Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and Culture

How often do we let technology trick us into believing we're self-sufficient, drifting away from our dependence on God? 

In this episode of PREPPED, join our host, James Spencer. PhD, as we dig into this deep and sometimes uncomfortable question to challenge the modern pursuit of independence, exploring how human limitations are not weaknesses, but invitations to depend on God.

Drawing from biblical accounts of the creation story and the Tower of Babel, as well as insights from theologians like Alicia Uaro and Jacques Ellul, we’re examining how technology can erode empathy and push God to the margins in favor of self-reliance. But what if embracing our limitations is actually a way of strengthening our faith?

Through the lens of Paul’s letters, Jesus’ teachings, and even Shel Silverstein’s The Missing Piece, this episode explores how dependence on God fosters gratitude, spiritual growth, and true fulfilment.

(00:00) Dependence on God in Modern Times
(11:14) Technology, Pride, and Dependence on God
(19:51) Embracing Dependence, Cultivating Gratitude

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
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Is your work-life balance out of sync? Do you struggle with burnout, workaholism, or feeling like your job defines you? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Ariana Malloy, communication professor at Biola University and author of Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work, to unpack the dangers of job idolatry, the power of Sabbath, and how humility helps us maintain a sustainable calling.

Key Topics Covered:
How to recognize when your calling is becoming an idol
The difference between a job, a career, and a calling—and why calling leads to the most burnout
How Christian organizations unintentionally pressure employees into overwork
Practical Sabbath rhythms to break the cycle of exhaustion
The three aspects of humility that protect against burnout
Why accountability should go beyond moral failure to include work-life balance

Ariana also shares her personal journey with workaholism and burnout—plus practical strategies for staying on the right side of healthy calling.

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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Resources Mentioned:
Get Ariana Malloy’s Book – Healthy Calling (20% off with code for IVP- use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount) IVP Press

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True progress isn't just about the latest tech or societal milestones; it's about aligning with a higher purpose.

Today, on PREPPED, join host James Spencer, PhD, as he challenges the conventional definitions of success, exploring how spiritual growth—not material achievements—serves as the ultimate measure of advancement.

Through the wisdom of the Westminster Catechism and passages such as Philippians 3:13-14, we examine how glorifying God and fulfilling His purpose leads to lasting progress. Drawing from Augustine’s insights on prioritizing eternal goods, we’re unpacking Paul’s teachings on imitating Christ and the dangers of pursuing lesser goals.

But progress isn’t just personal—it’s shaped by the influences around us. Inspired by thinkers like René Girard and Pierre Bourdieu, we’ll analyze how role models shape our desires, whether through fictional figures like Don Quixote or real-life icons like Michael Jordan. Whether in sports, careers, or faith, who we choose to emulate influences our identity and purpose. Tune in as we reflect on a path where spiritual growth and innovation work together, ensuring that technological and societal advancements serve God’s greater plan rather than distract from it.

(00:00) Imitating Christ in Technological Progress
(13:12) Imitating Christ Through Role Models

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 

As AI and digital technology become more embedded in our daily lives, what does it really mean to be human? Are we losing our sense of identity, community, and embodied faith?

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Dr. Shane Wood, New Testament professor at Ozark Christian College, to explore how technology is shaping our understanding of humanity, relationships, and discipleship—and what Scripture has to say about it.

Key Discussion Points:
How has AI changed the way we relate to each other and to God?
Are we outsourcing our spiritual formation and decision-making to technology?
Why efficiency isn't always a virtue—and how technology can distort human flourishing
Does technology weaken our sense of community, or can it strengthen it?
What role does effort, embodiment, and limitation play in being truly human?
The hidden dangers of transactional relationships & the “algorithmic” mindset
The theological significance of boundaries, dependence on God, and true discipleship

Go deeper: Technology & Media

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]

Resources & Links:
Explore Shane Wood’s Work – ShaneJWood.com

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

Can technological advancement pull us away from our divine purpose? In this episode of PREPPED, James Spencer, PhD, is exploring how technology shapes our spiritual journey, using the Tower of Babel as a framework to examine the tension between innovation and faith.

By drawing insights from Nassim Taleb’s iatrogenics, Marshall McLuhan’s Four Laws of Media, and Nick Bostrom’s Vulnerable World Hypothesis, join us in discussion of how unchecked ambitions—then and now—can distance us from God’s plan. As AI, social media, and modern conveniences reshape our daily lives, are we losing sight of what truly matters?

We’re diving into the ethical dilemmas of technology, contrasting Albert Borgman’s distinction between things and devices to help us discern whether our digital habits align with our spiritual priorities. Through the story of Martha and Mary, we’re challenging our listeners to reflect: does technology bring us closer to God, or is it quietly displacing meaningful practices in our faith?

(00:00) Navigating Technology in the Christian Life
(05:03) Human Capacity
(15:52) Technology, Ethics, and Christian Discernment
(21:56) Impact of Technology on Human Engagement
(34:21) Reflections on Technology and Christian Living

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 

Could it be possible that the Tower of Babel story isn’t really about the tower itself at all?

Today on PREPPED, James Spencer, PhD, is challenging the conventional interpretations of Genesis 11, revealing that the real lesson isn’t about defiance, but about humanity’s misplaced ambition and misunderstanding of its place in God’s divine order.

By drawing parallels to Adam and Eve, we explore how the builders of Babel weren’t simply rebellious—they were striving for security and greatness on their own terms, failing to trust in God’s wisdom. Through an examination of God’s intervention—confusing languages and scattering nations—we uncover how this act was both judgment and mercy, steering humanity away from the path to self-destruction.

Finally, we transition into Genesis 12 and the calling of Abram, a pivotal moment that reveals God’s wondrous plan to redeem the nations. This episode will invite you to reflect on humility, obedience, and the necessity of divine wisdom in our pursuits, setting the stage for the broader biblical narrative.

(00:00) Story of Genesis 11
(08:19) Unrestrained Human Capacity in Genesis
(22:08) Lessons From the Tower of Babel

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 

Technology and faith often seem like opposing forces, but what happens when a Christian innovator steps into the artificial intelligence space with a mission to transform education? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Mark Naufel, CEO and founder of Axio, an AI company dedicated to reshaping how people learn, grow, and engage with knowledge.

Mark shares his personal faith journey, growing up in a Lebanese Christian family and later transitioning into a Protestant, non-denominational context. His passion for faith and technology led him to found Axio, a platform designed to personalize education through AI while preserving the values and beliefs of individual users.

Together, they explore how AI can be leveraged for good—enhancing education, mentorship, and personal growth—without replacing the irreplaceable: human connection and community. They discuss AI’s role in addressing gaps in education, from personalized tutoring to career mentoring, and how Axio ensures that faith-based learning remains accessible and engaging.

Mark also shares insights on the broader implications of AI, the future of work, and why the Church must engage with technological advancements rather than retreat from them. He highlights the importance of Christian communities being active participants in shaping AI’s future, ensuring that it serves as a tool for discipleship rather than detachment.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Mark’s journey from a Catholic upbringing in Lebanon to a Protestant faith in the U.S.

• The role of AI in education, mentorship, and faith-based learning

• How Axio personalizes learning while maintaining biblical values

• The importance of maintaining real-world community in an increasingly digital age

• The future of work and the ethical considerations of AI

• How churches can embrace technology for discipleship and community building

🔗 Learn more about Axio: axio.ai
📩 Interested in beta testing Axio for homeschooling? Reach out to Mark directly at [email protected]

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!
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Will artificial intelligence shape the future of Christian discipleship, ministry, and outreach? Chase Capo, leader in AI relationship development for Glue, joins Dr. James Spencer on Thinking Christian to explore how faith-based AI is offering a powerful alternative to mainstream models like ChatGPT.

Key Discussion Topics:
What makes Christian AI different from secular AI?
How AI can help churches disciple more effectively
The danger of AI “built on sand” & why faith-based AI needs strong foundations
How AI models like Glue’s Kingdom-Aligned LLM are trained to uphold biblical truth
The role of AI in filtering information overload & helping Christians focus
How AI is already being used by churches, radio stations, and ministries to reach more people
The future of personalized AI for discipleship, evangelism, and ministry strategy

Go deeper: Technology & Media

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.

What if Genesis 6:1-4 holds the key to understanding humanity’s ancient struggle against divine order?

In this episode of PREPPED, join us as James Spencer, PhD, unpacks one of the most enigmatic passages in Scripture, exploring the identities of the sons of God, the daughters of men, and the Nephilim. Through the recurring biblical motif of “saw good, took”—a pattern that mirrors Eve’s actions in Genesis 3—we examine how these events challenge divine boundaries and reflect humanity’s ongoing defiance.

Delving into ancient Near Eastern myths, we draw connections between figures like Nimrod and the infamous Tower of Babel, highlighting themes of rebellion and pride that echo throughout history. We’re also tackling the controversial debate surrounding the sons of God: Were they fallen angels, divine beings referenced in 1 Enoch, or powerful human rulers corrupted by ambition? With theological depth and textual analysis, we’re diving into these interpretations and how they intersect with Jesus’ teachings in Matthew and how the Nephilim serve as potent symbols of human corruption.

(00:00) Interpreting Genesis 6
(10:53) The Identity of Sons of God
(22:44) The Role of Nephilim and Nimrod

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 

Was the biblical flood truly global, or have we misunderstood its scope?

In this episode of PREPPED, join James Spencer, PhD, in taking a fresh look at Genesis 6–9, challenging our traditional interpretations, and exploring the theological depth, of the flood narrative. Comparing global and local flood perspectives, we examine how this story functions as an account of decreation and recreation, drawing connections to ancient Near Eastern flood myths like the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Atrahasis Epic.

Through a deep dive into the Hebrew word “eretz”, we’ll investigate whether the flood encompassed the entire earth or a specific region, shedding light on how ancient Mesopotamian context may have shaped this narrative, as well as the complexities of aligning scientific evidence with Scripture while emphasizing the flood’s core themes—judgment, mercy, and covenant.

Finally, we explore the profound parallels between the flood and the creation account, seeing Noah as a new Adam and his ark as a vessel of renewal. By reflecting on the story of Noah’s nakedness and the curse of Ham, we’ll contemplate the generational impact of sin and the enduring lessons of the flood for humanity today.

(00:00) Themes of Flood Narrative in Genesis
(10:37) Interpreting the Biblical Flood Narrative
(21:20) Comparing Flood Myths Across Cultures
(28:08) Noah's Ark and Ham's Curse

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