

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

Oct 7, 2025 • 1h 4min
The Significance of Singleness with Dani Treweek
This week, Kelsi chats with author and theologian, Dani Treweek about her work on singleness and the church, and in particular, her new book, "Single Ever After: A Biblical Vision for the Significance of Singleness." Dani argues that just like marriage, singleness points us to eternity and therefore has intrinsic value to the church. Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction03:41 The Church’s Response to Singleness07:31 Navigating Societal Trends and Church Responses12:48 The Value of Singleness in the Church18:03 Understanding the Intrinsic Value of Singleness23:00 The Coexistence of Singleness and Marriage33:50 The Loneliness of Singleness in the Church39:30 Understanding Genesis: Singleness is not Aloneness46:25 The Misinterpretation of the Gift of Singleness56:43 Defining Sexuality and its Implications for Singles Show Notes:Support 1517 Podcast Network1517 Podcasts1517 on Youtube1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 Events Schedule1517 Academy - Free Theological EducationWhat’s New from 1517:Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad BirdRemembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn MoralesSinner Saint by Luke KjolhaugThe Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan RileyMore from Kelsi:Kelsi KlembaraFollow Kelsi on InstagramFollow Kelsi on TwitterKelsi's NewsletterOrder Single Ever AfterDani's WebsiteFollow Dani on X

Sep 23, 2025 • 55min
Evangelism in the Age of Despair with Andrew Root
In this episode, Kelsi talks with theologian and author, Andrew Root, about his work on the secular age and his newest book, Evangelism in the Age of Despair. The two talk about how despite our culture's emphasis on happiness, we remain sadder than ever and the role of consolation in evangelism. Andrew Root (Ph.D., Princeton Theological Seminary) is the Carrie Olson Baalson professor of youth and family ministry at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.Show Notes:Support 1517 Podcast Network1517 Podcasts1517 on Youtube1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 Events Schedule1517 Academy - Free Theological EducationWhat’s New from 1517:Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad BirdRemembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn MoralesSinner Saint by Luke KjolhaugThe Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan RileyMore from Kelsi:Kelsi KlembaraFollow Kelsi on InstagramFollow Kelsi on TwitterKelsi's NewsletterMore from Andy:Andy's WebsiteOrder Evangelism in the Age of Despair

Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 8min
The Gift of Holy Scripture with Jonathan Linebaugh
Kelsi is joined by Jonathan Linebaugh to discuss his new book, The Well that Washes What it Shows: An Invitation to Holy Scripture. In the book and in this conversation, Jono describes Scripture as God's living and active word by which he does two works: reveals of our need for Jesus and gives us Jesus himself. Jonathan A. Linebaugh serves as Anglican Chair of Divinity and professor of New Testament and Christian theology at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University. He is the author or editor of several books, including The New Perspective on Grace, The Word of the Cross, and God’s Two Words.Show Notes:Support 15171517 PodcastsThe 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 on YoutubeMore from Kelsi:Kelsi KlembaraFollow Kelsi on InstagramFollow Kelsi on TwitterKelsi's NewsletterSubscribe to the Show:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeMore from Jono:Order The Well that Washes What it Shows

Aug 26, 2025 • 53min
Miscarriage and the God of All Comfort with Brittany Lee Allen
In this episode of Outside Ourselves, Kelsi talks with author Brittany Lee Allen about her book Lost Gifts: Miscarriage, Grief, and the God of All Comfort. Brittany opens up about her experience with recurring miscarriage and the peace she has found in Christ amid deep loss. Together, Kelsi and Brittany discuss both helpful and unhelpful ways we talk about miscarriage, and how—even though God doesn’t promise to remove our suffering—He does promise to be present with us in it.Show Notes:Support 15171517 PodcastsThe 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 on YoutubeMore from Kelsi:Kelsi KlembaraFollow Kelsi on InstagramFollow Kelsi on TwitterKelsi's NewsletterSubscribe to the Show:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYoutubeMore from Brittany: Purchase Lost GiftsBrittany's WebsiteFollow Brittany on Instagram

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.