Shows / Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and Culture
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and Culture
Unsettling convention. Cultivating conviction. Thinking Christian is a podcast about the Bible, theology, and culture for Christians who sense that something in today's church isn't working and want to understand why.
Reading the Bible as the final authority for life and faith means questioning the assumptions of our culture, even our Christian culture, so that we don't settle for a narrower vision of reality than God's word offers. Each conversation goes past the headlines to the ideas and…
Episodes
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureWilliam Wilberforce: Faith, Friendship, and Cultural Change (Michael Morgan)
William Wilberforce wasn’t just a politician—he was a man of deep faith who leveraged his influence to fight for abolition, social reform, and…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThinking Christian about Leadership, Faith, and Moving Forward (Chris Rappazini)
In this episode of Thinking Christian, James sits down with Dr. Chris Rappazzini, professor of leadership at Anderson University, author of Moving Forward…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThe Crisis with Boys and What To Do With It (Mark Hancock)
In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Mark Hancock, CEO of Trail Life USA, to discuss the unique challenges of raising boys…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureSharing the Gospel through Sport (Sean McNamara)
In this episode, James and Nate welcom Sean McNamara, Chief Sports Officer for FCA. They discuss the ministry of FCA and the expanding arena of sports…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureSuffering, Faith & the Book of Job (Michelle Keener)
What does Job teach us about suffering, trauma, and faith? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer welcomes Dr. Michelle Keener, Associate…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThinking about the Practice of Biblical Lament (May Young)
In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer welcomes back Dr. May Young, Associate Professor and Department Chair of Biblical Studies at Taylor…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureChristians, Business, and the Business of Discipleship (Joe Becker)
In this episode, James welome Joe Beckler, Vice President of Development, Marketing, and Communications for Christian Business Men's Connection (CBMC). James…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureFaith, Politics, and Boundaries: Government and Discipleship
In this episode of Thinking Christian, James and Nate reflect on their deep dive into the intersection of faith and politics throughout 2024 as we look ahead…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureRediscovering the Bible with The Chosen (Brandon Robbins)
In this episode, James welcomes Brandon Robbins. Brandon is a pastor and YouTube content creator. James and Brandon discuss his forthcoming book titled The…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThinking Christian about New Year's Resolutions, Pt 3
Show Description: In this episode of Thinking Christian, we explore the deeper purpose behind New Year's resolutions from a Christian perspective. Should…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThinking Christian about New Years Resolutions, Pt 2
This episode is a replay from last year's conversation between James and Richard Beatty about New Year's Resolutions. They discuss how to think about New…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThinking Christian about New Years Resolutions, Part 1
In this episode, James discusses New Years resolutions through the lens of Psalm 1. He describes the difference between approaching resolutions from the…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureJesus's Incarnation: What Happened Before the Christmas Story
In this episode, Dr. James Spencer considers Philippians 2. While it isn't a traditional "Christmas" text, Phillippians 2 offers some important backgrount…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThinking Christian about Christmas: The Virgin Birth
In this episode, Dr. James Spencer discusses the virgin birth and Matthew's use of Isaiah 7:14. Beginning with an analysis of Isaiah 7:14 in its Old Testament…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThinking Christian about Christmas: The Magnificat and Zechariah's Prophecy
In this episode, James continues his discussion of Luke 1. He deals with the Magnificat and Zecheriah's Prophecy. He also discusses the importance of Christ's…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThinking Christian about Christmas: The Announcement of John and Jesus
In this episode, James begins a short series that will deal with various passages related to Christmas. The announcement of John and Jesus represent the…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureServing Communities through Broadcasting
In this episode, James and Nate welcome T. J. Jackson, Director of Community Engagement for Life 88.5. They discuss the various ways Life 88.5 works with…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CulturePracticing Civility after the Election
In this episode, James and Nate talk about the need for civility after the election. They consider the various ways Christians can show love for neighbors…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureSpiritual Transformation and the Work of Warren W. Wiersbe
In this episode, James sits down with Dan Jacobsen, grandson of Warren W. Wiersbe. Dan is a pastor and author of a new book titled Becoming New: 100-Days of…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureTranslating the Bible for Native Populations (Terry Wildman)
In this episode, James sits down with Terry Wildman. Terry is the lead translator of the First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThinking about the Old Testament (Kevin Chen)
In this episode, James welcomes Dr. Kevin Chen, author of Wonders of Your Law. James and Kevin discuss Kevin's idea of "nexus passages" and their value in…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThe Blessing of Being in God's Presence (Samuel Parkison)
In this episode, James hosts Samuel Parkison author of To Gaze Upon God. They discuss the beatific vision, eschatology, and Christians conceptions of the…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureA Redemption Story: Tony Cardello's Testimony
In this episode, James and Nate host Tony Cardello. Previously featured on "I Am Second," Tony shares his testimony. He describes his life prior to coming to…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThinking Christian after the Election: Our Task Doesn't Change
In this episode, James offers a biblical perspective on regime changes based on the transition from judges to monarchy in ancient Israel as portrayed in 1…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureTheology, Religion, and 'The Office' (Dan Cameron)
In this episode, James wecomes Dan Cameron. Dan is the editor of Theology, Religion, and 'The Office': Beauty in Ordinary Things that will be available later…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThinking Christian about Manhood (Vince Miller)
In this episode, James wecomes Vince Miller. Vince is an author and speaker focused on helping men live faithfully. Vince and James discuss Vince's new book…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureSuffering, Endurance, and the Importance of Discipleship (Justin Kendrick)
In this episode, James welcomes Justin Kendrick author of How to Quiet a Hurricane. James and Justin discuss the pitfalls and promise of helping God's people…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThinking about Anxiety, Media, and Politics (Zach Clinton)
In this episode, James speaks with Zach Clinton author of Even If: Developing the Faith, Mindset, Strength and Endurance of Those Who Are Built Different…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CulturePrivileging God (and the Truth) over Politics (Denise Grace Gitsham)
In this episode, James wecomes Denise Grace Gitsham. James and Denise discuss the way Chrisitan participation in politics differs from participation in…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThe Importance of Leadership (Brock Simmons)
In this episode, James and Nate sit down with Brock Simmons. Brock is the founder of the Always Present Institute. He has many years of experience in executive…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThinking about Lament (Julie Bradley)
In today's episode, James and Nate welcome Julie Bradley. Julie and Nate have known each other for a long time and attend the same church in Lenxa, KS. Julie…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThinking about the Way We Spend Money and Support Businesses (Christina Werner)
In this episode, James welcomes Christian Werner. She is an SVP with Public Square, a company focused on helping local businesses succeed while upholding…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThinking Christian about Halloween
In this episode, James offers a perspective on Halloween that highlights its role in promoting discontentment. He discusses the challenges of being Chrisitan…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThinking Christian about Prayer (Rachel Wojo)
In this episode, James welcome Rachel Wojo, author of Desperate Prayers. James and Rachel discuss the difficulties associated with prayer. Rachel offers…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThinking Christian about Loving Our Neighbor in a Digital World
In this episode, James and Nate use Carl Bernstein's "The Idiot Culture" as a jumping off point to discuss the relationship between Christians and media. They…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureCo-Opting Christ: Misusing Theological Language in Politics
In this episode, James and Nate discuss some of the ways the Bible and other theological concepts and theologians are pressed into the service of political…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureOut of Egypt: Thinking Christian about the Sabbath Commands
In this episode, James discusses the Sabbath commands, particularly the Sabbath command in Deuteronomy. He offers his thoughts on how Israel's time in Egypt…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureAll Things to All People: Adaptability and U.S. Politics
In this episode, James discusses 1 Corinthians 9 and Paul's adaptability in relation to U. S. politics. He urges Christian to follow God's example and…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureOn Bread Alone? Thinking Christian about Deuteronomy 8
In this episode, James considers Deuteronomy 8. He discusses the dynamics of obeidence and the way that it aligns us with God's order. He also distinguishes…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThinking Christian about Critical Race Theory (Ed Uszynski)
In this episode, James welcomes Ed Uszynski, author of Untangling Critical Race Theory: What Christians Need to Know and Why It Matters. James and Ed discuss…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureCultivating a Curious Faith (Mark Matlock)
In this episode, James welcomes Mark Matlock, author of Faith for the Curious: How an Era of Spiritual Openness Shapes the Way We Live and Help Others Follow…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThe Life of Abraham: Legitimate Concerns and Decision Making
In this episode, James discussed Genesis 15-22 (the life of Abraham). He focuses on Abraham's legitimate concerns and the way he learns to trust God rather…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureFrom Pain to Praise: Thinking about Lament (May Young)
In this episode, James speaks with Dr. May Young who authored a chapter in a book James co-edited titled A Praying People. Dr. Young is an expert on the topic…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureRadio and Audio Bibles (Carl Amari)
In this episode James welcomes Carl Amari. Carl hosts Hollywood360, a nationally syndicated radio show, as well as serving as a producer on a variety of audio…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureA Conversation with a Hope Dealer (Amy Williams): Thinking about How We See Ourselves and Others
In this episode, James hosts Amy Williams. Amy is a "hope dealer" working with teens involved in gangs in the Chicagoland area. Here book titled Worth Seeing…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureGod's Not Dead: A Conversation with Michael Tait and Adam Agee from the Newsboys
In this episode James and Nate sit down with Michael Tait and Adam Agee from the Newsboys to disucss the latest movie in the God's Not Dead series, God's Not…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThinking Christian about Politics: Neither Left nor Right in Jesus Christ
In this episode, Nate and James discuss the distinction between the right, the left, and Chrisitans. Along the way, they place a strong emphasis on the need…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureGod's Not Dead with Scott Baio and David A. R. White
In this episode, James discusses the latest moving in the God's Not Dead series with David A. R. White and Scott Baio. They talk about the movie, the state of…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThinking Christian about Slavery (Sean McGever)
In this episode, James welcomes Dr. Sean McGever. Sean is the author of numerous books including Ownership: The Evangelical Legacy of Slavery in Edwards…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureHas Trump Changed the Church: Thinking about David French's Analysis in the New York Times
In this episode, James and Nate consider David French's New York Times peice in which he argues that to save conservatism, he is voting for Kamala Harris. In…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThe Trinity, the Spirit, and the Old Testament
In this episode, James and Nate begin and end with a discussion of the Old Testament's treatment of the Trinity. Along the way, they also discuss the Holy…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureTransgenderism, Social Contagion, and the Need for a Big Gospel (Benjamin Matthew)
In this episode, James is joined by Dr. Benjamin Matthew, Professor of Clinical Counseling at Columbia International University. James and Benjamin discuss…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureSharing the Gospel and Learning from the Global Church (Bill Nienhuis)
In this episode, James welcomes Bill Nienhuis, CEO and President of Childcare Worldwide. James and Bill discuss the lives of children in various locations…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThinking Christian about Our Rights, Freedoms, and Political Participation
In this episode, James and Nate discuss the politics of the day. They attempt to differentiate between civic and sacred acts in relation to voting, as well as…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureHow Should Christians Think About Belonging? (Sarah E. Westfall)
In this episode, James welcomes Sarah E. Westfall. Sarah is the author of The Way of Belonging. James and Sarah discuss the idea of belonging, how it differs…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureHow Christians Can Reach Kids with the Gospel (Fred Pry)
In this episode, James welcomes Fred Pry, Vice President of Administration at Child Evangelism Fellowship. James and Fred discuss the ministry of CEF, the…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureHow Can the Psalms Help Christians Worship? (David Koyzis)
In this episode, James welcomes David Koyzis back to Thinking Christian to discuss the use of the psalms in the liturgy of the church. Davis is affiliated with…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureThinking about the Tower of Babel: Unrestrained and Unguided Human Capacity
This week, James looks at Genesis 11:1-9, which is often reffered to as the Tower of Babel narrative. After making several observations about the text, James…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureHow Should Christians Approach Political Participation? (Caleb Campbell)
In this episode, James speaks with Caleb Campbell, author of Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor. James and Caleb discuss the…
Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and CultureWhat Does It Mean to Take the Lord's Name In Vain? (Carmen Joy Imes)
In this episode, Carmen Joy Imes returns to talk about her book titled Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters. James and Carmen talk about the importance…