Week 1: Preface — What Lewis Means by 'Mere Christianity'

1.Lewis uses the image of a hallway leading into separate rooms to describe 'mere Christianity.' What is the hall, and what are the rooms? Why does he think it matters to get people into the hall before worrying about which room they enter?

2.He deliberately avoids advocating for any particular denomination. Do you find this approach reassuring or frustrating? What might be gained — and lost — by focusing only on what all Christians share?

3.Lewis admits that some of his positions will offend everyone at some point. He sees this as a sign he is being honest rather than merely diplomatic. Do you think that's a fair standard? Can you think of a belief you hold that genuinely offends people on both sides of an argument?

4.Lewis says the book is not primarily aimed at 'the converted.' Who do you think is the ideal reader of *Mere Christianity*? Where do you locate yourself on that spectrum right now?

5.The Preface was added later, after the radio talks. What does the care Lewis takes in defining his terms suggest about how he thinks good argument and good faith work together?

6.As you begin this study, what is your single biggest question or area of doubt about Christianity? Write it down. We'll return to it at the end of the guide.