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Six by Lewis: The Abolition of Man, the Great Divorce, Mere Christianity, Miracles, the Problem of Pain, the Screwtape Letters

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If not one of the greatest Christian philosophers of the 20th century (perhaps of all time), C. S. Lewis was certainly among the most accessible to the lay reader not deeply conversant with theology or metaphysics. And as a professor of Mediaeval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge, and friend and confidant to T. S. Eliot, J.R.R. Tolkien, Dorothy Sayers and many other major literary figures of the early to mid-1900's, his thoughts were constantly refined in discourse with the best minds of his day. This collection is an excellent introduction to Lewis' exceedingly broad range of thought. Mere Christianity was originally presented on BBC as broadcast lectures on the basic teachings of Christianity, which are, as presented by Lewis, quite though-provoking and compelling. The Great Divorce and The Screwtape letters deal fictionally and humorously with, respectively, the mind-set of heaven and hell, as well as the tendencies in human nature which provide both with their denizens. The Abolition of Man seriously tackles the role of the educational process in the development of character (or lack thereof) in its subjects, something quite relevant in a day of increasing mayhem in the schools. And Miracles and The Problem of Pain deal with fundamental philosophical issues that transcend denominational perspectives. These extremely challenging books are recommended, not only as a sampler of Lewis' unique perspective, but as an introduction to a pious life for readers who heretofore have seen faith only from a secular viewpoint.

I bought an older edition of these works, when the paperbacks were $3.95 and the overall set was $27.95 in U. S. currency. Its one of the best overall sets I have bought.

These books are central to understanding Lewis as a Christian writer, and especially as an apologist. Most people may know him from NARNIA or one of these volumes, and it is a good place for introduction into the mind and works of C. S. Lewis. All the classics are here, from SCREWTAPE and MERE CHRISTIANITY along with ABOLITION OF MAN and three other works, all of which range from profound (the majority) to beautiful (THE GREAT DIVORCE).

THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS are a series of letters written from one devil to another, and present a very interesting point of view not often heard.

THE GREAT DIVORCE explores the doctrine of love and how without free choice there would be no hell. You either say "Thy will be done," to God, or God says "Thy will be done" to you. Its yr choice. The framing device is a bus trip from hell to heaven.

THE PROBLEM OF PAIN deals with why would a benevolent and loving God include pain in his universe, and the theological ramifications that pain brings into any dicussion of God or religion. Especially interesting, although admittedly speculative, is the chapter on animal pain. Lewis vehemently opposed vivesection, which comes out rather strongly in his novels THAT HIDEOUS STRENGTH and THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER.

MERE CHRISTIANITY stands as one of the best apologetic works for Christianity ever written. This is a book written for the lay person, and is one of the best tools for making it accessible to nonbelievers.

MIRACLES, the last apologetic book he ever wrote (there are religious works by Lewis after this, but they are more relaxed and do not have a rigid central arguement), deals with the subject of miracles in the universe.

THE ABOLITION OF MAN is a book length essay, devided into three parts, concerning the universal code of morality which MERE CHRISTIANITY talks about in its first two books.

Lewis was a very versatile writer, and along with THE ESSENTIAL C. S. LEWIS you have a good start into this wonderful writer. I have been a long time reader of him, and have only recently gotten into his literary criticism, of which none is represented here, although some in THE ESSENTIAL C. S. LEWIS. Although some are more for the specialists, it is a particulary rewarding experience, and he is a well trained guide in the field of literature. I highly recommend AN EXPERIMENT IN CRITICISM, which for me is his central work concerning literature.

C.S. Lewis was such a prolific author on many topics that it can be difficult to know where to start. If you are interested in his Christian writings, these volumes are among his most accessible and popular. Many people discover Lewis through "The Screwtape letters," which is a humorous, fast read that nevertheless tackles deep issues and stays with you. If you are looking for a more intellectual discussion of what Christianity is to Lewis, and why he believes as he does, "Mere Christianity" is the volume to read. If you have read little bits and pieces of Lewis and want to get to know his work more thoroughly, the publishers have made a good selection with these six paperbacks.

C.S. Lewis' essays are a MUST for everyone and anyone who is interested in good literature and/or wishes to think about things as we know them. His reflections, although deep and thorough, are also easily grasped and understood; the beauty and simplicity of his words makes these essays accessible to whomever is interested in them, both Christian and non-Christian (I'm an atheist myself). It is impossible for one to read them and not feel 'touched' by something which might be beyond our comprehension...

This set collects together some of the more famous writings of C.S. Lewis, a man seemingly at ease talking philosophy, or just spinning fanciful yarns. Both are offered here for the reader's enjoyment.

THE ABOLITION OF MAN is a series of lectures on how, without a firm understanding of right and wrong, or plain old good and evil, humanity is destined to destroy itself.

THE GREAT DIVORCE is a lush phantasm about a spirit's journey to Heaven and what he sees and learns from the spirits there.

MERE CHRISTIANITY, what can I say about this brilliant study of the very core of what Christians believe and what the religion teaches. Just read it, it's beautiful.

Also included in the set are MIRACLES, THE PROBLEM WITH PAIN, and THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS.

"The Screwtape Letters" and "Mere Christianity" are two of the best selling Christian books of all time. Lewis is a magnificently deep thinker who will expand your mind. He understands God and Man so well it's scary. "The Abolition of Man" makes a very important point which is well followed up by Bloom's "The Closing of the American Mind." "The Great Divorce" gave me a chilling vision of Hell that I can't shake (and would like to). "Miracles" explains people's closed mindedness about miracles. "The Problem of Pain" answers important questions that trouble many of us. This set contains the best version of Screwtape; others are less complete.

In addition to all this, you can learn to write from studying Lewis. It just seems to come naturally to him.

Having read (and re-read) five of the above-mentioned books, I would heartily recommend them to anyone thirsting for clear, witty, insightful discussion of Christian issues.

Mere Christianity is a MUST REA