Mere Christianity is one of those books that has become such
a huge Christian classic, that it is not unusual to find its numerous quotable
quotes inserted into sermons, shared on Facebook, or discussed among Christian
friends. Its words are almost ubiquitous amongst Christian circles. Knowing our
own proclivity to dull ourselves to what we think
we already know, it is important to (re)read this gem with fresh eyes and an
open mind.
C. S. Lewis challenges those who dismiss Christianity as
merely another religion or those who are apathetic towards it, while clarifying
the basics of the Christian faith for the believer. What is so wonderful about
this book is Lewis’ commitment to keep his language simple, using everyday
metaphors to illustrate a point. Yet the message of which he is speaking is
profound, and his treatment of the subject matter is rational, incisive,
careful. He organizes his thoughts in such a clear, precise manner – bringing us
from the notion of sin, to pointing out the solution found in Christ, to declaring
the gospel-centred life Christians can live. Despite the meticulous way he
structures his broadcasts and essays, this book never lacks heart. Whatever he
writes, he writes with the greatest sincerity.
The word “mere” in the title might fool one into thinking
that this is a straightforward and easy explanation of the Christian faith. But
what we have is a grand tour de force
of the Christian belief. It is a book that is not easy to read, for it deals
with things close to the heart, and is thus are hard to swallow. Yet, its one
key message is simple and plain: God, in the person of Jesus, came to save us,
sinners, by dying on the cross and being raised to life.
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