LE3 .A278 2022

2022

Killacky, Christopher

Acadia University

Master of Arts

Masters

Theology

Acadia Divinity College

This thesis examines the question: Does C. S. Lewis’s argument from longing, Sehnsucht, support the probable existence of God—an ontological reasoning rooted in Occam’s rule? C. S. Lewis’s argument for the probable existence of God is presented in his fiction and non-fiction. It is initiated in the context of his conversion as he expressed it using the word “longing.” Furthermore, I scrutinized the argument by using the idea of desire in his writings. In addition to looking at what Lewis stated regarding longing and God’s existence, the thesis covers historical references to this point of the human quest for God. Subsequently, there is space given to the ontological argument of St. Anselm and William of Occam’s razor as they relate to whether God exists or not. In addition, I referred to other theologians who set out to prove that God exists. John Beversluis has formulated Lewis’s ideas on the desire for God as the Argument from Desire. Therefore, a debate on the pros and cons of the Argument from Desire among those who have written about Lewis. The existence of God is a topic with a long history, and this thesis sets out to place Lewis in it. This thesis summarizes a specific subject focusing on Lewis and his longing. Lewis was evangelistic in his writings. But can Lewis’s arguments still be used to bring someone to faith in God and a relationship with Jesus Christ?

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3880