Built for This

What does it look like to build technology that reflects the gospel? In this episode of the Built for This Podcast, LETU President Dr. Steve Mason sits down with James Kelly — founder and CEO of FaithTech, a global movement of Christian technologists now active in 50 cities across 22 countries. James shares how FaithTech began with 35 people in a coffee shop and grew into a worldwide community of builders, developers, and leaders committed to redemptive design. Together, they explore the difference between reckless, responsible, and redemptive technology; why a biblical framework matters more than ever in the age of AI; and how Christians in tech can stop feeling sidelined and start shaping culture for the kingdom. If you work in technology — or are training to — this conversation will challenge and inspire you to build differently.In this episode, we cover:-The growth of a mission through business-The difference between reckless, responsible, and redemptive technology — and why it matters-Why AI built around God's incommunicable attributes leads to idolatry and destruction-How Jesus redefined impact: friendship to the power of time vs. the world's "force over time" equation-What it looks like for Christian technologists to feel seen, equipped, and empowered in the church-The future of AI in higher education and why dynamic, personalized learning is the pathway forward-The upcoming FaithTech Institute — a think tank bridging faith, technology, and academia Learn more about FaithTech: faithtech.com Learn more about LeTourneau University: letu.edu

Join LeTourneau University President Dr. Steven Mason in conversation with Shirley Hoogstra, President Emerita of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), for an inspiring discussion about the past, present, and future of Christian higher education.In this episode, Shirley reflects on her decade of leadership at the CCCU, sharing insights on navigating cultural shifts, maintaining financial stability, and preserving the distinctive mission of Christian institutions. She addresses the difficult reality of Christian college closures while offering hope and practical wisdom for institutional resilience.Key Topics:The changing landscape of Christian higher education and its growing skepticsWhy "headwinds are for our benefit" in strengthening institutional excellenceThe vital role of board governance and financial stabilityThe importance of mergers and strategic partnershipsLeTourneau's new partnership with the Center for Bioethics and Human DignityBiblical principles for leadership in challenging timesThe value proposition of Christian education: intellectual depth, spiritual maturity, moral clarity, and vocational purposeCasting a vision for 2035: Purpose, People, and PlaceWhether you're a student, educator, administrator, or supporter of Christian higher education, this conversation offers encouragement and strategic insights for the road ahead.

What does it mean to flourish and pursue "shalom?" In our language, shalom is translated, simply, as peace. But Dr. Amy Sherman, author of Agents of Flourishing, suggests that on a broad level, shalom is simply what God intended things to be. More narrowly, it means to have peace with God, peace with self, peace with others, and peace with God’s creation. Join us for a conversation between Dr. Amy Sherman, named by Christianity Today as one of the 50 most influential Evangelical women in the U.S., and Dr. Steven D. Mason, President of LeTourneau University, as we explore what it means to flourish and pursue shalom in every corner of society.

Welcome to a conversation that gets at the heart of true polytechnic education: The liberal arts need STEM as much as STEM programs need the liberal arts. The Christian Polytechnic University is called to embody this balanced truth. We know it. We live it. And our guest today gets it. Join us for a conversation between Dr. Steve Mason, President of LeTourneau University, and New York Times best-selling author Scott Hartley. His 2017 book, The Fuzzy and the Techie, speaks to the reasons why broad based Liberal Arts education actually prepares us better for a machine-led world than STEM alone. And his work often involves helping colleges & universities design educational programs that blend the humanities and technology. Get ready to learn more about why, well, we’re built for this.

Dr. Steven Mason sits down with Dr. Kathy Koch to talk about the challenges of a world so connected, yet so lonely for many. How ought we, as Christians, raise up our children to view technology in a way that helps them flourish?

Drs. Steven Mason and Josh Brake, professor of engineering at Harvey Mudd College and LeTourneau alum, discuss ideas of technology, education, and human flourishing, the value of struggle, the automation or augmentation of A.I., and finding the good life in our digitally-saturated society. Dr. Brake authors The Absent-Minded Professor, a weekly Substack outlet for manifestos on technology, education, and community through a Christian lens. You can access The Absent-Minded Professor on Substack at https://joshbrake.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web. Subscribe to the Built for This podcast today for more content and stories. Learn more about LeTourneau’s Faith, Science, and Technology Initiative: https://www.letu.edu/fst. Check out the LeTourneau University YouTube channel for all kinds of video content: ⁠https://youtube.com/@LeTourneauUniversity?si=iUJEXwtyEqIn6-2a⁠. Watch the feature-length documentary, Made for More: A Computer Science Journey: https://youtu.be/ln6IPRjV7SA?si=AMRt5pTdOxWntron. Visit ⁠https://www.letu.edu⁠ for more information on LeTourneau University. To begin building your story as a student, visit ⁠https://www.letu.edu/apply⁠.

Dr. Steven Mason joined Dr. Jonathan Pennington, author of Jesus the Great Philosopher: Rediscovering the Wisdom Needed for the Good Life, to discuss how the Bible communicates a robust philosophy for life and human flourishing. Pennington highlighted the importance of a comprehensive Christian philosophy in providing answers to life’s fundamental questions and emphasized the role of Christian institutions of higher education in helping others nurture a balance between meaningful relationships and technology. You can get Jesus the Great Philosopher on Amazon: https://a.co/d/59qIWVn Subscribe to the Built for This podcast today for more content and stories. Check out the LeTourneau University YouTube channel for all kinds of video content: ⁠https://youtube.com/@LeTourneauUniversity?si=iUJEXwtyEqIn6-2a⁠. Visit ⁠https://www.letu.edu⁠ for more information on LeTourneau University. To begin building your story as a student, visit ⁠https://www.letu.edu/apply⁠.

Drs. Todd Ream and Jerry Pattengale, authors of The Anxious Middle: Planning for the Future of the Christian College, talked with LeTourneau University President Dr. Steven Mason about how institutes of Christian higher education can be well-positioned to navigate a climate of cultural change when they have established a clear sense of purpose. In addition to aspiration, the three discussed the importance of illumination and collaboration both within and outside the higher education sector. Ream and Pattengale also highlight the need for Christian institutions to serve the church and help the next generation navigate a world deeply dependent on science and technology. You can get The Anxious Middle on Amazon here: https://a.co/d/3CZNSgh. Subscribe to the Built for This podcast today for more content and stories. Check out the LeTourneau University YouTube channel for all kinds of video content: ⁠https://youtube.com/@LeTourneauUniversity?si=iUJEXwtyEqIn6-2a⁠. Visit ⁠https://www.letu.edu⁠ for more information on LeTourneau University. To begin building your story as a student, visit ⁠https://www.letu.edu/apply⁠.

In this episode, LeTourneau University President Dr. Steven Mason was joined by Andy Crouch, prolific Christian author and a partner for theology and culture at Praxis, to discuss the ways that technology shapes our lives and our culture. They dove into the topic of Christian higher education’s role in developing an integrated approach to cultivating heart, soul, mind, and strength in the lives of students and families. You can get Andy’s most recent book, The Life We’re Looking For: Reclaiming Relationship in a Technological World, and learn more about Andy Crouch on his website: https://andy-crouch.com . For more on the implications of technology in our society and how students are making a difference, watch our feature documentary, Made for More: A Computer Science Journey, featuring an excerpt from this conversation! ⁠https://youtu.be/ln6IPRjV7SA?si=5n3INEoJvcqywWrp⁠. Subscribe to the Built for This podcast today for more content and stories. Check out the LeTourneau University YouTube channel for all kinds of video content: ⁠https://youtube.com/@LeTourneauUniversity?si=iUJEXwtyEqIn6-2a⁠. Visit ⁠https://www.letu.edu⁠ for more information on LeTourneau University. To begin building your story as a student, visit ⁠https://www.letu.edu/apply⁠.

On today’s episode of the Built for This podcast powered by LeTourneau University, The Stakes for Christian Higher Education: accomplished Christian author, speaker, and thinker Dr. Jim Denison of the Denison Forum was in our studio for a fascinating conversation with LeTourneau University President, Dr. Steven Mason, about what he calls “the coming tsunami”, cultural movements that are creating a rising tide of opposition to Christianity in the world today and what that means for the future of Christian higher education. Listen to Dr. Mason and Dr. Denison discuss the tides that are turning in our culture and how Christians can prepare to meet them with the hope of Jesus Christ. You can get The Coming Tsunami on Amazon: https://a.co/d/hrhvSWg Subscribe to the Built for This podcast today for more content and stories. Check out the LeTourneau University YouTube channel for all kinds of video content: https://youtube.com/@LeTourneauUniversity?si=iUJEXwtyEqIn6-2a. For more on the implications of technology in our society and how students are making a difference, watch our feature documentary, Made for More: A Computer Science Journey: https://youtu.be/ln6IPRjV7SA?si=5n3INEoJvcqywWrp. Visit https://www.letu.edu for more information on LeTourneau University. To begin building your story as a student, visit https://www.letu.edu/apply.