Edifi Podcast Network

The C.S. 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.

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Episodes

#107 Dr Sharon Jones: Floral particulars in CS Lewis 24:41 May 29, 2023 Play in Edifi Player

#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 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’. For more on the CS Lewis group at Ulster: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/cs-lewis For more …
#106 Teodora Driscu: Lewis and the embodiment of heaven 23:17 May 22, 2023 Play in Edifi Player

#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 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’. For more on the CS Lewis group at Ulster: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/cs-lewis For …
#105 Dr David Clare: The man from God knows where - Lewis’ Irishness 23:16 May 15, 2023 Play in Edifi Player

#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 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’. For more on the CS Lewis group at Ulster: …
#104 Out of the Silent Planet and Lewis’ Belfast background 16:41 May 8, 2023 Play in Edifi Player

#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 into Lewis' Irishness. For more on the CS Lewis group at Ulster, including details about their May conference: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/cs-lewis For more talks from Now We Have Faces: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjaoVaQAdjdVFIFenlZVg-g \+ …
#103 Dr Sarah Waters: Out of the Silent Planet and the Covid pandemic 28:23 May 1, 2023 Play in Edifi Player

#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, 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'. For more on the CS …
#102 Alister McGrath: The CS Lewis phenomenon 21:38 April 24, 2023 Play in Edifi Player

#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 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. To be in with a chance to win a copy of CS Lewis: A Life, sign up to our newsletter at: …
#101 Alister McGrath: Suffering, death and Lewis’ final years 17:21 April 17, 2023 Play in Edifi Player

#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 faced his own impending death. Plus, don’t forget to register for the opportunity to win a copy of McGrath’s seminal biography of Lewis. To be in with a chance to win a copy of CS Lewis: A Life, sign up to our newsletter at: …
#100 Alister McGrath: 100th special celebrating CS Lewis’ legacy and how he can help renew the Church 24:13 April 10, 2023 Play in Edifi Player

#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 Lewis and how he can help with the renewal of the Church. \+ Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545 \+ For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website \+ For our Premier Unbelievable? Live events \+ For …
#99 Alister McGrath: The move to Cambridge 21:02 April 3, 2023 Play in Edifi Player

#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 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. To be in with a chance to win a copy of CS Lewis: A …
#98 Alister McGrath: The imaginative world of Narnia 15:54 March 27, 2023 Play in Edifi Player

#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 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. To be in with a chance to win a copy of CS Lewis: A Life, sign up to our newsletter at: …
#97 Alister McGrath: The creation of Narnia 18:53 March 20, 2023 Play in Edifi Player

#97 Alister McGrath: The creation of Narnia

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. To be in with a chance to win a copy of CS Lewis: A Life, sign up to our newsletter at: https://premierunbelievable.com/cslewisbook \+ Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: …
#96 Alister McGrath: A prophet without honour? 21:00 March 13, 2023 Play in Edifi Player

#96 Alister McGrath: A prophet without honour?

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. To be in with a chance to win a copy of CS Lewis: A Life, sign up to our newsletter at: https://premierunbelievable.com/cslewisbook …
#95 Alister McGrath: CS Lewis’ international fame 17:59 March 6, 2023 Play in Edifi Player

#95 Alister McGrath: CS Lewis’ international fame

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. To be in with a chance to win a copy of CS Lewis: A Life, sign up to our …
#94 Alister McGrath: The wartime apologist 20:57 February 27, 2023 Play in Edifi Player

#94 Alister McGrath: The wartime apologist

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. To be in with a chance to win a copy of CS Lewis: A Life, sign up to our newsletter at: …