The C.S. Lewis podcast
#204 Alister McGrath: Lewis on science, miracles and materialism
Apr 7, 2025
In this discussion, Alister McGrath, a leading C.S. Lewis scholar and Professor at Oxford, dives into Lewis's thoughts on miracles and science. He argues that miracles align with divine will rather than contradicting natural laws. Exploring the clash between Lewis and H.G. Wells's materialism, McGrath highlights Lewis's literary responses to secularism. The conversation also probes how Lewis’s critiques of materialism continue to resonate today, emphasizing that science and faith can coexist in understanding human existence and morality.
24:17
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- C.S. Lewis argues that miracles should be viewed as divine actions within natural laws, challenging traditional definitions of impossibility.
- Lewis critiques materialism for neglecting the moral and spiritual aspects of humanity, suggesting a deeper understanding must include these dimensions.
Deep dives
C.S. Lewis's Perspective on Miracles
C.S. Lewis argues that miracles can be interpreted not as violations of natural laws but as divine actions that operate within those laws. He suggests that what makes a miracle miraculous is often its unexpected nature, emphasizing that God's capacity to enact miracles does not negate the laws of nature but rather shows His authority over them. Lewis challenges David Hume's definition of miracles by proposing that just because something appears impossible to humans does not mean it cannot happen; God's perspective may differ from ours. This understanding encourages a theological perspective that sees miracles as fulfilling God's will rather than contradicting scientific principles.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
