Thinking Christian: Clear Theology for a Confusing World

As technology offers us endless ways to be “present” without actually being there, what does it mean for Christians to imitate the incarnation of Christ? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer explores the often-overlooked ethical and theological dimensions of the incarnation—not just that “the Word became flesh,” but how Jesus chose to be with us and for us. Using The Matrix as a modern parable, James contrasts Christ’s self-giving descent with Cypher’s decision to abandon reality and his friends for the comfort of illusion—what James calls “dis-incarnation.” From there, he turns to Philippians 2 to show how Jesus refused to use equality with God for His own advantage, instead embodying a way of life marked by presence, sacrifice, and service. James then examines how dominant ideas like liberalism and transhumanism can subtly train us to embody the world in self-determined, self-serving ways, even when they seem to promise freedom or enhancement. He argues that true Christian embodiment isn’t about maximizing personal options or overcoming our biology through technology, but about conforming our lives to the incarnate Christ—using our gifts, bodies, and opportunities not for our own advantage, but for the good of others. This episode will help you rethink Christmas, technology, and your everyday presence in light of the One who became flesh for us. Subscribe to our YouTube channel 🔗 Download a free resource "Making Everyday Decisions So That God Gets the Glory" from Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com. 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Every two years, Ligonier Ministries and Lifeway Research release The State of Theology—a massive survey that reveals what Americans (including evangelicals) actually believe about God, the Bible, Jesus, and culture. The 2025 report is out, and some of the numbers are… surprising. In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer is joined by longtime friend and theologian Dr. Ashish Varmafor a wide-ranging conversation about what the data shows—and what it doesn’t show—about the theological landscape among evangelicals today. Rather than panicking over headline-grabbing statistics, James and Ashish analyze the deeper trends beneath the numbers. Together they explore: Why young evangelicals differ sharply from older generations on questions like the Bible’s literal truth and whether science conflicts with Scripture. Why nearly all evangelicals still say the Bible is their highest authority, even when their answers elsewhere seem to contradict that claim. How access to information, cultural context, and community shape belief—for better or worse. The surprising power of church attendance and affiliation in reinforcing core doctrines (and where that influence seems to break down). Why political theology may be quietly distorting how Christians answer moral questions—especially younger believers. Which troubling survey results actually matter—and which ones may simply reflect fuzzy categories or ambiguous wording. How churches should respond: not with panic or doctrinal hammering, but with thoughtful discipleship, richer community life, and deeper formation. James and Ashish also dive into the complexities of interpreting theological surveys at all—how beliefs are shaped by cultural habitus, how people understand (or misunderstand) terms like myth, literal, or love, and why surveys often reveal more about our formation than our formal theology. If you’re curious about what evangelicals really believe—and what the church can do about it—this episode offers a hopeful, nuanced, and deeply thoughtful guide through the data. Subscribe to our YouTube channel 🔗 Download a free resource "Making Everyday Decisions So That God Gets the Glory" from Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com. 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In a season filled with noise, outrage, and “cancel culture,” is there still room for real joy? In this Christmas episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer invites you to slow down, listen, and remember. He begins with a personal memory of reading the Christmas story in church as a teenager, then simply does the same for you—reading Luke 2 so you can hear the story of Jesus’s birth without distraction. After the reading, James reflects on Mary, the shepherds, and the wonder of that first Christmas night, drawing out how God’s timing, kindness, and presence bring deep reassurance in uncertain times. Joined by co-host Richard Beaty, the conversation widens to consider Advent, joy in a culture obsessed with negativity, and why imitating Christ—not chasing trends or grievances—is the path to lasting joy. Together they explore: how to find joy in the “mundane” moments of everyday life, why our highs and lows feel so extreme at the holidays, how our desires are shaped by what (and whom) we imitate, and why moving from Christmas into the book of Acts helps us live as witnesses in this in-between age. If you’re weary, restless, or just need to hear the Christmas story read over you and be reminded that joy still has the last word, this episode is for you. Subscribe to our YouTube channel 🔗 Download a free resource "Making Everyday Decisions So That God Gets the Glory" from Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com. 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

James welcomes Dylan (founder of Varsity Skateboarding & leader of Skate Church KC) and co-host Nate to unpack how skateparks have become mission fields. They cover why skating is exploding post-Olympics, what makes a skatepark a “safe space,” and a practical model—teach, equip, empower—that moves kids from pizza and push-offs to Scripture, mentorship, and local church life. Expect candid stories (Dylan’s own faith journey from party life to pastoring), Gen Z/Gen A trends (digital overload, the surprising return to paper Bibles), and how a growing Skate Church Network is multiplying city to city. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

At Christmas, Christians often quote Isaiah 7:14—“the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son”—but few pause to ask what that verse meant for King Ahaz before it pointed to Christ. In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer walks through the political and spiritual crisis facing Judah, the rising Assyrian threat, and Ahaz’s refusal to ask God for a sign. James unpacks why God answered with something that seemed wildly inadequate in the face of war: a child. He explores how this sign functioned as both judgment and hope, how the language of “young woman” and “virgin” works in Hebrew and Greek, and why Matthew is not ripping Isaiah 7:14 out of context when he applies it to Jesus. Along the way, you’ll see how prophetic patterns ripple across Scripture, how our expectations of power clash with God’s humble ways, and how the virgin birth reveals a Savior who comes not with military might, but with a presence that judges and delivers. Perfect for thoughtful Christians wanting to go deeper this Christmas. Subscribe to our YouTube channel 🔗 Download a free resource "Making Everyday Decisions So That God Gets the Glory" from Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com. 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, I sit down with Dr. Tanita Maddox—National Director of Generational Impact for Young Life and author of What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God. Drawing from years of research and on-the-ground ministry, Tanita helps untangle the unique worldview of Gen Z and why many of our “classic” Christian explanations fall flat with today’s young people. We explore how Gen Z understands concepts like truth, goodness, safety, and identity, and why shared vocabulary often hides radically different assumptions. Tanita explains how Gen Z’s hyper-personalized world shapes their beliefs, why many of their deepest questions begin with, “Is God good?”, and how shifting cultural definitions of safety and justice impact their view of the gospel. Together, we talk through: Why Gen Z sees truth as potentially harmful rather than stabilizing How to share the gospel with a generation that starts their theology with experience Why Gen Z is deeply communal—often more than previous generations How to reframe sin, freedom, and human dignity in ways that make sense to them Why listening—real, patient, non-defensive listening—is the most powerful apologetic tool we have Practical steps for parents, pastors, and mentors who want to meaningfully engage the next generation If you have Gen Z kids, work with youth, teach in a church, or simply want to understand the cultural moment shaping the next generation, this conversation offers insight, clarity, and a hopeful path forward. You can purchase What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God at ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount)  Subscribe to our YouTube channel 🔗 Download a free resource "Making Everyday Decisions So That God Gets the Glory" from Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com. 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of the Thinking Christian podcast, Dr. James Spencer is joined by Dr. Daniel (Danny) Zacharias and Dr. Christopher Hoklotubbe, co-authors of Reading the Bible on Turtle Island: An Invitation to North American Indigenous Interpretation. Together they explore how Indigenous perspectives can help Christians read Scripture more faithfully on this land we often call North America—but which many Indigenous peoples know as “Turtle Island.” Danny and Chris explain the story of Turtle Island and why naming the land this way matters for Christian theology, discipleship, and biblical interpretation. They introduce “Turtle Island hermeneutics,” a way of reading the Bible that takes land, place, people, and history seriously—built on asset-based theology and the conviction that God was already present and active among Indigenous peoples long before European missionaries arrived. The conversation dives into: What “Turtle Island hermeneutics” is and how the medicine wheel shapes their approach Why it’s theologically flawed to act as if God was absent from North America before colonization How Indigenous creation stories and traditions can sit alongside Scripture without replacing it Reading Naboth’s vineyard as a lens on land theft, treaties, and the Doctrine of Discovery Parallels between the Trail of Tears, Babylonian exile, and Psalm 137 Babylon and boarding schools: how forced assimilation tried to erase Indigenous identity and memory How songs, stories, and ceremony preserve hope, faith, and cultural resilience Why discipleship must focus not only on doctrine, but on practices, place, and how we actually live This episode is for pastors, Bible teachers, seminary students, and everyday Christians who want to understand Indigenous theology, Native North American perspectives, and contextual Bible interpretation without abandoning a high view of Scripture. Reading the Bible on Turtle Island is published by IVP; check the show notes for a discount link and more information about NAITS, Acadia Divinity College, and the work Danny and Chris are doing to serve the church on Turtle Island. You can purchase Reading the Bible on Turtle Island at ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount)  Subscribe to our YouTube channel 🔗 Download a free resource "Making Everyday Decisions So That God Gets the Glory" from Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com. 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

 In this episode of the Thinking Christian podcast, Dr. James Spencer welcomes back Sathiya Sam—CEO and founder of Deep Clean Coaching—to talk about pornography addiction, sexual integrity, and the power of Christian community in lasting recovery. Sathiya shares his own story of breaking free from pornography after years of struggle as a pastor’s kid, ministry leader, and researcher—and how that journey led to the creation of Deep Clean, a ministry now helping thousands of men pursue freedom and wholeness. Sathiya introduces Deep Clean’s newest resource: the Deep Clean Inner Circle, a structured, community-centered program designed to help men overcome pornography through biblically grounded principles, expert coaching, and a safe, supportive network. In this candid and practical conversation, James and Sathiya explore: Why porn is uniquely addictive: the “3 A’s” — affordable, accessible, anonymous How early exposure, social dynamics, and tech use fuel addiction Why freedom is possible—and why streak counting doesn’t work The Deep Clean system: self-awareness, heart healing, and identity transformation How tracking trends (not just streaks) helps build real, lasting change The powerful role of community, accountability, and coaching Real stories of men finding hope, rebuilding marriages, and restoring integrity What relapse can reveal, and how to “leverage” it rather than spiral in shame Why pornography addiction is deeply tied to distorted identity—and how Scripture reframes it How biblical wisdom and Christian discipleship principles can help people break any destructive pattern Whether you're a pastor, parent, college student, or simply someone wanting to understand addiction from a Christian perspective, this episode offers clear insight and genuine hope. Learn more about Deep Clean Coaching, the Inner Circle program, and Sathiya’s podcast The Man Within at https://www.sathiyasam.com/ or https://deepcleancoaching.com/.  Subscribe to our YouTube channel 🔗 Download a free resource "Making Everyday Decisions So That God Gets the Glory" from Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com. 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of the Thinking Christian podcast, Dr. James Spencer talks with J.R. Briggs—founder of Kairos Partnerships and author of The Art of Asking Better Questions: Pursuing Stronger Relationships, Healthier Leadership, and Deeper Faith. Together they explore why the questions we ask of God, ourselves, and others shape the quality of our lives, leadership, and discipleship. J.R. shares how his own experience of isolation in ministry led him to ask three haunting questions—“Who pastors the pastor? Who shepherds the shepherd? Who leads the leader?”—and how those questions birthed Kairos Partnerships to serve overwhelmed and lonely Christian leaders. He and James unpack: Why leaders should be “chief question askers,” not just answer-givers How good questions build trust, connection, and healthier teams The difference between questions for information and questions for connection How Jesus used over 300 questions in the Gospels—and what that means for our discipleship Four essentials of asking great questions: curiosity, wisdom, humility, and courage Practical ways to stay curious in tense or antagonistic conversations Why the Book of Daniel and practice-oriented discipleship are crucial for the church today If you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or follower of Jesus who wants stronger relationships, healthier leadership, and deeper faith, this conversation will help you learn the art of asking better questions. You can purchase The Art of Asking Better Questions at ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount)  Subscribe to our YouTube channel 🔗 Download a free resource "Making Everyday Decisions So That God Gets the Glory" from Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com. 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, I sit down with Pieter Valk—founder and director of Equip and a founding brother of an ecumenical monastery in Nashville—to talk about what it really means to follow Jesus as single men and women in the church. Pieter shares how his ministry equips churches and parents to care well for people who experience same-sex attraction or gender incongruence while embracing a historic Christian sexual ethic. We explore the biblical vision for vocational singleness versus the default of “common singleness,” how marriage and singleness can actually reinforce one another, and why the church often feels ill-equipped to walk with LGBT+ Christians. Pieter also explains mixed-orientation marriage, challenges reductions of marriage to a “sexual outlet,” and helps reframe both marriage and singleness as vocations ordered toward spiritual fruitfulness. We close by reflecting on the political battles around sexuality and gender, how those debates have often distorted Christian witness, and what it might look like for the church to lead with discipleship, clarity, and hope instead of just echoing partisan talking points. If you’re a pastor, parent, or disciple trying to think more faithfully about sexuality, singleness, and manhood, this conversation will give you categories, language, and practical direction to move forward. Find out more about Pieter and his ministry at https://www.pieterlvalk.com. Subscribe to our YouTube channel 🔗 Download a free resource "Making Everyday Decisions So That God Gets the Glory" from Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com. 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

James sits down with Denise Lester, founder of Rended Heart (Kansas City, MO), to explore what sexual exploitation looks like today—and how her ministry stands in the 30-day gap between crisis and long-term recovery. Denise shares her journey from NYC to KC, early work with Exodus Cry, street and club outreach, and why most trafficking now hides offline and online. They discuss highways I-35/I-70, drug dependency, the legal hurdles of proving force, fraud, or coercion, how porn and grooming shape demand, and the slow, relational work of trust, detox, documents, and dignity. A powerful story of a child’s rescue and adoption shows hope in action—and Denise offers concrete ways listeners can help. To learn more about Rended Heart visit www.rendedheart.org. Subscribe to our YouTube channel 🔗 Download a free resource "Making Everyday Decisions So That God Gets the Glory" from Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com. 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Quotable “I’m not here to rescue you—I’m here to support you if you’re ready to walk out.” “You can leave anytime; we won’t hold you—but count the cost of what you’re surrendering.” Chapter Markers 00:28 — Denise’s journey & launch of Rended Heart 03:35 — Street/club outreach & the shift online 05:28 — The 30-day gap and why exits stall 07:53 — Hospitals, law enforcement, interstate cases, immigration 11:42 — A child rescued: court orders, sheriff retrieval, adoption 15:30 — KC’s geography (I-35/I-70), drugs, grooming, and porn’s role 20:08 — Legal hurdles: proving force/fraud/coercion for adults 23:06 — Trust, phones, and the hard work of starting over 37:20 — Volunteers, housing, and how you can help Links Rended Heart: rendedheart.org Contact: 816-343-4558 Note: If you suspect exploitation, contact local law enforcement or the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888) or text “HELP” to 233733. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, James Spencer talks with David Green, CEO of Hobby Lobby, and Bill High, CEO of Legacy Stone, about their new book Legacy Life: Leading Your Family to Make a Difference for Eternity. Together they explore what it really means to live a legacy life—one rooted not in wealth or success, but in faithfulness, purpose, and generational discipleship. Reframing legacy as something you set in motion, not just leave behind Rethinking retirement as a season of renewed ministry Building family mission, vision, and values to strengthen future generations Embracing brokenness and redemption as part of every family story Why intentionality is essential to sustaining a godly legacy If you care about family, faith, and finishing well, this conversation will inspire you to lead your loved ones toward eternal impact—not just earthly success. Subscribe to our YouTube channel 🔗 Download a free resource "Making Everyday Decisions So That God Gets the Glory" from Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com. 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer engages with Dr. Carmen Imes about her book 'Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters.' They explore the themes of identity, vocation, and belonging within the context of the church, discussing the significance of ecclesia and its roots in the Old Testament. The conversation emphasizes the continuity of God's people from the Old Testament to the New Testament, the importance of community in faith, and the call for believers to actively participate in the church despite its imperfections. Dr. Imes invites listeners to recognize their role in the church and the blessings that come from being part of a community of faith. Read more from Carmen Joy Imes on Substack or view her YouTube channel.  Buy the book: Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters at ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount) 🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Series of Books02:54 Exploring the Theme of Identity, Vocation, and Belonging06:05 Understanding Ecclesia and the Church's Roots08:55 Continuity of God's People: Old Testament to New Testament12:02 The Family Language in the New Testament15:10 The Multicultural Family of God17:57 The Exodus: From Serving Pharaoh to Serving God24:19 The Call to Faithfulness Over Success30:10 Incorporating the Outsider: A Familial Metaphor33:27 The Church's Role in Community and Conflict39:11 Sacrifice and Service in the Church41:55 An Invitation to Engage with the Church Keywords church, community, belonging, identity, vocation, ecclesia, Old Testament, New Testament, God's family, faith Takeaways The church is a community that reflects God's character.Belonging to the church requires active participation and commitment.The theme of identity, vocation, and belonging is central to understanding faith.Ecclesia has roots in the Old Testament, emphasizing community gathering.The church is not just a place for individual growth but a family.God's people have always included a diverse, multicultural community.The New Testament emphasizes unity among believers despite differences.Faithfulness is more important than success in the Christian life.Church hurt should not deter us from engaging with the community.The church is called to reflect God's love and grace to the world. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Dr. James Spencer sits down with Beth Felker Jones (Professor of Theology, Northern Seminary) to talk about her new IVP book Why I Am Protestant. Beth lays out how Protestant distinctives—especially Scripture as the norming norm—fit within a broader, lowercase-c catholic Christian unity rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. They dig into the ecumenical creeds, the messiness of the church, recovering historic practices (like corporate confession), how to live with rival interpretations without losing charity, Augustine’s influence on grace and the church, and practical ways congregations can re-center on the Word. Beth’s closing charge: don’t be embarrassed by evangelism—claim the work of making disciples. Read more from Beth Felker Jones at: https://bethfelkerjones.substack.com/ Buy the book: Why I am Protestant at ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount) 🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Dr. James Spencer welcomes Gregory R. Lanier (RTS Orlando, NT) and William A. Ross (RTS Charlotte, OT), co-editors of The Authority of the Septuagint: Biblical, Historical & Theological Approaches (IVP Academic). What is the Septuagint (LXX)? Why is it a library of Greek translations rather than one book? How did NT authors access Scripture—and why do their citations sometimes match Greek more than Hebrew? We unpack a three-fold framework for authority (normative Hebrew text, derived authority of translations, interpretive value of the LXX), the translation spectrum within the LXX, patristic and Reformation debates, Dead Sea Scrolls, and why Hebrews relies so much on the LXX. Plus: practical study tips and which English LXX to use. Book link and IVP 20% discount code in the show notes. Buy the book: The Authority of the Septuagint at ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount) 🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer engages with Dr. Greg Quiggle and Dr. Jerry Root to discuss an upcoming study tour focused on the English Reformation and the works of C.S. Lewis. The conversation delves into the complexities of the English Reformation, exploring its political and theological dimensions, and how these historical events resonate with contemporary issues. The discussion also highlights C.S. Lewis's contributions to Christian thought and the importance of dialogue in understanding faith. The episode concludes with a reflection on the distinction between reality and truth, emphasizing the need for accurate thinking in a world filled with diverse perspectives. Find out more about the tour with Drs. Root and Quiggle here.  Subscribe to our YouTube channel 🔗 Download a free resource "Making Everyday Decisions So That God Gets the Glory" from Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com. 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! Takeaways: The English Reformation was influenced by both political and theological factors. Henry VIII's marital decisions significantly impacted the formation of the Church of England. C.S. Lewis aimed to present a Christianity centered in Christ, transcending denominational boundaries. Dialogue and engagement are crucial for understanding differing theological perspectives. The concept of Christendom made it difficult to accept multiple theological views within a single political unit. Lewis's work emphasizes the importance of truth and reality in understanding faith. The Enlightenment shifted the church's political power, leading to a more moral and spiritual role. Wesley's social activism changed the perception of Christianity in the British Isles. The distinction between reality and truth is essential for robust thinking and dialogue. Understanding the historical context of the Reformation helps illuminate contemporary faith discussions. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Dr. James Spencer welcomes Georgette Beck—author of Junk to Jewels: A Journey from Brokenness and Despair to Beauty and Delight and founder of the Bella Healing Hearts Foundation. Georgette shares her path from low self-worth, early marriage, and divorce to God’s steady restoration as a single mom and, later, in a blended family. We talk generational patterns (genograms), lament that turns to praise, the “limbo” years, and how community, counseling, Scripture, and small groups became lifelines. Georgette explains why her nonprofit focuses on single parents, practical aid, and scholarships, and why her call to the church is simple: connect, open your home, and show up for the one.  Fiind out more about Georgette and her ministry at https://www.georgettebeck.com. Purchase her book at www.amazon.com. 🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

James talks with Debbie D’Souza (co-writer/co-director) about the new film The Dragon’s Prophecy—why the project accelerated after Oct 7th, how Revelation 12’s “dragon” frames Israel’s story, what recent archaeology (City of David’s Pilgrimage Road, Pool of Siloam, Tel Dan, etc.) says about the Bible’s historicity, and why the filmmakers went on location near Gaza and at the Nova site.  To get tickets to The Dragon's Prophecy, visit: www.thedragonsprophecyfilm.com. You can also find information about the upcoming opportunities to stream the movie at home on the site.  Subscribe to our YouTube channel 🔗 Download a free resource "Making Everyday Decisions So That God Gets the Glory" from Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com. 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Dr. James Spencer sits down with Dr. Peter Y. Hong—federal prison chaplain and author of The Reconciliation of Humanity in Christ—to explore how a prison chapel became his living parable for our “shrinking” world. Peter describes ministry in a pluralistic, constrained space where Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Native American practitioners, and others share one room—and why respect, service, and patience often open gospel doors better than aggressive tactics. From the fall of the Berlin Wall to today’s digital interconnection, he distinguishes false globalization (forced unity without Christ) from true globalization (Eph 1:10—all things united in Christ). We talk nationalism, fundamentalism, and why the church should expect collaboration + conflict, yet persist with mercy, empathy, and hopeful witness.  Buy the book: The Reconciliation of Humanity in Christ at amazon.com  🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Dr. James Spencer talks with Jonathan P. Walton—author of Beauty and Resistance and 12 Lies That Hold America Captive—about moving beyond “thinking Christian” to living as a Christian. Jonathan shares how grief, burnout, and hard family seasons pushed him from activism-on-adrenaline to formation and faithfulness: Sabbath as the minimum, annual “Dope Day” planning with his wife, building guardrails for generosity and time, embracing insignificance over platform, and choosing obedience even when it means visible losses. We unpack a practical pathway from pity → sympathy → empathy → compassion → incarnation, learning to mourn with others (and even empathize with “enemies”), plus simple, local practices that build communal good. A grounded, hopeful invitation to become the kind of person who can do the kinds of things Jesus commands. Buy the book: Beauty and Resistance at ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount) 🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.