

Thinking Christian: Clear Theology for a Confusing World
James Spencer - Christian Theology Author and Speaker
Christians shouldn’t just think. They should think Christian. Join Dr. James Spencer and guests for calm, thoughtful, theological discussions about a variety of topics Christians face every day. The Thinking Christian Podcast will help you grow spiritually and learn theology as you seek to be faithful in a world that is becoming increasingly proficient at telling stories that deny Christ.
Find more from James at https://usefultogod.com/.
Find more from James at https://usefultogod.com/.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 6, 2023 • 50min
Christian Witness and the War in Ukraine: A Conversation with Josiah Venture missonary Lee Humerian
In this episode, James sits down with Lee Humerian, a missionary with Josiah Ventures serving in Ukraine. They discuss the current situation in Ukraine and the opportunities the church has to serve in the context of war. We don't talk politics. We just talk about how God works through a people who love him and love others. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Dec 5, 2023 • 32min
Christians and Cancel Culture
In this episode of Thinking Christian, we tackle the issue of "cancel culture." We consider the dangers of cheap participation and the limitations of social media advocacy. We also offer tips on how to think Chrisitan about the way we interact with the world as we seek to be witnesses for Jesus Christ. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Dec 4, 2023 • 46min
Tolkien, Prayer, and Doing Theology with Ashish Varma
What does it mean to be a praying people? How do Tolkien's writings relate to prayer? On this episode of Thinking Christian, James Spencer and Ashish Varma dive into Ashish's essay titled "A Home Among the Trees: Prayer from the Heart of the Earth," which was published in A Praying People, a new book that James and Ashish co-edited. They also discuss some of the work he is doing with Princeton Theololigcal Seminary's Center for Asian American Christianity. A Praying People: Essays Inspired by Dwight L. Moody is available on amazon.com. https://www.amazon.com/Praying-People-Essays-Inspired-Dwight/dp/1666765694 Read more from Ashish Varma at: https://caac.ptsem.edu/even-in-the-dark-reflections-on-diwali-and-the-stars-in-the-sky/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Nov 29, 2023 • 32min
Christians and Anxiety
The question of anxiety and fear today runs rampant. How do I let the world's stories capture reality and hinder my walk? What can we embrace and what should we resist? Dr. James Spencer and Richard Beattie discuss. Follow Thinking Christian on Apple Podcasts & Spotify for more! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Nov 28, 2023 • 39min
Caring for Others in South Sudan: A Conversation about Grain for Pain
What can sound louder than bullets and tanks, louder than machine guns and entire villages being burned to the ground? What can last longer than scars on someone’s face or heart? What can change a human heart that is determined to do wrong and what can end a conflict that is embedded in a culture? We believe it is an act of mercy. We believe it is a sack of grain that has in it more than grain. It carries a message of humanity, love, hope, dignity, consideration, respect, compassion. It is a simple act of mercy that can sound louder than bullets. Apostle Paul once said: “To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink… Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Nov 27, 2023 • 49min
Grateful Beyond Thanksgiving
Like in so many American Holidays- Gratitude is often regulated to weeks before, and gets reduced to a thing called, "Turkey Day." If we were to really think Christian about it- we would probably give thanks- on a daily basis- if we really think about it! Dr. James Spencer had a little time recently to be thankful for a technical dilemma he found himself in - when travelling through Germany. We call this episode- Grateful Beyond Thanksgiving! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Nov 22, 2023 • 5min
Get Ready for Thanksgiving by Remembering the Giver of All Good Gifts
James offers some insights into thankfulness from the book of Deuteronomy and the history of Israel. He then has a brief time of prayer to help Christians cultivate a heart of gratitude. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Nov 17, 2023 • 32min
Lessons from the Life of Dwight Moody- Humility, Prayer, and Dependence
This episode continues the conversation with Dr. Gregg Quiggle about Dwight Moody's enduring significance. We discuss Dwight Moody's "secret sauce" and the way God used him to reach the world. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Nov 13, 2023 • 18min
What D. L. Moody's Life Teaches Us
In this episode, James has a discussion with Dr. Gregg Quiggle. Dr. Quiggle is a D. L. Moody expert who contributed to A Praying People, a new book edited by James Spencer and Ashish Varma. He and James talk about who Dwight Moody was and how his life may inform the lives of modern-day Christians. Dr. Quiggle, who is also an expert in the Protestant Reformation, also discusses an opportunity to travel abroad this December to learn about the Reformation. You can email him at ranch812@hotmail.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Nov 1, 2023 • 15min
How Should Christians Think About Transhumanism?
In this episode, James Spencer is joined by Alin Vrancila to discuss the Transhumanist Declaration from a biblical and theological perspective. They consider the problems with pursuing immortality through human means and discuss the changing landscape of technology. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.


