Alister McGrath, a Professor at Oxford University and expert on C.S. Lewis, dives into the profound themes found in Lewis’ final work, The Discarded Image. He discusses how Lewis valued the medieval worldview, emphasizing its implications for science, imagination, and faith. The conversation contrasts this older geocentric perspective with today's secular beliefs, exploring how these historical models still resonate. McGrath also highlights the intersections of Christianity and modern cosmology, offering deeper insights into human existence and meaning.
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insights INSIGHT
Lewis on Medieval Worldview's Meaning
C.S. Lewis presented the medieval worldview as a model for making sense of the universe that integrates meaning and identity.
He believed modern science lacks in addressing our need for purpose and place within the cosmos.
insights INSIGHT
Geocentric to Heliocentric Shift
The geocentric model placed Earth at the universe's center, shaping medieval identity and meaning.
The shift to heliocentrism caused a loss of cosmic harmony and challenged fixed worldviews.
insights INSIGHT
Worldviews Shape Meaning and Morality
Lewis sees worldviews as lenses filtering our perception and values like meaning, morality, and harmony.
He argues modern science lacks these themes, requiring belief systems like Christianity to supply them.
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Why We Believe: Finding Meaning in Uncertain Times
Why We Believe: Finding Meaning in Uncertain Times
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Essay on man
Essay on man
Alexander Pope
In 'An Essay on Man,' Alexander Pope presents a philosophical exploration of human nature and the order of the universe. The poem reflects the Enlightenment ideals of reason, order, and harmony, while also acknowledging the limitations of human understanding. Pope addresses the relationship between humanity and God, exploring themes of divine providence, free will, and the problem of evil. The essay examines the passions and their role in shaping human behavior. Pope emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge and virtue, advocating for a balanced approach to life that embraces both reason and emotion. Through his insightful verses, Pope offers a reflection on the human condition and the search for meaning in a complex world.
C.S. Lewis—A Life
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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.
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The story follows Digory and Polly, two children who meet while exploring the attics of their adjacent homes in London. They stumble upon Uncle Andrew's study, where they are tricked into using magical rings that allow travel between worlds. Their adventures take them to the desolate world of Charn, where they awaken the evil queen Jadis, and eventually to the creation of Narnia by the lion Aslan. The novel explores themes of creation, good vs. evil, and redemption as Digory and Polly navigate these new worlds and their consequences.
The Discarded Image
Stratford Caldecott
Ruth Jackson speaks with Alister McGrath about CS Lewis’ final book, The Discarded Image, a reflection on the medieval view of the cosmos. Why did Lewis care so much about this old model of the universe, and what does it reveal about his views on science, imagination, and faith? They explore Lewis’s description of a geocentric, ordered world and how it contrasts with today’s scientific and secular worldview. Could this older picture still speak to us today? And how did Lewis understand the relationship between science and the biblical creation story?
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