The Thinklings Podcast

Episode 249 - The Thinklings Podcast Welcome to Episode 249 of The Thinklings Podcast! This week’s summer-style episode continues the fun, books, and Scripture rhythm! Thinkling Boyd and Carter each bring a book to discuss, and Thinkling Stearns wraps things up with a devotional from 1 Timothy 3. Thanks for listening to this week’s episode! 📚 Books & Business & Meditation Stearns: Devotional on 1 Timothy 3 Little: The Best Introduction in the History of Mankind Boyd: Traditional Logic I Carter: Strange Lyre 📖 Main Content: Books & 1 Timothy 3 The main content blends literary reflection and Scripture, with book discussions from Boyd and Carter followed by a thoughtful devotional from Stearns in 1 Timothy 3. 🌿 Final Meditation Thinkling Stearns leads the closing meditation from 1 Timothy 3. 📖 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Follow The Thinklings Podcast for more summer episodes, biblical reflections, and thoughtful bookish banter!

The Thinklings Podcast — Episode 272 Some Thinklings Thoughts on Luke 8 Welcome to Episode 272 of The Thinklings Podcast! In this episode, the Thinklings turn their attention to Luke 8, exploring several of Jesus’ parables and the rich theological and practical lessons they offer. From hearing the Word to responding in faith, the Thinklings reflect on how these teachings shape Christian living and spiritual growth. And don’t forget — Booxing Day is just a few weeks away! Now is the perfect time to pick up some books to give to your friends. If you mention Booxing Day or that you listen to The Thinklings Podcast at the FBBC bookstore, you can get 25% off your book purchase for Booxing Day gifts! Thanks for tuning in to this week’s conversation! 📚 Books & Business Thinkling Little: Fountains of Wisdom Thinkling Boyd: How to Read a Book Thinkling Stearns: Introducing Christian Doctrine Thinkling Carter: Luke 8 Study/Commentaries 📖 Main Content A discussion of the parables in Luke 8, focusing on: What these parables reveal about hearing and obeying the Word How Jesus uses story to expose the heart The disciples’ response and the call to genuine faith The enduring relevance of these teachings for believers today 🌿 Final Meditation None this week — the main content is rooted directly in Scripture! 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Follow The Thinklings Podcast for weekly conversations on books, theology, and the Christian life!

The Thinklings Podcast — Episode 270 The Thinklings Podcast — Episode 270 Thanksgivlings 6 Welcome to Episode 270 of The Thinklings Podcast! It’s that time of year again — our annual Thanksgivlings episode! Now in its sixth installment, this special tradition is all about celebration, laughter, and gratitude. Each Thinkling brings “a dish to share” — not food, but a topic, activity, story, or bit of delightful nonsense they want to serve to the table. It’s Thanksgiving frivolity at its finest. Thanks for joining us for this year’s festive and lighthearted conversation! 📖 Main Content A collection of “dishes” from each Thinkling — stories, ideas, curiosities, and fun — all offered in the spirit of friendship, gratitude, and good cheer. 🌿 Final Meditation Thinkling Tim closes the episode with a meditation on giving thanks — reflecting on God’s goodness and encouraging us to cultivate grateful hearts for what the Lord has done. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Follow The Thinklings Podcast for weekly conversations on books, theology, and the joyful, curious life of the Christian thinker!

The Thinklings Podcast — Episode 269 Frankenstein, Part 4 Welcome to Episode 269 of The Thinklings Podcast!! In this episode, the Thinklings continue their journey through Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, turning their attention to the growing tension between Victor and the creature. As motives deepen and consequences rise, the Thinklings explore the moral, emotional, and spiritual dynamics at the heart of the novel. Thanks for joining us for another thoughtful conversation! 📖 Main Content A closer look at the fractured relationship between creator and creation. Discussion on justice, vengeance, and the desire to belong. How Shelley’s narrative exposes the cost of pride, secrecy, and neglected responsibility. Reflections on how guilt, grief, and longing shape the story’s momentum. 🌿 Final Meditation The episode closes with a meditation from Scripture! 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Follow The Thinklings Podcast for weekly discussions on books, theology, and culture!

The Thinklings Podcast — Episode 268 The Thinklings Podcast — Episode 268 TALQ at IRBC: Thinklings Answer Listener Questions Welcome to Episode 268 of The Thinklings Podcast! This week’s episode is a special TALQ (Thinklings Answer Listener Questions) recorded live at the IRBC Young Adult Retreat in Ventura, Iowa! Surrounded by good coffee, great company, and thoughtful questions, the Thinklings take time to engage with listeners and explore real-life applications of faith, theology, and literature. Thanks for joining us for this live edition of the podcast! 🎙️ Main Content Recorded live at Iowa Regular Baptist Camp. Listener-submitted questions on Scripture, Christian living, and the life of the mind. Discussions filled with humor, wisdom, and grounded theological reflection. Insights on how faith shapes thought, relationships, and creativity. 🌿 Final Meditation The Thinklings close the live episode with a brief reflection on the joy of community and the shared pursuit of knowing Christ more deeply together. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Follow The Thinklings Podcast for weekly discussions on books, theology, and life — now in its 11th season!

The Thinklings Podcast — Episode 267 Frankenstein, Part 3 Welcome to Episode 267 of The Thinklings Podcast! In this episode, the Thinklings continue their exploration of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, delving deeper into the creature’s story and the moral complexity that unfolds as creator and creation confront one another. Themes of justice, empathy, and alienation intertwine as the Thinklings reflect on how Shelley’s narrative raises timeless questions about what it means to be human. Thanks for joining us for this week’s thoughtful discussion! 📖 Main Content Examining the creature’s perspective and the longing for companionship. Discussing Victor’s moral responsibility and the consequences of isolation. Exploring how Shelley’s story bridges science, morality, and theology. 🌿 Final Meditation Thinkling Boyd closes with a reflection from 2 Cor 1! 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Follow The Thinklings Podcast for engaging discussions on books, theology, and culture each week!

The Thinklings Podcast — Episode 266 Boyd — “The Collar” Welcome to Episode 266 of The Thinklings Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Boyd leads the Thinklings through a poetic and theological reflection on “The Collar” by George Herbert — a powerful exploration of rebellion, restlessness, and the return to submission under God’s call. Together, the Thinklings unpack Herbert’s imagery and emotion, considering how poetry can shape our understanding of faith, struggle, and surrender. Thanks for tuning in to this week’s conversation! 📚 Books & Business Thinkling Little: Worship and Song Thinkling Boyd: How to Read a Book Thinkling Stearns: To the Far Blue Mountains Thinkling Carter: Milton’s Sonnets 📖 Main Content Dr. Boyd walks through George Herbert’s poem The Collar! 🌿 Final Meditation Thinkling Carter closes the episode with a reflection from 2 Corinthians 4, encouraging endurance and hope in the midst of life’s challenges. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Follow The Thinklings Podcast on your favorite platform for weekly discussions on books, theology, poetry, and the Christian life.

The Thinklings Podcast — Episode 265 Frankenstein, Part 2 Welcome to Episode 265 of The Thinklings Podcast! In this episode, the Thinklings continue their journey through Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, picking up where Victor’s story begins to unfold in full. They reflect on how ambition, creation, and alienation shape both Victor and the creature — and what Shelley’s writing reveals about humanity, responsibility, and the moral weight of knowledge. Thanks for tuning in to this week’s conversation! 📖 Main Content A deeper dive into Frankenstein as Victor’s obsession grows and consequences emerge. Reflections on themes of ambition, alienation, and the human condition. 🌿 Final Meditation Thinkling Stearns shares a final meditation from 2 Chronicles 33. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Follow The Thinklings Podcast for thoughtful conversations on books, theology, and culture every week!

The Thinklings Podcast — Episode 264 Psalm 68 in Ephesians 4 Welcome to Episode 264 of The Thinklings Podcast! In this episode, the Thinklings survey different views on the use of Psalm 68 in Ephesians 4. The conversation explores interpretive perspectives, theological implications, and how this passage fits into Paul’s larger message to the church. Thanks for tuning in to this week’s conversation! 📚 Books & Business Thinkling Little: Becoming the Pastor’s Wife Thinkling Boyd: The Faerie Queene Thinkling Stearns: To the Far Blue Mountains Thinkling Carter: Ephesians commentaries 📖 Main Content The Thinklings examine different interpretations of Psalm 68 as it is used in Ephesians 4, discussing how Paul draws on Old Testament imagery to reveal the victorious work of Christ and its implications for the church today. This episode offers a thoughtful look at textual meaning, context, and application. 🌿 Final Meditation The episode closes with a meditation on Ephesians 4, focusing on unity, Christ’s victory, and the gifts He gives to His people. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Follow The Thinklings Podcast on your favorite platform for weekly discussions on books, theology, and the Christian life.

The Thinklings Podcast — Episode 263 Frankenstein, Chapters 1–5 Welcome to Episode 263 of The Thinklings Podcast! In this episode, the Thinklings begin their discussion of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, covering Chapters 1–5. Together, they explore themes of ambition, grief, and longing woven through Victor Frankenstein’s story — and how Shelley’s work still speaks to questions of humanity, wisdom, and responsibility. Thanks for tuning in to this week’s conversation! 📖 Main Content Opening Discussion Points An introduction to Mary Shelley and her life context. A look at the narrative structure through the letters of Robert Walton. A free-flowing discussion about the early chapters and how they set the stage for Victor’s obsession and isolation. 🌿 Final Meditation Thinkling Carter closes with a meditation from 1 Corinthians 15, reflecting on life, resurrection, and true hope beyond human achievement. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Follow The Thinklings Podcast for thoughtful discussions on books, theology, and the Christian life every week!

The Thinklings Podcast — Episode 262 The Thinklings Podcast — Episode 262 Good Mornings, Harry Potter, and Hand-Raising Welcome to this week’s episode of The Thinklings Podcast! We begin with our regular Books & Business discussion, then move into a lively set of listener questions and literary reflections—from Gandalf and Bilbo’s “Good Morning” exchange in The Hobbit, to whether Harry Potter belongs in the same category as Tolkien and Lewis, to thoughtful questions about worship practices, laughter, and the Christian life. Thanks for tuning in to this week’s conversation! 📚 Books & Business Thinkling Tim: Current State of OT Studies Thinkling Josh: Sir Gawain & the Green Knight Thinkling Andy: Sackett’s Land, Louis L’Amour (Strong 6) Thinkling Charlie: A Farewell to Arms 📖 Main Content Jeremiah Simpson’s Question (via Charlie): Why does Gandalf press Bilbo on the meaning of “good morning” in The Hobbit? What does this reveal about Tolkien’s view of language, and how should we think about Bilbo’s response? Bethany Snell’s Question (via Josh): How should Christians think about Harry Potter compared to Narnia or The Lord of the Rings? What value might the series have, and where do Christians differ? Dakota Holaday & Taylor Jarmon’s Questions (via Little): How do studies on worship apply to camp songs with actions? Is there a biblical connection between hand-raising and Sabbath observance? Josiah Little’s Question (via Stearns): What is the correlation between humor, laughter, and spirituality? Why do we laugh, and what does it reveal about our hearts? 🌿 Final Meditation Thinkling Stearns closes with a meditation on prayer, reflecting on the example of Manasseh. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Follow The Thinklings Podcast on your favorite platform and join the conversation each week!

Welcome to Episode 261 of The Thinklings Podcast! This is Episode 6 of Season 11! 🎉 We kick off with our usual Books & Business discussion, then move into the main content: Thinkling Little explores the topic of so-called “failed” Old Testament prophecies — digging into context, meaning, and application for today. Tune in for thoughtful dialogue, biblical insight, and a bit of fun-nonsense along the way! 📚 Books & Business & Meditation Stearns: Otherworld Little: The Men We Need Boyd: City of God Carter: Piranesi 📖 Main Content: “Failed” OT Prophecies Thinkling Little takes us through a careful look at so-called “failed” Old Testament prophecies, examining the historical context, literary form, and theological meaning behind them. This episode invites listeners to see how God’s Word remains trustworthy and relevant. 🌿 Final Meditation Throughout the episode, Thinkling Little walks us through several passages of Scripture, so there’s no single final text this week — the whole conversation serves as our meditation in the Word. 📖 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Stay connected with The Thinklings Podcast for more books, theology, and engaging conversation every week in Season 11!

Episode 260 - The Thinklings Podcast Welcome to Episode 260 of The Thinklings Podcast! This is Episode 5 of Season 11! 🎉 We start with our usual Books & Business segment before moving to the main content: Thinkling Stearns walks us through A Little Theology of Exercise, exploring how physical discipline and theology intersect. Thinkling Little wraps up the episode with a closing thought from Psalm 103. 📚 Books & Business & Meditation Stearns: A Little Theology of Exercise Little: Sin of Empathy (Quote) Boyd: Euthyphro Carter: Frankenstein 📖 Main Content: A Little Theology of Exercise Thinkling Stearns leads an engaging discussion on the book A Little Theology of Exercise. Together, we consider how the rhythms of physical training can point us toward deeper spiritual truths. 🌿 Final Meditation Thinkling Little concludes the episode with reflections from Psalm 103, helping us end the conversation grounded in Scripture. 📖 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Follow The Thinklings Podcast for more from Season 11—where books, theology, and thoughtful banter meet every week!

Episode 259 - The Thinklings Podcast Welcome to Episode 259 of The Thinklings Podcast! This is Episode 4 of Season 11! 🎉 We kick things off with our regular Books & Business discussion before diving into the main content: Thinkling Boyd guides us through John Donne’s classic poem, A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning. 📚 Books & Business & Meditation Stearns: Thoughts Worth Thinking Blog – A Lot Can Change in Four Years Little: Sing Hymnal Boyd: Main Content – A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning Carter: Phantastes 📖 Main Content: John Donne’s Poetry Thinkling Boyd takes us on a literary journey through John Donne’s A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning, exploring its imagery, meaning, and significance. This classic poem opens up a conversation on love, parting, and deeper theological insights. 🌿 Final Meditation Thinkling Carter concludes the episode with a meditation on Psalm 103, bringing us back to Scripture for encouragement and reflection. 📖 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Stay tuned to The Thinklings Podcast for more from Season 11—where books, poetry, and theology come together each week!

Episode 258 - The Thinklings Podcast Welcome to Episode 258 of The Thinklings Podcast! This is Episode 3 of Season 11! 🎉 We begin with our regular Books & Business discussion, followed by the main content where Thinkling Carter starts a conversation in Ephesians 4, aimed at unpacking the theme of Christian maturity. Tune in to hear our thoughts and reflections! 📚 Books & Business & Meditation Stearns: Ploductivity Little: The Messiah in the OT Boyd: Federalist 51 Carter: Wuthering Heights 📖 Main Content: Ephesians 4 & Maturity Thinkling Carter leads the way in a thoughtful discussion on Ephesians 4, examining what biblical maturity looks like and how believers are called to grow together in Christ. 🌿 Final Meditation Thinkling Carter guides us through multiple passages, and that serves as our meditation in the Word for this episode. 📖 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode of The Thinklings Podcast—Season 11 is underway with books, theology, and fun-nonsense every week!

Welcome to Episode 257 of The Thinklings Podcast! This is Episode 2 of Season 11! 🎉 We kick things off with our regular Books & Business discussion, which includes a few great quotes and a review. Then, for the main content, Thinkling Little leads us through a handful of passages as we consider: Should Christians observe the Sabbaths? Tune in to hear our discussion! 📚 Books & Business & Meditation Stearns: Ploductivity Little: Scrolling Ourselves to Death Boyd: How to Write A Lot Carter: The Wind in the Willows (Ranking) 📖 Main Content: The Sabbath Thinkling Little guides us through multiple biblical passages in a thoughtful discussion about the Sabbath. Should Christians observe the Sabbath today? We wrestle with the question and its implications. 🌿 Final Meditation Thinkling Little’s Scripture exploration counts as our meditation in the Word for this episode. 📖 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Join us in Season 11 of The Thinklings Podcast—books, theology, and fun-nonsense every week!

Welcome to Episode 256 of The Thinklings Podcast! This episode is a bit unique! Each of the Thinklings brings a couple of book titles to discuss (and argue for), and at the end, we vote on which two we’ll read together—one in the fall and one in the spring. We hope you’ll grab these books too and read along with us! A schedule for the first book will be released in the coming weeks. For now, enjoy the conversation as we thresh out the list of books! 📚 Books & Business & Meditation Stearns: The Wheel on the School; The Weight of Glory Little: Jane Eyre; Scrolling Ourselves to Death Boyd: Frankenstein; Confessions Carter: The Orphan Master’s Son; Beowulf 📖 Main Content: Book Threshing The main segment of this episode is our “book threshing” session—where each Thinkling brings forward book suggestions, we hash them out, and decide together what to read as a group. 🌿 Final Meditation Thinkling Boyd closes the episode with a devotional from Deuteronomy 8. 📖 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Follow The Thinklings Podcast and read along with us as we dive into our upcoming group book selections!

Episode 255 - The Thinklings Podcast Welcome to Episode 255 of The Thinklings Podcast! We’re keeping the summer style series rolling with more books, conversation, and Scripture. Thinkling Carter and Little each share a book, and Thinkling Boyd brings the episode home with a reflection from Psalm 90. Thanks for joining us for another week of fun and thoughtful discussion! 📚 Books & Business & Meditation Stearns: Opens with the joke, “Have you heard about the restaurant on the moon?” 🌙 Little: The Warrior Poet Way Boyd: Psalm 90 Carter: The Divided Soul 📖 Main Content: Books & Psalm 90 This episode’s main segment combines a lively book conversation with biblical reflection, culminating in a focus on Psalm 90 and its timeless wisdom. 🌿 Final Meditation Thinkling Boyd closes with a devotional from Psalm 90. 📖 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode of The Thinklings Podcast—where books, Bible, and a bit of fun-nonsense meet each week!

Episode 253 - The Thinklings Podcast Welcome to Episode 253 of The Thinklings Podcast! This week’s episode continues the summer style series—filled with books, reflections, and a bit of campfire humor. Thinkling Stearns and Carter each share about a book they’re reading, and Thinkling Little wraps things up with a devotional from Deuteronomy. Thanks for listening to this week’s episode! 📚 Books & Business & Meditation Stearns: Tells a bad joke and discusses Humbled Little: Final meditation in Deuteronomy and Luke Boyd: Shares highlights from Camp Swampy 🏕️ Carter: The Great Gatsby 📖 Main Content: Books & Deuteronomy The episode features a blend of humor, literature, and biblical reflection. Book conversations lead into a closing meditation centered on the truths of Deuteronomy. 🌿 Final Meditation Thinkling Little closes out the episode with a devotional from Deuteronomy. 📖 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode of The Thinklings Podcast—where deep truth, great books, and summer silliness collide!

Episode 252 - The Thinklings Podcast Welcome to Episode 252 of The Thinklings Podcast! This week’s summer-style episode brings more books, more banter, and more Bible! Thinkling Boyd and Stearns each share a book they’ve been reading, and Thinkling Carter leads a devotional in the book of Job. Thanks for listening to this week’s episode! 📚 Books & Business & Meditation Stearns: I Cheerfully Refuse Little: Brings “the bounciest” introduction yet 🎉 Boyd: The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self Carter: Job 📖 Main Content: Books & the Book of Job This episode features a blend of cultural and theological reflection, starting with our book discussion and transitioning into a deeper look at the message and meaning of Job. 🌿 Final Meditation Thinkling Carter closes the episode with a meditation from the book of Job. 📖 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Stay tuned to The Thinklings Podcast for more summer episodes packed with Scripture, insight, and a bit of fun-nonsense along the way!