The C.S. Lewis podcast

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

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

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. + 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

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.