An invitation to thought: ambiguity in the apologetic of C. S. Lewis

This thesis examines the role of ambiguity within the apologetic of C.S. Lewis. Though the nature and value of ambiguity remain contested across scholarship, there is agreement that ambiguity has some role to play in creating understanding. That role is almost entirely unexplored within Christian apologetics and Lewis studies. Through an exposition of examples from selected primary works, I will argue that the ambiguity evidenced in Lewis, while at times errant, is often employed with great strategic value, carrying the reader further along Lewis’s desired apologetic path.

Chapter one provides an introduction to the thesis. Chapter two provides a systematic literature review for works related to ambiguity, Lewis, and his use of clarity versus ambiguity. A taxonomy of Lewis’s works and the methodology and criteria for primary sources are established. Chapter three examines Lewis’s apologetic approach, including his theological self-awareness, reasons and motives for his use of strategic ambiguity, and distinctives within his methodology.

Chapter four presents the critical examination of ambiguity from the selected primary apologetic sources: The Problem of Pain, Mere Christianity, and Miracles. The examination is expository with findings organized by the date of publication for each primary source.

The Conclusions chapter, in addition to presenting research outcomes and relationship to current scholarship, addresses objections and presents recommendations for further research.