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RZIM: Thinking Out Loud Broadcasts — Christianity
RZIM: Thinking Out Loud Broadcasts

Thinking Out Loud is podcast for Christians who want to welcome difficult conversations. Every other Thursday, Nathan Rittenhouse and Cameron McAllister will discuss these timely issues and draw from their experience as frontline apologists to show how Scripture addresses all of our most pressing cultural concerns.

Copyright: © Copyright 2020, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM)

Latest Episodes:

A Very Strange Christmas and a Very Real Hope Dec 17, 2020

Last year's Christmas episode provides a study in contrast. Nathan and Cameron hosted a jovial discussion on Santa. This year, that kind of tone seems utterly out of place. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss the nature of our celebrations in the midst of deeply surreal circumstances and consider the greater hope of Christ's promise to make all things new.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Eating Together in the Midst of a Global Pandemic Dec 03, 2020

For most of us, a significant part of Thanksgiving involves food and lots of it. More importantly, it involves a shared meal with those we love (and often struggle with). Of course, this year things looked a bit different. Some of us headed into the holiday with increasing levels of anxiety. Others chose to forego travels altogether this year. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss some of the complex dynamics surrounding shared meals in the midst of a global pandemic.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Are We Friends? Nov 12, 2020

This week, Nathan and Cameron discuss the challenges of friendship in the digital world as well as the nature of their own friendship. (Cameron also tries not to take offense at Nathan's initial question about the status of their friendship).

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Thinking Out Loud Live! Discussing the Election Nov 05, 2020

In this re-run of a Thinking Out Loud episode recorded last year, Nathan and Cameron discussed the election and how to follow Christ through a turbulent time.

While the US wait for the 2020 election results, we thought it would be an ideal time to re-air this episode recorded live from 2019. Though only a year has passed since this recording, the world in which the event took place now feels very distant. How do we follow Christ through it all? This live exchange from last year remains pertinent to our current political climate, so we invite you to take a deep breath and enjoy Nathan and Cameron trying to stay on their feet in front of a crowd.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Wrestling with Halloween Oct 29, 2020

Many Christians feel conflicted about Halloween, even as they usher their costumed kids out the door for tricks or treats. In this episode, an enthusiast (Cameron) and a naysayer (Nathan) try to make sense of this deeply strange American holiday, and consider the light that the gospel sheds on the matter.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Fighting Against Despair Oct 23, 2020

Nathan and Cameron feel a bit down in this episode and they have a feeling that some of you may be in the same boat. That's 2020 in a nutshell. In this episode, they discuss what it looks like to hold to Christian hope, even when there doesn't seem to be a clear light at the end of the tunnel.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Is Christianity More than a Personal Relationship? Oct 08, 2020

The term "religion" is wildly unpopular and many contemporary Christians sidestep the issue with the neat phrase "personal relationship with Jesus." While the phrase is not necessarily false, it leaves both Nathan and Cameron uneasy. In this episode, they discuss that unease and try to offer a more holistic response.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

The Fantasy of Being Ageless: A Discussion on Our Mortality Sep 24, 2020

For the first time in history, it's possible to "bracket death." But death is the one thing we can all be certain of. So, what does it mean to be mortal? Why do many struggle in Western culture with elderly care? Nathan and Cameron "think out loud" about these questions, pulling from Dr. Atul Gawande's book Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End to take a timely and deeply helpful meditation on our mortal condition, end of life ethics, and more.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Why Are We So Obsessed with Conspiracy Theories? Sep 10, 2020

One of the surprising national pastimes that have emerged during the pandemic is a growing obsession with conspiracy theories. A phenomenon that touches all points of the political spectrum, what does this new hobby say about us? In this episode, Nathan and Cameron tackle this question.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Peace That Isn't Peace Aug 27, 2020

In a time of deep cultural unrest, many of us long for "things to go back to normal." But if this is what our nation looks like under extreme stress, what does that say about our sense of normal? And what is the Christian posture in a time of wide-spread fear and division? Sound uplifting? Join Nathan and Cameron for a discussion of our troubled moment.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Racism, Civil Unrest, and the Hope of the Gospel: A Difficult Yet Necessary Conversation, Pt. 2 Aug 13, 2020

Few would dispute that the past few weeks have been some of the more tumultuous America has experienced in recent years. Far from merely political or cultural tensions, the most recent crisis is a matter of life and death and can be seen most clearly in the three faces of those who unjustly lost their lives: Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. These three names don't represent isolated incidents and the great travesty is that the list of names keeps growing. As has been repeatedly said, this is a fundamental human rights issue, one that goes to the heart of America's struggle with racism, prejudice, and discrimination. In this episode, Thinking Out Loud hosts Nathan Rittenhouse and Cameron McAllister are joined by their colleague Brandon Cleaver for a candid discussion about this cultural moment and how Christ's life, death, and resurrection intersect with our current predicament.

Listen to Part 1

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1
Brandon Cleaver - @BrandonCleaver1

Let's Talk about Gardening Jul 23, 2020

It seems 2020 has been full of difficult news. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron push pause on the relentless news cycle to discuss gardening. As usual, this seemingly light-hearted topic leads into a much deeper discussion of the human condition.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Racism, Civil Unrest, and the Hope of the Gospel: A Difficult Yet Necessary Conversation, Pt. 1 Jul 09, 2020

Few would dispute that the past few weeks have been some of the more tumultuous America has experienced in recent years. Far from merely political or cultural tensions, the most recent crisis is a matter of life and death and can be seen most clearly in the three faces of those who unjustly lost their lives: Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. These three names don't represent isolated incidents and the great travesty is that the list of names keeps growing. As has been repeatedly said, this is a fundamental human rights issue, one that goes to the heart of America's struggle with racism, prejudice, and discrimination. In this episode, Thinking Out Loud hosts Nathan Rittenhouse and Cameron McAllister are joined by their colleague Brandon Cleaver for a candid discussion about this cultural moment and how Christ's life, death, and resurrection intersect with our current predicament.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1
Brandon Cleaver - @BrandonCleaver1

The Moral Necessity of Being Wrong Jun 25, 2020

We live in a cultural moment that vigorously punishes mistakes, often in a very public fashion. Indeed, this is one of the key aspects of our deeply polarized landscape. Yet, if we aren't allowed the freedom to make mistakes—to be wrong—moral growth is short circuited. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss how mistakes can be an occasion for tremendous growth, rather than simply shame and retribution.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Empathy and the Limits of Distance Jun 11, 2020

Given the deep divisions that define our cultural moment, empathy is often touted as the central virtue of our age. But our growing tribalism continues to undermine our efforts to understand people who remain culturally remote. Add a pandemic to the mix and the difficulties are multiplied. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss the limits and possibilities of empathy in our divided age.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

A Discussion About Home From Two Guys Stuck at Home May 28, 2020

What distinguishes a home from a mere physical shelter? And why do so many of us long to escape our homes? Since COVID-19 continues to keep many of us confined to the places we live, Nathan and Cameron discuss how Christianity reframes our understanding of home.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Do Our Devices Own Us? Feb 28, 2020

Do you actually own your technological devices or are you just leasing the software that's running them? From Apple to John Deere, it's increasingly clear that these companies are securing their ownership through the very design of their devices. This is evidenced by the fact that we're entirely dependent on the providers for repairs. These machines are not made to be fixed by us. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss the implications of this trend, as well as the disturbing possibility that what may initially appear to be an elaborate conspiracy is in fact simply an example of the cost of our demand for convenience.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

The Global Challenge of the Coronavirus Feb 14, 2020

Though Nathan and Cameron recorded this episode before the coronavirus received its official name (Covid-19), their discussion reflects the dynamic nature of this story—we still have way more questions than answers—and attempts to counter the growing anxiety and animosity with a Christian response.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Kobe Bryant and the Challenges of Public Grief Jan 30, 2020

The world is still reeling from the tragic events that claimed the lives of nine people, including basketball superstar Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. For most of us, celebrities are people we feel personally attached to, but who remain strangers to us. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron talk about some of the complexities that arise when we grieve the loss of a celebrity.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Making Sense of the Growing Mental Health Crisis Jan 16, 2020

Experts continue to point to a growing mental health crisis. Suicide is now the third leading cause of death among teens, and depression and anxiety seem to be the rule, rather than the exception. On the face of it, this is a pretty odd state of affairs: Broadly speaking, we're more comfortable, connected, and healthy than ever. So what's wrong with us? In this episode, Nathan and Cameron wrestle with that question.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Should We Believe in Santa Claus? Dec 19, 2019

December is upon us. Traffic is outrageous, stress levels are escalating, and budgets are taking a serious hit as we cross items off of our swelling Christmas lists. But what about the guy in the red suit who yells "ho-ho-ho" and showers us with presents if we've been nice? Is Santa just a bit of harmless fun, or is the question a bit more serious? Join Nathan, Cameron, and special guest Kasey Leander for a consideration of Santa's role in our holiday cheer.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Making Sense of Mister Rogers' Legacy Dec 05, 2019

From the recent HBO documentary to the feature film starring Tom Hanks, Fred Rogers is having a moment. But why is this cardigan-donning TV host getting so much attention now? In this episode, Nathan and Cameron aim to push past the superficial answers and consider what's given Mister Rogers such staying power.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Thinking Out Loud Live! Nov 21, 2019

In this special episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron discuss the upcoming presidential election before a live audience. The specific focus is on the Christian posture that characterizes our political lives.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Thinking Out Loud about Kanye West's JESUS IS KING Nov 07, 2019

Kanye West's latest album, JESUS IS KING, offers a striking reversal from his earlier work, and has inspired elation, fury, and bewilderment in nearly equal measure. Gone are tracks like "POWER" and "I Am A God," replaced by songs like "God Is" and "Jesus Is Lord." Given the shaky nature of celebrity conversions in our cultural moment, many people are understandably skeptical. Is Kanye sincere or is this this just a publicity stunt to boost album sales? Is the album even good? In this episode, we're joined by special guest Shawn Hart (co-host of the Cover to Cover podcast) for a discussion on Kanye West, the dangers of celebrity culture, and the unabashed faith on display in the album.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1
Shawn Hart - @Shawnmhart

Wrestling with Hypocrisy in the Church Oct 17, 2019

As our newsfeeds continue to fill with disheartening headlines about the state of the church in North America, Nathan and Cameron discuss the perennial challenge of hypocrisy, and argue that Christianity helps us make sense of our consistent moral shortcomings.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Making Sense of the Old Testament Jul 18, 2019

Recent remarks about "unhitching" ourselves from the Old Testament have renewed the controversy surrounding the challenging material found in these ancient pages. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron seek to redress some of the confusion by discussing the continuity between both testaments.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

A Rollicking Conversation on Game of Thrones and the Power of Media in Our Daily Lives Jun 20, 2019

HBO's massively popular Game of Thrones recently went out with a whimper, according to most fans. Due to its highly graphic nature, the show continues to ignite heated discussions among Christians. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss why they've chosen to forego the popular series, plus they take a look at how what we watch and consume has a power to shape and our imaginations and daily living.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Limitations, Delicacy, and Beauty Jun 07, 2019

A wise man once said that "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die" (Ecc 3:1-2 NIV). The entire concept of "limitation" is categorically anathema to our culture. We would like to be able to do whatever we want, whenever we want. In this podcast, Nathan and Cameron ponder whether embracing the frailty and limitations of our time and abilities can actually give us a deeper sense of beauty and appreciation for the present moment. There are certain delights that are accessible to us only if we recognize them as delicate, and there is a certain hope that we have by acknowledging that future beauty is not limited by our limitations.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Saying Goodbye to Rachel Held Evans and Exploring the Sanctity of Life May 23, 2019

Cameron McAllister and Nathan Rittenhouse discuss author and speaker Rachel Held Evan's life and legacy, and then turn to consider the Christian understanding of the sanctity of life, and its bearing on the current abortion debates.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Are We Really "Setting up a Generation for Failure"? May 09, 2019

With The Coddling of the American Mind, authors Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff offer a sobering diagnosis of the state of our universities, arguing that the best of intentions have led to severe consequences for many of today's young adults. Since the subtitle of the book is "How Good Intentions Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure," it's worth asking: Are the authors simply exaggerating the case to sell books? Is this just clickbait? Tune in to hear Nathan and Cameron discuss this provocative new title.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Fire at Notre Dame, the Massacre in Sri Lanka, and the Enduring Significance of Christianity in a Post-Christian Time Apr 25, 2019

In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss the tumultuous events surrounding Easter, and consider the light they shed on the power of the gospel in dark times.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Alright, the Culture Is Increasingly Hostile to the Church. Now What? Apr 12, 2019

In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss the growing resistance to Christianity in North America, and offer a hopeful reminder of the ever-present tension of being in the world, but not of it.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Are We Living in a Post-Humor Moment? Mar 14, 2019

One of the byproducts of outrage culture is an increasing anxiety about humor. It's one of the reasons celebrities are more and more reluctant to host awards shows, and it's also why many of us are treading much more carefully when a joke comes to mind. Though being more thoughtful about our words and actions is certainly commendable, it's hard to deny that there's a stifling and even paranoid dimension to this cultural atmosphere. Join Nathan and Cameron as they traipse into this dangerous territory, and discuss our tense relationship with humor.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

From the Oscars to Jussie Smollett, Where Does the Performance End? Feb 28, 2019

Nathan and Cameron begin with a lighthearted consideration of the Oscars, which quickly morphs into a searching conversation on the ability of the arts to tell us about what it means to be human. The two hosts then turn to consider the controversy surrounding actor Jussie Smollett, and the increasingly difficult task of distinguishing performance from reality.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Finding Forgiveness in the Post-Truth Era Feb 14, 2019

From Virginia Governor Ralph Northam to actor Liam Neeson, our news is filled with people seeking forgiveness for the misdeeds of their past.

In this week's podcast, Cameron and Nathan wrestle with the ambiguity of what secular apologies actually mean and whether or not our nation believes that people can actually change. Is our character fixed in the past or is progress and redemption possible?

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

"Options Not Restrictions": Wrestling with Changing Abortion Laws Jan 31, 2019

The recent New York abortion law known as the Reproductive Health Act, which allows for abortions as late as 24 weeks, has given new urgency to the debates surrounding the issue. The Virginia Bill aims to push the timeline even further. Given the volatile nature of the issue, how should Christians respond? In this episode, Nathan and Cameron wrestle with these developments, and aim to offer a hopeful rejoinder to our culture's view of human freedom.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Are Millennials Really "The Burnout Generation"? Jan 17, 2019

Writer Anne Helen Peterson recently made waves with her BuzzFeed News article "How Millennials Became The Burnout Generation." In it, she draws on the psychological concept of "burnout" to describe the day-to-day condition of most people who fall into this generational category. Said condition might best be summed up as a kind of chronic exhaustion that emerges in a world where the traditional boundaries between work and play, public and private, professional and personal have all but vanished. It's a provocative thesis, but is she right? If so, does this fatigue only apply to so-called Millennials? Tune in to hear Nathan and Cameron to discuss these issues.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Witches: Our New National Obsession? Jan 03, 2019

Recent years have seen a surge in people who self-identify as witches. From Netflix's wildly popular The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina to articles in Harper's Bazaar, it's hard to avoid this growing cultural obsession. Though it may sound exotic, many Christians are already dealing with questions raised by this issue. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss some constructive approaches to these surprising new conversations, sharing from personal experiences with neighbors and social media.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Rogue or Martyr? John Chau and the Complexity of 21st Century Missions Dec 20, 2018

The story of missionary John Chau's untimely death at the hands of North Sentinelese tribesmen has captured the public imagination in a startling fashion, inspiring opinion pieces in publications as diverse as The Washington Post and The New Yorker. Many of the responses have been hostile, arguing that Chau needlessly jeopardized his life and risked spreading diseases on the protected island. Subsequent information has painted a more complex picture of Chau's aims. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss the unique tensions that erupt when a 21^st century missionary seeks to share the gospel with an unreached people group.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

A Discussion of James K. A. Smith's How (Not) to Be Secular Dec 06, 2018

For those intimidated by Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor's doorstop-sized magnum opus, A Secular Age, Smith's book functions as a helpful primer. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss How (Not) to Be Secular, and consider some of the subtle ways in which many Christians begin to mirror the secular world around them, and how we might open our eyes to this insidious process.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

"Sokal Squared": 3 Scholars, a Hoax, and the Future of Academia Nov 08, 2018

Recently, three scholars submitted twenty bogus papers to the most prestigious, peer-reviewed journals in the field of cultural studies. Seven of these papers were published, and it's likely that more would have seen the light of print if the Wall Street Journal hadn't exposed the hoax, now dubbed "Sokal Squared." In this episode, Nathan and Cameron explore some of the implications of this elaborate hoax.

A Discussion of Rod Dreher's "The Benedict Option" Oct 25, 2018

Recently, journalist and popular blogger Rod Dreher made waves with the publication of his book, The Benedict Option. In it, Dreher argues that the Christian church is far from immune to the precipitous cultural decline in the West, and that many Christians have lost sight of what it means to be in the world, but not of it. Drawing on The Rule of St. Benedict's, The Benedict Option mounts a complex argument for a strategic cultural withdrawal on the part of the Church. How feasible is Dreher's proposal? Aren't there already many examples of people practicing cultural withdrawal (Amish, the homeschooling movement, etc.)? How much is too much? In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss Dreher's provocative thesis.

Don't miss another episode, subscribe to the podcast on: iTunes or Google Play Music.

Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:
Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Natural Disasters and the Problem of Human Control Oct 11, 2018

The recent Hurricane Florence left behind devastation—drenching North Carolina with 8 trillion gallons of water and causing $266 million worth of damage–and now with Hurricane Michael's landfall this week, a number of interesting questions are raised regarding human agency and control, especially in our era of unprecedented convenience and instant customization. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss some of the ways in which these natural occurrences disrupt our notions of human progress and control.
Don't miss another episode, subscribe to the podcast on: iTunes or Google Play Music.
Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:
Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Nike, Kaepernick, Serena, and a Disastrous Cartoon Sep 13, 2018

Should we burn our Nikes? How should Christians respond to the cartoon depicting Serena Williams and deemed as racist? From Serena Williams to Colin Kaepernick, there've been no shortage of controversies in the world of sports recently. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss these recent cultural moments and aim to offer a holistic framework for approaching these vexing topics. Tune in as we "think out loud" together on these current events through the lens of Christian hope.
Don't miss another episode, subscribe to the podcast on: iTunes or Google Play Music.
Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:
Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

A Discussion on James Davison Hunter's "To Change the World" Aug 31, 2018

In 2010, James Davison Hunter's book To Change the World was greeted with a great deal of fanfare and controversy. Nearly ten years later, the book's sobering critique of the many well-meaning efforts to change the world appears truly prophetic. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss how Christians can be faithful presences in culture, exercising leadership and influence within their local contexts.
Don't miss another episode, subscribe to the podcast on: iTunes or Google Play Music.
Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:
Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Alex Jones, Online Communities, and the Muddy Waters of Free Speech Aug 16, 2018

The recent campaign against popular talk show host and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has once again ignited discussion about the nature of free speech. What exactly constitutes hate speech? What speech should and shouldn't be protected? How do online communities, with their respective policies and moderating protocol, change this conversation? This week on Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron discuss these current events through the lens of the gospel.
Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:
Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

How Do We Decipher Today's News? Aug 02, 2018

Why are we so suspicious of the news today? How do we avoid "fake news"? For that matter, how do we avoid the habit of chasing headlines just to stay in the conversation? How do we stay informed without succumbing to the notion that the sky is falling? In this episode, Nathan and Cameron take a broader look at our approach to current events and consider how Christianity can modify our interactions with today's headlines.
Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:
Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

A Discussion on Alan Jacobs' "How To Think" Jul 19, 2018

In this episode, Nathan and Cameron take a break from the headlines to discuss Alan Jacobs' excellent new book, "How To Think", and consider, among other things, why that title is not so much an insult as it is an invitation for a more measured response to our volatile cultural climate.
Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:
Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Trouble at Little House on the Prairie and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Jul 05, 2018

On Losing Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade Jun 21, 2018

On the week of June 4th, the world was rocked by two celebrity suicides: fashion designer Kate Spade on June 5 and chef and television host Anthony Bourdain on June 8. Sadly, these kinds of incidents are becoming more and more prevalent, and, given our increasing access to celebrities—through social media and other platforms—our response is often deeply personal. Join Nathan and Cameron as they discuss these two talented people, their sad departure, and the changing perception of celebrities in today's all-access culture.
Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

If you are having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Of Televangelists, Bakers and the Supreme Court Jun 08, 2018

The Royal Wedding as a Religious Experience May 24, 2018

Physician Assisted Suicide and the Dark Side of Radical Individualism May 11, 2018

On Thursday, May 10, Dr. David Goodall, a highly respected scientist who continued his botanical and ecological research well into old age, traveled to Basel, Switzerland to end his life at the age of 104. A longtime advocate for physician-assisted suicide, Dr. Goodall left his native Australia to make this final journey, aided by a GoFundMe page that quickly went viral and surpassed its modest goal. These sad events raise a host of questions about everything from human freedom to the sanctity of life. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss these issues, and consider how Christianity modifies our understanding of life and death.
Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

If you are having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Taking Stock of the Public Response to the Starbucks Arrests Apr 26, 2018

Most of us have heard about the recent arrests of Donte Robinson and Rashon Nelson at a Philadelphia Starbucks. According to news sources, the two 23-year-old black men had come for a business meeting with a friend, but events took a turn for the worse after the manager refused to allow them to use the facilities without making a purchase. The two men resigned themselves to the store's apparent policy and simply decided to wait for their friend. After asking them to leave, the manager then called the police, maintaining that the men refused to leave the store.

Controversy swelled after a customer uploaded a video of the two men being led away in cuffs by the police. Meanwhile, their awaited friend and business partner enters the scene repeatedly asking, "What did they do?" The video received millions of views, sparked protests, and began a national conversation about the role of unconscious bias and the changing face of racism in U.S. culture. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron join that conversation, focusing on the nature of the public response to this incident, and what it says about our cultural moment.
Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Onscreen Deaths and Human Value Apr 12, 2018

One aspect of online culture that receives scant attention is our unfettered access to footage of people dying. From terrorist attacks to car accidents, we now have the ability to watch people perish on our phones. In this episode, we discuss this unsettling feature of our technology, and consider some of the ways in which it changes our thinking about human life.
Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

The Austin Bomber, Self-Driving Cars and Who's to Blame Mar 29, 2018

What Our Addictions Say About Us Mar 15, 2018

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), "every day, more than 115 Americans die after overdosing on opioids." NIDA calls the misuse of and addiction to opioids "a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare." What do these additions say about us? This week on Thinking Out Loud, Nathan Rittenhouse and Cameron McAllister discuss some of the implications of the national opioid crisis.
Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:

Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7
Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Our First Episode! Mar 01, 2018

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