Professor John Lennox joins me near his home in Oxford for a wide-ranging conversation about artificial intelligence, science and Christian faith, the enduring influence of C. S. Lewis, the direction of Western culture and the source of genuine hope.

John Lennox is Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University, an internationally respected author and one of the world’s leading Christian thinkers. His books, lectures and public debates have challenged audiences around the world to think more deeply about science, faith, reason and the great questions of human existence.

We begin with artificial intelligence. John explains its extraordinary benefits, but also warns about surveillance, deception, deepfakes and the danger of surrendering human responsibility to machines. In his words, AI is “a very good tool, but not a good master.”

Our conversation then turns to the relationship between science and Christianity. John explains why he rejects the idea that the two are natural enemies and argues that belief in a rational Creator helped provide the foundations for modern science.

John also reflects on hearing C. S. Lewis lecture at Cambridge and explains why Lewis remains so influential more than 60 years after his death. We discuss The Abolition of Man, the technological future Lewis anticipated, the loss of confidence in the West’s Christian foundations and the effects of addictive technology on young people.

Finally, I ask John whether he remains hopeful in a world marked by conflict, cultural uncertainty and rapid technological change. His answer leads to the heart of the Christian message and a hope that he believes transcends suffering and death.

I was especially grateful for this conversation. John told me that he receives around 150 requests every day, yet he generously made time to welcome a visitor from Tasmania.

Whatever your own beliefs, I hope this thoughtful and deeply personal conversation gives you something to consider.

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In this conversation:

• The benefits and dangers of artificial intelligence

• Why AI simulates intelligence but is not conscious

• Surveillance, deepfakes and the ethics of technology

• Why science and Christian faith are not enemies

• John Lennox’s memories of C. S. Lewis

• The continuing importance of The Abolition of Man

• Cultural change and the West’s Christian inheritance

• Technology, screen addiction and young people

• Transhumanism, death and the meaning of Christian hope