Mere Christianity

Embracing Our Common Faith

In the diverse landscape of Christianity, there exists a beautiful unity in our core beliefs—a concept often referred to as “Mere Christianity.” Coined by C.S. Lewis in his landmark work, this term describes the foundational truths shared by Christians across denominations. These core doctrines transcend differences in tradition, practice, and interpretation, inviting us to focus on what unites rather than divides.

This blog explores 8 Core Truths that anchor our faith, supported by Scripture, history, and the lived experience of Christians throughout the centuries.

1. The Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Christ

At the heart of Christianity lies the declaration that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. This truth is not just a theological statement—it is the source of all Christian hope. Without the resurrection, our faith would crumble (1 Corinthians 15:14).

Historical Connection:

The resurrection is proclaimed in the earliest Christian creed, found in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, written within 20 years of the event. This passage served as a unifying confession among the first believers.
The Nicene Creed (325 AD) and the Apostles’ Creed explicitly affirm Christ’s death and resurrection, marking these truths as central to Christian orthodoxy.
Early martyrs like Polycarp of Smyrna (d. 155 AD) willingly died proclaiming the risen Christ, further affirming the transformative power of this truth.

Scripture: Romans 6:9—“We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him.”

Quotes:

Catholic: “The resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ.”¹
Evangelical: “If Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.”²
Orthodox: “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death.”³

Reflection:
How does the resurrection of Christ inspire you to live boldly in faith and hope?

Footnotes for Point 1:
¹ Bishop Barron, Catechism of the Catholic Church, para. 638.
² Billy Graham, Hope for Each Day.
³ Saint John Chrysostom, Paschal Homily.

2. The Deity of Christ

Christians affirm that Jesus is both fully God and fully man. His divinity is not merely a philosophical idea but a lived reality that underpins His power to save. The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) confirmed this truth in response to heresies that denied His divine nature.

Historical Connection:

Athanasius, a key defender of Christ’s divinity, argued: “If the Son were not true God, then neither has He truly redeemed us.”
The Nicene Creed proclaims Jesus as “God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God.”

Scripture: Colossians 2:9—“For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.”

Quotes:

Catholic: “Jesus Christ, true God and true man.”⁴
Evangelical: “Christ is God or He is nothing.”⁵
Orthodox: “He became what we are that He might make us what He is.”⁶

Reflection:
How does Christ’s divinity give you confidence in His ability to save and transform you?

Footnotes for Point 2:
⁴ Cardinal Newman, Parochial and Plain Sermons.
⁵ Dwight L. Moody, Sovereign Grace.
⁶ Saint Athanasius, On the Incarnation.

3. The Trinity

The doctrine of the Trinity—one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is a profound mystery that reveals the nature of God as relational and self-giving.

Historical Connection:

The Council of Constantinople (381 AD) affirmed the full divinity of the Holy Spirit, completing the Trinitarian formula.
The Athanasian Creed eloquently summarizes the Trinity: “We worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity.”

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:14—“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

Quotes:

Catholic: “The Trinity is one God but three persons.”⁷
Evangelical: “The doctrine of the Trinity is foundational to the Christian faith.”⁸
Orthodox: “The Godhead is common to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”⁹

Reflection:
How does the relational nature of the Trinity shape the way you engage with God and others?

Footnotes for Point 3:
⁷ Saint Augustine, On the Trinity.
⁸ John MacArthur, Biblical Doctrine.
⁹ Saint Basil, On the Holy Spirit.

4. God as Our Loving Father

God is not distant or detached; He is a loving Father who desires intimacy with His children. Jesus revealed this truth when He taught His disciples to pray, “Our Father” (Matthew 6:9).

Historical Connection:

The early Church emphasized God’s fatherhood as a model for earthly relationships, calling for compassion and mercy.
Saint Gregory of Nyssa wrote, “God’s fatherhood is the source of all love and goodness.”

Scripture: Psalm 103:13—“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him.”

Quotes:

Catholic: “God is not a distant being but a loving Father.”¹⁰
Evangelical: “God is the Father who never forsakes His children.”¹¹
Orthodox: “God is the Father of all, the source of all good things.”¹²

Reflection:
In what ways can you trust God as a loving Father in your daily life?

Footnotes for Point 4:
¹⁰ Pope John Paul II, Redemptor Hominis.
¹¹ Billy Graham, Hope for the Troubled Heart.
¹² Saint Gregory of Nyssa, The Lord’s Prayer.

5. The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the gift of God’s presence within us, empowering believers to live holy lives and fulfill Christ’s mission.

Historical Connection:

The descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2) marked the birth of the Church, empowering ordinary people for extraordinary work.
The Nicene Creed calls the Holy Spirit “the Lord, the giver of life.”

Scripture: Galatians 5:25—“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”

Quotes:

Catholic: “The Holy Spirit is the bond of love between the Father and the Son.”¹³
Evangelical: “The Holy Spirit is our ever-present guide and comforter.”¹⁴
Orthodox: “Acquire the Holy Spirit, and you will have everything.”¹⁵

Reflection:
How can you allow the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you this week?

Footnotes for Point 5:
¹³ Saint Augustine, On the Trinity.
¹⁴ A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God.
¹⁵ Saint Seraphim of Sarov, Conversation with Motovilov.

6. The Authority of Scripture

Christians across traditions recognize the Bible as the inspired Word of God, guiding us in faith and practice.

Historical Connection:

The Muratorian Canon (170 AD) and Council of Carthage (397 AD) established the New Testament canon.
Saint Jerome declared, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.”

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12—“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.”

Quotes:

Catholic: “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.”¹⁶
Evangelical: “The Bible is the authoritative Word of God.”¹⁷
Orthodox: “The Scriptures are a divine banquet for the soul.”¹⁸

Reflection:
How can you make the Word of God a greater priority in your life?

Footnotes for Point 6:
¹⁶ Saint Jerome, Commentary on Isaiah.
¹⁷ Billy Graham, The Bible: God’s Word to Us.
¹⁸ Saint John Chrysostom, Homilies on Matthew.

7. The Return of Christ

The Second Coming of Christ is a universal hope for Christians, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises.

Historical Connection:

Early Christians eagerly awaited Christ’s return, greeting one another with the word “Maranatha” (1 Corinthians 16:22).
The Nicene Creed states: “He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead.”

Scripture: Titus 2:13—“Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Quotes:

Catholic: “We look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.”¹⁹
Evangelical: “The second coming of Christ will be so revolutionary that it will change every aspect of life on this planet.”²⁰
Orthodox: “We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.”²¹

Reflection:
How does the promise of Christ’s return give you courage to live faithfully today?

Footnotes for Point 7:
¹⁹ Nicene Creed.
²⁰ Billy Graham, Storm Warning.
²¹ Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures.

8. The Importance of Prayer

Prayer transforms us into Christ’s likeness, aligning our hearts with God’s will and deepening our intimacy with Him.

Historical Connection:

The Desert Fathers and Mothers (4th century) practiced continual prayer, inspiring generations to follow their example.
The Jesus Prayer in Eastern Orthodoxy—“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner”—teaches humility and persistence in prayer.

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:17—“Pray without ceasing.”

Quotes:

Catholic: “Prayer is a surge of the heart, a simple look turned toward heaven.”²²
Evangelical: “Prayer is simply a two-way conversation between you and God.”²³
Orthodox: “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God.”²⁴

Reflection:
What steps can you take to grow deeper in your prayer life?

Footnotes for Point 8:
²² Saint Therese of Lisieux, Story of a Soul.
²³ Billy Graham, Hope for Each Day.
²⁴ Saint John of Damascus, Exposition of the Orthodox Faith.

Conclusion

The truths of “Mere Christianity” call us to unity, hope, and faithfulness. These shared convictions remind us that, despite our differences, we are one body in Christ. Let us live out these truths with love and humility, proclaiming the hope of the gospel to a world in need.