Mere Christianity is one of the classics of modern Christian theology. In it, C. S. Lewis lays out clearly what beliefs are central to Christianity as a whole. Rather than detailing the many different denominations and traditions that make up Christianity as a whole, he focuses on the common aspects that all Christian churches have held in common for thousands of years. The book delves deeply into the concepts that make Christianity unique from any other world religion, and it calls readers to examine closely the claims of Christianity about life, the world, God, and themselves. For Christians, the book serves as a beautiful reminder and a deep look into what the bedrock beliefs of the faith are. For the curious non-Christian and the seeker, it details clearly and with practical examples what it means to be a Christian. Generations of Christians have found inspiration in this book, and many draw upon it as a source of challenge, comfort, and encouragement. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has even a passing interest in traditional Christianity, from inside or outside that tradition.
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: 2 mild obscenities.
Note; The word “negro” is used in a matter-of-fact way to describe someone of African descent. At the time and place this book was written, it would not have been considered derogatory to do so, therefore this is not tallied.
Violence/Gore: War is reported, mentioned, and used as an analogy several times; report of historical instances of people executed by burning.
Sex/Nudity: Mention of the sexual instinct a few times; discussion about sexual morality in passing throughout the book and extensively in one chapter, but nothing is graphically described; mention of masturbation in a list of sinful practices; mention of birth control.
Mature Subject Matter:
Nazism (mentioned); war (reported and briefly discussed); birth control (mentioned); gambling (mentioned): witchcraft (mentioned); capital punishment; extensive discussion of sin and morality from a traditional Christian viewpoint.
Alcohol and Drug Use:
Alcohol is discussed; birth control, likely including medication, is mentioned.
