Renowned apologist Alister McGrath explores the interplay between science and religion in the powerful mind of academic and literary legend C.S. Lewis in a forthcoming book scheduled for publication in early 2026.
Titled “Science and Religion in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis,” the book will offer a penetrating analysis of Lewis’s ideas on the roles that science and religion play in humanity’s quest for meaning and significance. It is due to be published by Oxford Press this March.
“It breaks new ground by investigating Lewis’s apologetic use of scientific concepts and methods, particularly the idea of identifying the ‘best explanation’ or ‘best model’ of our universe,” noted McGrath, in comments sent to Christian Daily International.
The new study on Lewis by McGrath, who is a renowned expert on the writer of The Chronicles of Narnia, emphasizes the vital, constructive role of imagination — not just the analytical function of reason — in shaping an authentic “model of the universe.”
“This book serves as an essential introduction to a crucial yet often overlooked dimension of Lewis’s thought and its relevance to the life of faith today,” added McGrath.
McGrath views apologetics as a means of bringing about real change in a person’s life by helping individuals discover Jesus Christ personally.
“Apologetics is not just about persuading our culture that Christianity is true — it's about showing them that it is real, something that can change people's lives,” McGrath said.
McGrath also explained how he believes such a reality can be demonstrated, pointing to the practical impact of faith on everyday life.
“By talking about the difference that faith makes to our lives, in terms of creating hope, purpose and meaning,” he explained. “Christianity enables us to flourish, not simply to exist!”
An academic at the University of Oxford where Lewis also taught students, McGrath is Senior Research Fellow, Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion; Emeritus Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion; and Emeritus Fellow, Harris Manchester College.
McGrath is known for debating atheist scientist Richard Dawkins on issues of science and religion and he previously wrote “The Dawkins Delusion?” (2007) in a respected rebuttal of Dawkins’ sceptical dismissal of Christianity in his book “The God Delusion” (2006).
McGrath has previously published studies on Lewis, including a biography, ”C.S. Lewis — A Life: Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet” (2013) to mark the 50th anniversary of his death. Lewis died aged 64 on Nov. 22, 1963, when McGrath was only 10 years old.
He has also written “The Intellectual World of C.S. Lewis” (2013), a collection of eight scholarly essays that explore Lewis's theology; “If I Had Lunch with C.S. Lewis: Exploring the Ideas of C.S. Lewis” (2014) and “Deep Magic, Dragons and Talking Mice” (2014) exploring the themes of Lewis’s writing.
