#230 Alister McGrath: Theology, miracles and imagination

In 'The Problem of Pain', C.S. Lewis addresses the age-old question of how a good and all-powerful God can permit pain and suffering. Lewis argues that human suffering is a consequence of the existence of evil and free will, and that God uses suffering as a tool to draw us nearer to Him. He categorizes pain as both physical and emotional, serving as a warning signal that alerts us to potential harm and compels us to make necessary changes. Lewis also discusses the Fall of Man and how it led to chaos and disaster, emphasizing that God's goodness is not negated by suffering but rather evidenced through His merciful intervention. The book concludes by reassuring that God's wisdom is infinitely superior to ours and that pain eventually leads us back to a loving relationship with our Creator.

In *C. S. Lewis—A Life*, Alister McGrath provides a comprehensive portrait of C.S. Lewis, delving into his transformation from atheism to Christianity and his literary achievements, including the *Chronicles of Narnia*. McGrath's meticulous research challenges some previously held beliefs about Lewis's life, offering new insights into his intellectual and personal journey.

A Grief Observed is a collection of C.S. Lewis's reflections on his experience of bereavement after the death of his wife, Joy Davidman, in 1960. The book explores the processes undergone by the human brain and mind during grief, questioning the nature of grief, faith, and theodicy. Lewis writes candidly about his anger and bewilderment towards God, his struggle to maintain his faith, and the gradual reacceptance of his theories on suffering. The book is compiled from four notebooks Lewis used to vent and explore his grief, offering profound insights into the human experience of loss and the search for meaning in the midst of suffering.

C. S. Lewis's "Experiment in Criticism" is a work of literary theory that explores the nature of literary taste and the process of critical evaluation. Lewis examines various approaches to literary criticism, offering his own insights and perspectives. The book's exploration of subjective and objective elements in literary judgment continues to be relevant in the field of literary studies. Lewis's insightful observations on the nature of art and the role of the critic remain valuable for readers and scholars alike. The book's clear and engaging writing style makes it accessible to a wide audience.

In 'Mere Christianity', C.S. Lewis argues for the existence of God and defends Christian theology. The book is divided into four parts: the first argues for the existence of God based on the 'law of human nature'; the second defends Christian theology, including the 'Liar, lunatic, or Lord' trilemma regarding Jesus Christ; the third explores Christian ethics, including the cardinal and theological virtues; and the fourth discusses the Christian conception of God, particularly the Holy Trinity. Lewis also addresses topics such as free will, morality, sexual ethics, and the institution of marriage. The book is known for its clear and logical presentation of Christian apologetics and has been praised for its straightforward and humorous writing style.