Thinking Fellows

After spending two episodes dealing with the apparent tension between justification and good works we dedicate another installment to the doctrine of vocation. Good works are not opposed to our justification, but it is clear from the Scriptures that they do not earn sinners status before God. The question then arises, what good or to what aim are good works? Sit back, relax, and grab a drink as we...

On this episode of the show, the Fellows tackle synergism. This error has been present in every age of Christianity and poses unique challenges to Christianity in America. Sit back, relax, grab a drink and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Here We Still Stand 2018 Heidelberg Disputation Caleb Keith on the Prodigal Son      

Drs. Keith and Rosenbladt are back on the show to talk about repentance. Also on this episode is a friend and guest, Aaron Pederson. Looking from Scripture and Luther we ask the question is repentance a gift of faith or a work towards faith? Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and join the conversation. Show Notes: 1517 Academy Being Dad Thinking Fellows on Johan Arndt Donate    

Caleb Keith and Dr. Adam Francisco are joined by a guest to talk about the liberal arts and classical education. Our guest today is Dr. C.J. Armstrong. Dr. Armstrong teaches Theology, Classical Languages, and Ancient History at Concordia University Irvine. On this episode, we talk about why classical education isn't just for academics but helps shape the worldview of people in all stations of life...

Caleb Keith and Dr. Adam Francisco talk about the political history of the Reformation. Dr. Francisco takes the conversation back all the way to the fall of Rome to help render a clear picture of what political system Luther faced and worked within. While not a secular reformer, Luther's political impact is impossible to ignore. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show notes The Res...

Caleb Keith interviews Dr. Montgomery about his background and beginning in apologetics. For Dr. Montgomery, apologetics starts by asking questions about truth and the pursuit of knowledge. This conversation leads up to talk about the approach to learning apologetics and how to handle tough issues in the midst of evangelism. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.  Show Notes:  History,...

On this episode of the Thinking Fellows, Dr. Keith talks to David Zahl about Mockingbird Ministries. Zahl is the director of Mockingbird, and author, and podcast host. This episode highlights the annual Mockingbird conference in NYC and many of the other resources that they produce. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: About Mockingbird Law and Gospel: A Theology for Sinn...

Chad Bird joined the Thinking Fellows at the Here We Still Stand conference in San Diego to talk about his new book. Night Driving: Notes from a Prodigal Soul. This book wrestles with sin and grace in the midst of turmoil. The entire book points to the redemptive work of Christ and the extra nos gift of life and salvation. On this episode, Chad gives a sneak peek at a handful of the chapters. Sit...

As one of the last episodes in our latest series about the great ideas of the Reformation, we talk about the relationship between faith and reason. The Fellows discuss Luther's famous quotes about reason and then delve into issues facing our post-modern culture. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.    Show Notes: The Ressurection Fact Martin Luther: The Problem with Faith and Reason...

The Reformation was not an isolated event; it had an impact not only in Germany but throughout the world. The Reformation was also impacted by forces outside the Church including the impending threat of Islam. For the Lutheran reformers knowing about Islam was essential for the preservation of Christians who might be captured in war or invasion. Sit back, relax, grab a drink and enjoy the show. Th...

The Heidelberg Disputation represents the first time that Reformational theology emerges as a whole. In this work, Dr. Luther highlights 28 fundamental truths of the Christian faith. Almost every major issue of the Reformation is covered in bite-sized sentences. The Fellows outline the context, history, and impact of the disputation as a lead up the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Sit back,...

The Thinking Fellows are together with Dr. Wade Johnston to discuss Matthias Flacius. This episode serves as a crossover between our series on great thinkers of the Christian faith and our current Reformation topics. Flacius was a significant figure in the later Lutheran Reformation and had a large impact on the topics within the Formula of Concord. Sit back, relax, grab a drink and enjoy the show...

After a long summer of traveling guest episodes, the Fellows are back in Southern California recording together. The Thinking Fellows are joined by Dr. Wade Johnston to discuss his two books, A Path Strewn With Sinners and An Uncompromising Gospel . The fire of the Reformation was fueled by lay education. To that end, both books are meant for study at the lay level, no Ph. D. or formal training ne...

On this episode, the fellows are once again joined by Dr. Nestingen and Prof. Pless. This time, we tackle listener questions about doctrine and the differences between Norwegian and German Lutheranism. As a bonus, we recorded this episode in Bergen Norway, and some of our Norwegian hosts join us in the second half of the show. Sit back relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.  Show Notes: Here We...

The Thinking Fellows are joined by Dr. Jim Nestingen and Rev. John Pless to talk about their new book titled  The Necessary Distinction.  On this episode, we cover basic questions concerning Law and Gospel and the important difference between distinguishing and separating these two vital doctrines. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.  Show Notes: The Necessary Distinction Here We St...

"What Drove Luther's Hammer" is a look behind the curtain of Martin Luther's reasons for reform. Dr. Rosenbladt reanimates his classic lecture as a conversation between two old friends. So, sit back, grab a drink, light your pipe, and join us in the fun. Show Notes: Here We Still Stand Three Treatises Bainton Kittleson Rupp

Dr. Keith is once again joined by Dr. Jim Nestingen, this time to discuss the relationship between Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon.  The dynamic between these two reformers is often misrepresented or misunderstood. Melanchthon and Luther worked together not only as colleagues but as friends to bring about the Lutheran Reformation as we know it. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the sho...

Dr. Scott Keith and Pastor Paul Koch talk about their new book The Jagged Word Field Guide To Being A Man. This book deals with the topic of masculinity and the need for friendship, family, and vocation in the pursuit of manliness. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.  Show Notes: The Jagged Word Field Guide To Being A Man Woman The Forgotten Story The Jagged Word Website The Art of...

Welcome to a special episode of the Thinking Fellows with producer Caleb Keith and guest Donovan Riley. Pastor Riley has been on the show twice before to talk about Martin Luther and the Bondage of the Will. This week, he tackles the idea behind the phrase "Here I Stand" and why Lutherans continue in the tradition of Standing firm in the Gospel. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. ...

Dr. James Nestingen joins the show once again, this time for an episode on the later life of Dr. Martin Luther. Dr. Scott Keith and Pastor Kevin McClain sit with Dr. Nestingen to hear some great stories about the great reformer. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes:  Donate Episode One on Luther Luther Biographies Luther's Works: Genesis Commentary  Good Shepherd Lutheran...

Soli Deo Gloria is the final turn of the screw in the Sola formula that reminds us that salvation is not our own doing but belongs to God alone. This is the last of the "Sola" episodes and also serves as a highlight of the Here We Still Stand conference. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.  Show Notes: Here We Still Stand Donate to the Thinking Fellows The Church is a Morgue  Facebo...

On this episode of the Thinking Fellows, Dr. Keith is Joined by Paul and Cindy Koch to talk about Cindy's new book. The book, Woman the Forgotten Story, offers incredible comfort, gives guidance, and teaches everyone who listens to a wisdom that saves lives. From the creative voice of God, through the death of a Savior, to the walk of Wisdom, hear and remember the forgotten story of woman. Sit bac...

On this episode, the Fellows talk about the center of Christianity. In Christ alone lies the hope of salvation! Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.    Show Notes:  Christ Alone Booklet The Bible in an Hour Jesus the Messiah Cur Deus Homo The Lady Jesus Called a Dog How Bach Became a Hit in Japan

This week, the Fellows talk about Faith Alone. Faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit that works intricately with the other Solas. Dr. Francisco gives the historical background of Sola Fide while Dr. Keith talks about some doctrinal implications. Sit back, relax, grab a drink and enjoy the show.  Show Notes: Here We Still Stand What are the 5 Solas of the Reformation Thinking Fellows Episode on Faith

On Episode two of the Great Ideas of the Reformation series, we talk about Sola Gratia or Grace Alone. The concept of Grace Alone is adopted by many traditions. However, they don't always mean the same thing. We talk about the different definitions people place on the word grace and how the grace of God comes to sinners. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.   Show Notes: Here We Stil...