Thinking Fellows

Latest Episodes:

Justin Martyr Father of Apologetics Aug 18, 2025

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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.

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Martin Luther And The Rule Of Faith Aug 06, 2025

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The Thinking Fellows are joined by Todd Hains to discuss the concept of the Rule of Faith as articulated by Martin Luther. Todd explains the significance of the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, and the Lord's Prayer in shaping Christian doctrine and practice. The discussion delves into how these elements serve as a catechetical foundation for both preaching and personal faith, emphasizing their role in guiding believers in their interpretation of Scripture and their relationship with God.

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C.F.W Walther: The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel Jul 29, 2025

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The Thinking Fellows podcast breaks down C.F.W. Walther's classic work The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel. This episode offers a brief introduction to Walther and explores why properly distinguishing between Law and Gospel is a vital task for every Christian preacher. Distinguishing Law and Gospel is one of the most difficult yet essential tasks of the Christian life. Command and promise are not merely theological slogans; they are the means by which God delivers faith and creates saints out of sinners.

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Was Peter the First Pope? Jul 25, 2025

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Caleb, Scott, and Adam take up the question: was Peter the first pope? They follow this with a conversation about why contemporary Lutherans need not long for the ecclesiology of Rome or the papacy. In the second half of the episode, the Fellows discuss the growing number of pastoral vacancies in the LCMS. They encourage patience and thoughtful reflection as congregations navigate this challenging reality.

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The Difference Between the Comfort of the Gospel and Therapeutic Language Jul 15, 2025

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In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, Bruce Hillman, Scott Keith, and I take a look at the difference between the comfort that comes from the gospel and the kind of therapeutic language that's become common in our culture. We talk about how this language has crept into everyday life—including the church—and how it ends up reshaping the way people think about faith, identity, and community. Along the way, we highlight the importance of the gospel as an objective promise, the problems with journey-style language, and the real need for Christian community when people are struggling. At the heart of it, we're calling for a return to the central message of Christianity: the forgiveness of sins and the church as a place of genuine comfort and consolation.

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James Bond and Other Nonsense Jul 09, 2025

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In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, hosts Caleb Keith, Bruce Hillman, and Scott Keith engage in a free-for-all discussion. They explore the differences between the James Bond books and movies, delve into the theological significance of infant baptism, and discuss the historical context of Mao's Great Famine. The conversation also explores the shifting dynamics of young men in the church, the impact of generational changes on women's roles, and the increasing gender disparity in church attendance. The hosts conclude with reflections on societal coveting and the importance of recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God.

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Thinking Fellows Live in Northwest Arkansas Jul 03, 2025

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Caleb, Scott, and Adam recorded their annual live show at the Here We Still Stand regional conference in Northwest Arkansas. They cover multiple topics, including concerns about IVF advancements and technology, the Shroud of Turin, and the importance of family.

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Our Pet Peeves Jun 26, 2025

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The Thinking Fellows discuss their church pet peeves; habits or developments that get under their skin and why. This episode offers a chance to have a little fun as each host vents and explains their perspective.

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Does Christianity Have a Reliable Morality? Jun 16, 2025

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In this episode, the hosts delve into the reliability of the Bible, with a particular focus on the moral content of scripture and its implications for one's faith. They discuss how younger generations perceive the Bible as unreliable due to its moral teachings, particularly in relation to contemporary cultural values. Christianity does have a clear moral vision, but most importantly, it finds its stability in Christ.

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Can You Trust the Bible? Jun 05, 2025

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In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hillman assert the trustworthiness of Scripture. They discuss the importance of biblical inerrancy, the implications of textual variants, and the transparency of the Christian tradition in handling manuscript evidence. The conversation underscores the importance of a thoughtful approach to understanding Scripture in the face of contemporary challenges to faith.

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