C. S. Lewis
On two occasions, I’ve led a class at my congregation on C.S. Lewis’s book, Mere Christianity. You probably know that Lewis was among the most influential and most popular Christian writers of the 20th century. He was widely heralded for his unique but orthodox understanding of Christianity.
If you’re an atheist, or if you’re uncomfortable with the far-right, evangelical brand of Christianity (as I am), you might nevertheless find Lewis to be an enjoyable read. He’s well known for his series of children’s books, The Chronicles of Narnia, and I’d recommend those as great adventures to share with your kids. If you’re looking for something more substantial for yourself, read Lewis. Mere Christianity is a great place to start – short, simple and yet profound.
The task Lewis set for himself in Mere Christianity was to focus on and explain the teachings that all of Christianity hold in common. These teachings are far more important, he maintained, than any doctrines that divide the church. In his perfect world, such divisions wouldn’t exist, but since they do, he wanted to show how, on all the great issues, Christianity speaks as one.
I’ve posted links to the four study guides I prepared below. Feel free to download them. If you’re interested, you might also want to download study guides I’ve prepared for Lewis’s The Problem of Pain and Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship.
Let me know if you tackle any of these books. I’m always up for discussing them!
Mere Christianity – Week One
Mere Christianity – Week Two
Mere Christianity – Week Three
Mere Christianity – Week Four
Recommended Reading (Affiliate Link)