Mere Christianity gives articulate expression of the intelligence of Christianity but retains the conversational style from Lewis’ radio talks where these ideas first appeared. Lewis is able to focus on core issues of orthodox Christianity without getting into some of the issues held between denominations.

Lewis is able to focus on core issues of orthodox Christianity without getting into some of the issues held between denominations.

In Book One, Lewis uses general revelation, logic, and rationale to argue for the need of God and Christ. He intends this book to raise questions. He bases these arguments on what he calls the Law of Human Nature and Real Morality. He does a good job explaining morality and addressing objections such as morality as instinct or morality as social convention. However, today’s society, which is more global and skeptical than the culture in which he wrote (especially with regards to non-Western societies), may find the objections too easily dismissed. His assumption that this morality precludes a God is not an easy one for an atheist or agnostic to make. However, it’s easy for religious persons to make this step. Further, the assumptions he makes about God seem dependent on his Christian faith rather than pure logic.

In Book Two, Lewis answers the question brought up on the first book. His portrayal of rival religions, while given good general categories, may be an oversimplification. Also, our ability to know the nature of this Someone based on the nature of Man seems wanting.

If the fact of morality precludes a Someone who created morality, and if we cannot perfectly keep this morality, Lewis argues, we are in danger. Wouldn’t this creator of morality desire it to be perfectly kept? Lewis’ solution is Christ.

This book, specifically in the chapter, “The Practical Conclusion,” contains a great explanation for the physicalness of the sacraments as he addresses the nature of humanity to be both physical and spiritual.

Book Three outlines Christian morality. From this point forward, Lewis assumes Christianity to be true. His descriptions of morality is excellent. He positions it not just as a set of rules but shows the purpose behind morality and why living with these specific moral guidelines are the best way to live. It’s also convicting! This section gives a good overview for discipleship and mentoring new believers.

Book Four is Lewis’ strongest section. He enters into more theological discussion of the Trinity. He not only tackles ideas such as the nature of Christ as beget, not made, but also the Christian’s journey in faith to become like Christ. He’s at his best when discussing the purpose of the church to draw men and women to Christ and his emphasis on the “new man” rather than “nice people.” The goal is redemption, not programs (in regards to the church) and not necessarily the creation of a nice society (although a nice society is a good thing and may be a side-effect). He also addresses the idea of personality. Rather than our individual personalities being lost when becoming more like Christ, we become more as we should be with all the distinctions in our personality. This addresses a felt-need in our society, which focuses on a combination of nonconformity and “finding yourself.”

One note: C.S. Lewis tends toward a inclusivist position, i.e. some are Christians but don’t yet know it. (This is also hinted at in a few places in the Narnia series.) He also seems to say that Christians can lose their salvation.

Lewis intends Mere Christianity for atheists and agnostics, but it makes leaps of assumptions that atheists and agnostics may not necessarily hold to. There are simply too many anomalies Christians must take on faith (i.e. Virgin Birth) to be able to convince someone of the religion on pure rationale. While C.S. Lewis is an articulate and intelligent author, I feel that Mere Christianity is one of his weaker books compared to his fiction and his books dealing with grief and joy.

Mere Christianity is good for those who are open to learning more about Christianity. The second, third, and fourth books, which explain aspects about Christianity, are stronger than the first book, which attempts to take the reader from unbelief to belief based on logic. It’s also a good book for a new believer and for discipleship as it gets to the heart of the religion—transformation rather than making people “nice.”

Review by Heather A. Goodman