Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis is one of the most famous religious books of the 20th century. The book is divided into four main parts: right and wrong as a clue to the meaning of the universe, what Christians believe, Christianity and morality, and the practical convenience of the Christian life. Lewis effectively communicates Christianity’s essential workings and beliefs through these four parts.
Right and Wrong
Lewis begins by discussing the idea of right and wrong, or what he calls “the law of nature.” He argues that all people, regardless of faith, instinctively recognize this, indicating that all humans share a moral commonality. He continues to define Christian ethics, encouraging readers to adopt highly moralist standards. Throughout the rest of the book, Lewis then expounds on the various practical implications of these standards, as well as the role of Christianity in living a moral life.
Morality
In dealing with morality, Lewis takes an interesting approach. He argues that the universal truth of morality makes it the individual’s responsibility to follow the moral law and that Christianity places a greater emphasis on this than other religions. Additionally, Lewis seeks to address issues of modernized Christianity, offering solutions to problems like organized religious practice. He argues that the basic teachings of Christianity are still relevant, even if certain practices have been modified over time.
Christian Life
Next, Lewis closes the book with an exploration of the practical Christian life. He addresses topics like faith, prayer, worship, and charity. Lewis argues that these all help form the foundation of a Christian lifestyle and that one should continually strive to grow in faith.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Mere Christianity offers an insightful exploration of Christian principles. Lewis takes readers on a journey from the basics of what Christians believe all the way to pointed discussions about their practical implications. His clear analytic writing and approachable language allow readers of all backgrounds to understand and develop a meaningful faith. Mere Christianity certainly delivers for anyone looking for a straightforward, thoughtful introduction to Christianity.
