think of their writing?

There is no writer like Lewis, in my humble opinion; he is the best when it comes to writing style and displaying his thought.

 
7. What is One Key Take-Away or Application for my life?

This book will help you understand Christianity better, think better, and talk with young or non-Christians better.


8. What was One point of Disagreement?

Nope.


9. What are any other things that stood out to You?

You’ll finish reading and want to start again just for fun.


10. Have you read any books similar to this one that you would recommend one to read first to help with this one?

If desired, reading a chapter on morality in a less profound but more clear book like “On Guard: Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision,” or “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Athiest” could be helpful.