Michael Ward: re-enchanting... Planet Narnia

Justin and Belle talk to Michael about the Narnian universe, the nature of C.S. Lewis’ imagination, and more.

Nick Jones

Nick is the senior editor of Seen & Unseen.

A man sits and speaks into a microphone and gestures with raised hands.

Listen now

Dr Michael Ward is a literary critic, theologian, and renowned C.S. Lewis expert – teaching at both the University of Oxford and Houston Christian University, in Texas. He is the author of books including Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis and After Humanity: A guide to C.S. Lewis The Abolition of Man.

Justin and Belle talk to Michael about the inner workings of the Narnian universe, the nature of Lewis’ imagination, and one of his most difficult works – The Abolition of Man.

Visit Michael's web site.

There’s more to life than the world we can see. Re-Enchanting is a podcast from Seen & Unseen recorded at Lambeth Palace Library, the home of the Centre for Cultural Witness. Justin Brierley and Belle Tindall engage faith and spirituality with leading figures in science, history, politics, art and education. Can our culture be re-enchanted by the vision of Christianity?

Watch now

Podcast

Podcasts

Seen & Unseen Aloud

15 September 2025

1 min read

We need nuance, and theology, plus the summer we turned romantic

Listen to Graham Tomlin, Henna Cundill, and Belle Tindall articles.

Natalie Garrett

Natalie produces and narrates The Seen & Unseen Aloud podcast. She's an Anglican minister and a trained actor.

A woman in a white dress stand in front of a large floral arrangement.

Listen now

About this episode

This week -, Graham Tomlin suggests we have much to learn about nuanced cultural debate from the writers of the Nicene Creed; Henna Cundill agrees as she explores how helpful studying theology is for encouraging compassionate, engaged debate in all spheres of life; Belle Tindall takes a deep dive into humanity's propensity for romance and marriage.

Support Seen & Unseen

Since Spring 2023, thousands of people have enjoyed hundreds of podcast episodes and over 1,500 articles.

All for free.

This is made possible through the generosity of our amazing community of supporters.

If you enjoy Seen & Unseen Aloud, would you consider making a gift towards our work?

Do so by joining Behind The Seen. Alongside other benefits, you’ll receive an extra fortnightly email from me sharing my reading and reflections on the ideas that are shaping our times.

Graham Tomlin
Editor-in-Chief