Definite must read for any Christian

Amazing book concerning the intellectual obstacles and concerns of any Christian. C.S. Lewis trully manages to capture the foundations and intellectual cornerstones of our common faith. If you don't own at least three copies of this book,... you're missing out!

Enlightened and Inspired

Perhaps an even better title for this CS Lewis masterpiece might be "Why Christianity?" In this slim volume, Lewis uses a chatty, accessible style to answer questions and explain his faith. The result is one of the best Christian apologetics ever. Less dense and dated that "The Pilgrim's Regress" and more broad than "The Great Divorce," this may be Lewis' finest work--which is truly saying something.

Not to give away too much of the content, but a favorite section is when Lewis discusses psychology and philosophy. As a Christian, Lewis gives one of the finest explanations for why we should not judge others; that we can only see their actions, not their inactions, and that we do not know others' genetics and life history. Only God does, so only he should judge. God may value someone who has had a cruel life merely refraining from an act of cruelty more highly that He values someone with an easy life performing a positive kindness!

Lewis goes on to point out that those given great gifts are called on to use them more in service to mankind. Rather like the old Kennedy adage that to whom much is given, much is asked.

Lewis is much more accessible that contemporary English Christian authors Charles Williams or Dorothy Sayer. Perhaps the only other modest-sized 20th century apologetic as sublime is Bishop Kallistos Ware's "The Orthodox Way." Both share the simple brilliance of addressing the common beliefs of all Christians from ancient times, rather than trying to be sectarian or trendy.

Whether you are a new Christian seeking answers, someone not yet accepting Christ but curious, or even an experienced Christian, this book will be a comfort and a source of much information.

It might not be an exaggeration to say that if you only read one book for the rest of your life, excluding scripture, this should be it!

A Timeless Defense of Timeless Truth

Though over sixty years old (in their first incarnation as radio broadcasts), C. S. Lewis' insights into the validity of Christianity remain as current as today's internet blogs. "Mere Christianity" answers the intellectual questions of post-modern intellectuals and provides nourishment for the spiritual hunger of Gen X/Gen Y seekers.

Lewis writes in the style of his intellectual mentor, G. K. Chesterton. Both men entered adulthood as agnostics. Both men spent their careers defending the rational integrity of Christianity. Chesterton's "Orthodoxy" addressed the questions typical of the agnosticism of his era (1900). Lewis' "Mere Christianity" addresses the hardened agnosticism of his WW II generation.

Like Chesterton, Lewis not only discusses how Christianity is rationally consistent, but also how it meets the "real world/real hunger" test. That is, he demonstrates how Christianity is relationally fulfilling, meaningful, and consistent.

"Mere Christianity" also reads something like a Christian version of Plato's "Republic." In the "Republic," Plato attempted to define the shape of a society that would produce "happiness"--meaningful, purposeful existence for the individual and the society. Philosophically, Lewis offers the Christian version of the ideal individual, in the ideal society, following the ideal Supreme Being. Stepping back and seeing the big picture, you finish "Mere Christianity" and realize, "Christianity really does make sense. It works. It fits the world as it is and the world as we wish it to be."

Reviewer: Dr. Robert W. Kellemen is the author of "Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," and the forthcoming "Sacred Companions: A History of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."