This will be my first post, on a new series I am doing, in the study of C.S. Lewis' classic, "Mere Chrisitianity".
I venture forth, in this study, with hundreds of Christians from all over the world. If you would like to join this study, it is not too late. Here is the initial information from the leader, Tim Challies.
As I began reading the preface of this text, I immediately felt as though I were in a strange and foreign land. I have been living in Jonathan Edwards' mind for quite a few months. Now suddenly, in this text, I am whisked forward 200 years, and reading from a man, living in a land, that was in Edwards' time, the oppressor of the early American colonies.
The other immediate recognition is that of language. Edwards spoke in very long sentences, that came at you like water from a fire hose. Furthermore, that fire hose was filled with prose from a most brilliant mind.
Here, the pace of text, and thought are far more relaxed. There was no relaxation with Edwards. Reading Edwards was hard work. With C.S. Lewis, I already sense that I will be able to "light my pipe", figuratively speaking, sit back, relax, and contemplate the essential qualities of "mere" Christianity.
As I began to contemplate this title, I was a little offended to think Christianity and the word "mere" might be common bedfellows. However, as I began to read Lewis' preface, I found that his intention is to find that Christianity which is not mired in great denominational debate. Lewis characterizes this Christianity as a great hall, that all who call upon the name of the Lord might find themselves. Branching off of this hall, are many rooms (denominations), where one might eventually find themselves. But, first and foremost, his desire is to get people into the hall (relationship with Christ).
The other important point to consider is that of context. Jonathan Edwards was writing from colonial America, where one of his relatives was kidnapped by Indians, there was great suspicion about the Church of England attempting to have her way with the early protestant Americans, our colonies were in the throws of becoming a nation, and in the middle of all of this, there was a great revival in that land, which Edwards was credited to be the great instigator.
With Lewis, we find America and England now great friends. Furthermore, we must keep in mind, that Hitler's bombs are over head, as Lewis is speaking words of encouragement over the BBC airwaves.
Here is a quote from Kathleen Norris' forward of this text:
"This book, then, does not consist of academic philosophical musings. Rather it is a work of oral literature, addressed to people at war. How strange it must have seemed to turn on the radio, which was everyday bringing news of death and unspeakable destruction, and hear one man talking, in an intelligent, good-humored, and probing tone, about decent and humane behavior, fair play, and the importance of knowing right from wrong. Asked by the BBC to explain to his fellow Britons what Christians believe, C.S. Lewis proceeded with the task as if it were the simplest thing in the world, and also the most important."
Therefore, I think it profitable to remember that most people first heard these words, on the radio, from the depths of a bomb shelter, with great and deadly explosions overhead.
I look forward to the journey. To join the study, click here.
