The CS 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, Professor Alister McGrath will reflect on C.S. Lewis’ ideas, life and influence as well as trying to answer questions that impact culture today.

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The CS Lewis Podcast

The CS Lewis Podcast #107 Dr Sharon Jones: Floral particulars in CS Lewis
2023-05-29T14:51:00+01:00
Dr Sharon Jones, who teaches at Stranmillis University College, explores floral particulars in Lewis’ works. This talk was originally given at a CS Lewis symposium called Now We Have Faces, which was hosted by The CS Lewis Group at Ulster University in coordination with English at Ulster. The title of Sharon’s presentation was ‘Much grass and many flowers: attending to floral particulars with CS Lewis’.
The CS Lewis Podcast #106 Teodora Driscu: Lewis and the embodiment of heaven
2023-05-22T17:00:00+01:00
University of Iasi PhD candidate Teodora Driscu looks at longing and the image of heaven in Lewis’ works, focussing particularly on ‘Perelandra’. This talk was originally given at a CS Lewis symposium called Now We Have Faces, which was hosted by The CS Lewis Group at Ulster University in coordination with English at Ulster. The title of Teodora’s presentation was ‘The Embodiment of Heaven in Lewis’ Works’.
The CS Lewis Podcast #105 Dr David Clare: The man from God knows where - Lewis’ Irishness
2023-05-15T17:00:00+01:00
Drama and theatre studies lecturer Dr David Clare explores four plays about Lewis that downplay his Ulster background. This talk was originally given at a CS Lewis symposium called Now We Have Faces, which was hosted by The CS Lewis Group at Ulster University in coordination with English at Ulster. The title of David’s presentation was ‘“The man from God knows where”: Four plays about CS Lewis in which his Belfast background is ignored or downplayed’.
The CS Lewis Podcast #104 Out of the Silent Planet and Lewis’ Belfast background
2023-05-08T17:00:00+01:00
English lecturer Dr Sarah Waters answers questions about Out of the Silent Planet, following her presentation at CS Lewis symposium Now We Have Faces. She was joined for the Q&A by drama and theatre studies lecturer, Dr David Clare, who speaks into Lewis’ Irishness.
The CS Lewis Podcast #103 Dr Sarah Waters: Out of the Silent Planet and the Covid pandemic
2023-05-01T17:00:00+01:00
English lecturer Dr Sarah Waters shares her insights into one of CS Lewis’ science fiction books, particularly in regards to how we relate to one another post-Covid. This talk was originally given at a CS Lewis symposium called Now We Have Faces, which was hosted by The CS Lewis Group at Ulster University in coordination with English at Ulster. The title of Sarah’s presentation was ’Facial (mis)recognition: Out of the Silent Planet and the boundaries of face-to face’.
The CS Lewis Podcast #102 Alister McGrath: The CS Lewis phenomenon
2023-04-24T17:00:00+01:00
In the final episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book, CS Lewis: A Life, we look at why someone who expected to be forgotten within five years of his death has had such a lasting impact. Why is CS Lewis still so popular and how long will his appeal last? Plus, this is your last chance to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
The CS Lewis Podcast #101 Alister McGrath: Suffering, death and Lewis’ final years
2023-04-17T17:00:00+01:00
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.
The CS Lewis Podcast #100 Alister McGrath: 100th special celebrating CS Lewis’ legacy and how he can help renew the Church
2023-04-10T17:00:00+01:00
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.
The CS Lewis Podcast #99 Alister McGrath: The move to Cambridge
2023-04-03T17:00:00+01:00
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.
The CS Lewis Podcast #98 Alister McGrath: The imaginative world of Narnia
2023-03-27T17:00:00+01:00
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.
The CS Lewis Podcast #97 Alister McGrath: The creation of Narnia
2023-03-20T18:00:00+00:00
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.
The CS Lewis Podcast #96 Alister McGrath: A prophet without honour?
2023-03-13T18:00:00+00:00
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.
The CS Lewis Podcast #95 Alister McGrath: CS Lewis’ international fame
2023-03-06T18:00:00+00:00
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.
The CS Lewis Podcast #94 Alister McGrath: The wartime apologist
2023-02-27T16:45:00+00:00
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.
The CS Lewis Podcast #93 Alister McGrath: CS Lewis’ literary scholarship
2023-02-20T18:00:00+00:00
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.
The CS Lewis Podcast #92 Alister McGrath: The making of a Mere Christian
2023-02-13T18:00:00+00:00
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.
The CS Lewis Podcast #91 Alister McGrath: CS Lewis’ early years at Magdalen college
2023-02-07T10:00:00+00:00
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.
The CS Lewis Podcast #90 Alister McGrath: The making of an Oxford don
2023-01-30T18:00:00+00:00
In the fourth episode of our series focussing on McGrath’s book CS Lewis: A Life, we dive into Lewis’ first few years at Oxford and explore the nature of his complicated romantic relationship with Mrs Moore. Plus, don’t forget to register to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis.
The CS Lewis Podcast #89 Alister McGrath: CS Lewis and the Great War
2023-01-23T18:00:00+00:00
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.
The CS Lewis Podcast #88 Alister McGrath: CS Lewis’ unpleasant schooldays
2023-01-16T18:00:00+00:00
In the second episode of a new series focussing on McGrath’s book CS Lewis: A Life, we look at why Lewis found school so thoroughly unpleasant and how it helped to cement his growing atheism. Plus, we launch a competition to win a copy of McGrath’s book.
The CS Lewis Podcast #87 Alister McGrath: CS Lewis’ Irish childhood
2023-01-09T18:00:00+00:00
In this first episode of a new series focussing on McGrath’s book CS Lewis: A Life, we look at Lewis’ early childhood in County Down, their family life and the death of his mother.
The CS Lewis Podcast #86 Alister McGrath: Why read CS Lewis?
2023-01-02T18:00:00+00:00
As we begin a new year, we pause to remind ourselves of the thought, life and legacy of CS Lewis. Professor Alister McGrath shares why and how we can engage with Lewis and his writings as we introduce a new series focussing on McGrath’s book CS Lewis: A Life.
The CS Lewis Podcast #85 A magical Narnia trail
2022-12-26T18:00:00+00:00
There is something inherently Christmassy about The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and a church in the North East of England have used Lewis’ classic children’s tale to put on a special event, inviting local families to engage with the Christmas story in an imaginative way.
The CS Lewis Podcast #84 CS Lewis on Christmas
2022-12-19T18:00:00+00:00
What did Christmas mean to CS Lewis? How did he celebrate it? Did he ever write about the festive season? Professor Alister McGrath shares his insights into CS Lewis’ depiction of the incarnation and Christmas.
The CS Lewis Podcast #83 Teri-Anne Cavanagh: Finding faith through CS Lewis
2022-12-12T18:00:00+00:00
Teri-Anne Cavanagh is training for ordained ministry in the Church of England, but she wasn’t always a Christian. CS Lewis played an instrumental role in initiating her journey back to the faith of her childhood.
The CS Lewis Podcast #82 Ross Wilson: How an artist immortalised CS Lewis
2022-12-05T18:00:00+00:00
Northern Irish artist Ross Wilson BEM talks about his remarkable sculpture The Searcher, which is based on the character of Digory Kirke who, in ‘The Magician’s Nephew,’ creates a wardrobe made from a magical apple tree.
The CS Lewis Podcast #81 Joshua Karras - porn, depression, domestic violence and The Screwtape Letters
2022-11-28T18:00:00+00:00
Ruth Jackson continues her conversation with author Joshua Karras who has penned a modern appropriation of The Screwtape Letters. 80 years after the publication of CS Lewis’ classic epistolary novel, Karras shares why he has included some of the contemporary temptations in his literary adaptation.
The CS Lewis Podcast #80 Joshua Karras: A modern take on The Screwtape Letters
2022-11-21T18:00:00+00:00
80 years after the publication of The Screwtape Letters, young author Joshua Karras has written an appropriation of CS Lewis’ classic epistolary novel for a modern audience. Ruth Jackson discovers the inspiration behind this audacious project.
The CS Lewis Podcast #79 A tour of CS Lewis' house ‘The Kilns’ with Trevin Wax
2022-11-14T18:00:00+00:00
Justin Brierley takes podcast listeners on a revealing tour around The Kilns, the house Lewis shared with his brother Warnie in Oxford.
The CS Lewis Podcast #78 Trevin Wax: How CS Lewis shaped my faith
2022-11-07T17:00:00+00:00
Author and pastor Trevin Wax shares why he loves CS Lewis. They look at the relevance of Lewis’ writings as well as debating whether or not he was a heretic!
The CS Lewis Podcast #77 Trevin Wax: CS Lewis on why truth matters
2022-10-31T17:00:00+00:00
Ruth Jackson speaks to author and pastor Trevin Wax about CS Lewis. They discuss numerous topics including objective truth, Christian morality and evangelism.
The CS Lewis Podcast #76 The spirituality of Owen Barfield, CS Lewis & JRR Tolkien Pt 2
2022-10-24T17:00:00+01:00
The second part of a conversation between philosopher Mark Vernon and poet-theologian Malcolm Guite on the spiritual journeys of The Inklings, a group of writers and poets including Owen Barfield, CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien, who met in Oxford to discuss each other’s work. Part 2 of an Unbelievable? show first broadcast in 2019.
The CS Lewis Podcast #75 Who were the Inklings? And what did they believe? Malcolm Guite & Mark Vernon Pt 1
2022-10-17T17:00:00+01:00
Mark Vernon, author of ‘A Secret History of Christianity: Jesus, the last Inkling and the evolution of consciousness’ engages with poet-theologian Malcolm Guite on the spiritual and religious influences of Owen Barfield, JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis, three key members of ‘The Inklings’. Part 1 of an Unbelievable? show first broadcast in 2019.
The CS Lewis Podcast #74 A skeptic’s adventures in Narnia - Holly Ordway and Laura Miller
2022-10-10T17:00:00+01:00
Holly Ordway grew up as an atheist before converting to Christianity in her adult years. The fantasy work of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien would be an important part of her journey to faith. She engages with atheist writer Laura Miller author of ‘The Magician’s Book: A Skeptic’s Adventures in Narnia’ in this replay of an Unbelievable? episode first broadcast in 2013.
The CS Lewis Podcast #73 Dr Michael Ward Q&A with young people Pt 2
2022-10-03T17:00:00+01:00
In this second part of a live kids Q&A on Narnia, recorded at Oxford University, Dr Michael Ward continues to answer questions such as ‘Where did the wood between the worlds come from?’, ‘Can people from Narnia enter our world?’ and ‘Is Narnia something CS Lewis experienced as a child?’
The CS Lewis Podcast #72 Kids ask their Narnia questions of Dr Michael Ward Pt. 1
2022-09-26T17:00:00+01:00
Recorded live at Oxford University, Narnia expert Dr Michael Ward engages with a panel of young people with a variety of questions about Narnia and CS Lewis. How old is Narnia? How many ways are there into Narnia? Were the Pevensie children destined to go through the wardrobe?… and many more.
The CS Lewis Podcast #71 CS Lewis and the Queen - an interview with Dr Michael Ward
2022-09-19T17:00:00+01:00
On Thursday September 8th Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, died aged 96. In this special one-off episode about the Queen and CS Lewis, Ruth Jackson speaks to CS Lewis scholar Dr Michael Ward. They discuss Lewis’ thoughts on monarchy, the Queen’s coronation and the kings and queens of Narnia. Watch out for a brutally honest potted history of some of the British monarchs!
The CS Lewis Podcast #70 Miracles in Narnia and Taiwan - David Marshall
2022-09-05T17:00:00+01:00
In the third part of their discussion David Marshall tells Justin Brierley about his own time as a missionary in China and East Asia and how he found CS Lewis’ writing helped his journey there. How does the subject of miracles - the death and resurrection of Alan for instance - get addressed in Narnia?
The CS Lewis Podcast #69 We need to talk about Susan: David Marshall defends CS Lewis against Pullman and JK Rowling
2022-08-29T17:00:00+01:00
My sister Susan,” answered Peter shortly and gravely, “is no longer a friend of Narnia.”
The CS Lewis Podcast #68 The Case For Aslan: David Marshall on ‘Puddleglum’s Wager’
2022-08-22T17:00:00+01:00
‘The Case for Aslan: Evidence for Jesus in the land of Narnia’ examines how Lewis employed Christian apologetics throughout the fantasy writing of Narnia. Author David Marshall tells Justin Brierley how in The Silver Chair, Puddleglum proves himself to be a wise, if gloomy, thinker.
The CS Lewis Podcast #67 Audience Q&A on vocation, culture and Christian witness
2022-08-15T17:00:00+01:00
Alister McGrath joins Justin Brierley and a panel of Christian thinkers, scientists and church leaders to take audience questions on vocation, culture and Christian witness in this continuation of last week’s session, originally recorded live at Unbelievable? the Conference 2022.
The CS Lewis Podcast #66 Speaking the authentic voice of Jesus in arts, science and global culture
2022-08-08T17:00:00+01:00
Recorded live at Unbelievable? the Conference 2022, Justin Brierley leads a panel including Alister McGrath, Sharon Dirckx, John Wyatt, Skye Jethani, and Joseph D’Souza on bringing Christian faith into the spheres of art, science, education and global justice.
The CS Lewis Podcast #65 Alister McGrath: How to transform our culture and not be consumed by it
2022-08-01T17:00:00+01:00
Prof Alister McGrath draws on CS Lewis and scripture to encourage Christians to live out ther vocation and make a difference in a confused and divided culture. This keynote address was given at Unbelievable? the Conference 2022.
The CS Lewis Podcast #64 On Living In An Atomic Age - CS Lewis’ essays and short writings
2022-07-25T17:00:00+01:00
‘If we are all going to be destroyed by an atomic bomb, let that bomb when it comes find us doing sensible and human things’. Alister and Justin discuss the way that CS Lewis’ 1948 essay is remarkably relevant to modern crises such as Covid and the war in Ukraine.
The CS Lewis Podcast #63 The Weight of Glory - CS Lewis’ essays and short writings
2022-07-18T16:00:00+01:00
‘The Weight of Glory’ is a sermon that CS Lewis preached at the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Oxford in 1941. It is widely regarded as one of his most significant short works, focussing on the way our human longings in this world point to another world that we were made for.
The CS Lewis Podcast #62 First and Second Things - CS Lewis’ essays and short writings
2022-07-11T16:00:00+01:00
Originally published in 1942 this essay argues that humans often turn ‘second order’ things such as music, art, romantic love, etc into ‘first order’ things in place of God. In doings so they lose the joy of those things in the process. “You can’t get second things by putting them first; you can get second things only by putting first things first.”
The CS Lewis Podcast #61 Is Theology Poetry? CS Lewis’ essays and short writings
2022-07-04T15:00:00+01:00
Originally given as a talk in 1945, this was the first piece of Lewis’ writing that Alister Mcgrath ever read as a student and it had a profound influence on him. It includes Lewis’ memorable phrase: ‘I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.’
The CS Lewis Podcast #60 Is Theism Important? - CS Lewis’ essays and short writings
2022-06-27T16:00:00+01:00
This essay originally took the form of a talk at the Socratic club in Oxford in 1952. Lewis explains the difference between ‘Faith A’ as ‘intellectual assent’ and ‘Faith B’ as ‘trust or confidence in God’, as well as the experience of awe.
The CS Lewis Podcast #59 The Grand Miracle - CS Lewis’ essays and short writings
2022-06-20T18:00:00+01:00
Originally preached a sermon in 1945, this essay by Lewis uses the imagery of a diver to explain the significance of the incarnation as God stepping into creation to ultimately redeem it.
The CS Lewis Podcast #58 Myth Became Fact - CS Lewis’ essays and short writings
2022-06-13T17:00:00+01:00
CS Lewis discusses the importance of ‘myth’ in this critique of those who want to ‘demythologise’ Christianity. He explains why Christ is the ‘true myth’ that all other stories of dying and rising gods are pointing towards.
The CS Lewis Podcast #57 Dogma and the Universe - CS Lewis’ essays and short writings
2022-06-06T17:00:00+01:00
Originally published in 1943 in a Christian magazine, ‘Dogma and the Universe’ sees Lewis look at the fact that modern science tells us the Universe had a beginning and that life will also come to an end one day.
The CS Lewis Podcast #56 Meditation in a Toolshed - CS Lewis’ essays and short writings
2022-05-30T18:00:00+01:00
We begin season 6 of the CS Lewis podcast looking at a number of CS Lewis’ shorter articles, essays and sermons. ‘Meditation in a Toolshed’ (1945) sees Lewis exploring the idea of ‘looking at’ a beam of sunlight vs ‘looking along’ the beam. Alister and Justin discuss how Lewis related this idea to the Christian faith.
The CS Lewis Podcast #55 Ask Alister McGrath Anything Part 2
2022-05-23T18:00:00+01:00
Alister McGrath continues to respond to listener questions about science, faith and doubt (and CS Lewis!) in the second part of a show first recorded as a livestream listener Q&A edition of Unbelievable? in 2020, hosted by Justin and Lucy Brierley and Ruth Jackson.
The CS Lewis Podcast #54 Alister McGrath journeys through science, faith and doubt
2022-05-16T18:00:00+01:00
Alister McGrath talks about his memoir ‘Through a Glass Darkly: Journeys Through Science, Faith & Doubt’ in the first part of a show recorded as a livestream listern Q&A edition of Unbelievable? in 2020, hosted by Justin and Lucy Brierley and Ruth Jackson.
The CS Lewis Podcast #53 The Four Loves
2022-05-09T18:00:00+01:00
The Four Loves (1960) is a reflection on four types of love - affection, friendship, eros and charity. Alister examines them and the concept of ‘Agape’ love that Lewis draws out.
The CS Lewis Podcast #52 Reflections on the Psalms
2022-05-02T18:00:00+01:00
Reflections On The Psalms (1958) is CS Lewis’ only book that directly comments on the Bible. Alister explains why Lewis chose to write about the Psalms and what lessons we can draw from it today.
The CS Lewis Podcast #51 Surprised by Joy
2022-04-25T18:00:00+01:00
Surprised By Joy (1955) is CS Lewis’ ’spiritual autobiography of his conversion experience. Alister draws out the lessons his life can give us today.
The CS Lewis Podcast #50 The Great Divorce
2022-04-18T18:00:00+01:00
The Great Divorce (1945) is an unusual story told from the perspective of passengers on a ‘day trip’ from hell to heaven. Alister explains how the story and characters draw out Lewis’ views on the nature of heaven and hell.
The CS Lewis Podcast #49 The Screwtape Letters
2022-04-11T18:00:00+01:00
The Screwtape Letters (1942) saw CS Lewis rise to international prominence as an author. Alister and Justin talk about its creative approach to conversion, temptation and the Christian life.
The CS Lewis Podcast #48 The Problem of Pain
2022-04-04T18:00:00+01:00
The Problem Of Pain (1940) was CS Lewis’ apologetic on the problem of God & suffering. Alister reviews its content and impact.
The CS Lewis Podcast #47 Pilgrim’s Regress
2022-03-28T18:00:00+01:00
Published in 1933, Pilgrim’s Regress was Lewis’ first book written after his conversion. Modelled after Bunyan’s ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’, Alister explains why it is among the least well-known of Lewis’ writings.
The CS Lewis Podcast #46 Season 5 - CS Lewis’ popular Christian books (intro)
2022-03-21T18:00:00+00:00
In this new season of the podcast hosted by Justin, Alister introduces seven of CS Lewis’ popular Christian works.
The CS Lewis Podcast #45 Audience Q&A on how to make the case for Jesus
2022-03-14T18:00:00+00:00
Alister takes audience Q&A on Jesus, CS Lewis and evangelism. From Unbelievable? the Conference 2013
The CS Lewis Podcast #44 Alister McGrath: Jesus the lunatic? How to make the case for Christ
2022-03-07T18:00:00+00:00
Alister McGrath’s talk at Unbelievable? the Conference 2013 on ‘Jesus the Lunatic?’
The CS Lewis Podcast #43 CS Lewis, The Lord of The Rings, myth and imagination
2022-02-28T18:00:00+00:00
Alister concludes this season of the podcast looking at the different ways Lewis and Tolkien expressed the Christian story through their well-known fantasy writings.
The CS Lewis Podcast #42 CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien
2022-02-21T18:00:00+00:00
CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien, two of the greatest writers of the 20th Century, were good friends. So how did Lewis and Tolkien influence each other’s faith and writing?
The CS Lewis Podcast #41 CS Lewis on the importance of friendship
2022-02-14T18:00:00+00:00
Why is the concept of friendship in books such as The Four Loves, so important to Lewis? How did Lewis’ friendship and romance with Joy Davidman affect his circle of friends? Alister continues to explore this theme with Justin.
The CS Lewis Podcast #40 CS Lewis, the Inklings and the Eagle and Child pub
2022-02-07T18:00:00+00:00
Who were Lewis’ closest friends from childhood and as an adult? Who were the Inklings and which pub did they actually meet at? What can we learn from Lewis about friendship? All these questions and more are explored by Alister and Justin in today’s conversation.
The CS Lewis Podcast #39 CS Lewis, Mark Zuckerberg and technology
2022-01-31T18:00:00+00:00
Alister and Justin continue their conversation on what Lewis’ writings have to say to our modern technological age including the rise of big tech platforms such as Google and Facebook’s ‘Meta’ universe.
The CS Lewis Podcast #38 AI and transhumanism
2022-01-24T18:00:00+00:00
What do Lewis’ writings such as ‘The Abolition of Man’ and ‘That Hideous Strength’ have to say to the rise of AI and Transhumanism?
The CS Lewis Podcast #37 Mental health and the meaning crisis
2022-01-17T16:44:00+00:00
Alister McGrath and Justin Brierley continue their conversation on the ‘meaning crisis’ in the West and how Lewis’ wisdom applies to today’s world and the modern mental health crisis.
The CS Lewis Podcast #36 Miracles and the meaning crisis
2022-01-10T16:44:00+00:00
In Season 4 of the podcast, Alister McGrath and Justin Brierley discuss the ‘meaning crisis’ in the West, how Lewis responded to it in his own day, and Lewis’ book Miracles.
The CS Lewis Podcast #35 CS Lewis Symposium Pt 3 - Panel Q&A on 21st Century Apologetics
2021-12-27T16:44:00+00:00
Michael Ward, William Lane Craig, Michael Ramsden, Jeanette Sears, Peter S Williams and Judith Wolfe take part in a panel discussion on what 21st century apologetics can learn from CS Lewis. Recorded at the 2013 CS Lewis Symposium at Westminster Abbey.
The CS Lewis Podcast #34 CS Lewis Symposium Pt 2 - Malcolm Guite on Imaginative Fiction
2021-12-20T16:44:00+00:00
Poet, priest and author Malcolm Guite speaks on “Telling the Truth Through Imaginative Fiction” in this second lecture from the 2013 CS Lewis Symposium at Westminster Abbey.
The CS Lewis Podcast #33 CS Lewis Symposium Pt 1 - Alister McGrath on Rational Argument
2021-12-13T16:44:00+00:00
To mark the 50th Anniverary of CS Lewis’ death in 2013, Westminster Abbey hosted the CS Lewis Symposium. In this first lecture Alister McGrath gave a talk titled “Telling the Truth Through Rational Argument” followed by audience Q&A.
The CS Lewis Podcast #32 Max McLean Pt 2 - CS Lewis on screen
2021-12-06T16:44:00+00:00
Justin Brierley continues his conversation with Max McLean, writer and star of the new movie CS Lewis: The Most Reluctant Convert.
The CS Lewis Podcast #31 Max McLean Pt 1 - CS Lewis on stage
2021-11-29T16:44:00+00:00
Justin Brierley speaks to Max McLean, writer and star of the new movie CS Lewis: The Most Reluctant Convert.
The CS Lewis Podcast #30 Michael Ward on The Abolition of Man
2021-11-22T16:44:00+00:00
Justin Brierley speaks to CS Lewis scholar Michael Ward about his new book ‘After Humanity: A guide to CS Lewis’ The Abolition Of Man’.
The CS Lewis Podcast #29 The Last Battle
2021-11-15T16:44:00+00:00
Professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about The Last Battle, focussing on difficult questions around topics such as racism, pluralism and death.
The CS Lewis Podcast #28 The Silver Chair
2021-11-08T16:44:00+00:00
Professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about one of the darkest books in the Narnia series – The Silver Chair. They look at how we can know that Christianity is true and unpack the relevance of Lewis’ countercultural ideas in today’s skeptical culture.
The CS Lewis Podcast #27 The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
2021-11-01T16:44:00+00:00
Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, looking at difficult topics such as human trafficking, sin and faith and how they impact us today.
The CS Lewis Podcast #26 Prince Caspian
2021-10-25T16:44:00+01:00
Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about Prince Caspian, focussing on painful questions such as the apparent silence of God. They also look at how to share our faith in a culture that is saturated with opposing worldviews.
The CS Lewis Podcast #25 The Horse and his Boy
2021-10-18T16:44:00+01:00
Professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about The Horse and His Boy, looking at pertinent issues such as inequality, the treatment of women and how we should approach other religions.
The CS Lewis Podcast #24 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
2021-10-11T16:44:00+01:00
Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about Lewis’ most famous book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, unpacking some of its theology, such as forgiveness and the atonement. They also look at how we can speak truth to a sceptical society.
The CS Lewis Podcast #23 The Magician’s Nephew
2021-10-04T16:44:00+01:00
Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about The Magician’s Nephew, focussing on topics such as creation, suffering and how the hope of the gospel can transform our hurting world today.
The CS Lewis Podcast #22 An introduction to the Narnia Chronicles
2021-09-27T16:44:00+01:00
In the first episode of the third series of The C.S. Lewis Podcast, professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about how Lewis’ famous works of fiction came to be written.
The CS Lewis Podcast #21 Alister McGrath CS Lewis Apologetics Q&A
2021-09-06T16:44:00+01:00
Alister McGrath answers audience questions following his lecture on CS Lewis the Storyteller.
The CS Lewis Podcast #20 Alister Mcgrath on CS Lewis the Storyteller
2021-08-30T16:44:00+01:00
Part 1 of two bonus episodes featuing a talk by Alister McGrath from Unbelievable? the Conference 2013 on the way CS Lewis uses imagination and storytelling in his apologetics.
The CS Lewis Podcast #19 Mere Christianity on living in hope
2021-08-23T16:44:00+01:00
In the eighth episode of the second series of The C.S. Lewis Podcast, professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about the impact that our Christian hope should have on our own lives and the world around us by looking at Lewis’ thoughts on this topic. They also look back over some of the topics they have covered in this second series.
The CS Lewis Podcast #18 Mere Christianity on the Trinity
2021-08-16T16:44:00+01:00
In the seventh episode of the second series of The C.S. Lewis Podcast, professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about Lewis’ understanding of the nature of God and the Trinity, looking at why his thoughts are still relevant to our prayer life and Christian journey today.
The CS Lewis Podcast #17 Mere Christianity on Christian behaviour
2021-08-09T16:44:00+01:00
In the sixth episode of the second series of The C.S. Lewis Podcast, professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about how we can live as Christians today by unpacking Lewis’ thoughts around faith, reason and behaviour.
The CS Lewis Podcast #16 Mere Christianity on Christ
2021-08-02T16:44:00+01:00
In the fifth episode of the second series of The C.S. Lewis Podcast, professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about Lewis’ understanding of Jesus and how we can use Lewis’ arguments and principles to speak truth to a sceptical culture.
The CS Lewis Podcast #15 Mere Christianity on the problem of evil
2021-07-26T16:44:00+01:00
In the fourth episode of the second series of The C.S. Lewis Podcast, professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about how Lewis viewed sin and the role Christians have in fixing the brokenness of today’s world.
The CS Lewis Podcast #14 Mere Christianity on Christian belief
2021-07-19T16:44:00+01:00
Professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about Lewis’ understanding of fundamental Christian beliefs and how they continue to impact us today.
The CS Lewis Podcast #13 Mere Christianity on the law of human nature
2021-07-12T16:44:00+01:00
Professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about Lewis’ perception of the moral law and what that means for us. They also explore other important themes such as the limits of materialism and science in today’s sceptical society.
The CS Lewis Podcast #12 An introduction to Mere Christianity
2021-07-05T16:44:00+01:00
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.
The CS Lewis #11 Alister McGrath answers listener questions on CS Lewis
2021-06-14T16:44:00+01:00
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 CS Lewis Podcast #10 Alister McGrath on C.S. Lewis’ faith journey
2021-06-08T16:44:00+01:00
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.
The CS Lewis Podcast #09 CS Lewis on the hope of heaven
2021-05-31T16:44:00+01:00
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.
The CS Lewis Podcast #08 CS Lewis on the problem of pain
2021-05-25T16:44:00+01:00
In the eighth episode of The C.S. Lewis Podcast, professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about Lewis’ thoughts on suffering and pain.
The CS Lewis Podcast #07 CS Lewis on education
2021-05-10T16:44:00+01:00
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.
The CS Lewis Podcast #06 CS Lewis on apologetics
2021-05-10T16:44:00+01:00
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.
The CS Lewis Podcast #05 Alister McGrath on CS Lewis, Christianity and atheism
2021-05-03T16:44:00+01:00
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.
The CS Lewis Podcast #04 CS Lewis on Aslan
2021-04-26T16:44:00+01:00
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.
The CS Lewis Podcast #03 CS Lewis on stories
2021-04-19T16:44:00+01:00
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.
The CS Lewis Podcast #02 CS Lewis on friendship
2021-04-12T16:44:00+01:00
In the second episode of our brand-new podcast on C.S. Lewis, professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about some of Lewis’ friendships, including ‘The Lord of The Rings’ author J.R.R. Tolkien.
The CS Lewis Podcast #01 CS Lewis on the meaning of life
2021-03-26T16:44:00+00:00
In the first ever episode of our brand-new podcast on C.S. Lewis, professor Alister McGrath speaks to Ruth Jackson about some of Lewis’ key thoughts as well as the impact of Lewis on Alister’s own life.
Official Trailer - The CS Lewis podcast with Professor Alister McGrath
2021-03-24T16:44:00+00:00
A brand new weekly podcast 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.