#215 Alister McGrath: Exploring The Discarded Image (Part 2)

Jun 23, 2025

Discover C.S. Lewis's intriguing connections between science, philosophy, and faith. Alister McGrath delves into the idea that science reveals deeper truths, framing Christianity as the 'true myth.' The conversation challenges the perception of scientific theories as absolute and emphasizes the enriching power of myth and narrative. Explore how historical worldviews enhance our understanding of modern life and the significance of avoiding 'chronological snobbery' in appreciating the past. Lewis's insights continue to resonate deeply in contemporary thought and literature.

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INSIGHT

Lewis on Overlapping Inquiries

Lewis saw science, philosophy, and religion as overlapping inquiries offering a deeper, enriched vision of reality.
He emphasized understanding how our worldview shapes meaning, including science's relation to faith and ethics.

INSIGHT

Science Leading to God

Lewis believed science could lead people to God if viewed through a Christian lens that reveals purpose and meaning.
Christian apologetics helps people see how this worldview transforms understanding of identity and the cosmos.

INSIGHT

Prime Mover and Human Role

Lewis highlighted Aristotle's prime mover to argue that everything is set in motion by something beyond itself.
Christianity envisions humans as active participants in the cosmos, not just passive observers.

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The Chronicles of Narnia

C.S. Lewis

The Discarded Image

Stratford Caldecott

Surprised by Joy

C.S. Lewis

Saving the appearances

Owen Barfield

C.S. Lewis—A Life

Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet

Alister E. McGrath

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.

Why I Believe

Henry Cloud

In this book, Dr. Henry Cloud leads readers through his personal journey of faith, sharing his early struggles with illness and depression and the miraculous experiences that healed him. Written in the vein of books like 'An Unquiet Mind', 'When Breath Becomes Air', and 'On Being Mortal', 'Why I Believe' is a masterwork in spiritual exploration. Dr. Cloud combines masterful storytelling with a nuanced understanding of the human mind to explore the great questions of life, suffering, and faith, making it a groundbreaking and uplifting read.

Perelandra

C.S. Lewis

In 'Perelandra', the second book of C.S. Lewis’s Space Trilogy, Dr. Elwin Ransom is transported to the planet Perelandra (Venus) to counter a temptation similar to that of Eve in the Garden of Eden. The planet, described as a paradise with floating islands, rich colors, and peaceful creatures, is home to a Green Lady and her King, who are the only sentient inhabitants. Ransom must thwart the plans of Dr. Edward Weston, who has been possessed by diabolical forces and aims to tempt the Green Lady into disobeying Maleldil’s (God’s) prohibition against dwelling on the Fixed Land. The novel explores themes of obedience, free will, and the struggle between good and evil, culminating in a physical battle between Ransom and the possessed Weston to determine the fate of Perelandra[2][3][5].