| This dissertation researches C. S. Lewis's theological anthropology and is oriented to, and delimited by, his correspondence which has been neglected until recently by most scholars studying Lewis. Chapter 1 demonstrates the importance of Lewis's correspondence in terms of falsifying statements regarding authorial intent and in providing a time line establishing Lewis's views both before and after a published work, in both his fiction and non-fiction. The correspondence also helps in defining particularities of the thoughts expressed in his work and gives insights into areas that remained unpublished. Chapter 2 focuses on questions raised by the early chapters of Genesis: the origins of humanity particularly the two major constructs of creation and evolution; the problem of sin, aging, and death; relations between male and female; the relations of humanity with animals; and the nature of the soul. Chapter 3 focuses on elements of the mind, particularly, reason, imagination, and the will. Chapter 4 defines Sehnsucht and desire and establishes the place of emotions in Lewis's conception of humanity with regards to the attendant issues of pain, pleasure, and love. Chapter 5 examines the theology of human life in community, the importance of friendship, marriage and sexuality, and the Church. Chapter 6 elucidates Lewis's views on worship, liturgy, idolatry, prayer and predestination and the constraints of time. The research concludes in chapter 7 by studying obedience, morality, sanctification and justification, ending with the perfection of humanity in Jesus Christ. Chapter 8 provides a summary of some of the salient features of the research. |
