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Post by azalune on Mar 28, 2006 17:36:50 GMT -5
The thread is about a book I've recently read called "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis. I didn't want to post this in that book recommendation thread (or any other book thread) because I wanted to discuss some of the ideas found in this book with a little more depth. I think this book and its ideas require a dedicated thread. First off, has anyone ever read this book? And if so what did you think about it?
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Post by JohnnyUtah on Mar 28, 2006 18:01:42 GMT -5
The thread is about a book I've recently read called "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis. I didn't want to post this in that book recommendation thread (or any other book thread) because I wanted to discuss some of the ideas found in this book with a little more depth. I think this book and its ideas require a dedicated thread. First off, has anyone ever read this book? And if so what did you think about it? What a great thread! I love C.S. Lewis. Unfortunately I haven't read "Mere Christianity" but if it is anything like "Miracles" then it is a mind blowing book in regards to perspectives on Christianity. What exactly has impressed you about "Mere Christianity"? |
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Post by azalune on Mar 28, 2006 18:24:23 GMT -5
Lewis wrote "Mere Christianity" and dedicated it J.R.R. Tolkien. For roughly the first half of his life Lewis was an atheist. Until he and Tolkien had a discussion on mythology and its relation to religion and faith. Tolkien had always been a devout Catholic, and after their discussion, Lewis had converted to Christianity. "Mere Christianity" delineates and explains some of the logic behind his conversion and why one ought to wholeheartedly believe in God. Before I read "Mere Christianity" I was always 100% comfortable with a firm agnostic perspective. This book has the power to really mess up your world. Now I'm just trying to make sense of everything again. Let this also be a warning to agnostic/atheistic non-believers who are curious about "Mere Christianity"; it can be potentially "dangerous" for your world views.
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Post by DivaDancerLara on Mar 29, 2006 7:50:35 GMT -5
Lewis wrote "Mere Christianity" and dedicated it J.R.R. Tolkien. For roughly the first half of his life Lewis was an atheist. Until he and Tolkien had a discussion on mythology and its relation to religion and faith. Tolkien had always been a devout Catholic, and after their discussion, Lewis had converted to Christianity. "Mere Christianity" delineates and explains some of the logic behind his conversion and why one ought to wholeheartedly believe in God. Before I read "Mere Christianity" I was always 100% comfortable with a firm agnostic perspective. This book has the power to really mess up your world. Now I'm just trying to make sense of everything again. Let this also be a warning to agnostic/atheistic non-believers who are curious about "Mere Christianity"; it can be potentially "dangerous" for your world views. More knowledge about Christianity and a new perspective like the one C.S Lewis gave should empower you rather then bring you down. Its all perspective. I have heard the of the book and think I will get it. I am reading Jesus the Great debate which talks about all these religious world beliefs to help me get a better perspective. Reading up on this is the best thing especially if you feel your beliefs are being challenged. I don't think the book is responcible for feeling the way you do. If you want you or anybody who reads this post can come to OISE (Ontario Institure of Secondary Education at U of T above St. George Campus) on Wednesdays we have a Religion Class that deals with this and I have found it very helpful because the speaker is concrete and well researched. Its on at 7 pm you can pm me or email if you want info. But no worries all beliefs are respected and invited. And frankly in regards to all the bad stuff happening in the world ...humankind needs to take responcibility for that and I don't think a higher power would tell us to be violent, or create bombs or steal or cheat on our wives. |
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Post by azalune on Mar 30, 2006 3:10:09 GMT -5
Reading Mere Christianity made me feel like reverting back to Christianity. While reading it I felt like I was being drawn into the proverbial "Kingdom of Christ." Lewis' words made it seem as if Christianity is the only way of life; or at least the best way of life (as opposed to other religions). I felt like I was being brainwashed by the manifesto of the greatest cult on earth. Honestly Lewis made me feel as if there is no escape from Christianity. To me the book says that the Kingdom of Christ is all around you, closing in on you until there is escape, and you have no other choice but to throw yourself at Christ's feet and say "I believe," plus it's all worded so well that you feel as if you'd be foolish not to believe it. Lewis says when you truly accept Christ you get happiness, success, and comfort.
I read the book on the recommendation of a close friend. He considered himself somewhat of an atheist, and for him reading the book solidified his Christian faith.
After reading the book, I myself doubted the usefulness of saying I was agnostic. Perhaps I ought to cast a side my pride and doubt, and blindly follow the Christian faith as well. But in the end I realized that in telling myself "I believe in Christianity", I would in fact be lying to myself to make myself happy.
But I will never lie to myself. All I truly know is that I can think and that I exist. cogito ergo sum.
I am azalune, the lone warrior and the lone dreamer. Here I find myself in some mysterious realm of existence; and yet, to me, it's an undoubtedly beautiful existence. I love it. And I will always continue to love it and observe it with eyes unclouded, until my very end.
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Post by Altan on Apr 5, 2006 3:44:26 GMT -5
Gotta read this book. Beyond Narnia is coming out on DVD, gotta watch that also.
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Post by DivaDancerLara on Apr 6, 2006 13:21:45 GMT -5
Azalune, maybe you should take things in steps and don't do things you feel forced to do. Maybe read other texts about Christianity and not focus on this book solidifying things for you. I think its better to believe in Christianity of your choice not because you feel compelled to comply- that robs you of all the joy that can come of finding out the truth about life and possibly a higher power existing.
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