

Outside Ourselves
1517 Podcasts
Outside Ourselves with Kelsi Klembara features conversations about God’s gift of faith. What does it mean for saving faith to stand outside of our abilities and works? Join Kelsi as she explores questions about the Christian faith with theologians and theology lovers. New episodes every other week. Outside Ourselves is a part of the 1517 Podcast Network.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 26, 2025 • 55min
Christian Identity and Vocation in Belfast
In the final Summer Break episode, Kelsi chats with Caleb and Nathan from @theologyontherise the 2021 movie, Belfast, and what it means to be given and identity rather than create one. They discuss how Belfast's main character, Buddy, wrestles with who he is as his parents simultaneously wrestle with a big family decision and where, while more descriptive than prescriptive, they see examples of Christian vocation throughout the film.Show Notes:Support 15171517 PodcastsThe 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 on YoutubeMore from Kelsi: Kelsi Klembara Follow Kelsi on Instagram Follow Kelsi on Twitter Kelsi's Newsletter Subscribe to the Show: Apple Podcasts Spotify YoutubeTheology on the Rise: YouTubeInstagram

Jul 15, 2025 • 41min
Tony Stark and the Infinity Saga: Eucatastrophe and Sacrifice
In this episode of Outside Ourselves Summer Break, 1517 executive director, Scott Keith, joins Kelsi to talk about the Marvel Cinematic Universe and specifically, the character arc of Tony Stark or Iron Man over the course of the Avengers: Infinity Saga series. Scott explains how J.R.R. Tolkien's term, eucatastrophe, is at play in the series. The two conclude that the hero's journey works as long as the hero emulated is Christ himself, and also discuss how we all long for a hero who doesn't lecture us, but saves us. Show Notes:Support 15171517 PodcastsThe 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 on YoutubeMore from Kelsi: Kelsi Klembara Follow Kelsi on Instagram Follow Kelsi on Twitter Kelsi's Newsletter Subscribe to the Show: Apple Podcasts Spotify YoutubeMore from Scott:The Thinking Fellows PodcastBeing Dad: Father as a Picture of God's Grace

Jul 1, 2025 • 40min
Law and Gospel in Jane Eyre
In this episode of Outside Ourselves: Summer Break, author, 1517 contributor, and internet theology whiz kid, Amy Mantravadi discuss theological themes in Charlotte Bronte's novel, Jane Eyre. Amy makes the argument that Jane's character development traces a law-gospel dynamic with Jane moving from a place of shame and condemnation to ultimately, resurrection.Show Notes:Support 15171517 PodcastsThe 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 on YoutubeMore from Kelsi: Kelsi Klembara Follow Kelsi on Instagram Follow Kelsi on Twitter Kelsi's Newsletter Subscribe to the Show: Apple Podcasts Spotify YoutubeMore from Amy:Broken Bonds: A Novel of the ReformationFollow Amy on XAmy's Substack

Jun 17, 2025 • 36min
Severance and a Theology of Suffering
Kelsi talks with pastor, author, and 1517 contributor, Bradley Gray, about themes of suffering in Apple TV's series, Severance. The two explore how the show reveals humanity's inability to escape suffering before turning to the Christian answer for pain, grief, and ultimately death.Show Notes:Support 15171517 PodcastsThe 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 on YoutubeMore from Kelsi: Kelsi Klembara Follow Kelsi on Instagram Follow Kelsi on Twitter Kelsi's Newsletter Subscribe to the Show: Apple Podcasts Spotify YoutubeMore from Bradley:Read "The Wounds We Run From" at 1517Brad's Book, Finding God in the DarknessBrad's Substack

Jun 3, 2025 • 43min
Wicked and the Gift of Limitations with Ken Sundet Jones
In this first episode of Outside Ourselves Summer Break series, Kelsi chats with Reformation Theology professor (and Broadway Musical Buff), Ken Sundet Jones, about the connections between Wicked and a theology of glory/theology of the cross. The two focus in on Elphaba's desire to live without limitation and where this desire leads - ironically not to freedom and goodness, but to wickedness and bondage.Show Notes:1517 Podcast Fundraiser1517 PodcastsThe 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 on YoutubeMore from Kelsi: Kelsi Klembara Follow Kelsi on Instagram Follow Kelsi on Twitter Kelsi's Newsletter Subscribe to the Show: Apple Podcasts Spotify YoutubeMore from Ken:The Iowa's Preacher ProjectWicked and the Limits of Freedom

May 20, 2025 • 1h 4min
Sin and the Christian Life with Luke Kjolhaug
In this conversation, Luke Kjolhaug, an author and pastor from Elam Lutheran Church, dives into his book, Sinner Saint: A Surprising Primer to the Christian Life. He explores the intriguing idea of simul iustus et peccator, showing how Christians can be both flawed and justified. Luke shares personal insights on faith, grace, and the importance of imputation, while tackling misconceptions around sanctification. Their discussion reveals how this duality can lead to a more authentic spiritual journey.

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May 7, 2025 • 1h 3min
The Dangers of Gospel Drift with Jared C. Wilson
Jared C. Wilson, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and author at For the Church, dives into the essential themes of his book, *Lest We Drift*. He outlines five dangers of drifting from gospel-centrality, emphasizing the importance of grace and Christ's righteousness in spiritual assurance. Wilson also addresses the fragmentation within evangelicalism, influenced by political divisions and social media, and urges believers to maintain their focus on gospel-centered preaching amidst cultural shifts.

Apr 22, 2025 • 1h
The Urgency of Grace with David Zahl
David Zahl joins Kelsi to talk about his new book, The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World.David Zahl is the director of Mockingbird Ministries and editor-in-chief of the Mockingbird website. David and his wife Cate reside in Charlottesville, VA with their three boys, where David also serves on the staff of Christ Episcopal Church. He is the author of Seculosity: How Career, Parenting, Technlogy, Food, Politics, and Romance Became Our New Religion and What To Do About It and Low Anthropology: The Unlikely Key to a Gracious View of Yourself. Show Notes:Support 15171517 PodcastsThe 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 on YoutubeMore from Kelsi: Kelsi Klembara Follow Kelsi on Instagram Follow Kelsi on Twitter Kelsi's Newsletter Subscribe to the Show: Apple Podcasts Spotify YoutubeMore from Dave: Preorder The Big ReliefMockingbird MinistriesListen to the Mockingcast

Apr 8, 2025 • 59min
Assurance of Salvation with Mark Mattes
Mark Mattes, a Professor of Theology and Philosophy at Grand View University, dives into the complex world of assurance of salvation. He critiques decision theology, suggesting it often leaves believers wondering if they're truly saved. Instead, he highlights that salvation is primarily God's work, emphasizing the biblical metaphor of new birth. Mattes argues for a faith rooted in Christ's promises rather than personal performance, advocating for the significance of sacraments in providing assurance. He also discusses the illusion of free will and the true nature of divine grace.

Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 2min
Forty Facets of the Ascension with Sarah Hinlicky Wilson
Sarah Hinlicky Wilson is back to talk about her latest book, Forty Facets of the Ascension. She breaks down the two Biblical accounts of the Ascension in Luke and Acts and talks about what the ascension tells us (and what it doesn't tell us) about Jesus as well as what it means for Christians. Find her kickstarter for the book linked below! Sarah Hinlicky Wilson is a prolific author of theology, fiction, and poetry. She is the founder of Thornbush Press and hosts the podcast Queen of the Sciences: Conversations between a Theologian and Her Dad. Born and raised in the U.S., Sarah has lived in Slovakia, France, and Japan.Show Notes:Support 15171517 PodcastsThe 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 on YoutubeMore from Kelsi: Kelsi Klembara Follow Kelsi on Instagram Follow Kelsi on Twitter Kelsi's Newsletter Subscribe to the Show: Apple Podcasts Spotify YoutubeMore from Sarah:Forty Facets of the Ascension KickstarterSarah's WebsiteSarah's Podcast