

The C.S. Lewis podcast
Premier
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 6, 2024 • 17min
#156 Phil Knox: Lord All matey or Lord Almighty?
Author Phil Knox discusses the spiritual depth of friendship according to C.S. Lewis. Topics include Jesus' favorites, God as friend, and the value of Christian friendships. Explore the importance of meaningful connections and genuine relationships in a thought-provoking conversation.

Apr 29, 2024 • 17min
#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

Apr 22, 2024 • 22min
#154 Lewis and Tolkien: The final years
Dive into the complex friendship between Tolkien and Lewis as they clash on theology and respond to each other's fame. Explore Tolkien's strong criticism of Lewis' posthumous work and their differing literary tastes. Uncover the enduring bond these two remarkable men shared despite life's challenges.

Apr 15, 2024 • 20min
#153 The poet and the philologist: Lewis and Tolkien's early years
Dr. Holly Ordway discusses the early friendship between Lewis and Tolkien, highlighting their pivotal meeting at Addison's Walk. They explore how their friendship influenced their faith and creative works, as well as the significance of the Inklings group in fostering creativity and community.

Apr 8, 2024 • 20min
#152 Is ‘The Lord of the Rings’ a religious work?
Dr. Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien's Faith, dives into J.R.R. Tolkien's religious influences in 'The Lord of the Rings', exploring themes of Catholicism, humble hobbits, Eucharistic symbolism, and theological nuances. She discusses Tolkien's identification with characters like Sam, his struggles, doubts, and the connection to 'Leaf by Niggle'.

Apr 1, 2024 • 34min
#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

Mar 25, 2024 • 18min
#150 Holly Ordway: Tolkien on Holy Week
Dr. Holly Ordway discusses J.R.R. Tolkien's perspective on Holy Week, his view on death, and the significance of Easter and resurrection in his faith. They explore themes of euchatostrophe, cosmic joy, and Tolkien's use of invented languages in reflecting his spiritual beliefs.

Mar 18, 2024 • 35min
#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

Mar 11, 2024 • 20min
#148 Ruth Jackson: Where it all began
In this podcast, Ruth Jackson discusses the origins of the C.S. Lewis podcast and her admiration for C.S. Lewis's works. The episode also includes an Easter devotional resource advertisement and future plans for the podcast, including a contest to win free books.

Mar 4, 2024 • 36min
#147 Jason Lepojärvi: The undiscovered Lewis
Discover the undiscovered elements of CS Lewis with Dr. Jason Lepojärvi. Explore Lewis's theological blind spot and the enduring interest in his work. Get insights into the upcoming Undiscovered CS Lewis conference in Oregon.


