Episodes
How Should Christians Engage in Politics? A Conversation with Miranda Zapor Cruz
In this episode, James talks with Miranda Zapor Cruz who is a professor of hisotrical theology at Indiana Weslyan University and author of Faithful Politics: Ten Approaches to Christian Citizenship and Why It Matters . James ...
What Is Biblical Justice? A Conversation with Michael Rhodes
In this episode, James talks with fellow Old Testament scholar Michael Rhodes about biblical justice. Michael is the author of Just Discipleship: Biblical Justice in an Unjust World and Formative Feasting, Practicing the King...
Worshipping God on Our Own Terms? Thinking Christian about the Cain and Abel Narrative
In this episode, James looks at Genesis 4. He discusses the tension between Cain and God, Cain's poor choice, and the resolution that God ultimately brings about through Seth. He argues that the narrative centers on Cain's un...
Thinking about Faith, Leadership, and Baseball: A Conversation with Dayton Moore
In this episode, James and Nate sit down with Dayton Moore. In addition to holding various other positions in Major League Baseball, Dayton was a general manager for the Royals. Under his leadership, the Royals won the world ...
How Should Christians Think about Manhood? A Conversation with Jake Hamilton
In this episode, James talks with Jake Hamilton, author of Journey to Biblical Masculinity: 12 Paths Every Man Must Take. Jake is also the founder and CEO of "The Fight," a ministry dedicated to challenging men to own who the...
How Should Christians Build Resilience and Character in a Digital Age? A Conversation with Jay Y. Kim
In this episode, James sits down with Jay Y. Kim, author of Analog Christian: Cultivating Contentment, Resilience, and Wisdom in the Digital Age. James and Jay discuss the promise and pitfalls of digital technologies, how to ...
Learning from God's Presence and Provision: A Devotional on the David and Goliath Narrative
In this episode, James discusses 1 Samuel 17, the narrative of David and Goliath. He discusses the differences between David and the other characters in the narrative, as well as highlighting the underlying theology of this w...
How Can We Be Alert to God's Presence and Alive to God's Love? A Conversation with Helen Cepero
In this episode, James has a conversation with Helen Cepero. Helen is the author of Christ-Shaped Character: Choosing Love, Faith and Hope. She also started the C. John Weborg Center for Spiritual Direction at North Park Semi...
How Should Christians Think about the Relationship between Church and State? Reflecting on the National Conservatism Conference
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 Moh...
What Does It Mean to Be a Christian Citizen? A Conversation with David Koyzis
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 d...
What Does It Mean to Be Wise as Serpents and Innocent As Doves?
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...
How Should Christians Think about America? A Conversation with Paul D. Miller
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 patrio...
What If Imitating Christ Became the Church's Central Focus? A Conversation with Eun Strawser
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 a...
How Can Christians Be Good Neighbors? Thinking through the Good Samaritan
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...
How Can Christians Think about Politics and Culture?
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 sta...
Thinking Christian about Mental Illness and Suffering: A Conversation with Chris Morris
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...
Thinking Christian about Jesus's Temptation
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 Ja...
How Should Christians Think about the Public Display of the Ten Commandments? Louisiana's New Legislation
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. F...
David Richardson
In this episode, James speaks with David Richardson of The Assumptions Institute. James and David talk about critical thinking, the necessity of questioning assumptions, and the importance of pointing other toward reality. Th...
How Matthew 6 Can Help Us Think about the Things We Do (and How We Do Them)
In this week's devotional, James considers Matthew 6 and its potential to help Christians think through the various practices in which they are engaged. James encourages us not just to ask whether or not we should engage in a...
Thinking Christian about Social Media (and Technology) with the Surgeon General
In this episode of Thinking Christian, James interacts with an essay published on June 17, 2024, in which the surgeon general calls for warning labels on social media. James discusses the importance of this call and the need ...
Thinking about Theology and the Creative Process: An Interview with Jason Gray
In this episode, James and Nate welcome Jason Gray. Jason is a Christian recording artist and deep thinker. James, Nate, and Jason discuss the creative process, Jason's musical influences, and the way that Jason goes about wr...
Thinking about Distractions with Mary, Martha, and Jesus
In this first weekly devotional, James discusses distractions and the way they hinder us from listening to the teachings of Jesus. Considering Luke 10:38-42, James encourages listeners to recognize that Jesus is infinitely mo...
How Should Christians Think about Human Flourishing: A Conversation with Joshua Jipp
In this episode, James welcomes Joshua Jipp. Joshua is Professor of New Testament and Director of the Henry Center for Theological Understanding. He is also the author of Pauline Theology as a Way of Life: A Vision of Human F...