PODCAST · religion
Thinking Fellows
by 1517 Podcasts
The Thinking Fellows is a 45-minute podcast about theology, philosophy, Christian history, and apologetics. It is hosted by Scott Keith, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hilman. The Thinking Fellows bring high-level subject matters to fun and insightful lay-level conversations each week.
Episodes
-
An Introduction to the Augsburg Confession
Learn the history, context, and significance of the Augsburg Confession, and discover why this foundational document became a defining statement of the Lutheran Reformation. Subscribe to 25 Minutes in the Lutheran Confessions on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to 25 Minutes in the Lutheran Confessions…
more -
Did the Internet Kill Christianity?
In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Caleb Keith, Scott Keith, Bruce Hillman, and Adam Francisco discuss whether the internet has contributed to the decline of Christianity and religious participation. They talk about how the internet can give us endless information while pulling us away from…
more -
Who is the Kingdom of God?
In this episode of the Thinking Fellows, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, Bruce Hillman, and Scott Keith discuss the kingdom of God and what Jesus means when He says the kingdom is near. They explain the Lutheran view that the kingdom is centered on Christ and comes to us through the Word and...
-
Not of the World For You
In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Caleb Keith, Bruce Hillman, and Adam Francisco discuss what it means to be "in the world but not of the world" from John 17. They explain how Christians are called to live and serve their neighbors in the world without making worldly rules, politics, or…
more -
Lost in Translation?
In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hillman discuss how important Greek and Hebrew are for pastors and theologians. They talk about the benefits of studying the biblical languages, the limits of knowing only a little, and how modern tools and English...
-
Are We Being Formed by AI?
In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hillman talk about how Christians should think about AI and how it is changing the way we work, think, and interact with the world. They discuss AI as a powerful tool and an environment that is shaping us, along with...
-
Apologetics, Academia and Algorithms
In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hillman talk about the state of modern Christian apologetics. They discuss Adam's recent apologetics conference in Cambridge, the value of serious Christian scholarship, and why clear thinking and clear…
more -
Law and Gospel with Rod Rosenbladt
In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Caleb Keith, Scott Keith, and Daniel Emery Price listen to an old recording from Rod Rosenbladt and discuss the Lutheran view of Law and Gospel. They explain that the Law shows us our sin and puts the old sinner to death, while the Gospel gives life through...
-
Can We Trust Luther?
In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Adam, Bruce, and Caleb explore whether Martin Luther can be trusted, responding to modern critiques that question his character, motives, and mental state as a way of dismissing the Reformation. They argue that while Luther was at times emotional, outspoken…
more -
Are Young Men Coming Back To Church?
Caleb, Scott, and Bruce discuss the claim that young men are making a dramatic return to regular church attendance. They examine the data and the growing implications of the widening differences between young men and young women in their dispositions toward Christianity. Ultimately, the fellows...
-
Lutheranism in Finland w/ Toni Kokkonen
In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Dr. Scott Keith and Caleb Keith discuss the state of Christianity in Finland with pastor and youth director Toni Kokkonen. The conversations examines how Lutheranism shaped Finnish culture and identity, the challenges posed by secularization and debates within...
-
Jesus vs. Paul? The Myth of a Divided New Testament
Did the Apostle Paul invent Christianity? Did his teachings contradict the message of Jesus? These claims have become increasingly common in popular books, documentaries, podcasts, and online discussions. The Fellows refute this idea and present compelling reasons to see and believe that the New...
-
Certainty and Assurance
The Thinking Fellows discuss proclimation, apologetics, and epistemology. What does it mean that the Christian faith is certain? How does certainty of God's word differ from analytic certainty like mathmatics? The certainty of the Christian faith comes from a divine word of promise that points us...
-
What Is the Athanasian Creed, and Why Does It Matter?
Caleb Keith and John Hoyum discuss the content and purpose of the Athanasian Creed. What is this third ecumenical creed, and why do Lutherans still confess it today? More from 1517: Give to the June 1517 Podcast Network Fundraiser! Learn more about the 1517 Podcast Network Fundraiser 1517…
more -
How American Christianity Lost Baptism
"America was designed to destroy baptism" is a famous quote from Dr. Steven Paulson and his appearance on the Thinking Fellows live show in 2017. Caleb and Scott are joined by Dan van Voorhis to examine the truth behind Dr. Paulson's statement. Together, they explore the rejection of infant…
more -
What Do Christians Have to Say About Hell?
The Thinking Fellows examine one of Christianity's most difficult and avoided topics: hell. In a world where many people either explain hell away or imagine it through the lens of Dante and Milton rather than Scripture, the Fellows discuss what Christians can seriously and straightforwardly…
more -
Does God Have a Plan for Your Life?
The Thinking Fellows examine a common question about the Christian life and God's power and plans. What are common mistakes made when talking about God ordaining or planning the events and conditions in our lives? In what ways is it true that God has a plan for you? The conversation leads people...
-
Do I Have A Guardian Angel?
The Bible is clear that angels exist. The question for Christians is: what does the Church need to confess about angels? What do popular depictions of guardian angels or miraculous encounters with angels get right and wrong? The Fellows outline the biblical depiction of angels and present a...
-
Demons Are Real But Christians Don't Need to Be Afraid
Contemporary Christianity often ignores or understates the realities and existence of spiritual warfare and spiritual beings. The naturalistic Western world views these things as superstitious. How can Christians talk about the existence and work of demons without being sensationalized? The...
-
Just War Theology and the Christian Conscience
Adam Francisco, Bruce Hilman, and Caleb Keith discuss just war theology. Just war attempts to give Christians a framework within which their conscience can find comfort as rulers, soldiers, and citizens carrying out their vocations. Just war theology can be a useful tool, but it also has limits....
-
Go To Church
What is the difference between habitually missing church or removing it from your life, and simply missing a service? In this episode, the Thinking Fellows discuss the essential nature of gathering together as the Church while also considering how to admonish attendance without attacking faithful...
-
Did Jesus Claim to Be God?
Did Jesus, in his ministry and preaching, ever claim to be God? Many anti-Christian voices today promote the false idea that Jesus neither claimed divinity nor sought to convince his followers of it. This video offers a clear, accessible overview of how the Gospels present Jesus' divine…
more -
Confessional, Evangelical, and Catholic with Magnus Persson
Scott and Caleb are joined by Magnus Persson to talk about what it means to be confessional. Magnus discusses the importance of the Lutheran Confessions and how the church is called to be both evangelical and catholic in its mission. A confessional church proclaims the Gospel while upholding the...
-
Thinking About a Post-Christian West
The Thinking Fellows discuss various projects, essays, and books they have been working on. The connecting theme is how to proclaim and teach the Gospel in a post-Christian society: comforting and sustaining the members of the Church while announcing the death and resurrection of Christ to a…
more -
Reasons To Be Lutheran
The Thinking Fellows list and discuss reasons to embrace Lutheranism in 2026. The hosts take turns outlining the compelling distinctives of the Lutheran confession of faith, from the Christ-centered nature of Lutheran theology to the shape and content of worship, the place of children in the life...
-
A Reasoned Defense of the Faith
In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, Caleb Keith, Bruce Hillman, Adam Francisco, and Scott Keith discuss the new book 'A Reasoned Defense of the Faith' from 1517 publishing. The conversation explores the role of apologetics in addressing contemporary religious challenges, particularly...
-
Identifying The Antichrist
How can you know who the Antichrist is, or when he is coming? Many predictions focus on hidden signs, secret symbols, and unfolding world events. But Scripture speaks far less sensationally: the Antichrist has come, is here, and will continue to arise wherever powers, religions, and worldviews…
more -
Abortion: Serious Questions Christians Should Be Prepared to Answer
Christians should be prepared to give clear and faithful answers to hard questions about what they believe. When it comes to abortion, many Christians hold strong biblical convictions, yet find themselves stumbling when those convictions are challenged or pressed in conversation. In this episode,...
-
Are There Hidden Secrets in the Old Testament? Featuring Chad Bird
Chad Bird joins the Thinking Fellows to challenge the popular idea that the Old Testament is a mysterious book filled with hidden codes and secret meanings waiting to be unlocked. Together, they examine the motivations and theological presuppositions that drive these approaches and why they often...
-
Can Christians Use Lethal Force
In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, Scott Keith, and Bruce Hillman discuss the ethics of self-defense from a Christian perspective. They explore the moral complexity of using deadly force, particularly in situations involving the defense of oneself or...
-
Has Lutheranism Failed?
Has Lutheranism Failed? In this episode, the Thinking Fellows discuss the purpose and aim of the church to examine if Lutheranism in America has failed. The fellows assert the importance of defining the church's mission, the role of the Augsburg Confession, and the perception of Lutheranism in...
-
How Education Problems Affect Handing Down the Faith
Reading and education outcomes in the United States have been declining for decades. In this episode, the Thinking Fellows examine how these trends have impacted Christian education and what Christians can contribute to America's education crisis. Show Notes: 1517 Academy Being Dad: Father as a...
-
A Review of David (Angel Studios 2025)
Scott and Caleb review the new animated David movie. More than just another David and Goliath retelling, the film attempts to capture David's full transformation from shepherd to king. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts…
more -
The Worst Phrases Christians Use
In this fun episode, the Thinking Fellows take turns sharing some of their least-favorite phrases or platitudes that Christians use. They discuss how these platitudes can discourage fellow believers and how they often function as a way to fill silence while avoiding the real vocational needs of…
more -
Year End Announcement from 1517
As we close out 2025, 1517 and the Podcast Network are asking listeners to support our mission to declare and defend the good news that you are forgiven and free on account of Christ. This Advent, we're focusing on how Christ alone brings sinners home. That's the message we proclaim week after…
more -
When Christians Contradict Themselves
The Thinking Fellows examine the Ligonier 2025 State of Theology Survey. They identify a major recurring theme: Christians are contradicting themselves. Fundamental questions about the nature of God, the authority of Scripture, and the work of Jesus are answered correctly by most respondents....
-
Where Lutheranism Disagrees with Thomas Aquinas
In this episode of the Thinking Fellows, we take a closer look at the growing interest in Thomas Aquinas especially among younger evangelicals and even many Lutherans. We talk through why Aquinas is appealing to so many today, but also why the Lutheran Reformers pushed back on key parts of his...
-
Why Mormonism Isn't Christianity
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regularly presents itself as a Christian church. In this episode, the Thinking Fellows examine what Mormons get wrong about Christianity and how LDS doctrine leads its followers to worship a false god. Mormonism is not Christian; it is a fabricated...
-
Why is Luther's Bondage of the Will Ignored?
In this live episode of the Thinking Fellows, Caleb, Scott, Steve, and Adam discuss why Martin Luther's The Bondage of the Will is one of the most important yet most overlooked works of the Reformation. They explore why Luther's debate with Erasmus still matters today and how ignoring this work…
more -
The Bondage of the Will: A Simple Overview
What led Martin Luther to write The Bondage of the Will? This podcast explores the historical background and central message of one of Luther's most significant works. Written as a response to Erasmus, Luther's book defends the biblical truth that salvation is not the result of human choice or...
-
Why Do Christians Sing Hymns? | Dr. Steve Mueller, Concordia University Irvine
Singing is one of the most recognizable parts of Christian worship. But why do Christians sing hymns? Where did hymns come from? And why should the church continue to sing them? Caleb and Scott Keith are joined by Dr. Steve Mueller from Concordia University Irvine to answer these questions. Show...
-
Differences Between Evangelicals and Lutherans
Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, Scott Keith, and Bruce Hillman explore the linguistic challenges faced by individuals transitioning from evangelical backgrounds to Lutheranism. They discuss the distinctions between Christian terms, the role of tradition in defining these terms, and the importance of...
-
The Assassination of Charlie Kirk: A Brief Christian Perspective
Lord protect us, keep us, bring comfort and assurance to the Kirk family, and send us evermore to proclaim Your death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. Article at 1517: Video version
-
What Christians Should Know About Islam
In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, the hosts engage in a comprehensive discussion about Islam, exploring its theology, the role of Muhammad, the authorship of the Quran, and the differences between Islamic and Christian beliefs. Caleb, Scott, and Bruce take turns asking Adam…
more -
The Pivotal Influence of the Book of Romans on the Reformation
In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, the Fellows discuss the Book of Romans, exploring its pivotal role in the Reformation, its didactic nature, and the genius of Paul's argumentation. The episode focuses on how Romans provides comfort and assurance to believers, emphasizing the...
-
Freedom of the Christian
Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, Scott Keith, and Bruce Hillman delve into Martin Luther's, 'The Freedom of a Christian.' They explore the historical context of the Reformation, particularly the year 1520, and discuss the significance of Luther's teachings on justification by faith, the authority of...
-
Augustine of Hippo
This episode is a conversation about the life and influence of Augustine of Hippo. The Fellows cover Augustine's historical context, his theological contributions, particularly regarding original sin and the nature of love, and his lasting impact on both Protestant and Catholic traditions. The...
-
Justin Martyr Father of Apologetics
The Thinking Fellows explore the life and significance of Justin Martyr, an early Christian apologist. They focus on the challenges Justin faced, and his example for contemporary apologetics. Justin's work also highlights the distinction between apologetics and polemics, emphasizing defending the...
-
Martin Luther And The Rule Of Faith
The Thinking Fellows are joined by Todd Hains to discuss the concept of the Rule of Faith as articulated by Martin Luther. Todd explains the significance of the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, and the Lord's Prayer in shaping Christian doctrine and practice. The discussion delves into how...
-
C.F.W Walther: The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel
The Thinking Fellows podcast breaks down C.F.W. Walther's classic work The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel. This episode offers a brief introduction to Walther and explores why properly distinguishing between Law and Gospel is a vital task for every Christian preacher. Distinguishing…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Thinking Fellows is a 45-minute podcast about theology, philosophy, Christian history, and apologetics. It is hosted by Scott Keith, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hilman. The Thinking Fellows bring high-level subject matters to fun and insightful lay-level conversations each week.
HOSTED BY
1517 Podcasts
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Thinking Fellows have?
Thinking Fellows currently has 528 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Thinking Fellows about?
The Thinking Fellows is a 45-minute podcast about theology, philosophy, Christian history, and apologetics. It is hosted by Scott Keith, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hilman. The Thinking Fellows bring high-level subject matters to fun and insightful lay-level conversations each week.
How often does Thinking Fellows release new episodes?
Thinking Fellows releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 528 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to Thinking Fellows?
You can listen to Thinking Fellows 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 Thinking Fellows?
Thinking Fellows is created and hosted by 1517 Podcasts.
URL copied to clipboard!