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
Aug 19, 2024 • 20min
#171 Alister McGrath: Spiritual disciplines, young people and the academy
Professor Alister McGrath, an expert on C.S. Lewis, discusses the profound ways Lewis's conversion shaped his faith and academic life. He highlights Lewis’s transformative journey from intellectualism to a heartfelt relationship with Christianity. McGrath also explores how Lewis serves as a model for young Christians today, emphasizing the integration of faith with vocation. Additionally, he delves into the lasting influence Lewis has on modern writers and the importance of storytelling in conveying Christian virtues like integrity and bravery.
Aug 12, 2024 • 18min
#170 Alister McGrath: Is Lewis a helpful spiritual mentor?
In this engaging discussion, Professor Alister McGrath, an expert in Christian faith and the teachings of C.S. Lewis, reveals how Lewis serves as a vital spiritual mentor for modern believers. He explores Lewis's practical tools for spiritual practices, emphasizing the importance of worship, prayer, and personal relationships. The conversation also highlights Lewis's insights on navigating suffering through shared stories and the crucial role of friendship in overcoming doubt, making his wisdom relevant for today's spiritual journeys.
Aug 5, 2024 • 21min
#169 James Emery White: Culture, translation and COVID-19
How did CS Lewis translate Christianity for ordinary people? What would he say to our post-Christian culture? Can Lewis help with evangelism? In what ways did people apply his ideas to the COVID-19 pandemic? Pastor, author and theologian Dr James Emery White explores how we can draw on Lewis in our modern context. He references many of his works including 'Modern Man and his Categories of Thought' and 'On Living in an Atomic Age', as well as sharing stories from people who knew Lewis personally.
For Dr James Emery White: https://www.churchandculture.org/jamesemerywhite
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Jul 29, 2024 • 19min
#168 Philip Tallon: What if God isn't good?
Did Lewis want to rewrite some of his earlier work on suffering in light of his own experience of pain and loss? Did Lewis doubt the existence of God or question his character during these times? What words of encouragement would Lewis give to those in the throes of suffering? Dr Philip Tallon, Associate Professor of Theology and Dean of The School of Christian Thought at Houston Christian University, explores A Grief Observed and The Problem of Pain. He also shares how to help younger readers engage with Lewis.
For Philip Tallon: https://hc.edu/contact/philip-tallon/
+ 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
Jul 22, 2024 • 25min
#167 Philip Tallon: How do hell, the Fall and beauty fit into Lewis' theodicy?
Philip Tallon, a theology professor, explores C.S. Lewis' views on the Fall, hell, and aesthetics in theodicy. Topics include reconciling Fall with evolution, Lewis' thoughts on suffering, forgiveness, and the role of beauty in moral growth.
Jul 15, 2024 • 21min
#166 Philip Tallon: Is pain a megaphone?
Associate Professor of Theology Philip Tallon discusses C.S. Lewis's views on pain, soul-making, and theodicy. Topics include the purpose of suffering in spiritual growth, the role of pain in Christian apologetics, and the possibility of animals and pets in heaven.
Jul 8, 2024 • 26min
#165 Philip Tallon: Is pain a problem?
Dr Philip Tallon, Associate Professor of Theology and Dean of The School of Christian Thought at Houston Christian University, unpacks one of Lewis' earliest work of apologetics The Problem of Pain. What are the critiques of this book and can any of these challenges be overcome?
+ 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
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+ Support the podcast from UK and rest of the world
Jul 1, 2024 • 35min
#164 Johan Erasmus: Coming to faith via Richard Dawkins and CS Lewis
Can Lewis still speak to us today? Following the death of his father as a child, Afrikaner pastor Johan Erasmus struggled to find a place where he could ask sceptical questions about faith, God and the Universe. During this time he discovered CS Lewis, but also Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens. You can hear more of his story in Coming To Faith Through Dawkins.
To hear more of Johan's story, check out Unapologetic: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/shows/unapologetic
+ 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
Jun 24, 2024 • 36min
#163 Matthew Brown: What would Sigmund Freud and CS Lewis discuss?
Hollywood director Matthew Brown, who directed and co-wrote Freud's Last Session, shares his thoughts on two of the greatest minds of the 20th Century. The film, which features Sir Anthony Hopkins, Matthew Goode and Liv Lisa Fries, raises questions about the existence of God, the prevalence of human suffering and the perceived conflict between religion and science. What would Freud and Lewis have spoken about if they had met? How can we model civil conversation with those we vehemently disagree with? What can we learn from Lewis and Freud in today's society?
+ 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
Jun 17, 2024 • 15min
#162 Alister McGrath: Is there still a place for Lewis in today’s society?
We continue our conversation with Professor Alister McGrath answering live questions, including who influenced Lewis’ faith journey, whether there’s an expiry date on his relevance and how Lewis has impacted Alister’s own theology.
+ 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
