The C.S. Lewis podcast

Ruth Jackson speaks with Dr. Nathan Fayard, Assistant Professor of English at Indiana Wesleyan University about how Lewis engages with the idea of the romantic hero in Perelandra. Why does Lewis split heroic qualities between Ransom and the villain Weston? What can Byron’s Manfred and Shelley’s Prometheus Unbound teach us about Lewis’s theology? Fayard unpacks how Lewis “re-baptises” the romantic ideal, transforming the satanic archetype into a vision grounded in divine love and restoration. From the rebellious energy of Romantic poets to Lewis’s academic protagonist, this episode explores the tension between self-will and surrender. Are we drawn to heroes who defy the gods—or those who point us to them? Catch up with the first two parts of Ruth's conversation with Fayard here For more of Fayard's work: https://www.euppublishing.com/doi/abs/10.3366/ink.2023.0197 https://christandpopculture.com/finding-a-new-glorious-purpose-loki-and-the-failure-of-materialism/ + For more shows, a free ebook and newsletter, visit our new website + For our Premier Unbelievable? Live events + Support the podcast from the USA + Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

Ruth Jackson is joined again by Nathan Fayard, Assistant Professor of English at Indiana Wesleyan University, to explore how the poetry of John Milton and Percy Bysshe Shelley shaped C.S. Lewis’s imagination and theology. Focusing on Paradise Lost and Prometheus Unbound, they discuss how these epic works influenced Lewis’s thinking on redemption, paradise, and poetic vision - from his atheist years to his Christian faith. Fayard highlights Lewis’s deep admiration for Milton’s grandeur and Shelley’s lyrical power, showing how both helped Lewis and his readers engage with profound spiritual ideas. Ruth and Nathan both attended the 2024 Undiscovered C.S. Lewis conference at George Fox University. For more on Nathan: https://www.euppublishing.com/doi/abs/10.3366/ink.2023.0197 https://christandpopculture.com/finding-a-new-glorious-purpose-loki-and-the-failure-of-materialism/  + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/ + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website + For our Premier Unbelievable? Live events + Support the podcast from the USA + Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

Ruth Jackson is joined by Nathan Fayard, an assistant professor of English at Indiana Wesleyan University, to discuss his paper from the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis conference held at George Fox University. How did Nathan first encountered Lewis? What impact has he had on his life and faith journey? He also gives a summary Perelandra as we prepare to dive into his paper. For more on Nathan: https://www.euppublishing.com/doi/abs/10.3366/ink.2023.0197 https://christandpopculture.com/finding-a-new-glorious-purpose-loki-and-the-failure-of-materialism/ + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/ + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website + For our Premier Unbelievable? Live events + Support the podcast from the USA + Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

Ruth Jackson is joined by Jacqueline Wilson, a student working towards her Master of Arts in cultural apologetics from Houston Christian University, to share her thoughts on Lewis' prayer life in the paper she presented at the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis conference, which was held at George Fox University. The title of her paper was "A very Ordinary Layman: C.S Lewis's Prayer Life in Historical Context" + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/ + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website + For our Premier Unbelievable? Live events + Support the podcast from the USA + Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

Join Jacqueline Wilson, a Master’s student in cultural apologetics at Houston Christian University, as she delves into C.S. Lewis's intriguing prayer life. They explore how Lewis's unconventional prayer practices, particularly his habit of praying for the dead, reflect his unique spiritual journey. Wilson highlights the tension between Lewis's Anglican roots and his evolving relationship with Catholicism. The conversation also touches on the transformative power of Lewis's writings, especially in shaping personal faith and understanding of divine love.

In this engaging discussion, Alister McGrath, a Professor at Oxford University and a noted C.S. Lewis scholar, dives into Lewis's views on evolution and science. He explores how Lewis distinguished evolution from philosophical naturalism and whether it can account for morality and consciousness. McGrath addresses the tensions between faith and scientific interpretations, critiques of Lewis’s perspectives, and the enduring influence of his ideas on modern science and Christianity. Listeners gain valuable insights into the dialogue between faith and scientific inquiry.

In this discussion, Alister McGrath, a leading C.S. Lewis scholar and Professor at Oxford, dives into Lewis's thoughts on miracles and science. He argues that miracles align with divine will rather than contradicting natural laws. Exploring the clash between Lewis and H.G. Wells's materialism, McGrath highlights Lewis's literary responses to secularism. The conversation also probes how Lewis’s critiques of materialism continue to resonate today, emphasizing that science and faith can coexist in understanding human existence and morality.

In this engaging discussion, Professor Alister McGrath, a respected theologian and author specializing in C.S. Lewis, delves into how Lewis reconciled faith with scientific inquiry. McGrath highlights Lewis's evolution from viewing science and religion as conflicting to recognizing their potential harmony. They explore the tension between scientism and faith, emphasizing how Lewis's writings inspire scientists to bridge their beliefs with their work. A fascinating examination of the interplay between imagination and reason in understanding our universe!

In part 1 of our new series on science, Ruth Jackson is joined by Alister McGrath to explore how CS Lewis approached the relationship between science and religion. A former atheist and Oxford-trained scientist, McGrath unpacks how Lewis combined reason and imagination to challenge scientific materialism while affirming science’s value within a broader vision of reality. From Mere Christianity to That Hideous Strength they discuss Lewis’s enduring relevance in today’s science-faith debates. McGrath also shares insights from his forthcoming OUP book on Lewis’s influence in this area. + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website + For our Premier Unbelievable? Live events + Support the podcast from the USA + Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

Ahead of Tolkien Reading Day on 25th March, Dr Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien’s Faith, explores the contrasting spiritual journeys of J.R.R. Tolkien and CS Lewis—both of whom experienced the profound early loss of their mothers. While Tolkien’s faith deepened through suffering, Lewis famously declared that even amid the horrors of World War I, he "never sank so low as to pray." Dr Ordway reflects on Tolkien’s response to suffering, the problem of evil, and the role Lewis played in strengthening his faith. Buy Holly Ordway's wonderful book on Tolkien's faith here https://amzn.to/43QhKoY + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website + For online learning https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training + For our Premier Unbelievable? Live events + Support the podcast from the USA + Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world