

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

Apr 17, 2023 • 17min
#101 Alister McGrath: Suffering, death and Lewis’ final years
In the 14th episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, we look at Lewis' deep anguish following the death of his wife, Joy Davidman, and explore his approach to suffering in A Grief Observed. We also observe how Lewis faced his own impending death. Plus, don’t forget to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
To be in with a chance to win a copy of CS Lewis: A Life, sign up to our newsletter at: https://premierunbelievable.com/cslewisbook
+ 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
+ For apologetics training: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training
+ Support the podcast from the USA
+ Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

Apr 10, 2023 • 24min
#100 Alister McGrath: 100th special celebrating CS Lewis’ legacy and how he can help renew the Church
In this special episode, we take a break from our series on Professor Alister McGrath's seminal biography, CS Lewis: A Life, to celebrate reaching our 100th episode. Alister shares some of his thoughts around what modern readers can learn from Lewis and how he can help with the renewal of the Church.
+ 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
+ For apologetics training: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training
+ Support the podcast from the USA
+ Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

Apr 3, 2023 • 21min
#99 Alister McGrath: The move to Cambridge
In the 13th episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, we cover some of the more difficult elements of Lewis' life, including Warnie's alcoholism, Mrs Moore's dementia and his struggles at Oxford. We also explore his complicated relationship with Joy Davidman and look at why he moved to Cambridge University. Plus, don’t forget to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
To be in with a chance to win a copy of CS Lewis: A Life, sign up to our newsletter at: https://premierunbelievable.com/cslewisbook
+ 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
+ For apologetics training: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training
+ Support the podcast from the USA
+ Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

Mar 27, 2023 • 16min
#98 Alister McGrath: The imaginative world of Narnia
In the twelfth episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, we look at the character of Aslan and unpack some of the classical ideas, philosophy and theology expressed within the Narnia Chronicles. We also explore whether any of the content is sexist, racist or out of date. Plus, don’t forget to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
To be in with a chance to win a copy of CS Lewis: A Life, sign up to our newsletter at: https://premierunbelievable.com/cslewisbook
+ 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
+ For apologetics training: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training
+ Support the podcast from the USA
+ Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

Mar 20, 2023 • 19min
#97 Alister McGrath: The creation of Narnia
In the eleventh episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, we hear the inspiration behind the Narnia Chronicles and look at the important role imagination played in Lewis' work. Plus, don’t forget to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
To be in with a chance to win a copy of CS Lewis: A Life, sign up to our newsletter at: https://premierunbelievable.com/cslewisbook
+ 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
+ For apologetics training: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training
+ Support the podcast from the USA
+ Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

Mar 13, 2023 • 21min
#96 Alister McGrath: A prophet without honour?
In the tenth episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, we explore the professional setbacks and personal trials Lewis encountered post Second World War. We also look at his move away from apologetics and why he declined a CBE. Plus, don't forget to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
To be in with a chance to win a copy of CS Lewis: A Life, sign up to our newsletter at: https://premierunbelievable.com/cslewisbook
+ 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
+ For apologetics training: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training
+ Support the podcast from the USA
+ Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

Mar 6, 2023 • 18min
#95 Alister McGrath: CS Lewis’ international fame
In the ninth episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, we look at some of Lewis' popular literature and how his rising fame affected his reputation as an Oxford scholar. We discuss The Great Divorce, the Ransom Trilogy and some of the strengths and weakness of Mere Christianity. Plus, it's not too late to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
To be in with a chance to win a copy of CS Lewis: A Life, sign up to our newsletter at: https://premierunbelievable.com/cslewisbook
+ 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
+ For apologetics training: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training
+ Support the podcast from the USA
+ Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

Feb 27, 2023 • 21min
#94 Alister McGrath: The wartime apologist
In the eighth episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, Professor Alister McGrath shares some of Lewis' thoughts on suffering. We also hear how and why Lewis was broadcast on BBC Radio during the Second World War and the impact this had. Plus, it's not too late to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
To be in with a chance to win a copy of CS Lewis: A Life, sign up to our newsletter at: https://premierunbelievable.com/cslewisbook
+ 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
+ For apologetics training: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training
+ Support the podcast from the USA
+ Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

Feb 20, 2023 • 21min
#93 Alister McGrath: CS Lewis’ literary scholarship
In the seventh episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book CS Lewis: A Life, we explore why Lewis never used a typewriter, who the Inklings were and how they impacted his work, and what role women, such as Dorothy L Sayers, played in Lewis' life. Plus, don't forget to register to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
To be in with a chance to win a copy of CS Lewis: A Life, sign up to our newsletter at: https://premierunbelievable.com/cslewisbook
+ 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
+ For apologetics training: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training
+ Support the podcast from the USA
+ Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world

21 snips
Feb 13, 2023 • 31min
#92 Alister McGrath: The making of a Mere Christian
In the sixth episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book CS Lewis: A Life, we explore Lewis' faith journey, looking at how and why he became a Christian. We also hear about the significant impact of JRR Tolkien. Plus, don't forget to register to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
To be in with a chance to win a copy of CS Lewis: A Life, sign up to our newsletter at: https://premierunbelievable.com/cslewisbook
+ 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
+ For apologetics training: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training
+ Support the podcast from the USA
+ Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world