Micah's review
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Mere Christianity is C.S. Lewis's attempt to explain the defining principles that all Christians share in common. It's also his attempt to justify, promote, and apologize for his religion. Although his approach is, in some ways, admirable (he genuinely seems to try to twist Christianity into some sort of soft, inclusive religion), I can't help but find so much wrong with this book. First, it's difficult to sell a concept/philosophy/religion as being compassionate and inclusive when the result of one's decision to reject that concept/philosophy/religion is an eternity burning in the pit of damnation. So, lurking behind Lewis's assertion that Christianity is gentle and kind is the threat that you will burn in hell if you don't accept his assertion. Second, Lewis's argument is predicated on the assumption that you agree with him. In other words, this is really a book written for Christians (although he does a fair bit of evangelizing). His two main sources of "evidence" are the ...more
Hey man. I am encouraged by your review. C.S Lewis' theological work is praised by many Christians, but not by many people outside the faith. It seems that people within any given subculture will rally around certain "heroes," then those "heroes" will get supported within that subculture all the more as their reputation grows. But my question is why does that matter? People look around for things that support what they think they believe and rally around them. It's just hows groups act. It doesn't mean that what they support is worth supporting. In conclusion, I read this as a young buck, but now i am not too impressed by books written by christians for christians unless they severely question contemporary christians foundations for what they "believe."
I thought it was interesting, Micah, that this book seemed to you to be written with the assumption that the reader is a Christian. The first 4 chapters (all I've read so far) sound an awful lot like he assumes the reader is a skeptic. That's why he gives the proof of a higher being so simply and clearly, and only gradually getting more elaborate. He explains it as if we are doubters of his beliefs and are simple-minded (not in a condescending way, but in a way that anybody can plainly and clearly understand).
