The C.S. Lewis podcast
Premier
A weekly podcast from Premier Unbelievable? with Professor Alister McGrath exploring C.S. Lewis’ thought, theology and teaching.
C.S. Lewis is one of the most influential voices in modern Christianity. The 20th Century British writer and lay theologian has profoundly impacted Christians around the world and brought many atheists and agnostics to faith in Jesus.
One person whose faith was greatly encouraged by the writings of C.S. Lewis is Professor Alister McGrath. Both men were raised in Northern Ireland, studied at Oxford University and went on to become professors there. They also both came to faith from atheism slightly later in life. Alister has written numerous books on C.S. Lewis, including a seminal biography C.S. Lewis – A Life.
Every Monday, Ruth Jackson and Professor Alister McGrath will reflect on C.S. Lewis’ ideas, life and influence as well as trying to answer questions that impact culture today.
C.S. Lewis is one of the most influential voices in modern Christianity. The 20th Century British writer and lay theologian has profoundly impacted Christians around the world and brought many atheists and agnostics to faith in Jesus.
One person whose faith was greatly encouraged by the writings of C.S. Lewis is Professor Alister McGrath. Both men were raised in Northern Ireland, studied at Oxford University and went on to become professors there. They also both came to faith from atheism slightly later in life. Alister has written numerous books on C.S. Lewis, including a seminal biography C.S. Lewis – A Life.
Every Monday, Ruth Jackson and Professor Alister McGrath will reflect on C.S. Lewis’ ideas, life and influence as well as trying to answer questions that impact culture today.
Episodes
Mentioned books
7 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 16min
#236 Joseph Weigel: The fairytale of That Hideous Strength
Joseph Weigel, a firefighter and podcaster known for 'Men With Chests', dives into C.S. Lewis's 'That Hideous Strength', which he considers the standout of the Space Trilogy. He discusses the complex marriage of Mark and Jane, the ominous N.I.C.E., and the provocative connection between magic and modern science. Weigel highlights Lewis's views on dark and high magic while examining Merlin's role in the narrative and the implications for contemporary Christians. It's a fascinating exploration of power, morality, and myth.
Nov 10, 2025 • 26min
#235 Joseph Weigel: A Firefighter on Faith, Courage, and The Abolition of Man
Ruth Jackson talks with firefighter and podcast host Joseph Weigel about CS Lewis’ "The Abolition of Man" and why its insights into truth, morality, and modern culture still matter today. They explore how Lewis’ ideas about courage, sacrifice, and integrity resonate in everyday life and ask whether these themes have any relevance to the challenges faced by first responders. Ruth also invites reflection on how, if at all, faith shapes the way we approach demanding or high-stress situations.
'Men with Chests' podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6otTZ3UJZONxUQVCONKHko
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7 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 22min
#234 Lilian Lindén: Did Lewis credit Barfield for what he learned from Steiner?
Ruth Jackson chats with Lilian Lindén, a theology scholar and C.S. Lewis expert. Lilian discusses her intriguing paper on the potential influences of philosopher Barfield and thinker Steiner on Lewis, highlighting the scholarly debates surrounding their impact. She suggests that while Lewis credited Barfield, he might have borrowed key ideas from Steiner. Lilian also explores the philosophical underpinnings of Lewis's works, connecting them to Steiner's critiques of materialism. Prepare for a fascinating dive into the intellectual web surrounding C.S. Lewis!
Oct 27, 2025 • 28min
#233 Lilian Lindén: CS Lewis, Owen Barfield, and the Great War
Ruth Jackson speaks with Lilian Lindén about CS Lewis’ early philosophical development and his long-running debate with his friend Owen Barfield, the so-called “Great War.” They unpack Lewis’s shift from realism to idealism, explore Barfield’s influence through anthroposophy, and consider how figures like Rudolf Steiner shaped their discussions. The conversation also looks at Lewis’ rejection of materialism, why these philosophical questions still matter, and how his early intellectual battles continue to speak into today’s sceptical and materialist culture.
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Oct 20, 2025 • 19min
#232 Lilian Lindén: The influence and relevance of CS Lewis today
Ruth Jackson speaks with Lilian Lindén, who has a degree in philosophy of religion, about how CS Lewis continues to shape faith and thought today. They discuss how she first encountered Lewis, the impact his writings have had on her life, and why his ideas remain so compelling more than 60 years after his death. Lilian also presented a paper at the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis Conference, titled "Did Lewis Credit Barfield for What He Learned from Steiner?" which we will be hearing in an upcoming episode.
For the Paul Anderson episodes:
https://www.premierunbelievable.com/the-cs-lewis-podcast/the-cs-lewis-podcast-223-paul-anderson-cs-lewis-and-the-gospel-of-john/19932.article
+ Support us here
+ Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast
+ For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website
Oct 13, 2025 • 19min
#231 Alister McGrath: CS Lewis, Christians and the Church
Ruth Jackson is joined again by Professor Alister McGrath, to discuss theology in a multi-part series. They explore what those in Christian ministry learn from C.S. Lewis - the “very ordinary layman” who helped shape modern faith. Alister reflects on Lewis’s approach to prayer and spiritual growth, his vision for Mere Christianity and how his theology speaks to the challenges of living faithfully in a post-Christian culture. The conversation also considers how Lewis’ thought encourages unity across denominations and offers wisdom for addressing today’s ethical and social issues.
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+ Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast
+ For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website
6 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 26min
#230 Alister McGrath: Theology, miracles and imagination
In this engaging conversation, Alister McGrath, a theologian and former Oxford tutor with extensive writings on C.S. Lewis, delves into Lewis's views on miracles and the imagination. He describes miracles as perspective-dependent signs and argues for their credibility as fundamental to Christian faith. McGrath also explores how Lewis's ideas resonate with modern theological scholarship and counters the New Atheism movement. He emphasizes the role of imagination in theology, suggesting it reveals deeper meanings beyond mere reason.
6 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 18min
#229 Alister McGrath: Reflecting on CS Lewis' work as a theologian
Joining Ruth Jackson is Alister McGrath, a renowned theologian and author who has extensively studied C.S. Lewis. They dive deep into Lewis’s role as a theologian, discussing how he uses narrative to convey complex theological ideas. Alister highlights Lewis’s influence on modern Christian thought and his impact on education. They also address critiques of Lewis's approach while defending his imaginative theological style. Lastly, Alister reflects on how Lewis shaped his own work, emphasizing the power of stories in theology.
10 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 24min
#228 Alister McGrath: Was CS Lewis a theologian? Part 2
In this discussion, Professor Alister McGrath, a noted theology expert and C.S. Lewis scholar, delves into why many regard Lewis as a non-theologian and critiques the academic dismissal of his work. He describes how Lewis's popular writing has influenced his reputation and highlights contemporary scholars who defend Lewis's contributions. McGrath also explores the evolution of Lewis's standing in theology, emphasizing his role as an organic intellectual and what modern theologians can learn from his unique approach.
Sep 15, 2025 • 22min
#227 Alister McGrath: Was CS Lewis a theologian?
In today's episode, Ruth Jackson is joined again by Professor Alister McGrath, to discuss theology in a multi-part series. How do we define theology? What is Alister's experience with it? Was Lewis considered a theologian by others, or even himself? Episode one dives into all of this, and more.
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+ Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast
+ For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website
