Thinking Fellows

The hosts tackle the complex ethics of self-defense through a Christian lens, debating if deadly force can be morally justified. They explore the distinction between instinctive responses and thoughtful ethical decisions during life-threatening situations. Biblical ambiguity on violence raises tough questions about scriptural interpretation and societal duties. Personal stories, like an active-shooter incident, illustrate real-world implications. Ultimately, they emphasize Christ's forgiveness amidst moral dilemmas, grounding their discussions in faith and vocation.

The discussion dives into whether Lutheranism has truly failed in America. The hosts redefine the church's mission, focusing on nurturing faith and administering sacraments. They debate the balance between local congregations' roles and the church's outreach. Historical perceptions and reasons for social service decline are scrutinized. The conversation also touches on the challenge of maintaining relevance in a changing culture, the complexities of evangelism, and why fewer Lutheran voices rise in public discourse. Ultimately, they argue that decline doesn't equate to failure.

Reading and education outcomes in the United States have been declining for decades. In this episode, the Thinking Fellows examine how these trends have impacted Christian education and what Christians can contribute to America's education crisis. Show Notes: 1517 Academy Being Dad: Father as a Picture of God's Grace Concordia's Bible History Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman

Scott and Caleb review the new animated David movie. More than just another David and Goliath retelling, the film attempts to capture David's full transformation from shepherd to king. 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: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi 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 More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman

In this fun episode, the Thinking Fellows take turns sharing some of their least-favorite phrases or platitudes that Christians use. They discuss how these platitudes can discourage fellow believers and how they often function as a way to fill silence while avoiding the real vocational needs of our neighbors. 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: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi 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 More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman

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The Thinking Fellows examine the Ligonier 2025 State of Theology Survey. They identify a major recurring theme: Christians are contradicting themselves. Fundamental questions about the nature of God, the authority of Scripture, and the work of Jesus are answered correctly by most respondents. However, the same individuals then give contradictory answers to adjacent questions such as the nature of the Holy Spirit, whether Christians must adhere to biblical morality, or whether the worship of false gods saves. The Fellows discuss catechesis and the impact of culture on what people say and what they believe. Year End Giving State of Theology Survey 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi 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 More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman

In this episode of the Thinking Fellows, we take a closer look at the growing interest in Thomas Aquinas especially among younger evangelicals and even many Lutherans. We talk through why Aquinas is appealing to so many today, but also why the Lutheran Reformers pushed back on key parts of his theology. That includes the big questions of grace, salvation, and whether human effort plays any role in standing before God. 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: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi 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 More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regularly presents itself as a Christian church. In this episode, the Thinking Fellows examine what Mormons get wrong about Christianity and how LDS doctrine leads its followers to worship a false god. Mormonism is not Christian; it is a fabricated religion built on teachings that contradict the Gospel and the historic faith. 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: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi 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 More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman

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