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
Oct 9, 2023 • 20min
#126 Perelandra: Free will, desire and the Fall
Alister McGrath explores CS Lewis' theology in Perelandra, discussing the concepts of free will, desire, good, love, truth, and demon possession. They imagine a world without the Fall, analyze the Green Lady's statements on God, and explore joyful discoveries in following God's will. The podcast delves into the themes of 'Perelandra' and its relevance in today's world.
Oct 2, 2023 • 13min
#125 Perelandra: Pleasure, gender and sex
Alister McGrath, author and theologian, discusses pleasure, gender, and sex in the novel Perelandra. Topics include the nature of pleasure, Lewis' use of the term 'transsexual,' and the exploration of gender roles in the book.
Sep 25, 2023 • 16min
#124 Perelandra: Scientism, spirituality and magic
Professor Alister McGrath explores the second book of CS Lewis' space trilogy, Perelandra, looking at some of its key themes, characters and questions. Could the Fall have been prevented? What if it hadn't happened? How did Lewis perceive magic? Where do we find meaning? Is there a limit to science?
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7 snips
Sep 18, 2023 • 12min
#123 Out of the Silent Planet: Death, suffering and The Fall
Alister McGrath discusses humanity, death, evolution, and suffering in Lewis' 'Out of the Silent Planet'. Also explores the conflict with the theory of evolution and the need to promote a healthier attitude towards death.
10 snips
Sep 11, 2023 • 16min
#122 Out of the Silent Planet: Love, sex and intuition
In this podcast, Alister McGrath discusses CS Lewis' language around love and sex in Out of the Silent Planet. He also explores the different lifeforms on Malacandra and the distinction between rational and non-rational life forms.
7 snips
Sep 4, 2023 • 10min
#121 Out of the Silent Planet: Nakedness, science and ransom
Professor Alister McGrath discusses the significance of nakedness in Out of the Silent Planet and CS Lewis's use of genuine science. They also explore the mystery behind Ransom's name and symbolism, and the incorporation of science in Lewis' space trilogy. The podcast delves into the theological connections between nakedness and sin in the story.
11 snips
Aug 28, 2023 • 14min
#120 Out of the Silent Planet: Weston, Devine and JRR Tolkien
In this episode, Professor Alister McGrath examines the characters of Weston and Devine in C.S. Lewis's 'Out of the Silent Planet' and explores their ideologies. Topics include greed, ideological agendas, the ethical dimension of human survival, and Lewis's critique of Weston's ideas.
4 snips
Aug 21, 2023 • 15min
#119 Has The Space Trilogy stood the test of time?
Discussion on the potential for finding faith through CS Lewis' space trilogy despite its less clear messaging. Exploring parallels between the space trilogy and the Narnia Chronicles, and the challenges of adapting the trilogy into a film. Favorite moments in the trilogy include the beautifully described dance scene in Paralyngra as a metaphor for faith and the suggestion of adapting That Hideous Strength into a film.
8 snips
Aug 14, 2023 • 15min
#118 Evil, evolution and theological reflection in The Space Trilogy
Alister McGrath, a theological scholar and expert on the works of C.S. Lewis, explores theological themes in Lewis' Space Trilogy. He discusses Lewis's views on science and religion, his thoughts on evolution, and how he critiques worldviews through his fiction.
5 snips
Aug 7, 2023 • 13min
#117 Vivisection, mental health, racism and sexism
Delve into the ethical dilemmas of vivisection as C.S. Lewis passionately critiques animal experimentation. Explore his insights on mental health, reflecting on how his coping mechanisms might resonate with today's struggles. Additionally, Alister McGrath tackles allegations of sexism and racism in Lewis's writings, analyzing gender roles and colonial themes. The podcast also examines how historical forces shape literary works, offering a thought-provoking look at how Lewis's perspectives interact with contemporary issues.
