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CS Lewis Podcast

A 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. 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. To find out more about the launch of this podcast and receive exclusive content from Alister McGrath, sign up to the Unbelievable? newsletter.

Tuesdays from 10pm and Sundays from 5pm

#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? Wher...

#123 Out of the Silent Planet: Death, suffering and The Fall

In the final episode on Out of the Silent Planet, Alister McGrath explores Lewis' depiction of humanity, death, evolution and suffering. He also discusses the framework Lewis provides to help us reflect on these big questions. + Subscribe to The C...

#122 Out of the Silent Planet: Love, sex and intuition

Alister McGrath continues to explore Out of the Silent Planet, looking at some of CS Lewis' language around love and sex. He also looks at the different lifeforms on Malacandra and the distinction between ration and non-rational life forms. + Subs...

#121 Out of the Silent Planet: Nakedness, science and ransom

Looking at Out of the Silent Planet, Professor Alister McGrath discusses whether nakedness within the book is significant. Plus, they look at whether CS Lewis is drawing on genuine science and the significance of Ransom's name. + Subscribe to The...

#120 Out of the Silent Planet: Weston, Devine and JRR Tolkien

As we delve into the first book of the trilogy, Out of the Silent Planet, Professor Alister McGrath looks at some of its key themes. He explores the characters of Weston and Devine, looking at whether they represent particular ideologies and how Lewi...

#119 Has The Space Trilogy stood the test of time?

Alister McGrath concludes his introduction to Lewis’ Space Trilogy by exploring parallels with The Chronicles of Narnia. He offers tips for getting into these three books, speculates on why they haven’t been turned into films and shares his favourite...

#118 Evil, evolution and theological reflection in The Space Trilogy

Alister McGrath explores some of the theological themes within Lewis’ trilogy, such as incarnation, atonement and the problem of evil. How did Lewis view the relationship between science and religion? What did he think about evolution? How did he cri...

#117 Vivisection, mental health, racism and sexism

We dive into some of the important issues explored in Lewis’ Space Trilogy. Why was he so vehemently opposed to animal experimentation? What would Lewis say to those experiencing mental health struggles today? Plus, Alister McGrath responds to the ac...

#116 Did CS Lewis believe in aliens?

Alister McGrath continues to explore questions raised by Lewis' Space Trilogy - were any characters inspired by his "strange" Oxford colleagues? Do we need to understand Medieval renaissance literature in order to read these books? Who is the narrato...

#115 Why did no one want to publish Lewis' Space Trilogy?

Professor Alister McGrath looks at the intended audience of CS Lewis' Space Trilogy and explores some of the influences behind the books, including JRR Tolkien and Charles Williams. + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/156095954...

#114 An introduction to The Space Trilogy

Many people don’t even realise CS Lewis wrote science fiction, much less have perused these three colossal volumes. So, why read them? In the first episode of our brand new series on Lewis’ Space Trilogy, Professor Alister McGrath looks at when and...

#113 What about other religions?

In the final part of this replay of an Unbelievable show, originally broadcast in October 2010, Justin Brierley speaks to Lewis scholar Dr Michael Ward and former Christian-turned atheist Dan Barker. Here, they continue to discuss CS Lewis' apologeti...

#112 Was Jesus a liar, lunatic, Lord or something else?

In the third part of this replay of an Unbelievable show, originally broadcast in October 2010, Justin Brierley speaks to Lewis scholar Dr Michael Ward and former Christian-turned atheist Dan Barker. Here, they continue to discuss CS Lewis' apologeti...

#111 Is Lewis' argument from reason convincing?

In the second part of this replay of an Unbelievable show, originally broadcast in October 2010, Justin Brierley speaks to Lewis scholar Dr Michael Ward and former Christian-turned atheist Dan Barker. Here, they continue to discuss CS Lewis' apologet...

#110 An atheist and Christian reflect on CS Lewis’ apologetics

60 years after his death people continue to read, use and quote CS Lewis’ apologetics works. In this replay of an Unbelievable show, originally broadcast in October 2010, Justin Brierley speaks to Lewis scholar Dr Michael Ward and former Christian-tu...