

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

Jun 6, 2022 • 21min
#57 Dogma and the Universe - CS Lewis’ essays and short writings
Originally published in 1943 in a Christian magazine, 'Dogma and the Universe' sees Lewis look at the fact that modern science tells us the Universe had a beginning and that life will also come to an end one day.
Get Alister's new book What's the Point of Theology?
Download Alister and all sessions from Unbelievable? 2022
+ For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website
+ For our Premier Unbelievable? Live events
+ Support the podcast from the USA
+ Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

May 30, 2022 • 18min
#56 Meditation in a Toolshed - CS Lewis’ essays and short writings
We begin season 6 of the CS Lewis podcast looking at a number of CS Lewis' shorter articles, essays and sermons. 'Meditation in a Toolshed' (1945) sees Lewis exploring the idea of 'looking at' a beam of sunlight vs 'looking along' the beam. Alister and Justin discuss how Lewis related this idea to the Christian faith.
Download Alister's sessions from Unbelievable? the Conference
+ For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website
+ For our Premier Unbelievable? Live events
+ Support the podcast from the USA
+ Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

May 23, 2022 • 33min
#55 Ask Alister McGrath Anything Part 2
Alister McGrath continues to respond to listener questions about science, faith and doubt (and CS Lewis!) in the second part of a show first recorded as a livestream listener Q&A edition of Unbelievable? in 2020, hosted by Justin and Lucy Brierley and Ruth Jackson.
+ For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website
+ For our Premier Unbelievable? Live events
+ Support the podcast from the USA
+ Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

May 16, 2022 • 36min
#54 Alister McGrath journeys through science, faith and doubt
Alister McGrath talks about his memoir 'Through a Glass Darkly: Journeys Through Science, Faith & Doubt' in the first part of a show recorded as a livestream listern Q&A edition of Unbelievable? in 2020, hosted by Justin and Lucy Brierley and Ruth Jackson.
+ For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website
+ For our Premier Unbelievable? Live events
+ Support the podcast from the USA
+ Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

May 9, 2022 • 24min
#53 The Four Loves
The Four Loves (1960) is a reflection on four types of love - affection, friendship, eros and charity. Alister examines them and the concept of 'Agape' love that Lewis draws out.
+ For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website
+ For our Premier Unbelievable? Live events
+ Support the podcast from the USA
+ Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

May 2, 2022 • 23min
#52 Reflections on the Psalms
Reflections On The Psalms (1958) is CS Lewis' only book that directly comments on the Bible. Alister explains why Lewis chose to write about the Psalms and what lessons we can draw from it today.
+ For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website
+ For our Premier Unbelievable? Live events
+ Support the podcast from the USA
+ Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

Apr 25, 2022 • 25min
#51 Surprised by Joy
Dive into the transformative journey of C.S. Lewis from atheism to faith, exploring the profound moments that shaped his beliefs. Discover how joy plays a pivotal role in understanding grace and divine connection. The podcast examines Lewis's autobiographical reflections and the powerful impact of storytelling on personal narratives. There’s also a discussion on the significance of his upcoming book on the Psalms, inviting deeper engagement with scripture and Lewis's broader intellectual context.

Apr 18, 2022 • 32min
#50 The Great Divorce
Join the discussion on C.S. Lewis' 'The Great Divorce' as they explore heaven and hell through intricate character analysis, tackling themes of fulfillment, trapped thinking, and the allure of a heavenly existence. Dive into the symbolic killing of the red lizard, representing redemption and freedom, while reflecting on Christ's realization and Lewis's autobiography.

Apr 11, 2022 • 25min
#49 The Screwtape Letters
The Screwtape Letters (1942) saw CS Lewis rise to international prominence as an author. Alister and Justin talk about its creative approach to conversion, temptation and the Christian life.
+ For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website
+ For our Premier Unbelievable? Live events
+ Support the podcast from the USA
+ Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

Apr 4, 2022 • 20min
#48 The Problem of Pain
The Problem Of Pain (1940) was CS Lewis' apologetic on the problem of God & suffering. Alister reviews its content and impact.
+ For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website
+ For our Premier Unbelievable? Live events
+ Support the podcast from the USA
+ Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world


