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

#157 Kathy Keller: One of the last people to correspond with Lewis before his death

As we approach the one year anniversary of apologist Tim Keller's death on May 19th, we caught up with his wife Kathy Keller who corresponded with CS Lewis as a child. Why did she write to Lewis? How did he respond? What are some of the stories he shared with her? What was it like meeting Warnie Lewis? Plus, we hear the impact of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien on Tim Keller and she answers the question many have been asking: did they speak Elvish at home? For Kathy on Unapologetic: https://www.premier...

May 13, 202421 min

#156 Phil Knox: Lord All matey or Lord Almighty?

Did Jesus have favourites? What does good friendship look like? Can we can call God friend? Why does Lewis consider friendship "the most spiritual of loves"? Is Christian frienship greater than non-Christian friendship? Phil Knox, author of The Best of Friends concludes his conversation on Lewis and friendship. For Phil Knox on Unapologetic: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-69-phil-knox-does-evangelism-matter/16302.article For Professor Alister McGrath on The Four Lo...

May 06, 202417 min

#155 Phil Knox: Are we allowed favourite friends?

Phil Knox, author of The Best of Friends, explores what Lewis said about friendship. Why have we neglected friendship? What lessons can we learn from Lewis? Should we treat all friends equally? For Phil Knox on Unapologetic: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-69-phil-knox-does-evangelism-matter/16302.article For Professor Alister McGrath on The Four Loves: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/the-cs-lewis-podcast/the-cs-lewis-podcast-53-the-four-loves/13005.article + Su...

Apr 29, 202417 min

#154 Lewis and Tolkien: The final years

What were the significant points of contention between Lewis and Tolkien? Where did they differ on theology? How did they respond to each other's fame? What did Tolkien think of The Narnia Chronicles? Why was Lewis' Letters To Malcolm so "horrifying" to Tolkien? Did these two Inklings fall out at the end of Lewis' life? For Holly: https://hollyordway.com/ + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website + For onlin...

Apr 22, 202422 min

#153 The poet and the philologist: Lewis and Tolkien's early years

Dr Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien’s Faith explores what Lewis and Tolkien thought of each other when they first met. How did their friendship blossom? Why was their conversation in Addison's Walk so significant to Lewis' journey back to Christianity? What influence did the two men have on each other? For Holly: https://hollyordway.com/ + 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://...

Apr 15, 202420 min

#152 Is ‘The Lord of the Rings’ a religious work?

Dr Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien’s Faith explores what JRR Tolkien meant when he described The Lord of the Rings as a "fundamentally religious and Catholic work". Do we see any elements of his faith in the book? Is it possible to discern a theology? Are there any characters Tolkien identified with? plus, how does Leaf by Niggle relate to Tolkien's magnum opus? For Holly: https://hollyordway.com/ + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and n...

Apr 08, 202420 min

#151 Holly Ordway: Trauma, Catholicism and romantic love

Dr Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien’s Faith, shares some of the traumatic events in JRR Tolkien's life, such as the death of his parents during his childhood, his forbidden romantic love and his experience of the Great War. What would it have been like to convert to Catholicism? How did his guardian Fr Francis impact Tolkien's faith? For Holly: https://hollyordway.com/ + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new websit...

Apr 01, 202434 min

#150 Holly Ordway: Tolkien on Holy Week

We continue our conversation with Dr Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien's Faith. How would Tolkien have celebrated Holy Week? How did he view death? What did Easter and the resurrection mean to him? For Holly: https://hollyordway.com/ + 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...

Mar 25, 202418 min

#149 Holly Ordway: Tolkien's faith

Ahead of Tolkien Reading Day on 25th March, Dr Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien's Faith, shares her thoughts about Tolkien’s Catholic faith. She explores the relevance of his work, looking at whether it will stand the test of time. For Holly: www.hollyordway.com + 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 eve...

Mar 18, 202435 min

#148 Ruth Jackson: Where it all began

The microphone is turned on Ruth Jackson as she is interviewed by David Bates from Pints With Jack. Originally broadcast in 2021 just after the launch of The CS Lewis Podcast, Ruth shares the vision behind why and how it started. Plus, shout about the show to win yourself a free copy of CS Lewis: A Life by Professor Alister McGrath. For Pints With Jack: https://www.pintswithjack.com/ To view their interview with Ruth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sb36l_OEyU&t=159s + Subscribe to The CS L...

Mar 11, 202420 min

#147 Jason Lepojärvi: The undiscovered Lewis

Dr Jason Lepojärvi, CS Lewis associate professor of theology and literature at George Fox University and director of the CS Lewis Initiative, gives us a sneak peak into some undiscovered elements of Lewis. Did he have a theological blind spot? Why are people still so interested in him? Plus, discover more about the inaugural Undiscovered CS Lewis conference in Oregon. For the Inaugural Undiscovered CS Lewis conference and to submit a paper proposal for the conference: https://www.georgefox.edu/c...

Mar 04, 202436 min

#146 That Hideous Strength: How do we resist evil?

In this final episode on The Space Trilogy, Alister McGrath finishes his discussion on That Hideous Strength, looking particularly at how evil emerges and how we stop technology, such as AI and nuclear weapons, getting out of control. Alister also summarises some of his thoughts on the entire trilogy. What are the key takeaways? Does he have any tips for best engaging with these books? Which related Lewis works would Alister recommend? Plus, we hear some of your comments. + Subscribe to The CS L...

Feb 26, 202413 min

#145 That Hideous Strength: Was Lewis sexist?

Alister McGrath looks at what Lewis thought of women, sexuality and marriage. Are any of the characters in That Hideous Strength based on people Lewis knew? What was he trying to convey through their depiction? + 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 th...

Feb 19, 202421 min

#144 That Hideous Strength: What would a godless world look like?

Alister McGrath continues to discuss the final book of CS Lewis’ science fiction trilogy. What are Lewis' thoughts on education? Was he anti-modern? Does the abolition of God necessarily lead to the abolition of humanity? + 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 +...

Feb 12, 202415 min

#143 That Hideous Strength: Is technology dangerous?

Alister McGrath explores how CS Lewis addresses the perceived conflict between God and science in That Hideous Strength. What insights can Lewis give about pertinent issues such as the atomic age, eugenics and Artificial Intelligence? When does technology becomes technocracy and why was Tolkien so anti tech? What are some of the ways religion is being challenged and how does Lewis expose these critiques? + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free eboo...

Feb 05, 202416 min

#142 That Hideous Strength: What is the future of humanity?

Alister McGrath continues to dive into some of the key themes in the final book of CS Lewis' science fiction trilogy. What will happen to the human race? How can we change our future? What is the point of scientific experimentation? Alister also looks at how Lewis engages with HG Wells. + 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 Prem...

Jan 29, 202412 min

#141 That Hideous Strength: Is there a darker agenda to scientific experimentation?

Professor Alister McGrath explores the final book of CS Lewis’ space trilogy, That Hideous Strength, looking at some of its key themes, characters and questions. How is it a "modern fairy tale for grownups"? And why is this significant? Was Lewis' narrative influenced by any of the other Inklings, such as JRR Tolkien? + 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.premierunbeliev...

Jan 22, 202410 min

#140 Sarah Irving-Stonebraker: Does history matter?

Associate Professor Sarah Irving-Stonebraker shares how significant CS Lewis was in her journey from atheism to Christianity. As an academic historian, she explores how great books speak to ever-present questions and looks at why the past matters. Why is Lewis still relevant 60 years after his death? To hear Sarah on Unapologetic: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-75-sarah-irving-stonebraker-how-an-atheist-academic-moved-towards-belief-in-god/16608.article + Subscribe...

Jan 15, 202419 min

#139 Phil Knox: The fate of the unevangelised

In the second part of his discussion about why The Narnia Chronicles make him cry, evangelist Phil Knox looks at why Prince Caspian contains one of the best definitions of evangelism. He shares how he is moved by the obedience displayed in The Silver Chair and what it means for us today. Plus, what did CS Lewis think would happen to those of other faiths or people who hadn't heard the Christian message (according to The Last Battle)? Hear Phil Knox on the Unapologetic podcast: https://www.premie...

Jan 08, 202414 min

#138 Phil Knox: Why the Narnia Chronicles make me cry

"Daddy, why are you crying? It's only a lion!" Evangelist Phil Knox shares his experience of reading The Narnia Chronicles with his young son and the impact these books have had on his own life. Why is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe significant for so many people? And how does The Horse and his Boy depict the Christian story so profoundly? Hear Phil on Unapologetic: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/shows/unapologetic Listen to Professor Alister McGrath on The Narnia Chronicles here: htt...

Jan 01, 202415 min

#136 David Bates: Was Lewis a bit of a grumpy old man when it came to Christmas?

What did Lewis say about Christmas? David Bates from Pints With Jack discusses some of Lewis' poetry and prose on this topic. What did he mean by the "commercial racket" of Christmas, how does he depict the incarnation? And what is the significance of Father Christmas in the Narnia Chronicles? https://www.pintswithjack.com/ + 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.premierun...

Dec 18, 202313 min

#137 David Bates: How did Lewis celebrate Christmas?

David Bates of Pints With Jack shares his final thoughts with Ruth Jackson about CS Lewis and Christmas. Is there a particular food or drink Lewis would have enjoyed? What advice would he give about surviving the festive season? Plus, which of Lewis’ works would David recommend reading over the holiday period? https://www.pintswithjack.com/ + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website + For online learning http...

Dec 18, 202312 min

#135 David Bates: What did Christmas mean to Lewis?

David Bates from Pints With Jack shares some of CS Lewis' thoughts about Christmas. What are some of his key works that elucidate this topic? Did the festive period lose its significance when Lewis became an atheist? Plus, we catch up on how the inaugural CS Lewis Reading Day went last month. https://www.pintswithjack.com/ + 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.premierunb...

Dec 11, 202311 min

#134 Alister McGrath: Is there an expiry date on Lewis' relevance?

In the final part of their discussion on whether CS Lewis is still relevant 60 years after his death, Professor Alister McGrath and Ruth Jackson ponder whether he also appeals to agnostics, atheists and those of other religions. Plus, is there a modern-day CS Lewis? Where should someone start if they are engaging with Lewis for the first time? And will Lewis ever cease to be relevant? + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter vis...

Dec 04, 202314 min

#133 Alister McGrath: Was Lewis a prophet and does he speak to contemporary cultural issues?

Professor Alister McGrath and Ruth Jackson continue their discussion about whether CS Lewis is still relevant. Was he something of a prophet? What can we learn about the way Lewis engaged with modern media? How did he make complicated theological concepts relatable? In what ways has Lewis influenced our culture and is he able to speak to contemporary topical issues, such as transgenderism? + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newslette...

Nov 27, 202314 min

#132 Alister McGrath: 60 years after his death, does Lewis still speak to our heads and hearts?

On November 22nd 1963, Clive Staples Lewis – Jack to his friends – died in Oxford, England. 60 years after his death, we discuss whether he is still relevant today. Are any of the accusations levelled against Lewis legitimate? Why does he continue to speak to our rationality and imagination? Plus, Professor Alister McGrath shares the influence Lewis had on his own journey of faith. + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit ...

Nov 21, 202318 min

#131 David Bates: CS Lewis Reading Day

David Bates and his team at Pints With Jack have helped establish a day to celebrate CS Lewis and his work. His fellow Inkling, JRR Tolkien, already has a special reading day, but "why should the Tolkien nerds have all the fun?"! Listen in to hear why David thinks Lewis is still relevant today and how you can get involved with the inaugural CS Lewis Reading Day on Lewis' birthday - November 29th. https://www.pintswithjack.com/reading-day/ + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/156...

Nov 13, 202314 min

#130 David Bates: Pints with Jack

Ruth Jackson speaks to David Bates from the Pints With Jack podcast about how a local book club became a popular show and website. They discuss how David's journey with CS Lewis began ("like most people, it began with a wardrobe") and developed. Plus, what are some of the most surprising things he's learnt about Lewis?

Nov 06, 202323 min

#129 Dr Carolyn Weber: Surprised by Oxford

Dr Carolyn Weber, author of Surprised by Oxford, shares her fascinating story of coming to faith from atheism at Oxford University. Her journey, which mimics CS Lewis' own in many ways, has recently been turned into a feature film. What did Lewis mean by "surprised by joy"? Why are stories so powerful? Why has Lewis so often contributed to people's conversions?

Oct 30, 202326 min

#128 Perelandra: It's not for nothing that you are named Ransom

Looking at Perelendra, Alister McGrath explores key questions raised by CS Lewis: What is good? Should we be frightened of God? What is significant about 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 USA + Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world...

Oct 23, 202313 min
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