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Mere Humanity: G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis, and J. R. R. Tolkien on the Human Condition
Philosophers list “What is man?” and “What is the purpose of life on this earth?” as two of the most important questions that must be asked by everyone in the quest to become a complete human being. Mere Humanity digs into the treasured writings of Chesterton, Lewis, and Tolkien for the answers.
212 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 26, 2016
Made me wish I was actually reading Lewis and Chesterton instead of the author.
March 28, 2016
"A very insightful and thought-provoking exploration of the spiritual, philosophical, and emotional themes of works by Chesterton, Lewis, and Tolkien. Dr. Williams was my English professor in numerous classes in college, and there were times when I could hear his voice as I read his weighty but still accessible prose. A book dealing with topics as heavy as these could easily have been expanded into a 1,000 page monolith (and I'm sure Dr. Williams had to resist this very temptation) but the chapters breeze by, though this was sometimes disappointing because there were some mammoth-sized hunks of literary meat that would take an entire college semester to digest. Mere Humanity is a must-read if you're a fan of these titans of Western literature or if you like a bit of fantasy and whimsy blended in with apologetics and intellectual gymnastics."
December 5, 2024
unintentionally and unfortunately read this quite slowly, picking it up and putting it down over a couple of months or so. However, once I finished I went back through all of my underlines in hopes to wrap my head around the book, which was helpful.
Chesterton, Lewis, and Tolkien: my literary Holy Trinity. These dudes have shaped my life and worldview in more ways than I know, and have opened my eyes to the good, the true, and the beautiful. Was excited to see what Williams had to say.
There were some really good parts of this book, and also some not so great. I'll briefly discuss both.
Williams primarily focused on one particular author (and one of their particular books) in each chapter, although there's much interweaving and building off of one another's ideas as expected (Lewis and Tolkien were hugely influenced by Chesterton and one another).
For Chesterton, Williams primarily discussed The Everlasting Man, and how Chesterton argues art is the signature of man. He suggests it is what differentiates himself from the animals, and points to the ultimate Creator. We create art because we are created by an Artist and made in His image. We tell stories and best understand life as a story because there is an ultimate Storyteller. Chesterton was fighting the reductionism of his time (and the time to come), and he fights well.
For Lewis, Williams primarily discussed The Abolition of Man, but also touched on The Space Trilogy and the Chronicles of Narnia. Williams portrays Lewis as a prophet, calling out those in his day who'd begun to reject Truth (specifically within the education system), and he warned that if things didn't change (if we didn't return to the Truth), we would become "men without chests," something less than human. Williams discusses Lewis' Tao, which in short is the belief "that certain attitudes are really true, and others really false, to the kind of thing the universe is and the kind of things we are." Lewis is arguing for objective truth, that absolutes like good and evil and right and wrong must be held to, or else there is chaos. Lewis couldn't have been more right.
For Tolkien, Williams discussed the Lord of the Rings and faerie. He talked about how one feature of the fairy story which is central to Tolkien's literary apologetic is the happy ending (begins with "once upon a time" and ends "happily ever after"). But it's not just the fact that things turn out well: "it is a sudden and miraculous grace... it does not deny the existence of... sorrow and failure: the possibility of these is necessary to the joy of deliverance. That is why, when the "turn" comes, there is "a catch of the breath, a beat and lifting of the heart... as keen as that given by any form of literary art. He calls this eucatastrophe, and suggests that it moves us so because it carries a glimpse of deeper realities about who we are—about our own story, as it were. And the greatest eucatastrophe is the gospel, the story that entered history and the primary world. Williams writes, "the incarnation, sacrifice, and resurrection of Christ not only complete and fulfill Old Testament prophecy, they also complete and fulfill the plots of all the great myths and fairy stories of the human race."
Williams included two appendixes that were essentially a tangent about postmodernism. Which is fair, but wish they weren't included. Didn't jive well with his discussions on the works of Chesterton, Lewis, and Tolkien in my opinion. A rough landing to the reading experience.
In conclusion, this book felt like an intro to Chesterton, Lewis, and Tolkien course, which I'm not upset about. Williams discussed the main ideas in their greatest works, and how they're full of the good, the true, and the beautiful. Thankful for Williams and how he brought these three together.
Chesterton, Lewis, and Tolkien: my literary Holy Trinity. These dudes have shaped my life and worldview in more ways than I know, and have opened my eyes to the good, the true, and the beautiful. Was excited to see what Williams had to say.
There were some really good parts of this book, and also some not so great. I'll briefly discuss both.
Williams primarily focused on one particular author (and one of their particular books) in each chapter, although there's much interweaving and building off of one another's ideas as expected (Lewis and Tolkien were hugely influenced by Chesterton and one another).
For Chesterton, Williams primarily discussed The Everlasting Man, and how Chesterton argues art is the signature of man. He suggests it is what differentiates himself from the animals, and points to the ultimate Creator. We create art because we are created by an Artist and made in His image. We tell stories and best understand life as a story because there is an ultimate Storyteller. Chesterton was fighting the reductionism of his time (and the time to come), and he fights well.
For Lewis, Williams primarily discussed The Abolition of Man, but also touched on The Space Trilogy and the Chronicles of Narnia. Williams portrays Lewis as a prophet, calling out those in his day who'd begun to reject Truth (specifically within the education system), and he warned that if things didn't change (if we didn't return to the Truth), we would become "men without chests," something less than human. Williams discusses Lewis' Tao, which in short is the belief "that certain attitudes are really true, and others really false, to the kind of thing the universe is and the kind of things we are." Lewis is arguing for objective truth, that absolutes like good and evil and right and wrong must be held to, or else there is chaos. Lewis couldn't have been more right.
For Tolkien, Williams discussed the Lord of the Rings and faerie. He talked about how one feature of the fairy story which is central to Tolkien's literary apologetic is the happy ending (begins with "once upon a time" and ends "happily ever after"). But it's not just the fact that things turn out well: "it is a sudden and miraculous grace... it does not deny the existence of... sorrow and failure: the possibility of these is necessary to the joy of deliverance. That is why, when the "turn" comes, there is "a catch of the breath, a beat and lifting of the heart... as keen as that given by any form of literary art. He calls this eucatastrophe, and suggests that it moves us so because it carries a glimpse of deeper realities about who we are—about our own story, as it were. And the greatest eucatastrophe is the gospel, the story that entered history and the primary world. Williams writes, "the incarnation, sacrifice, and resurrection of Christ not only complete and fulfill Old Testament prophecy, they also complete and fulfill the plots of all the great myths and fairy stories of the human race."
Williams included two appendixes that were essentially a tangent about postmodernism. Which is fair, but wish they weren't included. Didn't jive well with his discussions on the works of Chesterton, Lewis, and Tolkien in my opinion. A rough landing to the reading experience.
In conclusion, this book felt like an intro to Chesterton, Lewis, and Tolkien course, which I'm not upset about. Williams discussed the main ideas in their greatest works, and how they're full of the good, the true, and the beautiful. Thankful for Williams and how he brought these three together.
June 25, 2010
An odd book. Williams seems to be stuck in the middle of attempting to describe the works of Chesterton, Lewis and Tolkien while at the same time writing about the human condition as seen from the Christian perspective. This gets him lost, at times, writing very simple descriptions of the plots and in explaining (at least to me) somewhat obvious meanings and metaphors. Perhaps that I've read almost all of the books (I've only not read Chesterton and am in the middle of That Hideous Strength) and maybe it's because I'm a student of literature, but I found Williams to, most of the time, write on things that I understood somewhat fully after giving the actual text a read once or twice. Saying that, at times Williams is very poetic (and I don't refer to his own poems that he intersperses between chapters) in his descriptions, particularly about Tolkien. Again, this may because I enjoy Tolkien's work more than Lewis' (again, I haven't read Chesterton). In the end, the book touched upon a lot of interesting ideas in a short space, but only described them instead of continuing them and taking them further. This probably wasn't the goal of the book, perhaps, but at times it seemed like Williams wanted to make it so.
July 2, 2015
If I had to recommend two books on a Christian doctrine of human beings, they would Anthony Hoekema's Created in God's Image for solid biblical exegesis and Donald Williams's Mere Humanity for creative worldview application. Very insightful.
February 17, 2025
Donald T. Williams' Mere Humanity: G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien on the Human Condition is an exploration of what it means to be human through the lens of three of the 20th century’s most influential Christian thinkers. Williams examines how Chesterton, Lewis, and Tolkien—each in their own distinct way—defended the uniqueness of humanity against the over simplified, reductionist tendencies of modern thought.
Williams' argument is that these writers present a vision of humanity that is neither purely materialistic nor overly sentimental but rather grounded in the Christian understanding of human beings as creatures made in the image of God. He skillfully weaves literary analysis, philosophy, and theology to show how their works respond to contemporary challenges, particularly those posed by scientism and secularism.
Williams delves into each of the author’s works that most clearly demonstrate the nature of humanity as it relates to their image of God. Although I have read much of Tolkien, Lewis, and some of Chesterton, I have not read Lewis’ Space Trilogy, which Williams spends a good deal of time with.
Because Williams writes with clarity and enthusiasm, making deep ideas engaging and understandable, I was still able to gain much profit from his comparisons, even in the works I have not yet read. He aptly draws connections between the three authors, highlighting their shared convictions while respecting their individual voices. Whether discussing Chesterton’s wit, Lewis’s rational defense of faith, or Tolkien’s mythopoeic imagination, Williams presents a cohesive and thought-provoking argument.
While Mere Humanity is most suited for readers interested in Christian apologetics, literature, and philosophy, it also offers valuable insights for anyone wrestling with questions about human nature and meaning. Fans of Chesterton, Lewis, and Tolkien will appreciate the way Williams brings their ideas into dialogue with one another and with modern debates.
Mere Humanity is a thoughtful and engaging work that deepens appreciation for these literary giants while challenging readers to consider what it truly means to be human.
Williams' argument is that these writers present a vision of humanity that is neither purely materialistic nor overly sentimental but rather grounded in the Christian understanding of human beings as creatures made in the image of God. He skillfully weaves literary analysis, philosophy, and theology to show how their works respond to contemporary challenges, particularly those posed by scientism and secularism.
Williams delves into each of the author’s works that most clearly demonstrate the nature of humanity as it relates to their image of God. Although I have read much of Tolkien, Lewis, and some of Chesterton, I have not read Lewis’ Space Trilogy, which Williams spends a good deal of time with.
Because Williams writes with clarity and enthusiasm, making deep ideas engaging and understandable, I was still able to gain much profit from his comparisons, even in the works I have not yet read. He aptly draws connections between the three authors, highlighting their shared convictions while respecting their individual voices. Whether discussing Chesterton’s wit, Lewis’s rational defense of faith, or Tolkien’s mythopoeic imagination, Williams presents a cohesive and thought-provoking argument.
While Mere Humanity is most suited for readers interested in Christian apologetics, literature, and philosophy, it also offers valuable insights for anyone wrestling with questions about human nature and meaning. Fans of Chesterton, Lewis, and Tolkien will appreciate the way Williams brings their ideas into dialogue with one another and with modern debates.
Mere Humanity is a thoughtful and engaging work that deepens appreciation for these literary giants while challenging readers to consider what it truly means to be human.
December 15, 2021
A thoughtful look at one of the most important questions - "What is the purpose of human life?"
"It is the simple truth that man does differ from the brutes in kind and not in degree; and the proof of it is here; that it sounds like a truism to say that the most primitive man drew a picture of a monkey and that it sounds like a joke to say that the most intelligent monkey drew a picture of a man. Something of division and disproportion has appeared; and it is unique. Art is the signature of man." ~ G.K. Chesterton, The Everlasting Man
"Here's the marvel: that the self-contained
And all-sufficient triple Unity Which for untold eternities had reigned Complete in its own pure simplicity Should will unnecessary worlds to be. And yet his mind was steel, his purpose flint: He struck off sparks of flaming ecstasy And called the stars by name. The thing he meant? To make his glory visible. He sent Forth pulsing space-time-matter-energy Which danced in pirouettes as on it went. Just one thing more was needed: eyes to see And skin to feel, and mind to comprehend.
He called it Adam, and there made an end." ~ D.T.W.
"It is the simple truth that man does differ from the brutes in kind and not in degree; and the proof of it is here; that it sounds like a truism to say that the most primitive man drew a picture of a monkey and that it sounds like a joke to say that the most intelligent monkey drew a picture of a man. Something of division and disproportion has appeared; and it is unique. Art is the signature of man." ~ G.K. Chesterton, The Everlasting Man
"Here's the marvel: that the self-contained
And all-sufficient triple Unity Which for untold eternities had reigned Complete in its own pure simplicity Should will unnecessary worlds to be. And yet his mind was steel, his purpose flint: He struck off sparks of flaming ecstasy And called the stars by name. The thing he meant? To make his glory visible. He sent Forth pulsing space-time-matter-energy Which danced in pirouettes as on it went. Just one thing more was needed: eyes to see And skin to feel, and mind to comprehend.
He called it Adam, and there made an end." ~ D.T.W.
February 28, 2021
When our local Border's Bookstore closed down a new bookshop rolled in to take its place. I bought this book from that new bookshop, and although I love the concept behind the book, and the content is comprised of some of my favourite authors, I still found myself unable to get too far into the book. I'm not sure, and I don't want to say too much until I try again (and a little harder), but the author (editor) didn't seem to weave the authors/concepts together very well for me. Maybe I'm wrong, I'll try again at some later date.
March 4, 2018
Chesterton, Lewis, Tolkien, what’s not to like?!
A very insightful analysis of a sample of each author’s work, particularly as they explore the nature of humanity. He provides clear examples from their works and combines them ample context and analysis to see that these explorations are intentional and critical to the work.
The work is philosophical and thoughtful. Thus it is dense and requires focused reading. It is worth the effort!
A very insightful analysis of a sample of each author’s work, particularly as they explore the nature of humanity. He provides clear examples from their works and combines them ample context and analysis to see that these explorations are intentional and critical to the work.
The work is philosophical and thoughtful. Thus it is dense and requires focused reading. It is worth the effort!
April 21, 2019
Mere Humanity is a study of whether man as being especially endowed by God to be more than an animal, is a myth. The question is prompted by contemporary concepts, such as materialism, naturalism, and Freudianism, which try to debunk the myth that man is anything but an animal. Williams answers by observing selected works of the three authors: G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien.
I found the book very useful and entertaining. While it is scholarly, offering a very good reference list for further study, it does not read as many academic papers do – for a very select group It is especially relevant for Christian scholars and students, but also offers an overview of three authors Christians should know. As Donald Williams is both a scholar and a pastor, he applies the literature to the world Christians live in.
I found the book very useful and entertaining. While it is scholarly, offering a very good reference list for further study, it does not read as many academic papers do – for a very select group It is especially relevant for Christian scholars and students, but also offers an overview of three authors Christians should know. As Donald Williams is both a scholar and a pastor, he applies the literature to the world Christians live in.
December 20, 2021
This book provides an interesting perspective to read Chesterton, Lewis, and Tolkien through. There were a lot of great insights, but I usually felt like the author had a bone to pick with postmodernism rather than honestly and respectfully engaging with its ideas. It’s worth reading for fans of the three authors, but it’s not necessarily something that I’ll ever come back to.
February 2, 2021
Fantastic book, I will re-read this book many times, absolutely amazing.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough, it is deep, thought provoking , I will undoubtedly re-read this one many times. I am adding Donald T Williams to my favorite authors list!
I cannot recommend this book highly enough, it is deep, thought provoking , I will undoubtedly re-read this one many times. I am adding Donald T Williams to my favorite authors list!
December 13, 2022
Definitely worth reading if you're a fan of any of these great writers.
April 2, 2025
definitely a slow read. Not sure a person could skim through and comprehend it
November 28, 2012
I think this book was mis-tittled. It would be more accurate if it was: "Mere Humanity: a review of G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis, and J. R. R. Tolkien's works"
"What is man?” and "What is the purpose of life on this earth?”...
I did not get an answer, well i got Williams' answer but that's quite one sided. In short, Man is God's creature and let me tell you why.
Some time the reverend takes over the scholar and goes from logic to metaphysic and back making Williams lose some credibility in the process.
Don't get me wrong, this book is not a Christian ranting against the perceived evil of our time. It rather highlights interesting philosophical questions. It has very nice insights from Williams as from Chesterton, Lewis and Tolkien works and i enjoyed most of it.
One might also add that William is much more knowledgeable about Lewis' works then with Chesterton's and Tolkien’s and it shows.
In the end, for all its merits, I was expecting a discussion between the three authors on what it is to be human while i got Williams scholarly interpretation of their works. So I give three stars
"What is man?” and "What is the purpose of life on this earth?”...
I did not get an answer, well i got Williams' answer but that's quite one sided. In short, Man is God's creature and let me tell you why.
Some time the reverend takes over the scholar and goes from logic to metaphysic and back making Williams lose some credibility in the process.
Don't get me wrong, this book is not a Christian ranting against the perceived evil of our time. It rather highlights interesting philosophical questions. It has very nice insights from Williams as from Chesterton, Lewis and Tolkien works and i enjoyed most of it.
One might also add that William is much more knowledgeable about Lewis' works then with Chesterton's and Tolkien’s and it shows.
In the end, for all its merits, I was expecting a discussion between the three authors on what it is to be human while i got Williams scholarly interpretation of their works. So I give three stars
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July 24, 2011Described as, "Philosophers list "What is man?" and "What is the purpose of life on this earth?" as two of the most important questions that must be asked by everyone in the quest to become a complete human being." Not sure I agree and definitely not sure this book answers these questions.
A more than cursory reading of Lewis's and Tolkien's works enhances understanding this book but it can be read without reading them but will be more difficult.
I read this for a book club and honestly have to say that I was pretty cheesed off at times while reading this. While there are parts that are illuminating and insightful, other areas are presumptuous and elitist. Can't wait to discuss this one.
A more than cursory reading of Lewis's and Tolkien's works enhances understanding this book but it can be read without reading them but will be more difficult.
I read this for a book club and honestly have to say that I was pretty cheesed off at times while reading this. While there are parts that are illuminating and insightful, other areas are presumptuous and elitist. Can't wait to discuss this one.
December 11, 2016
I wanted to like this book more than I did.
The author describes himself as a young person "wrestling with whether I could still believe the Christian faith in which I had been reared, given the failure (actually, to be more honest, refusal) of the Christians I knew to interact intelligently and responsibly with the problems of modern thought." I sympathize.
But ironically, I find myself wrestling with whether he can honestly perceive the modernist mindset from which he has written, given his failure (refusal?) to adequately (sympathetically?) engage the postmodern situation without sounding arbitrarily and alarmistly privileged. It seems (to me) to be a problem.
Or maybe I am the problem.
The author describes himself as a young person "wrestling with whether I could still believe the Christian faith in which I had been reared, given the failure (actually, to be more honest, refusal) of the Christians I knew to interact intelligently and responsibly with the problems of modern thought." I sympathize.
But ironically, I find myself wrestling with whether he can honestly perceive the modernist mindset from which he has written, given his failure (refusal?) to adequately (sympathetically?) engage the postmodern situation without sounding arbitrarily and alarmistly privileged. It seems (to me) to be a problem.
Or maybe I am the problem.
July 26, 2008
I am really enjoying this book. The first few chapters were hard to follow but I think that is more because of his style. I had to reread a lot to understand what he is saying. I am not conversant enough with philosophy and its language though I am trying. But, when he begins to talk about CS Lewis' scifi/fantasy books it really opened my eyes to what I had missed when reading those. So far so good...
May 29, 2011
This is one of those books I wish I'd read with a group of people - the ideas really need discussion and mulling over to sink in. Williams has distilled the ideas of Chesterton, Lewis and Tolkein on what separates humans from animals (and humans from angels/God), tackling the ideas of postmodernism/secularism and refuting them using examples from the three author's works.
My only quibble (besides the lack of reading companions) is that there was more on Lewis than the other two.
My only quibble (besides the lack of reading companions) is that there was more on Lewis than the other two.
April 11, 2016
I was reviewing this book as a possible textbook adoption for a course that I am teaching this summer. If you are a student of Lewis, Tolkien or Chesterton, you should do yourself a favor and read this study of their shared understanding on the concept of humanity. If you are not a student of these three writers, then you may want to avoid it. It requires some working knowledge of their writings, and the primary chapter (chapter 4, entitled "The Abolition of Hnau") is rather cumbersome.
October 27, 2012
I found that this book was valuable more for the primary sources it referenced than any insights from Williams. Not to say that Williams didn't have anything insightful to say, but his primary job seemed to be drawing the reader's attention to what these three men said rather than offering deep commentary on what they said.
June 18, 2012
Great book. Insightful. Enlightening. Don Williams understands the value of studying the works of each of these men and he has the ability to communicate clearly as to what our response should be to their examples. And the poetry isn't bad either!
December 25, 2015
Very good although hard to call it a classic. One must be well versed in Lewis and Tolkien to enjoy this. As someone who holds moderate interest in both it was difficult to follow at times. One thing is for sure, the space trilogy is coming up soon on my to-read list.
December 29, 2015
This book takes my three favorite authors (two of which where friends; both influenced by the other) and brings there cases for Christianity together in a book that's quick and easy to read, but leaves a profound impact.
May 29, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this read
Clear thinking from clear thinkers. One of my favorite aspects of Mere Humanity. It the way it adheres to reality. It is not lost in modern or postmodern confusion of relativism.
Clear thinking from clear thinkers. One of my favorite aspects of Mere Humanity. It the way it adheres to reality. It is not lost in modern or postmodern confusion of relativism.
July 30, 2011
A tour de force. Love the chapter on Tolkien and the two appendices!
Jim Prothero
Jim Prothero
July 25, 2013
On my shelf, and partially read - loved what I did read.
August 25, 2015
Lots of good insights on the imago dei based on GKC, Lewis and Tolkien.
January 16, 2017
A fair (in both senses of the word) critique of reductionism and postmodernism from the perspective of the three writers' works, alongside the author's own theological stance.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews