In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Leslie Baynes explores the complex relationship between C.S. Lewis and the Bible. While Lewis is widely celebrated for his theological insight and literary brilliance, Baynes’ research uncovers a more nuanced reality—one where Lewis occasionally misquotes scripture, relies heavily on memory, and even attributes statements to Jesus that do not appear in the Gospels.
Drawing from her book Between Interpretation and Imagination: C.S. Lewis and the Bible, Baynes examines both Lewis’s profound contributions and his interpretive missteps, including his famous “liar, lunatic, or Lord” argument.
The episode also tackles the cultural phenomenon of “Saint Lewis,” particularly among American evangelicals, and the resistance to critically evaluating his work. Yet, rather than dismissing Lewis, Baynes advocates for a balanced perspective—appreciating his literary and spiritual impact while engaging his ideas with scholarly rigor.
This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in biblical interpretation, theology, and the enduring influence of one of Christianity’s most beloved thinkers.
You can buy Dr. Baynes' book here:
https://www.eerdmans.com/9781467469708/between-interpretation-and-imagination/
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to C.S. Lewis and Evangelical Perception
03:00 The Complexity of C.S. Lewis's Legacy
05:57 Navigating Criticism in Lewis Studies
08:59 The Role of Biblical Scholars in Lewis's Work
12:06 The Trilemma: Liar, Lunatic, or Lord?
14:45 Gender Dynamics in Scholarly Critique
23:55 The Influence of Michael Ward
26:01 Critique of C.S. Lewis's Biblical Interpretation
27:15 Misquoting Jesus: The Dangers of Inaccurate Scripture
31:11 The Problem with Lewis's Scriptural Assertions
33:24 The Adulterous Woman: A Misplaced Argument
38:26 Lewis's Misunderstanding of Greco-Roman Literature
40:14 C.S. Lewis and the Chronicles of Narnia
44:30 A Hermeneutics of Love
47:23 C.S. Lewis: A Public Intellectual?
