Christians Reading Classics C. S. Lewis - That Hideous Strength with Philip D. Bunn and Ronni Kurtz
Sep 11, 2025
Ronni Kurtz, an Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology, and Philip D. Bunn, an Assistant Professor of Political Science, dive deep into C.S. Lewis's 'That Hideous Strength.' They explore the theological and philosophical themes in the novel, such as the ethical implications of technology and modern education. The duo discusses the relevance of Lewis's insights concerning AI and its impact on humanity. Additionally, they analyze character dynamics and the characteristics that define classic literature, emphasizing the enduring power of literary works.
59:10
How A Classic Is Defined
- A classic is a book that endures through time and trusted recommendations rather than a single authority's decree.
- Classics can be recovered or elevated by readers who advocate for forgotten works.
Genre Mashup: Theology Meets Sci‑Fi
- That Hideous Strength blends science fiction, theology, and fairy-tale elements into a single imaginative work.
- Lewis resists neat genre labels and lets theology naturally flow through his stories.
Medieval Cosmos Not Modern Space
- The Space Trilogy uses a medieval cosmology with angelic rulers (Oyarsa) rather than modern outer-space imagery.
- Lewis frames Earth as the 'silent planet' corrupted by its bent Oyarsa to shift readers' imagination.
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Intro
00:00 • 3min
Defining Literary Classics
03:06 • 4min
Exploring C.S. Lewis's 'That Hideous Strength'
07:09 • 19min
The Impact of AI on Classical Thought and the Philosophy of NICE
26:14 • 5min
Exploring Humanity and Transhumanism in 'That Hideous Strength'
31:30 • 3min
The Mundane and the Meaningful
34:16 • 20min
The Transformative Power of Classic Literature
54:35 • 5min
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That Hideous Strength
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Published in 1945, 'That Hideous Strength' is the final book in C.S.
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The story takes place on Earth and follows the character Mark Studdock, a young sociology faculty member at Bracton College, as he becomes entangled with the National Institute of Co-ordinated Experiments (N.
I. C. E. ), a sinister organization with totalitarian ambitions.
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Nadya Williams discusses C.S. Lewis's novel 'That Hideous Strength' with experts Philip Bunn and Ronni Kurtz. They explore the themes of the book, its place in Lewis's Space Trilogy, and the significance of literary classics. The theological implications of Lewis's work, character analysis, the role of academia, and the ethical considerations surrounding technology are discussed as well. The conversation highlights the relevance of Lewis's ideas in today's context, particularly regarding the nature of humanity and the purpose of fiction.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to C.S. Lewis and 'That Hideous Strength' 02:55 Defining a Classic: What Makes Literature Timeless? 05:55 Exploring C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy: Themes and Structure 09:01 Theological Underpinnings in 'That Hideous Strength' 11:52 Character Dynamics: Mark and Jane's Journey 15:09 Academic Settings and Their Critique in Lewis's Work 17:59 Technology and Education: A Modern Reflection 21:07 The Dangers of AI and Its Philosophical Implications 24:08 Corruption of Thought: The Impact of Misrepresentation 27:09 Philosophical Questions: The NICE and Its Convictions 28:45 Exploring the NICE Mentality 31:28 The Role of Finitude in Humanity 34:18 Ransom: The Unremarkable Hero 40:09 C.S. Lewis: A Reflection of His Character 42:31 Resonance of Lewis's Work Today 48:40 The Purpose of Fiction 55:13 Classic Literature Aspirations