Thoughts on "Mere Christianity"

"The problem is not simple and the answer is not going to be simple either." - C.S. Lewis

I had always heard, bouncing around the vast halls of church buildings, people talking about this  book called "Mere Christianity," written by none other than the author of "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe" among other pieces of literature.  The author was C.S. Lewis.

Usually the overheard conversations were something along the lines of, "Well, if you are a christian, or have interest in christian beliefs, you should certainly read this book - it's very helpful."  So for years that had echoed around in my head and I finally got around to it! 

As I've only read this book once, and do not know much of the context and state of religious affairs of the twentieth century, I have a feeling some of my interpretations and notes could potentially be inaccurate, only partially correct, or perhaps even untrue altogether.  Regardless for these purposes of my notes here I attempt to recollect as true as I can to what I gleaned from "Mere Christianity."

From what I understand of the context surrounding the book is that it was actually a series of talks given by C.S. Lewis and broadcasted by the BBC during World War II (early 1940's.)  The BBC actually commissioned Lewis to sum up "what Christians believe."  What resulted a group of lessons provided by Lewis, a former atheist, which he then joined together under the title, "Mere Christianity."  The word "mere" is not a word we use often today and from what I understand the phrase "mere christianity" is meant to convey the simple truths of the Christian identity.  In other words, who we really are.    Sometimes, crowded and lost within the veins of hundreds of denominations claiming different things, it can certainly be seen why Christianity would be a confusing topic.

I also have a feeling that this book was a watershed for Christian teachings in the 20th century because perhaps there was a lack of material like itself.  Perhaps all of the denominations had reached a fever pitch and were not working together as they should be.  They are all on the same team... correct? As a side note I also know C.S. Lewis was contemporaries with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, though at the time I don't think they knew of each other.  Their ideas are remarkably similar and I most certainly know their allegiances to Christianity trumped their allegiances to Britain and Germany.  Irony.

As for the actual book.  It's dense.  It's readable, but difficult.  I found some parts I could soar through, understand and agreeing, and some other parts - more philosophical ones - more of a trudging and grinding process to get through.  Maybe someday when I am older or more enlightened I can return to them.  I feel like probably half of the book was like this to me.

I did enjoy the refreshing directness that today rarely exists.  References to other world religions are respectful but clearly acknowledge the errors within them.

I liked his analogy on Free Will.  Some folks have a hard time agreeing that we have Free Will.  And why would God create a world to set us up to fail.  And if God exists, and knows the future, do we really have this Free Will?  Lewis' simple analogy on this subject is:  Imagine a mother who tells their child she expects him to clean up his room every night.  She says she wont do it for them, they have to do it themselves.  Well, a few nights later she finds the room to be a mess. The mother wants it one way, and entrusts the child to act that way.  Whether or not the child does it or not is his decision - his choice - his free will.  If he does, he pleases his mother, and if not, then he doesn't.

The first few chapters build Lewis' defense of Christianity right from the ground up.  Lots of philosophy in the beginning, but it's understandable - talks about morals, right and wrong, the values of good and evil, etc, and why we seem to have this innate understanding when we are born.

I think the most convicting thing for me in this book was an illustration rather early on in the text. He's reasoned thus far that there is a God of the universe. And we are man, since our creation we have driven our own selves away from God, by knowingly committing acts contrary to God.  Whe we come to realize this, we could be fraught with worry or despair, or care less, or ask for forgiveness.  The forgiveness is know in the Christian realm as "repentance."

But though repentance might leave us penintent, humble, and acknowedging of our wayward ways, it doesn't bring us whole again.  We're still the same people.  That changed though, and that change gave all credence and authenticity to the movement we call Christianity, when God himself became a human, who went by the earthly name, Jesus.

God's intention was to send himself as a sacrifice to make up for our mistakes.  So, after he died, he was the "ultimate" sacrifice, which covers all our our misgivings.  That, combined with an accepting and repentant heart, is the key to return back to God.

I guess I had never really envisioned the whole "God coming to Earth" thing - I mean, I had heard the teachings before and could recite them to you, but I never had grasped the meaning or at least the fullness of the meaning before.  I've heard some people say that they're delighted when they find new levels of meaning in their studies.  On the surface Christianity can be easily and understood and fully viable - but then you accidentally go "x" number of layers down and find even more richness and meaning.  That is what it was like for me.

I'm glad I read it.  I don't know if it was exactly what I was looking for, but I do believe it is a vital read if you are in a position and of a mindset to do so.  Maybe I am too attention-deficit to sit and wax philosophic for too long at a time.  Or maybe it's been way too long since I just relaxed and read an entertaining fiction book.  Some of this content hurts my brain!  However, I think it is still relevant and certainly a classic and important book to read for anyone.

"Now, today, this moment, is our chance to choose the right side.  God is holding back to give us that chance.  It will not last forever.  We must take it or leave it." C.S. Lewis