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Below is originally post from 2012:

One of my favorite authors is C.S. Lewis. His creativity and writing style captivate me. I love reading the Chronicles of Narnia at least once a year. Powerful themes of life and love, yet incredibly enjoyable too.

I first read Mere Christianity when I was a teenager and while I remember enjoying it, I don't really think I grasped a majority of it. So I figured it was time to read it again. I should have a better understanding at 30 right? I'm glad I did. While written in 1943 (and in Britain no less :) ), there's still so many provoking thoughts and ideas.

I'm not sure how any of these blog posts will go (let's be honest, this is my second post), but I'm sure each one will look nothing like that last. So to kick off my first official "book review," here's some of the quotes I thought were worth highlighting.

I'll start with my favorite quote of the book:

"Put right out of your head the idea that these are only fancy ways of saying that Christians are to read what Christ said and try to carry it out--as a man may read what Plato or Marx said and try to carry it out. They mean something much more than that. They mean that a real Person, Christ, here and now, in that very room where you are saying your prayers, is doing things to you. It is not a question of a good man who died two thousand years ago."

"It is a living Man, still as much a man as you, and still as much God as He was when He created the world, really coming and interfering with your very self; killing the old natural self in you and replacing it with the kind of self He has. At first, only for moments. Then for longer periods. Finally, if all goes well, turning you permanently into a different sort of thing; into a new little Christ, a being which, in its own small way, has the same kind of life as God; which shares in His power, joy, knowledge and eternity."

"Because free will, though it makes evil possible, is also that only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having."

"Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to."

"If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next, the Apostles themselves, who set foot on the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great men who built up the Middle Ages, the English evangelicals who abolished the slave trade, all left their mark on Earth, precisely because their minds were occupied with Heaven. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this."

"If Christianity was something we were making up, of course we could make it easier. But it is not. We cannot compete, in simplicity, with people who are inventing religions. How could we? We are dealing with Fact. Of course anyone can be simple if he has no facts to bother about."

"Mere Christianity" was written by C. S. Lewis in Great Britain during World War II. The book is composed of a series of relatively short, easily digested, lectures, written in which Mr. Lewis carefully develops his argument for Christianity. Mr. Lewis is an intellectual and not a member of the clergy. The approach is non denominational. Mr. Lewis has a way of conveying ideas that I can say understand.

A good example is his explanation of Pantheism in Book 2, Chapter 1. I have read about Pantheism but it never seems to sink in. Mr. Lewis gives a very elementary description that really helped me, without seeming pedantic. I really appreciated that.

Then in the next chapter, titled "The Invasion", Mr. Lewis does the same thing with the concept "Dualism". I feel as though I am receiving gentle instruction, not being pounded over the head.

Similarly, in Book 3, Chapter 2, Mister Lewis gives a very lucid explanation of the Cardinal Virtues. In Book 3, Chapter 7, there is a presentation on Forgiveness that I found very helpful, Chapter 8 is one of the best discourses about Pride that I have ever read. Chapter 9 is a explanation on the concept of Christian charity and is excellent. There is also an explanation of hat happens to us if we actually act out in a hateful manner toward someone else, there is an actual effect on ourselves.

This book relates a gentle, but definitely conservative viewpoint. C. S. Lewis does defend certain ideas that are not now popular in society. He clearly only believes in a traditional Christian marriage, for Christians, and that the man is the head of the Christian family. The implications of these positions, of course, also relate to sexual behaviors and preferences.

C. S. Lewis also talks about other issues discussed in scripture such as the lending of money with interest. As he states, the scripture in question was composed before the modern monetary system existed. He states he is not sure of where that leaves us in regard to a modern economic system. I have, heretofore, contemplated all of that myself at one time or another and have been left in the same state of uncertainty.

I also feel that when I read this book carefully I constantly came across examples of real life that I have encountered. Issues about justice, honesty, respect, fairness, and situational ethics that Mr. Lewis describes occur all the time. The book help some me understand what it means to attempt to be a Christian and act in a Christian manner, and why it is difficult.

I am a student, not a scholar. Keeping that in mind, this book vaguely reminds me about f "Orthodoxy" by G. K. Chesterton. I love that book also. However, some of Mr. Chesterton' writing is a bit more clever and I really have to think about it, and honestly am not sure I get all of it. This book is slightly less "clever" and therefore more easily read by someone such as I.

I read this book while at the same time listening to an audiobook narrated by Julian Rhind - Tutt. His narration was excellent. This is the kind of work that I can get through on my own pace and completely enjoy. Thank You...

Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis is one of his most famous books. The book is a based upon a series of radio talks during the World War, with additional elaborations and wisdom from Mr. Lewis. His understanding of theology is deep yet practical, and not swayed by any particular denomination. Clearly he dislikes argumentative Christians and his book focus is to teach the basics without conflict. He writes, "This book, then, does not consist of academic philosophical musings. Rather, it is a work of oral literature, addressed to people at war." His original audience consisted of men and women who might not live another day, and he purposed to encourage them and bring them into faith. A former atheist, Mr. Lewis simplifies the core concepts of Christianity and argues for the benefits of having a faith rooted in Christ,

I found this book a pure delight to read, and will most likely read it again a few years from now. The use of imagery to explain theology is a powerful teaching tool. It's a refreshing and unique approach, with words flowing from the heart of the author. He simplifies what others tend to complicate. One of my favorite chapters is when he explains why some Christians can be un-Christian in their actions towards others. The words are powerful, convicting and written in love.

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10 Quotes From Mere Christianity #TweetThis

If the universe is not governed by an absolute goodness, then all our efforts are in the long run hopeless. C. S. Lewis

God is the only comfort, He is also the supreme terror: the thing we most need and the thing we most want to hide from. C. S Lewis

Human beings judge one another by their external actions. God judges them by their moral choices. C. S Lewis

Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive. C. S Lewis

Pride is essentially competitive—is competitive by its very nature. C. S Lewis

If you think you are not conceited, it means you are very conceited indeed. C. S Lewis

When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him. C. S Lewis

No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good. C. S Lewis

When we Christians behave badly, or fail to behave well, we are making Christianity unbelievable to the outside world. C. S Lewis

It is when I turn to Christ, when I give myself up to His Personality, that I first begin to have a real personality of my own. C. S. Lewis

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While we were still helpless [powerless to provide for our salvation], at the right time Christ died [as a substitute] for the ungodly. Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to willingly give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a good man [one who is noble and selfless and worthy] someone might even dare to die. But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore, since we have now been justified [declared free of the guilt of sin] by His blood, [how much more certain is it that] we will be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, it is much more certain, having been reconciled, that we will be saved [from the consequences of sin] by His life [that is, we will be saved because Christ lives today]. Not only that, but we also rejoice in God [rejoicing in His love and perfection] through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received and enjoy our reconciliation [with God] (Romans 5:6-11, AMP).

And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers. And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified [declared free of the guilt of sin]; and those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity].

The Wisdom of God

For the message of the cross is foolishness [absurd and illogical] to those who are perishing and spiritually dead [because they reject it], but to us who are being saved [by God’s grace] it is [the manifestation of] the power of God. For it is written and forever remains written,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise [the philosophy of the philosophers],

And the cleverness of the clever [who do not know Me] I will nullify.”

Where is the wise man (philosopher)? Where is the scribe (scholar)? Where is the debater (logician, orator) of this age? Has God not exposed the foolishness of this world’s wisdom? For since the world through all its [earthly] wisdom failed to recognize God, God in His wisdom was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached [regarding salvation] to save those who believe [in Christ and welcome Him as Savior]. For Jews demand signs (attesting miracles), and Greeks pursue [worldly] wisdom and philosophy, but we preach Christ crucified, [a message which is] to Jews a stumbling block [that provokes their opposition], and to Gentiles foolishness [just utter nonsense], but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles), Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. [This is] because the foolishness of God [is not foolishness at all and] is wiser than men [far beyond human comprehension], and the weakness of God is stronger than men [far beyond the limits of human effort].

Just look at your own calling, believers; not many [of you were considered] wise according to human standards, not many powerful or influential, not many of high and noble birth. But God has selected [for His purpose] the foolish things of the world to shame the wise [revealing their ignorance], and God has selected [for His purpose] the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong [revealing their frailty]. God has selected [for His purpose] the insignificant (base) things of the world, and the things that are despised and treated with contempt, [even] the things that are nothing, so that He might reduce to nothing the things that are, so that no one may [be able to] boast in the presence of God. But it is from Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God [revealing His plan of salvation], and righteousness [making us acceptable to God], and sanctification [making us holy and setting us apart for God], and redemption [providing our ransom from the penalty for sin], so then, as it is written [in Scripture], “He who boasts and glories, let him boast and glory in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1: 18-31, AMP).

What then shall we say to all these things? If God is for us, who can be [successful] against us? He who did not spare [even] His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect (His chosen ones)? It is God who justifies us [declaring us blameless and putting us in a right relationship with Himself]. Who is the one who condemns us? Christ Jesus is the One who died [to pay our penalty], and more than that, who was raised [from the dead], and who is at the right hand of God interceding [with the Father] for us. Who shall ever separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? Just as it is written and forever remains written,

“For Your sake we are put to death all day long;

We are regarded as sheep for the slaughter.”

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]. For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:28-39, AMP).

Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on Godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you] (Romans 12:1-2, AMP).

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don’t feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children?

My dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline,

but don’t be crushed by it either.

It’s the child he loves that he disciplines;

the child he embraces, he also corrects.

God is educating you; that’s why you must never drop out. He’s treating you as dear children. This trouble you’re in isn’t punishment; it’s training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God’s training so we can truly LIVE? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God’s holy best. At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.

So don’t sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it! (Hebrews 12:1-13, The Message).

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and decisions and how unfathomable and untraceable are His ways! (Romans 11:33).

“For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him [as personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation]; but the one who does not believe [and has decided to reject Him as personal Savior and Lord] is judged already [that one has been convicted and sentenced], because he has not believed and trusted in the name of the [One and] only begotten Son of God [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, the One who alone can save him]. This is the [verdict] judgment [that is, the cause for indictment, the test by which people are judged, the basis for the sentence]: the Light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For every wrongdoer hates the Light, and does not come to the Light [but shrinks from it] for fear that his [sinful, worthless] activities will be exposed and condemned. But whoever practices truth [and does what is right—morally, ethically, spiritually] comes to the Light, so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are—accomplished in God [divinely prompted, done with God’s help, in dependence on Him]” (John 3: 16-21, AMP, NLT).

Therefore, since we have this ministry, just as we received mercy [from God, granting us salvation, opportunities, and blessings], we do not get discouraged nor lose our motivation. But we have renounced the disgraceful things hidden because of shame; not walking in trickery or adulterating the word of God, but by stating the truth [openly and plainly], we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. But even if our gospel is [in some sense] hidden [behind a veil], it is hidden [only] to those who are perishing; among them the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelieving to prevent them from seeing the illuminating light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves [merely] as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give us the Light of the knowledge of the glory and majesty of God [clearly revealed] in the face of Christ.

But we have this precious treasure [the good news about salvation] in [unworthy] earthen vessels [of human frailty], so that the grandeur and surpassing greatness of the power will be [shown to be] from God [His sufficiency] and not from ourselves. We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair; hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed; always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown in our body. For we who live are constantly [experiencing the threat of] being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be evidenced in our mortal body [which is subject to death]. So physical death is [actively] at work in us, but [spiritual] life [is actively at work] in you.

Yet we have the same spirit of faith as he had, who wrote in Scripture, “I believed, therefore I spoke.” We also believe, therefore we also speak, knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and will present us [along] with you in His presence. For all [these] things are for your sake, so that as [God’s remarkable, undeserved] grace reaches to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of [our great] God.

Therefore we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day by day. For our momentary, light distress [this passing trouble] is producing for us an eternal weight of glory [a fullness] beyond all measure [surpassing all comparisons, a transcendent splendor and an endless blessedness]! So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable (2 Corinthians 4:1-18, AMP).

After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar,

“Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne

and from the Lamb!”

And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God. They sang,

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom

and thanksgiving and honor

and power and strength belong to our God

forever and ever! Amen” (Revelation 7:9-12, NLT).

ADDITIONAL RECCOMENDATIONS:

- Repentance: The first word of the Gospel by Richard Owen Roberts

- Victory in Spiritual Warfare by Tony Evans

- Prayers for Victory in Spiritual Warfare by Tony Evans

- The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer

- Knowledge of the holy by A.W. Tozer

- Knowing God by J.I. Packer

- The Kingdom Man/Woman by Tony Evans

- Deliverance and Spiritual Warfare Manual by John Eckhardt

- Battlefield of the mind by Joyce Meyer

- Prayer by Timothy Keller

- The Battle Plan for Prayer

- Powerful Prayers in the war room by Daniel B. Lancaster

- Prayers that rout demons by John Eckhardt

- 21 prayers of Gratitude by Shelley Hitz

- Encounters with Jesus by Timothy Keller

- Kings cross by Timothy Keller

- Experiencing the presence of God by A.W. Tozer

- In His Presence by E.W. Kenyon

- Jesus always by Sarah Young

- Jesus is calling by Sarah Young

- Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster.

- The freedom of self forgetfulness by Timothy Keller

- My utmost for His Highest by Discovery House Publishers

- The crucified life A.W. Tozer

- The Insanity of Obedience by Nik Ripken

- The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken

- Trusting God by Jerry Bridges

- The Treasure Principle also by Randy Alcorn

- Safely home also by Randy Alcorn

- Edge of Eternity also by Randy Alcorn

- The Reason for God by Timothy Keller

- On Guard by Dr. William Lane Craig

- Reasonable Faith by Dr. William Lane Craig

- I don't have enough faith to be an atheist

- The case for Jesus: The Biblical and Historical Evidence for Christ by Bran Pitre

- The case for Christ by Lee Strobel

- Stealing from God by Frank Turek, Ravi Zacharias

- Cold case Christianity by J. Warner Wallace

- Tactics: A game plan for discussing your Christian Convictions

God Bless.

Lewis approaches his book from a philosophical perspective to establish the existence of the law of morality, the principles of Christianity, and the practical application of Christianity through the power of God. This book is a great read for understanding what a Christian believes and the common sense of morality.

This author thinks out loud in such wonderfully engaging ways: so accessible; so down-to- earth, yet erudite at the same time. For instance, he says, “All killing is not murder any more than all sexual intercourse is adultery.” Duh, I knew that, but did I really? I certainly never thought of it that way!

Lewis uses similar logic and common sense to consider why nothing other than Christ can ever bring a person peace. He says, “God made us: invented us as a man invents an engine. A car is made to run on petrol, and it will not run properly on anything else.” I love this stuff. His comparisons are refreshing and sometimes hilarious, like when he says we were designed to fly like birds, but we are born as eggs: “It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.”

For Lewis, Christ is not just a teacher trying to make us into better people. He urges us not to take Jesus literally (as when He told us to be like doves, He did not mean we were to lay eggs). Yikes, there’s lots of egg imagery in this book! But it contains a whole lot more than egg metaphors. Lewis suggests we are all like instruments: designed to be in tune and to come on cue. We, however, insist on ignoring the conductor and the music itself. He is trying to engage us in playing dance music, but we are playing dirges instead. Most probably, Lewis contends, the reason why no experience in this world can ever satisfy is because we were designed for another one.

I would recommend this book for anyone who is even remotely interested in activating their “mythic imaginations” for a change. Lewis says, “It’s not like teaching a horse to jump better and better, but like turning a horse into a winged creature.” That’s what Christ claims to accomplish. And this book makes an intelligent, honest, and engaging case for that claim.

A classic I had wanted to read for a long time, especially since it is so often quoted in many other books I had read before.

It is an excellent book for anyone seeking a deeper, rational understanding of what Christianity is. Regardless of one’s particular church or denomination, Lewis focuses on making the case for the essential virtues and core characteristics of the Christian faith.

For those who already believe in Christ, like myself, the book offers fresh perspectives and thoughtful insights into what it truly means to be a Christian. I particularly liked the sections on marriage and in the pursuit of virtue.

For those who are not Christian but are curious, it is a wonderful starting point to explore—intellectually and honestly—the merits of Christianity.

Well written. It takes time to take it all in when reading. What an eye opener. I will be reading this again and again. I already bought multiple copies to share with friends.

An easy to read book that offers clear answers to many of the questions facing Christians and non-Christians who are looking for clarity on the fundamental / foundational beliefs of Christianity.

Great book

CS Lewis defines his ideas so clearly and make such a compelling case for Christianity. I am amazed at his ideas and values. They are uplifting and motivating.

Stupendo, libro che mi ha aiutato nel migliorare il mio modo di pensare riguardo al mondo e anche capire di più di questo mondo che ci circonda. Accurato, chiaro definisce bene tutti i concetti che per me alcuni erano nuovi, Strepitoso lo consilierei se fose possibile e lo farei anche d'obbligo per tutti da leggere. 10 e lode

Cannot describe the density of this book. Instead, follow a little bit about it:

“

But progress means getting nearer to the place where you want to be. And if you have taken a wrong turning, then to go forward does not get you any nearer. If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive man.

There is nothing progressive about being pig headed and refusing to admit a mistake. And I think if you look at the present state of the world, it is pretty plain that humanity has been making some big mistake.

...

The Christian idea of marriage is based on Christ's words that a man and wife are to be regarded as a single organism-for that is what the words 'one flesh' would be in modern English.

And the Christians believe that when He said this He was not expressing a sentiment but stating a fact—-just as one is stating a fact when one says that a lock and its key are one mechanism, or that a violin and a bow are one musical instrument.

The inventor of the human machine was telling us that its two halves, the male and the female, were made to be combined together in pairs, not simply on the sexual level, but totally combined.

As a consequence, Christianity teaches that marriage is for life.

Justice, as I said before, includes the keeping of promises. Now everyone who has been married in a church has made a public, solemn promise to stick to his (or her) partner till death.

“