In this essay C.S. Lewis endeavours to spell out “mere Christianity”, i.e. the elements that make up the various Christian confessions. The book compiles a series of radio conferences of apologetics. It is divided into two parts: the first tackles some dogmatic aspects especially Christ’s divinity, the reality of redemption, and the supernatural character of divine filiation; the second is about Christian behavior centered on the cardinal virtues, particularly Christian marriage and the modesty.
As can be appreciated, and the author himself points out in the introduction, the book should be read with an awareness of its limitations. Lewis carefully avoids the topics that underscore the differences between the various Christian creeds; there are no references to Confession, or to the cult of the Saints. Even though this can be seen as a limitation from the point of view of Catholic orthodoxy, it leaves one in no doubt as to Lewis’ correctness, keenness and brilliancy with which he treats the topics chosen.
P.V. (Spain, 2016)