The Thomistic Institute Getting to Know Tolkien and Lewis and Why It's Worth Your Time I Prof. Lee Oser
Aug 21, 2025
Prof. Lee Oser, a scholar in Religion and Literature, dives into the rich lives and influential works of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. He explores their childhood struggles and the impact of their faith on their writing. Oser sheds light on the formation of the Inklings and their countercultural Christian imagination that challenged modernist trends. The podcast also delves into their unique interpretations of magic and morality, revealing how these themes resonate within their beloved narratives.
52:53
Tolkien's Formative Hardships
- J.R.R. Tolkien endured early tragedies: his father's death, his mother's conversion and early death, and formative support from the Oratory priests.
- These events and mentors shaped his Catholic faith and lifelong literary vocation.
Lewis's Early Losses and War
- C.S. Lewis lost his mother at nine and later faced front-line horrors in WWI that shaped his sympathies and work.
- Those experiences created empathy between Lewis and Tolkien and rooted their friendship in shared suffering.
Shared Religious and Literary Roots
- Both men came from Protestant backgrounds though Tolkien converted to Catholicism early in life.
- Their shared literary and cultural inheritance provided a deep common ground for friendship and collaboration.
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Intro
00:00 • 7min
Formative Journeys: Lewis and Tolkien
07:12 • 26min
Exploring Myth and Modernism in Literary Works
33:30 • 2min
Tolkien and Lewis: Magic and Morality
35:47 • 12min
The Interplay of Modernism and the Inklings: Exploring the Christian Imagination
47:32 • 5min
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The Young Melbourne
David Cecil
#15873
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Preface to Paradise Lost
CrossReach Publications
C.S. Lewis
Gustave Doré
C. S.
Lewis's "Preface to Paradise Lost" serves as an introduction to John Milton's epic poem.
It delves into the nature of epic poetry, distinguishing between primary and secondary epics.
Lewis explores the concept of virtue and its portrayal in epic literature, examining Milton's theological perspectives within a contemporary context.
The preface offers valuable insights into understanding the structure and themes of Paradise Lost, enriching the reader's experience.
It's a crucial text for understanding Milton's work and the broader landscape of epic poetry.
#985
• Mentioned in 23 episodes
Orthodoxy
G.K. Chesterton
In 'Orthodoxy,' G.K.
Chesterton presents a compelling defense of Christianity, arguing that it is the most rational and fulfilling worldview.
The book is a personal and philosophical journey where Chesterton explains how he came to embrace traditional Christianity after exploring various heresies and philosophies.
He compares Christianity with other worldviews, highlighting its unique ability to balance paradoxes and provide a coherent explanation of human nature and the world.
Chesterton's writing is characterized by his wit, humor, and profound insights, making the book both intellectually stimulating and engagingly readable.
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C. S. Lewis's Oxford
Simon Horobin
#2961
• Mentioned in 10 episodes
Out of the Silent Planet
C.S. Lewis
In 'Out of the Silent Planet', Dr. Elwin Ransom, a philologist, is kidnapped by his old school acquaintance Dick Devine and the scientist Edward Weston.
They take him aboard a spaceship bound for Malacandra (Mars).
Upon landing, Ransom escapes and encounters the planet's inhabitants, including the humanoid hrossa and the angelic eldil.
He learns that Earth is isolated from the rest of the solar system and eventually meets Oyarsa, the ruler of Malacandra.
After a series of adventures and interactions with the planet's diverse species, Ransom is directed to return to Earth along with his captors, who are ordered to leave Malacandra immediately.
#965
• Mentioned in 24 episodes
The Problem of Pain
C.S. Lewis
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.
#14
• Mentioned in 285 episodes
The Lord of the Rings
J.R.R Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R. R.
Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth.
The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo.
The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return.
Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth.
The novel explores themes of good vs.
evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will.
#8427
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Love
A History
Simon May
In 'Love: A History', Simon May chronicles the evolution of love through Western cultures, from the Hebrew scriptures to contemporary philosophy.
He argues that love has transformed from a divine power to a secularized force that fills the void left by the decline of theistic beliefs.
May introduces the concept of 'ontological rootedness,' suggesting that love is a joyful response to the promise of a secure and enduring connection.
The book examines various historical and philosophical views of love, rejecting unconditional and disinterested love in favor of a more grounded and personal understanding.
#1114
• Mentioned in 21 episodes
The consolation of philosophy
Boethius
Boethius's 'Consolation of Philosophy' is a philosophical treatise written while he awaited execution.
The work explores themes of fortune, adversity, and the nature of good and evil.
Through a dialogue between Boethius and Lady Philosophy, the text examines the relationship between God and the world, grappling with questions of divine providence and human suffering.
It offers a blend of philosophical and theological perspectives, providing solace and insight into the challenges of life.
The book remains a significant work in the history of philosophy and theology.
#147
• Mentioned in 91 episodes
The Hobbit
or There and Back Again
J.R.R Tolkien
Published in 1937, 'The Hobbit' is a children's fantasy novel that introduces readers to the richly imagined world of Middle-earth.
The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a home-loving hobbit, who is persuaded by Gandalf to join Thorin and his twelve dwarves on a quest to reclaim their treasure from the dragon Smaug.
During the journey, Bilbo encounters various creatures, including trolls, goblins, and the mysterious Gollum, and discovers a magical ring that renders the wearer invisible.
The novel is a prequel to 'The Lord of the Rings' and explores themes of personal growth, courage, and unexpected heroism.
#6449
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
A Pilgrim's Regress
An Allegory
C.S. Lewis
A Pilgrim's Regress is an allegorical novel by C.S. Lewis, published in 1933.
It follows the journey of John, a young man who encounters various philosophical and religious viewpoints.
The novel uses allegory to explore the nature of faith, reason, and the Christian worldview.
It's considered an important work in Lewis's development as a writer and thinker, though less widely read than his later works.
The book's exploration of spiritual and intellectual journeys resonates with readers interested in apologetics and Christian thought.
#283
• Mentioned in 56 episodes
The Chronicles of Narnia
C.S. Lewis
#324
• Mentioned in 51 episodes
The abolition of man
C.S. Lewis
In 'The Abolition of Man', C.S.
Lewis delivers a defense of objective value and natural law, originating from his Riddell Memorial Lectures at the University of Durham in 1943.
Lewis argues that education should be conducted within the context of moral law and objective values, which he terms the 'Tao'.
He criticizes modern attempts to debunk these values, warning that such actions could lead to a dehumanization of society, resulting in what he calls 'Men without Chests' – individuals whose emotions have not been trained to conform to reason.
The book emphasizes the universal nature of traditional moralities across different cultures and warns against the dangers of moral relativism and the reduction of human beings to mere objects of scientific analysis.
#1377
• Mentioned in 18 episodes
Surprised by Joy
C.S. Lewis
#7105
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
Heretics
None
G.K. Chesterton
G. K.
Chesterton's "Heretics" is a collection of essays that explore various aspects of religious belief and social commentary.
Chesterton's characteristic wit and insightful observations make this a stimulating and engaging read.
The essays cover a wide range of topics, from the nature of orthodoxy to the dangers of modernism.
Chesterton's defense of traditional values and his critique of contemporary society remain relevant today.
The book is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about faith, reason, and the challenges of modern life.
#2938
• Mentioned in 10 episodes
The Discarded Image
Stratford Caldecott
#11392
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Commedia
Divine Comedy
Dante Alighieri
Dante Alighieri's 'Divine Comedy' is an epic poem that journeys through the realms of the afterlife: Inferno (Hell), Purgatorio (Purgatory), and Paradiso (Heaven).
Guided first by the Roman poet Virgil and later by his idealized Beatrice, Dante explores the spiritual and moral nature of humanity.
The poem is rich with allegorical and symbolic meaning, reflecting medieval theology, philosophy, and political thought.
Through vivid imagery and profound introspection, Dante critiques earthly corruption and aspires to divine understanding.
'Divine Comedy' remains a cornerstone of Italian literature and a seminal work in the Western canon, influencing art, literature, and thought for centuries.
#5318
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
Dr. Faustus
Christopher Marlowe
The play follows Doctor Faustus, a German scholar who, dissatisfied with traditional forms of knowledge, turns to magic and makes a pact with the devil Mephastophilis.
In exchange for his soul, Faustus gains 24 years of unlimited power and knowledge.
The play explores themes of knowledge, power, and sacrifice, serving as a cautionary tale about the perilous nature of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of forbidden knowledge.
Set in various European locations, it reflects the Renaissance spirit and the intellectual climate of Elizabethan England.
#9881
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Poetic diction
Owen Barfield
#444
• Mentioned in 40 episodes
The pilgrim's progress
Geoffrey Murray
The Pilgrim's Progress is a Christian allegory that follows the journey of Christian, a man burdened by his sin, as he travels from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City.
Along the way, he encounters various characters and obstacles that symbolize spiritual realities.
The book is presented as a dream sequence and is divided into two parts, the second part following Christian's wife, Christiana, and her children on a similar journey.
The narrative is rich in biblical references and explores themes of redemption, faith, and perseverance.
Prof. Lee Oser explores the intertwined lives, faith journeys, and literary legacies of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and the Inklings, highlighting their countercultural Christian imagination against modernist trends.
This lecture was given on November 22nd, 2024, at College of William and Mary.
For more information on upcoming events, visit us at thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events.
About the Speakers:
Lee Oser's scholarly focus is Religion and Literature. His books include Christian Humanism in Shakespeare: A Study in Religion and Literature and The Return of Christian Humanism: Chesterton, Eliot, Tolkien and the Romance of History. Also, he is a noted novelist who specializes in satire.
Keywords: Beowulf, Christian Imagination, The Chronicles of Narnia, Inklings, Medievalism, Modernism in Literature, Owen Barfield, Subcreation, The Lord of the Rings, World War I