Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis (BOOK REVIEW)

“God is the only comfort, He is also the supreme terror: the thing we most need and the thing we most want to hide from. He is our only possible ally, and we have made ourselves His enemies. Some people talk as if meeting the gaze of absolute goodness would be fun. They need to think again. They are still only playing with religion. Goodness is either the great safety or the great danger - according to the way you react to it. And we have reacted the wrong way.”

Mere Christianity explores the core beliefs of Christianity by providing an unequaled opportunity for believers and nonbelievers alike to hear a powerful, rational case for the Christian faith. A brilliant collection, Mere Christianity remains strikingly fresh for the modern reader and at the same time confirms C. S. Lewis’s reputation as one of the leading writer and thinkers of our age.
The book brings together Lewis’ legendary broadcast talks during World War II. Lewis discusses that everyone is curious about: right and wrong, human nature, morality, marriage, sins, forgiveness, faith, hope, generosity, and kindness.

“There is nothing indulgent about the Moral Law. It is as hard as nails. It tells you to do the straight thing and it does not seem to care how painful, or dangerous, or difficult it is to do.”

This is one of those books that I'll never stop recommending. This book is a masterpiece. Every person has questions about Christianity and a book like this brings so much clarity and simplicity to those questions. C.S. Lewis was really able to translate the Bible into a much simpler and more understandable level; especially for those who aren't Christian at all. As a Christian myself, I learned a lot more. But, I was also strengthened in my faith and more affirmed in what I believe in. 

This book contains so much dense and rich truth. You have to read this book slowly to really process and take in all that C.S. Lewis is trying to teach you. The ideas and concepts that C.S. Lewis had such conviction about, was so amazing to read. He really knew the truth and understood the fear of God and the grace of God in a child-like way. A lot of points that he brought up really changed the perspective I had on things. The mind of C.S. Lewis was so crazy. I loved the examples and the creative metaphors he used. 

The premise of this book is literally what the guidelines are to being a Christian; a true Christian. A portion of this book really focused on actually being a Christian, that actually lives a righteous life in the public and private. Nowadays "Christians" just go to church at the bare minimum. 

The writing was amazing. C.S. Lewis is just plain good with words. This is an older book, so the style of language obviously isn't the way that we speak today, therefore it does take a little bit more time to fully understand what's being said; but in a good way. 

One of the many things that really stuck out to me as I read this book was it's relevance. We're here in 2025 and C.S. Lewis wrote this book in 1952 *stares* that was a long time ago. But here's the thing, the absolute truth can never become outdated. Yes, it can become unpopular or rejected by groups of people, but it will never lose it's truthfulness. The truth never changes, because God never changes. This is why building your life on Jesus is the firm foundation. C.S. Lewis really grasped this reality and was able to just write down the most simple yet, hard truths in Mere Christianity.

“A moderately bad man knows he is not very good: a thoroughly bad man thinks he is alright. This is common sense really. You understand sleep when you are awake, not while you are sleeping.”

I give this book a 10 out of 10 and recommend it to ages 12+

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“I am sure that God keeps no one waiting unless He sees that it is good for him to wait.”

Happy Reading!

-Ariana :)