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
Feb 26, 2024 • 13min
#146 That Hideous Strength: How do we resist evil?
Exploring the emergence of evil in That Hideous Strength and how we control technologies like AI and nuclear weapons. Alister McGrath shares key takeaways from The Space Trilogy and offers tips for engaging with Lewis' works.
Feb 19, 2024 • 21min
#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
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Feb 12, 2024 • 15min
#144 That Hideous Strength: What would a godless world look like?
Alister McGrath discusses C.S. Lewis' thoughts on education and the abolition of God. They explore the negative consequences of imagining a godless world and the importance of symbols. They also delve into divine justice and the unintended outcomes of social engineering projects in the novel.
Feb 5, 2024 • 16min
#143 That Hideous Strength: Is technology dangerous?
Alister McGrath discusses the intersection of God, science, and technology in C.S. Lewis' 'That Hideous Strength'. They explore topics such as the dangers of technology, the challenges faced by religion, the flaws in a purely scientistic approach, and the concerns surrounding artificial intelligence.
Jan 29, 2024 • 12min
#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
Jan 22, 2024 • 10min
#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
Jan 15, 2024 • 19min
#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
Jan 8, 2024 • 14min
#139 Phil Knox: The fate of the unevangelised
Evangelist Phil Knox discusses the themes of evangelism, obedience to God, and the fate of the unevangelized in The Narnia Chronicles. He explores the impact of C.S. Lewis's writings on our understanding of Jesus, emphasizing the character of Aslan. The podcast also delves into Lewis's theology on the destiny of those who haven't heard the Christian message, raising questions on salvation and the afterlife.
Jan 1, 2024 • 15min
#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
Dec 18, 2023 • 13min
#136 David Bates: Was Lewis a bit of a grumpy old man when it came to Christmas?
David Bates from Pints With Jack discusses C.S. Lewis' writings on Christmas, including his critique of the commercial aspect and his depiction of the incarnation. They also explore the significance of Father Christmas in the Narnia Chronicles.
