The C.S. Lewis podcast

Explore the depths of CS Lewis's thought and theology in our latest podcast episode with Dr. Nathan Fayard from Indiana Wesleyan University. Specialising in old English literature and medievalism, Dr. Fayard discusses his latest work, "The Recovered Images." We dive into his presentation from the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis Conference titled "Prometheus on Perrelandra: The Inversion of the Satanic Hero in CS Lewis's Perelandra."
 Discover how CS Lewis reimagined romantic heroes through his cosmic trilogy, challenging the notions of pride and rebellion. Uncover how these elements are woven creatively into Lewis’s narrative fabric, presenting an insightful critique of romanticism. For a deeper understanding, explore Dr. Fayard's full article in the Journal of Inkling Studies.

Ruth Jackson speaks with Dr. Nathan Fayard, Assistant Professor of English at Indiana Wesleyan University about how Lewis engages with the idea of the romantic hero in Perelandra. Why does Lewis split heroic qualities between Ransom and the villain Weston? What can Byron’s Manfred and Shelley’s Prometheus Unbound teach us about Lewis’s theology?
 
 Fayard unpacks how Lewis “re-baptises” the romantic ideal, transforming the satanic archetype into a vision grounded in divine love and restoration. From the rebellious energy of Romantic poets to Lewis’s academic protagonist, this episode explores the tension between self-will and surrender. Are we drawn to heroes who defy the gods—or those who point us to them? Catch up with the first two parts of Ruth's conversation with Fayard here
 
 For more of Fayard's work: 
 https://www.euppublishing.com/doi/abs/10.3366/ink.2023.0197
 https://christandpopculture.com/finding-a-new-glorious-purpose-loki-and-the-failure-of-materialism/ 
 
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Ruth Jackson is joined again by Nathan Fayard, Assistant Professor of English at Indiana Wesleyan University, to explore how the poetry of John Milton and Percy Bysshe Shelley shaped C.S. Lewis’s imagination and theology. Focusing on Paradise Lost and Prometheus Unbound, they discuss how these epic works influenced Lewis’s thinking on redemption, paradise, and poetic vision - from his atheist years to his Christian faith. Fayard highlights Lewis’s deep admiration for Milton’s grandeur and Shelley’s lyrical power, showing how both helped Lewis and his readers engage with profound spiritual ideas. Ruth and Nathan both attended the 2024 Undiscovered C.S. Lewis conference at George Fox University.
 
 For more on Nathan:
 https://www.euppublishing.com/doi/abs/10.3366/ink.2023.0197
 https://christandpopculture.com/finding-a-new-glorious-purpose-loki-and-the-failure-of-materialism/ 
 
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Ruth Jackson is joined by Nathan Fayard, an assistant professor of English at Indiana Wesleyan University, to discuss his paper from the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis conference held at George Fox University. How did Nathan first encountered Lewis? What impact has he had on his life and faith journey? He also gives a summary Perelandra as we prepare to dive into his paper.
 
 For more on Nathan:
 https://www.euppublishing.com/doi/abs/10.3366/ink.2023.0197
 https://christandpopculture.com/finding-a-new-glorious-purpose-loki-and-the-failure-of-materialism/ 
 
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Ruth Jackson is joined by Jacqueline Wilson, a student working towards her Master of Arts in cultural apologetics from Houston Christian University, to share her thoughts on Lewis' prayer life in the paper she presented at the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis conference, which was held at George Fox University. The title of her paper was "A very Ordinary Layman: C.S Lewis's Prayer Life in Historical Context"
 
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Ruth Jackson is joined by Jacqueline Wilson, a student working towards her Master of Arts in cultural apologetics from Houston Christian University, to discuss her paper from the Undiscovered CS Lewis conference, and how she first encountered Lewis. They tackle questions surrounding Lewis' unusual prayer life, as well as his perception of and connection to Catholic practices. 
 
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In this episode, Ruth Jackson speaks with Alister McGrath about Lewis’s views on evolution and science. What did Lewis believe about evolution, and how did he separate it from philosophical naturalism? Did he think evolution could explain things like morality and consciousness? They also explore his concerns about reducing human life to just material causes, and whether he saw a conflict between evolution and Christianity. Finally, they consider how Lewis’s ideas have been received—and whether they still influence thinkers today.
 
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In this episode, Alister McGrath reflects on what Lewis thought about miracles and science. Did he think miracles could make sense in a world ruled by natural laws? Can someone believe in both science and the supernatural? They also look at Lewis’s response to the ideas of HG Wells, who believed science and religion didn’t mix. Were Wells’ views common in Lewis’s time, and do we still see them today? And how might Lewis’s ideas help us think about science and faith today?
 
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In this second episode of our mini-series on CS Lewis and science, Ruth Jackson continues the conversation with Professor Alister McGrath. They explore how Lewis challenged the supposed conflict between science and religion, offering instead a richer vision where both disciplines illuminate reality. McGrath discusses Lewis’ evolving views, from early assumptions shaped by cultural narratives to a more mature integration of faith and scientific inquiry. 
 
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In part 1 of our new series on science, Ruth Jackson is joined by Alister McGrath to explore how CS Lewis approached the relationship between science and religion. A former atheist and Oxford-trained scientist, McGrath unpacks how Lewis combined reason and imagination to challenge scientific materialism while affirming science’s value within a broader vision of reality. From Mere Christianity to That Hideous Strength they discuss Lewis’s enduring relevance in today’s science-faith debates. McGrath also shares insights from his forthcoming OUP book on Lewis’s influence in this area.
 
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Ahead of Tolkien Reading Day on 25th March, Dr Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien’s Faith, explores the contrasting spiritual journeys of J.R.R. Tolkien and CS Lewis—both of whom experienced the profound early loss of their mothers. While Tolkien’s faith deepened through suffering, Lewis famously declared that even amid the horrors of World War I, he "never sank so low as to pray." Dr Ordway reflects on Tolkien’s response to suffering, the problem of evil, and the role Lewis played in strengthening his faith.
 
 Buy Holly Ordway's wonderful book on Tolkien's faith here https://amzn.to/43QhKoY
 
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Ruth Jackson shares some of her favourite moments from the podcast to celebrate the 200th episode. We will be revisiting conversations with Alister McGrath discussing CS Lewis' relevance and mental health, hearing stories on how Lewis helped bring people to faith, his correspondence with Kathy Keller, and his impact on the creative works of film director Matthew Brown and singer songwriter Sarah Hawkyard.
 
 For Carloyn Webber: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/the-cs-lewis-podcast/the-cs-lewis-podcast-129-dr-carolyn-weber-surprised-by-oxford/16637.article
 
 For Kathy Keller: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/the-cs-lewis-podcast/the-cs-lewis-podcast-157-kathy-keller-one-of-the-last-people-to-correspond-with-lewis-before-his-death/17625.article
 
 For Scott Tuohy: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/the-cs-lewis-podcast/the-cs-lewis-podcast-178-scott-tuohy-a-lewis-quotation-changed-my-life/18303.article
 
 For Professor Alister McGrath (1): https://www.premierunbelievable.com/the-cs-lewis-podcast/the-cs-lewis-podcast-175-alister-mcgrath-what-would-lewis-think-of-jordan-peterson/18192.article
 
 For Sarah Hawkyard: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/the-cs-lewis-podcast/the-cs-lewis-podcast-182-sarah-hawkyard-cs-lewis-changed-everything/18443.article
 
 For Matthew Brown: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/the-cs-lewis-podcast/the-cs-lewis-podcast-163-matthew-brown-what-would-sigmund-freud-and-cs-lewis-discuss/17843.article
 
 For Professor Alister McGrath (2): https://www.premierunbelievable.com/the-cs-lewis-podcast/the-cs-lewis-podcast-134-alister-mcgrath-is-there-an-expiry-date-on-lewis-relevance/16838.article
 
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In this third and final episode with Michael Oppizzi, Ruth Jackson asks about his groundbreaking research on planetary symbolism in Till We Have Faces, CS Lewis’s final and often misunderstood novel. 
 Did Lewis truly abandon his fascination with planetary imagery after The Chronicles of Narnia? How does medieval cosmology shape the novel’s themes of love, self-deception, and transformation? And why does Till We Have Faces still resonate so powerfully with modern readers?
 Michael shares insights from his paper, presented at the Undiscovered CS Lewis Conference, and his upcoming book project, revealing how planetary themes structure the novel’s vision of truth and divine encounter. Can Lewis’s work still teach us today about faith, myth, and the nature of human longing?
 
 For the Mere Christians conference in May: https://www.merechristians.net/
 
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CS Lewis considered Till We Have Faces his best work, yet it remains one of his least understood. Why did he write it in the 1950s, and why does it still resonate today? In this episode, Ruth Jackson speaks with Michael Oppizzi about the novel’s historical and literary context, its deep psychological and spiritual themes, and how its exploration of self-deception, silence, and the search for truth speaks powerfully to modern readers. They also dive into the presence of medieval planetary imagery in the novel and discuss why Till We Have Faces remains one of Lewis’s most profound—and relevant—works.
 
 For the Mere Christians conference in May: https://www.merechristians.net/
 
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In this episode, host Ruth Jackson speaks with Michael Oppizzi, an educator and cultural apologist, about the enduring relevance of CS Lewis. They discuss Lewis’s impact on faith, imagination, and intellect, with a deep dive into Till We Have Faces, the role of letters in shaping thought, and the significance of cultural apologetics today. From planetary imagery to organic farming, this conversation explores the intersection of literature, theology, and real-world experience.
 
 For the Mere Christians conference in May: https://www.merechristians.net/
 
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How did "great myths" shape Lewis' understanding of Christian truth? Dr Sarah Waters, assistant professor of language and literature at Stirling College, Kansas, continues to explore the intriguing intersection between Shakespeare's literary genius and CS Lewis' spiritual journey. Sarah recently presented this paper at the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis conference, which was held at George Fox University. The title of Sarah’s paper was 'An Undiscovered Source in Lewis’ Conversion Narrative'.
 
 For more on Sarah Waters: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9681-3361
 
 For the volume of An Unexpected Journal that Sarah co-edited: An Unexpected Journal
 
 For her article on Lewis, Lear, and The Four Loves - An Unexpected Journal
 
 For Sarah on Lewis and Hamlet: https://dc.swosu.edu/mythlore/vol43/iss1/4/
 
 For Sarah's article on Lewis' rhetoric in Linguaculture: https://journal.linguaculture.ro/index.php/home/article/view/355
 
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​How did William Shakespeare influence CS Lewis’ conversion to Christianity? Dr Sarah Waters, assistant professor of language and literature at Sterling College, Kansas, draws connections between Lewis’ faith journey and his engagement with Shakespeare’s works. How do Hamlet and The Winter’s Tale connect to his famous conversation with JRR Tolkien and Hugo Dyson? Were there particular insights Dyson offered Lewis that have previously gone largely unnoticed? Why have both Lewis and Shakespeare stood the test of time? 
 
 For the ‘CS Lewis You Never Knew’ live event in Oxford: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-cs-lewis-you-never-knew-exploring-meaning-truth-and-technology-tickets-1205320709689?aff=oddtdtcreator
 
 For more on Sarah Waters: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9681-3361
 
 For the volume of An Unexpected Journal that Sarah co-edited: An Unexpected Journal
 
 For her article on Lewis, Lear, and The Four Loves - An Unexpected Journal
 
 For Sarah on Lewis and Hamlet: https://dc.swosu.edu/mythlore/vol43/iss1/4/
 
 For Sarah’s article on Lewis’ rhetoric in Linguaculture: https://journal.linguaculture.ro/index.php/home/article/view/355 
 
 + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545
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What was Lewis' favourite Shakespeare play? Dr Sarah Waters, assistant professor of language and literature at Sterling College, Kansas, delves into Lewis' literary accessibility and theological insights, uncovering the timeless relevance of his work. What moved Lewis from disliking Shakespeare as a child to incorporating numerous references in his own work? Are there any obvious parallels between Shakespeare and Lewis?
 Come and be part of an as live recording of The CS Lewis Podcast with Alister McGrath and Ruth Jackson on Wednesday, February 5 2025 at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. You need to book here to attend:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1205320709689?aff=oddtdtcreator
 
 The event is entitled ‘The CS Lewis you never knew’. There will q and a, book signing followed by refreshments. This event at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford is part of their New Renaissance project. Wycliffe Hall’s Summer School delves deeper into C.S Lewis’ theology and explores his footsteps in Oxford and Cambridge. Find out more here: https://www.wycliffe.ox.ac.uk/summerschool2025 
 For more on Sarah Waters: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9681-3361
 
 For the volume of An Unexpected Journal that Sarah co-edited: An Unexpected Journal
 
 For her article on Lewis, Lear, and The Four Loves - An Unexpected Journal
 
 For Sarah on Lewis and Hamlet: https://dc.swosu.edu/mythlore/vol43/iss1/4/
 
 For Sarah's article on Lewis' rhetoric in Linguaculture: https://journal.linguaculture.ro/index.php/home/article/view/355
 
 + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545
 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website
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What did Warnie and Lewis get up to while holidaying in County Louth? How did he encounter leprechauns, fairies and the Holy Ghost? Plus, we hear about some of the key women in Lewis' life: Mrs Moore, Joy and their housekeeper Vera Henry. Rev Paul Clayton-Lea, author of CS Lewis and the Wee County shares the second half of his talk given at the CS Lewis Group at Ulster’s spring mini symposium and answers audience questions. The event was entitled ‘CS Lewis and the Land of His Birth: Re-rooting Lewis in Ulster & the Island of Ireland’.
 
 To book a (free) ticket for the live event in Oxford with Professor Alister McGrath on Wednesday 5th February: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-cs-lewis-you-never-knew-exploring-meaning-truth-and-technology-tickets-1205320709689?aff=oddtdtcreator
 
 For CS Lewis Group at Ulster: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/cs-lewis
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Lewis' life was not a bed of roses. However, he was still able to find joy in dark situations. For example, discovering beauty and friendship in Ireland's Country Louth while his brother Warnie was being nursed there for alcohol addiction. Rev Paul Clayton-Lea, author of CS Lewis and the Wee County shares some fascinating personal stories from the Lewis brothers in a talk given at the CS Lewis Group at Ulster’s spring mini symposium. The event was entitled ‘CS Lewis and the Land of His Birth: Re-rooting Lewis in Ulster & the Island of Ireland’.
 
 For the CS Lewis Group at Ulster: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/cs-lewis
 
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Is CS Lewis relevant today? Can he speak to a post-Christian culture? We hear from Meg Thomson, producer of Freud’s Last Session, a film starring Anthony Hopkins as Sigmund Freud and Matthew Goode as CS Lewis, Dr Jem Bloomfield, an assistant professor at the University of Nottingham and author of Paths in the Snow and Justin Brierley, author of The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God. They joined Ruth on a programme called Free Thinking, which was originally broadcast on the BBC in December 2023 and focused on CS Lewis and his impact today. It was presented by Dr Chris Harding, a cultural historian of Japan, India and East-West connections, based at the University of Edinburgh and was produced by Ruth Watts. The BBC have kindly given us permission to republish the clips featured in this show, but we highly recommend you listen to the full programme.
 
 Free Thinking airs on BBC radio 4 on Fridays at 9pm and you can also listen online or on podcast via BBC sounds. To listen to the whole episode of this special CS Lewis Free Thinking on BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0gy290n
 
 For more on Freud's Last Session, listen to director Matthew Brown speaking to Ruth on episode 163: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/the-cs-lewis-podcast/the-cs-lewis-podcast-163-matthew-brown-what-would-sigmund-freud-and-cs-lewis-discuss/17843.article
 
 For more on New Atheism, check out https://www.premierunbelievable.com/, particularly this episode on Coming To Faith Through Dawkins with atheist Alex O'Connor and Professor Alister McGrath: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unbelievable/unbelievable-coming-to-faith-through-dawkins-part-2-is-there-a-new-new-atheism-alister-mcgrath-and-alex-oconnor/16306.article
 
 To hear further insights from Dr Jem Bloomfield on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on episode 188: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/the-cs-lewis-podcast/the-cs-lewis-podcast-188-jem-bloomfield-christmas-in-narnia/18656.article
 
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For 23 years JRR Tolkien wrote to his four children as Father Christmas. Dr Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien’s Faith, explores Tolkien's creative, humorous writing around Father Christmas and his companions, including his Polar bear assistant, snow-elves, the Man in the Moon and goblins! How does Tolkien combine fantasy and reality? Are there any familiar Tolkien themes in these letters? 
 
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How integral was the incarnation for JRR Tolkien? Does Christmas feature in The Lord of the Rings legendarium? How did the Tolkien family celebrate Christmas? Dr Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien’s Faith, shares her thoughts on what Christmas meant to Tolkien and explores a recently discovered poem of his, Noel, which is one of his most overtly Christian works. Listen next week to hear about the imaginative world Tolkien invented when he wrote to his four children as Father Christmas!
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Dr Jem Bloomfield, assistant professor of literature at the University of Nottingham and author of Paths in the Snow, unpacks the Christmas references as well as key elements, such as the stone table and the titles of the Pevensie children, within The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Was JRR Tolkien justified in his unease about the appearance of Father Christmas? Why is the White Witch painted as the antithesis of Father Christmas not Aslan? What can we learn from Lewis this Christmas? 
 
 For Jem Bloomfield: https://quiteirregular.wordpress.com/
 
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As Christmas approaches, we unpack some of the key elements in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe with Dr Jem Bloomfield, assistant professor of literature at the University of Nottingham and author of Paths in the Snow. What are the literary works Lewis draws on in this book? How does he use biblical imagery and stories? Why does The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe seem so inherently Christmassy?
 
 For Jem Bloomfield: https://quiteirregular.wordpress.com/
 
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Does Lewis' moral argument carry any weight? Is CS Lewis still relevant? If so, is that only for Christians? Are the big questions he raises pertinent today? Is faith rational? Former pastor-turned atheist, Dan Barker and literature professor, Dr Carolyn Weber, discuss Lewis' work and his talents as a writer.
 
 To hear more of Carolyn's story: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/the-cs-lewis-podcast/the-cs-lewis-podcast-129-dr-carolyn-weber-surprised-by-oxford/16637.article 
 
 For Dr Carolyn Weber: https://www.carolynweber.com/about/
 
 For Dan Barker: https://ffrf.org/about/staff-board/item/38960-dan-barker
 
 + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545
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November 29th, CS Lewis' birthday, marks CS Lewis Reading Day and the theme this year is friendship. To celebrate, we spoke to Dr Chris Pipkin, a professor of English at Emmanuel College in Georgia and host of The Inklings Variety Hour podcast.
 
 Don't forget to share your favourite Lewis quotations on social media, using #CSLewisReadingDay
 
 For CS Lewis Reading Day: https://www.pintswithjack.com/reading-day/year-2/
 For Chris Pipkin: https://cpipkin.com/
 For The Inklings Variety Hour podcast: https://inklingsvarietyhour.substack.com/ or https://inklingshour.podbean.com/
 
 For Phil Knox on friendship: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/the-cs-lewis-podcast/the-cs-lewis-podcast-155-phil-knox-are-we-allowed-favourite-friends/17577.article
 
 
 
 https://www.premierunbelievable.com/the-cs-lewis-podcast/the-cs-lewis-podcast-156-phil-knox-lord-all-matey-or-lord-almighty/17603.article
 
 For Alister McGrath on The Four Loves: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/the-cs-lewis-podcast/the-cs-lewis-podcast-53-the-four-loves/13005.article
 
 
 + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545
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In the second part of Dan Barker and Dr Carolyn Weber's discussion about CS Lewis' relevance, Dan points out some of the holes he perceives in Lewis' beliefs. On the opposite side of the debate, Carolyn shares how she became a Christian, highlighting elements of her story that echo Lewis' own and looking at how Lewis' writing greatly influenced her decision. 
 
 To hear more of Carolyn's story: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/the-cs-lewis-podcast/the-cs-lewis-podcast-129-dr-carolyn-weber-surprised-by-oxford/16637.article 
 
 For Dr Carolyn Weber: https://www.carolynweber.com/about/
 
 For Dan Barker: https://ffrf.org/about/staff-board/item/38960-dan-barker
 
 + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545
 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website
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On November 22nd 1963, Clive Staples Lewis – Jack to his friends – died in Oxford, England. However, 61 years after his death, is CS Lewis still relevant? We hear from former pastor-turned atheist, Dan Barker, who suggests that many of Lewis’ arguments are fundamentally flawed. Literature professor, Dr Carolyn Weber, highlights where she disagrees with Dan and shares some of her story about coming to faith at Oxford University, in part through CS Lewis. 
 
 For Dr Carolyn Weber: https://www.carolynweber.com/about/
 
 For Dan Barker: https://ffrf.org/about/staff-board/item/38960-dan-barker
 
 + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545
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Ruth Jackson spoke to singer-songwriter Sarah Hawkyard who describes Mere Christianity as a "game changer", which "hooked" her onto Christianity. Lews played an integral role in Sarah coming to faith, challenging, inspiring and providing her with profound knowledge. She also shared the importance of creativity, singing a few lines from one of her songs that is directly influenced by CS Lewis. 
 
 For Sarah: https://www.sarahhawkyard.com/
 
 + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545
 + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our new website
 + For online learning https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training
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Dr Curtis White's PhD focuses on the relationship, work and theology of CS Lewis and TS Eliot. Here, he highlights some of his thoughts on this topic as well as sharing how Lewis was integral to his own faith journey. White also talks about the upcoming CS Lewis Symposium in Belfast, which John Brown University is providing financial support for. 
 
 To find out more and book tickets for the CS Lewis Symposium in Belfast on 4th November: 
 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cs-lewis-symposium-belfast-tickets-896372122147
 
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How did Lewis approach ecstatic experiences, particularly in light of his Ulster Protestant background? Dr David Clare of Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick continues his talk given at the C.S. Lewis Group at Ulster's spring mini symposium. He also answers questions from the live audience. The event was entitled 'C.S. Lewis and the Land of His Birth: Re-rooting Lewis in Ulster & the Island of Ireland'. The title of Dr Clare's talk was ‘“Lit Up Inside”: C.S. Lewis’s Joy & Ulster Protestant Ecstasy’. 
 
 To find out more and book tickets for the CS Lewis Symposium in Belfast on 4th November: 
 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cs-lewis-symposium-belfast-tickets-896372122147
 
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How did Lewis approach moments of religious ecstasy? Dr David Clare of Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick explores this idea in a talk given at the C.S. Lewis Group at Ulster's spring mini symposium. The event was entitled 'C.S. Lewis and the Land of His Birth: Re-rooting Lewis in Ulster & the Island of Ireland'. The title of Dr Clare's talk was ‘“Lit Up Inside”: C.S. Lewis’s Joy & Ulster Protestant Ecstasy’. Here, he looks at some of Lewis' moments of spiritual ecstasy as well as his search for joy. To find out more and book tickets for the CS Lewis Symposium in Belfast on 4th November: 
 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cs-lewis-symposium-belfast-tickets-896372122147
 
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When scaffolder Scott Tuohy heard a quotation from CS Lewis while attending an Alpha course, he was so profoundly moved by it, he got the quote tattooed on his bicep the next day. His life has never been the same since. Here, he shares his story with Ruth Jackson.
 
 To find out more about Alpha: https://alpha.org.uk/try-alpha
 
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Would Lewis have any advice for anyone struggling to make sense of their emotions? How do we respond to a culture or a generation who often prioritise emotional truth over rational truth? How do we avoid sentimentality? Are there any ways that Lewis has been particularly powerful spiritual mentor for you personally? How can Lewis’ lived out faith be helpful for us? Professor Alister McGrath continues to explore our emotions and sentimentality in comparison to rational truth. + Let us know what you think at [email protected] + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545
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​Why are we often hesitant to talk about our feelings? What did Lewis mean by “joy” and how did he search for it? Can our feelings help us to find God or to grow in our faith? How did Lewis view aesthetics? What should we do when our feelings seem opposed to our faith? How important was religious experience for Lewis? Professor Alister McGrath continues to explore how we can use Lewis as a resource for the Christian life. + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545
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How does having a better understanding of a "big picture" give us hope, particularly in the midst of mental health struggles? How can we hold different aspects of our life together? Which travelling companions would Lewis recommend? What would Lewis make of public figures such as Tom Holland, Jordan Peterson and Douglas Murray, who speak about the coherence and positive impact of Christianity? Professor Alister McGrath explores Lewis as a spiritual mentor.
 
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What did Lewis mean by "big pictures" and how did he use them in his work? How can he help those struggling to find their purpose in life? Why are people so concerned about a lack of coherence and can Lewis be of assistance? Can creeds help us? Professor Alister McGrath explores how Lewis can be a pathfinder and a resource for the Christian life.
 
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How can our individual stories find new meaning and significance from Christianity's "grand story"? In what ways did Lewis tell the Christian story? And what can we learn from this? How do we share our own story? Professor Alister McGrath explores how we can use Lewis as a resource for our Christian life and looks at some of Lewis' favourite stories, including The Pilgrim’s Regress.
 
 
 To find out more about virtual attendance / streaming for The Undiscovered CS Lewis Conference on 5th-8th September: https://georgefoxuniversity.regfox.com/cs-lewis-conference-virtual-attendance
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Which stories impacted Lewis as a young child? Why is story so important? How does imagination help convey truth? What did Lewis mean by "myth" and how did that impact his thinking? Where did JRR Tolkien help with this? How do we allow the Christian story to shape our own? Professor Alister McGrath explores how we can use Lewis as a resource for our Christian life.
 
 To find out more about virtual attendance / streaming for The Undiscovered CS Lewis Conference on 5th-8th September: https://georgefoxuniversity.regfox.com/cs-lewis-conference-virtual-attendance
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Professor Alister McGrath continues to explore how we can use CS Lewis as a resource for our Christian life. How did Lewis' conversion change his life? What habits did he put in place to establish a rhythm of life for his faith? In what ways does Lewis speak to Christian academics? What inspiration can writers draw from Lewis? Does he offer any advice for young people living out their Christian faith today? + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545
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How did CS Lewis live out his Christian faith? What practical tools or approaches can he offer to inform our spiritual practices? How can Lewis help us work out our vocation? Does he have any advice for those experiencing doubt? Professor Alister McGrath explores how we can use Lewis as a resource for our Christian life. + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/1560959545
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How did CS Lewis translate Christianity for ordinary people? What would he say to our post-Christian culture? Can Lewis help with evangelism? In what ways did people apply his ideas to the COVID-19 pandemic? Pastor, author and theologian Dr James Emery White explores how we can draw on Lewis in our modern context. He references many of his works including 'Modern Man and his Categories of Thought' and 'On Living in an Atomic Age', as well as sharing stories from people who knew Lewis personally. 
 
 For Dr James Emery White: https://www.churchandculture.org/jamesemerywhite
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Did Lewis want to rewrite some of his earlier work on suffering in light of his own experience of pain and loss? Did Lewis doubt the existence of God or question his character during these times? What words of encouragement would Lewis give to those in the throes of suffering? Dr Philip Tallon, Associate Professor of Theology and Dean of The School of Christian Thought at Houston Christian University, explores A Grief Observed and The Problem of Pain. He also shares how to help younger readers engage with Lewis.
 
 For Philip Tallon: https://hc.edu/contact/philip-tallon/ 
 
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How does Lewis perceive the Fall? Is he able to reconcile it with an evolutionary model? Where does the cross feature in The Problem of Pain? What did Lewis think of hell? In what ways does Lewis help us to recognise beauty and aesthetics in our discussions around theodicy? We continue our conversation with Dr Philip Tallon, Associate Professor of Theology and Dean of The School of Christian Thought at Houston Christian University.
 
 For Rev Dr Michael Lloyd on why evil exists: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unapologetic/unapologetic-107-michael-lloyd-why-does-evil-exist/17736.article
 For Philip Tallon: https://hc.edu/contact/philip-tallon/
 
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Can pain ever be good for us? What about children with cancer? How do we account for animal suffering? Will our pets be in heaven? Does our theology of heaven impact our thoughts around suffering? Dr Philip Tallon, Associate Professor of Theology and Dean of The School of Christian Thought at Houston Christian University, shares his thoughts about Lewis' The Problem of Pain.
 
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Dr Philip Tallon, Associate Professor of Theology and Dean of The School of Christian Thought at Houston Christian University, unpacks one of Lewis' earliest work of apologetics The Problem of Pain. What are the critiques of this book and can any of these challenges be overcome?
 
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Can Lewis still speak to us today? Following the death of his father as a child, Afrikaner pastor Johan Erasmus struggled to find a place where he could ask sceptical questions about faith, God and the Universe. During this time he discovered CS Lewis, but also Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens. You can hear more of his story in Coming To Faith Through Dawkins.
 
 To hear more of Johan's story, check out Unapologetic: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/shows/unapologetic
 
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Hollywood director Matthew Brown, who directed and co-wrote Freud's Last Session, shares his thoughts on two of the greatest minds of the 20th Century. The film, which features Sir Anthony Hopkins, Matthew Goode and Liv Lisa Fries, raises questions about the existence of God, the prevalence of human suffering and the perceived conflict between religion and science. What would Freud and Lewis have spoken about if they had met? How can we model civil conversation with those we vehemently disagree with? What can we learn from Lewis and Freud in today's society?
 
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We continue our conversation with Professor Alister McGrath answering live questions, including who influenced Lewis’ faith journey, whether there’s an expiry date on his relevance and how Lewis has impacted Alister’s own theology. 
 
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