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What Christians Believe
A succinct statement of Christian doctrine from one of Christianity's most beloved thinkers
Master storyteller and essayist C. S. Lewis here tackles the central questions of the Christian faith: Who was Jesus? What did he accomplish? What does it mean for me?
In these classic essays, which began as talks on the BBC during World War II, Lewis creatively and simply explains the basic tenets of Christianity. Taken from the core section of Mere Christianity, this book provides an accessible way for people to discover these timeless truths. For those looking to remind themselves of what they hold true, or those looking for a snapshot of Christianity, this book is a wonderful introduction to the faith, as well as to Lewis' ideas and apologetics.
Master storyteller and essayist C. S. Lewis here tackles the central questions of the Christian faith: Who was Jesus? What did he accomplish? What does it mean for me?
In these classic essays, which began as talks on the BBC during World War II, Lewis creatively and simply explains the basic tenets of Christianity. Taken from the core section of Mere Christianity, this book provides an accessible way for people to discover these timeless truths. For those looking to remind themselves of what they hold true, or those looking for a snapshot of Christianity, this book is a wonderful introduction to the faith, as well as to Lewis' ideas and apologetics.
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First published September 25, 1952
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About the author
C.S. Lewis
1,014 books47.6k followersLibrarian 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]
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 194 reviews
February 5, 2020
I had this teacher for Pathophysiology in nursing school who could take the most complex, convoluted diagnosis and teach it in a way that most elementary school kids could largely understand. I will forever remember her class on cardiac tamponade, in which she took a hair tie and taught us the concept in three seconds flat.
I am continuously mesmerized by C.S. Lewis's ability to teach complex topics in ways that most elementary school kids could largely understand. And yet, he teaches it in such a way that the reader can't help but come away chewing on more.
But also, this dude pulls no punches. A philosopher who runs circles around topics he's studied and validated in depth, he's not here to stroke egos. Nope. I'll review more in depth in an overall review of Mere Christianity.
I'd rate this book a PG.
I am continuously mesmerized by C.S. Lewis's ability to teach complex topics in ways that most elementary school kids could largely understand. And yet, he teaches it in such a way that the reader can't help but come away chewing on more.
But also, this dude pulls no punches. A philosopher who runs circles around topics he's studied and validated in depth, he's not here to stroke egos. Nope. I'll review more in depth in an overall review of Mere Christianity.
I'd rate this book a PG.
April 30, 2018
hold on, I'm going to go reread this like a thousand more times.
November 4, 2008
This turned out to just be the second half of Mere Christianity but it was good to read again. C.S. Lewis' lecturing writing style isn't my favorite, but his ability comprehend and explain complex religious topics is amazing.
July 6, 2021
Lewis fits more wisdom into 100 pages than many authors can in 100 chapters.
October 11, 2021
I'm sorry C.S. Lewis fans. I don't mean to pick a fight with you. This read like Lewis's personal journal, and I'm not sure what it had to do with me.
The first two and a half chapters are a mythological good vs evil discussion. Most of the book seems to be more concerned with pop philosophy and culture than the Bible.
Eventually the book does get to mentioning reconciliation with God through Jesus, although it refuses to talk about this.
Repentance is briefly looked at, then there is the idea of the trio of baptism, communion, and belief as some kind of means, and finally we are told to choose the "right side" before it is too late.
Maybe other works by C.S. Lewis are better? I don't know. This is my first Lewis book since grade three. In any case, I did not find this helpful or compelling in any significant way.
The first two and a half chapters are a mythological good vs evil discussion. Most of the book seems to be more concerned with pop philosophy and culture than the Bible.
Eventually the book does get to mentioning reconciliation with God through Jesus, although it refuses to talk about this.
Repentance is briefly looked at, then there is the idea of the trio of baptism, communion, and belief as some kind of means, and finally we are told to choose the "right side" before it is too late.
Maybe other works by C.S. Lewis are better? I don't know. This is my first Lewis book since grade three. In any case, I did not find this helpful or compelling in any significant way.
May 12, 2009
Deep thoughts and stirs your mind to what you really believe and for what reason.
"You can be good for the mere sake of goodness: you cannot be bad for the mere sake of badness. You can do a kind action when you are not feeling kind and when it gives you no pleasure, simply because kindness is right; but no one ever did a cruel action simply because cruelty is wrong-only because cruelty was pleasant or useful to him."
"Goodness is, so to speak, itself: badness is only spoiled goodness."
See what I mean?
"You can be good for the mere sake of goodness: you cannot be bad for the mere sake of badness. You can do a kind action when you are not feeling kind and when it gives you no pleasure, simply because kindness is right; but no one ever did a cruel action simply because cruelty is wrong-only because cruelty was pleasant or useful to him."
"Goodness is, so to speak, itself: badness is only spoiled goodness."
See what I mean?
July 15, 2022
Didn't realize this before reading, but it's basically just the core chapter from Mere Christianity.
So, amen! And also, props to people making money off Lewis's work for just cutting out a couple chapters HAHA
So, amen! And also, props to people making money off Lewis's work for just cutting out a couple chapters HAHA
January 6, 2025
I mean CS Lewis is just iconic in the realm of Christian literature, some points were a little hard for me to grasp but overall very interesting. I liked that it’s not necessarily about the denomination and what the religion says you must believe in. It’s more human and talks about the commonality us Christians share and how we view this world as believers of Christ.
“Consequently atheism turns out to be too simple. If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark”
"A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher.
He would either be a lunatic—on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg-or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice"
“Consequently atheism turns out to be too simple. If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark”
"A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher.
He would either be a lunatic—on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg-or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice"
September 23, 2023
Wow. Books like this are why I love to read C.S. Lewis. This is such a short little book but it is packed with so much wisdom and challenging ideas. It is a summary of what we believe as Christians and yet, I, a Christian from my childhood, found so many new things to contemplate and think on. I need to read this again!
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
November 7, 2024
Mere Christianity Lite. Loved it, but to read this before or instead of MC would be a disservice to yourself.
December 15, 2021
I was pleasantly surprised to recognise in this the first section of Mere Christianity. I don't know if it was verbatim, but it probably was, as that book was just a collection of radio addresses if I remember correctly.
This excerpt contains Lewis's discussion of pantheism, dualism, the trilemma argument (Jesus is either Lord, Liar or Lunatic) and the fundamentals of the Christian kerygma, touching on divine justice, repentance, and the three ways of spreading the Christ-life - baptism, belief and communion.
It is marvellously succinct and characteristically well-written - probably the best part of Mere Christianity.
This excerpt contains Lewis's discussion of pantheism, dualism, the trilemma argument (Jesus is either Lord, Liar or Lunatic) and the fundamentals of the Christian kerygma, touching on divine justice, repentance, and the three ways of spreading the Christ-life - baptism, belief and communion.
It is marvellously succinct and characteristically well-written - probably the best part of Mere Christianity.
July 13, 2022
This is a very brief book addressing some fundamental issues of who a Christian is and why. It is less about thinking through Scripture and more about logic. An excellent book by C.S. Lewis to get one thinking even if you don’t agree with all of his positions.
February 9, 2019
A little hard to wrap my head around at some points but overall really great points of view and theories from different sides. Very thought provoking.
January 21, 2025
EN: C. S. Lewis succeeds in this book in creating an accessible introduction to Christianity, particularly aimed at those who call themselves "atheists" and who, when faced with precise questions, shift their ideology solely to attempt to undermine the credibility of the Christian faith.
RO: C. S. Lewis reușește, în această carte, să creeze o introducere accesibilă în creștinism, adresată în special celor care se declară „atei” și care, în fața unor întrebări precise, își schimbă ideologia doar pentru a încerca să submineze credibilitatea credinței creștine.
RO: C. S. Lewis reușește, în această carte, să creeze o introducere accesibilă în creștinism, adresată în special celor care se declară „atei” și care, în fața unor întrebări precise, își schimbă ideologia doar pentru a încerca să submineze credibilitatea credinței creștine.
March 21, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this little book that concisely sums up and explains many Christian beliefs. C.S. Lewis does such a good job of it; he helped me see things very clearly.
August 20, 2022
Basically it’s a shortened version of Mere Christianity. If you don’t have time to read all of Mere Christianity, this is a great highlight of it.
November 21, 2022
A wonderful, concise summary of the Christian faith. Lewis knows how to intrigue both people outside and inside the Christian faith.
May 23, 2023
Beautiful and straight to the point. Lewis minces no words in this quick and concise summarization.
April 7, 2024
Quite powerful even in its brevity, though it is better read with the rest of Mere Christianity.
August 16, 2024
What Christians Believe is a short read, but a deep one. I struggled with understanding a lot of it, and I'm not sure why. It was just confusing to follow from the middle of the book to the end. I liked the beginning and how it explained Christianity vs other religions. All in all, this was an okay read and maybe one I would like better if I read a print/Kindle copy.
January 11, 2023
First 5 star of the year! This was so good. C. S. Lewis just uses very common-sense, to-the-point reasoning that’s consistent with a lot of sermons I’ve heard at my church.
April 26, 2016
Good ole Clive writes in 98 miniature pages what Christians believe. You can easily read this book in one go. He begins a pattern of setting Christianity apart from other world views (pantheism, deism) and then after laying down a few bricks, he goes into some specifics (i.e. theories of the atonement) that are worthwhile, but seem a bit obscure. If his intent was to have this be the first primer on Christian beliefs, this book does a good job. But when read in context with the other radio talks, this book is fantastic. It's clear that this is part of a greater whole.
If you want Lewis' thoughts on What Christians Believe, this book won't be quite enough. Take the time and read not just this stellar section, but all of Mere Christianity. In fact, I recommend going from there to Problem of Pain, Miracles, and Four Loves. By itself, What Christians Believe is great, but not as satisfying, nor as fulfilling of a read as most of Lewis' work.
Here is a taste of what you can look forward to when you read this book.
“Besides being complicated, reality, in my experience, is usually odd. It is not neat, not obvious, not what you expect… Reality, in fact, is usually something you could not have guessed. That is one of the reasons I believe Christianity. It is a religion you could not have guessed.” (21, 22)
“Evil is a parasite, not an original thing.” (32)
“A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic— on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg— or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse.
You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to." (55-56)
"We are told that Christ was killed for us, that His death has washed out our sins, and that by dying He disabled death itself. That is the formula. That is Christianity. That is what has to be believed." (67)
"A live body is not one that never gets hurt, but one that can to some extent repair itself. In the same way a Christian is not a man who never goes wrong, but a man who is enabled to repent and pick himself up and begin over again after each stumble-- because the Christ-life is inside him repairing him all the time, enabling him to repeat (in some degree) the kind of voluntary death which Christ Himself carried out." (90-91)
If you want Lewis' thoughts on What Christians Believe, this book won't be quite enough. Take the time and read not just this stellar section, but all of Mere Christianity. In fact, I recommend going from there to Problem of Pain, Miracles, and Four Loves. By itself, What Christians Believe is great, but not as satisfying, nor as fulfilling of a read as most of Lewis' work.
Here is a taste of what you can look forward to when you read this book.
“Besides being complicated, reality, in my experience, is usually odd. It is not neat, not obvious, not what you expect… Reality, in fact, is usually something you could not have guessed. That is one of the reasons I believe Christianity. It is a religion you could not have guessed.” (21, 22)
“Evil is a parasite, not an original thing.” (32)
“A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic— on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg— or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse.
You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to." (55-56)
"We are told that Christ was killed for us, that His death has washed out our sins, and that by dying He disabled death itself. That is the formula. That is Christianity. That is what has to be believed." (67)
"A live body is not one that never gets hurt, but one that can to some extent repair itself. In the same way a Christian is not a man who never goes wrong, but a man who is enabled to repent and pick himself up and begin over again after each stumble-- because the Christ-life is inside him repairing him all the time, enabling him to repeat (in some degree) the kind of voluntary death which Christ Himself carried out." (90-91)
April 6, 2022
While not a new work from Lewis, it's a good reminder of some of the more important parts of Mere Christianity. It's a good introduction to the faith for those not ready to take on the longer text.
May 3, 2015
My personal favorite of the essay collections included in Mere Christianity.
"To what will you look for help if you will not look to that which is stronger than yourself?"
It is this piece of work that contains the famous "Lord, Liar, or Lunatic" commentary regarding Jesus. He makes his case with sharp wit and poignant sincerity--faltering in neither logic nor compassion.
Lewis breaks down the foundational elements of Christianity in surprisingly few words, yet with remarkably impactful quality of content. Each concept he explains is delivered with the imaginative force of multiple metaphors--striking from different angles with his vibrant word-pictures--in the obvious hopes of reaching the comprehension of a broader audience. His often lyrical prose leaves a resounding impression.
August 16, 2011
This was a very good quick snapshot of the Christian belief system. He doesn't go into what denomination believes what, but rather explains what's common to them all. He argues the existence of God, that Jesus is God, all the way through why God had to become man. Beliefs are easily misunderstood when you're describing them to people, but this is very clear and firm. There's not really any room to be confused. (July 2009)
December 30, 2009
I love C.S. Lewis. His books suck me right in and make me want to think more about life and God and why we're here. This book is collective writings from Mere Christianity (fabulous book). He doesn't try to persuade you or offer help as to which church to join, but rather gives his thoughts on Christianity and what it means to be a Christian.
July 20, 2022
all religions contain some hint of truth, sin of desiring to be like God, irony of free will to be very virtuous or evil, pick yourself up after each stumble, Christ operating thru us as Christians, choose right side now, take it or leave it.
April 20, 2015
The CD only takes one hour, but touches on many points. Remember that C.S. Lewis starts out from his position of being an atheist first, and a convert to Christianity. As usual, he writes with gentleness. Quite a lovely essay.
September 7, 2018
Really good explanation without getting too spiritual or mystical. Logical explanations from someone who previously was an atheist.
April 12, 2024
A great short read. Highly recommend.
C.S. Lewis does a wonderful job at taking complex questions about Christianity and gives precise, short, and very clear answers.
C.S. Lewis does a wonderful job at taking complex questions about Christianity and gives precise, short, and very clear answers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews