Thinker Sensitive

Ryan bids his listeners farewell, departing with a final word. "This is what I am learning: I must abide in him that he might abide in me. I hope you have learned something too. I hope, like me, you’re striving to become something more. I hope we reach the same end. I hope that we wash up on the same shore….”About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Ryan shifts to a personal evaluation of ancient Stoicism, offering some commendations and some corrections. "There’s a lot of practical wisdom and prudent advice in Stoicism, as long as we stay clear of some of the extremes—incorporating the recommendations of Epictetus into our lives in a nuanced and balanced manner.”About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

After briefly discussing Epicureanism, the moral philosophy of Epicurus, Ryan transitions to Aristotle’s moral philosophy—which is widely understood as a “character, or virtue, ethic.”    "One of the most intriguing and thought-provoking aspects of Aristotle’s ethics is the idea that morality, virtue, and happiness are solely based on acting, doing, living, and being. It is not enough to talk about morality or to think about morality; one must enact justice and embody the good. For Aristotle, talking about virtue doesn’t make you good; being virtuous makes you good.” About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive. Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen Feedspot Listing: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/philosophy_podcasts/

Ryan dips into Classical Greek ethics, beginning with a brief summary of Epicureanism, which is an ancient form of hedonism that emphasizes simplicity and moderation.  "Epicurus was born on the Island of Samoa. He visited Athens as a teenager and briefly studied under a disciple of Plato. Years later, he would return to Athens, but this time not as a student, but rather as a teacher, quickly establishing a philosophy school at a local garden. He liked it so much that… he never left."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Fear of retribution, hope of rewards, or the power of love? Ryan talks about the only motivating factor and inspirational force in the universe worth living and dying for."...fear of punishment and hope of rewards are motivations and incentives for the immature, not the mature. They are what help children behave, but we must progress beyond childhood and move towards perfection, the perfection of love…."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In the second part of a two-part podcast on "The Law of Love," Ryan argues that no one—neither Christians nor non-Christians—consistently and perfectly embodies the love that fulfills all law."...the love that fulfills the law, the love of God in Christ—self-sacrificial, edifying, and unconditional love—represents an immensely high standard, one that almost all people fail to reach. This standard, this love, like the law of old, becomes our judge. It scrutinizes our love. It shows us just how incredibly small and impotent our love is…."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Ryan discusses the nature and character of the love that fulfills all law."True love, real love, the love that fulfills all law, is made up of three defining characteristics: selflessness, edification, and unconditionality."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Ryan unpacks the contextual and nuanced ethic of Christ, which was centered on the values of the kingdom that he proclaimed."So much of Jesus’s ethical reasoning has to do with notions of priority and primacy, as moral judgments often involve a deliberation—choosing which principle or principles should be given ultimate primacy and priority above all others."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Ryan talks about dreaded religious rules and much maligned divine precepts, taking a uniquely positive and optimistic approach to the law of God in the Judeo-Christian tradition."As I have said many times before, and as the ancient thinkers and classical philosophers also taught—not just in Israel but in Greece and in Rome as well—the moral life is the good life. The high character person is the happy person. The virtuous person is the blessed person. The mature person is the fulfilled person."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Ryan explains why he believes that the moral life is the good life, that the spiritual life is the blessed life, and that the holy life is the happy life."Holiness and happiness, purity and pleasure, benevolence and blessedness, virtue and vivaciousness, faithfulness and fulfillment, jurisprudence and joy, character and contentment. What do these seemingly contradictory concepts have in common? What do these ideas—often pitted against each other, and often understood as being mutually exclusive—have to do with one another? Is this some kind of paradox? What relationship do these notions share? What does holiness have to do with happiness? What does purity have to do with pleasure?"About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Ryan discusses the gods of the present age—envisaging the Western world as deeply religious, even if not in the traditional sense."Over the last few episodes, I have attempted to demolish the false gods and idols of our age. I have been in the process of a kind of deconstruction, but not the kind of deconstruction that has become popular today, not a deconstruction of classical religion, but a deconstruction of modern religion—which I suppose is both ancient and new at the same time."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Ryan discusses the shortcomings of the wanton pursuit of pleasure, a pursuit that is often confused with the pursuit of happiness."What I will say is that pleasure is a good thing, but, like fortune and fame, it is easily abused and easily corrupted—especially when it is treated as an end in itself rather than as a means to or, in some cases, as a byproduct, or consequence, of the pursuit of a higher end."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Ryan discusses the futility and vanity of the pursuit of popularity, a pursuit that is often confused with the pursuit of happiness.Like with money and wealth, instead of viewing fame as an end in itself, it should be used as a means to an end—particularly a means to the end of helping others. In this way, popularity and status can be used for good and can lead to virtue. When we use our influence for others, in a selfless manner, we will find a piece, a part, of that happiness that we so badly desire. Influence that is used as a concrete expression of love for neighbor becomes a means to true happiness, a happiness that is fulfilled, in part, in time and, in whole, in the eternity of God—the source and goal of all happiness.About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Ryan discusses the pitfalls of the pursuit of wealth and riches, a pursuit that is often confused with the pursuit of happiness."The way in which we use our money and use our possessions makes all the difference in the world! Those who give, receive; sharing with others and living for others is inherently rewarding. There is a huge difference between the rich person who lives for others and the rich person who lives for himself. The former is fulfilled; the latter is empty. The former is truly rich—filled with joy, and peace, and contentment; the other—despite all of his wealth and abundance—is poor and left wanting."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In today’s installment of The Weekly, Ryan invokes a peculiar theory from the French Enlightenment philosopher Rousseau in order to discuss the path to fulfillment and the way of contentment."Rousseau believed that this simple and humble way of life, this life without unnecessary ambitions, without exorbitant desires, without an inflated sense of what one really needs, was a life of tranquility and satisfaction—a life of fulfillment and happiness. I suppose one could sum this up by saying that, for Rousseau, happiness—at least in part—is a matter of perspective."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

On today's Weekly episode, which is really the first full Weekly of the New Year, Ryan discusses the topic of modern convenience and contemporary ease of living."The ancient person doesn’t know what she doesn’t have, she doesn’t know what she can or could have; and so, it may very well be that she is happy with what she does have, even happier than she would be. In fact, she might be happier than I am…." About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In today's installment of The Weekly, the first podcast episode of the new year, Ryan updates his listeners on recent progress and does some vision casting for 2023 and beyond.Special Requests: Write a quick review on Apple Podcasts If you feel so inclined, donate to the show Thanks for your support!About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In the final part of our three part interview with Chad Graham, the original creator of Thinker Sensitive, Ryan and Chad discuss several pertinent cultural issues—issues ranging from political polarization to environmental and energy concerns to the possibility of alien life.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In the second part of a three-part interview with Chad Graham, Ryan asks Chad some candid questions about the state and condition of the contemporary church in the United States.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In the first part of a three-part interview with the original founder of Thinker Sensitive, Ryan asks Chad about his personal story, which includes the story behind the development of Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In the ninth episode of our season on the question of God, Ryan concludes the season with some final words and some final declarations."I cannot not believe. I have to believe. I must believe. To deny the reality of God would be to deny my very existence—to reject my very being, my very history, my very experience, my very essence. This would be an absurdity." About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In the eighth episode of our season on the question of God, Ryan discusses the notion of miracles—analyzing the concept from a philosophical perspective and sharing some personal stories."...this Spirit is the power of the future—the power that liberates the world, liberates history, from the bondage of past-present causation, from the restrictions and limitations of a closed, deterministic system of cause-and-effect, from the slavery of ordinary and predictable causal relationships—the power, the Spirit, who breaks through the walls of space and time to create the truly novel, and beautiful, and miraculous effects that we see in our world today. Just because we take these things for granted—things like rationality and freedom—doesn’t make them any less miraculous."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In the seventh episode of our season on the question of God, Ryan continues to evaluate theism and atheism from a cognitive perspective, juxtaposing and critically assessing these worldviews on the basis of rational categories and criteria. "My philosophy professor from graduate school, Michael Peterson, who is a joint editor on some of the philosophy of religion material from Oxford University Press, sincerely believes that theism triumphs over atheism in all of these major categories of evaluation and engagement… except with maybe one exception: the problem of evil, which he believes is a wash."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In the sixth episode of our season on the question of God, Ryan finally begins to evaluate theism and atheism from a cognitive perspective, juxtaposing and critically assessing these worldviews on the basis of rational categories and criteria."I believe that there is need for both a creator of the universe and a developer of the universe. The former alone results in deism; the latter alone results in pantheism or panentheism. The two together result in theism. This is why I am a theist." About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In the fifth installment of our season on the question of God, Ryan examines the holistic nature of human belief, demonstrating that belief is not simply a matter of the mind, but a matter of the heart, the will, and personal experience."...the cognitive dimension is not everything; faith and doubt, affirmation of God and rejection of God, are not always based on intellectual issues. Personality, background, and how a person is wired all play a huge role in both theistic and atheistic belief. Belief involves the whole person—not just the mind, but one’s experience, one’s heart, and one’s will."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In the fourth episode of our season on the question of God, Ryan dispels some common myths about theism and atheism and debunks some stereotypes about believers in God."Similar to the way in which the myth of Paul Bunyan can be demythologized and debunked, there are various myths about faith and belief that can be and should be debunked as well…. Likewise, there are also many popular stereotypes that persist today about people of faith and believers in God, stereotypes that are both ignorant and offensive."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In the third episode of our season on the question of God, Ryan unpacks the profound implications of both worldviews: a theistic worldview and an atheistic worldview—demonstrating why this question is truly the question of all questions."Nihilism is the necessary effect of atheism as its primary cause. Nietzsche himself understood this, in part because he was a real atheist, as opposed to a nominal one—and real atheists are nihilists by definition. Nietzsche had the courage to be a real atheist; he had the courage to embrace the natural nihilistic implications of atheism. In this sense, he deserves our respect, but he mostly deserves our respect because he is a creation of the living God."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In the second episode of our new season on the question of God, Ryan sums up the history of this all-important question in the West, chronicling the historical development of both theism and atheism in the ancient and modern world."Today, atheistic belief is becoming more and more commonplace; if it wasn’t taken very seriously in the 20th century, it certainly should be taken seriously in the 21st century."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In the first episode of our season on The Question of God, Ryan sets the stage for the rest of the season, explaining why the question is so important to him and sharing how the question has shaped his life. Ryan can only answer this question for himself, and so what follows will be his answer alone…."I care about this question—the question of all questions—because I care about people, and I suppose I care about people because I care about this question. I believe that a life with God is better than a life without God. I want to see people that I love, care about, and cherish prosper and thrive, to have life and life abundantly!"About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Ryan shares some key details on Thinker Sensitive's upcoming season on the question of God.

In today’s edition of The Weekly, Ryan shares his personal thoughts on poverty in the United States, highlighting the ways in which this issue relates to personal virtue and personal ethics."The one who is grateful will naturally give more than the one who is ungrateful; the one who sees himself as blessed will give more than the one who sees herself as cursed; the one who lives in a sense of gratitude will be more generous than the one who lives in bitterness."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In today's edition of The Weekly, which is the second episode of a three-part set on American poverty, Ryan outlines the overarching debate on poverty in the United States—examining key arguments and claims from across the spectrum.“even the developed world’s poor and middle classes are, by global standards, extraordinarily rich. After adjusting for cost-of-living differences, a typical American still earns an income that is 10 times the income received by the typical person in the world. Do Americans understand this fact? In short, no. Does their misperception of their comparative affluence help to explain deep-seated opposition to foreign aid and other forms of international redistribution? In short, yes.” -Ph.D. Candidate in Political Science at Yale UniversityAbout Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In today’s podcast, the first of three on American poverty, Ryan sets the table by analyzing the key definitions and standards that are used when discussing such matters—looking particularly at how we measure and weigh poverty."...maybe a more robust and expansive global and historical understanding would help broaden our perspective and help cultivate virtues of contentment, fulfillment, joy, gratitude, and thankfulness—virtues that contribute greatly to our quality of life, to the good life."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

On today’s installment of The Weekly, Ryan analyzes two opposing contemporary views on America: A traditional patriotic and idealistic perspective, on one hand, and a modern (or post-modern) unpatriotic and critical perspective, on the other. Just how does this relate to the popular debate between New York-style and Chicago-style pizza? Listen to the episode to find out!"...I will always be thankful for my American citizenship. How this particular sense of gratitude has became so unfashionable and so unpopular amongst so many of my peers—I don’t know. But one of the bad things I failed to mention about America—and about Americans—is how spoiled and ungrateful we are…."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In today's installment of the The Weekly, Ryan proposes the idea that all human experience is transcendental experience, asserting that all of us experience God "in the everyday," and that each of us encounter the transcendent in our mere existence. To live—to exist—is to be in the presence of one's creator. "This natural, human openness to Spirit and this anonymous affirmation of God is experienced existentially and fragmentarily in the personal histories of each individual. In these experiences—in the feelings of euphoria and the helper’s high, in the very giving of oneself to another in love, in being-for-others, as Bonhoeffer put it—one experiences the transcendent; one encounters God."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

On today's Weekly episode, Ryan shares his story and explains how Thinker Sensitive is the culmination of his personal journey, a journey that is still unfolding.About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

On today’s Weekly episode, which is the second part of a two-part podcast on humans and animals, Ryan begins to develop his philosophy and theology of human nature, unpacking the key differences between a human being and other developed primates, and establishing in what ways the human might be said to be made in the image of God."In mind, in will, in morality, all human beings were made in the likeness of God—mind from mind, will from will, moral agent from moral agent, personhood from personhood, self from self, transcendental spirit from The Transcendent Spirit."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Do animals have souls? What are the essential differences between a human being and a dolphin or an ape? Are human beings really special amongst all other animals? What makes a human a human? On today’s Weekly episode, which is the first part of a two-part podcast, Ryan sets the table for an in-depth discussion on the nature of humans and animals."Though I would classify myself as an animal lover, I do think that there is a sharp distinction to be made between humans and animals, a metaphysical distinction. There are some who see humans and other animals as being on the same metaphysical plane, there are others who see a difference in degree, and there are others who believe that there is an actual substantive difference and qualitative distinction to be made. I personally hold to the latter, believing that there is a metaphysical, substantive, and qualitative difference between humans and all other animals—a difference in nature, quality, or essence."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

This week’s episode is a continuation of our interview with Randy Hardman, owner of the Drinklings Coffee House and creator of the Thinklings Podcast. On the second half of this two-part interview, we talk about suffering in human experience, the distinction between the philosophical problem of evil and the existential problem of evil, the presence of God in the midst of pain, the importance of wrestling with God, the significance of authenticity, the difference between faith in ideas and faith in a Living Being, the values of imagination and fellowship, and the importance of having a faithful presence in one’s own sphere of influence.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

On today’s Weekly episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing my friend from seminary, Randy Hardman, owner of the Drinklings Coffee House and one of the original founders of Ratio Christi. Randy has an amazing story (including how he unfortunately passed up the opportunity to watch Appalachian State upset Michigan in the Big House while a student in Boone, NC). On the first half of this two-part interview, we talk about his experience growing up in church as an outsider, his crisis of faith at the age of 15, his introduction to apologetics, his decision to attend a secular university and study philosophy, his contribution to the formation of Ratio Christi, his discovery of some of the pitfalls of Christian apologetics, his process of integrating classical faith with modern ideas, the evolution of his beliefs, and the uniqueness of seminary life.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In today’s Weekly episode, Ryan continues his interview with his friend from college, Wade Bearden, author of To My Friend Who Left the Faith: A Letter to a Prodigal from a Prodigal. In the second half of their conversation, they talk about the relationship between faith and certainty, hypocrisy in the church, the problem of pain, the role of suffering in the Christian life, and Wade’s goals for his book. Listen to the pod to ponder these important topics with Ryan and Wade. Purchase Wade’s book today: https://www.amazon.com/My-Friend-Who-Left-Faith/dp/0578391597/Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In today’s Weekly episode, Ryan sits down with Wade Bearden, author of To My Friend Who Left the Faith: A Letter to a Prodigal from a Prodigal. In the first half of our conversation, we talk about “emotionalism,” doubt, personal bias, the role of desire in faith, deconstruction, reconstruction, and self-criticism.“Wade and his friend met and grew up at church. After high school, they parted ways. Wade’s friend left the faith. Wade stayed—only to wrestle with his own questions about Christianity.” Purchase Wade’s book today: https://www.amazon.com/My-Friend-Who-Left-Faith/dp/0578391597/Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

On today's Weekly episode, Ryan discusses the importance of having a sense of awe and wonder in life and for the world around us, attempting to inspire people to transcend modern disillusionment and contemporary disenchantment. Life is full of beauty and majesty, and it's important to be mindful of this.“The nuns taught us there are two ways through life, the way of Nature and the way of Grace. You have to choose which one you’ll follow. Grace doesn’t try to please itself. Accepts being slighted, forgotten, disliked. Accepts insults and injuries. Nature only wants to please itself. Get others to please it too. Likes to lord it over them. To have its own way. It finds reasons to be unhappy when all the world is shining around it. And love is smiling through all things. They taught us that no one who ever loves the way of grace ever comes to a bad end. I will be true to you. Whatever comes.”-Terrence Malick About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

On this week's episode, Ryan unpacks the practical benefits of belief in God, looking at the relevant data and research from contemporary studies."I have said it before, and I will say it again: theism—belief in God—gives people meaning, purpose, and hope—something that I have personally experienced throughout my life—and something that these studies all demonstrate."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

On this week's episode, Ryan offers a constructive critique of the selective kindness of the world and tries to explain why universal kindness and unconditional love are far greater. "I believe that striving to become a truly kind person—someone who is kind to all people, not just some people—and striving to become a truly loving person—someone who loves all and loves unconditionally—is not just personally beneficial, but beneficial for all."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In the second part of our two part podcast on the current deconstruction movement, Ryan looks at the reasons why so many people are deconstructing Christianity today, closing with a brief appraisal and a brief critique of contemporary deconstruction."I talked about three types of deconstructionists in last week’s episode: the arsonist, the gentrifier, and the renovator. When I discussed them, I talked about them in relation to deconstructing or reconstructing homes and dwelling places. The arsonist is left without a home, which, I think in many cases, can be much worse than having a home—even if one’s former home was very imperfect; the gentrifier has a new and completely different home, but there’s no guarantee that this new house will be any better than the old one—and it could end up being worse; the renovator has an updated home, but some of the new renovations could very easily lead to new problems."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

If you are on Instagram or TikTok, you are probably familiar with the deconstruction hashtag. This hashtag is often associated with other hashtags, like: #exevangelical, #exfundie, #exholiness, and even #exchristian. As a type of deconstructionist himself, in the opening installment of this two-part podcast, Ryan sets out to deconstruct the deconstruction movement in a constructive manner, setting the table for more in-depth analysis in the second episode."My personal journey, my existential history, is a journey from immature Christianity to deconstructionism to reconstructionism and mature Christianity."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In the final episode of our new mini-series, Ryan brings his discussion of ethical education to a close, laying down some guidelines and ending with a concrete application."The public university should not, in any shape or form, represent a system of coercion or indoctrination—whether of a conservative variety or a liberal variety—but a safe, welcoming, and comfortable shelter for free thinking, sound reasoning, civil discourse, and open self-expression and creativity."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In the second installment of our new mini-series, Ryan sets the table for his ethic of education—defining terms, making key distinctions, and establishing the ideal of neutrality (which is an "impossible possibility") in the public sphere."During the enlightenment period, many political philosophers developed and propagated the modern idea of public neutrality—that the public square should be driven by objectivity and impartiality rather than subjectivity, personal agendas, and ideologies."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In the first episode of our new mini-series, Ryan evaluates cancel culture from a philosophical and ethical perspective—looking at various pros & cons and presenting a way forward."If we want grace and forgiveness from others, then we should extend grace and forgiveness to others; if we don’t want to be judged and shamed by others, then we should be slow to judge and shame others. Do we criticize ourselves with the same vigor with which we criticize others? If we were public figures—with all our thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and speech made visible for the whole world to see, with everything we do and say held under a microscope—would we be cancelled? How fast would it take?" About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen