Mere C.S. Lewis

Thornton sets sail for the Eastern Seas to explore one of the most beloved—and perhaps most searching—of the Chronicles: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader . Joined by author Katherine Langrish ( From Spare Oom to War Drobe ), we dive deep into a story that is less a military campaign and more a spiritual pilgrimage. Together they discuss: Personal Memories of Dawn Treader Lewis’s layered storytelling...

Celebrating this year's CS Lewis Reading day, Thornton discusses this year's theme of "Affection" from The Four Loves with his brother, Taylor. Exploring what affection looks like in today's digital age, these men explore how Lewis’ insights still apply today. 💡🤝❤️ Celebrate #CSLewisReadingDay with us as we honor the timeless wisdom of Lewis and the friendships that make li...

In this episode of The Mere C.S. Lewis Podcast , I’m joined by filmmaker Anthony D’Ambrosio , director of the new movie Triumph of the Heart . This powerful film examines and celebrates the life of St. Maximilian Kolbe , a Catholic priest and martyr during the Holocaust, whose act of sacrificial love continues to inspire people across the world today. Anthony shares the vision behind the film, the...

In this episode, we dive into Prince Caspian , the stirring sequel that reintroduces us to Narnia long after the Golden Age has passed. Narnia has fallen under tyranny, the old stories are nearly forgotten—and Aslan is silent. Or is He? Joining me is singer-songwriter Thomas Austin, whose music is shaped by story, longing, and truth. Together, we explore the deep themes of Prince Caspian : waiting...

In this episode, we journey into the wonder of C.S. Lewis’ beloved tale—exploring its themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the deep magic that governs Narnia. 🏰🕰️ Joining me is the brilliant Patti Callahan Henry, author of Once Upon a Wardrobe , a novel that beautifully explores the origins of Narnia and the power of storytelling. 📖💫 Together, we discuss the enduring legacy of Aslan, the Pevens...

In this episode of The Mere C.S. Lewis Podcast , Thornton is joined by David Bates ( Pints with Jack ) and singer-songwriter Matt Wheeler for a deep dive into their favorite Narnia book— The Horse and His Boy ! 🏜️🐎 From daring escapes and desert treks to Aslan’s unseen guidance and a surprisingly hilarious villain, they unpack what makes this adventure so special. Expect plenty of fanboy moments...

How do you bring the wonder of Narnia from the page to the stage? In this episode, I’m joined by Noah Stratton from The Logos Theatre , where they are bringing The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to life in a breathtaking stage production. 🎭✨ We’ll go behind the scenes to discuss the creative process, the challenges of adapting Lewis’ beloved classic, and the deep themes of sacrifice, redempti...

Check out Magic Mind: https://www.magicmind.com/MERECSLJAN In this episode of The Mere C.S. Lewis Podcast , we dive into C.S. Lewis’ essay “It All Began with a Picture…” 🎨, where he shares how The Chronicles of Narnia first took shape in his imagination. How did a mental image of a faun with an umbrella ☂️ lead to one of the most beloved fantasy series of all time? We’ll explore Lewis’ creative p...

📚✨ As we wrap up 2024, Thornton reflects on a year of diving into C.S. Lewis’ works, with this year’s theme of C.S. Lewis and Friendship guiding the journey. From the joys and challenges of true companionship to the deep spiritual lessons of love and selflessness, this episode explores how Lewis’ insights apply to both friendships and marriages. 💡🤝❤️ Thornton shares how Letter 26 of The Screwt...

*Re-Mastered* In this episode we dive into Lewis’s profound spiritual fantasy, The Great Divorce. 🚍🌄 Discover the fascinating background behind the book, from its roots in medieval theology to its bold rebuttal of William Blake’s The Marriage of Heaven and Hell. We break down key moments, like the ghostly bishop’s intellectual pride 🧠❌ and the man with the red lizard’s transformation 🦎🔥➡️🐎....

For our special Halloween episode, we’re diving into the sinister world of C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters —and we’re bringing in a special guest, Rev. Brian McGreevy, to guide us through the shadows!  Written during the turmoil of World War II, Lewis crafted this satirical and chilling tale to explore the subtle ways in which evil infiltrates everyday life. Together with Rev. McGreevy, we explo...

Get ready for a deep dive into the poetic mind of C.S. Lewis as we prepare for our upcoming discussion on The Screwtape Letters ! In this episode, Thornton and a special poetry expert explore three of Lewis's profound poems🖋️✨ Join us as we unpack the darkly insightful "Wormwood," a precursor to the demonic perspectives we'll encounter in The Screwtape Letters . Then, we'll...

Prepare to journey beyond the Silent Planet 🌌✨ – the special episode dedicated to exploring C.S. Lewis's epic Ransom Trilogy! Thornton is joined by Christiana Hale, the insightful author of Deeper Heaven: A Reader's Guide to the Ransom Trilogy 📚🌠. Together, they delve into the rich and imaginative worlds of Out of the Silent Planet , Perelandra , and That Hideous Strength . Discover th...

Welcome to The Hideous Strength 🌌✨ – Join hosts Thornton and Carolyn Weber, acclaimed author of Surprised by Oxford 🎓📖, now a major motion picture, as they delve into the gripping world of C.S. Lewis's That Hideous Strength 🏰🌀. Together, they unravel the novel's intricate plot, explore its profound themes of power, morality, and the clash between science and spirituality, and draw pa...

Welcome to Perelandra 🌌✨ Join hosts Thornton and John Thompson as they dive deep into the cosmos and discuss the second book in Lewis's Heaven's Trilogy (aka Ransom Trilogy). Explore the lush landscapes of Venus 🌿💫, encounter the profound philosophical and theological themes, and unpack the timeless wisdom of this classic sci-fi masterpiece. Whether you're a longtime admirer of C.S...

Thornton discusses the essay "On Science Fiction" to learn what Lewis had to say about the popular genre and how critics should deal with it. Connect with him on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@merecslewis⁠⁠⁠⁠, 'X' aka Twitter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@MereCSLewis⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email at merecslewis@gmail.com. Check out the new www.merecslewis.com to read a pirate story inspired by C.S. Lewis.

Step into the vivid world of C.S. Lewis' 'Out of the Silent Planet' with Thornton and guest Andrew Lazo! 🌌 Join us as we journey alongside Dr. Elwin Ransom to the mysterious planet of Malacandra, where vibrant landscapes and strange creatures await. From the crimson skies to the jagged mountains, immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring adventure that awaits. Links referenced: The “Lost”...

Thornton reads three captivating poems by our favorite legendary author: 'Evolutionary Hymn,' 'Prelude to Space,' and 'Science Fiction Cradle-Song.' Thornton handpicked these gems for their thematic resonance with the beloved Ransom trilogy. Connect with him on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@merecslewis⁠⁠⁠⁠, 'X' aka Twitter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@MereCSLewis⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email at merecslewis@gmail.com....

Jordan, from the Lesser-Known Lewis podcast, talks with Thornton about Lewis essay about faith, salvation, and aliens. Check out the LKL podcast at this link. Check out Jordan on Fargo here. Connect with him on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@merecslewis⁠⁠⁠⁠, 'X' aka Twitter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@MereCSLewis⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email us at merecslewis@gmail.com. Send a voice message at this link. Please like, rate, or subscribe. Che...

Thornton interviews the creative forces behind the Prince Caspian stage play. They talk about their love for Lewis, adaptation decisions, and the future of Lewis' work on stage. The play is running at the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C. from 01 March to 27 April, 2024. You can purchase tickets at this site . You can learn more about the Academy of Arts and Logos Theater at this site . L...

Thornton and Andrew have a lovely talk with Nicole Stratton and Justin Swain about their stage adaptation of The Horse and His Boy. The discussion covers all things Narnia (including some breaking news), the creative process, and their philosophy of stage ministry. They performed their play at the Museum of the Bible from 20 January 2023 to 04 March 2023. Be prepared: the episode contains light sp...

Thornton lays out the map for the new journey through Lewis' life and writings. He discusses the essay "On Stories" to learn what Lewis had to say about stories, characters, and plot. Connect with him on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@merecslewis⁠⁠⁠⁠, 'X' aka Twitter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@MereCSLewis⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email us at merecslewis@gmail.com. Check out the new www.merecslewis.com

Thornton reviews the movie Surprised by Oxford which is inspired by Lewis' memoir Surprised by Joy. Stay tuned until the end of the episode for an exciting announcement. You can check out the movie here. You can buy the book here. Connect with us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠@merecslewis⁠⁠⁠⁠, 'X' aka Twitter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠@MereCSLewis⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email us at merecslewis@gmail.com.

Andrew and Thornton celebrate #CSLewisReadingDay with discussing their favorite passages of his works (Thornton discusses Chapter 3 and 4 of The Pilgrim's Regress and Andrew shares a part of the essay The Weight of Glory). Plus, they reflect on the first leg of their journey reading all his spiritual works. They give a peak into what's ahead for them and the podcast as well. You can check...

Andrew and Thornton discuss Lewis' last published book. The conversation covers favorite quotes and their own experiences with prayer. Episode Outline:  Banter   Background and Context Overview of the Book   Criticisms of the Book   Thoughts, Analysis, and Favorite Quotes  References in Episode: ⁠C.S. Lewis Reading Day⁠ C.S. Lewis was Wrong about Psalm 23 Surprised by Oxford Connect with us on...