The C.S. Lewis podcast - podcast cover

The C.S. Lewis podcast

A weekly podcast from Premier Unbelievable? with Professor Alister McGrath exploring C.S. Lewis’ thought, theology and teaching. C.S. Lewis is one of the most influential voices in modern Christianity. The 20th Century British writer and lay theologian has profoundly impacted Christians around the world and brought many atheists and agnostics to faith in Jesus. One person whose faith was greatly encouraged by the writings of C.S. Lewis is Professor Alister McGrath. Both men were raised in Northern Ireland, studied at Oxford University and went on to become professors there. They also both came to faith from atheism slightly later in life. Alister has written numerous books on C.S. Lewis, including a seminal biography C.S. Lewis – A Life. Every Monday, Ruth Jackson and Professor Alister McGrath will reflect on C.S. Lewis’ ideas, life and influence as well as trying to answer questions that impact culture today.
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Episodes

#127 Perelandra: Evil, suffering and sin

Alister McGrath continues to discuss Perelandra, looking particularly at the topics of evil, suffering, sin, demon possession and divine justice. How can God allow suffering? What can be done to redeem evil? + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website + For online learning https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training + For our Premier Unbelievable? Live events + Support the podcast from the USA + Support the p...

Oct 16, 202313 min

#126 Perelandra: Free will, desire and the Fall

Alister McGrath unpacks some of the theology within the second book of the Space Trilogy. What was Lewis' understanding of the Fall? What if the Fall hadn't happened? How does he explore the concepts of free will, desire, good, love, truth and demon possession in Perelandra? + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website + For online learning https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training + For our Premier Unbeliev...

Oct 09, 202320 min

#125 Perelandra: Pleasure, gender and sex

We continue our conversation on Perelandra, with Alister McGrath reflecting on questions around pleasure, gender and sex. What is gender? Is pleasure always erotic? What did Lewis mean by "transsexual" in this novel? + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website + For online learning https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training + For our Premier Unbelievable? Live events + Support the podcast from the USA + Supp...

Oct 02, 202313 min

#124 Perelandra: Scientism, spirituality and magic

Professor Alister McGrath explores the second book of CS Lewis' space trilogy, Perelandra, looking at some of its key themes, characters and questions. Could the Fall have been prevented? What if it hadn't happened? How did Lewis perceive magic? Where do we find meaning? Is there a limit to science? + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website + For online learning https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training +...

Sep 25, 202316 min

#123 Out of the Silent Planet: Death, suffering and The Fall

In the final episode on Out of the Silent Planet, Alister McGrath explores Lewis' depiction of humanity, death, evolution and suffering. He also discusses the framework Lewis provides to help us reflect on these big questions. + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website + For online learning https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training + For our Premier Unbelievable? Live events + Support the podcast from the ...

Sep 18, 202312 min

#122 Out of the Silent Planet: Love, sex and intuition

Alister McGrath continues to explore Out of the Silent Planet, looking at some of CS Lewis' language around love and sex. He also looks at the different lifeforms on Malacandra and the distinction between ration and non-rational life forms. + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website + For online learning https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training + For our Premier Unbelievable? Live events + Support the pod...

Sep 11, 202316 min

#121 Out of the Silent Planet: Nakedness, science and ransom

Looking at Out of the Silent Planet, Professor Alister McGrath discusses whether nakedness within the book is significant. Plus, they look at whether CS Lewis is drawing on genuine science and the significance of Ransom's name. + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website + For online learning https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training + For our Premier Unbelievable? Live events + Support the podcast from the...

Sep 04, 202310 min

#120 Out of the Silent Planet: Weston, Devine and JRR Tolkien

As we delve into the first book of the trilogy, Out of the Silent Planet, Professor Alister McGrath looks at some of its key themes. He explores the characters of Weston and Devine, looking at whether they represent particular ideologies and how Lewis exposes issues with their worldviews. Plus, why was JRR Tolkien such a fan of the book? + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website + For online learning https:/...

Aug 28, 202314 min

#119 Has The Space Trilogy stood the test of time?

Alister McGrath concludes his introduction to Lewis’ Space Trilogy by exploring parallels with The Chronicles of Narnia. He offers tips for getting into these three books, speculates on why they haven’t been turned into films and shares his favourite moment in the trilogy. + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website + For online learning https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training + For our Premier Unbelievab...

Aug 21, 202315 min

#118 Evil, evolution and theological reflection in The Space Trilogy

Alister McGrath explores some of the theological themes within Lewis’ trilogy, such as incarnation, atonement and the problem of evil. How did Lewis view the relationship between science and religion? What did he think about evolution? How did he critique certain worldviews through his fiction? + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website + For online learning https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training + For ...

Aug 14, 202315 min

#117 Vivisection, mental health, racism and sexism

We dive into some of the important issues explored in Lewis’ Space Trilogy. Why was he so vehemently opposed to animal experimentation? What would Lewis say to those experiencing mental health struggles today? Plus, Alister McGrath responds to the accusation that CS Lewis was sexist and racist. + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website + For online learning https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training + For ...

Aug 07, 202313 min

#116 Did CS Lewis believe in aliens?

Alister McGrath continues to explore questions raised by Lewis' Space Trilogy - were any characters inspired by his "strange" Oxford colleagues? Do we need to understand Medieval renaissance literature in order to read these books? Who is the narrator? What does Lewis think about extra-terrestrial life?,,+ Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545,+ For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website,+ For online learning https://www.premierunbelievable.com/train...

Jul 31, 202315 min

#115 Why did no one want to publish Lewis' Space Trilogy?

Professor Alister McGrath looks at the intended audience of CS Lewis' Space Trilogy and explores some of the influences behind the books, including JRR Tolkien and Charles Williams. + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website + For online learning https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training + For our Premier Unbelievable? Live events + Support the podcast from the USA

Jul 24, 202310 min

#114 An introduction to The Space Trilogy

​Many people don’t even realise CS Lewis wrote science fiction, much less have perused these three colossal volumes. So, why read them? In the first episode of our brand new series on Lewis’ Space Trilogy, Professor Alister McGrath looks at when and why Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra and That Hideous Strength were created and how they can impact our lives today. + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new websit...

Jul 17, 202316 min

#113 What about other religions?

In the final part of this replay of an Unbelievable show, originally broadcast in October 2010, Justin Brierley speaks to Lewis scholar Dr Michael Ward and former Christian-turned atheist Dan Barker. Here, they continue to discuss CS Lewis' apologetics and hone in on what Lewis says about other religions. + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website + For online learning https://www.premierunbelievable.com/trai...

Jul 10, 202313 min

#112 Was Jesus a liar, lunatic, Lord or something else?

In the third part of this replay of an Unbelievable show, originally broadcast in October 2010, Justin Brierley speaks to Lewis scholar Dr Michael Ward and former Christian-turned atheist Dan Barker. Here, they continue to discuss CS Lewis' apologetics, focussing particularly on his classic ‘Trilemma’ - Jesus is either a liar, lunatic or Lord. Other shows referenced in this programme: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unbelievable/10-oct-2009-jesus-and-the-god-of-israel/12275.article + Subscri...

Jul 03, 202317 min

#111 Is Lewis' argument from reason convincing?

In the second part of this replay of an Unbelievable show, originally broadcast in October 2010, Justin Brierley speaks to Lewis scholar Dr Michael Ward and former Christian-turned atheist Dan Barker. Here, they continue to discuss CS Lewis' apologetics, focussing particularly on his argument from reason in ‘Miracles’. + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website + For online learning https://www.premierunbelie...

Jun 26, 202315 min

#110 An atheist and Christian reflect on CS Lewis’ apologetics

60 years after his death people continue to read, use and quote CS Lewis’ apologetics works. In this replay of an Unbelievable show, originally broadcast in October 2010, Justin Brierley speaks to Lewis scholar Dr Michael Ward and former Christian-turned atheist Dan Barker. Here, they discuss Lewis' arguments, focussing particularly on his Natural Law argument for God in ‘Mere Christianity’. Other shows referenced in this programme: Unbelievable? 6 Jun 2009 Narnia & CS Lewis - a skeptic and ...

Jun 19, 202320 min

#109: Dr Jennifer Woodruff Tait: Jack at home

Dr Jennifer Woodruff Tait, managing editor of Christian History magazine, shares some of her thoughts around why CS Lewis continues to be so popular. She tells Ruth Jackson why they devoted an entire issue of the magazine to Lewis' family and friends, and reflects on why he has had such a profound impact on her own life as a woman, despite him sometimes being accused of sexism. For Christian History's 'Jack at Home' issue:https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/magazine/issue/jack-at-home-ch-140 +...

Jun 12, 202328 min

#108 Tim Keller (1950-2023) on CS Lewis

In this special episode following the death of Tim Keller on Friday 19th May, Ruth Jackson speaks to Collin Hansen, author of 'Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation’. They talk about Keller's love for CS Lewis and reveal some fascinating stories about Kathy Keller, Tim's wife, who was one of the last people to correspond with Lewis before his death. For Collin Hansen and The Gospel Coalition: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/profile/collin-hansen/ + Subscribe to The CS Lewis...

Jun 05, 202324 min

#107 Dr Sharon Jones: Floral particulars in CS Lewis

Dr Sharon Jones, who teaches at Stranmillis University College, explores floral particulars in Lewis' works. This talk was originally given at a CS Lewis symposium called Now We Have Faces, which was hosted by The CS Lewis Group at Ulster University in coordination with English at Ulster. The title of Sharon's presentation was ‘Much grass and many flowers: attending to floral particulars with CS Lewis’. For more on the CS Lewis group at Ulster: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/cs-lewis For more talks fr...

May 29, 202325 minEp. 109

#106 Teodora Driscu: Lewis and the embodiment of heaven

University of Iasi PhD candidate Teodora Driscu looks at longing and the image of heaven in Lewis' works, focussing particularly on 'Perelandra'. This talk was originally given at a CS Lewis symposium called Now We Have Faces, which was hosted by The CS Lewis Group at Ulster University in coordination with English at Ulster. The title of Teodora's presentation was ‘The Embodiment of Heaven in Lewis’ Works’. For more on the CS Lewis group at Ulster: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/cs-lewis For more talk...

May 22, 202323 minEp. 108

#105 Dr David Clare: The man from God knows where - Lewis’ Irishness

Drama and theatre studies lecturer Dr David Clare explores four plays about Lewis that downplay his Ulster background. This talk was originally given at a CS Lewis symposium called Now We Have Faces, which was hosted by The CS Lewis Group at Ulster University in coordination with English at Ulster. The title of David's presentation was ‘“The man from God knows where”: Four plays about CS Lewis in which his Belfast background is ignored or downplayed’. For more on the CS Lewis group at Ulster: ht...

May 15, 202323 minEp. 107

#104 Out of the Silent Planet and Lewis’ Belfast background

English lecturer Dr Sarah Waters answers questions about Out of the Silent Planet, following her presentation at CS Lewis symposium Now We Have Faces. She was joined for the Q&A by drama and theatre studies lecturer, Dr David Clare, who speaks into Lewis' Irishness. For more on the CS Lewis group at Ulster, including details about their May conference: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/cs-lewis For more talks from Now We Have Faces: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjaoVaQAdjdVFIFenlZVg-g + Subscribe...

May 08, 202317 minEp. 105

#103 Dr Sarah Waters: Out of the Silent Planet and the Covid pandemic

English lecturer Dr Sarah Waters shares her insights into one of CS Lewis' science fiction books, particularly in regards to how we relate to one another post-Covid. This talk was originally given at a CS Lewis symposium called Now We Have Faces, which was hosted by The CS Lewis Group at Ulster University in coordination with English at Ulster. The title of Sarah's presentation was 'Facial (mis)recognition: Out of the Silent Planet and the boundaries of face-to face'. For more on the CS Lewis gr...

May 01, 202328 minEp. 106

#102 Alister McGrath: The CS Lewis phenomenon

In the final episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, we look at why someone who expected to be forgotten within five years of his death has had such a lasting impact. Why is CS Lewis still so popular and how long will his appeal last? Plus, this is your last chance to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis. To be in with a chance to win a copy of CS Lewis: A Life, sign up to our newsletter at: https://premierunbelievable.co...

Apr 24, 202322 minEp. 104

#101 Alister McGrath: Suffering, death and Lewis’ final years

In the 14th episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, we look at Lewis' deep anguish following the death of his wife, Joy Davidman, and explore his approach to suffering in A Grief Observed. We also observe how Lewis faced his own impending death. Plus, don’t forget to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis. To be in with a chance to win a copy of CS Lewis: A Life, sign up to our newsletter at: https://premierunbelievable.com...

Apr 17, 202317 minEp. 103

#100 Alister McGrath: 100th special celebrating CS Lewis’ legacy and how he can help renew the Church

In this special episode, we take a break from our series on Professor Alister McGrath's seminal biography, CS Lewis: A Life, to celebrate reaching our 100th episode. Alister shares some of his thoughts around what modern readers can learn from Lewis and how he can help with the renewal of the Church. + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website + For our Premier Unbelievable? Live events + For apologetics train...

Apr 10, 202324 minEp. 102

#99 Alister McGrath: The move to Cambridge

In the 13th episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, we cover some of the more difficult elements of Lewis' life, including Warnie's alcoholism, Mrs Moore's dementia and his struggles at Oxford. We also explore his complicated relationship with Joy Davidman and look at why he moved to Cambridge University. Plus, don’t forget to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis. To be in with a chance to win a copy of CS Lewis: A Life, ...

Apr 03, 202321 minEp. 101

#98 Alister McGrath: The imaginative world of Narnia

In the twelfth episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, we look at the character of Aslan and unpack some of the classical ideas, philosophy and theology expressed within the Narnia Chronicles. We also explore whether any of the content is sexist, racist or out of date. Plus, don’t forget to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis. To be in with a chance to win a copy of CS Lewis: A Life, sign up to our newsletter at: https:/...

Mar 27, 202316 minEp. 100
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