These humans: The theological anthropology of C. S. Lewis primarily from his correspondence

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helps in defining particularities of the thoughts expressed in his work and gives insights into areas that remained unpublished.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.