#214 Alister McGrath: Exploring The Discarded Image (Part 1)
Ruth Jackson speaks with Alister McGrath about CS Lewis’ final book, The Discarded Image, a reflection on the medieval view of the cosmos. Why did Lewis care so much about this old model of the universe, and what does it reveal about his views on science, imagination, and faith? They explore Lewis’s description of a geocentric, ordered world and how it contrasts with today’s scientific and secular worldview. Could this older picture still speak to us today? And how did Lewis understand the relationship between science and the biblical creation story?
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23:43
#213 Alister McGrath: CS Lewis on science, AI & technology (Part 2)
Alister McGrath reflects on how Lewis’ ideas might speak into today’s rapidly advancing technologies. What would Lewis have thought about artificial intelligence, genetic modification, or even transhumanism? Would he see these developments as threats to human dignity or as opportunities that require moral and spiritual guidance? And as technology continues to reshape our world, does Lewis offer a framework for thinking wisely about progress, purpose, and the ethical limits of innovation?
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19:50
#212 Alister McGrath: CS Lewis on science, AI & technology (Part 1)
In this episode, Ruth Jackson speaks with Alister McGrath about Lewis’ views on science, technology, and ethics. What concerns did Lewis raise about unchecked scientific progress in works like The Abolition of Man? Would he have seen developments in AI or genetic engineering as threats—or opportunities? They also explore whether Lewis thought science could ever replace belief in God, and how he might respond to the ethical challenges facing today’s technology.
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21:24
#211 Nathan Fayard: Exploring the Inversion of the Satanic Hero.
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.
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23:44
#210 Nathan Fayard: What makes a true hero - power, rebellion, or love?
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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A weekly podcast from Premier Unbelievable? 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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