copyright 2005 by jim beasley1 the twentieth century clive staples lewis 1898-1963

Copyright 2005 by Jim Beasley 1

The Twentieth Century

Clive Staples Lewis 1898-1963


The Twentieth Century • Vatican II, was an ecclesiastical, theological, and ecumenical congress convened from 1962 through 1965.• Pope John XXIII convoked the Council with bishops from all over the world.• He sought to define the nature, scope, and mission of the Church.• The Council produced 16 documents some of which are described as the greatest expressions of Catholic social teaching in church history.


The Twentieth Century • Vatican II marked a fundamental shift towards the modern Church.• The decisions of the Council affected the lives of Catholics around the world. • After Vatican II the use of the vernacular was permitted in the Mass.• Increased participation by the laity distinguishes Catholic life after the Second Vatican Council. •Vatican II made possible the many post-conciliar official Church documents on Catholic social teaching.


The Twentieth Century • The basic doctrines of the Church did not change with the Council.• More profound changes for the Catholic Church than in previous five hundred years.

• Since Pope John XXIII spoke of “opening the windows of the Church” great and gradual changes have occurred.


The Twentieth Century • Edward John Carnell wrote “Introduction to Christian Apologetics” in 1948, and “A Philosophy of the Christian Religion” in 1951.• He was professor of Apologetics at Fuller Seminary in early years of the institution.• Carnell was a Colleague of Wilbur Smith and Harold Lindsell.• He is the greatest philosophical apologist.


The Twentieth Century • Christianity in the Present Era• In his “Introduction” Carnell says: The purpose is epistemology is “How do you show Christianity is true?”• Christianity is satisfying to the mind. His “Introduction” begins with the need of the believer which is man’s sense of lostness.• Our experience includes a multitude of facts: “How do we string these facts together?”


The Twentieth Century • Christianity in the Present Era• There is a need to test for truth. One must systematically fit together observable facts of the world• One must be internally consistent • Carnell rejects Natural Theology: One must start with special revelation. • Carnell’s greatest weakness: he never answers the question: “Do you begin with presuppositions or test for truth?” He was a semi-presuppositionalist.


The Twentieth Century • Christianity in the Present Era• Evaluation of “Introduction”: Cornelius Van Til (presuppostionalist) reviewed the book and didn’t like the fact that Carnell didn’t make clear the starting point (begin with presuppositions or evidence).• On the matter of common ground (saved and unsaved man), Carnell goes beyond Van Til.


The Twentieth Century • Christianity in the Present Era• Carnell says that the resurrection is the proof of Christ’s deity.• But which is it: Logical (Systematic) consistency or the resurrection as a truth test ?• Need to have some criteria of choosing between facts and logic.• In the final analysis, one must go with facts over logic because we don’t know the universe well enough to conclude about consistency.


The Twentieth Century • Christianity in the Present Era• Wilbur Smith wrote “Therefore Stand.” • He was responsible for the revival of apologetics in 1950s.• Strong on historical apologetics.• “Supernaturalism of Christ” by Smith. Did a book on “heaven” and an autobiography “Before I Forget” Did apologetic tract booklet “Have you Considered Him.”


The Twentieth Century • Christianity in the Present Era• C.S. Lewis – the greatest apologist of the 20th Century.• He was professor of medieval and Renaissance literature.• Wrote “Allegory of Love” works on the middle ages.• Grew up Anglican, but became an atheist, then claimed he was carried “screaming and kicking” into the Kingdom of God by evidence.


The Twentieth Century • Christianity in the Present Era• He was able to communicate. • He was able to put together the objective as well as subjective side of apologetics.• Objective: Lewis sees clearly where the need is. Wrote “Miracles,” “The Problem of Pain,” “The Case for Christianity,” “The Abolition of Man.” • Subjective: Literary technique, use of creative writing: “Screwtape Letters,” “Pilgrim’s Regress.


The Twentieth CenturyIn these two novels he describes the destruction of a modern soul through bad theology and philosophical speculation. He also wrote “The Great Divide” – people go to hell because they want to, and The “Narnian Chronicles” (children’s essays) which were a transition between allegory and “deep myth” (Myth = cuts into subconscious.)He wrote three science fiction novels: “Out of the Silent Planet,” “Perlandria,” “Hideous Strength.”


The Twentieth CenturyAimee Semple McPherson (October 9, 1890 -

September 27, 1944)

Born to a Salvation army motherMarried Robert Semple, fiery pentecostal preaher at age 17. Went as a missionary to China with him, but he died while on route.Married salesman Harold McPherson in 1912. He later left her when she began her evangelistic career.Built Angeles Temple in 1923 and started a radio broadcast.Also founded LIFE Bible college in 1923.Allegedly kidnapped in 1926, but rumored to be having an affair.Married (1931) and divorced (1933) James Hutton ten years her junior.Died from an overdose of sedatives in 1944.


The Twentieth CenturyKathryn Kuhlman (b. May 9, 1907 d. February 20, 1976)

Born outside Kansas City in Concordia Missouri.Saved at a revival meeting at the age of 14At age 16 to 21, she stayed with her sister and brother-in-law Myrtle and Everett Parrot who held tent revivals throughout the Midwest and Northeast.Opened Denver Revival Tabernacle in 1933Married a scandalous preacher named Burroughs Waltrip in 1938 (he had divorced his first wife and abandoned his two sons.Left Waltrip in 1944 (died to the flesh) and began a successful healing ministry in Pittsburg.Controversial for “word of knowledge” and “slaying in the Spirit”


The Twentieth CenturyThe Jesus People

“Two of the largest evangelical denominations (Calvary Chapel and Vineyard) sprang up in the wake of his ministry and many of Southern California's most well-known spiritual leaders were compelled into their present ministries. Yet, because he died as a result of AIDS, his name has been all but removed from the history books. “

(David di Sabatino “Frisbee: Life and Death of a Hippie Preacher”)


The Twentieth CenturyLonnie Frisbee (born 1949) was converted while high on LSD at the age of 17.“Discovered” by Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel, Costa Mesa, Frisbee was ordained a minister at the age of 21.Through his Thursday night Bible Study, he was responsible for the phenomenal growth of Calvary Chapel in the early 70’s.Led Evangelist Greg Laurie to the Lord.Went to Ft. Lauderdale in 1973 to unsuccessfully try and recover his marriage.


The Twentieth Century

Frisbee returned to Calvary Chapel in the late 70’s.Connected with John Wimber in 1980 and became the catalyst for a renewed interest in “Signs and Wonders”Vineyard launched in 1982Contracted AIDS and died in 1993.

http://www.lonniefrisbee.com/.

copyright 2005 by jim beasley1 the twentieth century clive staples lewis 1898-1963

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