Mere Christianity.

Book Review.

Lewis, C. S. Mere Christianity. William Colins and Sons. 1952.

Comment. Henry.
As one of the most notable thinkers of the past generation his comments on Christian apologetics, ethics and theology are an amazing read. This is a ‘small volume’ commentary that clarifies some difficult spiritual topics. A classic!

Book I
Lewis begins with a discussion of right and wrong. We all accept (subscribe to) what he describes as “the Law of Human Nature” (15) even though we are unsuccessful in keeping that law. This law is foundational to how we understand ourselves and our universe. Some object that a Moral Law is simply a social convention. The Law of Human Nature is distinguished from the law of nature. The implications of a Moral Law provide answers that Christianity has for this dilemma (two laws).

Book II
By far the majority of people believe in god. The Christian concept of God is quite different from the Pantheistic concept of God when it comes to the concept of good and evil. The Christian concept of evil (Evil one) is that it was in fact created. Now regarding Christ and his place in history, “Either this man was, and is, the Son of God; or else a madman or something worse”. (52) The Christian-life is something we receive through “baptism, belief and Holy Communion”. (59)

Book III
Morality requires that there is agreement on what to do, the ability to do it and a common goal. It is described as having seven virtues; four of them being ‘Cardinal’ and three are ‘Theological’. A Christian society can only happen with those who are fully Christian. “Chastity is the most unpopular of the Christian virtues.” (86) Christian marriage is to be for life (man and woman). Although divorce is a reality it must be rare. Forgiveness is even more difficult than chastity. Forgiveness can be practiced along with justice and punishment (that may even involve the killings of war). Lewis believes pacifists are “entirely mistaken”. (104) Pride or self-conceit is the greatest vice because it is anti-God and leads to all other vices. It has an appetite that is never satisfied. Some very interesting comments are made about faith, hope and charity, the theological virtues of morality.

Book IV
Lewis addresses the doctrine of the Trinity, a very difficult topic indeed. “The one really adequate instrument for learning about God is the whole Christian community.” (141) We must accept, even though we may not understand, the concept of the eternity (eternalness) of God. God’s goal for us, his children, is nothing less than perfection. The process will cost us everything. The change that will happen (evolution, if you will) will result in a ‘new man’, a new creature. “Submit with every fibre of your being, and you will find eternal life.” (189)