Thinking Fellows

The Thinking Fellows talk about the tension between doubt and faith. Bruce and Adam specify the difference between existential and intellectual doubts. Finally, the Fellows think about how to address…

The Thinking Fellows close their series on the Solas of the Reformation with an episode on Sola Scriptura or "Scripture Alone." The Thinking Fellows are led by Adam Francisco this week to highlight t…

The Thinking Fellows discuss the history and importance of the phrase "Solus Christus" or Christ Alone. They cover why Christ Alone became a rallying cry of the reformation. Christ Alone excludes unb…

Faith alone is likely the earliest sola slogan used during the Reformation. The Thinking Fellows discuss why affirming justification by faith alone is so significant. Why do some traditions accept th…

What does it mean that we are saved by grace alone? The Thinking Fellows embarked on a new set of episodes focused on "Solas" of the Reformation. In this episode, they look at Sola Gratia or Grace Al…

Dr. John Hoyum hosts an episode of the Thinking Fellows discussing virtue ethics. The Fellows first define virtue ethics and its resurgence in Christian conversations. They then ask if virtue ethics …

The Thinking Fellows revisit the topic of friendship. Who are your friends, and why do you need them? Can your spouse fulfill the entirety of your need for friends? Is there a distinction between Chr…

Are accountability groups a good idea? The Thinking Fellows discuss the potential use of accountability groups in the church. They suggest some ways in which carving out space for strong male friends…

The Thinking Fellows discuss movies they enjoy watching. The conversation revolves around the presence of theological and moral meaning in film. How should we interpret movies, and are they valuable …

Bruce, Adam, and Caleb discuss the textual and narrative differences between the four gospel accounts of Jesus' life and ministry. Should the differences worry Christians? How should Christians respo…

Is your happiness an indicator of God's relationship with you? Are emotions a good indicator of divine revelation? The Thinking Fellows consider the purpose and place of happiness in the Christian li…

The Thinking Fellows discuss the history and position of the Apocrypha for Lutherans. They present critical reasons for rejecting the Apocrypha from the biblical canon. Similarly, they discuss why th…

Adiaphora is a theological term that means "indifference." It typically refers to practices that are neither commanded nor forbidden by God in Scripture. The Lutheran churches have historically used …

The Thinking Fellows weigh on one of the most tense issues that affect Churches. What are parents to do when their children's extracurricular activities get scheduled on Sunday? The Fellows discuss w…

The Fellows give some books and other recommendations. In the early years of Thinking Fellows, book recommendation episodes were a frequent fan favorite. The Fellows return with recommendations, both…

In this episode, the Thinking Fellows discuss the centrality and importance of Christians' doctrinal content and confessions. They ask how this doctrinal core differs from other world religions. The …

In this episode, the Thinking Fellows ask, what are sacred spaces, and do we need them? Bruce Hillman helps define what a holy space is while the fellows discuss the societal and religious functions …

In this episode, the Thinking Fellows discuss the idea of orthodoxy. What does it mean to be orthodox or to have an orthodox faith? They look at the utility of identifying orthodoxy and also at the i…

This week, Caleb and Scott are joined by Dan Price to introduce the latest 1517 Podcast, "Tough Texts." On Tough Texts, Dan and Scott address classically tricky passages of Scripture and meet these t…

Caleb, Scott, Adam, and Bruce discuss J. Gresham Machen's work Christianity and Liberalism. This first episode of a two-part podcast delivers an introduction to Machen and the context of American Pro…