Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis is a powerful apologetic for the Christian faith, exploring the common ground upon which all Christians stand.

This literary classic is actually a set of four books adapted from BBC radio talks by Lewis that were broadcast during World War II:

Book One – Right and Wrong as a Clue to the Meaning of the Universe
Book Two – What Christians Believe
Book Three – Christian Behavior
Book Four – Beyond Personality (or First Steps in the Doctrine of the Trinity)

Published in one volume as Mere Christianity, these titles provide an unequaled opportunity for believers and nonbelievers alike to hear a strong, rational case for the Christian faith. Indeed, due to Lewis’ personal approach to religious belief as a skeptic, and his following conversion, he has been called “The Apostle to the Skeptics.”

The Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal by Stacy Farrell (author of Philosophy Adventure) is a study guide for C.S. Lewis’ classic work that strengthens critical thinking while cultivating a biblical worldview. The questions and answers can be discussed in a classroom setting, or studied on an individual basis.

Each chapter has 10-16 questions, ranging from short answers to longer writing prompts, all of which are designed to help readers further contemplate what they read in Mere Christianity. Here are some examples of the types of questions that are asked:

• “What analogy does Lewis use to express the relationship between Christianity and other religions?”

• “What does it mean to have free will? Why would God grant His creatures free will if He knew they could use it to choose evil?”

• “How might Lewis respond to people who say that they believe Jesus was a great moral teacher, but they do not believe His claim the He was/is God?”

• “How does Lewis answer the question, ‘What good will Christ’s death be to us if we don’t understand it?’”

• “What does it mean to believe something on authority?”

• “In what way is a Christian different from other people who are trying to be good?”

The Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal includes an answer key with suggested answers to which you can compare your responses. This is especially useful when studying by yourself. But don’t let the answers that have been already provided limit your own thinking. As the journal author explains, “The answer key is only a guide. Many of the questions solicit personal opinion or may have multiple correct answers.”

The journal questions for the first three books of Mere Christianity were originally created by Stacy Farrell for her Philosophy Adventure program. While the Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal is recommended as a companion resource to Philosophy Adventure, it also stands on its own as part of a philosophy, literature, logic, critical thinking, theology or Bible study course.

In addition, the Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal offers a good way for students to practice their writing skills. Mrs. Farrell says, “Parents, encourage your students to write every day. Then take the time to read and comment on what they write. Even if you do not consider yourself a writer, surely you consider yourself a reader. What is clear? What is confusing? Applaud their efforts and tell them the truth.”

The Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal is recommended for middle school and high school students, as well as adults. It can be used by homeschoolers for independent study; in family devotions with older children; or in a small group, co-op, classroom, or Sunday school setting. If you don’t already have a copy of Mere Christianity, click here for a FREE Mere Christianity e-book to use with your journal.

About the Author: Stacy Farrell is a homeschool mom, conference speaker, and workshop leader. She has taught a variety of classes including world history, philosophy, creative writing, essay writing, critical thinking, and speech communication. As both a writer and a teacher, she has a passion for empowering teens to recover territory lost to fuzzy thinking and low expectations.You can find all of her resources at www.homeschooladventure.com.

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Right now the Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal is available at a 10% discount (print or digital versions) with promo code 10OFFMC (until January 31, 2014).

NOTE: I received a preview copy of the Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal in exchange for my honest review. The links in this post are affiliate links.

P.S. This post was updated on 1/16/14 to reflect the current availability of the Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal.