Still need to read some of the stories. "Mere Christianity" is truly an excellent apologia for Christianity. C.S. Lewis, in this remarkable work, takes an approach that is quite distinct. He never resorts to using any scripture as a means to prove the existence of God and that Jesus is the savior. This makes the book rather difficult to read at times. Lewis has an abundance of profound thoughts and ideas to convey. He presents his arguments in a complex and detailed manner. To fully understand and appreciate his work, one must carefully follow his line of reasoning. If not, it is very easy to get lost in the intricate web of his arguments. However, despite the challenges, the effort put into reading and understanding "Mere Christianity" is well worth it, as it offers deep insights into the Christian faith.
C. S. Lewis had an unparalleled ability to explain the Christian faith with clarity and conciseness. This book is truly a must-read, especially for intellectuals grappling with the often unfathomably obscure Bible.
These letters, written from the perspective of an experienced "tempter," offer fascinating insights. A senior devil advises a junior on corrupting a human target. Lewis's creative angle vividly reminds us of the ease with which we can be tempted, no matter our situation. We must always be vigilant as the devil always finds a way in.
Understanding this part was a challenge for me, and I suspect I'm not alone. Miracles are indeed difficult to fathom. I'll likely need to revisit this section in the future, perhaps more than once, in the hope of gaining enlightenment.
This short fantasy描绘了我们处于天堂与地狱的十字路口时的情景——几乎就是我们生活中的每一刻。如果我们将天堂置于尘世之上,就会发现尘世与天堂本身并无太大区别。反之,如果我们将尘世置于天堂之上,就会发现尘世一直是地狱的一部分。天堂和地狱是不可调和的极端,而我们在尘世中做出自己的选择。
Similar to the Miracles section, this one is also quite difficult to comprehend as Lewis's theology is beyond my understanding. I have a vague grasp of individual points but not the overall picture. I'll have to come back to this later.
The previous books in this collection showcase Lewis's intellectual prowess and amazing reasoning ability. However, none can compare to this intense account of his own grief over his wife's death. Here, we see the real man, a wounded giant who can be as weak and irrational as the rest of us. His ramblings and digressions, and even his doubts towards God, are a testament to the purity and truth of his emotions. I can empathize and feel his angst, confusion, and bitterness throughout the pages as he progresses from loss to peace. For the reader, it is not just a grief observed but a grief shared.
This last book seems a bit out of place in the collection. Instead of focusing on theology, Lewis spends much time criticizing a certain book or dogma advocated by Gaius and Titius (pseudonyms). While it may have been timely in its era, reading it in 2010, one doesn't feel the same connection. Hopefully, not many are still discussing how science and technology are "conquering" nature.