All Alister McGrath articles
-
ArticleC.S. Lewis on Theology: A New Mini-Series with Alister McGrath presented by Ruth Jackson
What does it mean to take C.S. Lewis seriously as a theologian? In this new series of The C.S. Lewis Podcast, host Ruth Jackson and Professor Alister McGrath delve into Lewis’s theology - his defence of miracles, his understanding of Scripture, and his vision of faith that unites reason and imagination.
-
Shows#230 Alister McGrath: Theology, miracles and imagination
In today’s episode, Ruth Jackson is joined again by Professor Alister McGrath, to discuss theology in a multi-part series. They explore Lewis’ view on miracles, his belief on the importance of imagination, and how Lewis’ arguments stand up against the New Atheism movement.
-
Shows#229 Alister McGrath: Reflecting on CS Lewis’ work as a theologian
In today’s episode, Ruth Jackson is joined again by Professor Alister McGrath, to discuss theology in a multi-part series. They reflect on Lewis’ work as a theologian, covering questions such as: What are some of the key theological topics Lewis unpacks in his work?
-
Shows#228 Alister McGrath: Was CS Lewis a theologian? Part 2
In today’s episode, Ruth Jackson is joined again by Professor Alister McGrath, to discuss theology in a multi-part series. Why do people not consider Lewis a theologian? Who are some of the people who do take him seriously as a theologian, and has he become one in modern times? What can we learn from Lewis’ approach to theology?
-
ShowsThe CS Lewis Podcast #227 Alister McGrath: Was CS Lewis a theologian?
In today’s episode, Ruth Jackson is joined again by Professor Alister McGrath, to discuss theology in a multi-part series. How do we define theology? What is Alister’s experience with it? Was Lewis considered a theologian by others, or even himself?
-
ShowsThe CS Lewis Podcast #216 Traver Carlson: The Impact of CS Lewis today
Ruth Jackson is joined by Traver Carlson, a PHD candidate in Philosophy at the Institute for Christian Studies, to discuss his paper from the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis Conference.
-
ShowsThe CS Lewis Podcast #215 Alister McGrath: Exploring The Discarded Image (Part 2)
In part two, Ruth Jackson and Alister McGrath explore how CS Lewis saw the links between science, philosophy, and faith. They discuss his view that science can point to deeper truths, his idea of Christianity as the “true myth,” and his belief that scientific theories aren’t final facts.
-
ShowsThe CS Lewis Podcast #214 Alister McGrath: Exploring The Discarded Image (Part 1)
Ruth Jackson speaks with Alister McGrath about CS Lewis’ final book, The Discarded Image, a reflection on the medieval view of the cosmos. Why did Lewis care so much about this old model of the universe, and what does it reveal about his views on science, imagination, and faith? They explore Lewis’s description of a geocentric, ordered world and how it contrasts with today’s scientific and secular worldview. Could this older picture still speak to us today? And how did Lewis understand the relationship between science and the biblical creation story?
-
ShowsThe CS Lewis Podcast #213 Alister McGrath: CS Lewis on science, AI & technology (Part 2)
Alister McGrath reflects on how Lewis’ ideas might speak into today’s rapidly advancing technologies.
-
ShowsThe CS Lewis Podcast #212 Alister McGrath: CS Lewis on science, AI & technology (Part 1)
In this episode, Ruth Jackson speaks with Alister McGrath about Lewis’ views on science, technology, and ethics.
-
ShowsThe CS Lewis Podcast #203 Alister McGrath: How CS Lewis bridged the gap between faith and scientific understanding
In this second episode of our mini-series on CS Lewis and science, Ruth Jackson continues the conversation with Professor Alister McGrath. They explore how Lewis challenged the supposed conflict between science and religion, offering instead a richer vision where both disciplines illuminate reality.
-
ShowsThe CS Lewis Podcast #202 Alister McGrath: What did CS Lewis think of science? Part 1
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.
-
ShowsThe CS Lewis Podcast #200 Ruth Jackson: 200th Episode Special
Ruth Jackson shares some of her favourite moments from the podcast to celebrate the 200th episode. We will be revisiting conversations with Professor Alister McGrath discussing CS Lewis’ relevance and mental health, hearing stories on how Lewis helped bring people to faith, his correspondence with Kathy Keller, and his impact on the creative works of film director Matthew Brown and singer songwriter Sarah Hawkyard.
-
ShowsThe CS Lewis Podcast #175 Alister McGrath: What would Lewis think of Jordan Peterson?
How does having a better understanding of a “big picture” give us hope, particularly in the midst of mental health struggles? How can we hold different aspects of our life together? Which travelling companions would Lewis recommend? What would Lewis make of public figures such as Tom Holland, Jordan Peterson and Douglas Murray, who speak about the coherence and positive impact of Christianity? Professor Alister McGrath explores Lewis as a spiritual mentor.
-
ShowsThe CS Lewis Podcast #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.
-
ShowsThe CS Lewis Podcast #148 Ruth Jackson: Where it all began
The microphone is turned on Ruth Jackson as she is interviewed by David Bates from Pints With Jack. Originally broadcast in 2021 just after the launch of The CS Lewis Podcast, Ruth shares the vision behind why and how it started. Plus, shout about the show to win yourself a free copy of CS Lewis: A Life by Professor Alister McGrath.
-
ShowsUnbelievable? Coming to faith through Dawkins - Part 2: Is there a new New Atheism? Alister McGrath & Alex O’Connor
In the second part of their discussion based on the book Coming to Faith Through Dawkins, theologian Alister McGrath and YouTuber Alex O’Connor discuss where we may be heading in regards to religion and atheism.
-
ShowsUnbelievable? Coming to faith through Dawkins - Part 1: has New Atheism failed? - Alister McGrath & Alex O’Connor
Unbelievable? delves back into history and asks Did new atheism fail? with one the world’s best-known theologians Alister McGrath debating Oxford-educated philosopher and wildly successful YouTuber Alex O’Connor.
-
ShowsThe CS Lewis Podcast #91 Alister McGrath: CS Lewis’ early years at Magdalen college
In the fifth episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book CS Lewis: A Life, we look at some key moments in Lewis’ Oxford career, such as the death of his father. Plus, don’t forget to register to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
-
ShowsThe CS Lewis Podcast #89 Alister McGrath: CS Lewis and the Great War
In the third episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book CS Lewis: A Life, we explore Lewis’ experience of the First World War and the significant relationships he formed during this time, such as with the Moore family. We also delve into Lewis’ interest in sadomasochism! Plus, a quick reminder of our competition to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.



