Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Mere Christianity
- Author: C.S. Lewis
- Narrator: Julian Rhind-Tutt
- Length: 07:07:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 13/05/2014
- Publisher: HarperAudio
- Genre: Religion & Spirituality, Christianity, Religious Studies, Counseling & Inspirational
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s something uniquely captivating about encountering C.S. Lewis’s “Mere Christianity” through the audiobook experience, narrated with finesse by Julian Rhind-Tutt. As I settled into the familiar cadence of Lewis’s wartime broadcast talks – originally delivered to a Britain weathering the storms of World War II – I found myself transported not just to that historical moment but also into a deeply personal dialogue with faith, reason, and the human condition. What fascinates me most is how this work, first published in 1952, remains strikingly fresh, its intellectual vigor undimmed by the passage of decades.
This reminds me of when I was a visiting professor in Tokyo, immersed in the layered narratives of Haruki Murakami. Reading “Kafka on the Shore” in both Japanese and English revealed how language shapes our grasp of meaning – an insight that echoes here as I listen to Lewis’s arguments unfold through Rhind-Tutt’s measured, British tones. Lewis’s text, a masterful blend of apologetics and moral philosophy, feels alive in this format, as if he’s seated across from me, patiently unpacking the rational case for Christian belief. Through a cultural lens, I can’t help but admire how he bridges the universal and the particular, speaking to believers and skeptics alike with a clarity that transcends his mid-20th-century context.
The audiobook, clocking in at just over seven hours, is an unabridged journey through Lewis’s exploration of what unites Christians across denominations. He begins with the moral law – ‘Right and Wrong as a Clue to the Meaning of the Universe’ – and builds toward a defense of theism, then Christianity specifically. His style is conversational yet rigorous, weaving analogies like the ‘fleet of ships’ (illustrating human relationships) with a precision that invites reflection. Listening to this, I recalled my Berkeley seminar on “Cloud Atlas”, where we debated how medium alters narrative. Here, the audiobook experience amplifies Lewis’s voice, making his logical progression feel less like a lecture and more like a fireside chat – an intimacy that the printed page, while brilliant, can’t quite replicate.
Julian Rhind-Tutt’s narration is a triumph. His voice carries a quiet authority, tinged with warmth, that suits Lewis’s tone perfectly. He navigates the text’s shifts – from philosophical exposition to gentle wit – with a deftness that keeps the listener engaged. The audio quality is crisp, with no distracting flourishes, allowing Lewis’s words to shine. Rhind-Tutt’s pacing is deliberate, giving weight to key moments, like when Lewis asserts, ‘If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.’ Hearing this aloud, I felt the resonance of that longing – a theme that’s haunted my own studies of literature across cultures.
The content itself is a treasure trove of intellectual and spiritual insight. Lewis tackles big questions – Why does morality exist? What does it mean to believe in God? – with a blend of humility and confidence. His chapter on ‘The Rival Conceptions of God’ stands out, offering a lucid comparison of pantheism, atheism, and the Christian view. Yet, it’s his practical wisdom that lingers: his discussion of virtues like charity and forgiveness feels as relevant today as it did in 1940s Britain. Through a cultural lens, I see parallels with Confucian ethics I’ve studied – both emphasize inner transformation over mere rule-following – though Lewis roots his framework firmly in a theistic worldview.
That said, the audiobook isn’t flawless. For modern listeners accustomed to brisk pacing, Lewis’s methodical buildup might feel slow at times. Rhind-Tutt’s steady delivery, while masterful, doesn’t always quicken to match the urgency of certain passages – say, the critique of pride in ‘The Great Sin.’ And while Lewis’s arguments are compelling, they occasionally assume a shared cultural Christianity that may not resonate with all in 2025. As someone who’s taught diverse student bodies, I wonder how his case lands with those outside the Western tradition. Still, these are minor quibbles against a work of such depth.
Compared to other religious audiobooks, “Mere Christianity” holds its own. Brené Brown’s “Daring Greatly”, which I reviewed years ago, offers vulnerability as a lens for personal growth, but lacks Lewis’s systematic theology. Meanwhile, Augustine’s “Confessions”, another classic I’ve revisited in audio form, is more introspective than argumentative. Lewis strikes a rare balance – accessible yet profound – that makes this listening experience uniquely rewarding.
For potential listeners, I’d recommend this audiobook to anyone curious about Christianity’s intellectual foundations, whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or simply a lover of big ideas. It’s ideal for long commutes or quiet evenings, especially if you enjoy narration that respects the text’s gravity. And if you can find it free – say, through a library service or promotional offer – it’s an even sweeter deal. The blend of Lewis’s brilliance and Rhind-Tutt’s artistry makes this a worthy addition to any audiobook collection.
Reflecting on this, I’m struck by how “Mere Christianity” mirrors my own journey with literature: a quest to understand the stories that shape us. Teaching in Berkeley, I once watched a student light up when she connected Lewis’s moral law to her own ethical dilemmas. That moment – of text meeting life – captures why this audiobook matters. It’s not just a defense of faith; it’s a call to wrestle with our deepest questions, delivered with a voice that still speaks across time.
With curiosity and appreciation,
Prof. Emily Chen
