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.

#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 + 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

04-29
18:43

#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 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

04-22
24:54

#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://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

04-15
21:28

#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 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

04-08
20:21

#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 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

04-01
36:02

#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 the USA + Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

03-25
19:41

#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 events + Support the podcast from the USA + Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

03-18
36:20

#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 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

03-11
21:52

#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/cs-lewis-initiative/conference.html For Sehnsucht: The C.S. Lewis Journal: https://www.georgefox.edu/cs-lewis-initiative/sehnsucht/index.html + 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

03-04
38:10

#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 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

02-26
15:37

#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 the podcast from UK and rest of the world

02-19
23:46

#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 + Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

02-12
17:17

#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 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

02-05
18:19

#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 Premier Unbelievable? Live events + Support the podcast from the USA + Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

01-29
14:05

#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.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

01-22
12:55

#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 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

01-15
21:48

#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.premierunbelievable.com/shows/unapologetic Listen to Professor Alister McGrath on The Narnia Chronicles here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/the-cs-lewis-podcast/the-cs-lewis-podcast-22-an-introduction-to-the-narnia-chronicles/12415.article + 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

01-08
16:35

#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: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/the-cs-lewis-podcast/the-cs-lewis-podcast-22-an-introduction-to-the-narnia-chronicles/12415.article + 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

01-01
17:13

#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.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

12-18
15:09

#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 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

12-18
13:36

Randy Dysart

Thank you for these discussions regarding the thoughts and inspiration from CS Lewis and current theologians. The complicated made simple, a walk of faith. I do enjoy them and the stories that give us a glimpse into the life and struggles of a real influencer. Randy

06-22 Reply

Dan B

So good.

11-08 Reply

Recommend Channels