Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
Thoroughly recommended!, 19 May 2006
This is probably one of Lewis's most famous and oft-quoted works, and for good reason. It is an honest and intelligent - not to mention brilliantly written - examination of the many facets of the Christian faith and human nature: the existence of and belief in God, the Trinity, faith, love, pride, morality etc. Although written during World War Two, the subjects explored still resonate powerfully with contemporary concerns.
I found the opening chapters particularly helpful in presenting a well-argued case for the rational foundations of Christianity, or at least belief in the existence of God. It offers a challenge to Christians to question the intellectual grounds for their faith, and the reassurance that sufficient answers can be found. Non-Christians looking to investigate the rational basis of Christianity, or of religion in general, will also find this an accessible and thought-provoking read.
The book is also an ideal place to start for anyone thinking to dip into the non-fiction works of C. S. Lewis. No book in my opinion gives the reader a better first taste of the prolific author's delicious prose, keen intellect and razor-sharp wit.
I cannot recommend this book more. For the Christian, for the non-Christian, and for the fan of `good books': this is a must-read!
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
Sound logic. Not Dogmatic., 26 Jan 2001
By A Customer
Rather than spurting Dogma, Lewis takes a circuitous route in defense of God's existence. He begins with the idea that most of us share a vague notion of "fair play". Where do we get such a notion? He moves the reader closer and closer to "The God of Christian Theology" as he proceeds. His explanation of the Trinity is the best I have ever read-- topping St. Augustine's and the other Church Fathers'. "Mere Christianity" makes for a fast and enjoyable read. It is not "merely for Christians". For a different sort of defense of Christianity, try "Castle of Wisdom" by Rhett Ellis. It's a bit off the wall, written in the roughest language, and light years behind Lewis in terms of structure-- but a fun read nonetheless.
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
An appeal to the reason rather than the to the emotions, 16 April 2002
By A Customer
Lewis takes the reader on a step by step logical journey to Christianity. He does not say that you can reason your way into the kingdom of heaven, but accepts that it is our response of faith to God's grace that is the key to salvation. However,whilst many writers appeal to the emotions eg Look at what Christ did for you, Lewis appeals to the intellect. By giving us reasons to believe he shores up rather than minimises our faith. I particularly like his lack of arrogance exemplified in his offering of ideas for our consideration. He acknowledges that although they may have helped him they may not help others, and if they do not help you, you can discard them without incurring his disapproval. In fact, a lack of disapproval is one of the book's most attractive features. He encourages us to paint a bigger picture of God and not seek to contain him within our senses and personal experiences. I like his 'lowest common denominator' approach to the fundamentals of Christian discipleship and his resistance to denominational squabbles. He discusses only those things about which all the mainstream Christian churches agree. Within the Church of England, Lewis says that he is not particularly low nor particularly high. He treats his reader as a friend of equal intellect to whom he is offering help with a knotty problem. He comes across as very much one of us and has the knack of explaining coherently are own half formed thoughts which is very reassuring. I found this an interesting and enjoyable read during a difficult time on my Christian journey, and I hope it can do the same for you.
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