C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity

by Terry L. Miethe

Shepherd's Notes- Christian Classics Series is designed to give readers a quick, step by step overview of some of the enduring treasures of the Christian faith. They are designed to be used along side the classic itself- either in individual study or in a study group. The faithful of all generations have found spiritual nourishment in the Scriptures and in the works of Christians of earlier generations. Martin Luther and John Calvin would not have become who they were apart from their reading Augustine. God used the writings of Martin Luther to move John Wesley from a religion of dead works to an experience at Aldersgate in which his "heart was strangely warmed." Shepherd's Notes will give pastors, laypersons, and students access to some of the treasures of Christian faith.

Genres: Christian, Faith, Theology, Religion, Christianity, Nonfiction, Spirituality

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 1999

Reviews

[Angela Blount · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty extensive overview, not only of the book Mere Christianity, but of C.S. Lewis's life. A biographical timeline on pages 4-9 sets up a strong context for the man's life events and how they coincided with his various publications. This reader certainly walked away with a keener understanding of this much-beloved author and the world/culture with which he was engaged.

The footnotes were every bit as concise as the individual chapter summaries, and offer a depth and background to Lewis's influences (Richard Baxter, Charles Clayton, Thomas Aquinas, etc.) shedding a great deal of light on his theological development and thought process. They also reference a good deal of supporting biblical scripture.

My opinion of it may yet be affected by my eventual reading of the works it centers around.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll need to put your thinking cap on for this one because Lewis will illuminate some truths that are intuitive and easy to understand, while simultaneously so profound that you'll need to re-read several sections. (Or, if you follow my method, you'll just buy the audiobook to repeat these sections and then re-listen to the entire book again and again.)

Lewis wrote Mere Christianity (formerly a radio series he did) to unearth the central components of Christianity. He had friends / officials from different denominations review it in its entirety to approve of disapprove of his effectiveness in distilling Christianity into its 'purest' form. Written for Christians and skeptics -- it is worthy of great discussion and thought.

[Joleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple notes on CS Lewis' Mere Christianity.

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lewis' Mere Christianity in abridged format with some added study notes.

I actually picked this up by accident, thinking it was the unabridged version, but when I discovered my mistake and was easily able to pick up the unabridged book as well, I thought "Why not read through the two together and see how well they did making a concise version?" They actually did pretty well! I would still suggest reading the unabridged version first, but if a group were doing a book study, this would be a great resource to remind them what they had read and give them some discussion questions.

Content notes: The original book, Mere Christianity covers a lot of material that is objectionable in real life, but in context (and being not detailed) is meant to spark discussion and clarify thought.

[George Niu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I personally consider this little book an unnecessary purchase. It is a recapitulation of C. S. Lewis' original work, adding little that is valuable to gaining further in-depth knowledge. The editor is not to blame, though. C. S. Lewis' Mere Christianity is already a near-perfect work: it is plain in language, invincible in argument and invulnerable in logic, in such a way that the reader can readily comprehend the book without any commentary or notes to go with it.

[Tatania Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

literally just took a morning to read this since it’s super short! it was great being able to read Mere Christianity again, without having to actually read it again. i enjoyed this and now am happy to know i can come back to this book of detailed notes if i ever need to reference something versus trying to find it in the actual book with all that flipping!

[Brigette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most fantastic book I've read in a long while! The author offers us in his highly readable discussion both his intellectual reflections about faith and then the inner workings of faith itself. A rare and perfect blend.

[Jenny Olson · Rating 2 out of 5]

It seemed as if this book was really unnecessary and even a bit confusing, while reading Mere Christianity itself. It seemed like perhaps a few of Lewis's more intricate points were missed or overlooked. I think Mere Christianity can be read more effectively on its own.

[Sara Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think Mere Christianity needs commentary - it’s very clear cut and written in an easy to understand way. I also don’t think it needs summarized as it is not terribly long. But I do think this companion is a good way to reiterate Lewis’ points as you’re reading without extra opinions.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonder at the beginning

At first I couldn't help but wonder at this synopsis of Mere Christianity. Was it going to move me as much as C.S. Lewis' actual writing? Read on dear friend. By the end the author will lift your knowledge, spirit, and happiness.

[J.D. Boesch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone wanting to understand not only the philosphical meaning of Christianity but the psychological reasoning that logically invokes Christianity as the only true religion.

[Shauna]

What a Christian must be (economist and statesman). P 81 (Social Morality)

[Sonya Wanvig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great short summary

[Brad Kittle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply C.S. Lewis. A wonderful read.

[Magen Zawko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Christian's guide and the intro to a life of Christianity to any non-Christian.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome.

[Dave]

Reading in conduction with the book. It helps emphasize and solidify Lewis' points, but nothing particularly special in its own right.