Thinking Christian: Clear Theology for a Confusing World

In this episode of Thinking Christian, James Spencer and Nate Giarratano take a deep dive into the complexities of meritocracy, systemic sin, and hiring practices. Using personal stories and broader cultural conversations—sparked by a recent presidential speech—they examine whether hiring is ever truly based on merit alone. They explore how networks, relationships, and institutional structures shape hiring decisions, sometimes in ways we fail to recognize. Does meritocracy really exist? How should Christians think about hiring in ministry and beyond? And how does our dependence on God shape the way we navigate these realities? Join the conversation as James and Nate unpack these issues and challenge common assumptions about qualifications, fairness, and faith-led decision-making. Listen to James's conversation with Kaitlyn Beatty on The Evangelical Bro Code here. You can access James' article on the way the "bro code" impacts men here.  🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Can Christians faithfully engage in politics without compromising their convictions? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer is joined by Dr. Jesse Covington, Dr. Brian T. McGraw, and Dr. Micah Watson, co-authors of Hopeful Realism: Evangelical Natural Law and Democratic Politics. Together, they explore how natural law provides a foundation for engaging in the public square while maintaining theological integrity. 📖 Topics Covered: What is natural law, and why should evangelicals care? How does natural law shape Christian engagement in politics? The dangers of both political withdrawal and theocratic overreach How to share governance in a pluralistic society while upholding biblical truth The role of prudence in navigating difficult political issues, such as abortion policy 🎙 Listen now to learn how natural law can help Christians be faithful participants in politics without losing sight of the gospel. 📚 Get the book with an exclusive 20% discount at IVP! Visit ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount). 🔗 Explore more biblical resources at UsefulToGod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, James and Nate explore the razor-thin line Christian journalism walks between accountability and bearing false witness. Prompted by a controversy at the NRB convention, they discuss the tension between exposing sin and rushing to judgment, the biblical framework for justice and accountability, and the consequences of premature or biased reporting. How should Christians navigate the flood of information in a digital age? What does real accountability look like—for both accused and accuser? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on truth, responsibility, and the impact of Christian media on the witness of the Church. For more thoughts on the verses and ideas discussed in this episode, see James's article titled "Beyond the Scandal: Rethinking Christian Journalism in an Age of Speed and Spectacle" at usefultogod.com/read. 🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

he church is at a crossroads. With rising disaffiliation and declining trust, how can we re-engage the next generation? How do we stop the drift and disciple effectively in today's world? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer welcomes Raymond Chang, Executive Director of 10x10 Collaboration at Fuller Seminary and co-author of Future Focused Church. They explore: 📌 Key Topics:✅ The "10x10" Initiative: Engaging 10 million young people in faith over 10 years✅ Why are so many young adults leaving the church? (And how do we respond?)✅ How relational discipleship can transform church engagement✅ The biggest leadership & trust challenges churches face today✅ How to build a "Transformation Team" to drive church renewal✅ Why churches need a change map: Here, There, Who, & How✅ Practical steps for reshaping church culture & mission 🎧 This episode is essential listening for pastors, ministry leaders, and anyone passionate about the future of the church. 🔗 Resources & Links:📖 Get the Book: Future Focused Church 🌍 Learn More About 10x10: www.tenx10.org📚 More from Fuller Youth Institute: Fuller Youth Institute 🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Is your work-life balance out of sync? Do you struggle with burnout, workaholism, or feeling like your job defines you? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Ariana Malloy, communication professor at Biola University and author of Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work, to unpack the dangers of job idolatry, the power of Sabbath, and how humility helps us maintain a sustainable calling. Key Topics Covered:✅ How to recognize when your calling is becoming an idol✅ The difference between a job, a career, and a calling—and why calling leads to the most burnout✅ How Christian organizations unintentionally pressure employees into overwork✅ Practical Sabbath rhythms to break the cycle of exhaustion✅ The three aspects of humility that protect against burnout✅ Why accountability should go beyond moral failure to include work-life balance 🎙 Ariana also shares her personal journey with workaholism and burnout—plus practical strategies for staying on the right side of healthy calling. 🔗 Resources Mentioned:📖 Get Ariana Malloy’s Book – Healthy Calling (20% off with code for IVP- use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount) 👉 IVP Press 🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As AI and digital technology become more embedded in our daily lives, what does it really mean to be human? Are we losing our sense of identity, community, and embodied faith? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Dr. Shane Wood, New Testament professor at Ozark Christian College, to explore how technology is shaping our understanding of humanity, relationships, and discipleship—and what Scripture has to say about it. 📌 Key Discussion Points:✅ How has AI changed the way we relate to each other and to God?✅ Are we outsourcing our spiritual formation and decision-making to technology?✅ Why efficiency isn't always a virtue—and how technology can distort human flourishing✅ Does technology weaken our sense of community, or can it strengthen it?✅ What role does effort, embodiment, and limitation play in being truly human?✅ The hidden dangers of transactional relationships & the “algorithmic” mindset✅ The theological significance of boundaries, dependence on God, and true discipleship 🎧 Join us as we reflect on how Christians can engage with technology wisely—without losing our humanity. 🔗 Resources & Links:🌍 Explore Shane Wood’s Work – ShaneJWood.com 🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Technology and faith often seem like opposing forces, but what happens when a Christian innovator steps into the artificial intelligence space with a mission to transform education? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Mark Naufel, CEO and founder of Axio, an AI company dedicated to reshaping how people learn, grow, and engage with knowledge. Mark shares his personal faith journey, growing up in a Lebanese Christian family and later transitioning into a Protestant, non-denominational context. His passion for faith and technology led him to found Axio, a platform designed to personalize education through AI while preserving the values and beliefs of individual users. Together, they explore how AI can be leveraged for good—enhancing education, mentorship, and personal growth—without replacing the irreplaceable: human connection and community. They discuss AI’s role in addressing gaps in education, from personalized tutoring to career mentoring, and how Axio ensures that faith-based learning remains accessible and engaging. Mark also shares insights on the broader implications of AI, the future of work, and why the Church must engage with technological advancements rather than retreat from them. He highlights the importance of Christian communities being active participants in shaping AI’s future, ensuring that it serves as a tool for discipleship rather than detachment. Key Topics Discussed: Mark’s journey from a Catholic upbringing in Lebanon to a Protestant faith in the U.S. The role of AI in education, mentorship, and faith-based learning How Axio personalizes learning while maintaining biblical values The importance of maintaining real-world community in an increasingly digital age The future of work and the ethical considerations of AI How churches can embrace technology for discipleship and community building 🔗 Learn more about Axio: axio.ai📩 Interested in beta testing Axio for homeschooling? Reach out to Mark directly at mark@axio.ai 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. 🔗 Explore More at UsefulToGod.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Will artificial intelligence shape the future of Christian discipleship, ministry, and outreach? Chase Capo, leader in AI relationship development for Glue, joins Dr. James Spencer on Thinking Christian to explore how faith-based AI is offering a powerful alternative to mainstream models like ChatGPT. 📌 Key Discussion Topics:✅ What makes Christian AI different from secular AI?✅ How AI can help churches disciple more effectively✅ The danger of AI “built on sand” & why faith-based AI needs strong foundations✅ How AI models like Glue’s Kingdom-Aligned LLM are trained to uphold biblical truth✅ The role of AI in filtering information overload & helping Christians focus✅ How AI is already being used by churches, radio stations, and ministries to reach more people✅ The future of personalized AI for discipleship, evangelism, and ministry strategy 🎧 If you've ever wondered how AI can serve the church rather than undermine it, this episode is for you. 🔗 Resources & Links:🤖 Learn More About Glue AI & Faith Assistant – FaithAssistant.com 🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

s technology shaping us more than we realize? Are we losing our ability to rest, reflect, and be present? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Dr. Felicia Wu Song, sociologist and author of Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place in the Digital Age (InterVarsity Press). They explore how digital technology influences our sense of self, why constant connectivity isn’t neutral, and how Christians can resist being shaped by algorithms instead of by God. 📌 Key Discussion Topics:✅ The hidden ways digital media rewires our attention and habits✅ Marshall McLuhan & Neil Postman—what they got right about the power of media✅ Why modern tech trains us to consume, not reflect✅ The rise of digital exhaustion—why even Gen Z is feeling the burnout✅ Recovering personhood & presence—practical ways to reclaim attention and space✅ How Christians can build “analog” rhythms that resist digital overreach 🎧 Listen in for a timely conversation on how we can become more thoughtful, present, and grounded in a world designed to keep us distracted. 🔗 Resources & Links:📖 Restless Devices – Buy at ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount)  🌐 Dr. Felicia Wu Song’s Website – feliciawusong.com 🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Technology is shaping our world at an unprecedented rate—but how should Christians respond? Are we thoughtfully engaging with the digital world, or are we being shaped by it in ways we don’t even realize? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Dr. Derek Schuurman, Professor of Computer Science at Calvin University and author of Shaping a Digital World: Faith, Culture, and Computer Technology. Together, they explore how theology, technology, and Christian discipleship intersect in our increasingly digital lives. 📌 Key Discussion Points:✅ How does the biblical narrative shape our approach to technology?✅ Are we using technology wisely, or is it using us?✅ Theological insights from Genesis, the Tower of Babel, and eschatology✅ Are AI, social media, and digital tools eroding true human connection?✅ How Christians can practice discernment in an efficiency-driven world✅ Why technology is not neutral—and how we can shape it responsibly✅ McLuhan’s Four Laws of Media & how they help us evaluate new tech✅ Practical ways to maintain human flourishing in a digital-first culture 🎧 This episode is a must-listen for anyone wrestling with how to live faithfully in an age of rapid technological change. 🔗 Resources & Links:📖 Get Derek Schuurman’s Book: Shaping a Digital World at IVP (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount) 🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.