Introductions to C.S. Lewis

I was asked about some resources that would help someone understand Christianity better, and help them compare Christianity with other religions.

I’ll get to the comparison books later. For now, here are two books I recommended that you would probably like. With The Chronicles of Narnia coming to the movies, many will be introduced to C.S. Lewis for the first time. These books will give you a head start in the discussions that are sure to follow the movie.

They can both be purchased at Christian bookstores. Mere Christianity can be purchased almost anywhere, and you can likely get the Art Lindsley book at a local Barnes & Noble or other quality bookstores. I’ve given you the links to both BN and Amazon for both of these books.

I’m a bit past halfway through the Lindsley book, and I think it has an approach and style you would like. He gathers a hypothetical group of readers (from a wide variety of faith backgrounds) to discuss what C.S. Lewis wrote. Their questions form the backdrop for Lindsley’s compilation of quotes from C.S. Lewis in Lewis’ own search for answers (he was at one time an ardent atheist, only coming to believe in Jesus Christ in his 30's).

It is a good introduction to Lewis’ various writings, set forth in a coherent and understandable way. Therefore it is also a good introduction to why Jesus and Christianity make sense for someone steeped in the cultural milieu of the 21st Century. I recommend reading it first, then following up with the original itself—Mere Christianity.

Both of these books are great reads for yourself, and would make wonderful Christmas presents for other thinking Christians or even for skeptics.


Barnes & Noble

Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis,

C.S. Lewis's Case for Christ: Insights from Reason, Imagination and Faith, by Art Lindsley

Or---

Amazon.com

Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis (Paperback - February 2001)

C. S. Lewis's Case for Christ: Insights from Reason, Imagination And Faith by Art Lindsley (Paperback)