In this live episode of the Thinking Fellows, Caleb, Scott, Steve, and Adam discuss why Martin Luther's The Bondage of the Will is one of the most important yet most overlooked works of the Reformation.

They explore why Luther's debate with Erasmus still matters today and how ignoring this work can lead to confusion about human will, divine grace, and the Gospel itself. Rather than being a cold philosophical text, The Bondage of the Willreveals the comfort of knowing that salvation depends entirely on God's decision and not our effort.

Show Notes:

• Support 1517 Podcast Network

• 1517 Podcasts

• 1517 on Youtube

• 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

• 1517 Events Schedule

• 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education

What's New from 1517:

• Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird

• Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales

• Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug

• The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley

More from the hosts:

• Caleb Keith

• Scott Keith

• Adam Francisco

• Bruce Hilman

What led Martin Luther to write The Bondage of the Will? This podcast explores the historical background and central message of one of Luther's most significant works. Written as a response to Erasmus, Luther's book defends the biblical truth that salvation is not the result of human choice or effort but rests entirely on God's gracious will. The Bondage of the Will delivers a message of profound comfort. God Himself has acted to save sinners through His Son, Jesus Christ, who takes away our sins and gives us eternal life.

Show Notes:

• Support 1517 Podcast Network

• 1517 Podcasts

• 1517 on Youtube

• 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

• 1517 Events Schedule

• 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education

What's New from 1517:

• Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird

• Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales

• Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug

• The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley

More from the hosts:

• Caleb Keith

• Scott Keith

• Adam Francisco

• Bruce Hilman

Singing is one of the most recognizable parts of Christian worship. But why do Christians sing hymns? Where did hymns come from? And why should the church continue to sing them? Caleb and Scott Keith are joined by Dr. Steve Mueller from Concordia University Irvine to answer these questions.

Show Notes:

• Support 1517 Podcast Network

• 1517 Podcasts

• 1517 on Youtube

• 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

• 1517 Events Schedule

• 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education

What's New from 1517:

• Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird

• Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales

• Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug

• The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley

More from the hosts:

• Caleb Keith

• Scott Keith

• Adam Francisco

• Bruce Hilman

Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, Scott Keith, and Bruce Hillman explore the linguistic challenges faced by individuals transitioning from evangelical backgrounds to Lutheranism. They discuss the distinctions between Christian terms, the role of tradition in defining these terms, and the importance of confessional documents in maintaining doctrinal clarity. The Fellows also touch on cultural and institutional differences between American evangelicals and Lutherans.

Show Notes:

• Support 1517 Podcast Network

• 1517 Podcasts

• 1517 on Youtube

• 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

• 1517 Events Schedule

• 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education

What's New from 1517:

• Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird

• Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales

• Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug

• The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley

More from the hosts:

• Caleb Keith

• Scott Keith

• Adam Francisco

• Bruce Hilman

Lord protect us, keep us, bring comfort and assurance to the Kirk family, and send us evermore to proclaim Your death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins.

Article at 1517: 

Video version

In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, the hosts engage in a comprehensive discussion about Islam, exploring its theology, the role of Muhammad, the authorship of the Quran, and the differences between Islamic and Christian beliefs. Caleb, Scott, and Bruce take turns asking Adam questions that Christians may or should have about Islam. 

Show Notes:

• Support 1517 Podcast Network

• 1517 Podcasts

• 1517 on Youtube

• 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

• 1517 Events Schedule

• 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education

What's New from 1517:

• Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird

• Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales

• Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug

• The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley

More from the hosts:

• Caleb Keith

• Scott Keith

• Adam Francisco

• Bruce Hilman

In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, the Fellows discuss the Book of Romans, exploring its pivotal role in the Reformation, its didactic nature, and the genius of Paul's argumentation. The episode focuses on how Romans provides comfort and assurance to believers, emphasizing the personal nature of salvation and the continuity of God's promises throughout the text. The conversation underscores the importance of Romans in understanding Christian doctrine and its relevance for contemporary believers.

Show Notes:

• Support 1517 Podcast Network

• 1517 Podcasts

• 1517 on Youtube

• 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

• 1517 Events Schedule

• 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education

What's New from 1517:

• Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug

• The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley

• Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes

• Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi

More from the hosts:

• Caleb Keith

• Scott Keith

• Adam Francisco

• Bruce Hilman

Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, Scott Keith, and Bruce Hillman delve into Martin Luther's, 'The Freedom of a Christian.' They explore the historical context of the Reformation, particularly the year 1520, and discuss the significance of Luther's teachings on justification by faith, the authority of scripture (Sola Scriptura), and the relationship between faith and good works. 

Show Notes:

• Support 1517 Podcast Network

•  The Freedom of the Christian

• 1517 Podcasts

• 1517 on Youtube

• 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

• 1517 Events Schedule

• 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education

What's New from 1517:

• Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug

• The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley

• Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes

• Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi

More from the hosts:

• Caleb Keith

• Scott Keith

• Adam Francisco

• Bruce Hilman

This episode is a conversation about the life and influence of Augustine of Hippo. The Fellows cover Augustine's historical context, his theological contributions, particularly regarding original sin and the nature of love, and his lasting impact on both Protestant and Catholic traditions. The Fellows also delve into the relationship between Augustine and Martin Luther, examining how Augustine's ideas shaped the Reformation and continue to influence modern theology, particularly in the understanding of grace.

Show Notes:

• Support 1517 Podcast Network

• 1517 Podcasts

• 1517 on Youtube

• 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

• 1517 Events Schedule

• 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education

What's New from 1517:

• Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug

• The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley

• Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes

• Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi

More from the hosts:

• Caleb Keith

• Scott Keith

• Adam Francisco

• Bruce Hilman

The Thinking Fellows explore the life and significance of Justin Martyr, an early Christian apologist. They focus on the challenges Justin faced, and his example for contemporary apologetics. Justin's work also highlights the distinction between apologetics and polemics, emphasizing defending the Christian faith against external criticisms and internal heresies.

Show Notes:

• Support 1517 Podcast Network

• 1517 Podcasts

• 1517 on Youtube

• 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

• 1517 Events Schedule

• 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education

What's New from 1517:

• Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug

• The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction by Donavan Riley

• Ditching the Checklist by Mark Mattes

• Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation, Book 1 of 2 by Amy Mantravadi

More from the hosts:

• Caleb Keith

• Scott Keith

• Adam Francisco

• Bruce Hilman