Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and Culture

In this episode, James is joined by co-host Nate Giarratano. James and Nate discuss some of the conversations that occurred at last week's National Conservatism Conference in Washington, D.C., where Pastor Doug Wilson, Al Mohler, and others spoke about America, politics, and Christianity. James lays out five ideas that are crucial for understanding the relationship between Church and state and interacts with some of the statements made at the conference. 

Go deeper: Christians & Politics

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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For more on the conference, see the article posted here along with the associated links. 

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

In this episode, James sits down with David Koyzis author of Citizenship Without Illusions: A Christian Guide to Political Engagement. He also writes a blog titled "Notes from a Byzantine-Rite Calvinist." David and James discuss the challenge of idolatry in the political realm, as well as strategies for Christians to love God and neighbor by engaging in activities oriented toward justice. 

Go deeper: Christians & Politics

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]

You can find Citizenship Without Illusions at ivpress.com (use the code IVPPOD20 for 20% off your purchase).

You can also find David's other works at ivpress.com or amazon.com. 

Political Visions and Illusions: A Survey of Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies (https://www.ivpress.com/political-visions-illusions).

We Answer to Another: Authority, Office, and the Image of God (click here) 

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

In this episode, James considers Matthew 10. He talks about what Jesus is trying to teach his disciples (and us!) by sending them out on their initial mission. He also provides an explanation of what it looks like to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves." 

To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com. You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here.

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

In this episode, James hosts Paul D. Miller author of The Religion of American Greatness: What's Wrong with Christian Nationalism. Paul and James discuss nationalism, politics, conservatism, and the difference between patriotism and nationalism. The conversation offers Christians a fresh perspective on the importance of distinguishing church from state, as well as addressing the need for incremental change as a political strategy. 

Go deeper: Christians & Politics

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]

You can purchase Paul's book at ivpress.com (use the code IVPPOD20 for 20% off your purchase).

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

In this episode, James discusses discipleship with Eun Strawser, author of Centering Discipleship: A Pathway for Multiplying Spectators into Mature Disciples. James and Eun discuss discipleship in terms of imitating Christ and the way that our own cultural commitments (or the commitments of others) can hinder us from conforming more closely to Christ's image. Eun also relates her experience leading a church that is centered on discipleship. 

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]

To purchase Eun's book visit ivpress.com (use IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount) or find out more about Eun Strawser at https://www.iwacollaborative.com/.

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

In this episode, James considers the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. He discusses the Old Testament background of love for neighbor in Leviticus and what it might mean for us to show mercy in today's world. 

For more from James visit usefultogod.com. 

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

In this episode, James and Nate discuss a Pew Research study titled "Cultural Issues and the 2024 Election." They talk about how Christians might approach specific cultural issues, the differences between the roles of the state and the church, and the attitudes that Christians might adopt as they seek to be faithful in a fallen world.

For more from James, visit usefultogod.com.

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

In this episode, James welcomes Chris Morris author of Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons about Suicidality and Depression from the Psych Ward. James and Chris have a candid conversation about mental illness and discuss ways the church might come alongside those struggling with mental illness. They also talk about the importance of developing intimate relationships within the body of Christ.

Go deeper: Faith and Mental Health

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]

You can purchase Chris's books at the following links:

Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons about Suicidality and Depression from the Psych Ward

Perfectly Abnormal: Uncovering the Image of God in Chronic Illness

Whispers in the Pews: Voices on Mental Illness in the Church

By Faith: Strength and Hope for Life's Challenges

For more on Chris visit chrismorriswrites.com.

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

In this episode, James discusses Jesus's baptism and subsequent temptation in the gospel of Matthew. He considers each of the temptation's Jesus faces and the lessons that Christians can learn from Matthew 4. 

For more from James visit usefultogod.com.

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

In this bonus episode, James considers the recent legislation passed in the state of Louisiana. He suggests that Christians recognize the challenges of American civil religion without creating an "us versus them" mentality.

Go deeper: Christians & Politics

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]

See the text of the Louisiana law here.

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