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Mere Christianity Gift Edition Hardcover – Illustrated, October 23, 2012
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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.
- Print length352 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherHarperOne
- Publication dateOctober 23, 2012
- Dimensions6 x 1.22 x 8 inches
- ISBN-100061350214
- ISBN-13978-0061350214
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Customers find the book thought-provoking and say it explains great things in simple ways. They describe it as a highly readable study of the essence of Christianity. Readers also mention the book is memorable, compelling, and timeless. They appreciate the author's clear thinking and moral courage. Customers say the value for money is OK.
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Customers find the book thought-provoking, logical, and engaging. They say it explains Christianity better than all others, in simple ways. Readers also mention the content is great, easily digestible, and intelligent.
"...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...." Read more
"CS Lewis’s masterful introduction to Christianity succeeds...." Read more
"...Lewis has a gift of logical reasoning beyond most of us who have never taken the time to evaluate who we are and what we believe and why...." Read more
"C.S. Lewis writes in a thought provoking way. Reminding us of old things and bringing to light things we have not thought of before." Read more
Customers find the book very simply written, highly readable, and down-to-earth. They appreciate the excellent narration and powerful, convicting writing. Readers also mention that the book provides simple to understand support for his arguments.
"...in the logical basis for Christianity, this book goes to the depths of thought and reveals the essence of the beliefs behind the beliefs...." Read more
"...the Truth (intellectual, moral and spiritual) is simple but it penetrates deeply and broadly into the heart of what Life (and After Life) means for..." Read more
"...head of the most educated people (Miracles), but in this book he writes clearly and plainly writes for the masses...." Read more
"...The author makes a great argument for Christianity and provides simple to understand support for his arguments, especially for a non-believer." Read more
Customers find the book memorable, compelling, and timeless. They appreciate the wonderful truths shared in one man's exquisitely detailed way. Readers also mention it's interesting to note the era he wrote it in and how that influenced him. They say the story is relatable and current today.
"...I also reviewed the set. They are the most magical stories a child can read...." Read more
"C.S. Lewis writes in a thought provoking way. Reminding us of old things and bringing to light things we have not thought of before." Read more
"...A timeless classic!" Read more
"...Lewis is one of my favorite writers and this book is a definitive classic, a masterpiece...." Read more
Customers find the author brilliant and talented. They appreciate his poignant honesty and colorful metaphors. Readers mention the book is well-written and helps them see Christianity.
"...Lewis is fiercely intelligent, writes beautiful English, and this small book is more compact full with ideas than other books three times its size...." Read more
"...I loved his writing style and was impressed with his intellect and decided to read `Mere Christianity' based on the recommendations of several..." Read more
"CS Lewis is amazing and this book is a must read." Read more
"...A brilliant and talented author defending and explaining the Christian faith in layman language. Brilliant and fascinating." Read more
Customers find the book's apologetics excellent. They appreciate the clear thinking and moral courage of C. S. Lewis. Readers also say the book is a champion for the faithful and satisfying for intellectuals.
"...He is courageous in many points, for example he flatly states that when Jesus said that the rich will not enter the Kingdom he meant the..." Read more
"...It starts very simply but builds into an apologetic masterpiece." Read more
"...This is a great apology for the Christian Faith...." Read more
"'Mere Christianity' is one of Lewis most famous apologetic works...." Read more
Customers appreciate the value for money of the book. They mention it's inexpensive and in good condition.
"...in a timely fashion, the order moved along perfectly, the price was very good. As always Amazon Prime pays dividends...." Read more
"...It is the least expensive option with Prime free shipping, so go ahead and buy it with confidence." Read more
"...The book was in very good condition at a fair price, and everything transpired as advertised. Excellent service." Read more
"...the justice of God & those who have never heard of Christ... it’s priceless...." Read more
Customers find the humor in the book witty, irreverent, and endearing. They say the writing style is very conversational and down-to-earth. Readers also mention that the examples are most helpful.
"...I love this stuff. His comparisons are refreshing and sometimes hilarious, like when he says we were designed to fly like birds, but we are born as..." Read more
"...His style was very conversational and down-to-earth, which I guess you should expect since much of the book was transcribed from his wartime BBC..." Read more
"...apologetics (arguing the faith to those in doubt), C.S. Lewis' uses an endearing, almost homespun writing style, that is easy to read...." Read more
"...and delight and simplicity that speaks great truth and makes you laugh is evident here...." Read more
Customers find the chapters short and easy to read. They appreciate that the book isn't too long. Readers also mention the chapters are not heavy on verses and stand alone.
"...The book is composed of a series of relatively short, easily digested, lectures, written in which Mr. Lewis carefully develops his argument for..." Read more
"...minute radio broadcast in its original form, so they are not only reasonably short, but independent of each other in many ways...." Read more
"Each chapter is brief but CS Lewis gives you so much to think about in every chapter. Great book for getting back to basics of Christianity." Read more
"The staccato tempo of this book between righting style and chapter length is perfect...." Read more
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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
He explains the reasoning of those who claim to be atheistic and those who in faith believe in one true God and in the substitutionary death/resurrection of Jesus.
Lewis has a gift of logical reasoning beyond most of us who have never taken the time to evaluate who we are and what we believe and why. I am humbled that I have not given more time and thought to my faith and the true design and foundation of it.
Top reviews from other countries
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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.
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Highly recommend









