Thinking Fellows

Over the last several weeks, the news has been abuzz with UFOs. Incidents like these often result in speculation regarding the existence of aliens. While this speculation is not always meaningful, it has in the past been leveraged against Christians. Many materialists and pop scientists suggest that the Christian faith crumbles if aliens really exist. Caleb, Scott, Adam, and Bruce discuss these ideas and concerns. Support the Show 1517 Podcasts Faith Off The Edge Adam Francisco

How does the Christian faith interact with culture? Adam Francisco, Bruce Hillman, and John Hoyum discuss the role of the Christian faith in contrast and conjunction with society and culture. They cover a broad set of opinions and authors to give a picture of how vital this question has been and remains for western Christians. Support the Show 1517 Podcasts Christ in Culture Niebhur Preaching the Text with John Hoyum

Scott Keith, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hilman discuss the final book in The Lord of the Rings series. They discuss temptation, darkness, and the relativity of interpreting Tolkien. They debate the more profound meaning and moral lessons that Tolkien leaves behind and rank Tolkien's work amongst other literary classics. Support the Show 1517 Podcasts Preaching the Text

The Two Towers (Lord of the Rings Trilogy) Scott Keith, Adam Francisco, Caleb Keith, and Bruce Hilman discuss the second book in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. The Two Towers opens to a broken fellowship set on two distinct but interwoven journeys against the Dark Lord Sauron. This fragmented journey cements that a new age is coming to Middle Earth, the Age of Men. How do Tolkien's characters deal with temptation and resist the power of darkness? Support the Show 1517 Podcasts

Caleb Keith and Scott Keith join Steven Paulson and Ken Jones to remember their mentor Jim Nestingen. Jim was a pastor and doctor of the church who taught many to proclaim and absolve in the name of Christ. 1517 has been deeply influenced by Jim, and this episode is meant to honor and remember that impact and support. We look forward to the resurrection, where we will be able to laugh with Jim once more. Support the Show Thinking Fellows Absolution episode More content from Jim Free and Løked Up!

The Thinking Fellows discuss memorable parts of 2022 and look forward to 2023. Scott hosts this episode and introduces the newest "Scholar in Residence" at 1517, Bruce Hilman. Bruce will continue to join the fellows for regular episodes in 2022. Support the Show 1517 Podcasts 1517 Homepage Thinking Fellows on Apple Podcasts

The Thinking Fellows discuss J.R.R. Tolkien's first book in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. They identify differences in style and scope from the Hobbit while discussing the apparent theological and philosophical themes. How does this pilgrim tail contribute to the literature, and is it uniquely Christian? Support the Show 1517 Podcasts

The Thinking Fellows wish their listeners a Merry Christmas. They discuss the son "Mary Did You Know" and a notable trend of churches closing for Christmas.

The Thinking Fellows discuss J.R.R. Tolkiens The Hobbit. The Fellows outline what they liked and what they found challanging about reading and analyzing Tolkiens first fantasy novel. The Hobbit is a whimsical journey that sparked the reveival of the fantasy genre and echos of Tolkiens Roman Catcholic faith. Support the Show 1517 Podcasts The Hobbit

The Thinking Fellows prepare to read the fictional works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Caleb and Adam discuss what makes Tolkien unique and some of the challenges of analyzing his work. In particular, they focus on Tolkien as a devout Roman Catholic. Tolkien's Roman practice of the Christian faith colors his work in a way that is different from protestant authors like C.S. Lewis and helps explain why his work is not always clearly "Christian" to outside readers. Support the Show 1517 Podcasts Preaching the Text: Apple Podcasts, Spotify