Thinking Fellows

The Thinking Fellows get together and discuss how the concept of three ordered estates helps inform Christians in living out their vocations. Why do we so often focus on the political estate while skipping over the family and the church when talking about the problems in our world? The Fellows propose ideas as to how to apply an understanding of the estates in your life.  Show Notes: Support 1517...

The Thinking Fellows discuss why defining the Gospel carefully and constantly is essential. Many Christian organizations claim their mission is to preach the Gospel, but more often than not, what they mean by "gospel" is the law or simple Christian living. How do organizations like 1517 deal with criticism that they reduce or ignore Christian living in favor of a "just preach the gospel" mentality...

On this episode of the Thinking Fellows, we remember the legacy and impact of Rod Rosenbladt.  The 1517 family mourns the death of Dr. Rod Rosenbladt. For many, he was known as "Dad Rod," and to others, he was known as professor, friend, and mentor. To generations of budding theologians, he will be fondly remembered as a significant influence in molding and shaping their worldview by helping them...

People who leave the Christian faith frequently cite a misalignment of personal values as a driving factor. What can Christians do with this information? Are there ways to establish and hold onto Christian values from generation to generation? How do our vocations impact our obligation to uphold and teach valued principles alongside the essentials of the faith Show Notes: Remembering Rod Rosenblad...

Is God silent? Can Christians hear the voice of God? Are there still prophets? The Thinking Fellows spend this week's episode addressing concerns and questions about the silence of God. Many people use God's supposed silence as proof of his existence. In contrast, others claim to have received specific revelations from him. The Thinking Fellows address the ways that God has and continues to speak...

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 1...

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: Suppor...

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 co...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 an...

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...

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 Networ...

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...

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...

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 T...

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 T...

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 P...

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 Ne...

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...

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...

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...

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: Suppo...