Thinking Fellows

As Christmas approaches, the Fellows take on a long time listener request to define our terms. Sometimes on the show, the hosts use words or phrases for which not every listener had context. To help out, we take on some of the most common phrases and topics we have covered and condense them into 2-3min explanations. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes TF on the Law TF on Gospel TF on Sin TF on Grace TF on Means of Grace

After spending two episodes dealing with the apparent tension between justification and good works we dedicate another installment to the doctrine of vocation. Good works are not opposed to our justification, but it is clear from the Scriptures that they do not earn sinners status before God. The question then arises, what good or to what aim are good works? Sit back, relax, and grab a drink as we discuss this important question. Show Notes: God At Work Working For Our Neighbor Being Dad Shop Class as Soul Craft Mike Rowe Works

On this episode of the show, the Fellows tackle synergism. This error has been present in every age of Christianity and poses unique challenges to Christianity in America. Sit back, relax, grab a drink and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Here We Still Stand 2018 Heidelberg Disputation Caleb Keith on the Prodigal Son

Drs. Keith and Rosenbladt are back on the show to talk about repentance. Also on this episode is a friend and guest, Aaron Pederson. Looking from Scripture and Luther we ask the question is repentance a gift of faith or a work towards faith? Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and join the conversation. Show Notes: 1517 Academy Being Dad Thinking Fellows on Johan Arndt Donate

Caleb Keith and Dr. Adam Francisco are joined by a guest to talk about the liberal arts and classical education. Our guest today is Dr. C.J. Armstrong. Dr. Armstrong teaches Theology, Classical Languages, and Ancient History at Concordia University Irvine. On this episode, we talk about why classical education isn't just for academics but helps shape the worldview of people in all stations of life. Sit back, relax, grab a drink and enjoy the show. Show Notes Lutheranism vs. Calvinism: The Classical Debate Second Son Iron Works Warrior Politics

Caleb Keith and Dr. Adam Francisco talk about the political history of the Reformation. Dr. Francisco takes the conversation back all the way to the fall of Rome to help render a clear picture of what political system Luther faced and worked within. While not a secular reformer, Luther's political impact is impossible to ignore. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show notes The Resurrection Fact Brecht: Shaping and Defining the Reformation The Fabricated Luther Paulson: Luther for Armchair Theologians

Caleb Keith interviews Dr. Montgomery about his background and beginning in apologetics. For Dr. Montgomery, apologetics starts by asking questions about truth and the pursuit of knowledge. This conversation leads up to talk about the approach to learning apologetics and how to handle tough issues in the midst of evangelism. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: History, Law, and Christianity Sensible Christianity Suprised by Joy Defending the Gospel in Legal Style Evidence that Demands a Verdict

On this episode of the Thinking Fellows, Dr. Keith talks to David Zahl about Mockingbird Ministries. Zahl is the director of Mockingbird, and author, and podcast host. This episode highlights the annual Mockingbird conference in NYC and many of the other resources that they produce. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: About Mockingbird Law and Gospel: A Theology for Sinners and Saints Mockingbird Events The Mockingbird Devotional Grace and Addiction Being Dad

Chad Bird joined the Thinking Fellows at the Here We Still Stand conference in San Diego to talk about his new book. Night Driving: Notes from a Prodigal Soul. This book wrestles with sin and grace in the midst of turmoil. The entire book points to the redemptive work of Christ and the extra nos gift of life and salvation. On this episode, Chad gives a sneak peek at a handful of the chapters. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Night Driving on Amazon Chadbird.com 40min in the Old Testament 1517 Blog: Chad Bird The Prodigal Son Being Dad: Father as a picture of God's Grace

As one of the last episodes in our latest series about the great ideas of the Reformation, we talk about the relationship between faith and reason. The Fellows discuss Luther's famous quotes about reason and then delve into issues facing our post-modern culture. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: The Ressurection Fact Martin Luther: The Problem with Faith and Reason Where Christ is Present Tractatus Logico-Theologicus

The Reformation was not an isolated event; it had an impact not only in Germany but throughout the world. The Reformation was also impacted by forces outside the Church including the impending threat of Islam. For the Lutheran reformers knowing about Islam was essential for the preservation of Christians who might be captured in war or invasion. Sit back, relax, grab a drink and enjoy the show. The Show Notes Here We Still Stand Martin Luther Preface on Islam Subscribe on iTunes Donate Intro to the Book of Concord

The Heidelberg Disputation represents the first time that Reformational theology emerges as a whole. In this work, Dr. Luther highlights 28 fundamental truths of the Christian faith. Almost every major issue of the Reformation is covered in bite-sized sentences. The Fellows outline the context, history, and impact of the disputation as a lead up the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes Subscribe on iTunes Donate The Heidelberg Disputation Online The 95 Theses Here We Still Stand

The Thinking Fellows are together with Dr. Wade Johnston to discuss Matthias Flacius. This episode serves as a crossover between our series on great thinkers of the Christian faith and our current Reformation topics. Flacius was a significant figure in the later Lutheran Reformation and had a large impact on the topics within the Formula of Concord. Sit back, relax, grab a drink and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Subscribe on iTunes Donate An Uncompromising Gospel A Path Strewn With Sinners Formula of Concord Here We Still Stand

After a long summer of traveling guest episodes, the Fellows are back in Southern California recording together. The Thinking Fellows are joined by Dr. Wade Johnston to discuss his two books, A Path Strewn With Sinners and An Uncompromising Gospel. The fire of the Reformation was fueled by lay education. To that end, both books are meant for study at the lay level, no Ph.D. or formal training necessary. A Path Strewn With Sinners takes the Gospel of Mark and breaks it down into bite-size pieces making it an excellent reading companion for self-study or group Bible class. Similarly, An Uncompromising Gospel takes the history of post-Luther Lutheranism and makes it easy to approach and understand. Show Notes: A Path Strewn With Sinners Let the Bird Fly The Woman Jesus Called a Dog The Book of Concord (Online) An Uncompromising Gospel The Book of Concord (Print Sources and Context of The Book of Concord

On this episode, the fellows are once again joined by Dr. Nestingen and Prof. Pless. This time, we tackle listener questions about doctrine and the differences between Norwegian and German Lutheranism. As a bonus, we recorded this episode in Bergen Norway, and some of our Norwegian hosts join us in the second half of the show. Sit back relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Here We Still Stand Hammer of God The Necessary Distinction

The Thinking Fellows are joined by Dr. Jim Nestingen and Rev. John Pless to talk about their new book titled The Necessary Distinction. On this episode, we cover basic questions concerning Law and Gospel and the important difference between distinguishing and separating these two vital doctrines. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: The Necessary Distinction Here We Still Stand Hotel Registration

"What Drove Luther's Hammer" is a look behind the curtain of Martin Luther's reasons for reform. Dr. Rosenbladt reanimates his classic lecture as a conversation between two old friends. So, sit back, grab a drink, light your pipe, and join us in the fun. Show Notes: Here We Still Stand Three Treatises Bainton Kittleson Rupp

Dr. Keith is once again joined by Dr. Jim Nestingen, this time to discuss the relationship between Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon. The dynamic between these two reformers is often misrepresented or misunderstood. Melanchthon and Luther worked together not only as colleagues but as friends to bring about the Lutheran Reformation as we know it. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Hotel Room Here We Still Stand Luther's Small Catechism Loci Communes 1521

Dr. Scott Keith and Pastor Paul Koch talk about their new book The Jagged Word Field Guide To Being A Man. This book deals with the topic of masculinity and the need for friendship, family, and vocation in the pursuit of manliness. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: The Jagged Word Field Guide To Being A Man Woman The Forgotten Story The Jagged Word Website The Art of Manliness Here We Still Stand

Welcome to a special episode of the Thinking Fellows with producer Caleb Keith and guest Donovan Riley. Pastor Riley has been on the show twice before to talk about Martin Luther and the Bondage of the Will. This week, he tackles the idea behind the phrase "Here I Stand" and why Lutherans continue in the tradition of Standing firm in the Gospel. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Here We Still Stand Reading Bondage of the Will

Dr. James Nestingen joins the show once again, this time for an episode on the later life of Dr. Martin Luther. Dr. Scott Keith and Pastor Kevin McClain sit with Dr. Nestingen to hear some great stories about the great reformer. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Donate Episode One on Luther Luther Biographies Luther's Works: Genesis Commentary Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Manistee

Soli Deo Gloria is the final turn of the screw in the Sola formula that reminds us that salvation is not our own doing but belongs to God alone. This is the last of the "Sola" episodes and also serves as a highlight of the Here We Still Stand conference. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Here We Still Stand Donate to the Thinking Fellows The Church is a Morgue Facebook Twitter

On this episode of the Thinking Fellows, Dr. Keith is Joined by Paul and Cindy Koch to talk about Cindy's new book. The book, Woman the Forgotten Story, offers incredible comfort, gives guidance, and teaches everyone who listens to a wisdom that saves lives. From the creative voice of God, through the death of a Savior, to the walk of Wisdom, hear and remember the forgotten story of woman. Sit back, relax, grab a drink and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Woman the Forgotten Story Cindy at 1517 Legacy Here We Still Stand What's Wrong with Women's Bible Studies Lutheran Theology

On this episode, the Fellows talk about the center of Christianity. In Christ alone lies the hope of salvation! Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Christ Alone Booklet The Bible in an Hour Jesus the Messiah Cur Deus Homo The Lady Jesus Called a Dog How Bach Became a Hit in Japan

This week, the Fellows talk about Faith Alone. Faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit that works intricately with the other Solas. Dr. Francisco gives the historical background of Sola Fide while Dr. Keith talks about some doctrinal implications. Sit back, relax, grab a drink and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Here We Still Stand What are the 5 Solas of the Reformation Thinking Fellows Episode on Faith

On Episode two of the Great Ideas of the Reformation series, we talk about Sola Gratia or Grace Alone. The concept of Grace Alone is adopted by many traditions. However, they don't always mean the same thing. We talk about the different definitions people place on the word grace and how the grace of God comes to sinners. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Here We Still Stand Code: FELLOWS Thinking Fellows Loci series on the Means of Grace Thinking Fellows on Election Thinking Fellows on Beza Walther Election Q&A

It is time to shake things up and take a break from the Great Thinkers of the Christian Faith and begin a new series on the Great Ideas of the Reformation. We are kicking things off with a headline episode on Sola Scriptura. Scripture alone sets the foundation for the five Solas and the Reformation itself. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Here We Still Stand Chemnitz: Examination of the Council of Trent What Are the Five Solas of the Reformation Christ Alone Booklet

The Fellows hand over the reigns to Dr. Franscico to teach us about Hugo Grotius. Grotius was a Reformation era apologist who also had a large political influence. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: The Truth of the Christian Religion On the Law of War and Peace Sensible Christianity

Father's Day is an important time of the year for the Thinking Fellows with the subject matter of Dr. Keith's book being fatherhood. On this episode, producer Caleb interviews Dr. Keith on Being Dad. Dr. Keith tells a couple of stories out of the book and lays out his primary argument for parenting through Grace. Sit back, relax, grab a drink and enjoy the show. Show Note: Being Dad Scott at 1517 Legacy

Dr. Mallinson joins us for the 4th time for a fantastic episode on Theodore Beza. Beza was the successor to John Calvin and is the subject of Dr. Mallinsons Ph.D. dissertation. Beza's impact is large especially when it comes to the theology of election. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Here We Still Stand Conference Ramus Method Sum Total of Christianity The Golden Chain Jeff's Dissertation

On this episode, we wrap up Calvin by answering some listener questions and comments. We also talk about the differences between Lutherans and Calvinists while bringing top notch resources to the show notes. If you listen on your phone check out our website for some free outline downloads. Our Home Page Show Notes: The League of Faithfull Masks Jeff's Blog On the Lord's Supper Calvin's Institutes The 1521 Loci Scott and Jeff Outline of the Institutes 1517 the Legacy Project Virtue in the Wasteland The Jagged Word

Episode 71 of the Thinking Fellows is a continuation of episode 70 where we began talking about the Lutheran reformer Philip Melanchthon. On this episode Dr. Keith talks about Melanchthon's later life and some of the controversies surrounding his work. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Here We Still Stand Episode 70: Philip Melanchthon Augsburg Confession Episode on the Augsburg Confession 1521 Loci Thinking Fellows Episode 2 Law

The Thinking Fellows talk about one of the most controversial characters in Lutheranism, Philip Melanchthon. Melanchthon is both massively influential to Lutheranism but is often described as a detractor of Lutheranism because of some late writings. On this episode, Dr. Keith outlines the early life of Melanchthon and sets the stage for his theological impact. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: An Uncompromising Gospel The Book of Concord Sources and Context to the Book of Concord Bente Intro to the Book of Concord Episode: Melanchthon Nerds Episode on Luther Biographies

Dr. Jeff Mallinson once again joins the Thinking Fellows, this time for an episode on John Calvin. Calvin has been one of the most influential thinkers in Christian history. Lutherans tend to shy away from Calvin which is a shame because despite some doctrinal differences there is much to be learned from this Protestant reformer. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Virtue in the Wasteland Calvin's Institutes John Calvin: A Little Book on the Christian Life Calvin in Context Drs. Mallinson and Keith on Election

In The Fall of 2016, Dr. James Nestingen came on our show and talked about the Bondage of the Will. During that episode, Dr. Nestingen suggested reading the Bondage of the Will backward. Today we take a little time to explain how that works. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Packer Page#: Start with pg319 then read 270-318 then start at the beginning. Show Notes: Thinking Fellows on the Bondage of the Will Packer: The Bondage of the Will Forde: The Captivation of the Will Christain Classics: The Bondage of the Will

Today, The Fellows talk about the various biographies Martin Luther. This idea was started by Dr. Francisco who outlines for us in this show, the key features of a good biography. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Oberman: Luther Man Between God and the Devil Baton: Here I Stand Kittleson: Luther the Reformer Career of the Reformer Kolb: Martin Luther and the Enduring Word of God Brecht: Shaping and Defining the Reformation Nestingen: Martin Luther A Life The Fabricated Luther Paulson: Luther for Armchair Theologians

Today we have a regular guest and member of the 1517 Thinking Fellowship, Dr. Jeff Mallinson. Jeff is co-host of the Virtue in the Wasteland podcast and comes on to talk about Kierkegaard. On the show, Jeff places this great philosopher into his proper historical context. Sit back, relax, grab a drink and enjoy the show. Notes: Works of Love Grace in Practice Fear and Trembling The Sickness Unto Death Burden of Soren Kirkegaard and Paradox

Today, we revisit Thomas Aquinas and move on to talk about his theological impact. This is an expansion on episode 63 which is linked below. On the show notes for episode 63 is a list of books for further study. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Crosswise Institute Episode 63 on Thomas Aquinas Episode on Transhumanism Contact

Today, the Fellows have Dr. Joel Oesch on to define and discuss transhumanism and its importance. Transhumanism is defined by Dr. Oesch as a movement of people committed to using technology to further the human race in profound ways. In most iterations, Transhumanism is viewed as the next great step of human evolution. The Crosswise Institute is designed to educate and challenge high school students about important cultural and theological questions. This year they will host a summer experience for high school students surrounding the topic of transhumanism. The Thinking Fellows are giving away ten spots to the Institute follow the link below to contact us about this opportunity. Notes: Contact the Thinking Fellows to get your high schooler into Crosswise for free this June. Please provide Name, Email, and Phone Number. Crosswise Institute

On this episode, Dr. Francisco teaches us about John of Damascus, an early apologist. It especially fits this Good Friday as John defended, in particular, the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: CrossWise Institute The Fount of Knowledge Lombard's Sentences St John of Damascene John of Damascus on Islam

Thomas Aquinas is one of the most influential Christian Thinkers of all time. Aquinas' views on philosophy set up the groundwork for classical apologetics and his Theology was disputed in the Reformation. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Notes: Donate to the Thinking Fellows Philosophical Apologetics pt1. Philosophical Apologetics pt2. Christianity Today Thomas Aquinas a Very Short Introduction Peter Kreeft: A Summa of the Summa Edward Feser A Beginner's Guide to Aquinas Philip Watson Let God be God Peter Morison The Impact of the Reformation

One of the primary goals for our series on the Great Thinkers of the Christian Faith is to give broad coverage to thinkers outside of our Lutheran tradition. With that said, it is impossible to pass up Luther and his significance in Chruch History. Today we offer one of a handful of episodes we will release on Luther. Today our guest is Donovan Riley, a Doctor of Theology and pastor in the LCMS. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and be perplexed by the beginning of Luther's story. Show Notes: You are Forgiven Radio Donavon on 1517 Higher Things SimulCast Brand Luther Luther the reformer Oberman Luther Here I Stand Luther's Theology of the cross McGrath

Once again the Thinking Fellows are joined by Dr. Dan Van Voorhis. This time we discuss our first American Christian Gresham Machen. Many Lutherans may be unaware of this Reformed Theologian. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Christianity and Liberalism ViW on World War I Shall the Fundamentalists Win? Dan on Eschatology ViW Reformation Series What is Faith? Machen The Origen of Paul's Religion Christianity and the State

Welcome to episode 2 of our new series, Great Thinkers of the Christian Faith. Today, we are hoping forward in history from Augustine to the late reformation. Our subject is Johan Arndt who was a prominent Lutheran Pastor and author who lived between 1555 and 1621. To help the Fellows cover this controversial member of Christian History, Dr. Dan Van Voorhis joins the show! Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: The Masks Arndt: True Christianity Luther: The Freedom of the Christian Pia Desideria TF on Two Kingdoms My Utmost for Highest

Welcome to the first episode of our "Great Thinkers of the Christian Faith" series. We begin our journey by talking about the history of Augustine of Hippo. The Fellows are joined by Dr. Jeff Mallinson to outline the life and work of this great Church Father. Sit back relax, grab a drink and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Virtue in the Wasteland Augustine Confessions Augustine: City of God Chadwick Augustine Bio

Producer Caleb and Dr. Keith discuss the direction of the show and our new series. A big thank you to all of the great fans who have gotten us this far! Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. WWW.ThinkingFellows.com Donate Episodes

Once again, Pastor, Paul Koch joins us on the show. Pastor Koch is a longtime friend of Dr. Keith and the editor-in-chief at the Jagged Word. On this episode, the Fellows talk about the importance of friendship and its long lasting effects. Sit back, relax, grab a drink , and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Tombstone Friendship From Piss Trough to Horse Trough C.S. Lewis The Four Loves Dexter's Camera Shop Free to Be From Nestigen/Forde Free to Be: "Luther called it 'the mutual conversation and consolation of the brethren.' It is the friendship you share with others around you who belong to Christ, another powerful means God uses to keep us in grace."

The Thinking Fellows bring back one of their favorite guests, Pastor Paul Koch. Pastor Koch is here to talk about the importance of preaching the Law and the Gospel. This episode strikes at some of the conflict going on in Lutheranism and attempts to bring things out of the theoretical and into the practical. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Ringside with the Preacher men Just Words The Faith We Hold What are We Fighting For

On this episode, the fellows have a military historian, Caleb Karges on the show to talk about Just War Theory. The fellows get into the history, and context of just war theory and try to bring the war on terror into perspective. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes •Luther: Christians Can Be Soldiers •Roark Denver: Worth Dying For: A Navy Seal's Call to a Nation •Samuel P. Huntington, The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order •Francis Fukuyama, The End of History and the Last Man

The Fellows are joined by their first guest of 2017 Johan Hinderlie. Johan has spent a lifetime involved in camp ministry. He and Dr. Keith who shares a passion for Christian camps tell some great stories and discuss the importance they serve in modern Christian living. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show! Show Notes: Being Dad Giving Kids Grace How to Give Your Faith Away