Mere Christianity

A 1952 book by C. S. Lewis presenting beliefs he considered common to Christian denominations. It developed from wartime radio talks and argues from morality toward Christian doctrine.

Moral argument: An argument for a moral reality or divine source based on the existence of objective moral obligations. Lewis opens with shared judgments about right and wrong as evidence for a moral law.
C. S. Lewis: A British writer and scholar known for works of Christian apologetics, fiction, and literary criticism. Lewis wrote and delivered the talks that became the book.
Christian evangelism: The communication of Christian belief with the aim of inviting others to faith. The book's accessible case for Christianity has often served introductory evangelism.
Denominationalism: The division of Christianity into distinct organized traditions with separate identities and structures. Lewis brackets many denominational differences to focus on common belief.
Natural law: The view that moral principles are grounded in human nature or rational order and can be known through reason. Lewis treats the moral law as more than a social convention.
The Christian Broadcasting Council: A British organization that arranged religious broadcasts during the Second World War. It commissioned Lewis's radio talks on Christian belief.
Christian ecumenism: Efforts to foster cooperation and unity among Christian churches and traditions. Lewis seeks common ground while acknowledging disagreements among denominations.
Anglicanism: A Christian tradition originating in the Church of England, with distinctive liturgy and ecclesiastical structure. Lewis's own church tradition informed his perspective, though the book aims beyond it.
Theism: Belief in the existence of at least one god. The book moves from moral argument to belief in a divine reality.
BBC radio talks: Broadcast talks delivered by the British Broadcasting Corporation to audiences across Britain. The book's original material reached listeners as wartime radio broadcasts.

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