Wade Center

How to Read History or "De Descriptione Temporum" by C.S. Lewis May 26, 2023

How should we read, interpret, and apply history? How can historical misconceptions doom us to repeat the mistakes of the past? Is everything always getting better, or is it possible for new inventions and new ideas to be retrogressive--to take us a step backward? In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to discuss C.S. Lewis's inaugural lecture at Cambridge University for The Chair of Mediaeval and Renaissance, Literature entitled, "De Descriptione Temporum" or "A Description of the Times." They discuss how, in typical fashion, Lewis didn't waste this opportunity to simply say "thank you" for the promotion. Instead, he laid out his vision of history: how to read ancient literature, how to interpret history, and how the the avoidance of studying dead periods can actually enslave us to the past.

"An Experiment in Criticism" by C.S. Lewis Apr 28, 2023

These days everyone is a critic. The internet is filled with—some might say "fueled" by—criticism of movies, books, art, society, everything. Over six decades ago, C.S. Lewis recognized and warned us that the wrong kind of critical posture can turn us not only into cynics but into cultural and ideological puritans. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to discuss Lewis's book on this very topic titled, An Experiment in Criticism (1961). How does Lewis define good criticism? What makes differentiates a good reader from a bad one? And how can we apply the principle of receptivity to not just literature but life?

"Letters to Children" w/ Marjorie Mead Mar 31, 2023

Long before the internet was invented people wrote letters to C.S. Lewis and he wrote back, sending them meaningful, insightful, and compassionate letters. In this week's episode Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Marjorie Mead, Co-Director of the Wade Center to discuss a book of Letters to Children (1985). Marjorie reveals how the book was conceived, how some of the letters were found, and how Lewis's letters to children can still minister to us today--especially if we've grow up too much like Peter and Susan in The Chronicles of Narnia.

The Wonders of Creation w/ Dr. Kristen Page Feb 24, 2023

The works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien are filled with magical lands, walking trees, and talking animals. They elicit wonder in our hearts not just for fictional places but for the real world around us. In this week's episode Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down to interview Dr. Kristen Page about her recent book The Wonder of Creation: Learning Stewardship from Narnia and Middle-Earth (2023). Stay tuned until the end to learn how you can get a discounted (and signed) copy of Dr. Page's book.

Reflections on the Psalms by C.S. Lewis Jan 27, 2023

Even though he constantly reminded readers that he wasn't a theologian or a biblical scholar, C.S. Lewis wrote an entire book on how to read and reflect on the Psalms. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to discuss Lewis's often overlooked and under-read book, Reflections on the Psalms (1958). Lewis deftly covers many of the problems that faithful Christians throughout the ages encounter in the Psalter. Why are so many Psalms violent and vindictive? Why does God expect to be constantly praised? If so much of the NT contrasts Jesus's teaching with the letter of Law, how is it "sweeter than honey?"

Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton, Part 2 Dec 30, 2022

In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to finish unwrapping the many memorable witticisms, penetrating insights, and enchanting metaphors contained within the final chapters of Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton. Additionally, this is both our final episode of 2022 and the final episode of our bi-weekly format. In 2023, we will shift to a monthly release schedule with episodes going live on the final Friday of the month. Make sure to check out videos with Crystal and David through our forthcoming Wonders of the Wade series over on our YouTube channel.

Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton, Part 1 Dec 16, 2022

Over the last century many Christian apologists have made a name for themselves. At the root of this apologetic tree lies the genius and charm of Gilbert Keith Chesterton and Orthodoxy. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to unwrap the many memorable witticisms, penetrating insights, and enchanting metaphors contained within the first four chapters of this rather dully-named yet incredibly encouraging book which influenced many Christian apologists and communicators such as C.S. Lewis and Dorothy L. Sayers.

Tolkien and the Green Knight Dec 02, 2022

Did you know that the archaic language in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight colored J.R.R. Tolkien's prose in The Lord of the Rings? Or that the characters in this medieval, fourteenth century, fairy tale for adults informed and inspired characters and themes in both The Chronicles of Narnia and the Ransom trilogy by C.S. Lewis? In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down to discuss the meaning, symbolism, and application of this tale of fell strokes, of courtly love gone awry, and of Bertilak and Gawain, King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table, and Camelot.

Cosmo's Story: A Synecdoche of Phantastes Nov 11, 2022

Just when you thought Phantastes couldn't get any more fantastical, George MacDonald slips in two short stories: one in which women with wings, who live on another planet, find babies out in nature, and die from desire; the other in which Cosmo von Wehrstahl, a student in Prague, purchases a magic mirror which contains a beautiful woman. In this follow-up to last week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to explore the meaning of Cosmo's story, the ways in which it is a synecdoche of Anodes' journey in Phantastes, and how it likely inspired the Narnia novels and Ransom trilogy by C.S. Lewis.

Phantastes by George MacDonald Oct 29, 2022

This is the story that started it all—the fairy tale that baptized C.S. Lewis's imagination and inspired countless fantasy novels such as Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to discuss George MacDonald's dreamlike fairy tale for adults, Phantastes. Join us as explore the symbols, dream sequences, the meaning of the Marble Lady, the journey of Anodos, and the interrelated themes of disenchantment, death, sehnsucht, self, pride, and longing.

Tolkien and Allegory w/ Graham Shea Oct 14, 2022

Tolkien fans, you don't want to miss this episode! As Graham Shea notes, "Critics have long debated whether, and to what degree, J.R.R. Tolkien writes allegorically. Any answer to this question must attempt to reconcile Tolkien’s numerous comments about allegory, which often seem to contradict one another." In this week's episode Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing and Producer Aaron Hill sit down to interview Graham Shea about his recent attempt to resolve the conflict between Tolkien and allegory based on Shea's recently published article in VII. In his article, Shea uses Tolkien's last published fiction, a short story titled Smith of Wooton Major, in an attempt to reconcile his views on allegory.

"Christianity and Culture ... and Literature"—Christian Reflections, Vol. 2 Sep 30, 2022

Is there such a thing as Christian literature? How important is originality in literature and culture? Should Christianity embrace or reject culture? In their second discussion of Christian Reflections, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing discuss Lewis's answers to these timeless questions using two dense but powerful essays by C.S. Lewis titled, "Christianity and Literature" and Christianity and Culture."

"The Seeing Eye" & "De Futilitate"—Christian Reflections, Vol. 1 Sep 16, 2022

When Yuri Gagarin returned from mankind's first trip into space, he declared, "I looked and looked and looked, but I didn't see God." In an essay written in 1963, C.S. Lewis retorted, "Those who do not find Him on earth are unlikely to find Him in space." In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with the beloved Dr. Jerry Root to unpack two powerful essays collected and published in Christian Reflections: "De Futilitate and "The Seeing Eye." They discuss the ways in which knowing anything and a sense that life is futile are actually proof that we live in a moral universe created by a knowable God.

"Bulverism" & "Is Theism Important?"—God in the Dock, Vol. 3 Sep 02, 2022

For over a decade, C.S. Lewis and Stella Aldwinckle modeled how to discuss Christianity, atheism, and belief with civility and grace through the Oxford Socratic Club. Many of Lewis's talks at the club meetings made their way into print, in the form of essays. In part three of the Wade Center's series on God in the Dock (1970), Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing, along with Producer Aaron M. Hill, discuss two of these essays, "Bulverism" and "Is Theism Important?" Together these essays address obstacles to honest discussion, a basic foundation for reason, and the nature of faith.

"On the Reading of Old Books"—God in the Dock, Vol. 2 Aug 19, 2022

"Every age has its own outlook. It is specially good at seeing certain truths and specially liable to make certain mistakes." In part two of the Wade Center's series on God in the Dock (1970), Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing discuss three powerful essays published by C.S. Lewis in the 1940s: "On the Reading of Old Books," "Meditation in a Toolshed," and "First and Second Things." While each of these three essays were written to different audiences, Lewis consistently calls out the chronological and cultural snobbery that prevents modern people from acknowledging the timeless truths contained in Christian doctrine.

"Dogma and the Universe"—God in the Dock, Vol. 1 Aug 05, 2022

Between writing best-selling books, C.S. Lewis published hundreds of essays. Many of them were collected and published after Lewis's death as God in the Dock in 1970. Over the next several episodes, the Wade Center Podcast is going to explore Lewis's wonderful insights about the challenges of maintaining and sharing your faith in the modern world. To kick off this series, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sat down with the beloved Dr. Jerry Root to unpack two powerful essays: "Dogma and the Universe" and "Christian Apologetics."

Surprised by George: The Father of Fantasy (Re-Release) Jul 22, 2022

To tide you over until we return from vacation, enjoy this re-released episode on George MacDonald from the Wade Center archives.

Most Inklings fans see George MacDonald through the lens of C.S. Lewis. Others enter MacDonald's novels through diverse doorways. In this week's episode Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to discuss this 19th century Scots author. Why was George MacDonald so important to Lewis? Why is he considered controversial? Are his writings still relevant today?

The Princess, Curdie, and Goblins, Oh My! Jul 08, 2022

C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Madeleine L'Engle, and Neil Gaiman are praised for penning imaginative worlds and inspiring stories. But did you know that all these writers were inspired by George MacDonald? In particular, they were inspired by two of his fantasy novels written for children called The Princess and the Goblin and The Princess and Curdie. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal Downing and David C. Downing discuss these mythopoeic stories that, as Colin Manlove notes, use "the imagination to heal the soul."

C.S. Lewis's Greatest Debt—"George MacDonald: An Anthology" Jun 24, 2022

"My own debt to [Unspoken Sermons] is almost as great as one man can owe to another." With these words, C.S. Lewis acknowledged the role the George MacDonald's spiritual writings (as well as his novels) played in his own faith journey and theology. In this week's episode Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing, along with Producer Aaron Hill, explore a volume of MacDonald quotes collected and edited by C.S. Lewis called George MacDonald: An Anthology. Explore literary and theological parallels between Lewis and MacDonald, the theological themes that marked MacDonalds life and spiritual writings, and the ongoing relevance of MacDonald's writings for Christians living in the 21st century.

Creed or Chaos: Vol. 2, Essays by Dorothy L. Sayer's on the Creeds, Sin, and Christian Maturity Jun 10, 2022

"It is worse than useless for Christians to talk about the importance of Christian morality, unless they are prepared to take their stand on the fundamentals of Christian theology." Few Christian authors can cut straight to the heart of our problems like Sayers. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing continue to discuss a series of incredibly relevant essays written by Sayers on "The Over Six Deadly Sins," "Strong Meat," and the eponymous "Creed or Chaos."

Creed or Chaos: Vol. 1, Essays by Dorothy L. Sayer's on the Importance of Theology May 27, 2022

Words like dogma and theology have for a long time been viewed as "dull" and irrelevant, but in a series of essays written in the late 1930s Dorothy L. Sayers argues quite the opposite: "The Christian faith is the most exciting drama ... and the dogma is the drama." In this week's episode Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing discuss three of Sayers's famous essays—"The Greatest Drama Ever Staged," "The Triumph of Easter," and "The Dogma is the Drama"—compiled in a book titled Creed or Chaos, with an eye toward how they apply to the Church and Christian faith today.

The Dangers of Individualism and Cliques: C.S. Lewis's essays, "Inner Ring" and "Membership" May 13, 2022

"As long as you are governed by that desire you will never get what you want. ... Until you conquer the fear of being an outsider, an outsider you will remain." In C.S. Lewis's essays—"The Inner Ring" and "Membership"—he unpacks two dangerous social forces that threaten both the church and the morality of Christians: individualism and cliques. This week Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing continue their examination of Lewis's powerful essays and sermons published as The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses in 1948. How does our desire to belong, to be considered meaningful to others, warp and distort not only our heart but our actions. How do they so easily turn good people into "scoundrels?" And what can we do to overcome these temptations?

Lewis as Preacher: "Learning in War-Time," "The Weight of Glory," and "Transposition" Apr 29, 2022

"We always have to answer the question: How can you be so frivolous and selfish to think of anything by the salvation of human souls?" During World War II, C.S. Lewis preached three sermons which were eventually packaged and published along with six others in 1949 as The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing discuss the spiritual significance and application of "The Weight of Glory," "Learning in War-Time," and "Transpositions," as well as how they apply to our war-plagued world today.

Introduction to The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien Apr 15, 2022

Upon completion of The Lord of the Rings, new readers often turn to The Silmarillion. But J.R.R. Tolkien's epic collection of mythopoeic stories—covering everything from the creation of Eä (the Ainulindalë), the Valar and Mayar, the creation of the Elves as well as the events of the First and Second Ages of Middle-earth—can be overwhelming. Thankfully, Laura Schmidt, Wade Center Archivist, joins Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing to walk us through to the larger themes and storylines of this amazing volume of stories.

The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis Apr 01, 2022

Who or what deserves our allegiance? Our heart? An external morality handed down by our parents or Christendom? Our intellect or science? In one of his most challenging books, The Abolition of Man, C.S. Lewis addresses many of the assumptions about morality, theology, and philosophy that are baked into the fabric of our modern world. Join Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing in this week's episode as they explore the context and message of Lewis's book as well as its proper application to our modern world—viz., how can we avoid becoming "Men Without Chests."

Love, Pain, Grief, and Joy: Vol. 6, Letters to Malcolm by C.S. Lewis Mar 18, 2022

"Guesses, of course, only guesses. If they are not true, something better will be." At the end of his life, Lewis wrote Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer. Lewis's thoughts on heaven and the resurrection were, perhaps ironically, published posthumously. In this fifth installment of "Love, Pain, Grief, and Joy," Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing, along with Producer Aaron Hill, explore the second half of this often overlooked book including the problem of spiritual and theological bigotry, the importance of the incarnation and resurrection, Lewis's views on communion and the inspiration of Scripture, and why Lewis believed that "Creation [is] delegation through and through."

Love, Pain, Grief, and Joy: Vol. 5, Letters to Malcolm by C.S. Lewis Mar 04, 2022

"Creation seems to be delegation through and through. He will do nothing simply of Himself which can be done by creatures." Those words were written by C.S. Lewis in Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer at the end of his life and published posthumously. In this fifth installment of "Love, Pain, Grief, and Joy," Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing, along with Producer Aaron Hill, explore this often overlooked book by Lewis. How did Joy's death inspire Lewis to write this book? How and why should it be read in conjunction with A Grief Observed? And how does this book that is "chiefly on prayer" still manage to touch on broader theological topics such as joy, embodiment, resurrection, determinism, free will, organized religion, and the impassibility of God.

Love, Pain, Grief, and Joy: Vol. 4, A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis Feb 18, 2022

"What reason have we, except our own desperate wishes, to believe that God is ... 'good’?" Phrases such as these in A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis have caused many fans and critics to assume that Lewis lost his faith after the death of his wife, Joy Davidman Lewis. In this fourth installment of "Love, Pain, and Grief," Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing, along with Producer Aaron Hill, explore the context and questions surrounding one of Lewis's most practical and yet misunderstood books. What is the role of faith in the grieving process of Christians? In what way is reality, God, and the memory of lost loved ones iconoclastic? And is that a good thing?

Love, Pain, Grief, and Joy: Vol. 3, The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis Feb 04, 2022

“To enter heaven is to become more human than you ever succeeded in being on earth; to enter hell, is to be banished from humanity.” This week, in our third installment of "Love, Pain, and Grief," we continue our discussion of The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis with Dr. Jerry Root. Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing, along with Dr. Root and and Producer Aaron Hill explore questions such as: Why does Hell exist? Who will end up there and why? Is it fair or compassionate to doom people to Hell? What will heaven be like? And do all dogs go to heaven? Or only the dogs of believers?

Love, Pain, Grief, and Joy: Vol. 2, The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis Jan 21, 2022

“We can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to." Dr. Jerry Root, scholar and close friend of the podcast, is back again for our second installment of "Love, Pain, and Grief." This week hosts Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing, along with Dr. Root and and Producer Aaron Hill explore The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis. Because all humans wrestle with questions about human and animal pain, suffering, evil, natural disasters, hell, heaven, and the nature of God, Lewis's immensely profound and quotable book will resonate with atheists, agnostics, and even exvangelicals deconstructing their faith.

Love, Pain, Grief, and Joy: Vol. 1, The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis Jan 07, 2022

Over the course of his life, C.S. Lewis wrote several books addressing the most complex and universal human experiences—love, pain, and grief. In this week’s episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with scholar and close friend of the podcast, Dr. Jerry Root, to discuss The Four Loves (1960) by C.S. Lewis. How does Lewis define philia, storge, eros, and agape? Are his definitions accurate? What is the difference between Gift-love and Need-love? Is Need-love bad? How can love be corrupted? Do earthly loves distract from love for God?

Revisiting The Grand Miracle Dec 17, 2021

Is the Incarnation, like other miracles, a suspension or a reversal of the natural universe? Or, as Lewis writes in "The Grand Miracle," is it "the central chapter" of history such that "every miracle exhibits the character of the Incarnation"? Join Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing as they sit down with Producer Aaron Hill on this special Christmas Day episode to discuss the Incarnation of Jesus Christ; specifically, how it impacted C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Dorothy L. Sayers, George MacDonald, and the other Wade authors, and how each of them celebrated the Grand Miracle in their writings.

Into Lord of the Rings: Book 6, The Return of the King Dec 03, 2021

Before Sam can declare "I'm back" at the end of Book VI, Frodo must destroy the ring and Aragorn must be enthroned. But nailing down the climax of The Return of the King proved challenging for J.R.R. Tolkien. How do you destroy the ring and resolve such an epic adventure that took eleven years to compose? In the sixth and final installment of the Into The Lord of the Rings series, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing, along with Producer Aaron M. Hill, discuss the many partings of The Nine Walkers and various ways in which hope, in the end, returns to our hero and the beauty of Middle-earth prevails against Sauron's forsaken land.

Into Lord of the Rings: Book 5, The Return of the King Nov 19, 2021

In the opening of Book V of The Return of the King, Beregond gazes out over Pellenor, realizing that soon, "all realms shall be put to the test, to stand, or fall—under the Shadow." In this fifth installment of our series on The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing, along with Producer Aaron M. Hill, explore how each of Tolkien's characters respond to this great test. Will Théoden, Éomer, Éowyn, Denethor, Aragorn, Faramir, Pippin, and Merry be pulled down by the "ever-deepening gloom," will they use others as pawns to accomplish their ends, or will they ride gloriously into battle to face fate with humility and grace?

Into Lord of the Rings: Book 4, The Two Towers Nov 05, 2021

In a 1944 letter to his son, J.R.R. Tolkien shared his surprise at the sudden entrance of Faramir: "I am sure I did not invent him, I did not even want him, though I like him, but there he came walking into the woods of Ithilien." In part four of the Wade Center Podcast's series on The Lord of the Rings, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing, along with Producer Aaron M. Hill, uncover numerous allusions, motifs, and deeper meanings as they retrace the lonely and tragic steps of two little hobbits, Frodo and Samwise Gamgee, and their slippery guide, Gollum (or Smeagol) in The Two Towers.

Into Lord of the Rings: Book 3, The Two Towers Oct 22, 2021

In the first half of The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien the Company of the Ring scrambles to interpret strange signs as legends, such as the Ents, stride "on the green earth in the daylight." In part three of our series on The Lord of the Rings, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing unpack the allusions, symbolism, deeper meaning, and significance found in Book III, as well as the story behind new characters such as Treebeard, Grima Wormtongue, Eowyn, Theoden, Eomer, Quickbeam, and Gandalf the White.

Into Lord of the Rings: Book 2, Fellowship of the Ring Oct 08, 2021

In this second installment of the Wade Center Podcast's six-part series on The Lord of the Rings, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing, along with Producer Aaron M. Hill, dare to delve too deep into the darkening world that is Book II. Follow along as Crystal, Aaron, and David deem the doom of Sauron's ring and discuss the themes, character development, and consequential chapters of the latter half of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy, The Fellowship of the Ring.

Into Lord of the Rings: Book 1, Fellowship of the Ring Sep 24, 2021

The Wade Center Podcast's six-part, in-depth exploration of The Lord of the Rings has arrived precisely when it was meant to—just in time for Tolkien Week and Hobbit Day! In this first installment, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing, along with Producer Aaron M. Hill, discuss many of the major themes, characters, and opening chapters of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy novel about Frodo, Gandalf, Aragorn, and the Company on Nine's legendary quest through Middle-earth to destroy the Ring of Power.

Leaf by Niggle by J.R.R. Tolkien Sep 10, 2021

During his labor to create The Lord of the Rings, an allegorical and autobiographical story came to J.R.R. Tolkien "like a dream." Some have described this short story, titled Leaf by Niggle (1945), as the "the hidden nucleus of Tolkien's work." As the Wade Center Podcast prepares to kick off a six-part, in-depth series on The Lord of the Rings, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing, along with Producer Aaron Hill, sit down to discuss Tolkien's strange, convicting, and revealing tale about a little man named Niggle who cannot stop painting and obsessing over the budding leaves of his ever-growing tree.

"Villainous Handwriting"—Analyzing C.S. Lewis's Script w/ Dr. Charlie W. Starr Aug 27, 2021

Almost everything we read or "write" today is digital. Words and even books are typed, not written by hand like C.S. Lewis's Narnia Chronicles or The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. In this week's episode, Dr. Charlie W. Starr joins Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing to discuss C.S. Lewis's "villainous handwriting." Charlie explain how we can learn a lot about Lewis and his undated manuscripts by studying how Lewis's purposefully changed his handwriting over the course of his life.

"Bookish Clever People": C.S. Lewis's Family Influences w/ Dr. Crystal Hurd Aug 13, 2021

G.K. Chesterton said that being born is like stepping "into a fairy-tale"—for "we step into a world we have not made" with its own laws and a cast of characters. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Dr. Crystal Hurd to explore her work on C.S. Lewis as a transformational leader as well Lewis's family influences—with a fascinating cast of characters that include Scottish royalty, a Welsh boilermaker, a math prodigy, a parochial pastor, and a persuasive lawyer.

The Prince of Paradox: G.K. Chesterton w/ Dale Ahlquist Jul 30, 2021

G.K. Chesterton has impacted the lives of countless Christians. That list includes not only C.S. Lewis but also this week's guest, Dale Ahlquist, the President and Co-founder of the Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton. In this episode, Dale sits down with Drs. David and Crystal Downing to discuss how G.K. Chesterton turned not only Dale's life upside down but also how Chesterton turned countless ideas, concepts, and preconceived notions about life and the modern world upside down through his many books, poems, detective novels, essays, and newspaper articles.

"Looking for the King" with C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Charles Williams Jul 16, 2021

Ever wondered what it would be like attend an Inklings meeting with C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Charles Williams? In this week's episode, our very own Dr. David C Downing discusses the Arthurian lore and spiritual inspiration behind his novel Looking for the King—a page-turning tale about two Americans, Tom McCord and Laura Hartman, who find themselves in England looking for the fabled Spear of Destiny, the lance that pierced the side of Christ on the Cross, with the help if the Inklings.

Grab a copy of David's novel, Looking for the King.

Autobiography is “Dangerous Business” Jul 02, 2021

Dorothy L. Sayers describe autobiography as “dangerous business” in The Mind of the Maker. To write one is either “a mark of great insensitiveness to danger or of an almost supernatural courage.” In this week’s episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to discuss the autobiographies written by three and half of the Wade Center authors. What are the pitfalls of the genre? What makes it such "dangerous business?" And how can readers differentiate between autobiographical episodes and genuine fiction in the novels of authors such as C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Dorothy L. Sayers?

Miracles: Coherent Invasion or Disconnected Raids? Jun 18, 2021

Are miracles merely "a series of disconnected raids on Nature" or are they "the various steps of a strategically coherent invasion?" C.S. Lewis explores philosophical and historical arguments surrounding Biblical and contemporary accounts of signs and wonders in Miracles: A Preliminary Study (1947). In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing discuss Lewis's fascinating book including its origin, arguments, metaphors, and Lewis's timeless celebration of the grand miracle--the Incarnation.

Deciphering The Pilgrim's Regress by C.S. Lewis Jun 04, 2021

Less than a year after his conversion, C.S. Lewis wrote The Pilgrim's Regress in only two weeks while visiting his friend Arthur Greeves in Ireland. Lewis's thick landscape of literary allusions, quotes, and philosophical criticism has long thwarted interested readers. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to pull back the curtain on Lewis's allegorical apology of Christianity, reason, and romanticism.

The Screwtape Letters w/ Dr. Jerry Root May 21, 2021

These days, discussions about demons and temptation are an uncommon occurrence—at least sober ones. In this week’s episode, Dr. Jerry Root sits down with Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing to discuss The Screwtape Letters (1942) by C.S. Lewis. What inspired Lewis to write this series of letters from Screwtape to his nephew. Wormwood? And what can we learn about ourselves, temptation, and the slow and gradual road to hell from this admittedly satirical, humorous, and somehow perennially relevant book?

Into Narnia: Vol. 7, The Last Battle May 07, 2021

"Come further up and further in." After telling us of first things in The Magician's Nephew, Lewis finally reveals the last things—the end times—of Narnia. Join Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing as they conclude a seven-part series on The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. In this final episode, David and Crystal explore profound truths in The Last Battle about salvation, the selfish misuse of God's name for selfish gain, and why it is truer to say "believing is seeing," rather than "seeing is believing."

Into Narnia: Vol. 6, The Magician's Nephew Apr 23, 2021

The Magician's Nephew was one of the most difficult books for Lewis to finish in the Narnia series. Why? In this sixth Into Narnia episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing explore the wonder and dangers contained within The Magician's Nephew. What inspired Lewis to write about Uncle Andrew, Jadis (the White Witch), the dying world of Charn, the Deplorable Word, the Wood Between the Worlds, and Digory's intensely personal journey to heal his mother and, ultimately, to prevent her untimely death.

Into Narnia: Vol. 5, The Horse and His Boy Apr 09, 2021

Aslan lies at the back of every story in Narnia. In the fifth novel in The Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis weaves a tale of separated twins, mistaken identity, escaping slaves, vast desserts, and a desperate escape to the North. Join Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing as they discuss The Horse and His Boy. This week David and Crystal sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to unpack Lewis's fascinating narrative about Shasta (or Cor), Bree, Aravis, Hwin and the importance of identity, God's work among non-Christian peoples, and the prejudices and biases that too easily cloud our judgments of others and of ourselves.

Into Narnia: Vol. 4, The Silver Chair Mar 26, 2021

Rillian and Puddleglum and Glimfeather, oh my! The unique cast of giants, gnomes, knights, and witches sets The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis apart. Join Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing as they unpack the adventures of Eustace and Jill Pole in this fourth novel from The Chronicles of Narnia with Producer Aaron Hill. Follow along as the Downings unpack references to George MacDonald and Lilith, to Yahweh and Deuteronomy, to Hamlet and Ophelia, to Virgil and The Aeneid, and especially to the resurrection of the body from the New Testament.

Into Narnia: Vol. 3, Voyage of the Dawn Treader Mar 12, 2021

"Where the waves grow sweet, Doubt not, Reepicheep, There is the utter East." This week Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to explore the meaning and message of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, the third installment in the The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. Join Crystal and David as they discuss the Sehnsucht and sanctification, dragons and Dufflepuds, stars and Sea People, and eventually the Lion and the Lamb that Caspian, Lucy, Edmund, and Eustace discover at the World's End.

Into Narnia: Vol. 2, Prince Caspian—The Return to Narnia Feb 26, 2021

What can talking animals possibly teach us about evil, belief, and apostasy in this age of cynicism? Join Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing as the Wade Center Podcast continues to explore the meaning and message of The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. This week David and Crystal sit down with Producer Aaron Hill for a fascinating discussion about Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia and the nature of faith, the power of sanctification, and the threat of disenchantment in our modern world.

Into Narnia: Vol. 1, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Feb 12, 2021

Why did C.S. Lewis, an Oxford professor, write children's books? And what is Father Christmas doing in Narnia? Join C.S. Lewis expert, Dr. David C. Downing (author of Into the Wardrobe) and Dr. Crystal Downing as the Wade Center Podcast begins a seven-part series to explore the meaning and message of The Chronicles of Narnia. In this first episode, David, Crystal and Producer Aaron Hill journey into the wardrobe, discussing everything from the evocative image that inspired the whole series, to why you really shouldn't betray your kin for Turkish delight, and so much more!

Gaudy Night Jan 29, 2021

Can a detective novel without a grisly murder be any good? If Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers is any indication: Yes! In this episode, Dr. Crystal Downing—an expert on Sayers—sits down with Dr. David C. Downing and Producer Aaron Hill to discuss one of Sayers most unique, and perhaps best, novels. Crystal unravels the threads that make Gaudy Night such a witty, deep, and insightful story. What is Sayers saying in this subversive novel about the role of women in modern society as well as marriage, community, and the world of academia?

Till We Have Faces Jan 15, 2021

C.S. Lewis's last novel, Till We Have Faces, is nothing like the Chronicles of Narnia. It is perhaps Lewis's most complex, profound, and misunderstood work. Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing discuss this uniquely modern and meaningful novel with Producer Aaron Hill. How are we to interpret the actions of Orual and Pscyhe, and what is Lewis trying to say through the narrative and characters in Till We Have Faces?

The Grand Miracle Dec 25, 2020

Is the Incarnation, like other miracles, a suspension or a reversal of the natural universe? Or, as Lewis writes in "The Grand Miracle," is it "the central chapter" of history such that "every miracle exhibits the character of the Incarnation"? Join Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing as they sit down with Producer Aaron Hill on this special Christmas Day episode to discuss the Incarnation of Jesus Christ; specifically, how it impacted C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Dorothy L. Sayers, George MacDonald, and the other Wade authors, and how each of them celebrated the Grand Miracle in their writings.

The War to End All Illusions Dec 11, 2020

Over 100 years ago, the world was dealing with the aftermath of The Great War (and a terrifying global pandemic). In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to discuss the life-changing impact of The Great War on each of the Wade authors, as well as the ways that World War I surfaces in novels such as The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien and The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.

Year in Review 2020 Nov 27, 2020

Community has been hard to find in 2020. Lockdowns and travel restrictions have made it hard to connect. As we wrap up our second season, Crystal and David sit down with producer Aaron to remember our favorite episodes and celebrate the community we've enjoyed in 2020. Thank you to all the new listeners who have joined us in 2020! We look forward to 2021 and to all the great conversations we will have about the work and impact of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, G.K. Chesterton, Dorothy L. Sayers, George MacDonald, Charles Williams, and Owen Barfield.

The Subversive Sayers w/ Dr. Crystal Downing Nov 13, 2020

Dorothy L. Sayers used edgy, often hilarious metaphors to shock people into seeing the truth of ancient Christian doctrines in a new light. In this week's episode, Dr. Crystal Downing talks with David and Aaron about her new book and how Sayers can help 21st-century Christians find new ways to talk and think about faith and culture.

Purchase a copy of Subversive: Christ, Culture, and the Shocking Dorothy L. Sayers by Crystal Downing.

Staging "Tolkien" w/ Ron Reed Oct 30, 2020

Many Inklings fans know and love J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis both for their imaginary worlds (Narnia and Middle-earth) and for their legendary friendship. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Ron Reed—Founding Artistic Director of Pacific Theatre in Vancouver, BC—to discuss his play, Tolkien, which dramatizes how Jack and Tollers became such close companions as well as how their friendship almost fell apart.

The Lost Lewis Tapes: Vol. 3, That Hideous Strength Oct 16, 2020

"Stand! Stand where you are ... ," C.S. Lewis bellows into the tape recorder. In this third installment of The Lost Lewis Tapes, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to discuss the final novel in the Ransom Trilogy and to listen to excerpts of Lewis narrating Merlin’s interrogation of Elwin Ransom from Chapter 13 of That Hideous Strength.

Purchase and listen to all three tracks of The Lost Lewis Tapes over at the Rabbit Room for only $3.

Learn more about The Lost Lewis Tapes, who recorded them, and how the Marion E. Wade Center was able to make them available 60 years later.

The Lost Lewis Tapes: Vol. 2, Perelandra Oct 02, 2020

In a quiet room at the Kilns in August 1960, C. S. Lewis recorded three audio tracks on a portable reel-to-reel tape deck. In one of those tracks, Lewis reads from Perelandra for 27 minutes, narrating in a mesmerizing and confident voice Elwin Ransom’s arrival on the watery planet Venus. In this second installment of The Lost Lewis Tapes, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to listen to excerpts from this newly released audio track and to discuss the second novel in Lewis's Ransom Trilogy, Perelandra.

Purchase and listen to The Lost Lewis Tapes over at the Rabbit Room for only $3.

Click here to learn more about The Lost Lewis Tapes, who recorded them, and how the Marion E. Wade Center is able to make them available 60 years later.

The Lost Lewis Tapes: Vol. 1, Out of the Silent Planet Sep 18, 2020

Before he was known as a children's author, C.S. Lewis wrote science fiction. Listen to never-before-heard audio recordings of Lewis reading from his Ransom Trilogy in this exciting three-part series on Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra and That Hideous Strength. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to discuss the first novel, Out of the Silent Planet. Kidnapped and transported to the planet Mars, Elwin Ransom encounters alien creatures and powerful beings who turn his view of the world and space upside down.

Purchase and listen to The Lost Lewis Tapes over at the Rabbit Room for only $3.

Click here to learn more about The Lost Lewis Tapes, who recorded them, and how the Marion E. Wade Center is able to make them available 70 years later.

Surprised by George: The Father of Fantasy Sep 04, 2020

Most Inklings fans see George MacDonald through the lens of C.S. Lewis. Others enter MacDonald's novels through diverse doorways. In this week's episode Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to discuss this 19th century Scots author. Why was George MacDonald so important to Lewis? Why is he considered controversial? Are his writings still relevant today?

Murder at the Wade: The Detective Fiction of G.K. Chesterton and Dorothy L. Sayers Aug 21, 2020

Whether it is a game of Clue or an episode of Sherlock on the BBC, everyone loves to solve a good murder mystery. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to put the detective fiction of Dorothy L. Sayers and G.K. Chesterton under a magnifying glass, and to interrogate their famous fictional sleuths, Lord Peter Wimsey and Father Brown.

The Neglected C.S. Lewis w/ Jerry Root Aug 07, 2020

If you are a serious C.S. Lewis fan, you likely know and love The Chronicles of Narnia, the Ransom Trilogy, and apologetics books such as Mere Christianity. But have you read The Discarded Image or An Experiment in Criticism? In this week's episode, Dr. Jerry Root discusses his latest book, The Neglected C.S. Lewis, with Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing. Jerry Root explains what we can learn about C.S. Lewis by reading his neglected works, especially those on literary criticism, and how those insights can illuminate Lewis's popular fiction.

Down to the Wireless: The Radio Addresses of C.S. Lewis & Dorothy L. Sayers Jul 24, 2020

Before he was famous for his books, C.S. Lewis was one of the most well-recognized voices in Britain because of his broadcasts on 'the wireless.' In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to discuss the radio broadcasts of Dorothy L. Sayers and C.S. Lewis, two of the first lay theologians invited to talk about Christianity on BBC Radio during World War II. Lewis's broadcasts would go on to be published as a best-selling book, Mere Christianity, and Sayer's talks and radio plays changed the way Britains viewed Jesus Christ and impacted the lives of millions.

Listeners interested in reading Sayers's radio talks can order copies of The Christ of the Creeds, edited by Suzanne Bray, from the Dorothy L. Sayers Society.

Influencing a Bandersnatch w/ Dr. Diana Glyer Jul 10, 2020

Did the Inklings influence each other? According to C.S. Lewis, "No one ever influenced Tolkien—you might as well try to influence a bandersnatch." With her two books The Company They Keep (2008) and Bandersnatch (2015), Dr. Diana Pavlac Glyer has turned Lewis's denial on its head. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Glyer to discuss her groundbreaking work on the creative collaboration of the Inklings and how aspiring authors and artists can develop their own creative communities.

Mysticism & C. S. Lewis: Venturing into the Region of Awe Jun 26, 2020

Most people think of C. S. Lewis as a logician and level-headed theologian. Yet Lewis’s fascination with Christian mysticism can be discovered throughout his books and letters. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to discuss how C.S. Lewis's abiding interest in mysticism shaped his writings and his own spiritual life. Explore this side of Lewis further with the help of Dr. David C. Downing's book, Into the Region of Awe (2005).

Click on the link below to explore all the works mentioned in this week's episode. - https://tinyurl.com/y7ry36vl

Letters to Lewis w/ Kathy Keller Jun 12, 2020

As a young girl Kathy Keller, then Kathy Kristy, boldly wrote a series of letters to C.S. Lewis. Those letters along with Lewis's books played a pivotal role in Kathy's conversion and later in her ministry. Kathy is the wife of Timothy Keller the Founding Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. In this week's episode Drs. Crystal and David Downing interview Kathy remotely about her letters to Lewis, her unique journey to faith, and the influence of several other Wade authors like Tolkien and Sayers on both Kathy and Tim's ministry and books.

Romance at the Wade: C.S. Lewis, Romanticism, Sehnsucht and the Wade Authors May 29, 2020

C.S. Lewis labeled himself a Christian Romantic, but what is Romanticism? And how did it influence not just Lewis, but all of the Wade authors? This week Drs. Crystal and David Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to discuss Romanticism as a literary and cultural movement and to explore these questions. This week's episode features so many great references to amazing paintings, poems, books, and Romantic figures that we've created a list for you. Click on the link below to explore all the works mentioned in this week's episode. - https://tinyurl.com/y9wvk6wu

Adorning the Dark w/ Andrew Peterson May 15, 2020

Andrew Peterson adorns the dark of our fallen world with the light of Christ through his award-winning music and novels. Drs. Crystal and David Downing sit down with Andrew this week to discuss his recently released book Adorning the Dark, conversing about homemade maple syrup along with what he has learned about the creative process from Wade Center authors such as C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Dorothy L. Sayers, George MacDonald, and G.K. Chesterton.

"April is the Cruelest Month"—T.S. Eliot, C.S. Lewis, and Modernism May 01, 2020

You may know him as the poet whose work inspired the Broadway musical, and now infamous movie, Cats. T.S. Eliot, though, is widely recognized as one of (if not the) best poets of the twentieth century for his Modernist classics such as "The Waste Land" (1922) and "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" (1915). Drs. Crystal and David Downing sit down to discuss T.S. Eliot's involvement in the Modernist movement and specifically how Wade authors like C.S. Lewis and G.K. Chesterton reacted against Modernism and against Eliot.

Revising the Ring: Tolkien's Early Drafts of "The Lord of the Rings" Apr 17, 2020

The genius of J.R.R. Tolkien is both inspiring and intimidating. How do you write, let alone revise, an epic fantasy like The Lord of the Rings? Drs. David & Crystal Downing sit down in this week's episode to explore various ways that Tolkien revised and rewrote The Lord of the Rings, and what aspiring writers can learn from his early drafts. You definitely won't want to miss the many rejected character names.

Post-Christian Evangelism w/ The C.S. Lewis Institute Apr 03, 2020

How do you share your faith in an increasingly post-Christian world? This week Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with leaders from C.S. Lewis Institute to discuss the challenges of defending the faith and making disciples in today’s intellectual climate. President Joel S. Woodruff and Karl “KJ” Johnson, Director of the C.S. Lewis Institute in Chicago, explain the genesis of their organization and how it seeks to live out the legacy of C.S. Lewis.

On Living in a Coronavirus Age w/ guest Dr. Jerry Root Mar 20, 2020

Over the last week, people have been turning to our authors, especially Lewis, for wisdom about how to live in this new coronavirus age. We felt like it was important to slow things down this week and ask, "what would our authors say in a situation like this?" Many of them, like Lewis, Tolkien, and Sayers, lived through two world wars and the Spanish Flu. Join Crystal and David as they sit down with our close friend Jerry Root to discuss how the Wade authors might respond to this global crisis.

Rediscovering 'The Man Born to Be King' w/ Dr. Christine Colón and Marjorie Mead Mar 06, 2020

How can we possibly see the story of Jesus with fresh eyes this Lenten season? In this week's episode Dr. Crystal Downing sits down to discuss Dorothy L. Sayers's play-cycle on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, The Man Born to Be King. Dr. Christine Colón (English Professor, Wheaton College) and Marjorie Mead (Associate Director, Marion E. Wade Center) unpack how Sayers used her skills as a playwright to help an entire generation of Britons rediscover this ancient yet still relevant story.

Dragons & Angels: World-Making in Lewis and Tolkien w/ Dr. David C. Downing Feb 21, 2020

When is a dragon more than a dragon? In this week's episode Dr. David C. Downing (Co-Director of the Marion E. Wade Center and co-host of our podcast) sits down with Crystal and Producer Aaron Hill to discuss his inaugural lecture which compared the imaginary worlds created by C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien in their respective novels. Does the way that Lewis and Tolkien use dragons reveal something more fundamental about the way they approached world-building and the realm of imagination?

Czech-Mates: Lewis & Tolkien w/ Dr. Pavel Hošek Feb 07, 2020

The Czech Republic is one of the most atheistic countries in Europe, if not in the world. Despite this, many Czech people enjoy the works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Dr. Pavel Hošek (Charles University in Prague) to discuss the impact of these two British Christian authors on the Czech people as well as his own spiritual journey.

"An Honest Adaptation Is a Betrayal"—Adapting The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien Jan 24, 2020

How do you adapt a literary work like The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien? Many fans of Tolkien's novels also love the movies which were directed and produced by Peter Jackson. Yet, as we discussed last week, movies and books are two entirely different mediums. Not everything on the page can make it into the movie. This week our two in-house Tolkien experts—Wade Archivist Laura Schmidt and Wade Co-director David C. Downing—join Crystal to discuss the challenges that Peter Jackson faced in adapting Tolkien's beloved novels for the screen.

"Salvation from Cinema" w/ Dr. Crystal Downing Jan 10, 2020

Instead of reading novels, more and more people are watching movies and epic TV shows. With Oscar season upon us, we are focusing on movies this January with two special episodes. This week Dr. David C. Downing and Producer Aaron Hill sit down with our very own Co-director, Dr. Crystal Downing to discuss her recent inaugural lecture on Dorothy L. Sayers and cinema as well as her work on how Christians can communicate unchanging truths through ever-changing mediums like movies. Join us on January 23rd for a special episode about the movie adaptations of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.

In Jack's Footsteps w/ Dr. Jerry Root Dec 27, 2019

You never truly know someone until you know where they are from: where they grew up, went to school, and have lived. Places shape us. In this week's episode, Dr. Jerry Root sits down with Drs. Crystal and David Downing to discuss how visiting the places from C.S. Lewis's life can shed light on the Oxford don. How did these locations inspire various characters, locations, and plot elements in Lewis's fiction? Take an audio trip to the British Isles and follow in Jack's footsteps.

One Year Anniversary | Year in Review 2019 Dec 13, 2019

One year ago the Wade Center Podcast interviewed Douglas Gresham about his stepfather, C.S. Lewis! In this week's episode, Crystal and David sit down with producer Aaron Hill to look back at our best, funniest, and surprisingly profound moments from our almost 30 episodes in 2019. Thank you to all our listeners. You have helped our humble podcast reach tens of thousands of fans in over 60 countries around the world! We look forward to 2020 and to all the great conversations we will have about the work and impact of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, G.K. Chesterton, Dorothy L. Sayers, George MacDonald, Charles Williams, and Owen Barfield.

"Choosing Community" w/ Dr. Christine A. Colón Nov 29, 2019

What can detective novels teach us about community? Dorothy L. Sayers expert, Dr. Christine Colón (Professor of English at Wheaton College) returns to the podcast to talk about her new book, Choosing Community: Action, Faith, and Joy in the Works of Dorothy L. Sayers, based on her 2017-2018 Hansen lectures. Also joining this week's discussion on the theme of community in the work of Sayers is one of the contributors to the book, Dr. Tiffany Eberle Kriner, Associate Professor of English at Wheaton College. What can we learn about community from Sayers's works and what does it mean to be called to live in community together?

Listen to Ep. 17: The Importance of Being Vulgar w/ Dr. Christine Colón

The Discarded Mage: Charles Williams w/ Sørina Higgins Nov 15, 2019

J.R.R. Tolkien called him a witch doctor; C.S. Lewis called him a saint. Who was Charles Williams, the oddest Inkling? In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing discuss Charles Williams, editor at Oxford University Press and practitioner of occult magic, with Sørina Higgins (Sørina is a Ph.D. candidate at Baylor University, faculty member at Signum University, and editor of the Williams blog, "The Oddest Inkling"). Who was Williams? What did Lewis, Tolkien, and the other Inklings think of him and his work? And why is he so odd and controversial?

A Holiday to Heaven: A Discussion of ‘The Great Divorce’ by C.S. Lewis Nov 01, 2019

What would happen if people could leave Hell and visit Heaven? In this week’s episode, Dr. David Downing sits down with Dr. Jerry Root to discuss C.S. Lewis’s spiritual fantasy about inhabitants of hell who visit take a bus ride to the outskirts of heaven, The Great Divorce. Where did Lewis get the idea(s) for the book? What was Lewis trying to say about who ends up in heaven and hell?

Learn more about the special ballet performance of “The Space In Between,” based on The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis and buy tickets to the November 1 event here.

BONUS: Why did Lewis choose Joy Davidman? Oct 28, 2019

In our second bonus episode, Patti Callahan Henry, author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis, interviews Dr. Crystal Downing about why C.S. Lewis chose Joy and how Dorothy L. Sayers helped Lewis appreciate brilliant, fiery women bristled against cultural gender expectations. This episode originally aired on Patti's new podcast on October 21, 2019. Check out her 7-part series, Behind the Scenes of Becoming Mrs. Lewis, and listen to other episodes of her podcast, as Patti explores in-depth the improbable and beautiful love story between C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman

Listen to our interview with Patti back in December 2018.

BONUS: Did Lewis lose his faith after Joy's death? Oct 21, 2019

In this special bonus episode, Patti Callahan Henry, author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis, interviews Dr. David Downing about the grief of C.S. Lewis after the death of his wife, Joy Davidman Lewis, as well as its impact on Lewis's future writing, and ultimately, his faith. This episode originally aired on Patti's new podcast on October 14, 2019. Check out her 7-part series, Behind the Scenes of Becoming Mrs. Lewis, and listen to other episodes of her podcast, as Patti explores in-depth the improbable and beautiful love story between C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman

Listen to our interview with Patti back in December 2018.

The Mind of the Potter w/ David Hooker Oct 18, 2019

How does creativity work? What does it mean that we are created in the image of a Creator God? Professor of Art at Wheaton College, David Hooker, sits down with David and Crystal this week to discuss how he uses The Mind of the Maker by Dorothy L. Sayers to teach a trinitarian theology of art to his students. David also addresses how he handles the "what does it mean" question as an artist? Also, how can you give your artwork a life of its own?

Impersonating C.S. Lewis w/ Max McLean Oct 04, 2019

How do you bring C.S. Lewis to life? Max McLean, well-known voice and stage actor, sits down with Crystal and David this week to discuss his stage adaptations of The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, and now Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis. Listener's may recognize McLean's voice as the narrator of The Listener's Bible in the ESV, NIV, and KJV translations. His production company, Fellowship of Performing Arts, is responsible for stage adaptations of the aforementioned books by Lewis as well as a new production entitled C.S. Lewis Onstage: The Most Reluctant Convert.

Chesterton and 'The Plight of the Indians' w/ Dr. Matt Milliner Sep 20, 2019

How can G.K. Chesterton’s Everlasting Man help us interpret ancient cave paintings in North America through a Christian lens? In this episode, Associate Professor of Art History, Dr. Matt Milliner sits down with Crystal and David to offer a preview of his upcoming Hansen Lecture on October 3, 2019. In an effort to ‘do what Chesterton did,’ Dr. Milliner offers a Christ-centered reading of recently uncovered, ancient cave paintings in North America.

From Russia with Lewis w/ Dr. Olga Lukmanova Sep 06, 2019

How do you translate into Russian the English novels of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, G.K. Chesterton, or George MacDonald? This week, Dr. Olga Lukmanova sits down with David and Crystal to discuss the challenges and triumphs of both translating and teaching the Wade authors to students in Russia.

Dancing with the Devil w/ Julianna Slager and Ballet 5:8 Aug 23, 2019

How do you adapt a book like The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis into a ballet? Julianna Rubio Slager, Artistic Director for Ballet 5:8, sits down with Crystal and David to discuss her company’s upcoming performance of The Great Divorce for the Wheaton College Artist Series on November 1st, 2019. Julianna and the Downings explore the themes and characters from Lewis’s supernatural tale about heaven and hell that still resonate with audiences today as well as how to translate them for the stage. Tickets are available for the November 1st performance at http://wheaton.edu/artist-series.

A Jewish Joy w/ Dr. Andrew Barron Aug 09, 2019

Many know that Joy Davidman, C.S. Lewis’s wife, converted to Christianity as an adult. Joy’s Jewish identity and background, however, are often overlooked. Dr. Andrew Barron, Director of Jews for Jesus Canada, sits down with Crystal and David Downing to discuss Joy’s “Jewish mind” and her influence on Lewis later in life.

The Rhetoric of Lewis and Sayers w/ Dr. Jim Beitler Jul 26, 2019

‘Rhetoric’ is often a byword for hollow or negative speech. In truth, rhetoric is the art of persuasion. This week, Dr. Jim Beitler discusses his new book, Seasoned Speech: Rhetoric in the Life of the Church. Of the five figures featured in Beitler’s book, we discuss the rhetoric of C.S. Lewis and Dorothy L. Sayers. What can we learn from their example, and how can properly “seasoned speech” assist us in persuasively communicating the truth of the gospel?

The Importance of Being Vulgar w/ Dr. Christine Colón Jul 12, 2019

Dorothy L. Sayers produced not just detective novels but stage and radio plays as well as vernacular translations of Dante's Divine Comedy, all for the masses. She aimed her work squarely at the non-elite or the "vulgar" masses. But why? This week, Dr. Christine Colón, Professor of English at Wheaton College, sits down with Crystal Downing and Marjorie Mead to discuss her new book, Writing for the Masses: Dorothy L. Sayers and the Literary Tradition.

Saint Gilbert: The Question of Chesterton's Legacy w/ Brian Daigle Jun 28, 2019

Since his death in 1936, the voluminous work and razor sharp wit of G.K. Chesterton have impacted generations of Christians, especially Catholics. Brian Daigle, Headmaster of Sequitur Classical Academy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, sits down with David and Crystal to discuss Chesterton's ongoing legacy and impact, not only as a journalist and novelist but as a theologian and Christian thinker.

C.S. Lewis, "The Almost Poet" w/ Don W. King Jun 14, 2019

Is the man buried in Poet’s Corner a great poet? In this week’s episode Don W. King, Professor of English at Montreat College, sits down with Crystal and David to discuss the poetry of C.S. Lewis. Why did Lewis succeed as a novelist but not as a poet? Also, why did Lewis marry Joy Davidman but not Ruth Pitter, a fellow English poet?

"C.S. Lewis Only Wrote One Book ..." w/ Dr. Hal L. Poe May 31, 2019

Dr. Harry Lee Poe argues that C.S. Lewis fell "in love with a story," and that he kept telling this "there and back again" story "over and over again." Dr. Poe is the Charles Colson Professor of Faith and Culture at Union University and an indirect descendant of Edgar Allan Poe. In this week's episode, he sits down with Crystal and David to discuss his latest project as well as his thesis about Lewis's one great idea.

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