Mere Christianity - or is it?

Firstly, welcome to Bishop Kay today. She lives a busy life and today we are a part of it.Bishop Kay was on retreat this week; I moved a bookshelf. Over the years you collect books that represent a time. Some have lost their relevance so out they go. Others seem outdated but I'm amazed at how relevant their message still is, while others are simply timeless. One such gem is C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity.If someone asked you, "What is Christianity?", what would your answer be? Mere Christianity will help.In 1940 Britain was being pummelled by the German Luftwaffe. 400 planes a night were visiting their destruction on towns and cities across England. The authorities, as well as fighting with guns and aeroplanes, were concerned about losing the psychological battle; despair and fear were real.  So they asked the well known Cambridge don to give some radio talks on the BBC about his Christian faith, to rally flagging spirits.  Mere Christianity is the book form of those talks. It's durability is a testimony to its success. It had its 50th printing  ten years ago!Lewis himself had served as an infantryman in the WW1 trenches in the ‘war to end all wars’ -the war that had destroyed a whole generation of young men. And here, just 24 years later, Britain was at war again. What sense could be made of it? Mere Christianity records the practical reflections of a brilliant mind to a nation in turmoil; it speaks of decent humane behaviour, fair play, right from wrong and what God has to say to each one of us. It isn't interested in churchmanship or denominationalism or controversy. Lewis’ desire was to use words and arguments people could grasp to explain mere Christianity.Chapter 8 in Book 3 (Mere Christianity is four little books combined) changed my life totally, irrevocably and forever. God spoke to me directly through chapter 8, through this brilliant man! I love this book. I am here today because of this little book!If anyone thinks they're smart and thinks Christians are stupid, give them Mere Christianity. If you are smart and want to develop your Christian mind, read Mere Christianity. If you're not so smart and are frightened by books for smart people, read Mere Christianity as a group and discuss it. If the first bit bamboozles you, forget it and go to Book 2.Christians do well to read good Christian literature, discuss it, debate it. I think we should have a regularly-refreshed bookshop in church. I also think we need more opportunities for people to discuss their faith with the Bible as the basis, practical tools for living being present and helpful facilitators guiding.I'm offering such an opportunity to a Monday group. The theme will be: Being and doing discipleship - and John's gospel will be involved. If anyone would like to join me please call me directly or ring Margaret in the office.What sort of a 'mere' Christian are you?Malcolm