Episodes
Jeremy Stalnecker|Identity Beyond the Uniform: Faith, Trauma & Leader…
In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer explores what it means to live faithfully in increasingly secular spaces—from youth sports and public education to workplace dynamics and political culture. Drawing fr...
Christian Nationalism and the Church-State Divide: A Theological Refl…
In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer and Nate dive into the recent Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) vote addressing Christian nationalism. They explore what makes Christian nationalism problematic fro...
Rethinking "Helper": Unpacking the True Meaning of Ezer in Genesis 2
What does it truly mean to be a "helper"? In this episode of Thinking Christian's Prepped Series, Dr. James Spencer challenges common misconceptions surrounding the Hebrew word ezer , often translated as "helper" in Genesis 2...
Temple, Eden, and the End of All Things: How Sacred Space Shapes Disc…
What if the tabernacle, the Garden of Eden, and the Great Commission are all telling the same story? In this episode of Thinking Christian's Prepped Series , Dr. James Spencer uncovers the theological thread that weaves from ...
In God’s Image: Dignity, Dominion, and the Distorted Imago Dei
What does it actually mean to be made in the image of God? In this episode of Thinking Christian's Prepped Series , Dr. James Spencer dives deep into one of the Bible’s most profound claims about humanity. Exploring five majo...
Away game
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Back to the Garden: What Genesis Teaches Us About Order, Obedience, a…
In this premiere episode of Thinking Christian's Prepped Series, Dr. James Spencer takes us to the beginning—not just of the Bible, but of everything. But instead of debating science or timelines, he asks three essential ques...
Losing the Signal: What the Death of AM Radio Means for Christian Wit…
What happens when a culture unplugs from the constraints that once helped us listen well? In this episode of Thinking Christian , James Spencer and Nate reflect on the slow disappearance of AM radio from new vehicles—a shift ...
Zach W. Lambert | A Better Way to Read the Bible: Escaping Weaponized…
Can we read the Bible without reducing it to a rulebook, a road map, or a political weapon? In this episode of Thinking Christian , James Spencer sits down with pastor and author Zach Lambert to explore his new book Better Wa...
Jenn Suen Chen | Dim Sum, Identity, and the Table of God: How Our Sto…
What does dim sum have to do with discipleship? In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, James Spencer talks with author and spiritual formation leader Jen Suen Chin about her book Dim Sum and Faith: How Our Sto...
The Phony Age: Navigating Digital Deception, Noise, and the Need for …
Can we still spot the truth in a world that specializes in counterfeits? In this episode of Thinking Christian , James Spencer and Nate unpack the unsettling implications of the internet’s influence on our minds, our trust, a...
Alex Kocman | Borders, Nations, and the Order of Love: A Christian Co…
In this thought-provoking episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer welcomes Alex Kocman—missions leader and co-host of the Missions Podcast —for a wide-ranging conversation on immigration, national identity, and how ...
Denise Daniels and Elaine Howard Ecklund | Is Your Job a Calling? Ret…
What if the sacred-secular divide is more imagined than real? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund (Rice University) and business professor Denise Daniels ...
Erin Moniz | Intimacy, Identity, and the Church: Reimagining Relation…
What if our dating struggles, friendship breakdowns, and even church conflicts trace back not to technique—but to theology? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with Erin Moniz—Anglican deacon, ...
Alan Noble | You Are Not Your Own: Resisting the Gospel of Radical Au…
What if the crushing weight of modern life isn't a bug in the system but a feature of a false belief? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer is joined by Dr. Alan Noble to explore his compelling book, You A...
Chrystal Downing | More Than a Message: Dorothy Sayers, Film, and the…
What do a detective novelist, a WWII radio drama, and a blockbuster film have in common? According to Dr. Crystal Downing — everything. In this episode of Thinking Christian , I’m joined by Dr. Crystal Downing, former co-dire...
Paul Hoffman | AI, the Imago Dei, and the Fight for Our Humanity
Is artificial intelligence just a tool — or are we slowly making it a partner in how we think, relate, and even worship? In this episode of Thinking Christian , I sit down with Dr. Paul Hoffman — pastor, theologian, and co-au...
AI, Adolescents, and the Apocalypse? Discerning the Digital Age Witho…
In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer sits down with Nate Giarratano to unpack the rapid advance of artificial intelligence, a controversial 10-year moratorium on state regulation, and what it means for Ch...
Laura Richter | Formation at the Top: Catholic Healthcare, Mission In…
What does it look like to lead not just with strategy, but with soul? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer speaks with Laura Richter, executive advisor to various healthcare systems, about the quiet revol...
Romney Ruder | Revival Behind Bars: Discipleship, Dignity, and Breaki…
What if the next revival didn’t start in a church... but in a prison? In this episode of Thinking Christian , I sit down with Romney Ruder, President of Lifeline Global Ministries, to explore how God is transforming lives beh...
Ben Matthew | Anxiety, Faith, Fear, and Finding Peace in Christ
Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast with Dr. Ben Matthew, professor of clinical counseling, as they explore the complex topic of Christians and anxiety. This insightful discussion delves into biblical per...
Kyle Norman | Finding Jesus When Faith is Hard
Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast with special guest Reverend Kyle Norman, author of Alive, Loved and Free: Finding Jesus When Faith Is Hard . In this heartfelt episode, Rev. Norman shares his personal ...
Shane Wood | Encountering Christ in Revelation
Join Dr. James Spencer on the Thinking Christian Podcast with Dr. Shane J. Wood, author of Thinning the Veil: Encountering Jesus Christ in the Book of Revelation . Dive into a unique perspective on Revelation that moves beyon...
Restoring Fallen Leaders: Integrity, Platforms, and the Hidden Cost o…
Why do so many ministry leaders fall—and how should the church respond when they do? In this episode of Thinking Christian , Dr. James Spencer and co-host Nate Giarratano tackle the complex terrain of restoring leaders who’ve...