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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

#154 Lewis and Tolkien: The final years

What were the significant points of contention between Lewis and Tolkien? Where did they differ on theology? How did they respond to each other's fame? What did Tolkien think of The Narnia Chronicles? Why was Lewis' Letters To Malcolm so "horrifying"...

#153 The poet and the philologist: Lewis and Tolkien's early years

Dr Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien’s Faith explores what Lewis and Tolkien thought of each other when they first met. How did their friendship blossom? Why was their conversation in Addison's Walk so significant to Lewis' journey back to Christianity...

#152 Is ‘The Lord of the Rings’ a religious work?

Dr Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien’s Faith explores what JRR Tolkien meant when he described The Lord of the Rings as a "fundamentally religious and Catholic work". Do we see any elements of his faith in the book? Is it possible to discern a theology...

#151 Holly Ordway: Trauma, Catholicism and romantic love

Dr Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien’s Faith, shares some of the traumatic events in JRR Tolkien's life, such as the death of his parents during his childhood, his forbidden romantic love and his experience of the Great War. What would it have been lik...

#150 Holly Ordway: Tolkien on Holy Week

We continue our conversation with Dr Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien's Faith. How would Tolkien have celebrated Holy Week? How did he view death? What did Easter and the resurrection mean to him? For Holly: https://hollyordway.com/ + Subscribe...

#149 Holly Ordway: Tolkien's faith

Ahead of Tolkien Reading Day on 25th March, Dr Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien's Faith, shares her thoughts about Tolkien’s Catholic faith. She explores the relevance of his work, looking at whether it will stand the test of time. For Holly: www....

#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 th...

#147 Jason Lepojärvi: The undiscovered Lewis

Dr Jason Lepojärvi, CS Lewis associate professor of theology and literature at George Fox University and director of the CS Lewis Initiative, gives us a sneak peak into some undiscovered elements of Lewis. Did he have a theological blind spot? Why ar...

#146 That Hideous Strength: How do we resist evil?

In this final episode on The Space Trilogy, Alister McGrath finishes his discussion on That Hideous Strength, looking particularly at how evil emerges and how we stop technology, such as AI and nuclear weapons, getting out of control. Alister also su...

#145 That Hideous Strength: Was Lewis sexist?

Alister McGrath looks at what Lewis thought of women, sexuality and marriage. Are any of the characters in That Hideous Strength based on people Lewis knew? What was he trying to convey through their depiction? + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast...

#144 That Hideous Strength: What would a godless world look like?

Alister McGrath continues to discuss the final book of CS Lewis’ science fiction trilogy. What are Lewis' thoughts on education? Was he anti-modern? Does the abolition of God necessarily lead to the abolition of humanity? + Subscribe to The CS Le...

#143 That Hideous Strength: Is technology dangerous?

Alister McGrath explores how CS Lewis addresses the perceived conflict between God and science in That Hideous Strength. What insights can Lewis give about pertinent issues such as the atomic age, eugenics and Artificial Intelligence? When does techn...

#142 That Hideous Strength: What is the future of humanity?

Alister McGrath continues to dive into some of the key themes in the final book of CS Lewis' science fiction trilogy. What will happen to the human race? How can we change our future? What is the point of scientific experimentation? Alister also look...

#141 That Hideous Strength: Is there a darker agenda to scientific experimentation?

Professor Alister McGrath explores the final book of CS Lewis’ space trilogy, That Hideous Strength, looking at some of its key themes, characters and questions. How is it a "modern fairy tale for grownups"? And why is this significant? Was Lewis' na...

#140 Sarah Irving-Stonebraker: Does history matter?

Associate Professor Sarah Irving-Stonebraker shares how significant CS Lewis was in her journey from atheism to Christianity. As an academic historian, she explores how great books speak to ever-present questions and looks at why the past matters. Wh...