Cs Lewis And Christian Postmodernism PDF Download

The purpose of this dissertation is to explore and to examine the intersections of C. S. Lewis's apologetic with the issues and concerns of postmodernism in such a way that acknowledges and elaborates upon where Lewis's thought and postmodernist thought converge and diverge, and, in so doing, to gain perspective for one's own apologetic response to the claims and critiques of postmodernism. In light of the above purpose statement, the following research question that guides this study is: Are there important intersections between the Christian thought and apologetic of C. S. Lewis and the worldview of postmodernism? If so, what are these intersections? These intersections of thought may include significant areas of convergence between Lewis and postmodernis as well as areas of significant divergence. The explication and analysis of these intersections, with their identified points of convergence and divergence, may enable evangelical Christian apologists to fashion more effective, balanced, and thoughtful responses to postmodernism's claims about and critiques of the Christian faith. After an introductory chapter, the structure of the dissertation as it seeks to accomplish its purpose includes a focused literature review in Chapter Two, with emphasis given to two categories of works: 1) the important books and articles written by Christian scholars about Lewis that address in some fashion postmodern issues and concerns, and 2) those important books and articles written by evangelical Christian scholars that address postmodern claims and challenges to the Christian faith that are in some manner expecially pertinent to Lewis's apologetic. Chapters Three and Four constitute the heart of this study. Chapter Three will explore the areas of convergence between Lewis and postmodernism, giving special attention to the following areas of potentially strong convergence: 1) The dethroning of scientism, rationalism, and naturalism from their places of cultural privilege. 2) The modernist illusion of progress as a false and delusional myth. 3)The importance of community versus modernism's emphasis upon atomistic individualism. 4) The usefulness of story or narrative over other forms of discourse. During this chapter, it will be emphasized that while Lewis and postmodernism may agree on these areas of convergence, they often readically disagree in the why and the how they have come to these points of convergence. Chapter Four, as a counterpoint to Chapter Three, examines the areas of divergence between Lewis and postmodernism, focusing on four possible specific areas of divergence: 1) The reality of objective truth and metanarrative, or Story with a capital S, insisted upon by Lewis and rejected by postmodernism. 2) The relevence of rational discourse, embraced by Lewis and rebuffed by postmodernism. 3)The necessity of universal moral law, asserted by Lewis and refused by postmodernism. 4) The significance of the individual, endorsed by Lewis and denied by postmodernism. Chapter Five, as the concluding chapter, not only summarizes the above arguments but also suggests appropriate implications of the discovered areas of convergence and divergence regarding Lewis and postmodernism that should influence in a positive way the practice of apologetics.