I firmly believe that there are far superior books available for those who are seeking to truly understand the essence of the teachings of Jesus.

For instance, "The Jefferson Bible: The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth" offers a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus.

Similarly, "Gospel According to Jesus" by Stephen Mitchell provides valuable insights.

"The Historical Jesus: The Life of a Mediterranean Jewish Peasant" by John Dominic Crossan delves deep into the historical context of Jesus' life.

"The World's Religions: Our Great Wisdom Traditions" by Huston Smith is also a great resource for understanding different religious traditions, including Christianity.

Lewis's book, on the other hand, seems to be filled with cognitive errors. It starts with an assumption about a Law of Human Nature as a foundational fact and then builds on that.

One particularly objectionable passage is on page 131 where he makes a statement about the Germans and the Jews. There is a crucial word missing, and it should say "German Christians."

Moreover, the way he refers to German Jews as if they weren't German is bigoted and un-Christian. Lewis's likely response would be that "Christian" doesn't mean what it usually means to others, but this is just a sophist's argument. If "Christianity" doesn't mean trying to be like Jesus or following any Christian denomination, then it becomes meaningless.

It's important to note that while not all non-Jews in Germany were Christians, most were at least nominally. And for a book about Christianity, this seems like a major point that should be discussed.

As solid an explanation of Christianity as I have ever encountered.

Beautiful writing. The words seem to flow like a gentle river, carrying the reader along on a journey of understanding.

Clarity of thought. Every concept is presented with such precision and lucidity that even the most complex ideas become accessible.

Solid reasoning. The arguments are well-structured and supported by evidence, making them both convincing and thought-provoking.

The text of this book originated from a series of BBC radio lectures C.S. Lewis delivered to England while Nazi bombs rained from the sky. Set in that context, the imperative is clear. Christianity is not doled out as a panacea for every sheep in the flock. It is presented, rather, as an choice of free will, guided by grace and dedicated to justice. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, Lewis offers a message of hope and meaning, inviting readers to explore the depths of their own beliefs and make a choice that will shape their lives.

I was truly astonished when a friend informed me that C.S. Lewis, the renowned author of Narnia, had also delved into writing about Christianity.

With an open and receptive mind, I embarked on exploring this aspect of his work, and it truly provided me with an abundance of food for thought.

Lewis exhibits a remarkable ability in attempting to simplify and elucidate the complex and often ambiguous concepts that are vividly portrayed within the Bible.

If you find yourself curious about the profound teachings of the Bible or aspire to gain a deeper understanding of its profound wisdom, then this particular body of work by Lewis serves as an excellent starting point.

It offers a unique perspective and a fresh approach to grappling with the rich and multifaceted religious and spiritual ideas that have endured throughout the ages.

Whether you are a devout believer or simply someone seeking to expand your knowledge and broaden your intellectual horizons, Lewis's writings on Christianity are well worth exploring.

My second non-fiction book by C.S. Lewis (1898 - 1963) is "Mere Christianity".

Although I preferred "A Grief Observed" more, I still liked this one.

This book, published in 1953, was based on the transcript of the BBC radio broadcast that Lewis gave at Oxford during World War II (1941 - 1944). It was a hit as Lewis had already published several fiction and non-fiction books by then, such as "Out of the Silent Planet" (1938), "The Problem of Pain" (1940), and "The Screwtape Letter" (1942).

Adding to its appeal was the fact that Lewis was an agnostic professor who was only converted back to Christianity (Anglican) at the age of 32 through the influence of the literary group called the "Inklings", where he and fellow Oxford professor and friend, J.R.R. Tolkien were members.

I found Lewis' narration a bit wordy and repetitive, using big, vague, and inexact words and phrases, perhaps due to it being based on radio transcripts. As a popular moralist, I also sensed some arrogance in his pronouncements, as if he knew everything about the Christian Faith. For example, when he quoted phrases in the book and claimed they were said by Jesus Christ. However, having recently finished reading the Holy Bible (Revised Standard Edition) cover to cover, I did not encounter some of the passages he enclosed in quotation marks.

Another issue I had was when Lewis referred to homosexuals as perverts and used the "n" word. While these might have been acceptable in his time, they annoyed me while reading.

Despite these drawbacks, it's hard to dislike this book or discount its significance. Lewis made many good points. For instance, he correctly stated that most Christians already know how to tell right from wrong and just need to be reminded. The book's main purpose seems to be this, and in my opinion, it achieved that. He also showed humility by admitting that as a bachelor, he didn't feel in the right position to give advice about marriage.

He also provided beautiful examples to illustrate his points and there are many quotable quotes. In fact, a quarter of the pages in my copy are dogeared, and some pages had such beautiful passages on both sides that I had to mark them with a pen, something I don't usually do as I consider it discourteous.

My advice to those considering reading this book is to read the Bible first as you might be misled when Lewis speaks as if his words come directly from the scriptures.

Thank you to Cary, Kwesi, J.L., Tina, and Dante for being my book buddies!

I liked it but there were some points I disagreed with.

The experience was overall quite enjoyable. However, upon closer examination, there were certain aspects that didn't quite sit well with me.

Perhaps it was the way a particular concept was presented or the conclusion that was drawn.

Nonetheless, I still found value in the experience and it gave me something to think about.

It's important to note that disagreement doesn't necessarily mean that something is bad.

It simply means that there are different perspectives and ideas at play.

In this case, my disagreement has actually led to a deeper exploration of the subject matter.

I look forward to further discussions and exchanges of ideas to gain a more comprehensive understanding.

Overall, despite the points of disagreement, I'm glad I had the opportunity to engage with this particular experience.

I was truly in a dilemma when it came to awarding the full 5 stars. The reason being that I couldn't wholeheartedly agree with every single point that Lewis presents in the book. However, upon further reflection, I realized that this alone shouldn't be a valid excuse to devalue the entire work.

"Mere Christianity" has had a profound impact on me. It has made me wonder about the deeper meanings and implications of certain concepts. It has also elicited laughter from me at times, perhaps due to the unexpected ways in which Lewis presents his ideas. At other moments, it has annoyed me, making me question the validity of some of his arguments. I found myself constantly shaking my head, either in agreement or in disagreement.

This book has truly evoked a wide range of emotions and responses within me. I would highly recommend reading it slowly and with a pen in hand. As you read, take the time to agree with the points that resonate with you and question those that seem a bit off. I am confident that if you approach this book with an open mind and a willingness to engage, you will not be disappointed.

Reading Mere Christianity for the first time was an experience similar to reading Hamlet for the first time. It was a riot of recognition.

Oh, that's where that quote came from! Yes, I remember hearing that before! Oh! Look! Oh! ... Oh!

I now understand why there are a dozen anthologies of Lewis quotes. His words are so vivid and engaging. They zing! and sing! and make you eager to share them with the next person you meet.

I especially love his numerous uses of "of course". It makes me giggle because, of course, many times his line of thinking takes unexpected turns.

This is a book that I would love to re-read every year. It is truly that good. It offers profound insights into Christianity and human nature, presented in a way that is both accessible and thought-provoking.

Whether you are a believer or not, Mere Christianity has something to offer. It challenges you to think deeply about your beliefs and values, and it may even change the way you see the world.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in exploring the meaning of life and the nature of faith.

I had to read this for a high school religion class focused on those who questioned their faith. (The least creepy of the religion options my school offered, I assumed.)

Ah, but how foolish I was not to have taken a class run by the lovely school chaplain. Instead, I got someone who thought it appropriate to call one of his students the most moral in the class. He also noted in my mid-semester report that I dragged on discussions after he'd preferred to move on. (What I considered being thorough and making fine distinctions in arguments, he considered obstinacy and perseveration.)

Moreover, he asked us to write an insanely unfair essay. We had to track Lewis's argument in this awful book and state if we disagreed and, if so, at which point and why. Of course, this makes it easy to say, "Lewis was right in every way," or even "He was right up till the Jesus part." But to expect a young atheist still unsure how to defend herself to prove the nonexistence of God when no one could offer proof anyway, that was truly ridiculous.

It seems that this teacher's approach was not conducive to a healthy exploration of religious ideas. Instead of encouraging critical thinking and respectful dialogue, he seemed to have his own agenda and was not open to different perspectives. This experience made me realize the importance of having teachers who are willing to listen and understand their students, rather than imposing their own views.

A really good book!

We read this book in class and our teacher did an excellent job of explaining it. The detailed explanations made it much easier for us to understand the content and appreciate the depth of the story.

Throughout the reading, I have learned a great deal. The book has provided me with new perspectives, valuable life lessons, and a deeper understanding of various themes.

In particular, the last few chapters were especially helpful. They tied together all the loose ends and presented a powerful conclusion that left a lasting impression on me. The lessons and insights gained from these chapters will surely stay with me for a long time.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and thought-provoking read. It is truly a gem that has the potential to enrich your life and expand your knowledge.

A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell.

This quote by C.S. Lewis always comes to my mind whenever I have poached eggs. It presents a rather interesting and thought-provoking perspective. Lewis is suggesting that if a regular man were to utter the profound and extraordinary things that Jesus did, he couldn't simply be considered a great moral teacher. Instead, he would have to be one of two extremes. Either he would be a complete lunatic, comparable to someone who claims to be a poached egg, which is a rather absurd and irrational statement. Or, on the other hand, he could potentially be the Devil of Hell. This dichotomy forces us to really consider the nature and significance of Jesus' words and actions. It makes us question whether there is something more profound and supernatural at play. C.S. Lewis indeed has a lot to answer for with this powerful and challenging quote.

Millennials Are Leaving Christianity And Not Coming Back

Millennials are increasingly turning away from Christianity and showing little inclination to return. This trend is significant and has far-reaching implications for the future of the faith. The reasons behind this departure are complex and multifaceted.

C.S. Lewis, a well-known figure in Christian apologetics, has been the subject of much discussion. Some argue that his appeal is more rhetorical and emotional rather than logical. His ideas have been critiqued, and it's noted that he himself abandoned certain arguments later in life as they failed to convince his friends.

The Second Coming is another aspect that引发争议. The New Testament contains statements about the Second Coming that some believe have not come to pass as expected. This has led to questions and doubts among believers and non-believers alike.

Articles from various sources, such as The New Yorker, have also shed light on interesting aspects of Lewis's beliefs and the nature of religious belief in general. The idea that a belief that requires a lot of effort to maintain may not be a true belief but rather a strong desire to believe is a thought-provoking one.

Overall, the situation regarding millennials and Christianity is a complex and evolving one. It remains to be seen how the Church will respond and whether it can find ways to engage with this younger generation and address their concerns and doubts.

I’ve always had a deep desire to explore the theological writings of C.S. Lewis, and now I’m finally making progress in that direction. I’m starting with a work that wasn’t initially written but rather spoken. In 1942, Lewis was invited to give a series of radio “talks” that continued until 1944. Once these talks were compiled into book form, briefly edited, and published in 1952, it was divided into 4 parts. Lewis, perhaps the most well-known atheist who converted to Christianity, shares his thoughts on the existence of God, defends Christian theology, explores Christian ethics, and offers his insights into the Christian concept of God. His writing style is straightforward, without any sugarcoating on any topic. He presents his views as he sees and believes them.

I particularly liked what he wrote in the preface, which informs readers what they won’t find in this book. He warns that he won’t offer any help to those who are犹豫不决 between different Christian “denominations.” Readers won’t learn from him whether they should become Anglicans, Methodists, Presbyterians, or Roman Catholics. This omission is intentional, as he is not trying to convert anyone to his own position. Instead, he believes that the best service he can do for his unbelieving neighbors is to explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians throughout history.

Lewis’ thoughts are practical and realistic, and he presents his topics with care and sometimes even with humor. These were the thoughts he was communicating to a country during a time when there was a high level of animosity, fear, and division. Lewis’ mission was one of healing in the midst of the suffering that a nation was enduring as a result of war. He served his time in the trenches, was an air raid warden, and talked with men whose fates were uncertain. This experience led him to discuss suffering, pain, and evil, and he was then invited by the BBC to give a series of wartime broadcasts on the Christian faith.

I say, Bravo to the BBC for that! Now we have this wonderful book, which contains spiritual truths from someone who knows, believes, and understands. To quote from the foreword, “The ‘mere’ Christianity of C.S. Lewis is not just a philosophy or theology that can be considered, argued, and then put aside. It is a way of life that challenges us to always remember that ‘there are no ordinary people,’ and that ‘it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit.’ Once we tune ourselves to this reality, Lewis believes, we can open ourselves to imaginatively transform our lives in a way that evil diminishes and good prevails. It is what Christ asked of us when he took on our humanity, sanctified our flesh, and asked us to reveal God to one another.”

This book won’t remain on my shelf. It is meant to be read over and over again, not in the same way I read a novel – to finish it, put it away, and forget about it forever.