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
Sep 23, 2024 • 17min
#176 Alister McGrath: Feelings, desire and religious experience
Why are we often hesitant to talk about our feelings? What did Lewis mean by “joy” and how did he search for it? Can our feelings help us to find God or to grow in our faith? How did Lewis view aesthetics? What should we do when our feelings seem opposed to our faith? How important was religious experience for Lewis? Professor Alister McGrath continues to explore how we can use Lewis as a resource for the Christian life. + 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
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+ Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world
Sep 16, 2024 • 18min
#175 Alister McGrath: What would Lewis think of Jordan Peterson?
How does having a better understanding of a "big picture" give us hope, particularly in the midst of mental health struggles? How can we hold different aspects of our life together? Which travelling companions would Lewis recommend? What would Lewis make of public figures such as Tom Holland, Jordan Peterson and Douglas Murray, who speak about the coherence and positive impact of Christianity? Professor Alister McGrath explores Lewis as a spiritual mentor.
+ 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
Sep 9, 2024 • 19min
#174 Alister McGrath: Can Lewis help us to find meaning?
What did Lewis mean by "big pictures" and how did he use them in his work? How can he help those struggling to find their purpose in life? Why are people so concerned about a lack of coherence and can Lewis be of assistance? Can creeds help us? Professor Alister McGrath explores how Lewis can be a pathfinder and a resource for the Christian life.
+ 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
Sep 2, 2024 • 18min
#173 Alister McGrath: How do we tell good stories?
How can our individual stories find new meaning and significance from Christianity's "grand story"? In what ways did Lewis tell the Christian story? And what can we learn from this? How do we share our own story? Professor Alister McGrath explores how we can use Lewis as a resource for our Christian life and looks at some of Lewis' favourite stories, including The Pilgrim’s Regress.
To find out more about virtual attendance / streaming for The Undiscovered CS Lewis Conference on 5th-8th September: https://georgefoxuniversity.regfox.com/cs-lewis-conference-virtual-attendance
+ 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
Aug 26, 2024 • 16min
#172 Alister McGrath: Why do stories matter?
Which stories impacted Lewis as a young child? Why is story so important? How does imagination help convey truth? What did Lewis mean by "myth" and how did that impact his thinking? Where did JRR Tolkien help with this? How do we allow the Christian story to shape our own? Professor Alister McGrath explores how we can use Lewis as a resource for our Christian life.
To find out more about virtual attendance / streaming for The Undiscovered CS Lewis Conference on 5th-8th September: https://georgefoxuniversity.regfox.com/cs-lewis-conference-virtual-attendance
+ 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
Aug 19, 2024 • 20min
#171 Alister McGrath: Spiritual disciplines, young people and the academy
Professor Alister McGrath, an expert on C.S. Lewis, discusses the profound ways Lewis's conversion shaped his faith and academic life. He highlights Lewis’s transformative journey from intellectualism to a heartfelt relationship with Christianity. McGrath also explores how Lewis serves as a model for young Christians today, emphasizing the integration of faith with vocation. Additionally, he delves into the lasting influence Lewis has on modern writers and the importance of storytelling in conveying Christian virtues like integrity and bravery.
Aug 12, 2024 • 18min
#170 Alister McGrath: Is Lewis a helpful spiritual mentor?
In this engaging discussion, Professor Alister McGrath, an expert in Christian faith and the teachings of C.S. Lewis, reveals how Lewis serves as a vital spiritual mentor for modern believers. He explores Lewis's practical tools for spiritual practices, emphasizing the importance of worship, prayer, and personal relationships. The conversation also highlights Lewis's insights on navigating suffering through shared stories and the crucial role of friendship in overcoming doubt, making his wisdom relevant for today's spiritual journeys.
Aug 5, 2024 • 21min
#169 James Emery White: Culture, translation and COVID-19
How did CS Lewis translate Christianity for ordinary people? What would he say to our post-Christian culture? Can Lewis help with evangelism? In what ways did people apply his ideas to the COVID-19 pandemic? Pastor, author and theologian Dr James Emery White explores how we can draw on Lewis in our modern context. He references many of his works including 'Modern Man and his Categories of Thought' and 'On Living in an Atomic Age', as well as sharing stories from people who knew Lewis personally.
For Dr James Emery White: https://www.churchandculture.org/jamesemerywhite
+ 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
Jul 29, 2024 • 19min
#168 Philip Tallon: What if God isn't good?
Did Lewis want to rewrite some of his earlier work on suffering in light of his own experience of pain and loss? Did Lewis doubt the existence of God or question his character during these times? What words of encouragement would Lewis give to those in the throes of suffering? Dr Philip Tallon, Associate Professor of Theology and Dean of The School of Christian Thought at Houston Christian University, explores A Grief Observed and The Problem of Pain. He also shares how to help younger readers engage with Lewis.
For Philip Tallon: https://hc.edu/contact/philip-tallon/
+ 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
8 snips
Jul 22, 2024 • 25min
#167 Philip Tallon: How do hell, the Fall and beauty fit into Lewis' theodicy?
Philip Tallon, a theology professor, explores C.S. Lewis' views on the Fall, hell, and aesthetics in theodicy. Topics include reconciling Fall with evolution, Lewis' thoughts on suffering, forgiveness, and the role of beauty in moral growth.
