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Thinking Fellows

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The Thinking Fellows is a 45-minute podcast about theology, philosophy, Christian history, and apologetics. It is hosted by Scott Keith, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hilman. The Thinking Fellows bring high-level subject matters to fun and insightful lay-level conversations each week.

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24 episodes
weekly
Avg 49 min
English

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Friday · 1 hr
Apologetics, Academia and Algorithms
In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hillman talk about the state of modern Christian apologetics. They discuss Adam's recent apologetics conference in Cambridge, the value of serious Christian scholarship, and why clear thinking and clear writing still matter. They also look at materialism, science, certainty, and the ways Christians can respond when anti-Christian ideas show up on their phones and online. Follow 1517: Instagram X/Twitter Facebook More from 1517: Support the work at 1517 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education 1517 Podcast Listeners Get a Free Book When They Sign Up for Memento This August New Books from 1517 Publishing: The Turk at the Door by Adam Francisco Luther and the Lion: A Narnian Catechism by Samuel Schuldheisz By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman
August 28 · 47 min
Law and Gospel with Rod Rosenbladt
In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Caleb Keith, Scott Keith, and Daniel Emery Price listen to an old recording from Rod Rosenbladt and discuss the Lutheran view of Law and Gospel. They explain that the Law shows us our sin and puts the old sinner to death, while the Gospel gives life through Christ and has the final word. They also discuss Christian freedom, antinomianism, vocation, and why the Gospel is what creates new life. Rod Rosenbladt Legacy More from 1517: Support the work at 1517 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education 1517 Podcast Listeners Get a Free Book When They Sign Up for Memento This August New Books from 1517 Publishing: The Turk at the Door by Adam Francisco Luther and the Lion: A Narnian Catechism by Samuel Schuldheisz By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Daniel Emery Price
August 21 · 57 min
Summer Reading Roundup
In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, Bruce Hillman, and Scott Keith share their summer reading lists, ranging from the Bible and church fathers to history, politics, philosophy, fiction, and swimming. Their conversation explores everything from the transition of Rome from paganism to Christianity and Thomas Sowell's ideas about human nature to the problem of evil and the history of Finland during World War II. They also discuss Lutheran scholarship, vocation and theological disagreement. Adam Francisco The Bible — New Living Translation (NLT) The Quran Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Struggles — Thomas Sowell Bruce Hillman On Death and Eternal Life — Gregory of Nyssa The Oxford Reading and Philosophy: Problem of Evil — Marilyn McCord Adams (editor) Scott Keith The Long Way Home: A Journey into the History of Captain Robert Ford — Ed Dover The Fourth Option — Jack Carr The Spy Who Came in from the Cold — John le Carré Ice — Ulla-Lena Lundberg How Finland Survives Stalin: From the Winter War to the Cold War, 1939–1950 — Kimmo Rentola Why We Swim — Bonnie Tsui Caleb Keith The Final Pagan Generation: Rome's Unexpected Path to Christianity — Edward J. Watts The Pieper Lectures: The Lutheran Doctrine of Vocation, Vol. 11 — various authors More from 1517: Support the work at 1517 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education 1517 Podcast Listeners Get a Free Book When They Sign Up for Memento This August New Books from 1517 Publishing: The Turk at the Door by Adam Francisco Luther and the Lion: A Narnian Catechism by Samuel Schuldheisz By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman Follow 1517: Instagram X/Twitter Facebook
August 14 · 55 min
Is Your Church Healthy or Dying?
What makes a church "healthy"? In this episode of the Thinking Fellows, Caleb Keith, Scott Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hillman examine the popular language of healthy churches, church growth, and discipleship. They question whether marketing metrics have replaced the biblical marks of the church and argue that the true measure of the church is the faithful preaching of Christ crucified and the right administration of the sacraments. Rather than chasing marketing strategies or growth models, they contend that the church exists to deliver the forgiveness of sins through Word and Sacrament, trusting God's promises instead of chasing the latest trends. More from 1517: Support the work at 1517 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education New Books from 1517 Publishing: The Turk at the Door by Adam Francisco Luther and the Lion: A Narnian Catechism by Samuel Schuldheisz By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman Follow 1517: Instagram X/Twitter Facebook
July 31 · 51 min
Whose Father was Abraham?
On this episode of Thinking Fellows, the guys ask what it means to call Christianity, Judaism, and Islam the "Abrahamic faiths." They look at the history of the term and what these religions actually share. They also explain why their differences, especially about Jesus Christ, matter more than the label and how Christians can talk with Jews and Muslims without losing the truth of the Gospel. More from 1517: Support the work at 1517 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education New Books from 1517 Publishing: The Turk at the Door by Adam Francisco Luther and the Lion: A Narnian Catechism by Samuel Schuldheisz By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman Follow 1517: Instagram X/Twitter Facebook
July 24 · 53 min
Challenging Children's Church
In this episode of Thinking Fellows, the guys discuss the ongoing debate over children's church and whether kids should be separated from adults during worship. They argue that Christian worship is more than age appropriate teaching. God works through the proclamation of His Word and the sacraments for believers of every age, making children an important part of the gathered church. Drawing from Scripture, Luther, and recent research, they make the case that worshiping together as families helps pass the faith from one generation to the next and forms children in ways that children's church alone cannot. More from 1517: Support the work at 1517 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education New Books from 1517 Publishing: The Turk at the Door by Adam Francisco Luther and the Lion: A Narnian Catechism by Samuel Schuldheisz By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman Follow 1517: Instagram X/Twitter Facebook
July 17 · 46 min
Can We Trust Luther?
In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Adam, Bruce, and Caleb explore whether Martin Luther can be trusted, responding to modern critiques that question his character, motives, and mental state as a way of dismissing the Reformation. They argue that while Luther was at times emotional, outspoken, and flawed, his theology should be judged by how faithfully it interprets Scripture rather than by speculative psychological diagnoses or personal attacks. Along the way, they discuss how Luther's humanity, historical context, and extensive writings have fueled both serious scholarship and polemical caricatures, encouraging listeners to evaluate his teaching on its biblical merits. More from 1517: Support the work at 1517 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education New Books from 1517 Publishing: The Turk at the Door by Adam Francisco Luther and the Lion: A Narnian Catechism by Samuel Schuldheisz By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman Follow 1517: Instagram X/Twitter Facebook
July 9 · 39 min
The Turk at the Door
In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Adam Francisco discusses his new book The Turk at the Door, exploring how Martin Luther understood Islam, the Ottoman Empire, and the challenges facing Christendom during the Reformation. The conversation examines Luther's distinction between just war and holy war, his study of the Quran, and why Christians should understand Islam without confusing political conflict with the proclamation of the Gospel. They discuss why this overlooked chapter of Reformation history still matters today as Christians engage thoughtfully and faithfully with their Muslim neighbors. More from 1517: Support the work at 1517 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education New Books from 1517 Publishing: The Turk at the Door by Adam Francisco Luther and the Lion: A Narnian Catechism by Samuel Schuldheisz By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman
July 1 · 55 min
Are Young Men Coming Back To Church?
Caleb, Scott, and Bruce discuss the claim that young men are making a dramatic return to regular church attendance. They examine the data and the growing implications of the widening differences between young men and young women in their dispositions toward Christianity. Ultimately, the fellows urge caution and patience, warning against adopting a new "seeker-sensitive" approach to church in an attempt to capitalize on these trends. More from 1517: Give to the June 1517 Podcast Network Fundraiser! Learn more about the 1517 Podcast Network Fundraiser 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education New Books from 1517 Publishing: By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith A Reasoned Defense of the Faith by Adam Francisco Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman Follow 1517: Instagram X/Twitter Facebook
June 17 · 52 min
Lutheranism in Finland w/ Toni Kokkonen
In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Dr. Scott Keith and Caleb Keith discuss the state of Christianity in Finland with pastor and youth director Toni Kokkonen. The conversations examines how Lutheranism shaped Finnish culture and identity, the challenges posed by secularization and debates within the Finnish state church, and the role of confessional renewal movements seeking to remain faithful to Scripture. Despite cultural and ecclesial challenges, the episode highlights encouraging signs among younger generations who are deeply engaged with theology, worship, and the future of Lutheran Christianity in Finland. More from 1517: Give to the June 1517 Podcast Network Fundraiser! Learn more about the 1517 Podcast Network Fundraiser 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education New Books from 1517 Publishing: By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith A Reasoned Defense of the Faith by Adam Francisco Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith
June 12 · 56 min
Jesus vs. Paul? The Myth of a Divided New Testament
Did the Apostle Paul invent Christianity? Did his teachings contradict the message of Jesus? These claims have become increasingly common in popular books, documentaries, podcasts, and online discussions. The Fellows refute this idea and present compelling reasons to see and believe that the New Testament speaks with one voice. More from 1517: Give to the June 1517 Podcast Network Fundraiser! Learn more about the 1517 Podcast Network Fundraiser 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education New Books from 1517 Publishing: By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith A Reasoned Defense of the Faith by Adam Francisco Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman Follow 1517: Instagram X/Twitter Facebook
June 5 · 47 min
Certainty and Assurance
The Thinking Fellows discuss proclimation, apologetics, and epistemology. What does it mean that the Christian faith is certain? How does certainty of God's word differ from analytic certainty like mathmatics? The certainty of the Christian faith comes from a divine word of promise that points us to the death and ressurection of Christ for both knowledge and faith. More from 1517: Give to the June 1517 Podcast Network Fundraiser! Learn more about the 1517 Podcast Network Fundraiser 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education New Books from 1517 Publishing: By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith A Reasoned Defense of the Faith by Adam Francisco Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman Follow 1517: Instagram X/Twitter Facebook
May 30 · 24 min
What Is the Athanasian Creed, and Why Does It Matter?
Caleb Keith and John Hoyum discuss the content and purpose of the Athanasian Creed. What is this third ecumenical creed, and why do Lutherans still confess it today? More from 1517: Give to the June 1517 Podcast Network Fundraiser! Learn more about the 1517 Podcast Network Fundraiser 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education
May 25 · 44 min
How American Christianity Lost Baptism
"America was designed to destroy baptism" is a famous quote from Dr. Steven Paulson and his appearance on the Thinking Fellows live show in 2017. Caleb and Scott are joined by Dan van Voorhis to examine the truth behind Dr. Paulson's statement. Together, they explore the rejection of infant baptism in American Protestantism and how this shift has often turned faith and knowledge into meritorious works within Protestant theology. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith A Reasoned Defense of the Faith by Adam Francisco Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman
May 15 · 50 min
What Do Christians Have to Say About Hell?
The Thinking Fellows examine one of Christianity's most difficult and avoided topics: hell. In a world where many people either explain hell away or imagine it through the lens of Dante and Milton rather than Scripture, the Fellows discuss what Christians can seriously and straightforwardly confess about eternal judgment. Looking especially to the teaching and ministry of Jesus Christ, the conversation explores how Christians can speak honestly about hell without falling into speculation, sensationalism, or silence. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network Taking Hell Seriously 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: By Water and the Word by Brian Thomas Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith A Reasoned Defense of the Faith by Adam Francisco Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman
May 5 · 53 min
Does God Have a Plan for Your Life?
The Thinking Fellows examine a common question about the Christian life and God's power and plans. What are common mistakes made when talking about God ordaining or planning the events and conditions in our lives? In what ways is it true that God has a plan for you? The conversation leads people toward the finished work of Christ and God's means of communication to his people. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: 1517 Youtube: How God Still Speaks Today Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith A Reasoned Defense of the Faith by Adam Francisco Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes, Translated by Dr. Derek Cooper More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman
April 20 · 40 min
Do I Have A Guardian Angel?
The Bible is clear that angels exist. The question for Christians is: what does the Church need to confess about angels? What do popular depictions of guardian angels or miraculous encounters with angels get right and wrong? The Fellows outline the biblical depiction of angels and present a positive picture of how God uses them to accomplish His purposes. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: 1517 Youtube: How God Still Speaks Today Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith A Reasoned Defense of the Faith by Adam Francisco Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes, Translated by Dr. Derek Cooper More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman
April 10 · 49 min
Demons Are Real But Christians Don't Need to Be Afraid
Contemporary Christianity often ignores or understates the realities and existence of spiritual warfare and spiritual beings. The naturalistic Western world views these things as superstitious. How can Christians talk about the existence and work of demons without being sensationalized? The Thinking Fellows discuss demons in plain and simple terms, encouraging fellow believers to do the same. Yes, demons are real, but Christians do not need to be afraid because we already possess victory over them. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: 1517 Youtube: How God Still Speaks Today Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith A Reasoned Defense of the Faith by Adam Francisco Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes, Translated by Dr. Derek Cooper More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman
April 3 · 1 hr 8 min
Just War Theology and the Christian Conscience
Adam Francisco, Bruce Hilman, and Caleb Keith discuss just war theology. Just war attempts to give Christians a framework within which their conscience can find comfort as rulers, soldiers, and citizens carrying out their vocations. Just war theology can be a useful tool, but it also has limits. Most importantly, participation in a just war does not justify the sinner. Justification happens apart from any just fulfillment of our vocations. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: 1517 Youtube: How God Still Speaks Today Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith A Reasoned Defense of the Faith by Adam Francisco Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes, Translated by Dr. Derek Cooper More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman
March 29 · 53 min
Go To Church
What is the difference between habitually missing church or removing it from your life, and simply missing a service? In this episode, the Thinking Fellows discuss the essential nature of gathering together as the Church while also considering how to admonish attendance without attacking faithful members who occasionally miss services. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: 1517 Youtube: How God Still Speaks Today Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith A Reasoned Defense of the Faith by Adam Francisco Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes, Translated by Dr. Derek Cooper More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman

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