Thinking Fellows

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: Su...

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 f...

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 15...

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...

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...

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 necessa...

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 Cale...

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...

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...

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...

What responsibilities do individual Christians and their churches possess to fight against an antagonistic culture? The Thinking Fellows attempt to distinguish between the vocational necessities of being a citizen and the function of the Church to proclaim the Gospel. The fellows conclude that life in this world has no easy answers but that keeping the proper work of the Church and the demands of...

The Thinking Fellows enter treacherous waters. Caleb, Scott, Adam, and Bruce look to define the word "woke" and observe how political ideology functions or substitutes religion. Adam gives a historical overview of the development and use of the term, and the other fellows offer commentary about engaging in a political world without compromising the central mission of the church to proclaim Christ...

The Thinking Fellows celebrate easter with a conversation about the resurrection of Jesus. The entire Christian faith rests on this one truth and promise that Christ has risen from and done so for you. The fellows read 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 and shared their confidence in the reality and accomplishments of Christ's resurrection. Show Notes: Support the Show 1517 Podcasts The 1517 Podcast Network o...

Are Christianity and psychology compatible? Caleb, Scott, and Bruce look at the relationship between the social sceinces and the Christian faith. The subject of mental health and care are important in today's soceity and culture but require careful navigation by Christians.  Support the Show 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube The Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

In the cultural debate over God's existence, should the burden of proof rest on atheism rather than theism? Are Christianity and its account of the world more reasonable than atheism? Caleb, Adam, and Bruce address these questions and more in this apologetics-focused episode of the Thinking Fellows.  Support the Show 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube Return of the God Hypothesis Cosmic Chemistry: Do G...

Caleb, Adam, and Bruce revisit the relationship between faith and reason. This time they ask, is there a limit to Christian engagement in philosophy? They outline the distinction between theology and philosophy and explore the benefits of being educated and aware of philosophical thought and practice.  Support the Show 1517 Podcasts Happy Hour Hymn Sing 1517 on Youtube  

Are theology and philosophy compatible? Caleb, Adam, and Bruce explore the relationship between faith and reason. They define the differences between theology and philosophy and attempt to outline the unique roles they serve. Philosophy is an essential discipline, but it cannot deliver faith and salvation. Support the Show 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube More From The Hosts Caleb Keith Adam Francsic...

The Thinking Fellows discuss the notion of worldliness. What does it mean to be worldly? Can a Christian participate in worldly things? Caleb Keith, Scott Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hilman address these questions and more in the latest episode.  Support the Show 1517 Podcasts Preaching the Text See More from our Hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman

Over the last several weeks, the news has been abuzz with UFOs. Incidents like these often result in speculation regarding the existence of aliens. While this speculation is not always meaningful, it has in the past been leveraged against Christians. Many materialists and pop scientists suggest that the Christian faith crumbles if aliens really exist. Caleb, Scott, Adam, and Bruce discuss these id...

How does the Christian faith interact with culture? Adam Francisco, Bruce Hillman, and John Hoyum discuss the role of the Christian faith in contrast and conjunction with society and culture. They cover a broad set of opinions and authors to give a picture of how vital this question has been and remains for western Christians.  Support the Show 1517 Podcasts Christ in Culture Niebhur Preaching the...

Scott Keith, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hilman discuss the final book in  The Lord of the Rings series. They discuss temptation, darkness, and the relativity of interpreting Tolkien. They debate the more profound meaning and moral lessons that Tolkien leaves behind and rank Tolkien's work amongst other literary classics. Support the Show 1517 Podcasts Preaching the Text

The Two Towers (Lord of the Rings Trilogy) Scott Keith, Adam Francisco, Caleb Keith, and Bruce Hilman discuss the second book in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. The Two Towers opens to a broken fellowship set on two distinct but interwoven journeys against the Dark Lord Sauron. This fragmented journey cements that a new age is coming to Middle Earth, the Age of Men. How do Tolkien's characters deal...

Caleb Keith and Scott Keith join Steven Paulson and Ken Jones to remember their mentor Jim Nestingen. Jim was a pastor and doctor of the church who taught many to proclaim and absolve in the name of Christ. 1517 has been deeply influenced by Jim, and this episode is meant to honor and remember that impact and support. We look forward to the resurrection, where we will be able to laugh with Jim onc...

The Thinking Fellows discuss memorable parts of 2022 and look forward to 2023. Scott hosts this episode and introduces the newest "Scholar in Residence" at 1517, Bruce Hilman. Bruce will continue to join the fellows for regular episodes in 2022. Support the Show 1517 Podcasts 1517 Homepage  Thinking Fellows on Apple Podcasts

The Thinking Fellows discuss J.R.R. Tolkien's first book in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. They identify differences in style and scope from the Hobbit while discussing the apparent theological and philosophical themes. How does this pilgrim tail contribute to the literature, and is it uniquely Christian?  Support the Show 1517 Podcasts