XolokReads reviewed Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis (The Christian library)
Solid apologetic. Directed specifically towards the dialog of mid 20th century Britain, but still mostly relevant.
4 stars
Mere Christianity is often held up as the gold standard of the modern Christian apologetic. I suspect this text will always hold a place of esteem. It captures certain thoughts and cases so well. Lewis finds a good balance between erudition and genuine feeling. It is not overly academic, but it follows academic rules. The questions around Christianity haven't changed, but Lewis' style and what he specifically addresses is dated. For example, he defaults to the masculine when discussing all of humanity and his portrayals of women aren't stellar. I think this comes across more as a product of his era rather than as a product of Christianity itself. Where Lewis falls short, it is his own fault and the fault of the society he lived in rather than insurmountable facet of his convictions. He never links to the two consciously. He doesn't even attach the objectionable views common to …
Mere Christianity is often held up as the gold standard of the modern Christian apologetic. I suspect this text will always hold a place of esteem. It captures certain thoughts and cases so well. Lewis finds a good balance between erudition and genuine feeling. It is not overly academic, but it follows academic rules. The questions around Christianity haven't changed, but Lewis' style and what he specifically addresses is dated. For example, he defaults to the masculine when discussing all of humanity and his portrayals of women aren't stellar. I think this comes across more as a product of his era rather than as a product of Christianity itself. Where Lewis falls short, it is his own fault and the fault of the society he lived in rather than insurmountable facet of his convictions. He never links to the two consciously. He doesn't even attach the objectionable views common to his time to his arguments. I'd recommend that if someone was exploring this genre, definitely read Mere Christianity, but also explore other authors.
