Thinking Fellows

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Abortion: Serious Questions Christians Should Be Prepared to Answer Feb 03, 2026

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Christians should be prepared to give clear and faithful answers to hard questions about what they believe. When it comes to abortion, many Christians hold strong biblical convictions, yet find themselves stumbling when those convictions are challenged or pressed in conversation. In this episode, the Thinking Fellows address serious and common questions surrounding abortion questions about law, life, conscience, and forgiveness.

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Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith

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Are There Hidden Secrets in the Old Testament? Featuring Chad Bird Jan 27, 2026

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Chad Bird joins the Thinking Fellows to challenge the popular idea that the Old Testament is a mysterious book filled with hidden codes and secret meanings waiting to be unlocked. Together, they examine the motivations and theological presuppositions that drive these approaches and why they often distort how Christians read Scripture. In contrast, the conversation offers a constructive vision for Old Testament study; one that emphasizes historical context, literary awareness, and the value of the original languages as gifts that clarify, rather than conceal, God's Word.

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Can Christians Use Lethal Force Jan 20, 2026

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In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, Scott Keith, and Bruce Hillman discuss the ethics of self-defense from a Christian perspective. They explore the moral complexity of using deadly force, particularly in situations involving the defense of oneself or others. The conversation highlights the doctrine of vocation and the tension between civil responsibility and Christian witness. Drawing on personal experiences, the hosts reflect on the difficulty of making ethical decisions under extreme pressure and ultimately emphasize the Christian's dependence on Christ's forgiveness—even when actions may be morally justified.

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Has Lutheranism Failed? Jan 12, 2026

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Has Lutheranism Failed? In this episode, the Thinking Fellows discuss the purpose and aim of the church to examine if Lutheranism in America has failed. The fellows assert the importance of defining the church's mission, the role of the Augsburg Confession, and the perception of Lutheranism in American society.

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How Education Problems Affect Handing Down the Faith Dec 30, 2025

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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

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A Review of David (Angel Studios 2025) Dec 23, 2025

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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.

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The Worst Phrases Christians Use Dec 10, 2025

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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.

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Year End Announcement from 1517 Dec 02, 2025

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As we close out 2025, 1517 and the Podcast Network are asking listeners to support our mission to declare and defend the good news that you are forgiven and free on account of Christ. This Advent, we're focusing on how Christ alone brings sinners home. That's the message we proclaim week after week through podcasts, sermon helps, videos, and articles and it's the message your financial support carries into 2026 and beyond. Help Us Reach Our Goal

When Christians Contradict Themselves Dec 01, 2025

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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

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Where Lutheranism Disagrees with Thomas Aquinas Nov 25, 2025

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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.

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