Thinking Fellows

Thinking Fellows is a podcast that explores Christian theology, apologetics, history, and doctrine through lay-level conversations. Hosted by Scott Keith, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hilman, this show engages deep theological topics with clarity, scholarly insight, and a commitment to share the Gospel message. Whether discussing the proper distinction between law and gospel, the defense of the Christian faith, or the rich history of Reformation theology, the Thinking Fellows bring engaging and thoughtful conversation grounded in Scripture.

Lost in Translation? 09/18/2026

Lost in Translation? In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hillman discuss how important Greek and Hebrew are for pastors and theologians. They talk about the benefits of studying the biblical languages, the limits of knowing only a little, and how modern tools and English translations can help with Bible study. They also explain how these skills can serve the church by helping pastors understand Scripture, answer difficult questions, and give Christians confidence in the Word of God. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: Follow 1517: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/42949443

Are We Being Formed by AI? 09/15/2026

Are We Being Formed by AI? In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hillman talk about how Christians should think about AI and how it is changing the way we work, think, and interact with the world. They discuss AI as a powerful tool and an environment that is shaping us, along with questions about writing, education, truth, technology, and the growing role of AI in everyday life. Most importantly, they argue that Christians should be grounded in God’s Word and the truth of the Gospel so that we do not look to AI for answers that only Christ can give. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: Follow 1517: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/42905737

Apologetics, Academia and Algorithms 09/04/2026

Apologetics, Academia and Algorithms In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hillman talk about the state of modern Christian apologetics. They discuss Adam’s recent apologetics conference in Cambridge, the value of serious Christian scholarship, and why clear thinking and clear writing still matter. They also look at materialism, science, certainty, and the ways Christians can respond when anti-Christian ideas show up on their phones and online. Follow 1517: More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/42742760

Law and Gospel with Rod Rosenbladt 08/28/2026

Law and Gospel with Rod Rosenbladt In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Caleb Keith, Scott Keith, and Daniel Emery Price listen to an old recording from Rod Rosenbladt and discuss the Lutheran view of Law and Gospel. They explain that the Law shows us our sin and puts the old sinner to death, while the Gospel gives life through Christ and has the final word. They also discuss Christian freedom, antinomianism, vocation, and why the Gospel is what creates new life. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/42577980

Summer Reading Roundup 08/21/2026

Summer Reading Roundup In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, Bruce Hillman, and Scott Keith share their summer reading lists, ranging from the Bible and church fathers to history, politics, philosophy, fiction, and swimming. Their conversation explores everything from the transition of Rome from paganism to Christianity and Thomas Sowell’s ideas about human nature to the problem of evil and the history of Finland during World War II. They also discuss Lutheran scholarship, vocation and theological disagreement. Adam Francisco The Bible — New Living Translation (NLT) The Quran Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Struggles — Thomas Sowell Bruce Hillman On Death and Eternal Life — Gregory of Nyssa The Oxford Reading and Philosophy: Problem of Evil — Marilyn McCord Adams (editor) Scott Keith The Long Way Home: A Journey into the History of Captain Robert Ford — Ed Dover The Fourth Option — Jack Carr The Spy Who Came in from the Cold — John le Carré Ice — Ulla-Lena Lundberg How Finland Survives Stalin: From the Winter War to the Cold War, 1939–1950 — Kimmo Rentola Why We Swim — Bonnie Tsui Caleb Keith The Final Pagan Generation: Rome’s Unexpected Path to Christianity — Edward J. Watts The Pieper Lectures: The Lutheran Doctrine of Vocation, Vol. 11 — various authors More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: Follow 1517: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/42500395

Is Your Church Healthy or Dying? 08/14/2026

Is Your Church Healthy or Dying? What makes a church "healthy"? In this episode of the Thinking Fellows, Caleb Keith, Scott Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hillman examine the popular language of healthy churches, church growth, and discipleship. They question whether marketing metrics have replaced the biblical marks of the church and argue that the true measure of the church is the faithful preaching of Christ crucified and the right administration of the sacraments. Rather than chasing marketing strategies or growth models, they contend that the church exists to deliver the forgiveness of sins through Word and Sacrament, trusting God's promises instead of chasing the latest trends. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: Follow 1517: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/42349275

Whose Father was Abraham? 07/31/2026

Whose Father was Abraham? On this episode of Thinking Fellows, the guys ask what it means to call Christianity, Judaism, and Islam the “Abrahamic faiths.” They look at the history of the term and what these religions actually share. They also explain why their differences, especially about Jesus Christ, matter more than the label and how Christians can talk with Jews and Muslims without losing the truth of the Gospel. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: Follow 1517: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/42282995

Challenging Children's Church 07/24/2026

Challenging Children's Church In this episode of Thinking Fellows, the guys discuss the ongoing debate over children's church and whether kids should be separated from adults during worship. They argue that Christian worship is more than age appropriate teaching. God works through the proclamation of His Word and the sacraments for believers of every age, making children an important part of the gathered church. Drawing from Scripture, Luther, and recent research, they make the case that worshiping together as families helps pass the faith from one generation to the next and forms children in ways that children's church alone cannot. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: Follow 1517: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/42199350

Can We Trust Luther? 07/17/2026

Can We Trust Luther? In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Adam, Bruce, and Caleb explore whether Martin Luther can be trusted, responding to modern critiques that question his character, motives, and mental state as a way of dismissing the Reformation. They argue that while Luther was at times emotional, outspoken, and flawed, his theology should be judged by how faithfully it interprets Scripture rather than by speculative psychological diagnoses or personal attacks. Along the way, they discuss how Luther's humanity, historical context, and extensive writings have fueled both serious scholarship and polemical caricatures, encouraging listeners to evaluate his teaching on its biblical merits. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: Follow 1517: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/42122940

The Turk at the Door 07/09/2026

The Turk at the Door In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Adam Francisco discusses his new book The Turk at the Door, exploring how Martin Luther understood Islam, the Ottoman Empire, and the challenges facing Christendom during the Reformation. The conversation examines Luther's distinction between just war and holy war, his study of the Quran, and why Christians should understand Islam without confusing political conflict with the proclamation of the Gospel. They discuss why this overlooked chapter of Reformation history still matters today as Christians engage thoughtfully and faithfully with their Muslim neighbors. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/42017875

Are Young Men Coming Back To Church? 07/01/2026

Are Young Men Coming Back To Church? Caleb, Scott, and Bruce discuss the claim that young men are making a dramatic return to regular church attendance. They examine the data and the growing implications of the widening differences between young men and young women in their dispositions toward Christianity. Ultimately, the fellows urge caution and patience, warning against adopting a new "seeker-sensitive" approach to church in an attempt to capitalize on these trends. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: Follow 1517: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/41921955

Lutheranism in Finland w/ Toni Kokkonen 06/17/2026

Lutheranism in Finland w/ Toni Kokkonen In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Dr. Scott Keith and Caleb Keith discuss the state of Christianity in Finland with pastor and youth director Toni Kokkonen. The conversations examines how Lutheranism shaped Finnish culture and identity, the challenges posed by secularization and debates within the Finnish state church, and the role of confessional renewal movements seeking to remain faithful to Scripture. Despite cultural and ecclesial challenges, the episode highlights encouraging signs among younger generations who are deeply engaged with theology, worship, and the future of Lutheran Christianity in Finland. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/41669515

Jesus vs. Paul? The Myth of a Divided New Testament 06/12/2026

Jesus vs. Paul? The Myth of a Divided New Testament Did the Apostle Paul invent Christianity? Did his teachings contradict the message of Jesus? These claims have become increasingly common in popular books, documentaries, podcasts, and online discussions. The Fellows refute this idea and present compelling reasons to see and believe that the New Testament speaks with one voice. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: Follow 1517: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/41628770

Certainty and Assurance 06/05/2026

Certainty and Assurance The Thinking Fellows discuss proclimation, apologetics, and epistemology. What does it mean that the Christian faith is certain? How does certainty of God's word differ from analytic certainty like mathmatics? The certainty of the Christian faith comes from a divine word of promise that points us to the death and ressurection of Christ for both knowledge and faith. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: Follow 1517: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/41553655

What Is the Athanasian Creed, and Why Does It Matter? 05/30/2026

What Is the Athanasian Creed, and Why Does It Matter? Caleb Keith and John Hoyum discuss the content and purpose of the Athanasian Creed. What is this third ecumenical creed, and why do Lutherans still confess it today? More from 1517: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/41478345

How American Christianity Lost Baptism 05/25/2026

How American Christianity Lost Baptism “America was designed to destroy baptism” is a famous quote from Dr. Steven Paulson and his appearance on the Thinking Fellows live show in 2017. Caleb and Scott are joined by Dan van Voorhis to examine the truth behind Dr. Paulson’s statement. Together, they explore the rejection of infant baptism in American Protestantism and how this shift has often turned faith and knowledge into meritorious works within Protestant theology. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/41418650

What Do Christians Have to Say About Hell? 05/15/2026

What Do Christians Have to Say About Hell? The Thinking Fellows examine one of Christianity’s most difficult and avoided topics: hell. In a world where many people either explain hell away or imagine it through the lens of Dante and Milton rather than Scripture, the Fellows discuss what Christians can seriously and straightforwardly confess about eternal judgment. Looking especially to the teaching and ministry of Jesus Christ, the conversation explores how Christians can speak honestly about hell without falling into speculation, sensationalism, or silence. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/41308945

Does God Have a Plan for Your Life? 05/05/2026

Does God Have a Plan for Your Life? The Thinking Fellows examine a common question about the Christian life and God’s power and plans. What are common mistakes made when talking about God ordaining or planning the events and conditions in our lives? In what ways is it true that God has a plan for you? The conversation leads people toward the finished work of Christ and God’s means of communication to his people. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/41166970

Do I Have A Guardian Angel? 04/20/2026

Do I Have A Guardian Angel? The Bible is clear that angels exist. The question for Christians is: what does the Church need to confess about angels? What do popular depictions of guardian angels or miraculous encounters with angels get right and wrong? The Fellows outline the biblical depiction of angels and present a positive picture of how God uses them to accomplish His purposes. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/40929895

Demons Are Real But Christians Don’t Need to Be Afraid 04/10/2026

Demons Are Real But Christians Don’t Need to Be Afraid Contemporary Christianity often ignores or understates the realities and existence of spiritual warfare and spiritual beings. The naturalistic Western world views these things as superstitious. How can Christians talk about the existence and work of demons without being sensationalized? The Thinking Fellows discuss demons in plain and simple terms, encouraging fellow believers to do the same. Yes, demons are real, but Christians do not need to be afraid because we already possess victory over them. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/40803195

Just War Theology and the Christian Conscience 04/03/2026

Just War Theology and the Christian Conscience Adam Francisco, Bruce Hilman, and Caleb Keith discuss just war theology. Just war attempts to give Christians a framework within which their conscience can find comfort as rulers, soldiers, and citizens carrying out their vocations. Just war theology can be a useful tool, but it also has limits. Most importantly, participation in a just war does not justify the sinner. Justification happens apart from any just fulfillment of our vocations. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/40727400

Go To Church 03/29/2026

Go To Church What is the difference between habitually missing church or removing it from your life, and simply missing a service? In this episode, the Thinking Fellows discuss the essential nature of gathering together as the Church while also considering how to admonish attendance without attacking faithful members who occasionally miss services. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/40656975

Did Jesus Claim to Be God? 03/19/2026

Did Jesus Claim to Be God? Did Jesus, in his ministry and preaching, ever claim to be God? Many anti-Christian voices today promote the false idea that Jesus neither claimed divinity nor sought to convince his followers of it. This video offers a clear, accessible overview of how the Gospels present Jesus’ divine nature—and how his words and works fulfill that claim. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/40547710

Confessional, Evangelical, and Catholic with Magnus Persson 03/11/2026

Confessional, Evangelical, and Catholic with Magnus Persson Scott and Caleb are joined by Magnus Persson to talk about what it means to be confessional. Magnus discusses the importance of the Lutheran Confessions and how the church is called to be both evangelical and catholic in its mission. A confessional church proclaims the Gospel while upholding the universal truths and gifts God gives to the church to proclaim and teach. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/40403990

Thinking About a Post-Christian West 03/04/2026

Thinking About a Post-Christian West The Thinking Fellows discuss various projects, essays, and books they have been working on. The connecting theme is how to proclaim and teach the Gospel in a post-Christian society: comforting and sustaining the members of the Church while announcing the death and resurrection of Christ to a world in need. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/40318305

Reasons To Be Lutheran 02/26/2026

Reasons To Be Lutheran The Thinking Fellows list and discuss reasons to embrace Lutheranism in 2026. The hosts take turns outlining the compelling distinctives of the Lutheran confession of faith, from the Christ-centered nature of Lutheran theology to the shape and content of worship, the place of children in the life of the Church, and the doctrine of vocation. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/40235775

A Reasoned Defense of the Faith 02/18/2026

A Reasoned Defense of the Faith In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, Caleb Keith, Bruce Hillman, Adam Francisco, and Scott Keith discuss the new book 'A Reasoned Defense of the Faith' from 1517 publishing. The conversation explores the role of apologetics in addressing contemporary religious challenges, particularly focusing on Islam and the importance of positive apologetics. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/40156390

Identifying The Antichrist 02/10/2026

Identifying The Antichrist How can you know who the Antichrist is, or when he is coming? Many predictions focus on hidden signs, secret symbols, and unfolding world events. But Scripture speaks far less sensationally: the Antichrist has come, is here, and will continue to arise wherever powers, religions, and worldviews deny the person and work of Jesus Christ. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/40062715

Abortion: Serious Questions Christians Should Be Prepared to Answer 02/03/2026

Abortion: Serious Questions Christians Should Be Prepared to Answer Christians should be prepared to give clear and faithful answers to hard questions about what they believe. When it comes to abortion, many Christians hold strong biblical convictions, yet find themselves stumbling when those convictions are challenged or pressed in conversation. In this episode, the Thinking Fellows address serious and common questions surrounding abortion questions about law, life, conscience, and forgiveness. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/39980915

Are There Hidden Secrets in the Old Testament? Featuring Chad Bird 01/27/2026

Are There Hidden Secrets in the Old Testament? Featuring Chad Bird 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: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/39898270

Thinking Fellows

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