This is a forceful and accessible discussion of Christian belief that has become one of the most popular introductions into Christianity and the most popular among Lewis's books. Mere Christianity is a book that uncovers common ground upon which all those who have Christian faith can stand together. This was a key contributor to Chuck Colson's conversion.
It was suggested to the Fool some time ago that C.S. Lewis' book Mere Christianity is a good book for an unbeliever to read to establish a rational basis for belief in Christianity. The Fool had been told that Lewis is an example of a great scholar and intellectual who was at one time an atheist and/or agnostic who later converted to Christianity.
Shortly after the Fool finished reading Mere Christianity , he had the opportunity to see the documentary film on the life of C.S. Lewis, "Through Joy and Beyond." At the conclusion of the film, an open forum was held in which the question was asked, "What is a good book to give to an atheist or an agnostic?" Father Hooper, who was C.S. Lewis' private secretary during the last few months of Lewis' life and who accompanied the presentation of the film, mentioned Mere Christianity again!
The Fool had not been convinced of the validity of Christian beliefs by his first reading of Mere Christianity, so he decided that he had better read it again. At the same time, he read God in the Dock (previously recommended by a young Seminary student) and skimmed through several books about Lewis.
The Fool does not question Lewis' conversion to Christianity, and he is quite overwhelmed with his intellect, imagination, and ability to write fiction. But the Fool doubts that Lewis ever was a convinced and dedicated agnostic or atheist. It is true that while still a young man, he pr ...