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Mere Christianity Paperback – Deckle Edge, February 6, 2001

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 20,582 ratings

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"C.S. Lewis is the ideal persuader for the half-convinced, for the good man who would like to be a Christian but finds his intellect getting in the way." — Anthony Burgess, New York Times Book Review

Our moral consciousness and moral judgements are proof to the human race that a moral being exists—God.

Mere Christianity explores the core beliefs of Christianity by providing an unequaled opportunity for believers and nonbelievers alike to hear a powerful, rational case for the Christian faith. A brilliant collection, Mere Christianity remains strikingly fresh for the modern reader and at the same time confirms C. S. Lewis’s reputation as one of the leading writer and thinkers of our age.

The book brings together Lewis’ legendary broadcast talks during World War II. Lewis discusses that everyone is curious about: right and wrong, human nature, morality, marriage, sins, forgiveness, faith, hope, generosity, and kindness.

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From the Publisher

Mere Christianity 1
Mere Christianity 2

Editorial Reviews

Review

“As we witness Lewis develop we find that these volumes are working as a kind of unconscious autobiography.” — Books & Culture

“C. S. Lewis understood, like few in the past century, just how deeply faith is both imaginative and rational.” — Christianity Today

“It is not surprising that Lewis’s time-proven views are still flourishing while most other mid-20th-century works are nearly neglected.” — Wall Street Journal

“Where would the Christian thinker be without Lewis? He is pivotal.” — Jan Karon, author of the bestselling series The Mitford Years

From the Back Cover

One of the most popular introductions to Christian faith ever written, Mere Christianity has sold millions of copies worldwide. The book brings together C. S. Lewis's legendary broadcast talks of the war years, talks in which he set out simply to "explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times." Rejecting the boundaries that divide Christianity's many de-nominations, Lewis provides an unequaled opportunity for believers and nonbelievers alike to hear a powerful, rational case for the Christian faith. It is a collection of scintillating brilliance that remains strikingly fresh for the modern reader and at the same time confirms C. S. Lewis's reputation as one of the leading writers and thinkers of our age.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper San Francisco; Revised & Enlarged edition (February 6, 2001)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 227 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0060652926
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0060652920
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 18 years and up
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.31 x 0.64 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 20,582 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
20,582 global ratings
Great book, cheaply made
5 Stars
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It is evident that there isn't much quality control going on. Nonetheless I haven't found much issue in the print so far as I've been reading. Because of this I've decided to give it a 5 star rating. I will edit my review if I find error within the printing process.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2000
C. S. Lewis rejects the boundaries that divide Christianity's many denominations. While religious belief is not a concern for some, to many more it is an extremely serious decision, requiring deep thought and the entire energy of the mind.

In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis leads all the Christian religions to common ground. This book is in fact a defense of the beliefs common to all Christians at all times. Originally, these ideas were contained in three separate books. Prior to 1943 they were only heard as informal radio broadcasts. This is why you will see colloquialisms used and the conversational style of the writing.

When you read C. S. Lewis' work, you can hear his voice. Sometimes I forget I am reading. Like a friend with a cup of coffee in hand, he sits across from us. He then leads us up a ladder of logical thinking. He starts on the lowest step and gives us confidence to climb the next step. He guides us through an incredible thought process to a conclusion, which is perhaps so logical it becomes irrevocable truth.

If you were to fall off a real ladder, your body would simply be obeying the laws of Gravity. He brilliantly explains how there is an eternal Law of Human Nature. This is the law of how mankind "ought" to behave in order to maintain a safe and happy society where everyone plays fair. Unfortunately, we all know how our society has failed to practice this law in all aspects of life.

If you want a definition for this law it can only be "morals." A word from which many reel, as if a light was shining brightly in their eyes. To others: it is a light by which they see the path they walk through life. C. S. Lewis divides morality into three main sections: the actions, reasons behind the actions and why man was created. When you realize that different beliefs about the universe can make us behave differently; you can then make some compelling arguments in favor of Christianity.

C. S. Lewis was an atheist (as was my father once and his writing reminds me of a conversation with my father for some reason, perhaps they came to some of the same conclusions) who later became a Christian. He is perhaps one of the most qualified individuals to discuss a universe at war, for the idea of atheism and Christianity could not be more diametrically opposed.

"Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance." --C. S. Lewis

Like a voice from the grave (he passed away in 1963), C. S. Lewis speaks as if this message was for the year 2000. I read this work 53 years after it was written and the truths are still eternal. Good and Evil are perhaps the oldest concept we know of. I found it interesting when he pointed out that without good, evil would not exist. That good allows evil to occur. For example: selfishness is undesirable, while unselfishness is desirable. The basis for this is founded in some deep religious beliefs. He explains how this all relates to the moral laws of nature.

I enjoyed his discussion of the Theological Virtues (Faith/Hope/Charity) and the Cardinal (pivotal) Virtues (Prudence/Temperance/Justice/Fortitude). His chapter on the issue of "Pride" (the most evil of all vices) also shows how "power" is what pride wants.

"There is nothing that makes a man feel more superior to others as being able to move them about like toy soldiers." --C. S. Lewis

Through this book, you will gain a greater understanding of what holds us all together, what makes us responsible to one another. You may even conclude that those who find morals threatening, may in fact be the largest threat to a civilized society. If we all had morals we would simply have a safer environment to thrive and be happy in. It is simply the way you look at it.

Mere Christianity is one of the most thought provoking books I have ever read to date! If you are at all interested in the logical basis for Christianity, this book goes to the depths of thought and reveals the essence of the beliefs behind the beliefs. This book becomes perfume, which completely seduces your soul.

For Christians, it will be a reminder of the truth you hold dear and a reminder of our eternal life. For those who love the Narnia Chronicles, page 146 gives you an insight into the "time factor." (The children in the story can leave the material world and when they return, time never changes.)

One of my favorite quotes from Mere Christianity:

" When it (Christianity) tells you to feed the hungry it does not give you a lesson in cookery." --C. S. Lewis, page 79

On page 87 you will also find a beautiful passage. It is my all-time favorite passage to explain LIFE! It is a must read.

This book will put your brain in gear and send you on a drive to enlightenment. I intend to read every one of Lewis' books. His work is deep, yet understandable. Eternally Recommended.

C. S. Lewis is my all-time favorite author. I was first introduced to his writing as a very young child in second grade. It was then that I fell in love with his writing. Through the Narnia Chronicles, C.S. Lewis weaves the morals and beliefs children need to learn.

I recommend Mere Christianity for non-Christians and Christians. For all children, The Chronicles of Narnia will enlighten them and they will never forget the stories! I also reviewed the set. They are the most magical stories a child can read. Mere Christianity is perhaps the most brilliant explanation for Christian beliefs any adult can read.

~The Rebecca Review
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Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2024
This book is outstanding. It brings so much clarity to what it means to truly be a Christian. Everything is explained with an element of logic and all arguments against it are laid out.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2024
Everyone should give this book a read. Very eye opening and wonderfully written. Will be reading it again and again!
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2024
C.S. Lewis was an amazing writer. I’d recommend every Christian read it. It’ll help you share the love.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2024
This is the first CS Lewis book that I have read, and I really enjoyed the simple "common sense" way that he describes Christianity. I have been inspired by this book and will be reading more of his works in the future.
5 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2024
I like the way the author approached Christianity from a neutral position. Very helpful if you are curious about Christianity.
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2024
As far as authors, you just can't beat CS Lewis, in my opinion. This book does an excellent job of laying out the fundamentals of Christianity and making you think about the world in terms of absolute truths. CS Lewis is unapologetic about his faith and I appreciate that in a time when everyone cowers in the face of adversity.
8 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2024
Very helping in apologetics and personal spiritual growth!
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Llego bien, en cuanto lo conecte cargo, pero aun lo seguiré utilizando más para comprobarlo al 100%
5.0 out of 5 stars Primer libro en ingles
Reviewed in Mexico on April 11, 2024
Me parece que el escritor es muy bueno y sigo descubriendo el libro, me gusta mucho poder leerlo desde el celular.
Justus Tremblay
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommend!
Reviewed in Canada on March 29, 2024
Incredible book and author. Gives you a high insight on Christianity from another viewpoint!
Marcos Luz
5.0 out of 5 stars What a hush
Reviewed in Brazil on April 4, 2022
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.

Paquita F D’souza
5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read classic book on Faith and Christianity
Reviewed in India on February 8, 2024
I have been reading this book since December and to be honest I took it slow on purpose. I kept coming back to this book inspite my day to day challenges because it just felt so timely. This classic book by C.S. Lewis was originally part of a series of BBC broadcasts given by him during the second world war. His radio broadcasts brought healing & hope to the lives of many back then. Now as a book, Mere Christianity combines all his lectures into a 230-pages quintessential introduction of christian faith to the world. As an atheist-turned-christian, C.S. Lewis makes theology so very interesting. He answers the most common yet significant faith questions making it plain & simple to understand for a layman.

“A world of nice people, content in their own niceness, looking no further, turned away from God, would be just as desperately in need of salvation as a miserable world— and might even be more difficult to save. For mere improvement is not redemption…God became man to turn creatures into sons: not simply to produce better men of the old kind but to produce a new kind of man”

Publisher: @wmcollinsbooks - a non fiction imprint of @harpercollinsuk

Ps: This book deserves more than 5 stars and is a must read for every christian.
Customer image
Paquita F D’souza
5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read classic book on Faith and Christianity
Reviewed in India on February 8, 2024
I have been reading this book since December and to be honest I took it slow on purpose. I kept coming back to this book inspite my day to day challenges because it just felt so timely. This classic book by C.S. Lewis was originally part of a series of BBC broadcasts given by him during the second world war. His radio broadcasts brought healing & hope to the lives of many back then. Now as a book, Mere Christianity combines all his lectures into a 230-pages quintessential introduction of christian faith to the world. As an atheist-turned-christian, C.S. Lewis makes theology so very interesting. He answers the most common yet significant faith questions making it plain & simple to understand for a layman.

“A world of nice people, content in their own niceness, looking no further, turned away from God, would be just as desperately in need of salvation as a miserable world— and might even be more difficult to save. For mere improvement is not redemption…God became man to turn creatures into sons: not simply to produce better men of the old kind but to produce a new kind of man”

Publisher: @wmcollinsbooks - a non fiction imprint of @harpercollinsuk

Ps: This book deserves more than 5 stars and is a must read for every christian.
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5 people found this helpful
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Brian McKee
5.0 out of 5 stars C.S. Lewis
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 6, 2024
Utterly captivating. Clarity, understanding, and an abilitity to say it all in the simplest of language.
2 people found this helpful
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