A Review of Mere Christianity C.S.

Lewis book was written in such a way that anyone, believer or non-believer, could pick up this book and understand it. The book presents information about Christianity in an engaging manner that keeps the reader interested. The book provides a solid argument in favor of Christianity. It addresses the Law of Nature versus religious virtues. The philosophy behind this book ring true today just as they did in Lewis day. Right and Wrong C.S. Lewis starts this book talking about right and wrong, or the Law of Nature and how man is unable to control his instinctual self. I agree that man has a difficult time controlling his desires and it is not how we are raised or which schools we are educated, but a human instinct that flips a switch in our brain. I believe that people possess an internal check system to determine if things are right or wrong. Lewis compares the realization of error to that of errors in a math problem. He states, When I have started a sum the wrong way, the sooner I admit this and go back and start again, the faster I shall get on. (Lewis, 1952, p.29) What he is saying is that we need to check ourselves in order to stay on the path. However, this can lead to people feeling guilty about bad choices they made according to the law of nature. Lewis questions if this is why the idea of God was created. Did people create a supreme being in order to placate their guilt? Christian Belief Lewis points out that the world is divided into two categories, those who believe in a higher power and those who do not. I think that this is true, the world is divided, but not just into two groups, but Lewis addresses the sub categories. It is apparent that there are conflicting

views about God and that people do not always agree on the details of religion, but Lewis focus was on Christian foundational beliefs not a specific religion. The idea of Christianity not being simple is a big downfall, however Lewis explains that life in general is not simple. Lewis is very clear that we cannot think of Jesus as just a good teacher because that would be foolish. It is true; according to the scriptures, Jesus was God and was the living word. Jesus came to earth to provide humanity the opportunity to develop and maintain a relationship with God. Actions Speak Louder Than Words Lewis starts this book talking about the three things man is concerned with, fair lay and harmony between individuals, harmonizing the things inside themselves, and the general purpose of human life as a whole. Therefore, Lewis provides an analogy of a ship to cover all of these. He discusses the cardinal and theological virtue. He defines each virtue and then provides insight into each in terms of the three things that concern man. We can attempt at conquering each of these virtues, but as a human, we are limited in our abilities. When we focus on how to master each virtue, we lose sight of our self. However, if we embrace these virtues as if we have always possessed them we can learn to master them. The thing that impressed me most was when Lewis addressed the greatest sin. I never thought about Pride as being the greatest sin, but after reading this passage, I understood the old saying, pride cometh before the fall. It is true; pride is the one thing that can lead us off path. It makes people do crazy, stupid things because they have to prove to the world that they are better, smarter, happier, etc. than everyone else. The sad thing is that those individuals are generally not all of those things.

The Science of God

The last book discusses how are lives relate to God. According to Lewis we are sons of God once we become Christians. We are no longer created beings, because we have taken in Zoe. Lewis defines Zoe as spiritual life. I agree with Lewis that we are filled with the spirit. I do not know if I agree with the beget versus create argument that Lewis makes. However, I do agree with Lewis analogy of three-person God. I like the description of multi-dimensions, the concept of three dimensions makes sense in many ways. Multiple dimensions can easily explain the concept of God existing outside of time. The idea of lets pretend is a great way to help people understand how to learn to be a Christian. I thought about the song written by Stephen Stills and performed by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Love the one your with states that if you cant be with the one you love, love the one youre with. This is the idea of lets pretend, act like the people you are hanging around are the person you are and eventually you will become that person. However, the one drawback to this concept is that you have to give yourself completely to the idea that you are becoming person. If not, then the effort you make is not real and you will be unhappy and dissatisfied. I believe that Lewis had the right idea and he explains that you cannot keep faking it eventually you have to make the leap. Either you give up control of you and give it all to God, or you stay the person you are. We have to evolve to the next level. Lewis talks about salt or salt light. We find many substitutes for salt in the store today; however, nothing beats the taste of real salt and how it enhances the flavor of the foods we are eating. Christ is the same; he enhances the person beyond any substitute.

Conclusion

I have to say that I found this book difficult to read at times. I found myself secondguessing myself and examining my relationship with God. I also, looked at others I know that claim to be Christians and some passed the pretend state, but others I fear are still reluctant to give it all. Fortunate for me I am not the person that will have to determine those peoples fate in the end. This book is a great foundation for anyone interested in Christianity, as it does not focus on religion, but fixes it locus on the steps to becoming a true Christian.