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

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

29 Jan 2024
00:11:44

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?

22 Jan 2024
00:10:25

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?

15 Jan 2024
00:19:19

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...

#139 Phil Knox: The fate of the unevangelised

8 Jan 2024
00:14:01

In the second part of his discussion about why The Narnia Chronicles make him cry, evangelist Phil Knox looks at why Prince Caspian contains one of the best definitions of evangelism. He shares how he is moved by the obedience displayed in The Silver...

#138 Phil Knox: Why the Narnia Chronicles make me cry

1 Jan 2024
00:14:36

"Daddy, why are you crying? It's only a lion!" Evangelist Phil Knox shares his experience of reading The Narnia Chronicles with his young son and the impact these books have had on his own life. Why is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe significant...

#136 David Bates: Was Lewis a bit of a grumpy old man when it came to Christmas?

18 Dec 2023
00:12:57

What did Lewis say about Christmas? David Bates from Pints With Jack discusses some of Lewis' poetry and prose on this topic. What did he mean by the "commercial racket" of Christmas, how does he depict the incarnation? And what is the significance o...

#137 David Bates: How did Lewis celebrate Christmas?

18 Dec 2023
00:11:40

David Bates of Pints With Jack shares his final thoughts with Ruth Jackson about CS Lewis and Christmas. Is there a particular food or drink Lewis would have enjoyed? What advice would he give about surviving the festive season? Plus, which of Lewis’...

#135 David Bates: What did Christmas mean to Lewis?

11 Dec 2023
00:10:30

David Bates from Pints With Jack shares some of CS Lewis' thoughts about Christmas. What are some of his key works that elucidate this topic? Did the festive period lose its significance when Lewis became an atheist? Plus, we catch up on how the inau...

#134 Alister McGrath: Is there an expiry date on Lewis' relevance?

4 Dec 2023
00:13:39

In the final part of their discussion on whether CS Lewis is still relevant 60 years after his death, Professor Alister McGrath and Ruth Jackson ponder whether he also appeals to agnostics, atheists and those of other religions. Plus, is there a mode...

#133 Alister McGrath: Was Lewis a prophet and does he speak to contemporary cultural issues?

27 Nov 2023
00:13:57

Professor Alister McGrath and Ruth Jackson continue their discussion about whether CS Lewis is still relevant. Was he something of a prophet? What can we learn about the way Lewis engaged with modern media? How did he make complicated theological con...

#132 Alister McGrath: 60 years after his death, does Lewis still speak to our heads and hearts?

21 Nov 2023
00:17:42

On November 22nd 1963, Clive Staples Lewis – Jack to his friends – died in Oxford, England. 60 years after his death, we discuss whether he is still relevant today. Are any of the accusations levelled against Lewis legitimate? Why does he continue to...

#131 David Bates: CS Lewis Reading Day

13 Nov 2023
00:13:44

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 wh...

#130 David Bates: Pints with Jack

6 Nov 2023
00:23:09

Ruth Jackson speaks to David Bates from the Pints With Jack podcast about how a local book club became a popular show and website. They discuss how David's journey with CS Lewis began ("like most people, it began with a wardrobe") and developed. Plus...

#129 Dr Carolyn Weber: Surprised by Oxford

30 Oct 2023
00:25:44

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 mea...

#128 Perelandra: It's not for nothing that you are named Ransom

23 Oct 2023
00:12:47

Looking at Perelendra, Alister McGrath explores key questions raised by CS Lewis: What is good? Should we be frightened of God? What is significant about Ransom's name? + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 + For more s...

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