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
Nov 13, 2023 • 14min
#131 David Bates: CS Lewis Reading Day
David Bates and his team at Pints With Jack have helped establish a day to celebrate CS Lewis and his work. His fellow Inkling, JRR Tolkien, already has a special reading day, but "why should the Tolkien nerds have all the fun?"! Listen in to hear why David thinks Lewis is still relevant today and how you can get involved with the inaugural CS Lewis Reading Day on Lewis' birthday - November 29th.
https://www.pintswithjack.com/reading-day/
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Nov 6, 2023 • 23min
#130 David Bates: Pints with Jack
David Bates from the Pints With Jack podcast discusses his journey with CS Lewis, surprising discoveries about Lewis, and the global love for Lewis. They also explore the origins of Pints with Jack and talk about the themes in 'The Great Divorce'.
Oct 30, 2023 • 26min
#129 Dr Carolyn Weber: Surprised by Oxford
Dr Carolyn Weber, author of Surprised by Oxford, shares her fascinating story of coming to faith from atheism at Oxford University. Her journey, which mimics CS Lewis' own in many ways, has recently been turned into a feature film. What did Lewis mean by "surprised by joy"? Why are stories so powerful? Why has Lewis so often contributed to people's conversions?
Oct 23, 2023 • 13min
#128 Perelandra: It's not for nothing that you are named Ransom
In this podcast, Alister McGrath explores key questions raised by C.S. Lewis in his novel Perelandra. They discuss the nature of goodness and the fear of God, as well as the significance of the protagonist Ransom's name. The hosts also delve into the themes and symbols in Perelandra, including human agency and the transformative experiences of the characters. They touch on the concept of active participation in beauty and faith, highlighting its relevance to the Christian faith.
Oct 16, 2023 • 13min
#127 Perelandra: Evil, suffering and sin
The C.S. Lewis podcast explores the themes of evil, suffering, sin, demon possession, and divine justice in his book Perelandra. The speakers discuss the extent of scientific transformation to eradicate evil, Lewis's critique of technology, and the concepts of hell, heaven, and divine justice in the book. They also provide recommendations for further reading on C.S. Lewis's views on suffering, divine justice, and grief.
Oct 9, 2023 • 20min
#126 Perelandra: Free will, desire and the Fall
Alister McGrath explores CS Lewis' theology in Perelandra, discussing the concepts of free will, desire, good, love, truth, and demon possession. They imagine a world without the Fall, analyze the Green Lady's statements on God, and explore joyful discoveries in following God's will. The podcast delves into the themes of 'Perelandra' and its relevance in today's world.
Oct 2, 2023 • 13min
#125 Perelandra: Pleasure, gender and sex
Alister McGrath, author and theologian, discusses pleasure, gender, and sex in the novel Perelandra. Topics include the nature of pleasure, Lewis' use of the term 'transsexual,' and the exploration of gender roles in the book.
Sep 25, 2023 • 16min
#124 Perelandra: Scientism, spirituality and magic
Professor Alister McGrath explores the second book of CS Lewis' space trilogy, Perelandra, looking at some of its key themes, characters and questions. Could the Fall have been prevented? What if it hadn't happened? How did Lewis perceive magic? Where do we find meaning? Is there a limit to science?
+ 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
7 snips
Sep 18, 2023 • 12min
#123 Out of the Silent Planet: Death, suffering and The Fall
Alister McGrath discusses humanity, death, evolution, and suffering in Lewis' 'Out of the Silent Planet'. Also explores the conflict with the theory of evolution and the need to promote a healthier attitude towards death.
10 snips
Sep 11, 2023 • 16min
#122 Out of the Silent Planet: Love, sex and intuition
In this podcast, Alister McGrath discusses CS Lewis' language around love and sex in Out of the Silent Planet. He also explores the different lifeforms on Malacandra and the distinction between rational and non-rational life forms.
