Magnus Persson joins Scott and Caleb Keith to discuss the decline of Christianity in Europe. The conversation leads to an important defining and reimagining of the Christian mission. Maguns and the Fellows conclude that the church needs to refocus Christians on the needs of their local neighbors to hear the Gospel. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube Reclaiming the Reformation The Sound of Freedom HWSS Talk What’s New from 1517: Bible...
Jan 16, 2024•49 min
Is human technology innately evil? To what extent does technology enable or empower evil? The Thinking Fellows consider the reality that ever-advancing technologies surround and enhance our lives. They explore what it means that technology has no agency but is built and used by sinners. The episode closes with some ideas about using and adopting technology while being watchful. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517:...
Jan 10, 2024•49 min
The Thinking Fellows discuss the idea that Christmas has pagan roots. They refute the notion that Christians stole critical religious practices and beliefs from older religions. They also discuss the reality of components of Christmas celebrations distinct from faith in Christ, such as Christmas trees, lights, and even the date of celebration, which are handed down pieces of culture rather than commands from Scripture. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podc...
Dec 25, 2023•40 min
Can you trust the science? Science has brought many advancements and discoveries, but can it be relied upon? Is it possible to use scientific methodology while being skeptical of ideological conclusions? The Thinking Fellows discuss the importance of scientific methods and intellectual honesty in this week's episode. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube Faith and Reason Exchange What’s New from 1517: Freedom Lessons Album Your God is t...
Dec 18, 2023•50 min
Show Notes: Hamas attacked Israel on October 7th, 2023; the bloody conflict leaves some Christians asking theological questions about the modern state of Israel. Is the current state of Israel or even contemporary Judaism the particular object of promises from God? Do Christians have an obligation to Israel and its political interests? The Thinking Fellows discuss the creation of Israel, asserting that it is a distinctly political object and not a nation specially chosen or preserved by God for ...
Dec 06, 2023•47 min
Where have all the Christians gone? New research reveals that this question is becoming more common as Americans abandon Christianity. Is this data helpful, and can it help guide those raising the next generation of Christians? Thinking Fellows: Show Notes: Support 1517 on Giving Tuesday 1517 Podcasts The Pew Results The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube Being Dad What’s New from 1517: Freedom Lessons Album Free 2023 Advent Resources Your God is too Glorious, 2nd Edition 202...
Nov 27, 2023•45 min
Caleb and Bruce are joined by Blake Flattley and Flame to discuss their new album, Freedom Lessons. Freedom Lessons follows Luther's Small Catechism to bring the riches of God's forgiveness and freedom to audiences through a creative musical collaboration. The episode focuses on the artistic decisions necessary to make good music with a solid theological foundation and message. Show Notes: Support 1517 Freedom Lessons Album 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube...
Nov 16, 2023•46 min
The Thinking Fellows are live from Here We Still Stand 2023. The original cast is joined by special guest Greg Koukl of Stand to Reason to discuss the lasting impact of C.S. Lewis. The conversation focuses on the ability of Lewis to communicate effectively and clearly across disciplines. Lewis stands as a model for Christians to learn how to declare and defend the good news that we are forgiven and free on account of Christ alone. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network o...
Nov 06, 2023•42 min
In this episode, Caleb interviews Bruce about his new video series. Bruce is hosting a new series on X discussing gray space. Bruce defines gray space as those issues that are not solved with simple "black and white" answers. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517: Free 2023 Advent Resources 2024(May 3-4) NWA Tickets are Now Available! Join the 1517 Academy All Charges Dropped, Vol. 2 More from the hosts: Caleb Keith...
Nov 01, 2023•45 min
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 doubts and pains of other Christians. The episode concludes with how Christians can declare confident and sure promises from Christ. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube Faith and Reason Exchange What’s New from 1517: 2023 HWSS Confere...
Oct 21, 2023•49 min
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 the centrality of Scripture. They discuss misunderstandings about Sola Scriptura and how the Scriptures reveal Christ and his Gospel. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517: 2023 HWSS Conference Livestream Signup Free 2023...
Oct 13, 2023•41 min
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 unbiblical ad-ons to justification and salvation like the other Solas of the Reformation. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517: 2023 HWSS Conference Livestream Signup Free 2023 Advent Resources 2024(May 3-4) NWA Tickets ar...
Oct 04, 2023•53 min
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 the idea of justification by faith but drop the "alone?" The Fellows close by explaining how faith alone delivers assurance to troubled and doubting consciences. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517: 2023 HWSS Conference ...
Sep 29, 2023•39 min
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 Alone. They discuss the phrase's origin and use, outlining how the exclusive participle redefines and repositions the doctrine of grace within Lutheran Theology. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517: 2023 Advent Resources...
Sep 18, 2023•52 min
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 is a helpful and good way of approaching the Christian life. Show Notes: 1517 Podcast Survey Support 1517 After Virtue Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517: Faith and Reason Exchange @ 1517.org 2023 HWSS Conferenc...
Sep 11, 2023•54 min
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 Christian and non-Christian friends? The fellows explore these questions and more. Show Notes: 1517 Podcast Survey Support 1517 Being Dad Where Two or Three Are Gathered 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517: Faith and Reason Exchange @ 1517.org 20...
Sep 04, 2023•1 hr 1 min
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 friendships is valued in the church while being cautious about issues surrounding discipline and sanctification. Show Notes: 1517 Podcast Network Survey Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517: Faith and Reason Exchange @ Apple Podcasts Fait...
Aug 28, 2023•49 min
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 or edifying for Christians to analyze and use in analogy? Show Notes: 1517 Podcast Network Survey Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517: Join the 1517 Academy Freedom Lessons Street Team Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflecti...
Aug 19, 2023•51 min
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 respond when confronted with supposed contradictions and errors in Scripture? Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517: Join the 1517 Academy Freedom Lessons Street Team Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the ...
Aug 09, 2023•1 hr 1 min
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 life. In doing so, they discuss why it's essential to re-center our definition of happiness and preach the happiness of the Gospel while not relying upon emotions for divine revelation. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 151...
Jul 31, 2023•49 min
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 the "removal" of the apocryphal books is not a strong polemic against Lutherans regarding Sola Scripture. However, they also discuss ways in which reading apocryphal books can be helpful. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1...
Jul 24, 2023•46 min
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 adiaphora as a method for explaining and allowing reasonable liturgical and personal piety differences between churches to exist while remaining unified around the core confessions of the church. The fellows discuss why understanding adiaphora is important and how it can benefit the church. Show Note...
Jul 17, 2023•59 min
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 ways to increase parental and particularly paternal commitment to church attendance. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517: Freedom Lessons Street Team The New Quest for Paul and His Reading of the Old Testament by Timo L...
Jul 10, 2023•57 min
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 new and old. Show Notes: Support the Podcast Network Fundraiser 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517: The New Quest for Paul and His Reading of the Old Testament by Timo Laato Finding God in the Darkness: Hopeful Reflections from the Pits of D...
Jun 30, 2023•40 min
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 end of the episode focuses on the place and purpose of Christian practices and how they are shaped and impact doctrine. Show Notes Support the Podcast Network Fundraiser 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube What’s New from 1517: The New Quest for Paul and His Readi...
Jun 20, 2023•52 min
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 that they serve. They conclude with examples of how Christianity uses sacred spaces such as churches but is uniquely authorized to do God's work in word and sacrament apart from a "temple" when necessary. Support the Podcast Network Fundraiser 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts ...
Jun 08, 2023•50 min
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 importance of distinguishing between denominational differences and heresy. Show Notes Support the Show 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube More from the hosts Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francsisco Bruce Hilman...
Jun 02, 2023•1 hr 5 min
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 texts with a plain reading. In this episode, Caleb asks Dan and Scott what it means for Scripture to be clear and how clarity and difficulty can be present in a text. Show Notes Support the Show 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 on Youtube More from the hosts Scott Keith Da...
May 24, 2023•45 min
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 Protestantism during the early twentieth century. The Fellows praise Machen's book as prophetic while noting that it is refreshingly plain and easy to approach. Check back next week for their commentary on specific chapters of the book. Support the Show 1517 Podcasts The Thinking Fellows on Apple Podcas...
May 11, 2023•1 hr 2 min
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 Protestantism during the early twentieth century. The Fellows praise Machen's book as prophetic while noting that it is refreshingly plain and easy to approach. Check back next week for their commentary on specific chapters of the book. Support the Show 1517 Podcasts The Thinking Fellows on Apple Podcas...
May 02, 2023•56 min
