“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
A beautiful keepsake edition of the revered spiritual classic from one of the greatest writers and thinkers of the twentieth century whose insights continue to influence us today.
Our moral consciousness and moral judgements are proof to the human race that a moral being exists—God.
Mere Christianity makes available to both believers and nonbelievers C. S. Lewis’s powerful and rational argument for the Christian faith. Recognized as one of the most important Christian books of the twentieth century, Mere Christianity brings together Lewis’ legendary broadcast talks during World War II, in which he explored the core beliefs of Christianity—timeless topics that continue to engage us—right and wrong, human nature, morality, marriage, sin, forgiveness, faith, hope, generosity, and kindness.
Now in a deluxe edition featuring gilded pages, C. S. Lewis’s brilliant and enduring work remains fresh and vital for readers today.
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13 reviews for Mere Christianity (Deluxe Edition)
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Todd –
A Must-Read Classic That Solidifies the Logic of Faith.
Mere Christianity is not just a book; it’s an experience in philosophical clarity and theological depth. It is a great book that should be on everyone’s bookshelf, regardless of their current beliefs.
Impact: Lewis’s logical progression, starting from the universal “Law of Human Nature” and building toward core Christian doctrines, is incredibly compelling. Reading this book genuinely strengthened [my] belief by giving a robust, reasoned structure to the faith.
Clarity: The concepts, which began as BBC radio broadcasts, are presented in remarkably clear and accessible prose. Lewis avoids dense theological jargon, making complex arguments approachable for the average reader.
If you are looking for a clear, logical, and deeply thoughtful defense of the Christian faith, this book is unparalleled. I wholeheartedly recommend this timeless classic!
Jin e. –
Mi è piaciuto. Un bel libro
The Rebecca Review –
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
leslie layton –
Finally ordered this after wanting for years. Tried resale shops, finally went with Amazon
Vijetha Y C –
GREAT!
Becky Blow –
3.75 Stars
This book honestly rewired my brain! So profound and Lewis explained everything so well! There are so many amazing quotes from this book!
Joseph J.Adrian –
C.S.Lewis’ Mere Christianity is one of the finest Apologetic works for The Christian Faith that was published in the 20th century(or perhaps any other century).He was influenced by the life and works of John Bunyan and this can be seen in at least several ways.One of his early books The Pilgrims Regress clearly reveals the great influence that Bunyan’s all time classic allegory of The Christian Life-The Pilgrims Progress exerted on Lewis.For centuries Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress was the 2nd most published book in the history of the world next to the Bible.Bunyan’s Grace Abounding To The Chief Of Sinners is an autobiographical account of his Spiritual Journey, including many off his struggles.I think Mere Christianity has some similarities in that Lewis struggles to overcome his Atheistic convictions and some of his thought process re-Christianity are given to us in this work.He had an admiration for Bunyan which this thought from Mere Christianity clearly reveals-“Anyone who is honestly trying to be a Christian will soon find his intelligence being sharpened:one of the reasons why it needs no special education to be a Christian is that Christianity is an education itself.That is why an uneducated believer like Bunyan was able to write a book that has astonished the whole world.”
Lewis’ style in this book is warm and engaging.Part of the reason for this is likely because they were three books(The Case For Christianity, Christian Behavior and Beyond Personality)that were merged into one in 1952.The three books from the 1940’s were adapted from radio broadcasts.
I think you come to see how Lewis’ thoughts on ‘Basic Christian Truth’ developed.On The Person Of Christ he gives a warning and a strong rebuke to those who will acknowledge Jesus as a great moral teacher but reject His claim to be God.Lewis boldly asserts that a mere man, claiming to be God(if it were not true) must be considered to be a lunatic.He also would be a liar.Anyone who made false claims such as this could not be considered a great moral teacher either.
The skilled Apologist that Lewis was, he had the ability to take objections that skeptics had and reason clearly from a sound Biblical perspective.On the issue of ‘The Existence of Evil’ he reasons thus-If God is all powerful and perfectly good then how and why does evil exist? Or, why would God allow the existence of evil if He had the power to prevent it? Lewis acknowledges the existence of a great dark power(Satan)-“…Christianity thinks this dark power was created by God, and was good when he was created, and went wrong.” The being that God created had the capacity to choose good or evil(free will, unlike the fallen sons of Adam-whose wills are enslaved to sin, self and Satan).
His thoughts on the need of forgiveness and the necessity of repentance are Biblically airtight.He was certain that all men have some knowledge of a moral law and there was a power behind that law and we all have broken that law and need forgiveness.He thought that Christianity could never make sense to someone who did not see their need of forgiveness in addition to their need for repentance.
C.S.Lewis is most well known for The Chronicles Of Narnia.However, in my judgement this is his most important book.It should be read, re-read and studied.Many of his other books have been widely read and appreciated.I’ve read many books from a number of influential Christian writers and almost all of them have a work which stands out as their most significant work( A.W.Pink-The Sovereignty Of God, J.I.Packer-Knowing God, Jerry Bridges-The Pursuit Of Holiness, Jeremiah Burroughs-The Rare Jewel Of Christian Contentment, C.H.Spurgeon-All Of Grace)and I would make the case for C.S.Lewis-Mere Christianity.
scdan –
This is a great non-fiction book. If you are a CS Lewis fan already, or not, I recommend this book. It covers the basics of Christian belief, over against other belief systems, in a clear, logical way. Classic book by a classic author.
Jett Cunningham –
Mere Christianity is a very interesting read. It poses many philosophical and theological questions that made me think about what I believed. I found myself continuing to read on and on because of how interesting C.S Lewis argumentation was.
I would recommend you read it, whether as a Christian yourself or as another faith in order to understand common Christian apologetics whilst getting an interesting read.
Pavel –
I think every Christian should read Mere Christianity at least once. CS Lewis did an incredible job in conceptualizing this beautiful and complex religion. As the book progresses, more and more difficult theological concepts are introduced, and there is a good chance that majority of Christians will discover something new for themselves.
And if you’re not a Christian? Stop reading the reviews, this book is a must!!!
Myrthe Bellers –
In the Christian literature, Mere Christianity (1952), C.S. Lewis defines what Christianity is, based solely on the Bible. This book is a collection of his talks about Christianity broadcasted on the London BBC radio station during World War II. Lewis splits this book into four main sections, beginning with a logical explanation of why there must be a higher power who oversees the universe, to one of the most confusing aspect of Christianity, the Trinity. I would highly recommend this book to anyone Christian or not because it focuses merely on explaining what Christianity is, what Christians believe, and how they act as a result of their beliefs, rather than, persuading readers to convert to Christianity.
One of the main aspects I thoroughly enjoyed about Lewis’s book is that he discusses topics spoken about among all people and really get readers thinking deep into what they believe themselves. For example, in chapter four, Lewis addresses the question of how the universe came into existence. First and foremost, this explanation is based on the idea that humans are the controlling force and highest creature of this Earth. Lewis goes about explaining how in order to observe or study something, one must be outside and/or above the group, so as to not have a bias, and derive conclusions strictly based off of evidence just as, “Man from the outside… study electricity and cabbages” (Lewis 23). If man are the highest creature, who must be higher to know the answers to the questions humans struggle with such as the creation and purpose of the universe? Based off of this reasoning, there must be a higher power, as even through scientific observation, research, and experimentation, there still lie thousands of unanswered questions known to man. What about moral law? How does one determine what is right or wrong? If humans are the highest power of this earth and come to a debate of right versus wrong, who shall be the one to settle this dispute? That is something this book will answers. As you can see, C.S. Lewis really gets readers engaged, and pushes them to discover in themselves what they believe to be true.
This text is perfect for anyone who is even in the slightest interested in learning about Christianity and wants to learn more about themselves. The text does consist of some confusing topics that may be difficult to understand (even for myself, a 17-year-old), as well as some topics that may be inappropriate for young children (sexual morality topics); therefore, I would recommend this book to high school age and up. By reading this book, I was exposed to questions I had not thought of before which drove me to dig deep inside myself and challenge some of my beliefs and opinions. After reading this book, I am looking forward to reading more books by C.S. Lewis.
John Dungan –
This book contains seven books by Lewis and each book is a wonderful read. I feel as though I am having a conversation with the author each time I read a page. His illustrations for me are exactly right for me. Not something I pick up and read for hours though since I need to chew on what he says frequently.
Llego bien, en cuanto lo conecte cargo, pero aun lo seguiré utilizando más para comprobarlo al 100% –
Me parece que el escritor es muy bueno y sigo descubriendo el libro, me gusta mucho poder leerlo desde el celular.