Thinking Fellows

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

Caleb, Scott, and Adam are joined by John Hoyum to talk about how churches across the world read and preach the Bible. John is a Junior Fellow at 1517 and the co-host of the new podcast Preaching the Text with Steve Paulson. The discussion revolves around the lectionary, which is assigned Bible readings that churches use during worship. How do these readings get assigned? What benefits and drawbacks are there to using a lectionary rather than reading the Bible book-by-book? Support the Show on Giving Tuesday Preaching the Text 1517 Podcasts

The Thinking Fellows discuss and describe the things they are thankful for this year. While somewhat cliche, the fellows all explain how they have been blessed by their families and the work of 1517. Scott gives a helpful reminder that even though social times are changing and challenging, life is still very comfortable and good for many people, and we have many reasons to give thanks for God's blessings. Support 1517 1517 Podcasts Giving Tuesday is next week. All donations made on Giving Tuesday will be matched. Thank you for supporting our podcast.

The Thinking Fellows comment on Psalm 146. "Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish." How do this and other passages affect how Christians view their political actions and vocations? Can Christians be active in the civil realm without violating this precept? Support the Show 1517 Podcasts HWSS Bentonville

The Fellows discuss the purpose and place of literary apologetics. They look at the role of narrative and imagination when doing theology and how it can help address those in need of Christ. They discuss the significance of good literature written by Christians like C.S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkein and how they can remind theologians that theology is not just categories but needs a narrative. Here We Still Stand 2023 Is SOLD OUT. Tickets for the HWSS regional event are still available. Support the Show 1517 Podcasts

In this episode, The Thinking Fellows address the idea that the Reformation is not worthy of celebration but is lamentable. The Fellows contend that the Reformation ought to be celebrated for its recovery of the Gospel. Likewise, history tells us that Luther alone did not divide the catholic church but that separation and division have always been in the history of the Church on earth. Support the Show Scott's Reformation Day Blog 1517 Podcasts The Unintended Reformation

The Thinking Fellows are joined by Dr. Jack Kilcrease to discuss the centrality and importance of the doctrine of the Word. Jack is the author of Justification by the Word, a new book published through Lexham Academic. In the book, Jack outlines how God uses his Word not just to describe sin and righteousness but uses the Word to make sinners righteous in Christ. Support the Show Justification by the Word on Amazon Justification by the Word through Lexham

The Thinking Fellows recorded a live show in Sandiego, California. For this episode, they ask, "What did Luther mean when he said his conscience was captive to the Word of God?" The Fellows each give an answer and explain the significance of Luther's stand at Worms. Support the Show HWSS 2023 HWSS Arkansas 2023