#240 Stefan Knibbe: Lewis’s Shifting Views on Freedom, Suffering, and Hell in Till We Have Faces
Ruth Jackson is joined by theologian and Lewis scholar Stefan Knibbe to explore “revolutions” in CS Lewis’ thinking about freedom, suffering and hell. Drawing on 'The Problem of Pain', 'Surprised by Joy' and 'Till We Have Faces', Stefan traces how Lewis moves from a focus on free will as the right to accept or reject God, towards freedom as liberation from sin by God’s grace. He shows how George MacDonald’s vision of God’s relentless love and even his view of hell helped reshape Lewis’ later work, and why encountering God himself rather than neat arguments becomes Lewis’ deepest answer to the problem of evil. Recorded at the 2024 “Undiscovered CS Lewis” conference at George Fox University, this episode will send you back to Lewis with fresh eyes again.
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#239 Stefan Knibbe: CS Lewis on Freedom, Suffering, and Hell
Stefan Knibbe joins to share how his studies led him to focus on the works of CS Lewis and how Lewis has shaped his thinking and faith. He speaks about his paper, “Freedom, Suffering, and Hell in Till We Have Faces: Lewis’ Shifting Views,” and why Lewis’ ideas on freedom shifted over time. Stefan also discusses the influence of George MacDonald and why the connection between freedom, suffering, and hell is so central to Lewis’ theology.
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+ Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast
+ For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/
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#238 Joseph Weigel: A paper on Dr. Dimble's Neutrals
Ruth Jackson is joined by Joseph Weigel, firefighter and podcast host, for the final episode of this series. Joseph gives insight into his paper, titled 'Dr. Dimble's Neutrals', that he presented at the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis Conference. We then get to hear his paper live from the conference, which was held at Geroge Fox University.
'Men with Chests' podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6otTZ3UJZONxUQVCONKHko
+ Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate
+ Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast
+ For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/
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#237 Joseph Weigel: CS Lewis, Dr Dimble, and the Mystery of the “Neutral” Beings
Ruth Jackson is joined by Joseph Weigel, a firefighter and host of the podcast "Men with Chests". They explore Dr Dimble’s role in 'That Hideous Strength' and his intriguing idea of “neutral” spiritual beings. They discuss how these neutrals draw on medieval thought, whether Lewis intended readers to take them seriously, and what this reveals about his wider views on the supernatural. Their conversation also touches on Merlin’s place in the story and how Lewis blends ancient magic with Christian themes. Finally, they consider why Lewis’ ideas about spiritual beings still matter today and how might speak into modern questions about technology, ethics, and even AI.
'Men with Chests' podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6otTZ3UJZONxUQVCONKHko
+ Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate
+ Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast
+ For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/
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#236 Joseph Weigel: The fairytale of That Hideous Strength
Firefighter and podcaster Joseph Weigel joins Ruth Jackson to explore the “fairy tale for grown-ups” that is 'That Hideous Strength' part of CS Lewis's Space Trilogy. Joseph shares why Lewis’ dystopian thriller is his favourite of the Space Trilogy, unpacks the marriage of Mark and Jane, and examines the unsettling ambitions of the N.I.C.E. They discuss Lewis’ provocative claim that magic and modern science are “twin” quests for power, how Merlin functions in the story, and what this all means for Christians today.
'Men with Chests' podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6otTZ3UJZONxUQVCONKHko
+ Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate
+ Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast
+ For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/
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.