Thinking Fellows

In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, the Fellows answer, "Did Martin Luther invent a new religion?" They explore the historical context of the Reformation, the theological implications of Luther's teachings, and the ongoing debates between Catholicism and Protestantism. The conversation highlights the role of humanism in the Reformation and the centrality of scripture for understanding...

The Thinking Fellows talk about the limitations of scientific progress. Skepticism of previous scientific advancements in medicine and chemical engineering has paved the path for more people to question technological progress and the good it can do for humanity. Yet many skeptics still look to the future and advancing technology as a solution for death, suffering, and sin. By understanding the rea...

In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, Caleb Keith, Scott Keith, and Adam Francisco discuss the relevance of epistemology versus worldview in the context of Christian engagement with culture and society. They explore the historical development of these concepts, their utility for understanding different belief systems, and the challenges of navigating a pluralistic society.  Show Notes:...

In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, the Fellows explore the complex history of the Crusades, their origins, motivations, and the theological implications that arise from them. They discuss Pope Urban II's call to arms and the evolution of the Crusades from a war of liberation to a series of hard-to-follow conflicts. The conversation emphasizes the distinction between political and rel...

In this episode, Caleb Keith, Scott Keith, and Adam Francisco discuss the viral appearance of Wesley Huff on Joe Rogan's podcast. They explore the impact of the conversation on Christian apologetics, the nature of truth and science, and the role of miracles in faith. The discussion also delves into textual criticism, cultural context, and the theological insights presented during the interview. Th...

The Thinking Fellows dive into the life and work of the Venerable Bede, one of the most influential figures in early Christian history. Often called the "Father of English History," Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English People shaped our understanding of the Church's growth in Britain. This episode explores Bede's contributions to theology, historiography, and education, and considers how h...

The Fellows discuss medieval theology by surveying Bonaventure's The Soul's Journey Into God and note the scholastic tendency to speculate from God's general natural revelation. These developments in scholastic theology, in part, led to the necessity of the Reformation. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedul...

Eusebius was one of the greatest historians of the early church. The Fellows discuss his contributions to theology and history. The episode pays special attention to the way Eusebius treats the Old Testament. Eusebius starts his history of the church at the beginning of Genesis and asserts that Christianity is not a novel faith but the faith of all Old Testament believers.  Eusebius Church History...

Amy Mantravadi joins Caleb and Bruce to discuss her novel  Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation.  Amy was inspired to follow the lives and conflicts of Martin Luther, Desiderius Erasmus, and Philipp Melanchthon. The episode dives into the history behind the novel and the significance of Luther's  The Bondage of the Will. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube Br...

Support 1517 This Giving Tuesday This is Caleb Keith, director of the 1517 Podcast Network. Today, as many of you may know, is Giving Tuesday. On this special day, I have a question for you: Does this podcast bring Jesus and His Gospel of peace into your life on a regular basis? At 1517, our mission—and the mission of the 1517 Podcast Network—is to declare and defend the Good News that we are forg...

The Fellows discuss St. Gregory of Nyssa's Catechetical Discourse, a series of objections and answers to confessions of the Christian faith. It was designed to educate new Christians on essential doctrines like the Trinity and atonement. Caleb leads the conversation by asking how the catechesis of the past can inform Christian education today. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts...

The Thinking Fellows are starting a new series highlighting the history of Christian thought. For the next several weeks, the Fellows explore books written by great thinkers throughout Christian history. Bruce Hilman leads this first episode and covers St. John Chrysostom's  On the Priesthood.  Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network On the Priest Hood Free Online Popular Patristics 1517 Podcasts...

High stakes and emotions regarding national politics produce situations Christians must meaningfully and thoughtfully navigate. Christians are embodied and specifically located creatures with vocations that demand political conciseness and often involvement. Yet these political situations and outcomes are not the object or sum of the faith. This episode explores the consequences of winning and los...

This special episode of the Thinking Fellows was recorded live at the Here We Still Stand conference. Magnus Person joins the Fellows to discuss a response to the feeling that the church is in decline. They acknowledge the real pressure Christians in America and the West, in general, are feeling right now while confidently confessing that the church belongs to God and will continue forever.  Show...

The Thinking Fellows give readers a short list of books they find essential for understanding Lutheranism. The list below includes books that contextualize the story and doctrinal formation of the Reformation. This Library should help both people who are unfamiliar with Lutheranism and those familiar with Lutheran doctrine but would like a better historical picture of who the Lutherans are.  Berg,...

The Thinking Fellows recall the legacy of renowned apologist John Warwick Montgomery. Before his death Dr. Montgomery was a senior fellow at 1517 and had a tremndous impact on the field of Christian apologetics. The fellows recall time they had spent with Dr. Montgomery and his impact on the founding members of 1517.  Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network John Warwick Montgomery at 1517 1517 Po...

Spirituality is not a friend of Christianity. More and more people abandon Christianity while maintaining spiritual beliefs, practices, or superstitions. Dr. Michael Horton joins the Thinking Fellows to discuss the deep history and gnostic roots of the spiritual problems in the West today. Dr. Horton has researched and addressed this topic in numerous ways over the last 30 years and has compiled h...

Adam, Bruce, and Caleb discuss eschatology. What are Christianity's essential teachings regarding the last things or end times? Why do some sects of Christianity hyper-fixate on the end times? The fellows address these questions and more this week.  Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free...

In this week's episode, Scott, Bruce, and Caleb discuss the doctrine of election. They emphasize the importance of God's electing through his Word. This locates election in an external act done for you rather than solely in the mind of God. This Lutheran distinction avoids the pitfall of free choice while not relying on the logical constructs of double predestination.  Show Notes: Support 1517 Pod...

The Fellows discuss the doctrine of public ministry. The conversation focuses on why it is necessary for Christians to gather togteher as a church and call a pastor. God has made his saving work public through the proclimation of the Word.  Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's...

Caleb and Bruce have a conversation about the doctrine of the church. They work to define how the church is all those with faith in Christ and the gathering of individual believers whom God has called together in specific locations. The conversation focuses on the distribution of the Gospel, which is the unique and essential purpose of gathering together for worship. Bruce and Caleb also emphasize...

This episode of the Thinking Fellows gives an overview of the Lutheran doctrine of the Lord's Supper. The fellows discuss the how and why of the Supper, primarily referencing Christ's institution of the Sacrament before his crucifixion. They also discuss some controversies and disagreements Christians have regarding belief and practice.  Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517...

The Thinking Fellows talk about the saving power of Baptism. They cover the how and why of Baptism and have a long conversation about its various controversies. The Fellows strongly argue infant baptism and explain why Christian doctrine is not a pick-and-choose situation.  Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Academy -...

Scott, Adam, and Caleb discuss the Olympic Opening Ceremonies. During the ceremonies, an LGBTQ rendition of the Last Supper was acted out with transexuals and gay icons. This was an apparent offense to Christians all over the world and highlights the destructive religious ideologies at play in our culture today. The Fellows discuss why Christians should not be surprised that their faith is under a...

The Thinking Fellows discuss the distinction between law and gospel. They explain what it means that this distinction exists in all the Scripture. They also speak about the distinction between preaching and reading the Bible and why law and gospel are essential for preaching.  Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Academy...