Dec 8, 2017 - History major Seth Reid successfully defended his honors thesis about C. S. Lewis titled “The Votary of the Blue Flower: A Historical Reflection on Hope in the Life and Thought of C. S. Lewis.” on December 8, 2017. Dr. David Thomas, Reid’s thesis advisor, chaired the defense committee that included history department member Dr. Keith Bates and philosophy professor Dr. Justin Barnard. Several people attended the event, including faculty members, friends, and Reid’s wife Kaylee. Reid’s thesis topic emerged from his interest in Lewis’ writings and discussions with Dr. Thomas.
In his defense presentation, Reid stated that Lewis began to experience a delightful longing at an early age, but it was not until he converted to Christianity that he discovered an understanding of this longing, doing so through the narrative of Christ. Through this understanding, Lewis’ longing matured into his concept of Christian hope, a hope that he portrayed in many of his writings.
Another step in Reid’s discipline-specific honors program in history will come in January, when he presents a paper on C. S. Lewis at the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society Biennial Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. He will complete the honors program in the spring with an honors contract in the upper-level history course Twentieth Century Europe.
Dr. David Thomas (left) and Seth Reid stand together prior to Reid's honors thesis defense on December 8, 2017.
Dr. David Thomas, Seth Reid's honors thesis advisor, smiles during his introduction of Reid on December 8, 2017.
Seth Reid talks about Christian hope in the life of C. S. Lewis during his honors thesis defense on December 8, 2017.
Dr. Keith Bates, an honors thesis committee member, asks a question of Seth Reid on December 8, 2017.
Attendees at Seth Reid's history honors thesis defense smile during one of the session's light moments. They are (left to right) Jake Leach, Kaylee Reid, and Brandon Harper.
Attendees listen to Seth Reid answer a question at his honors thesis defense on December 8, 2017. They are (left to right) Dr. Terry Lindley, Dr. Scott Huelin, Nancy Thomas, and Russell Richardson.
Seth Reid's thesis committee members listen to him answer a question during his thesis defense on December 8, 2017. They are (left to right) Dr. Keith Bates, Dr. David Thomas, and Dr. Justin Barnard.
Seth Reid answers a question at his history honors thesis defense on December 8, 2017.