Mere Christianity

"Mere Christianity" is another of C.S. Lewis' works that I had often heard mentioned, but had not actually taken the time to read until this class. I think the part that I appreciated most was the preface and the goal that Lewis brings out there. Lewis makes clear that he is not writing a book that will dig into the many specific doctrines of the Christian faith. He is just going to be covering the basics, leaving the more detailed aspects to learned theologians. Lewis also makes clear that he is not writing from the perspective of any specific denomination. Rather, he is writing as a Christian, one who follows Christ.

I think that Lewis approach is a wise one. Even ammong the same denomination, disagreements often arise. This is why it is necessary to have elders to watch over what is being taught in the church, and it is also the reason for having clasis and synod, which help a denomination stay unified. Lewis, rather than brining out differences, emphaises the things that Christians agree about. This way, someone who reads through "Mere Christianity" and then goes to a Christian neighbor, or a Christian church will not be getting a mixed message about what it means to be Chrisitan. If this person is convinced of the truths that Lewis brings out, he will want to seach for more, and by reading God's Word, he will be able to find a denomination where he believes the preaching is as accurate as posible to that Word.

Even though I like Lewis approach to witnessing, I still belive denominations are important. Although love of God unites us, I would not feel comfortable in every Christian church. There are important doctrinal reason why seperate denominations exist. These can have a huge effect on how we understand God and his Word, how we serve him, and how we live our daily lives. There are also the factors of how the service is conducted. Are there female office bearers? Is there instrumental music? This sort of thing can also be a factor in deciding which denomination seems to be most accurate to the Word of God.