C. S. Lewis possessed rare thinking and writing ability. His gift was taking complex issues and breaking them down into digestible parts. This stemmed from his understanding of Christianity as both logical and sensible. “Mere Christianity” represents some of his best work.
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During the Second World War, Lewis delivered a series of radio addresses, which he later turned into “Mere Christianity.” The book is broken down into four sections.
Right v. Wrong
In the first section, Lewis explores the difference between right and wrong behavior. He argues, there is an objective sense of right and wrong.
Among the many arguments he makes is that people inherently know the difference between right and wrong behavior. This concept of moral law, often called Natural Law, is predicted on the understanding that we all know what is right and only God could have put that in each of our souls. We all know killing another human or stealing from another is wrong. We don’t need a law or education to teach us what’s wrong.
What Christians Believe
In the second segment, Lewis explores what Christians believe. One of the many ideas in this section is that Jesus was either a lunatic or the son of God. The most illogical way to view his is as a good man or moral leader. He was either totally crazy and a liar or God.
He also shows that the Christian faith could not have been created by anyone because the story is so unlikely. God comes to earth in the form of a baby in a remote area and then grows up to work miracles and then is crucified and then resurrected and then it spreads throughout the world despite efforts by the might Roman Empire trying to snuff it out. Moreover, unlike other religions, it’s rooted in a real place at a real time in history – there were real, verifiable people, not characters.
Another point made by Lewis is that we all have free will. Free will gives each of us the ability to decide, for better or worse, what we do and what we believe. That is not always an easy burden, but for God it’s a necessary aspect of the human character.
Christian Behavior
The next section discusses the many things Christians should do. Among them is providing charity to others. The idea ties closely to loving our neighbors.
Lewis also drills down on pride. Pride is a mega sin. It’s also a part of each us, which makes it tricky. We are all proud of the things we do well, or our children and others, but understanding all those things are made possible by God is a challenge.
Of course, this portion of the book explores many other Christian virtues and behaviors such as prudence, justice, temperance, fortitude, hope, and faith.
Beyond Personality
What are the traits all Christians should present in the world? What questions do believers and non-believers struggle to address? These and many other questions form the subject of the last section of the book.
Final Thoughts
Lewis makes the case for Christianity in a way that makes it insane not to believe it. His approach is so logical and full of common sense, which is refreshing in our chaotic world. It doesn’t hurt that he’s a fine writer, as well.
You can purchase the book here: https://amzn.to/3RPgta3
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