

The C.S. Lewis podcast
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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

Jul 5, 2021 • 22min
#12 An introduction to Mere Christianity
In the first episode of the second series of The C.S. Lewis Podcast, professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about how Lewis’ seminal book, Mere Christianity, came to be written and what relevance it has in today’s culture.
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Find out more about the podcast: http://www.cslewispodcast.com

Jun 14, 2021 • 31min
#11 Alister McGrath answers listener questions on C.S. Lewis
In the second part of this special episode of The C.S. Lewis Podcast, we have delved into the Unbelievable? archives to share Professor Alister McGrath’s answers to listener questions around apologetics, Narnia, Lewis’ relationships with women and more. The programme was originally broadcast in 2013 when host Justin Brierley spoke to Alister about his seminal biography, C.S Lewis – A Life, which had just been published.

Jun 8, 2021 • 24min
#10 Alister McGrath on C.S. Lewis’ faith journey
In the first part of this special episode of The C.S. Lewis Podcast, we have delved into the Unbelievable? archives to share an interview with Professor Alister McGrath. Back in 2013, host Justin Brierley spoke to Alister about his seminal biography, C.S Lewis – A Life, which had just been published. They looked at Lewis’ faith journey alongside answering listener questions.

May 31, 2021 • 25min
#09 C.S. Lewis on the hope of heaven
In the ninth episode of The C.S. Lewis Podcast, professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about Lewis’ thoughts on hope and heaven. They also look back over some of the topics they have covered in this first series.
Find out more at cslewispodcast.com

14 snips
May 25, 2021 • 27min
#08 C.S. Lewis on the problem of pain
Delve into C.S. Lewis's powerful reflections on pain and suffering. Discover how his personal losses, including the death of his mother and his experiences in World War I, shaped his faith. Explore his heartfelt insights on grief in 'A Grief Observed,' revealing a stark contrast to his earlier intellectual approach. The discussion highlights the Christian perspective on suffering as a path to hope and the connection between love and grief, urging listeners to embrace love even in the face of loss.

May 17, 2021 • 25min
#07 C.S. Lewis on education
In the seventh episode of The C.S. Lewis Podcast, professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about Lewis’ thoughts on education. Alister also shares a little of the impact Lewis had on his own Christian education.
Find out more at cslewispodcast.com

May 10, 2021 • 27min
#06 C.S. Lewis on apologetics
In the sixth episode of The C.S. Lewis Podcast, professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about Lewis’ thoughts on who should do apologetics and how best to approach it.
Find out more at cslewispodcast.com.

May 3, 2021 • 24min
#05 Alister McGrath on C.S. Lewis, Christianity and atheism
In this special episode of The C.S. Lewis Podcast, we are sharing part of a livestream we recorded with Professor Alister McGrath during one of the Coronavirus lockdowns in the UK. Following the release of his memoir, Through a Glass Darkly, Alister spoke about his faith journey and the significant part Lewis played in that, as well as responding to audience questions.
The livestream with Professor Alister McGrath was originally broadcast on Unbelievable? on 24th October 2020. To listen or watch the whole show click here.
Find out more at cslewispodcast.com.

Apr 26, 2021 • 24min
#04 C.S. Lewis on Aslan
In the fourth episode of our brand-new podcast on C.S. Lewis, professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about the character of Aslan in the Narnia series and the Christian life.
Find out more at cslewispodcast.com.

Apr 19, 2021 • 26min
#03 C.S. Lewis on stories
In the third episode of our brand-new podcast on C.S. Lewis, professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about the importance of storytelling and imagination, looking particularly at the Narnia series.
Find out more at cslewispodcast.com.