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Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters

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Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters, two of C. S. Lewis's most important and enduring works, are now available in this stunning, collectible hardcover edition. The most popular of C. S. Lewis's works of non-fiction, Mere Christianity, has sold several million copies worldwide. The book bring's together Lewis's legendary broadcast talks of the war years, talks in which he set out simply to "explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times." A masterpiece of satire, The Screwtape Letters has entertained and enlightened readers the world over with its sly and ironic portrayal of human life and foibles from the vantage point of Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to "Our Father Below."

449 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

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About the author

C.S. Lewis

1,014 books47.7k followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Clive Staples Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954. He was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include Mere Christianity, Out of the Silent Planet, The Great Divorce, The Screwtape Letters, and the universally acknowledged classics The Chronicles of Narnia. To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and been transformed into three major motion pictures.

Lewis was married to poet Joy Davidman.
W.H. Lewis was his elder brother]

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for Jocelyn Heckenkamp.
7 reviews
August 4, 2025
Second readthrough of both books was worth it! These are two excellent books that you'll be thinking about years afterward.
Profile Image for Vicky Hunt.
968 reviews101 followers
February 12, 2022
Two Sides of the Coin

While one of these classics are fiction and the other a series of radio lectures built into a book; they work together to define just what it is that Christianity means. While the first works to shore up the basics of what it is that makes us Christian, the other narrows our focus away from the things that can't destroy us. All of this comes from the pen of a man whose voice itself was once as well known as the voice of Winston Churchill in the Western world. The contents of Mere Christianity are the collected radio broadcasts that Lewis presented to the public during WWII.

"The present is the point at which time touches eternity."


If you didn't grow up listening to radio, you missed out on something big. I often think of my old transistor radio, and the sound of the human voice crackling over it. The stories, and voices I grew to wait for each evening, and even the sound of the radio going off the air and the anthem that played. I wasn't alive when Lewis was broadcasting, of course. But, the human voice still has a way of drawing us in. Fortunately, today one of those can be found on Youtube, unlike when I last read these two books. For those who would discount the benefit of audio books, I think you are dodging the dinner table looking for a meal.

In The Screwtape Letters Lewis writes as Uncle Screwtape, a wizened old demon from Hell, addressing and encouraging his nephew Wormwood in his assignment as tempter to his new 'patient.' Throughout the letters he cautions his nephew from the traps that might backfire, and encourages him to keep the human mind focused on the trivalities and mundaneness of life. It is quite comical reading overall and a short work. Interestingly, he mentions the idea of mere Christianity within this book, which is expounded on in the next.
"If the whole universe has no meaning, we should have never found out it has no meaning."


In Mere Christianity Lewis speaks in his own direct simple fashion about the basic tenets of faith: such as the common moral law, how all men believe in it, and yet break it, God's higher law and its work, the nature of God, the nature of evil in the world, meaning in life, purpose in death, the life and death of Jesus Christ, Christian virtues, a faith that goes beyond personality and time, the difficulty of meeting the goal, and the new life itself.

I read these in the Audible format, as part of my Loving Lewis February Valentines read. They are suitable for all ages and highly recommended.
14 reviews
June 13, 2008
Deeeeeeeeeeep and mind-blowing! Lewis has a way of explaining Christianity as if it is the most sensical concept in the world (which is a stretch even for a Christian --I mean, a lot of the time we're thinking, "This is crazy!"). But he clearly lays out what Christianity is and why it makes logical sense. The Screwtape Letters helps you wrap your brain around the Divine Conflict and understand Satan's agenda.
Profile Image for Jp.
43 reviews2 followers
November 6, 2009
One of the most convincing discussions on the topic of Christianity that I have ever read. I almost converted back.....umm...not quite that convincing. It did give me a better appreciation of what Christianity could be, and probably once was.
Profile Image for John Romanello.
6 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2022
Enjoyed Mere Christianity for his theology but Screwtape Letters is a must read! Rather easy to read for CS Lewis writing.
9 reviews
December 7, 2010
Mere Christianity is kind of like Jesus 101. An examination of what Christianity means from the philosophical side, in the form of a gentle conversation, without all the trappings of strident dogma that so often turn seekers away. Bits may appear dated, given the era in which it was written, but for the most part it's classic.
22 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2011
This book is definitely thought provoking. I could only ever read one chapter at a time because I literally had to stop and think about what I was reading. Anywho, interesting read and definitely makes you think twice about how and why you worship.
Profile Image for Ross Peterson.
19 reviews21 followers
December 25, 2018
I received this as a high school graduation gift and it has been the most treasured gift I've received from another 'mere' human being.
Profile Image for sch.
1,278 reviews23 followers
July 29, 2022
May 2022. Summer reading with our older children. Just SCREWTAPE.
Profile Image for Realini Ionescu.
4,077 reviews19 followers
September 11, 2025
Mere Christianity, Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis, one of my favorite authors, a few of his books, and hundreds of other works are reviewed on my blog, where the best gig is https://realinibarzoi.blogspot.com/20... your feedback is precious

10 out of 10

CS Lewis is the glorious thinker, novelist who makes me think more seriously about religion, and not just that, but since he was a devoted Christian, that could be the right path, and these lines will ponder along the lines of that doctrine, as it is, I am still an atheist, maybe a skeptic, since I am contemplating a switch, but…

- Only God knows

Recently, I have seen that Positive Psychology appears to confirm some of the precepts of religion, in particular Christianity, though this was in fact inspired by Judaism – in one of the most remarkable (maybe the best on some levels) films of 2024, Heretic, the protagonist aka Hugh Grant talks about the three big faiths…
He compares them with Monopoly and Landlord, two games, then he extends the parallel to some song, where the copyright was infringed, the message is that Christianity took – stole maybe – ideas from Judaism, and some centuries later, we have Muhammad announcing Islam, ‘there is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is His prophet’

Why do we have only under one percent Jewish people in the world, Hugh Grant asks, and he answers –‘they do not sell this, do not proselytize’ but let me try and put in here what I ‘discovered’ – take Sonja Lyubomirsky https://realinibarzoi.blogspot.com/20... and her sublime -
The How of Happiness, wherein we have ‘Happiness Activity No 11: Practicing Religion and Spirituality- becoming more involved in your church, temple or mosque or reading and pondering spiritually themed books’ and that is one point of view, though Nathaniel Branden, a phenomenal psychologist is sure of the opposite

Nonetheless, the first Happiness activity in the aforementioned book is Gratitude, and this is a leit motif, a theme that we see in multiple studies and works on positivity and I think this is making a connection with faith, where this is at the core, thanking God is the act, prayer that has to be repeated every day, nay, many times during the day
The criticism would be that this is a domineering Deity, vane, selfish, only there is a way out of this, insisting on we ‘do not know God, how he/she/they thinks/think, and I agree with this concept, I mean, this perfect being – that was the argument of Saint Anselm – would be far beyond my understanding, and even the ‘exists’ is heavy there

Just like Bill Clinton said ‘it depends on what your definition of is is’, maybe it was in the Monica Lewinsky case – incidentally, a piece of sordid news came from that corner – Monica Lewinsky opines that Bill Clinton should have resigned…I mean, really, you entice the guy (some would say she was the ‘victim’) and then blame him?
I was also considering the piece other day that I could be ungrateful, if The Almighty created me, gave me whatever – blasphemy is sill more in my line, so I would complain here, along the lines of the One Fat Englishman by glorious Kingsley Amis, who was saying ‘You know how I am, why do you torment me?’ words to that effect

That notwithstanding, to be grateful is the key, and a happiness activity, besides, we could think of Pascal and his wager – believe in God, because if He is up there, you win, and if he does not exist, well, then you lose nothing’ – this is only going so far, which is quite near, for The Omniscient would know if you gamble like that
Besides another argument that makes sense – the one with the watch, you find one in the desert and you know it was Intelligent Design you do not have to know the watch maker to grasp that it did not just come together by chance – there are the books of the ultimate expert on religion, Karen Armstrong and her explanations
Creationists take the Bible ad literam, but that is the wrong interpretation, we have to know that the stories were not meant to be taken literally, there were allegories, Christ did not produce many fish and bread from thin air…
https://realinibarzoi.blogspot.com/20...

Now for my standard closing of the note with a question, and invitation – maybe you have a good idea on how we could make more than a million dollars with this https://realinibarzoi.blogspot.com/20... – as it is, this is a unique technique, which we could promote, sell, open the Oscars show with or something and then make lots of money together, if you have the how, I have the product, I just do not know how to get the befits from it, other than the exercise per se

There is also the small matter of working for AT&T – this huge company asked me to be its Representative for Romania and Bulgaria, on the Calling Card side, which meant sailing into the Black Sea wo meet the US Navy ships, travelling to Sofia, a lot of activity, using my mother’s two bedrooms flat as office and warehouse, all for the grand total of $250, raised after a lot of persuasion to the staggering $400…with retirement ahead, there are no benefits, nothing…it is a longer story, but if you can help get the mastodont to pay some dues, or have an idea how it can happen, let me know

As for my role in the Revolution that killed Ceausescu, a smaller Mao, there it is http://realini.blogspot.com/2022/03/r...

Some favorite quotes from To The Hermitage and other works

‘Fiction is infinitely preferable to real life...As long as you avoid the books of Kafka or Beckett, the everlasting plot of fiction has fewer futile experiences than the careless plot of reality...Fiction's people are fuller, deeper, cleverer, more moving than those in real life…Its actions are more intricate, illuminating, noble, profound…There are many more dramas, climaxes, romantic fulfillment, twists, turns, gratified resolutions…Unlike reality, all of this you can experience without leaving the house or even getting out of bed…What's more, books are a form of intelligent human greatness, as stories are a higher order of sense…As random life is to destiny, so stories are to great authors, who provided us with some of the highest pleasures and the most wonderful mystifications we can find…Few stories are greater than Anna Karenina, that wise epic by an often foolish author…’
Profile Image for Eric Manning.
Author 3 books9 followers
June 30, 2025
Didn't realize I would be reviewing both of these books at the same time, but I will start with Mere Christianity. This book seem to cut through all the religious jargon that I've heard over the years and go strait to the heart of matter. Lewis focused on a true spiritual relationship with God without all the endless confusing rituals which never helped me with my relationship with Him or anyone else. Lewis puts things in a language and a perspective that's very understandable and puts true faith within reach to the common man or woman.
The Screwtape letters is a mind-blowing book to me that is different than anything I've ever read. It took me a bit to catch on to the narrative, and where it was coming from.
When I finally realized that, I was amazed of the incredible spiritual insight I was receiving from the storyline of one evil principality to another! I never ever forgot this book and the impact which it had upon me!
Profile Image for Hunter.
23 reviews
August 5, 2025
C.S Lewis lays out the Faith better than any religious writer I've seen. 'Mere Christianity' is so simple and fundamental in its discussion on Christian faith and doctrine, and it's a book I'd recommend to anyone who is curious about the faith (besides the Bible, of course)

'The Screwtape Letters' serve as commentary on how human beings are tempted to sin, and thus a sort of guide as to how to avoid such temptations. Screwtape's advice to and rebuking of his nephew were entertaining to read but held a lot of weight as well when you remember the evil Screwtape perpetuates. I found myself immensely curious how Lewis would have written the letters had he written them in 2025 as opposed to 1942.
Profile Image for Daniel.
4 reviews10 followers
December 23, 2020
Excellent arguments! Being a former atheist and a self-described reluctant convert, Lewis knows the arguments that have prevented many from believing in Christ. He methodically dismantles the arguments that he used to believe. God gave Lewis a gift to understand the deep things of God in ways that appeal to the genuine seeker and challenge the faith of Christians.
Profile Image for Liz Sawyer.
23 reviews
November 4, 2025
I completely enjoyed this book. I have to admit I am not smart enough to understand everything…. But it got me thinking and would be a book to read every few years. Different things would pop up depending on what stage of life you are in.
Profile Image for Marissa Hughes.
104 reviews
October 11, 2018
boring book. this book was so boring I zoned out while reading It. it is a good thinking book but this isn't my cup of tea. P.S. I only read the Screwtape Letters.
66 reviews
November 10, 2018
Mere Christianity was great! The five stars are for it alone.
( I don't "get" Screwtape Letters.")
7 reviews
March 15, 2019
Great book but hard to read. I had to have my thinking brain on while reading to try and understand it all. I also am not good at apologetics, but for those that are this would be a great read.
5 reviews
October 16, 2023
Mere Christianity is lovely, however clunky it is. Being that it was originally a radio talk show before being transcribed into a book format
14 reviews
June 2, 2024
The book is very in depth and sometimes difficult to follow. So I read a synopsis on it from Google.
227 reviews
November 6, 2024
I have read both of these before, but listening to them drew my attention to the characters more in the Screwtape letters. Lewis has an ability to draw analogies which say so much more.
Profile Image for Sharon Jackson.
3 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2025
Very well written and wonderful for making one think about their spirituality and beliefs and analyzing what the core tenants of the faith are and how to avoid temptations.
Profile Image for Peter Shields.
124 reviews
November 8, 2020
Traumatic and unnerving. they are seeking their prey as uncles passions for his nephew are slowly revealed. a truly sinful book and you get to see the back stage goings on of the supernatural world. when he was turned into a centipede was the funnest part. very suspenceful.

Mere Christianity answers all the questions i have wondered about and makes me determined to hear His call and act accordingly to offer my nature to God. Also never really understood the resurrection before reading this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amy.
60 reviews
February 16, 2012
I LOVED this book. In fact I borrowed a copy from the library, read a chapter and quickly realized I wanted my own copy. I happily underlined, noted, and marked up my copy - knowing I will reread it many times and look forward to remembering all I learned. It is a keeper, and I'm pretty picky about which books I let sit on my shelves. (One-time reads are for libraries to hold onto!)

C.S. Lewis does a remarkable job at logically walking the reader (or radio listener as it was first intended) through the intellectually sense and root of Christianity. I loved seeing commonalities between all Christian sects and between all humanity. There are so many witty observations and creative analogies, so that lay persons can truly enjoy this theological read.

The 3rd section got a bit dry in parts for me personally, but maybe as I mature and deepen my spiritually knowledge it will mean more. I won't say that I agree with all of Lewis's beliefs, and some of his analogies about the new man and the trinity were stretching at best. But I still found many elements of truth that I enjoyed.

All Christians should read this book - it will help us be more understanding of each other and help us love and explain our beliefs to those who haven't yet embraced Christ.

I haven't read the Screwtape Letters yet. I'll get to it after a break with some lighter reading. :)
Profile Image for Rob.
77 reviews9 followers
April 4, 2009
What an excellent Volume. Those who are new believers or searching Truth will find the simple logic (but Old English) both convincing and convicting. How do you get from a belief in nothing to God? It's more straightforward than you can imagine.
New believers and sceptics alike cannot logically counter the pure Truth and method that C.S. Lewis employs as he discribes his own search for God and discovers Christianity as the only Truth to answer life's most essential questions.
I cannot challenge his statements except in one remark which would go unnoticed by most. He allows a fissure by conceding to the popular thought that was beginning in his day and has continued to the present concerning creation and how evolution might not be ruled out by Scripture. While this is not a central argument in his logic, it is a point that has been showed repeatedly to conflict with sound doctrine where even modern science leaves evolution unprovable and a religion of faith itself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews

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