Thinking Christian: Clear Theology for a Confusing World

In this episode, James and Richard discuss New Year's Resolutions. They discuss various topics based on James' background as a personal trainer and offer tips about when to start a New Year's resolution, what sort of strategy to take as one sets a New Year's resolution, and how to make realistic resolutions.   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportun...

In this episode, James sits down with Craig Hendrickson who is the new President of Arrow Leadership. They discuss the use of the Bible and, in particular, Jesus's life as portrayed in the gospels to encourage Christian leaders.    You can find out more about Arrow Leadership at: https://www.arrowleadership.org/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opport...

Pornography is a problem. No matter how you slice it, the widespread accessibility of pornography is impacting our society. In this episode, James sits down with Sathiya Sam of Deep Clean to talk about the challenges associated with pornography and how his ministry helps individuals break their porn addictions.  You can see more about Sathiya's minstry at https://www.sathiyasam.com/ . Discover mor...

In this episode of Thinking Christian, guest host Maggie Hubbard interviews Joshua Broome. Joshua is an ex-porn star who came to faith in Jesus Christ and became a pastor. They discuss his experience in the pornography industry and his new life in Jesus Christ. Need help overcoming a porn addiction? Listen to our interview with Sathiya Sam, the founder of DeepClean Coaching: https://apple.co/3UH6f...

Honesty, humility and a sense of humor are what makes Stephen Mcwhirter's story so inviting.  In this episode, Stephen, James, and guest co-host Nate Giarrantano discuss Stephen's story, what its like to be a worship leader, and the power of social media to proclaim the gospel. "Come, Jesus Come" a perfect song for Advent and every season.  You can find out more about Stephen at worshipjesus.life...

Russell Meek is an Old Testament Scholar and author of Ecclesiastes and the Search for Meaning in an Upside-Down World. He and Dr. James Spencer discuss the book of Ecclesiastes, how it relates to the broader patterns of the Old Testament and why Ecclesiastes is a hopeful book that every Christian should be reading. It is a great discussion of one of the more difficult books in the bible.  Purchas...

James and guest host Nate Giarranto sit down with Michael McDowell to discuss his testimony, his career in NASCAR, and how he lives out his faith today. Michael McDowell won the Dayton 500 in 2021 and appeared in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs in 2023. He also won Brickyard 200 in 2023. Most importantly, McDowell is a follow of Christ and outspoken Christian athlete. You can find out more about Mi...

In this episode, James sits down with Lee Humerian, a missionary with Josiah Ventures serving in Ukraine. They discuss the current situation in Ukraine and the opportunities the church has to serve in the context of war. We don't talk politics. We just talk about how God works through a people who love him and love others.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advert...

In this episode of Thinking Christian, we tackle the issue of "cancel culture." We consider the dangers of cheap participation and the limitations of social media advocacy. We also offer tips on how to think Chrisitan about the way we interact with the world as we seek to be witnesses for Jesus Christ. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at...

What does it mean to be a praying people? How do Tolkien's writings relate to prayer? On this episode of Thinking Christian, James Spencer and Ashish Varma dive into Ashish's essay titled "A Home Among the Trees: Prayer from the Heart of the Earth," which was published in A Praying People , a new book that James and Ashish co-edited. They also discuss some of the work he is doing with Princeton Th...

The question of anxiety and fear today runs rampant. How do I let the world's stories capture reality and hinder my walk? What can we embrace and what should we resist? Dr. James Spencer and Richard Beattie discuss. Follow Thinking Christian on Apple Podcasts & Spotify for more!    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/co...

What can sound louder than bullets and tanks, louder than machine guns and entire villages being burned to the ground? What can last longer than scars on someone’s face or heart? What can change a human heart that is determined to do wrong and what can end a conflict that is embedded in a culture? We believe it is an act of mercy. We believe it is a sack of grain that has in it more than grain. It...

Like in so many American Holidays- Gratitude is often regulated to weeks before, and gets reduced to a thing called, "Turkey Day." If we were to really think Christian about it- we would probably give thanks- on a daily basis- if we really think about it!  Dr. James Spencer had a little time recently to be thankful for a technical dilemma he found himself in - when travelling through Germany. We c...

James offers some insights into thankfulness from the book of Deuteronomy and the history of Israel. He then has a brief time of prayer to help Christians cultivate a heart of gratitude.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

This episode continues the conversation with Dr. Gregg Quiggle about Dwight Moody's enduring significance. We discuss Dwight Moody's "secret sauce" and the way God used him to reach the world.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

In this episode, James has a discussion with Dr. Gregg Quiggle. Dr. Quiggle is a D. L. Moody expert who contributed to A Praying People, a new book edited by James Spencer and Ashish Varma. He and James talk about who Dwight Moody was and how his life may inform the lives of modern-day Christians.  Dr. Quiggle, who is also an expert in the Protestant Reformation, also discusses an opportunity to t...

In this episode, James Spencer is joined by Alin Vrancila to discuss the Transhumanist Declaration from a biblical and theological perspective.  They consider the problems with pursuing immortality through human means and discuss the changing landscape of technology. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

Another useful conversation about Halloween and seasons. Dr. James Spencer and producer Richard Beattie have a thoughtful conversation about who this season is for and what are ways to mark the change of seasons in a productive way.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

Dr. James Spencer and producer/journalist, Richard Beattie, talk about Halloween and the globalization of seasons, consumerism, and regionalism.  This came from an Op-ed that James wrote in 2022 for Halloween.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

What it means to be human--If you look at history it could be "to err," or to "empathetic," or sympathetic. Can your computer be human? And with that can we become less human if artificial intelligence overtakes us. Wait! Can AI overtake us? Dr. James Spencer and producer Richard Beattie have a conversation or a brainstorm on human nature as well as dehumanization. Discover more Christian podcasts...

This is a special podcast with skateboarding pro, Josh Harmony. Dr. James Spencer and Nate Giarratano take us on a journey with Josh that has had its share of bumps and bruises! This is a two-part story. Remember: Wear a helmet.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

Dr. James Spencer makes the connection between dehumanization in the latest push towards AI with slavery, human trafficking and what we are becoming. This is one conversation that is useful and helpful in reaching an understanding on how to be "Thinking Christian."  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

Are you someone who takes time to think and process, rather than rushing to make decisions? In a world filled with distractions, being able to consciously determine how you're going to spend your time, who you're going to spend it with, and why you're going to do certain things is a gift. In this episode, Dr. James Spencer and Richard Arnold Beattie have a thoughtful conversation on Christian resi...

Here is the second part of the discussion between Dr. James Spencer and John Van Sloten on the connection between creation, arts and science. A good way to end the first week of "Thinking Christian."    Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

Is there a link to Scientific Method and Creative Process? On Jamesgspencer.com, we discuss the link with John Van Sloten on Think Radio, the artist once known as Talk Radio begins "thoughtful and useful conversations!" The new book by pastor and author John Van Sloten explores the connection to creation, the creator and science.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about...