Thinking Fellows

As the last confession in the Book of Concord, the Formula of Concord strove to unite a Lutherans around a standard set of answers regarding doctrinal controversy. The Fellows discuss the content and history of the Formula to get listeners up to speed on the Lutheran Confessions. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.  Show Notes: You are Forgiven Radio The Book of Concord online Kolb Wengert BoC Sources and Context of the BoC CPH BoC Tapert BoC

The Theology of the Cross is a recurring theme on the Thinking Fellows. This fundamental concept regarding Christ and his work originated from Luther's 1518 Heidelberg Disputation. Today we flush this concept out a little further and explain why it is so fundamental to our show. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes Here We Still Stand On Being a Theologian of the Cross McGrath: Luther's Theology of the Cross  Heidelberg Disputation online

This week, the Fellows cover the Anglican theologian Thomas Cranmer. Cranmer was a reformation theologian influenced early on by Martin Luther. Cranmer was Martyr burned at the stake by Queen Mary and is most well known as the author of the Book of Common Prayer. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.  Show Notes: You are Forgiven Radio 39 Articles The Book of Common Prayer Thomas Cranmer a Life Emblem of Faith Untouched The Collects of Thomas Cranmer  

Thinking Fellows come into their monthly Q&A episodes with a big question about interpreting Romans chapter nine. After the break, the fellows talk about what books they are currently reading. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes Wittenberg vs. Geneva The Worlds of Medevil Europe The Great Lie Praying the Catechism Between Wittenberg and Geneva The Anarchists Tool Chest Bear Grylls Survival Handbook The Freedom of the Hills The Happiness of Pursuit On Being a Theologian of the Cross Christus Victor The Nordic Theory of Everything Bede A History of the English Church

Today, the fellows dive back into apologetics. Talking about epistemology, we discuss the necessary link between historical data and theological knowledge. The discussion also leads to a passionate argument against the weaknesses in neo-orthodoxy and the giving up of Christianity's historical high ground. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.  Show Notes: Sensible Christianity History, Law, and Christianity Why Should Anybody Believe Anything At All The Idea of A University The Killing of History In Defense of History Church Dogmatics (Barth) Paul Maier, Skeleton in God’s Closet Mathematics: The Loss of Certainty Thinking Fellows: Introduction to Apologetics  

Today we dive into what is probably Luther's most influential work. The Small Catechism was a tool for pastors and families to learn the essential doctrine of the Chrisitan faith. The fellows breakdown the history and context of this little work and then briefly explain each section. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.  Show Notes: Meeting Melanchthon Small Catechsim on Amazon The Book of Concord online Praying the Catechism Catechism Free Nestingen Audio  

Ever since Christ's ascension into heaven, Christians have been arguing about who Jesus is. The Thinking Fellows talk about the Scriptural proclamation that Jesus Christ is truly God and truly man. Commonly referred to as the two natures in Christ this doctrine is foundational to Christian belief and has profound implications regarding atonement and justification. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.  Show Notes: Dr. Rosenbladt on the Two Natures The Two Natures in Christ Martin Chemnitz The City of God Cur Deus Homo Chytraeus on Sacrifice On the Incarnation  FF Bruce the Defense of the Gospel in the NT The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

C.S. Lewis was one of the most prolific Christian authors of the 20th century. As an adult convert, he delivered a powerful apologetic to the Christian faith. On this episode, we talk about the history, theology, and impact of this great thinker. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: The 4 Loves Audiobook Mere Christianity The Great Divorce The Screwtape Letters Abolition of Man George Macdonald poetry GK Orthodoxy The Everlasting Man Phantastes The Fellowship C.S. Lewis a life Problem of Pain Miracles The Space Trilogy

As we begin recording into the new year, the Thinking Fellows take time to answer two big listener questions. Over the course of 2017 over 15 listeners asked nearly the same questions. One topic weighing heavily on people at home is the concept of infant baptism. We take the first half of the show to tackle this issue of assurance and faith. Then for the second half of the show, we talk about apostasy and faith as a gift. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.  Show Notes Thinking Fellows Bundle Scriptural Baptism Night Driving With Chad Bird Luther's Small Catechism  

The Thinking Fellows kick off 2018 with a final episode on defining various terms used throughout the show. Additionally, Dr. Francisco is back and helps define the characteristics of the significant time periods of the church up to the Reformation. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.  Show Notes: Thinking Fellows Bundle The Rise of Western Christendom Modern Fascism Post Modern Times  

Today, we are spending another episode defining terms used throughout the show over the last two years. This episode is meant to be a big thank you to all of our listeners and supporters. We hope you enjoy the show and we look forward to some amazing episodes in 2018. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.  Show Notes Thinking Fellows apologetics series Thinking Fellows on the authority of Scripture Sensible Christianity   

As Christmas approaches, the Fellows take on a long time listener request to define our terms. Sometimes on the show, the hosts use words or phrases for which not every listener had context. To help out, we take on some of the most common phrases and topics we have covered and condense them into 2-3min explanations. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.    Show Notes TF on the Law TF on Gospel TF on Sin TF on Grace TF on Means of Grace  

After spending two episodes dealing with the apparent tension between justification and good works we dedicate another installment to the doctrine of vocation. Good works are not opposed to our justification, but it is clear from the Scriptures that they do not earn sinners status before God. The question then arises, what good or to what aim are good works? Sit back, relax, and grab a drink as we discuss this important question.  Show Notes: God At Work Working For Our Neighbor Being Dad Shop Class as Soul Craft Mike Rowe Works      

On this episode of the show, the Fellows tackle synergism. This error has been present in every age of Christianity and poses unique challenges to Christianity in America. Sit back, relax, grab a drink and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Here We Still Stand 2018 Heidelberg Disputation Caleb Keith on the Prodigal Son      

Drs. Keith and Rosenbladt are back on the show to talk about repentance. Also on this episode is a friend and guest, Aaron Pederson. Looking from Scripture and Luther we ask the question is repentance a gift of faith or a work towards faith? Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and join the conversation. Show Notes: 1517 Academy Being Dad Thinking Fellows on Johan Arndt Donate    

Caleb Keith and Dr. Adam Francisco are joined by a guest to talk about the liberal arts and classical education. Our guest today is Dr. C.J. Armstrong. Dr. Armstrong teaches Theology, Classical Languages, and Ancient History at Concordia University Irvine. On this episode, we talk about why classical education isn't just for academics but helps shape the worldview of people in all stations of life. Sit back, relax, grab a drink and enjoy the show.  Show Notes Lutheranism vs. Calvinism: The Classical Debate Second Son Iron Works Warrior Politics     

Caleb Keith and Dr. Adam Francisco talk about the political history of the Reformation. Dr. Francisco takes the conversation back all the way to the fall of Rome to help render a clear picture of what political system Luther faced and worked within. While not a secular reformer, Luther's political impact is impossible to ignore. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show notes The Resurrection Fact Brecht: Shaping and Defining the Reformation The Fabricated Luther Paulson: Luther for Armchair Theologians    

Caleb Keith interviews Dr. Montgomery about his background and beginning in apologetics. For Dr. Montgomery, apologetics starts by asking questions about truth and the pursuit of knowledge. This conversation leads up to talk about the approach to learning apologetics and how to handle tough issues in the midst of evangelism. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.  Show Notes:  History, Law, and Christianity Sensible Christianity Suprised by Joy Defending the Gospel in Legal Style Evidence that Demands a Verdict

On this episode of the Thinking Fellows, Dr. Keith talks to David Zahl about Mockingbird Ministries. Zahl is the director of Mockingbird, and author, and podcast host. This episode highlights the annual Mockingbird conference in NYC and many of the other resources that they produce. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: About Mockingbird Law and Gospel: A Theology for Sinners and Saints Mockingbird Events The Mockingbird Devotional  Grace and Addiction Being Dad

Chad Bird joined the Thinking Fellows at the Here We Still Stand conference in San Diego to talk about his new book. Night Driving: Notes from a Prodigal Soul. This book wrestles with sin and grace in the midst of turmoil. The entire book points to the redemptive work of Christ and the extra nos gift of life and salvation. On this episode, Chad gives a sneak peek at a handful of the chapters. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. Show Notes: Night Driving on Amazon Chadbird.com 40min in the Old Testament 1517 Blog: Chad Bird The Prodigal Son Being Dad: Father as a picture of God's Grace