C.S. Lewis: Mere Christianity Essay -- Lewis Mere Christianity Essays

C.S. Lewis: Mere Christianity C.S. Lewis covers many topics in his fourth book contained in Mere Christianity titled BEYOND PERSONALITY: OR FIRST STEPS IN THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY. He addresses such topics as theology, what it means to be the Son of God, the three personal God, the relationship of God and time, the cost of being a Christian, how God works to turn us into image of Christ, why Christian growth is both hard and easy, and also what he thinks about our old personalities before becoming Christians. These are all relative topics that apply to us and our daily lives. Learning and understanding this book can help a Christian tremendously in forming a deeper relationship with God. Chapter One is a discussion about life and how it relates to God. Theology is the science of God. Lewis compares theology to a map. A map is formed from accumulated experience, not just one view. Christian doctrines are based on the accumulated experience of hundreds of people who were in touch with God. He then discusses what it means that God has brought us into existence and loves us and in that way is like a father. Lewis then goes on to describe the difference between begetting and creation. Begetting is to be the father of and to create is to make. According to Lewis, â€Å"What God begets is God; just as what man begets is man. What God creates is not God; just as what man creates is not man.† In Chapter Two C.S. Lewis makes the point that Christians are the only ones to believe that God is something that is super-personal. Others believe in God, but not in a personal God. They think there is a mysterious something behind all things. They make this â€Å"something† impersonal or less than personal. Lewis points out that some people believe that when you die the soul is absorbed by God. They explain this using the analogy that the soul is like a drop of water dropped into the ocean. But this really means that by being absorbed you do not exist. Christians believe that they are taken into God and still remain unique. They become, in fact, more that they were before. Lewis compares the relationship with God to the three dimensions of space. The dimensions involve complexity and understanding. He explains the relationship with God this way; â€Å"as a being who is three persons while remaining one Being.† Christians believe in God, they also want to be close to God and they k... ...st will give you a real personality. I consider this book the best of the four. It provided a lot of practical information and explanation of Christian beliefs. It addressed some difficult and complex issues that each Christian must face. It is definitely a book that makes you think. The chapter on the concept of time and God really meant a lot to me. The fact that God is always in the present and can hear our prayers individually and attend to them individually is comforting. The example of God being the page that a time line is drawn on and is in the past, present and future at the same time is a good illustration. That helped me understand the concept better. This book provides a lot of good information that has helped better understand God and our relationship with Him. This information will give me more confidence and will enable me to better defend my faith and to share that faith with others. This is a book that I recommend that all Christians read. It is a book that will really make you think. For me it was kind of tough to read and understand at times, but it is worth the effort and time. This book will arm the believer with answers to complex and difficult issues.