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Lunatic, Liar, or Lord: Unveiling the Truth of Catholicism with C. S. Lewis's Mere Christianity
Does your intellect ever challenge your faith? Do you wish Catholicism felt more tangible and verifiable?C. S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity is renowned for its powerful, rational defense of the Christian faith, exploring foundational truths that have guided seekers for generations. Originally delivered as legendary radio broadcasts during World War II, this timeless classic continues to shape the way we understand morality, human nature, marriage, sin, forgiveness, faith, and hope.In Lunatic, Liar, or Unveiling the Truth of Catholicism with C. S. Lewis's Mere Christianity, theologian and popular Benedictine College professor Andrew Swafford brings fresh insight to Lewis’s work, making it even more engaging and relevant for today’s readers. Swafford examines Mere Christianity through the lens of Catholic teaching, revealing how Lewis’s arguments naturally point to the truth found in the Church.Through this thought-provoking exploration, you’ll wrestle with life’s biggest should I care about God?Are there compelling reasons to believe?Does Catholicism best explain my experiences?Can faith truly transform my life?Who is Jesus, and how can we be sure?What difference does Jesus make—and why does it matter?Did Jesus establish an institutional Church?
More than just an analysis, Lunatic, Liar, or Lord is an invitation to experience Catholicism in a way that speaks to both the heart and the mind. With clarity, depth, and intellectual rigor, Swafford helps you see faith through a transformative new lens—one that respects reason while nurturing belief.If you’ve ever questioned, wrestled, or wondered, this book is for you.
More than just an analysis, Lunatic, Liar, or Lord is an invitation to experience Catholicism in a way that speaks to both the heart and the mind. With clarity, depth, and intellectual rigor, Swafford helps you see faith through a transformative new lens—one that respects reason while nurturing belief.If you’ve ever questioned, wrestled, or wondered, this book is for you.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 5, 2026
Devotional apologetics, not academic theology
Thank you to NetGalley, Andrew Swafford, and RBmedia | Christian Audio for this advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Andrew Swafford's Lunatic, Liar, or Lord: Unveiling the Truth of Catholicism with C. S. Lewis's Mere Christianity examines C.S. Lewis's famous work through a Catholic lens. Swafford takes Lewis's trilemma argument that Jesus must be either a lunatic, a liar, or the Lord and argues that the fullness of this truth is found within Catholicism.
Jim Denison narrates the audiobook. He does a very good job. His tone works well for the material. The narration ran a bit slow for me so I sped it up, but that's just my preference. The actual performance is solid.
I have a BA in Gender Studies and attended seminary at a mainline seminary. I approach theological texts from an academic perspective. I expected this to be more academic than it turned out to be based on the description.
The theology in this book is heavy. Almost solid theology throughout. For those who ascribe to the Catholic faith, this is accessible. Swafford writes clearly and makes complex theological concepts digestible. The book is structured with each chapter focusing on a specific theme. That organization works well.
The writing is engaging. Swafford builds upon Lewis's arguments rather than just repeating them. He uses scriptural evidence, historical context, and philosophical reasoning to support his points. For practicing Catholics looking to deepen their understanding of their faith or connect Lewis's work to Catholic teaching, this delivers.
The problem is the bias. This book presents the Catholic interpretation as the only valid way to read Lewis. It treats Catholicism as the inevitable and logical conclusion of Christian faith. There is no engagement with other Christian traditions or their perspectives on Lewis's work. The book doesn't apply any critical lens when discussing Catholic doctrine. Assumptions are presented as fact rather than explored with scholarly rigor.
This is devotional apologetics, not academic theology. It's designed to strengthen Catholic faith and potentially convert readers, not to provide neutral scholarly analysis. The book doesn't present itself as apologetics explicitly, but it's clear about its stance. Anyone who is not Catholic will likely see the bias immediately.
For someone with theological training who values critical engagement with texts, this is limiting. Academic theology examines multiple interpretations, questions assumptions, and maintains scholarly distance. This book does none of that. It assumes Catholic doctrine is correct and works backward from there.
The book claims to unveil truth but really it argues for one specific tradition's interpretation. That's fine if you're a practicing Catholic seeking devotional material or catechesis. It's not fine if you're looking for balanced theological scholarship or academic analysis of Lewis's work.
I found this informative in understanding how Catholic thinkers connect Lewis to their tradition. But the lack of critical engagement and the assumption that Catholicism is the only legitimate reading of Christianity made this feel narrow. If you approach theology academically or come from another Christian tradition, you'll find this frustrating.
This works for practicing Catholics wanting to deepen their faith, readers seeking apologetic resources to defend Catholic teaching, people interested in how Lewis's work connects to Catholic doctrine specifically, and those looking for devotional material rather than scholarship. If you want academic theology, critical analysis of Lewis, engagement with multiple Christian perspectives, or scholarly rigor, this won't deliver.
Solid devotional material for Catholics, but too biased for academic or ecumenical readers.
Thank you to NetGalley, Andrew Swafford, and RBmedia | Christian Audio for this advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Andrew Swafford's Lunatic, Liar, or Lord: Unveiling the Truth of Catholicism with C. S. Lewis's Mere Christianity examines C.S. Lewis's famous work through a Catholic lens. Swafford takes Lewis's trilemma argument that Jesus must be either a lunatic, a liar, or the Lord and argues that the fullness of this truth is found within Catholicism.
Jim Denison narrates the audiobook. He does a very good job. His tone works well for the material. The narration ran a bit slow for me so I sped it up, but that's just my preference. The actual performance is solid.
I have a BA in Gender Studies and attended seminary at a mainline seminary. I approach theological texts from an academic perspective. I expected this to be more academic than it turned out to be based on the description.
The theology in this book is heavy. Almost solid theology throughout. For those who ascribe to the Catholic faith, this is accessible. Swafford writes clearly and makes complex theological concepts digestible. The book is structured with each chapter focusing on a specific theme. That organization works well.
The writing is engaging. Swafford builds upon Lewis's arguments rather than just repeating them. He uses scriptural evidence, historical context, and philosophical reasoning to support his points. For practicing Catholics looking to deepen their understanding of their faith or connect Lewis's work to Catholic teaching, this delivers.
The problem is the bias. This book presents the Catholic interpretation as the only valid way to read Lewis. It treats Catholicism as the inevitable and logical conclusion of Christian faith. There is no engagement with other Christian traditions or their perspectives on Lewis's work. The book doesn't apply any critical lens when discussing Catholic doctrine. Assumptions are presented as fact rather than explored with scholarly rigor.
This is devotional apologetics, not academic theology. It's designed to strengthen Catholic faith and potentially convert readers, not to provide neutral scholarly analysis. The book doesn't present itself as apologetics explicitly, but it's clear about its stance. Anyone who is not Catholic will likely see the bias immediately.
For someone with theological training who values critical engagement with texts, this is limiting. Academic theology examines multiple interpretations, questions assumptions, and maintains scholarly distance. This book does none of that. It assumes Catholic doctrine is correct and works backward from there.
The book claims to unveil truth but really it argues for one specific tradition's interpretation. That's fine if you're a practicing Catholic seeking devotional material or catechesis. It's not fine if you're looking for balanced theological scholarship or academic analysis of Lewis's work.
I found this informative in understanding how Catholic thinkers connect Lewis to their tradition. But the lack of critical engagement and the assumption that Catholicism is the only legitimate reading of Christianity made this feel narrow. If you approach theology academically or come from another Christian tradition, you'll find this frustrating.
This works for practicing Catholics wanting to deepen their faith, readers seeking apologetic resources to defend Catholic teaching, people interested in how Lewis's work connects to Catholic doctrine specifically, and those looking for devotional material rather than scholarship. If you want academic theology, critical analysis of Lewis, engagement with multiple Christian perspectives, or scholarly rigor, this won't deliver.
Solid devotional material for Catholics, but too biased for academic or ecumenical readers.
May 26, 2025
Book Review: Lunatic, Liar, or Lord: Unveiling the Truth of Catholicism with C. S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity by Andrew Swafford
Note: I am not a theologian, so take these layman's opinions for what you will; some elements may be misinterpreted.
Overview
Andrew Swafford’s Lunatic, Liar, or Lord offers a compelling synthesis of C. S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity and Catholic theology, bridging rational apologetics with the sacramental worldview of the Church. Swafford, a theologian and professor at Benedictine College, reinterprets Lewis’s classic arguments—notably the “Trilemma” (Jesus as liar, lunatic, or Lord)—through a distinctly Catholic lens. The book’s 13 chapters, including standout sections like What Is a Human? And Why? and Does Christianity Really Work?, systematically address existential questions while grounding them in historical evidence (e.g., New Testament reliability) and philosophical rigor.
Key Contributions
-Catholicizing Lewis: Swafford deftly expands Lewis’s Protestant-leaning framework to align with Catholic doctrine, particularly on the Church’s authority, sacraments, and the telos of human desire (The Fulfillment of All Desire). This fills a gap in Lewis scholarship, which often sidesteps ecclesiology.
-Apologetics for the Modern Mind: The book tackles contemporary skepticism (e.g., Why should I care about God? ") with clarity, weaving personal reflection with structured arguments. Swafford’s chapter Mere Catholicism: From the Trinity to the Tabernacle exemplifies this, linking Lewis’s moral argument to Eucharistic theology.
-Historical Rigor: Supplementary notes on New Testament historicity provide scholarly ballast, appealing to readers who crave empirical grounding for faith.
-Pastoral Sensitivity: Swafford avoids dry academia; his prose is accessible yet profound, echoing Lewis’s gift for making complex ideas relatable (e.g., Can faith transform my life?).
Critique
The book’s unusual formatting (noted in and may be limited to the ARC Kindle edition) may distract some readers, and a deeper engagement with critics of Lewis’s Trilemma could strengthen its apologetic weight. Nevertheless, Swafford’s work remains a vital resource.
How would I describe this book?
-A Catholic roadmap through Lewis’s Mere Christianity—intellectually robust and spiritually alive.
-Swafford answers the Trilemma with a fourth option: The Church.
-For doubters and devotees alike—faith meets reason in this transformative read.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to Ave Maria Press for the advance review copy. Swafford’s integration of Lewis and Catholic teaching is both timely and timeless, offering a fresh apologetic for a new generation.
Recommendation
Essential for Lewis enthusiasts, Catholic educators, and seekers wrestling with faith’s rational foundations. Swafford’s work proves that Catholicism doesn’t suppress intellectual inquiry—it fulfills it.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Academic utility: Ideal for theology courses, apologetics seminars, and parish study groups.
Note: I am not a theologian, so take these layman's opinions for what you will; some elements may be misinterpreted.
Overview
Andrew Swafford’s Lunatic, Liar, or Lord offers a compelling synthesis of C. S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity and Catholic theology, bridging rational apologetics with the sacramental worldview of the Church. Swafford, a theologian and professor at Benedictine College, reinterprets Lewis’s classic arguments—notably the “Trilemma” (Jesus as liar, lunatic, or Lord)—through a distinctly Catholic lens. The book’s 13 chapters, including standout sections like What Is a Human? And Why? and Does Christianity Really Work?, systematically address existential questions while grounding them in historical evidence (e.g., New Testament reliability) and philosophical rigor.
Key Contributions
-Catholicizing Lewis: Swafford deftly expands Lewis’s Protestant-leaning framework to align with Catholic doctrine, particularly on the Church’s authority, sacraments, and the telos of human desire (The Fulfillment of All Desire). This fills a gap in Lewis scholarship, which often sidesteps ecclesiology.
-Apologetics for the Modern Mind: The book tackles contemporary skepticism (e.g., Why should I care about God? ") with clarity, weaving personal reflection with structured arguments. Swafford’s chapter Mere Catholicism: From the Trinity to the Tabernacle exemplifies this, linking Lewis’s moral argument to Eucharistic theology.
-Historical Rigor: Supplementary notes on New Testament historicity provide scholarly ballast, appealing to readers who crave empirical grounding for faith.
-Pastoral Sensitivity: Swafford avoids dry academia; his prose is accessible yet profound, echoing Lewis’s gift for making complex ideas relatable (e.g., Can faith transform my life?).
Critique
The book’s unusual formatting (noted in and may be limited to the ARC Kindle edition) may distract some readers, and a deeper engagement with critics of Lewis’s Trilemma could strengthen its apologetic weight. Nevertheless, Swafford’s work remains a vital resource.
How would I describe this book?
-A Catholic roadmap through Lewis’s Mere Christianity—intellectually robust and spiritually alive.
-Swafford answers the Trilemma with a fourth option: The Church.
-For doubters and devotees alike—faith meets reason in this transformative read.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to Ave Maria Press for the advance review copy. Swafford’s integration of Lewis and Catholic teaching is both timely and timeless, offering a fresh apologetic for a new generation.
Recommendation
Essential for Lewis enthusiasts, Catholic educators, and seekers wrestling with faith’s rational foundations. Swafford’s work proves that Catholicism doesn’t suppress intellectual inquiry—it fulfills it.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Academic utility: Ideal for theology courses, apologetics seminars, and parish study groups.
October 17, 2025
Lunatic, Liar, or Lord is best explained by the singular tag line, “if you’ve ever questioned, wrestled, or wondered, this book is for you”. I was intrigued by the connection to C.S. Lewis, such a masterful, prolific, and powerful writer. Apologetics can be tricky and confusing to read and process, but in this wonderfully written book, Andrew Swafford uses core truths from Mere Christianity to help you on that journey. It doesn’t tell you what to think, but rather, how to approach the question and think through it. I love the forward that explains you don’t have to be familiar with or have a copy of Mere Christianity on hand. Instead, this book takes many of the truths found in Mere Christianity and updates them with nuanced additions. The first part addresses Who God is and Who We Are, then is moves into Jesus and His Divinity, then concludes with The Jesus Effect. Regardless of your faith belief, you will appreciate the explanations and connections to relevance in your own life today. Staying true to C.S. Lewis style, the content is concise and written in a way that is relevant and easy to understand. Read this for yourself to challenge and refresh yourself. Gift or give it to others to open up great discussions. Pace yourself and allow time to think through and process the content.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews