Episodes
The Loneliness Epidemic: Why Modern Life is a Structural Trap (and How the Church Breaks It) 🛑🤝
Loneliness isn't just a "feeling"—it’s a structural crisis. In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew take a hard look at the "Epidemic of Loneliness" and why our modern way of life is pract...
Beyond the Screen: Why Your Physical Presence is the Secret to Mental Health ⛪🫂
In an era of digital convenience and "on-demand" spirituality, have we lost something vital by staying home? Join Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew as they explore the "Embodied Leg" of the mental health stool. This episod...
Suffering for Christ's Sake
Hundreds of churches once bombed and burned to the ground are not only standing again but thriving in Sudan and South Sudan. Hear stories of pastors who experienced intense persecution and how their faith sustained them. Reso...
Beyond the Quick Fix: Embracing Sadness as a Rational Response to a Broken World 🌧️⚓
In a culture obsessed with "happiness hacks" and immediate emotional relief, what if our sadness isn't a glitch, but a proper response to reality? In this follow-up episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Be...
Navigating Existential Dread and Finding Meaning Together 🌪️🙏
Have you ever been in the middle of a busy, successful season only to be hit by a sudden, creeping feeling that none of it matters? You aren’t alone. In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathe...
The Digital Paradox: Why More Connection is Making Us More Alone 📱📉
Are we living in a "Truman Show" world? 🎬 In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew (Professor of Counselor Education) dive into the "Social Leg" of their three-legged stool model for mental...
Why Your Mental Health is an "Embodied" Experience 🧬🙏
Is mental health just "all in your head," or is there something deeper happening within our physical design? In the premiere of this series, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Dr. Ben Mathew, Professor of Counselor Education, t...
🧠 Faith or Therapy? Navigating the Mental Health Crisis in the Church
Are we living in a "paid friend" culture? 🛋️ As mental health awareness skyrockets, the Church is at a crossroads. We’re seeing more counseling centers, more pastoral care roles, and more conversations about anxiety than ever...
A King Like the Nations: The Easter Luncheon and the Theology Behind the Prayers
When faith leaders gathered at the White House for an Easter luncheon, the prayers offered weren't just politically awkward — they were theologically problematic. In this episode, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ashish Varma move p...
🎙️ Rethinking Authority: From Control to Community with Dr. Christa L. McKirland
Is the way we view church leadership actually doing more harm than good? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with Dr. Christa L. McKirland—Dean of Faculty at Carey Baptist College and author of...
Belonging vs. Leading: Navigating LGBTQ+ Conversations in the Local Church
How can local churches maintain a historic Christian sexual ethic while still being a place where anyone can belong, ask tough questions, and encounter Jesus? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer welcomes...
🛡️ Is Your Safety an Idol? Risk, Technology, and the Gospel
“Have a safe summer!” “Travel safe!” “Stay safe!” 🛡️ In today’s world, safety isn’t just a wish—it’s a multi-billion dollar industry and a modern obsession. But as Christians, are we sacrificing our mission at the altar of se...
From Prison to Purpose: Restoring Hope for Incarcerated Youth in Central America
What happens when a life shaped by violence, poverty, and abandonment meets consistent love, purpose, and the message of the Gospel? In this powerful episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with Greg Harri...
Immoral Torah? Why Removing Hard Biblical Laws Does More Harm Than Good (Gary Ed
What should Christians do with the hardest laws in the Bible—texts about slavery, sexual violence, capital punishment, and social inequality? Should they be explained away… or even crossed out? In this episode of the Thinking...
Let Mercy Triumph Over Judgment: Law, Mercy, and Violence in Judges (Dr. Jillian Ross)
In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer is joined by Dr. Jillian Ross , professor of biblical studies at Liberty University, to discuss her article in JETS titled “Let Mercy Triumph Over Judgment: A Theology...
Mending the Fracturing Church: Discipleship, Trauma, and Trust (Andrew Hall)
In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer is joined by Rev. Dr. Andrew Hale , pastor, author, and host of CBF Conversations and Clergy Confessions , to discuss his new book Mending the Fracturing Church: How t...
Truth Rising Project: Hope, Truth, Identity, and Calling for Christians Today (John Stonestreet)
In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer is joined by John Stonestreet , president of the Colson Center , to discuss the Truth Rising Project —a collaboration between the Colson Center and Focus on the Family...
Immoral Torah? Why Removing Hard Biblical Laws Does More Harm Than Good (Gary Edward Schnicker)
What should Christians do with the hardest laws in the Bible—texts about slavery, sexual violence, capital punishment, and social inequality? Should they be explained away… or even crossed out? In this episode of the Thinking...
Ordinary Time: Spiritual Growth in the Everyday Rhythms of Life (Amy Peeler)
What if the most spiritually formative season of the Christian year isn’t Advent or Lent—but the long stretch of ordinary time in between? In this episode of the Thinking Christian Podcast , Dr. James Spencer is joined by Dr....
Becoming Pro-Grace: A Christian Response to Abortion Beyond Politics (Angela Weszley)
The abortion conversation in the church is often framed as a political battle— pro-life versus pro-choice , red versus blue. But what if that framing itself is the problem? In this episode of the Thinking Christian Podcast , ...
Joshua, America, and the Myth of Innocence: Undoing Manifest Destiny (Daniel Hawk)
Was America founded as a “new Israel”? And if so, what happens when biblical conquest narratives are used to justify colonization, displacement, and violence? In this episode of the Thinking Christian Podcast , Dr. James Spen...
Christian Business Without Compartmentalization: Faith, Success, and Surrender (Andrea Anderson)
Can Christians pursue success in business without sidelining their faith—or turning God into just another “box” in life? In this episode of the Thinking Christian Podcast , Dr. James Spencer sits down with Andrea Anderson , C...
Acedia, Purgation, and Faith That Lasts: God in the Desert (Noelle Forlini-Byrte)
What do you do when faith feels dry, confusing, or emotionally barren—when God seems absent, or even uncomfortably near? In this episode of the Thinking Christian Podcast , Dr. James Spencer talks with Dr. Noelle Forlini-Byrt...
The Listening Church: Loneliness, Mental Health, and the Skills Every Christian Needs (Dr. Jackie E. Perry)
What if a major driver of today’s mental health crisis isn’t simply “more disorders,” but more people who feel unseen, unheard, and alone ? In this episode of the Thinking Christian Podcast , Dr. James Spencer talks with Dr. ...