Christian apologetics in transition : from C. S. Lewis to Frederick Buechner and Susan Howatch.

Christian apologetics—the justification of Christian truth-claims—constitute a fundamental dimension in the writings of C. S. Lewis, Frederick Buechner, and Susan Howatch. Radical changes in epistemology during the latter half of the twentieth century serve as a point of contrast dividing Lewis' approach to apologetics, on the one hand, and Buechner's and Howatch's approach on the other. In Chapter One, I sketch the epistemological line that bifurcates the two approaches. In Chapters Two and Three, I analyze how Lewis posits the Law of Human Nature and the phenomenon of Sehnsucht as evidential data pointing to the existence of the Judeo-Christian God. Chapter Four illustrates how Buechner and Howatch present an apologetic in their fiction that is attuned to postmodern epistemology. Buechner and Howatch proceed "unapologetically" (a pun from William Placher), avoiding any appeal to objective reality in justifying Christian truth-claims. Chapter Five recapitulates the apologetic territory I have covered.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

1997

Author dc:creator

• Joeckel, Samuel T.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Barcus, James E., 1938-

• Lewis, C. S. (Clive Staples), 1898-1963.
• Buechner, Frederick, 1926-
• Howatch, Susan.
• Apologetics.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/14818

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/14818