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
6 snips
Jul 31, 2023 • 15min
#116 Did CS Lewis believe in aliens?
Dive into C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy as the discussion unpacks themes of alien life and humanity's introspection. Discover how medieval literature influenced Lewis's narratives and the unique ways he critiques real-world institutions. The enigmatic narrator adds layers to reader interpretation, while humor weaves through serious topics, revealing Lewis's storytelling mastery. These insights prompt listeners to reconsider the philosophical depths behind Lewis's seemingly whimsical tales.
7 snips
Jul 24, 2023 • 10min
#115 Why did no one want to publish Lewis' Space Trilogy?
The discussion dives into C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy, examining its intended audience and intricate themes of sexuality and theology. It reveals the publication struggles he faced, particularly around the genre shift to science fiction. The influence of Charles Williams on Lewis is explored, highlighting their literary bond and the impact of their friendship during World War II. Insights into J.R. Tolkien's role in Lewis's writing journey add another layer to the narrative.
5 snips
Jul 17, 2023 • 16min
#114 An introduction to The Space Trilogy
Discover C.S. Lewis's surprising venture into science fiction with his Space Trilogy. Delve into the philosophical and theological themes that challenge our understanding of humanity and divinity. Explore how cultural debates of the 1930s shaped his writing and the critical perspective on science's limits. Understand Lewis's evolution as a writer, particularly how this trilogy contrasts with his beloved Narnia series. Uncover the profound questions about morality and the human condition that still resonate today.
Jul 10, 2023 • 13min
#113 What about other religions?
Discussion on the value of other religions, interpretation of religious texts, and the reliability of the gospels. Exploration of beliefs, seeking outside help, and the enduring influence of C.S. Lewis.
Jul 3, 2023 • 17min
#112 Was Jesus a liar, lunatic, Lord or something else?
In the third part of this replay of an Unbelievable show, originally broadcast in October 2010, Justin Brierley speaks to Lewis scholar Dr Michael Ward and former Christian-turned atheist Dan Barker. Here, they continue to discuss CS Lewis' apologetics, focussing particularly on his classic ‘Trilemma’ - Jesus is either a liar, lunatic or Lord.
Other shows referenced in this programme:
https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unbelievable/10-oct-2009-jesus-and-the-god-of-israel/12275.article
+ Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545
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+ Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world
Jun 26, 2023 • 15min
#111 Is Lewis' argument from reason convincing?
In the second part of this replay of an Unbelievable show, originally broadcast in October 2010, Justin Brierley speaks to Lewis scholar Dr Michael Ward and former Christian-turned atheist Dan Barker. Here, they continue to discuss CS Lewis' apologetics, focussing particularly on his argument from reason in ‘Miracles’.
+ 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
Jun 19, 2023 • 20min
#110 An atheist and Christian reflect on CS Lewis’ apologetics
60 years after his death people continue to read, use and quote CS Lewis’ apologetics works. In this replay of an Unbelievable show, originally broadcast in October 2010, Justin Brierley speaks to Lewis scholar Dr Michael Ward and former Christian-turned atheist Dan Barker. Here, they discuss Lewis' arguments, focussing particularly on his Natural Law argument for God in ‘Mere Christianity’.
Other shows referenced in this programme:
Unbelievable? 6 Jun 2009 Narnia & CS Lewis - a skeptic and Christian discuss - Michael Ward & Laura Miller
Unbelievable? 5 Dec 2009 - Are we better off free from religion? Atheist Dan Barker vs. Christian Charles Foster
+ 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
Jun 12, 2023 • 28min
#109: Dr Jennifer Woodruff Tait: Jack at home
Dr Jennifer Woodruff Tait, managing editor of Christian History magazine, shares some of her thoughts around why CS Lewis continues to be so popular. She tells Ruth Jackson why they devoted an entire issue of the magazine to Lewis' family and friends, and reflects on why he has had such a profound impact on her own life as a woman, despite him sometimes being accused of sexism.
For Christian History's 'Jack at Home' issue:https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/magazine/issue/jack-at-home-ch-140
+ 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
Jun 5, 2023 • 24min
#108 Tim Keller (1950-2023) on CS Lewis
In this special episode following the death of Tim Keller on Friday 19th May, Ruth Jackson speaks to Collin Hansen, author of 'Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation’. They talk about Keller's love for CS Lewis and reveal some fascinating stories about Kathy Keller, Tim's wife, who was one of the last people to correspond with Lewis before his death.
For Collin Hansen and The Gospel Coalition: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/profile/collin-hansen/
+ 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
May 29, 2023 • 25min
#107 Dr Sharon Jones: Floral particulars in CS Lewis
Dr Sharon Jones, who teaches at Stranmillis University College, explores floral particulars in Lewis' works. This talk was originally given at a CS Lewis symposium called Now We Have Faces, which was hosted by The CS Lewis Group at Ulster University in coordination with English at Ulster. The title of Sharon's presentation was ‘Much grass and many flowers: attending to floral particulars with CS Lewis’.
For more on the CS Lewis group at Ulster: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/cs-lewis
For more talks from Now We Have Faces: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjaoVaQAdjdVFIFenlZVg-g
+ 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
