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Think Well

by Ryan Pauly

Training Christians to THINK WELL by curating conversations with Christian thinkers and giving a framework for engaging the culture with a biblical worldview.Ryan Pauly has been working with students for over a decade as a teacher, missionary, and apologist. He is the Founder and President of Think Well, the Director of Immersive Experiences at MAVEN, and an Adjunct Professor of Theology and Apologetics at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. His work creating online content, teaching, and speaking around the country focuses on equipping Christians to confidently and compassionately engage some of the most difficult cultural issues with a biblical worldview. Ryan holds a B.A. in Theology and Youth Leadership from Vanguard University, an M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Biola University, and is a doctoral candidate in Practical Theology at Talbot School of Theology. His dissertation looks at apathy among Christian students and how the church can instill a passionate and lasti

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Episodes

  1. How Our Culture Lost Truth and Why It Still Matters (Dr. Douglas Groothuis)

    Does truth still matter in a culture increasingly shaped by relativism, social media, and competing ideas about reality?Dr. Douglas Groothuis joins me to discuss his new book, Taking Back Truth. We explore what truth is, how our culture lost it, why people may no longer care about pursuing it…

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  2. Is God's Existence Logically Impossible?

    Is God's existence logically impossible?A skeptic recently challenged me with an argument claiming that an all-powerful, all-knowing God cannot exist. In this livestream, I break down the argument, examine whether it actually violates the laws of logic, and discuss what it means for God to be...

  3. Can We Actually Know Christianity Is True? (Dr. Tim Pickavance)

    Can Christians actually know that Christianity is true, or is faith just a matter of belief? Dr. Timothy Pickavance joins me to discuss what knowledge is, how we can have it, and why knowledge matters for the Christian life. We also explore the false divide between the head and the heart and why...

  4. Did Christianity Really Shape the West? | A Historian Responds (Ep. 15)

    Did Christianity shape the modern West, or have Christian apologists overstated its historical influence? Join me for a thoughtful conversation with historian Dr. Michael Granado as we discuss Christianity, modern science, Western values, and the evidence behind these competing historical...

  5. A Gnostic Examines Christianity (Ep. 14)

    Today's guest identifies as a gnostic, panentheist, and panpsychist. Although he recently started attending a Christian church, he still has questions about Christianity and the resurrection. In this live conversation, he'll lead the discussion by asking his biggest questions as we explore…

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  6. Can Atheism Explain Objective Morality? (Ep. 13)

    Does objective morality exist? Can atheism explain meaning and morality? In this Christian and atheist conversation, we discuss objective morality, the meaning of life, and whether God is necessary for purpose, ethics, and human flourishing. Share your thoughts in the comments!Do you want to be a...

  7. Atheist & Christian Debate: Evidence, Truth, and Reason (Ep. 12)

    This is the first of what I hope will be many conversations between people who disagree but want to think well about important questions and ideas.My guest, Ruben, joins the show to discuss foundational questions that often shape debates about God, religion, and worldview: What is evidence? What…

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  8. My Best Case for the Pro-Life View (Ep. 11)

    Do you think the pro-life view is wrong? Have an objection, argument, or question? Call in and let's discuss it on the show. My goal is not to shout people down, but to have thoughtful, honest conversations about one of the most important issues in our culture. Whether you’re pro-choice…

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  9. Why Reason Points to God (Dr. Vern Poythress)

    Can reason exist apart from God? Are the laws of logic simply human inventions, or do they point beyond themselves to something deeper?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Vern Poythress to discuss his book, Redeeming Reason, and explore why human reasoning ultimately points to God.Dr. Vern...

  10. Why the Bible Doesn’t Support Slavery (Despite What You’ve Heard) | Pt. 7

    Does the Bible promote slavery? It’s one of the most common objections to Christianity, and one of the most misunderstood. In this livestream, I examine slavery in the Bible, key passages, and the historical context of Old Testament and New Testament slavery. Does regulation mean endorsement? Or…

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  11. The Strangest Old Testament Passages Explained (Pt. 6)

    There are some strange and confusing passages in the Old Testament. Why did God ban the eating of shrimp or boiling a goat in its mother's milk? Weren't there more important things to focus on? In this livestream, we take a closer look at some of the strangest passages in the Old Testament. If...

  12. How to Be Bold for Christ: Lessons from Acts (Dr. Iain Duguid)

    Are we focusing on the wrong things when we share the gospel? What did Jesus teach his followers and the church?In this episode, Dr. Iain Duguid explores Acts 1–8 to show how even Jesus’ first followers misunderstood His mission. Learn how the early church found boldness through the Holy Spirit…

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  13. Pork, Tattoos, Shrimp... and Slavery? The Strangest Old Testament Laws (Pt. 5)

    The Old Testament contains commands that can feel strange, confusing, and even troubling. No pork, mixed fabric, or shrimp. In this livestream (Part 5 of our virtual book study through "How Not to Read the Bible", we explore some of the difficult and surprising passages without rushing to easy...

  14. Call-In Debate: Is the Cosmological Argument Good Evidence for God? (Ep. 9)

    The Kalam Cosmological Argument is one of the most popular arguments for the existence of God. Is it a good argument? In this live call-in debate, I’ll be defending the Kalam Cosmological Argument as evidence for God and inviting skeptics to call in with their objections. Bring your questions,...

  15. How Taking Bible Verses Out of Context Distorts Scripture (Part 4)

    Have you ever heard someone say, “Never read a Bible verse”? It sounds strange, but it points to an important truth: every verse of Scripture is part of a much bigger story. In the virtual book study this week, we’ll explore the Bible’s six-act storyline and see how understanding the larger…

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  16. 8 False Assumptions About the Bible (Dr. John Marriott & Shawn Wicks)

    A lot of people are troubled by the Bible and have a lot of questions. Sometimes, Scripture itself seems to act as an obstacle to faith. The authors of "Is It Really The Good Book?" face these questions head-on in a quest to understand and appreciate the Bible better. What they discovered is that...

  17. LIVE Debate: Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead? (Ep. 8)

    Join me for a live call-in debate as skeptics and believers discuss a central claim to the Christian faith. Disagree respectfully, think deeply, and call in live.Register for a Summit Ministries summer conference before March 31st and use the discount code THINKWELL26 to save $500! -...

  18. 2 Mistakes People Make When Reading the Bible (Part 3)

    Before criticizing or applying the Bible to your life, it's important to make sure you're properly understanding it. The problem is that most people commit simple Bible-reading mistakes. Today's show will look at 2 facts about how to and how not to read the Bible.We are discussing chapter 2 of…

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  19. If You Really Read the Bible, Would You Still Believe It? (Part 2)

    Many online memes criticizing the Bible are confusing or persuasive because we have learned how (not) to read the Bible. Are you willing to look beyond the visual image and explore beyond a literal, out-of-context reading of a verse? If so, you'll discover that the Bible is not "sheer…

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  20. Why Reading the Bible Made Them Lose Their Faith (Part 1)

    "Pastors and church leaders regularly encourage us to read our Bibles. Yet here is the great irony. It was reading the Bible that caused this student—and an increasing number of others like him today—to leave Christianity."What do you do when you read new parts of the Bible and encounter…

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  21. Final Debate of 2025: Your Toughest Objections to Christianity (Ep. 6)

    This is the final livestream debate of 2025, so I am opening up the topic to any objections against Christianity. There are no off-limit questions. Skeptics, seekers, and Christians are all welcome to call in and ask questions about God, the Bible, science, morality, or anything else. Join the...

  22. Facing Culture's Opposition Without Losing Faith (Culture Study Part 9)

    "There is now a social cost to being a Christian in many of America's most elite sectors."Today's show will look at hostility and persecution as we walk through chapter 10 of Andrew and Christian Walker's new book, "What Do I Say When...?: A Parents' Guide to Navigating Cultural Chaos for…

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  23. The 7 Big Questions Gen Z Is Asking About God (Dr. Tanita Maddox)

    "Without understanding the questions Gen Z is asking, older generations of Christians are providing irrelevant and flawed answers, perpetuating the disconnect between themselves and Gen Z." Join the conversation as we look at the deeper questions that Gen Z is asking and how the church can...

  24. Jesus On Trial: Did He Commit Blasphemy or Reveal His Deity? (Dr. Mikel Del Rosario)

    Did Jesus really claim to be God? Dr. Mikel Del Rosario believes that Jesus's claim to possess divine authority should be recognized as a highly evidenced fact of history. His new book, "Did Jesus Really Say He Was God?: Making Sense of His Historical Claims," looks at Jesus's claims to forgive...

  25. The Scientific & Biblical Case for Noah's Flood (Dr. Hugh Ross)

    Many people see Noah’s Flood as unscientific or morally troubling. How can we make sense of this story in light of modern science? And if it really happened, how could a loving God allow such devastation? For some, believing the Flood was a real event undermines the credibility of Christians in...

  26. LIVE Debate: Is Morality Objective or Just Opinion? (Ep. 5)

    Is right and wrong based on a social contract? Does it change from person to person, or culture to culture, or is there an objective morality that applies to all people at all times? In Episode 5 of the Think Well Debate Livestream, I defend the case for objective morality and its ground in God...

  27. Hebrew Israelite Claims Revelation 3:12 Destroys the Trinity (Eric Hernandez & Vocab Malone)

    This Hebrew Israelite claimed to shut down our Christian apologetics conference with one question. It's a question that he says no Christian has ever been able to give a concrete answer to. So, how does Jesus saying "my God" in Revelation 3:12 fit in a framework of co-equal and co-eternal…

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  28. LIVE Debate: Does God Exist? | (Ep. 4)

    Is there good evidence that God exists? In Episode 4 of the Think Well Debate Livestream, I defend the case for God while engaging in a thoughtful and honest conversation with callers. Join the discussion live and bring your questions! Today's book giveaway is "What's Your Worldview?: An...

  29. LIVE Debate: Can the Trinity Be Defended? | (Ep. 3)

    The Trinity may be the most challenged doctrine in Christianity, and for good reason. It’s unique to the Christian faith and central to what Christians believe about God. If the Trinity falls, Christianity collapses. Join the live debate and bring your best objections to the table. Today's book...

  30. LIVE Debate: Is Christianity True? | (Ep. 2)

    What are your biggest objections to the truth of Christianity? What reasons do Christians have for believing Christianity is true? Join the show, bring your questions, and let's Think Well about the Christian faith. Register for a Summit Ministries summer conference before March 31st and use the...

  31. Christian Faith As Evidence for the Unseen

    This is the first of a series of debate livestreams. The topic was "Christian Faith Isn't Blind," and callers joined to discuss their thoughts. Enjoy!

  32. Politics and the Christian: Guarding Against Two Dangers (Culture Study Part 8)

    "There is as much caution necessary to protect yourself from being politically obsessive as there is the need to reject political apathy." Today's show will take a look at political engagement as we walk through chapter 9 of Andrew and Christian Walker's new book, "What Do I Say When...?: A...

  33. Should Natural Law Shape Public Policy?

    Are Christians trying to impose their Biblical values on others? How should we approach public policy in a society as diverse as ours? While our country's laws should be culturally neutral, they are not morally neutral. The solution is to base our laws on natural law. Join the conversation as we...

  34. Thinking Politically as Christians (Worldview Study Part 8)

    "Politics affects everyone everywhere. Yet most people do not know how to communicate or think methodically (much less unemotionally) about the issues at hand. What we need is for our thinking to be grounded in the basic framework of order, freedom, justice, and equality." Part 8 of our worldview...

  35. Depression & Faith: Finding Hope in the Darkness

    "We may worry we'll say the wrong thing and worsen someone's hopelessness. We may think depression is a medical condition outside our scope or assume sufferers will reach out if they desire help. Uncertain how to act, many don't act at all, lapsing into silence and avoidance." Today's show will...

  36. Technology Isn’t Neutral: How It Shapes Our Faith and Relationships (Culture Study Part 7)

    "Technology is not just a 'thing' we use; it colors virtually every interaction we have in the world today. We use technology but then technology shapes us into the types of persons that further technology's demands. It's an unending cycle of compulsion-desire-formation." Today's show will take a...

  37. Is Mark 2:26 a Bible Contradiction?

    Jesus says Abiathar was the high priest in Mark 2, but 1 Samuel says it was Abimelech. Was Jesus wrong? Did the Gospel writers get it wrong? Either way, Pesky Passages on TikTok claims this contradiction creates problems for biblical inerrancy. Let's take a closer look and bring our questions!…

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  38. Nature, Nurture, and the Soul: A Christian Take on Psychology (Worldview Study Part 7)

    "The Christian view of persons requires that we have some degree of responsibility in life, but it does not require that we act without influence upon our choice." Part 7 of our worldview study delves into "Psychology: A Student's Guide" by Stanton L. Jones. This helpful guide examines the study…

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  39. Transgenderism & the Christian Worldview- What Parents Need to Know (Culture Study Part 6)

    "To be male is not, first and foremost, to embody certain cultural expressions, like wearing blue. To be male or female is to possess a male or female body. Our bodies are not blank canvases. There is a purpose to the design that our bodies exhibit. That purpose, fundamentally, is the body's...

  40. Revolutionary Discoveries in Biology That Point to a Creator (Dr. Sy Garte)

    Are you willing to follow the evidence wherever it leads? Revolutionary developments in biology, such as purpose, agency, and decision-making at the cellular level, are providing stronger evidence than ever before of a purposeful creator God. My guest, Dr. Sy Garte, will show how a reductionist...

  41. How Christianity Answers Life's Biggest Questions (Worldview Study Part 5)

    Why is there anything at all? How can we know for sure? How did we get here, and what are we here for, anyway? Why have things gone so badly wrong? Is there any hope of fixing them? What should I do with my life? And where will it all end? These are the foundation questions that all worldviews...

  42. Why "Be True to Yourself" Is Breaking You (Culutre Study Part 5)

    Expressive individualism has become the central ethic that guides our society's thinking. "The idea that a person should be limited by an authority outside of him- or herself—whether a tradition, religion, or parent—to do or experience whatever he or she wants amounts to one of the worst offenses...

  43. The Universe Had a Beginning... So What? Apologetics Study Part 3

    "Conceptual analysis of what it is to be a cause of the universe enables us to recover a number of striking properties which this ultramundane cause must possess and which are of theological significance." - William Lane Craig In part 1 on the Kalam, I discussed the scientific evidence in support...

  44. What If the Resurrection Really Happened?

    1 Corinthians 15:17 says, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins." This means that either the tomb was empty, or Christians have an empty faith. Dr. Timothy Paul Jones (vice president for doctoral studies, professor of Christian family ministry, and...

  45. Does Science Prove the Universe Had a Beginning? Apologetics Study Part 2 (James Sinclair)

    "The Cosmological argument is a family of arguments that seek to demonstrate the existence of a Sufficient Reason or First Cause of the existence of the cosmos... The kalam cosmological argument traces its roots to the efforts of early Christian theologians who, out of their commitment to the...

  46. A More Compelling Narrative on Sexuality (Culture Study Part 4)

    Andrew and Christian Walker write, "The logic of bodily sex differences helps explain the moral logic of biblical sexual ethics overall. The mandate for sexual relations in Scripture is tied to the design of the body... The end for which the body is organized--namely, reproduction--tells us what...

  47. 12 Steps to Break Free from Reactive Thinking

    Wouldn't we all benefit from a better understanding of what it means to think well? If so, why don't we do it? Alan Jacobs is the author of "How to Think." He serves as a Distinguished Professor of Humanities in the Honors Program at Baylor University and a Senior Fellow of the Institute for...

  48. How to Read the Bible Without Blind Faith (or Cynicism) - Worldview Study Part 3

    Christians believe that God has personally, truthfully, and sufficiently revealed himself in the Bible. This should not be a blind following but is the result of the deep intellection tradition of biblical and theological studies. However, "pragmatism, consumerism, and an entertainment mentality...

  49. One God, Three Persons: Is the Trinity Logical?

    Does the Trinity have a counting problem? How can Jesus be both all-knowing in his divinity and not all-knowing in his humanity at the same time? Doesn't John 20:17 show that Jesus isn't God because he has a God? These are just some of the objections to the Trinity that I have received from…

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  50. The Christian Sexual Ethic: Personal & Cultural Flourishing

    "God created human beings to be sexual, therefore, sexuality is good under God's design," and "rightly-ordered sexuality brings God glory." So, how do we know when sexuality is rightly-ordered or disordered? How can sin distort our sexual desires? What was God's original design for human…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Training Christians to THINK WELL by curating conversations with Christian thinkers and giving a framework for engaging the culture with a biblical worldview.Ryan Pauly has been working with students for over a decade as a teacher, missionary, and apologist. He is the Founder and President of Think Well, the Director of Immersive Experiences at MAVEN, and an Adjunct Professor of Theology and Apologetics at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. His work creating online content, teaching, and speaking around the country focuses on equipping Christians to confidently and compassionately engage some of the most difficult cultural issues with a biblical worldview. Ryan holds a B.A. in Theology and Youth Leadership from Vanguard University, an M.A. in Christian Apologetics from Biola University, and is a doctoral candidate in Practical Theology at Talbot School of Theology. His dissertation looks at apathy among Christian students and how the church can instill a passionate and lasti

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Ryan Pauly

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Think Well have?

Think Well currently has 369 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Think Well about?

Training Christians to THINK WELL by curating conversations with Christian thinkers and giving a framework for engaging the culture with a biblical worldview.Ryan Pauly has been working with students for over a decade as a teacher, missionary, and apologist. He is the Founder and President of Think...

How often does Think Well release new episodes?

Think Well publishes regularly with 369 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Think Well?

You can listen to Think Well on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Think Well?

Think Well is created and hosted by Ryan Pauly.
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