Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and Culture

In this episode of Thinking Christian, I’m joined by Dr. Greg Quiggle for a deep dive into one of the most important yet often overlooked documents of the 20th century—the Barmen Declaration. Against the backdrop of Germany’s post-World War I collapse, the rise of Hitler, and the church’s alarming compromise with Nazi ideology, we explore how a handful of theologians like Karl Barth and Dietrich Bonhoeffer fought to preserve the true identity of the church.

Together, we unpack how civil religion, political loyalty, and theological drift threatened the witness of German Christians—and what Barmen still has to teach us today as Christians navigating nationalism, politics, and cultural pressure.

We don’t shy away from controversy. Drawing connections between the German church’s failures and modern American challenges, we wrestle with uncomfortable questions about allegiance, national identity, and the dangers of putting our faith in human institutions.

If you’ve ever wondered how the church can stand faithfully in turbulent times—or how subtle compromises can erode Christian witness—this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Go deeper: The Reformation

Thinking Christian is hosted by Dr. James Spencer, president of the D. L. Moody Center and author of Digital Discernment (InterVarsity Press). Each conversation reads the Bible as the final authority for life and faith, questioning the assumptions of our culture, even our Christian culture, so that we don't settle for a narrower vision than God's word offers.

Unsettling convention. Cultivating conviction.
Episodes, articles, and questions: thinkingchristian.org
About James Spencer: thinkingchristian.org/james
The Thinking Christian Framework: thinkingchristian.org/framework
Order Digital Discernment: amazon.com

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Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Your attention may be more than just a cognitive skill—have you ever considered that it could be a moral compass guiding your spiritual journey?

In this episode of PREPPED, join host James Spencer, PhD, for an exploration of this profound idea. Drawing from the insights of neuroscientist Ian McGilchrist, Scripture, and personal experience, Dr. Spencer makes the case that attention is not passive—it’s formative. What we choose to focus on shapes not only how we see the world, but how we respond to God.

Through powerful analogies, we examine how distractions, addictions, and misaligned focus can draw us away from God’s story—and how, in contrast, developing holy attentiveness can transform how we live, discern truth, and walk in obedience.

Reflecting on the Israelites' wilderness journey and the nature of trust, this episode also explores how daily practices can help us establish a faithful rhythm aligned with God's will. Learn how to build habits of attentiveness, embrace ‘holy times,’ and respond to God not just with recognition, but with reverent focus.

(00:00) Reorienting Attention
(04:10) The Theology of Attention
(08:27) The Power of Paying Attention
(21:06) Establishing a Godly Cadence

For more information on PREPPED, and to enroll in our online seminary level learning courses, please visit and follow us at:

Website: preppedforseminary.com and www.usefultogod.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UsefulToGod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usefultogodministries/ 
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Historian and author Beth Allison Barr joins Thinking Christian to discuss her latest book, Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman’s Path to Ministry. We explore the medieval redefinitions of masculinity that reshaped church leadership, the rise of clerical celibacy, and how the Protestant Reformation unwittingly birthed a new ecclesial role: the pastor’s wife. Along the way, we talk ordination, authority, embodiment, cultural expectations, and the invisible burdens placed on ministry families. Whether you're a pastor, a pastor's spouse, or just trying to make sense of biblical manhood and womanhood in the 21st century, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Go deeper: Unmanly

Thinking Christian is hosted by Dr. James Spencer, president of the D. L. Moody Center and author of Digital Discernment (InterVarsity Press). Each conversation reads the Bible as the final authority for life and faith, questioning the assumptions of our culture, even our Christian culture, so that we don't settle for a narrower vision than God's word offers.

Unsettling convention. Cultivating conviction.
Episodes, articles, and questions: thinkingchristian.org
About James Spencer: thinkingchristian.org/james
The Thinking Christian Framework: thinkingchristian.org/framework
Order Digital Discernment: amazon.com

Subscribe: YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Spotify

Advertising and partnership inquiries: [email protected]

Pick up Dr. Barr's Books:

Becoming the Pastor's Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman's Path to Ministry

The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth

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 is joined by David and Brandon Lindell—pastors at James River Church and authors of Lionhearted: A Man’s Guide to Life. Together, they tackle the complexities of Christian manhood in a culture saturated with extremes. From the misconception of masculinity as mere dominance or passivity, to the heart-level transformation Scripture calls men into, this conversation pulls no punches. The Lindells explain why spiritual leadership starts not with control but with character—and why community, reflection, and a rightly ordered heart matter more than habits alone.

We explore themes like ambition, vulnerability, male friendship, and the subtle dangers of reactionary identity-building. Whether you're a husband, father, single man, or simply someone grappling with cultural models of manhood, this is a conversation worth leaning into.

Go deeper: Unmanly

Thinking Christian is hosted by Dr. James Spencer, president of the D. L. Moody Center and author of Digital Discernment (InterVarsity Press). Each conversation reads the Bible as the final authority for life and faith, questioning the assumptions of our culture, even our Christian culture, so that we don't settle for a narrower vision than God's word offers.

Unsettling convention. Cultivating conviction.
Episodes, articles, and questions: thinkingchristian.org
About James Spencer: thinkingchristian.org/james
The Thinking Christian Framework: thinkingchristian.org/framework
Order Digital Discernment: amazon.com

Subscribe: YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Spotify

Advertising and partnership inquiries: [email protected]

Get the Book: Lionhearted: A Man's Guide to Living Focused, Fulfilled and Fearless

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Was the Reformation a spark for spiritual renewal—or the start of theological chaos? In this episode of Thinking Christian, I’m joined by Dr. Gregg Quiggle to explore the sites and significance of the German Reformation in anticipation of our upcoming tour through Germany. But more than that, we dig into the unintended consequences of Martin Luther’s stand—especially his push for lay engagement with Scripture and the rise of the priesthood of all believers.

Together, we trace how the Reformation reshaped the role of the church, the home, and the public square. From Wittenberg’s backwater transformation into a theological epicenter, to the complexities of canon law, catechesis, and the teaching office, we ask what’s been gained—and lost—in the modern church. We also explore the shadow side of religious freedom: when everyone gets to interpret Scripture for themselves, does anyone know what it really means?

If you’re ready for a spirited tour through church history, political theology, and bratwurst-fueled ecclesiology, this episode is for you.

Go deeper: The Reformation

Thinking Christian is hosted by Dr. James Spencer, president of the D. L. Moody Center and author of Digital Discernment (InterVarsity Press). Each conversation reads the Bible as the final authority for life and faith, questioning the assumptions of our culture, even our Christian culture, so that we don't settle for a narrower vision than God's word offers.

Unsettling convention. Cultivating conviction.
Episodes, articles, and questions: thinkingchristian.org
About James Spencer: thinkingchristian.org/james
The Thinking Christian Framework: thinkingchristian.org/framework
Order Digital Discernment: amazon.com

Subscribe: YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Spotify

Advertising and partnership inquiries: [email protected]

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this special announcement, Dr. James Spencer shares details about the upcoming German Reformation Tour, running from October 30 to November 9, 2025. Explore the theological and political heritage of Germany with stops in Wittenberg, Munich, Nuremberg, and beyond. From the legacy of Martin Luther to the resistance of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this unique tour blends biblical insight, historical depth, and cultural discovery.

James will be joined by Reformation expert Dr. Greg Quiggle and political theology scholar Dr. Michael McDuffee—two former Moody Bible Institute professors with extensive experience in Germany and a deep love for its history.

🚨 Booking deadline is May 31, 2025.
📍 Visit thomastours.com for more info and to reserve your spot.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What happens when we are led by our desires rather than by God's design?

Today on PREPPED, join James Spencer, PhD, as we invite our listeners to explore the deep and transformative concept of reordering our loves—shifting our priorities away from the self and back toward God. Drawing from Deuteronomy 6:5, the wisdom of Augustine, and key biblical narratives such as the Fall in Genesis, this discussion highlights how misplaced desires can distort reality, fuel idolatry, and pull us away from God's intentions.

We’ll explore how greed and other disordered loves challenge our spiritual alignment, and why loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength is not just a command—but a path to peace, purpose, and stability.

Through practical guidance and powerful metaphors (like the difference between being goal-shaped and God-shaped), we’ll reflect on how even inherently good goals can lead us astray when they are not grounded in God’s will.

(00:00) Reordering Our Loves for God
(15:17) The Shaping Power of Love
(20:58) Transforming Lives Through Reordered Love

For more information on PREPPED, and to enroll in our online seminary level learning courses, please visit and follow us at:

Website: preppedforseminary.com and www.usefultogod.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UsefulToGod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usefultogodministries/ 
X: https://x.com/usefultogod 

What does it take to bring faith-based comedy to life while navigating the ever-changing entertainment industry? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with entertainer and comedian Danny Adams to discuss his journey from gospel music to Hollywood, football stunts, and his latest role in Iggy and Mr. Kirk, a new family-friendly show from Brave Books. Danny shares insights on the power of laughter, the importance of authentic storytelling, and how Christian values can shape entertainment. Whether you’re a fan of comedy, looking for wholesome content for your family, or just curious about the intersection of faith and media, this episode is packed with engaging insights and plenty of fun!

Go deeper: Dorothy Sayers, Film, and Christian Art

Thinking Christian is hosted by Dr. James Spencer, president of the D. L. Moody Center and author of Digital Discernment (InterVarsity Press). Each conversation reads the Bible as the final authority for life and faith, questioning the assumptions of our culture, even our Christian culture, so that we don't settle for a narrower vision than God's word offers.

Unsettling convention. Cultivating conviction.
Episodes, articles, and questions: thinkingchristian.org
About James Spencer: thinkingchristian.org/james
The Thinking Christian Framework: thinkingchristian.org/framework
Order Digital Discernment: amazon.com

Subscribe: YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Spotify

Advertising and partnership inquiries: [email protected]

Visit braveplus.com to watch the first few episodes for free, and subscribe to BRAVE Plus to access all of Season 1!

• To connect with Danny, learn more about his comedy, live events, and upcoming projects.
  🔗 IAmDannyAdams.com; INSTAGRAM: @iamdannyadams

• Watch Iggy & Mr. Kirk – Where listeners can watch episodes of Iggy & Mr. Kirk.
  🔗 BraveTV

• Brave Books – The publisher behind Iggy & Mr. Kirk and other faith-based children’s books.
  🔗 BraveBooks.us

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Achieving a “balanced life” is a prevalent concept in our current age, but is it simply a mirage?

In this episode of PREPPED, James Spencer, PhD, challenges this modern obsession with balance and productivity by inviting us to consider a more radical framework: a life wholly devoted to God. Rooted in the call of the Shema from Deuteronomy, this conversation explores how prioritizing God above all else redefines every area of life—not as competing compartments, but as parts of a whole aligned with divine purpose.

Through personal reflections, biblical narratives, and thoughtful theology, join us for this discussion as Dr. Spencer weaves together insights from Augustine’s idea of “reordering loves” with the metaphor of a Russian nesting doll to illustrate how all our loves, responsibilities, and pursuits must fit within our love for God.

If you’ve ever felt stretched thin or spiritually unmoored by the pressures of modern life, this episode may assist you in rethinking the way you pursue purpose, satisfaction, and faithfulness. Get ready to unpack the myths of balance and rediscover what it means to live with God at the center of our lives.

(00:00) Living a Life of Devotion
(14:08) Total Devotion to God
(27:21) Reordering Loves and Attention to God

For more information on PREPPED, and to enroll in our online seminary level learning courses, please visit and follow us at:

Website: preppedforseminary.com and www.usefultogod.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UsefulToGod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usefultogodministries/ 
X: https://x.com/usefultogod 

Many assume the New Testament canon was the product of centuries of debate and formalization, but what if the need for new scripture was as natural to early Christians as the New Covenant itself? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer is joined by Dr. Levi Baker, Assistant Professor of New Testament at William Tennant Seminary, to explore the formation of the New Testament canon. Together, they challenge the popular scholarly narrative that suggests the canon was a late development, instead uncovering the deep historical and theological connections between covenant and scripture.How did early Christians understand the role of new writings in light of the Old Testament? Why do we assume the canon wasn’t in place long before the fourth century councils? And what can the Dead Sea Scrolls tell us about the natural emergence of new sacred texts within a covenant community?Join us for a deep dive into a topic that not only impacts biblical scholarship but also how we understand the reliability and divine orchestration of scripture itself.

Go deeper: Trajectories

Thinking Christian is hosted by Dr. James Spencer, president of the D. L. Moody Center and author of Digital Discernment (InterVarsity Press). Each conversation reads the Bible as the final authority for life and faith, questioning the assumptions of our culture, even our Christian culture, so that we don't settle for a narrower vision than God's word offers.

Unsettling convention. Cultivating conviction.
Episodes, articles, and questions: thinkingchristian.org
About James Spencer: thinkingchristian.org/james
The Thinking Christian Framework: thinkingchristian.org/framework
Order Digital Discernment: amazon.com

Subscribe: YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Spotify

Advertising and partnership inquiries: [email protected]

Find out more about Levi Baker here.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.