C.S. Lewis, Jesus, and Plato: rhetorical strategies for the defense of Christianity

Abstract

The defense of Christianity through apologetic discourse is an important function of modern day Christianity. To better understand the necessary strategies behind successful use of apologetic discourse, apologetic essays of C. S. Lewis in God in the Dock have been examined. Lewis represents an apologetic style that returns to a philosophy and mode of discourse first espoused by Plato, though his message is entirely Christian. This thesis will provide a doorway into the rhetorical world of C. S. Lewis as well as posit strategies which are key for the success of modern day apologetics. However, to best understand these strategies, a foundation must be laid. Chapter One discusses the theology and rhetoric of Plato, who influenced Lewis in important ways. Once this has been established, Chapter Two examines Lewis's life by looking at the way he came to be converted to Christianity. Reason as a rhetorical strategy is analyzed in Chapter Three through the lens of Platonic argument. In Chapter Four, the use of mythology in religious communication is examined first by looking at Lewis's own principles of myth and then applying them to representative myths found in his apologetic essays. Chapter Five looks at Lewis's ability to use a narrative ethos in his writing to make it appear more oral/aural. By manipulating sound and time Lewis is able to achieve a quasi-communicative relationship with his audience. This thesis concludes with Chapter Six by providing avenues for future study on Lewis in the field of rhetorical criticism.