Evangelism is an extraordinary task; it’s what God uses to bring people from death to life. But it has always been difficult.
C.S. Lewis was used by God in the conversions of countless people, from friends and acquaintances in his own lifetime to modern-day readers of books such as The Chronicles of Narnia and Mere Christianity (the most influential Christian book of the 20th century). As Tim Keller comments, “C.S. Lewis was incredibly skilled at getting Christianity across in a way that’s powerful to thoughtful people." So, if we want help with evangelism, there is much we can learn from the clarity and imagination of this hugely influential Christian writer.
You may feel inadequate to the task; after all, there is only one C.S. Lewis. But evangelist Randy Newman skillfully helps us to apply the methods Lewis used (storytelling, humor, imagery, and more) in our own conversations.
You will be equipped to talk about your faith and engage with unbelievers wisely, whatever their attitude towards the Christian faith.
(Review written for 'Mere Evangelism')
I bought this book after hearing Randy Newman speak at the Evangelism Conference. It is written with the same light heartened but profound insight and honesty that he speaks with. His explanation of pre-evangelism and how we can use conversations with our non-Christian contacts to open up opportunities for further discussion is really helpful. He doesn't make the assumption that we should go from nothing to sharing the gospel all in one go, but that we can gradually encourage people to think things through for themselves, leaving them wanting to know more. He explains how to use questions in response ...to their questions to further their consideration of gospel truths that many non-Christians already accept or can see in the world around them.
I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone, whether you are familiar with CS Lewis or not.
(Review written for 'Mere Evangelism')
Reading "Mere Christianity" by C. S. Lewis, first, would be helpful, but this book provides approaches of sharing our faith with family, friends and others. Evangelism is difficult, but God wants us to make the most of every opportunity in bringing lost souls to Him. Our confidence should be in God who uses us to help deliver His message of salvation. For that I am thankful and blessed. I encourage you to share God's gift.
(Review written for 'Mere Evangelism')
This book challenged and encouraged me! I’ve never read anything at length by C.S. Lewis, but after reading this book, I definitely want to. Randy Newman uses Lewis’s approach to evangelism to inspire Christians today. The apologetics of Lewis and the centrality of the gospel make this such a compelling read. Randy writes with clarify, sharing the good news of the gospel within its pages, inspiring readers to do the same in their everyday lives.
Although hard to choose, 2 of my favorite chapters were chapters 3 and 5.
In chapter 3 “The Honoring of Objections”, Randy guides the reader through Lewis’s intention to not just gloss over objections, but rather listen to them and understand them. Lewis then weakens the objections by challenging them with questions and follows with offering the gospel as something better. It’s not about just pounding the Bible over peoples’ heads because that can often fall on deaf ears.
Chapter 5 is titled “The Centrality of the Gospel” and how could that not be a favorite part of this book (and life as a whole)? Randy Newman reminds the reader that one should be able to clearly and concisely explain the gospel. That’s the foundation of evangelism.
I’m leaving this book wanting to be a better evangelist and read more from both C.S. Lewis and Randy Newman. 10/10 recommend.
