Wander & Wonder

C.S. Lewis

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

A refreshing look at life and faith

Although Mere Christianity is by all means not a new book, I recently read it and was struck by how incredibly relevant it feels to today’s world. Originally based on a series of radio talks given during World War II—when C.S. Lewis was addressing soldiers and everyday folks facing the uncertainties of war—the book captures his reflections on Christian beliefs in a way that’s both engaging and deeply thoughtful.

What really impressed me was C.S. Lewis’ knack for breaking down complex ideas using analogies that just click. It’s like having a conversation with a wise friend or family member who makes philosophy and theology not only understandable but also relatable. Honestly, this book is really beautifully written, it’s almost addictive in the way that the lines flow from one to the next.

Other than the writing style, the concepts really resonated with me. One of my favorite lines from the book is:

Free will, although it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having (page 48).

This line resonated with me because it addresses that age-old question of, “If God is good, why do bad things happen?”. In essence, it captures the idea that the freedom God gives us—while it can lead to mistakes and hardships—is precisely what allows us to experience genuine love, joy, and goodness.

What I appreciate most about Mere Christianity is that it isn’t just for Christians. Even if you aren’t Christian and don’t share the same beliefs, I think the insights in this book are inspirational without feeling overbearing. C.S. Lewis’ conversational style makes it seem like you’re part of an ongoing dialogue about life’s deeper questions.

If you’re looking for a read that both challenges your mind and warms your heart, I’d definitely recommend giving Mere Christianity a try. It’s one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page, encouraging you to reflect on everything from morality, the nature of good and evil, all the way down to the basic choices we have to make everyday. I am sure that I’ll find myself returning to this book again and again for inspiration.