Conversations Exploring Theology, History, and Apologetics
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 Thinking Fellows discuss demons in plain and simple terms, encouraging fellow believers to do the same. Yes, demons are real, but Christians do not need to be afraid because we already possess victory over them.
Show Notes:
What's New from 1517:
Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann
The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation
Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes, Translated by Dr. Derek Cooper
More from the hosts:
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. Most importantly, participation in a just war does not justify the sinner. Justification happens apart from any just fulfillment of our vocations.
Show Notes:
What's New from 1517:
Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann
The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation
Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes, Translated by Dr. Derek Cooper
More from the hosts:
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 members who occasionally miss services.
Show Notes:
What's New from 1517:
Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann
The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation
Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes, Translated by Dr. Derek Cooper
More from the hosts:
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 nature—and how his words and works fulfill that claim.
Show Notes:
What's New from 1517:
Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann
The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation
Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes, Translated by Dr. Derek Cooper
More from the hosts:
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 universal truths and gifts God gives to the church to proclaim and teach.
Show Notes:
What's New from 1517:
Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann
The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation
Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes, Translated by Dr. Derek Cooper
More from the hosts:
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 world in need.
Show Notes:
What's New from 1517:
Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann
The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation
Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes, Translated by Dr. Derek Cooper
More from the hosts:
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 of the Church, and the doctrine of vocation.
Show Notes:
What's New from 1517:
Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann
The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation
Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes, Translated by Dr. Derek Cooper
More from the hosts:
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 focusing on Islam and the importance of positive apologetics.
Show Notes:
What's New from 1517:
Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann
The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation
Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes, Translated by Dr. Derek Cooper
More from the hosts:
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 deny the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Show Notes:
What's New from 1517:
Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann
The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation
Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes, Translated by Dr. Derek Cooper
More from the hosts:
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, the Thinking Fellows address serious and common questions surrounding abortion questions about law, life, conscience, and forgiveness.
Show Notes:
What's New from 1517:
The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation
Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird
More from the hosts:
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 distort how Christians read Scripture. In contrast, the conversation offers a constructive vision for Old Testament study; one that emphasizes historical context, literary awareness, and the value of the original languages as gifts that clarify, rather than conceal, God's Word.
Show Notes:
What's New from 1517:
The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation
Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird
More from the hosts: