outline and summary

Mere Christianity provides an articulate expression of the intelligent case for Christianity, but retains the conversational style from the original radio talks on which it is based. Lewis focuses on the core issues of orthodox Christianity without getting into some of the controversial and divisive issues that exist between traditions. It is important to note that Lewis uses 'mere' in the original sense of 'pure' or 'unmixed.' Book I In Book One, Lewis uses general revelation, logic, and rationale to argue for the existence of God and need for Christ. In the Socratic style, he raises questions and then guides his readers to logical answers. Starting from the idea that there is a universal moral 'Law' or 'Code' that everyone recognizes, he builds the case that this requires a higher authority and power behind the law. Lewis also takes some time to explain the nature of this universal law and deal with the anticipated objection that it is based on instinct or social convention. The final chapter of Book One, "We Have Cause to Be Uneasy," concludes that the moral code is inexorable, yet no one has kept it, and thus the consequences of breaking it are inevitable without supernatural help. Book II In Book Two, Lewis begins to explore in detail the nature of God, the cause and result of evil, the need for justification, and what God has done about it. In the process, he explains in a fresh and logical way, the concepts of Sin, Repentance, Redemption, Free Will, Incarnation, Atonement, and Grace without theological jargon. Lewis uses the analogy of an invasion behind enemy lines to illustrate the surprising plan of God to restore His creation. He also describes the human side of redemption, discussing the meaning of repentance, faith, and the delivery of a new kind of life through faith and the sacraments. Book III Having described the current state of affairs between God and Man, Lewis proceeds to describe Christian ethics, or how Christians should behave, in Book Three. He uses the helpful example of a fleet of ships to explain the various types and purposes of morality. They are necessary to keep the ships in good operating order (personal ethics), to maintain order between the ships (social ethics), and most important of all, direction and purpose for the entire fleet (mission and meaning of life). Thus, morality is not just a set of rules, but an instruction manual for living happy and meaningful lives. After establishing their purpose, Lewis describes seven moral virtues in detail; four that are universal, and three that are distinctively Christian--Faith, Hope, and Charity. Book IV Book Four is the most powerful section of the book. Lewis begins to explore some weighty theological issues, though still in nontechnical, conversational fashion. Among these issues are the "begotten" nature of Christ versus "created" humanity, God outside of time, the Trinity, the Incarnation, Justification, Sanctification (or 'good infection' as Lewis describes it), and the eschatological nature of Man. Lewis concludes the book with two of his most profound and compelling arguments: 1) the entire reason for the Incarnation of Christ, and the continuation of His earthly body as the church, is to draw men into relationship with the Godhead as Sons, and 2) that this new status is not an improvement on the old, but a completely new creature, akin to the next step in the 'evolution' of Man. As the title of the penultimate chapter describes it, God does not want nice people but new men. The final chapter of the book describes the nature and purpose of these "New Men" and how the decision to accept this new life is all or nothing, literally a death to self and rebirth in the true life for which we were intended.
 

study materials

mere christianity My Study Guide | PDF For use in a small group study. Includes a detailed outline with background information, and questions and pertinent scripture references for discussion.75pp., 842kB mere christianity Focus Guide | Word Written by a Sunday School teacher from Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Emmett, ID. Mostly discussion questions. 27pp., 108kB Online text and audio | PDF & MP3 Complete text of the book in PDF format and audio in mp3 or YouTube Video formats Study Guide from CS Lewis Foundation | PDF Some background and 56 questions to spur discussion. 6 pp., 64kB Study Guide from CS Lewis Institute | PDF Discussion questions to accompany the DVD series on Mere Christianity. 7pp., 180kB A "Sentence-Outline" | PDF A one paragraph summary of each chapter from Irish priest, philosopher, and physicist, James O'Reilly. 9 pp., 35kB CSL Book Club Study Guide | Web pages Introduction and several pages of questions organized by chapter. Study Guide by Peter Schakel | Web page An essay with questions at the end of each section. Mere Christianity Study Guide Blog | Blog link Series of articles by Dr. Victor Reppert, author of C. S. Lewis's Dangerous Idea