

Thinking Fellows
1517 Podcasts
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 27, 2025 • 38min
Why is Luther's Bondage of the Will Ignored?
 In this live episode of the Thinking Fellows, Caleb, Scott, Steve, and Adam discuss why Martin Luther's The Bondage of the Will is one of the most important yet most overlooked works of the Reformation. They explore why Luther's debate with Erasmus still matters today and how ignoring this work can lead to confusion about human will, divine grace, and the Gospel itself. Rather than being a cold philosophical text, The Bondage of the Willreveals the comfort of knowing that salvation depends entirely on God's decision and not our effort.  Show Notes:   Support 1517 Podcast Network   1517 Podcasts   1517 on Youtube    1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts   1517 Events Schedule   1517 Academy - Free Theological Education   What's New from 1517:    Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird    Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales   Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug    The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley   More from the hosts:   Caleb Keith   Scott Keith   Adam Francisco   Bruce Hilman     

Oct 14, 2025 • 1h 3min
The Bondage of the Will: A Simple Overview
 Steve Paulson, an experienced theologian, delves into Martin Luther's significant work, The Bondage of the Will. He explains the historical context that prompted Luther's response to Erasmus, highlighting the debate over free will in the Reformation. Paulson underscores Luther's argument that salvation hinges on God's grace rather than human choice. Listeners learn how this text challenges ecclesiastical authority and redefines faith as a certain trust in God's promises, offering profound comfort and practical implications for daily life. 

Oct 2, 2025 • 49min
Why Do Christians Sing Hymns? | Dr. Steve Mueller, Concordia University Irvine
 Singing is one of the most recognizable parts of Christian worship. But why do Christians sing hymns? Where did hymns come from? And why should the church continue to sing them? Caleb and Scott Keith are joined by Dr. Steve Mueller from Concordia University Irvine to answer these questions.  Show Notes:   Support 1517 Podcast Network   1517 Podcasts   1517 on Youtube    1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts   1517 Events Schedule   1517 Academy - Free Theological Education   What's New from 1517:    Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird    Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales   Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug    The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley   More from the hosts:   Caleb Keith   Scott Keith   Adam Francisco   Bruce Hilman     

Sep 29, 2025 • 51min
Differences Between Evangelicals and Lutherans
 Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, Scott Keith, and Bruce Hillman explore the linguistic challenges faced by individuals transitioning from evangelical backgrounds to Lutheranism. They discuss the distinctions between Christian terms, the role of tradition in defining these terms, and the importance of confessional documents in maintaining doctrinal clarity. The Fellows also touch on cultural and institutional differences between American evangelicals and Lutherans. Show Notes:   Support 1517 Podcast Network   1517 Podcasts   1517 on Youtube    1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts   1517 Events Schedule   1517 Academy - Free Theological Education   What's New from 1517:    Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird    Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales   Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug    The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley   More from the hosts:   Caleb Keith   Scott Keith   Adam Francisco   Bruce Hilman     

Sep 16, 2025 • 5min
The Assassination of Charlie Kirk: A Brief Christian Perspective
 Lord protect us, keep us, bring comfort and assurance to the Kirk family, and send us evermore to proclaim Your death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins.  Article at 1517:  Video version 

Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 1min
What Christians Should Know About Islam
 In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, the hosts engage in a comprehensive discussion about Islam, exploring its theology, the role of Muhammad, the authorship of the Quran, and the differences between Islamic and Christian beliefs. Caleb, Scott, and Bruce take turns asking Adam questions that Christians may or should have about Islam.  Show Notes:   Support 1517 Podcast Network   1517 Podcasts   1517 on Youtube    1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts   1517 Events Schedule   1517 Academy - Free Theological Education   What's New from 1517:    Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird    Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales   Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug    The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley   More from the hosts:   Caleb Keith   Scott Keith   Adam Francisco   Bruce Hilman     

Sep 4, 2025 • 49min
The Pivotal Influence of the Book of Romans on the Reformation
 In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, the Fellows discuss the Book of Romans, exploring its pivotal role in the Reformation, its didactic nature, and the genius of Paul's argumentation. The episode focuses on how Romans provides comfort and assurance to believers, emphasizing the personal nature of salvation and the continuity of God's promises throughout the text. The conversation underscores the importance of Romans in understanding Christian doctrine and its relevance for contemporary believers.  Show Notes:   Support 1517 Podcast Network   1517 Podcasts   1517 on Youtube    1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts   1517 Events Schedule   1517 Academy - Free Theological Education   What's New from 1517:   Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug    The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley    Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes    Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi   More from the hosts:   Caleb Keith   Scott Keith   Adam Francisco   Bruce Hilman     

Sep 2, 2025 • 55min
Freedom of the Christian
 Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, Scott Keith, and Bruce Hillman delve into Martin Luther's, 'The Freedom of a Christian.' They explore the historical context of the Reformation, particularly the year 1520, and discuss the significance of Luther's teachings on justification by faith, the authority of scripture (Sola Scriptura), and the relationship between faith and good works.  Show Notes:   Support 1517 Podcast Network   The Freedom of the Christian  1517 Podcasts   1517 on Youtube    1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts   1517 Events Schedule   1517 Academy - Free Theological Education   What's New from 1517:   Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug    The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley    Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes    Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi   More from the hosts:   Caleb Keith   Scott Keith   Adam Francisco   Bruce Hilman     

Aug 28, 2025 • 54min
Augustine of Hippo
 This episode is a conversation about the life and influence of Augustine of Hippo. The Fellows cover Augustine's historical context, his theological contributions, particularly regarding original sin and the nature of love, and his lasting impact on both Protestant and Catholic traditions. The Fellows also delve into the relationship between Augustine and Martin Luther, examining how Augustine's ideas shaped the Reformation and continue to influence modern theology, particularly in the understanding of grace. Show Notes:   Support 1517 Podcast Network   1517 Podcasts   1517 on Youtube    1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts   1517 Events Schedule   1517 Academy - Free Theological Education   What's New from 1517:   Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug    The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley    Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes    Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi   More from the hosts:   Caleb Keith   Scott Keith   Adam Francisco   Bruce Hilman     

Aug 18, 2025 • 50min
Justin Martyr Father of Apologetics
 The Thinking Fellows explore the life and significance of Justin Martyr, an early Christian apologist. They focus on the challenges Justin faced, and his example for contemporary apologetics. Justin's work also highlights the distinction between apologetics and polemics, emphasizing defending the Christian faith against external criticisms and internal heresies. Show Notes:   Support 1517 Podcast Network   1517 Podcasts   1517 on Youtube    1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts   1517 Events Schedule   1517 Academy - Free Theological Education   What's New from 1517:   Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug    The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley    Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes    Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi   More from the hosts:   Caleb Keith   Scott Keith   Adam Francisco   Bruce Hilman     


