Thinking Fellows
The Thinking Fellows is a 45-minute podcast about theology, philosophy, Christian history, and apologetics. It is hosted by Scott Keith, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hilman. The Thinking Fellows bring high-level subject matters to fun and insightful lay-level conversations each week.
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Starting To Do Theology
04/18/2024
Starting To Do Theology
The Thinking Fellows discuss the basic methodological principles of theology. Commonly called prolegomena, the front matter of Christian dogmatics is outlining your purpose and methods. The fellows focus on the centrality of Sola Scriptura for Christian dogmatics and why differing conclusions arise between Christians. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/30888763
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Why Do Theology?
04/11/2024
Why Do Theology?
What is dogmatic or syetsmatic theology and why should you care about it? The Thinking Fellows introduce a new series on dogmatics. In the coming weeks and months, the Fellows will follow the outline of Franz Piepers dogmatics. Each episode will cover a common theological topic and teach the essence of these categories. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/30780708
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Christianity and Materialism
04/02/2024
Christianity and Materialism
To what extent should Christians engage with methodological materialism? This week, the fellows address the harms that the general adoption of materialism has caused. However, they also discuss the benefits of engaging with the material world and utilizing methodologies that arise out of materialism. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517 More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/30650303
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Preserving Christian Community
03/22/2024
Preserving Christian Community
The Thinking Fellows discuss the importance of the Christian community. How do we serve and preserve this community? The conversation focuses on how the distinction between law and gospel is essential. in the advancement and life of the community. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/30503573
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Are Roman Catholics Christians?
03/15/2024
Are Roman Catholics Christians?
Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hilman address the opinion that Roman Catholics are not Christians. The fellows conclude that Roman Catholics are not by necessity excluded from saving faith and trust in Jesus Christ. This leads to a conversation about how specific confessions and denominations are still necessary, even if affiliation with the correct group is not the sole indicator of saving faith. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/30382048
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The Reality And Utility Of The Three Estates
03/06/2024
The Reality And Utility Of The Three Estates
The Thinking Fellows get together and discuss how the concept of three ordered estates helps inform Christians in living out their vocations. Why do we so often focus on the political estate while skipping over the family and the church when talking about the problems in our world? The Fellows propose ideas as to how to apply an understanding of the estates in your life. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/30260043
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Just Preach the Gospel
02/20/2024
Just Preach the Gospel
The Thinking Fellows discuss why defining the Gospel carefully and constantly is essential. Many Christian organizations claim their mission is to preach the Gospel, but more often than not, what they mean by "gospel" is the law or simple Christian living. How do organizations like 1517 deal with criticism that they reduce or ignore Christian living in favor of a "just preach the gospel" mentality? Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/30035668
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Remembering Rod Rosenbladt
02/15/2024
Remembering Rod Rosenbladt
On this episode of the Thinking Fellows, we remember the legacy and impact of Rod Rosenbladt. The 1517 family mourns the death of Dr. Rod Rosenbladt. For many, he was known as “Dad Rod,” and to others, he was known as professor, friend, and mentor. To generations of budding theologians, he will be fondly remembered as a significant influence in molding and shaping their worldview by helping them to understand the freedom found in the nail-scarred hands and feet of Jesus as the Savior of the world. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/29978438
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How Do You Establish Christian Values?
02/05/2024
How Do You Establish Christian Values?
People who leave the Christian faith frequently cite a misalignment of personal values as a driving factor. What can Christians do with this information? Are there ways to establish and hold onto Christian values from generation to generation? How do our vocations impact our obligation to uphold and teach valued principles alongside the essentials of the faith Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/29809323
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Why is God Silent?
01/29/2024
Why is God Silent?
Is God silent? Can Christians hear the voice of God? Are there still prophets? The Thinking Fellows spend this week's episode addressing concerns and questions about the silence of God. Many people use God's supposed silence as proof of his existence. In contrast, others claim to have received specific revelations from him. The Thinking Fellows address the ways that God has and continues to speak to his creation. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/29700103
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The Decline of Christianity in Europe and the West
01/16/2024
The Decline of Christianity in Europe and the West
Magnus Persson joins Scott and Caleb Keith to discuss the decline of Christianity in Europe. The conversation leads to an important defining and reimagining of the Christian mission. Maguns and the Fellows conclude that the church needs to refocus Christians on the needs of their local neighbors to hear the Gospel. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/29511143
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Is Technology Evil?
01/10/2024
Is Technology Evil?
Is human technology innately evil? To what extent does technology enable or empower evil? The Thinking Fellows consider the reality that ever-advancing technologies surround and enhance our lives. They explore what it means that technology has no agency but is built and used by sinners. The episode closes with some ideas about using and adopting technology while being watchful. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/29431043
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Does Christmas Have Pagan Origins?
12/25/2023
Does Christmas Have Pagan Origins?
The Thinking Fellows discuss the idea that Christmas has pagan roots. They refute the notion that Christians stole critical religious practices and beliefs from older religions. They also discuss the reality of components of Christmas celebrations distinct from faith in Christ, such as Christmas trees, lights, and even the date of celebration, which are handed down pieces of culture rather than commands from Scripture. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/29224668
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The Science
12/18/2023
The Science
Can you trust the science? Science has brought many advancements and discoveries, but can it be relied upon? Is it possible to use scientific methodology while being skeptical of ideological conclusions? The Thinking Fellows discuss the importance of scientific methods and intellectual honesty in this week's episode. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/29132158
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Is Israel God's Chosen Nation?
12/06/2023
Is Israel God's Chosen Nation?
Show Notes: Hamas attacked Israel on October 7th, 2023; the bloody conflict leaves some Christians asking theological questions about the modern state of Israel. Is the current state of Israel or even contemporary Judaism the particular object of promises from God? Do Christians have an obligation to Israel and its political interests? The Thinking Fellows discuss the creation of Israel, asserting that it is a distinctly political object and not a nation specially chosen or preserved by God for eschatological reasons. What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/28964233
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Where Have Christians Gone?
11/27/2023
Where Have Christians Gone?
Where have all the Christians gone? New research reveals that this question is becoming more common as Americans abandon Christianity. Is this data helpful, and can it help guide those raising the next generation of Christians? Thinking Fellows: Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/28813363
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Freedom Lessons
11/16/2023
Freedom Lessons
Caleb and Bruce are joined by Blake Flattley and Flame to discuss their new album, Freedom Lessons. Freedom Lessons follows Luther's Small Catechism to bring the riches of God's forgiveness and freedom to audiences through a creative musical collaboration. The episode focuses on the artistic decisions necessary to make good music with a solid theological foundation and message. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/28673203
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The Impact of C.S. Lewis with Greg Koukl
11/06/2023
The Impact of C.S. Lewis with Greg Koukl
The Thinking Fellows are live from Here We Still Stand 2023. The original cast is joined by special guest Greg Koukl of Stand to Reason to discuss the lasting impact of C.S. Lewis. The conversation focuses on the ability of Lewis to communicate effectively and clearly across disciplines. Lewis stands as a model for Christians to learn how to declare and defend the good news that we are forgiven and free on account of Christ alone. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/28529987
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Gray Space Issues
11/01/2023
Gray Space Issues
In this episode, Caleb interviews Bruce about his new video series. Bruce is hosting a new series on X discussing gray space. Bruce defines gray space as those issues that are not solved with simple "black and white" answers. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/28491281
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Dealing with Doubt
10/21/2023
Dealing with Doubt
The Thinking Fellows talk about the tension between doubt and faith. Bruce and Adam specify the difference between existential and intellectual doubts. Finally, the Fellows think about how to address the doubts and pains of other Christians. The episode concludes with how Christians can declare confident and sure promises from Christ. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/28382657
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Revealed by Scripture Alone
10/13/2023
Revealed by Scripture Alone
The Thinking Fellows close their series on the Solas of the Reformation with an episode on Sola Scriptura or "Scripture Alone." The Thinking Fellows are led by Adam Francisco this week to highlight the centrality of Scripture. They discuss misunderstandings about Sola Scriptura and how the Scriptures reveal Christ and his Gospel. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/28309781
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On Account of Christ Alone
10/04/2023
On Account of Christ Alone
The Thinking Fellows discuss the history and importance of the phrase "Solus Christus" or Christ Alone. They cover why Christ Alone became a rallying cry of the reformation. Christ Alone excludes unbiblical ad-ons to justification and salvation like the other Solas of the Reformation. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/28228472
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Justified by Faith Alone
09/29/2023
Justified by Faith Alone
Faith alone is likely the earliest sola slogan used during the Reformation. The Thinking Fellows discuss why affirming justification by faith alone is so significant. Why do some traditions accept the idea of justification by faith but drop the "alone?" The Fellows close by explaining how faith alone delivers assurance to troubled and doubting consciences. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/28180568
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Saved by Grace Alone
09/18/2023
Saved by Grace Alone
What does it mean that we are saved by grace alone? The Thinking Fellows embarked on a new set of episodes focused on "Solas" of the Reformation. In this episode, they look at Sola Gratia or Grace Alone. They discuss the phrase's origin and use, outlining how the exclusive participle redefines and repositions the doctrine of grace within Lutheran Theology. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/28071108
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Virtue Ethics
09/11/2023
Virtue Ethics
Dr. John Hoyum hosts an episode of the Thinking Fellows discussing virtue ethics. The Fellows first define virtue ethics and its resurgence in Christian conversations. They then ask if virtue ethics is a helpful and good way of approaching the Christian life. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/28003512
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The Importance of Friendship
09/04/2023
The Importance of Friendship
The Thinking Fellows revisit the topic of friendship. Who are your friends, and why do you need them? Can your spouse fulfill the entirety of your need for friends? Is there a distinction between Christian and non-Christian friends? The fellows explore these questions and more. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/27936327
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Accountability
08/28/2023
Accountability
Are accountability groups a good idea? The Thinking Fellows discuss the potential use of accountability groups in the church. They suggest some ways in which carving out space for strong male friendships is valued in the church while being cautious about issues surrounding discipline and sanctification. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/27863376
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Movies with Meaning
08/19/2023
Movies with Meaning
The Thinking Fellows discuss movies they enjoy watching. The conversation revolves around the presence of theological and moral meaning in film. How should we interpret movies, and are they valuable or edifying for Christians to analyze and use in analogy? Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/27796116
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Do The Four Gospels Contradict?
08/09/2023
Do The Four Gospels Contradict?
Bruce, Adam, and Caleb discuss the textual and narrative differences between the four gospel accounts of Jesus' life and ministry. Should the differences worry Christians? How should Christians respond when confronted with supposed contradictions and errors in Scripture? Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/27704379
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Does God Want You To Be Happy?
07/31/2023
Does God Want You To Be Happy?
Is your happiness an indicator of God's relationship with you? Are emotions a good indicator of divine revelation? The Thinking Fellows consider the purpose and place of happiness in the Christian life. In doing so, they discuss why it's essential to re-center our definition of happiness and preach the happiness of the Gospel while not relying upon emotions for divine revelation. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts:
/episode/index/show/thinkingfellows/id/27617151