Are There Hidden Secrets in the Old Testament? Featuring Chad Bird
Thinking Fellows
Chad Bird joins the Thinking Fellows to challenge the popular idea that the Old Testament is a mysterious book filled with hidden codes and secret meanings waiting to be unlocked. Together, they examine the motivations and theological presuppositions that drive these approaches and why they often distort how Christians read Scripture. In contrast, the conversation offers a constructive vision for Old Testament study; one that emphasizes historical context, literary awareness, and the value of the original languages as gifts that clarify, rather than conceal, God’s Word. Show Notes: ...
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Can Christians Use Lethal Force
Thinking Fellows
In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, Scott Keith, and Bruce Hillman discuss the ethics of self-defense from a Christian perspective. They explore the moral complexity of using deadly force, particularly in situations involving the defense of oneself or others. The conversation highlights the doctrine of vocation and the tension between civil responsibility and Christian witness. Drawing on personal experiences, the hosts reflect on the difficulty of making ethical decisions under extreme pressure and ultimately emphasize the Christian’s dependence on...
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Has Lutheranism Failed?
Thinking Fellows
Has Lutheranism Failed? In this episode, the Thinking Fellows discuss the purpose and aim of the church to examine if Lutheranism in America has failed. The fellows assert the importance of defining the church's mission, the role of the Augsburg Confession, and the perception of Lutheranism in American society. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
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How Education Problems Affect Handing Down the Faith
Thinking Fellows
Reading and education outcomes in the United States have been declining for decades. In this episode, the Thinking Fellows examine how these trends have impacted Christian education and what Christians can contribute to America’s education crisis. Show Notes: More from the hosts:
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A Review of David (Angel Studios 2025)
Thinking Fellows
Scott and Caleb review the new animated David movie. More than just another David and Goliath retelling, the film attempts to capture David’s full transformation from shepherd to king. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
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The Worst Phrases Christians Use
Thinking Fellows
In this fun episode, the Thinking Fellows take turns sharing some of their least-favorite phrases or platitudes that Christians use. They discuss how these platitudes can discourage fellow believers and how they often function as a way to fill silence while avoiding the real vocational needs of our neighbors. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
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Year End Announcement from 1517
Thinking Fellows
As we close out 2025, 1517 and the Podcast Network are asking listeners to support our mission to declare and defend the good news that you are forgiven and free on account of Christ. This Advent, we’re focusing on how Christ alone brings sinners home. That’s the message we proclaim week after week through podcasts, sermon helps, videos, and articles and it’s the message your financial support carries into 2026 and beyond.
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When Christians Contradict Themselves
Thinking Fellows
The Thinking Fellows examine the Ligonier 2025 State of Theology Survey. They identify a major recurring theme: Christians are contradicting themselves. Fundamental questions about the nature of God, the authority of Scripture, and the work of Jesus are answered correctly by most respondents. However, the same individuals then give contradictory answers to adjacent questions such as the nature of the Holy Spirit, whether Christians must adhere to biblical morality, or whether the worship of false gods saves. The Fellows discuss catechesis and the impact of culture on what people say and what...
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Where Lutheranism Disagrees with Thomas Aquinas
Thinking Fellows
In this episode of the Thinking Fellows, we take a closer look at the growing interest in Thomas Aquinas especially among younger evangelicals and even many Lutherans. We talk through why Aquinas is appealing to so many today, but also why the Lutheran Reformers pushed back on key parts of his theology. That includes the big questions of grace, salvation, and whether human effort plays any role in standing before God. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
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Why Mormonism Isn’t Christianity
Thinking Fellows
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regularly presents itself as a Christian church. In this episode, the Thinking Fellows examine what Mormons get wrong about Christianity and how LDS doctrine leads its followers to worship a false god. Mormonism is not Christian; it is a fabricated religion built on teachings that contradict the Gospel and the historic faith. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
info_outlineCaleb, Scott, and Adam take up the question: was Peter the first pope? They follow this with a conversation about why contemporary Lutherans need not long for the ecclesiology of Rome or the papacy. In the second half of the episode, the Fellows discuss the growing number of pastoral vacancies in the LCMS. They encourage patience and thoughtful reflection as congregations navigate this challenging reality.
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What’s New from 1517:
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The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley
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Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi
More from the hosts: