The C.S. Lewis podcast

In this episode of The CS Lewis Podcast, Ruth Jackson introduces a special conference paper by Charlie Reeder, recorded at the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis Conference at George Fox University. Charlie explores 'Spirits in Bondage', Lewis’ little-known first published work, written while he was still an atheist, and argues that it holds the key to understanding Lewis’s lifelong theme of longing. Tracing the idea of 'Sehnsucht' —a deep, restless desire for a “hidden country”—Charlie shows how Lewis’ early bitterness toward God already contains the seeds of the vision later fulfilled in 'The Pilgrim’s Regress', 'The Weight of Glory', 'Narnia', and beyond. This episode offers a rich literary and theological journey through Lewis’ imagination, revealing how longing ultimately points not just to a place, but to a person. For Charlie's Substack: https://theoxfordreeder.substack.com/ + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/

Joining the discussion is Charlie Reeder, a recent Oxford graduate and expert on C.S. Lewis's themes of longing. He dives into the concept of Sehnsucht, exploring Lewis's early poetry collection, 'Spirits in Bondage', and its links to his later Christian thought. The conversation emphasizes how Lewis wrestled with an intense desire for something beyond this world long before his conversion. Charlie sheds light on the often-overlooked nuances of Lewis's work, revealing a profound quest for the 'hidden country' that shapes his life and faith.

Ruth Jackson is joined by theologian and Lewis scholar Stefan Knibbe to explore “revolutions” in CS Lewis’ thinking about freedom, suffering and hell. Drawing on 'The Problem of Pain', 'Surprised by Joy' and 'Till We Have Faces', Stefan traces how Lewis moves from a focus on free will as the right to accept or reject God, towards freedom as liberation from sin by God’s grace. He shows how George MacDonald’s vision of God’s relentless love and even his view of hell helped reshape Lewis’ later work, and why encountering God himself rather than neat arguments becomes Lewis’ deepest answer to the problem of evil. Recorded at the 2024 “Undiscovered CS Lewis” conference at George Fox University, this episode will send you back to Lewis with fresh eyes again. + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/

Stefan Knibbe, a philosophy and theology graduate, dives deep into C.S. Lewis's complex views on freedom, suffering, and hell. He discusses how Lewis’s thoughts evolved over time and the significant influence of George MacDonald on his theology. Stefan highlights tensions between free will and divine compulsion in works like Till We Have Faces. Discover how Lewis shaped his own faith and preaching style while reflecting on favorite passages that emphasize God's presence over mere explanations.

Ruth Jackson is joined by Joseph Weigel, firefighter and podcast host, for the final episode of this series. Joseph gives insight into his paper, titled 'Dr. Dimble's Neutrals', that he presented at the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis Conference. We then get to hear his paper live from the conference, which was held at Geroge Fox University. 'Men with Chests' podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6otTZ3UJZONxUQVCONKHko + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/

Ruth Jackson is joined by Joseph Weigel, a firefighter and host of the podcast "Men with Chests". They explore Dr Dimble’s role in 'That Hideous Strength' and his intriguing idea of “neutral” spiritual beings. They discuss how these neutrals draw on medieval thought, whether Lewis intended readers to take them seriously, and what this reveals about his wider views on the supernatural. Their conversation also touches on Merlin’s place in the story and how Lewis blends ancient magic with Christian themes. Finally, they consider why Lewis’ ideas about spiritual beings still matter today and how might speak into modern questions about technology, ethics, and even AI. 'Men with Chests' podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6otTZ3UJZONxUQVCONKHko + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/

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.

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 + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/

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!

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. + 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