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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

#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...

#109: Dr Jennifer Woodruff Tait: Jack at home

Dr Jennifer Woodruff Tait, managing editor of Christian History magazine, shares some of her thoughts around why CS Lewis continues to be so popular. She tells Ruth Jackson why they devoted an entire issue of the magazine to Lewis' family and friends...

#108 Tim Keller (1950-2023) on CS Lewis

In this special episode following the death of Tim Keller on Friday 19th May, Ruth Jackson speaks to Collin Hansen, author of 'Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation’. They talk about Keller's love for CS Lewis and reveal some fasci...

#107 Dr Sharon Jones: Floral particulars in CS Lewis

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 Universit.....

#106 Teodora Driscu: Lewis and the embodiment of heaven

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 T.....

#105 Dr David Clare: The man from God knows where - Lewis’ Irishness

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.....

#104 Out of the Silent Planet and Lewis’ Belfast background

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 in...

#103 Dr Sarah Waters: Out of the Silent Planet and the Covid pandemic

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, w.....

#102 Alister McGrath: The CS Lewis phenomenon

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 h.....

#101 Alister McGrath: Suffering, death and Lewis’ final years

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. We also observe how Lewis face.....

#100 Alister McGrath: 100th special celebrating CS Lewis’ legacy and how he can help renew the Church

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 Lewi.....

#99 Alister McGrath: The move to Cambridge

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 compl.....

#98 Alister McGrath: The imaginative world of Narnia

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 an.....