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/

+ Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://pod.link/

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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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