Author: C.S. Lewis
Year of Publication: 1952
Genre: Inspirational
Themes: Moral Law (" My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line. What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjust?")
About C.S. Lewis:
Book Summary:
Mere Christianity was originally a series of radio talks put out by BBC aimed to bring hope to the saved and unsaved British civilians during WWII. However, these talks were so well received that they were compiled into the book that we all know and love. In the book, Lewis touches on many topics that leave most Christians without answers. He answers some of the most theologically difficult questions about God's nature and decisions. He does all of this while maintaining humility and reminding the reader (or listener) that he is simply a man trying to understand and explain God and His ways.
Year of Publication: 1952
Genre: Inspirational
Themes: Moral Law (" My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line. What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjust?")
About C.S. Lewis:
- Lived 1898-1963
- He was an unruly child and was sent from boarding school to boarding school. His mother died in 1908 and he was sent to another boarding school
- In his teen years, his faith began to fade. He converted to atheism and moved to Oxford England
- He was hung up on insufficient philosophies on morality
- He met and became friends with Tolkien in 1924
- He committed his life to Christ at Magdalen college
- He was deeply involved in a writing club called the Inklings
- He became one of the most well known names amongst Christians
- He died of Kidney failure
Book Summary:
Mere Christianity was originally a series of radio talks put out by BBC aimed to bring hope to the saved and unsaved British civilians during WWII. However, these talks were so well received that they were compiled into the book that we all know and love. In the book, Lewis touches on many topics that leave most Christians without answers. He answers some of the most theologically difficult questions about God's nature and decisions. He does all of this while maintaining humility and reminding the reader (or listener) that he is simply a man trying to understand and explain God and His ways.
Lewis also touches on the relationship between our physical world and bodies and with the spiritual realm. He explains sin and why we as humans even recognize things as right and wrong. He talks about our need for a Savior and why it had to be Jesus. While his explanation obviously falls short of God's true intentions I'm sure, he provides his views on free will and why God allows bad things to happen. He also covers the importance of theology in addition to personal encounters and relationship with God.
My Thoughts:
I would recommend this book to any and every Christian. His insights on difficult topics are invaluable. Its depth and complexity would probably alienate a younger crowd, so I would say that the age range it suits best is probably 15+. My only criticism is that he does not site scripture throughout the book, so it is quite the egg hunt to find passages that back what he is saying.
I wrote a personal response essay to this book, and I have it linked below!
I would recommend this book to any and every Christian. His insights on difficult topics are invaluable. Its depth and complexity would probably alienate a younger crowd, so I would say that the age range it suits best is probably 15+. My only criticism is that he does not site scripture throughout the book, so it is quite the egg hunt to find passages that back what he is saying.
I wrote a personal response essay to this book, and I have it linked below!