Episodes

Russell Meek is an Old Testament Scholar and author of Ecclesiastes and the Search for Meaning in an Upside-Down World. He and Dr. James Spencer discuss the book of Ecclesiastes, how it relates to the broader patterns of the Old Testament and why Ecclesiastes is a hopeful book that every Christian shold be reading. It is a great discussion of one of the more difficult books in the bible. Purchase Ecclesiastes and the Search for Meaning in an Upside-Down World at amazon.com . Check out Trajectori...

James and guest host Nate Giarranto sit down with Michael McDowell to discuss his testimony, his career in NASCAR, and how he lives out his faith today. Michael McDowell won the Dayton 500 in 2021 and appeared in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs in 2023. He also won Brickyard 200 in 2023. Most importantly, McDowell is a follow of Christ and outspoken Christian athlete. You can find out more about Michael McDowell at mmcdowell.com and on his various social media sites. Discover more Christian podca...

In this episode, James sits down with Lee Humerian, a missionary with Josiah Ventures serving in Ukraine. They discuss the current situation in Ukraine and the opportunities the church has to serve in the context of war. We don't talk politics. We just talk about how God works through a people who love him and love others. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

In this episode of Thinking Christian, we tackle the issue of "cancel culture." We consider the dangers of cheap participation and the limitations of social media advocacy. We also offer tips on how to think Chrisitan about the way we interact with the world as we seek to be witnesses for Jesus Christ. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

What does it mean to be a praying people? How do Tolkien's writings relate to prayer? On this episode of Thinking Christian, James Spencer and Ashish Varma dive into Ashish's essay titled "A Home Among the Trees: Prayer from the Heart of the Earth," which was published in A Praying People , a new book that James and Ashish co-edited. They also discuss some of the work he is doing with Princeton Theololigcal Seminary's Center for Asian American Christianity. A Praying People: Essays Inspired by D...

Another useful conversation between Dr. James Spencer and Richard Beattie. The question of anxiety and fear today runs rampant. How do I let the world's stories capture reality and hinder my walk? What can we embrace and what should we resist? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

Like in so many American Holidays- Gratitude is often regulated to weeks before, and gets reduced to a thing called, "Turkey Day." If we were to really think Christian about it- we would probably give thanks- on a daily basis- if we really think about it! Dr. James Spencer had a little time recently to be thankful for a technical dilemma he found himself in - when travelling through Germany. We call this episode- Grateful Beyond Thanksgiving! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com an...

This episode continues the conversation with Dr. Gregg Quiggle about Dwight Moody's enduring significance. We discuss Dwight Moody's "secret sauce" and the way God used him to reach the world. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

It's hard to find a place to break in the story of Brian Sumner. Every time he fell, fought, cursed or got caught up in the thrill, something kept him going. This is the continuing story from Part 1, when Dr. James Spencer asks- "So what are you doing now?" Listen to the conclusion of this story. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

Brian Sumner shares his story of growing up in Liverpool, becoming a professional skateboarder, and coming to Jesus Christ. James, Brian, and special guest host Nate Giarratano discuss Brian's life, explore the Great Commission, and celebrate God's presence in the lives of His people. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

In this episode, James has a discussion with Dr. Gregg Quiggle. Dr. Quiggle is a D. L. Moody expert who contributed to A Praying People, a new book edited by James Spencer and Ashish Varma. He and James talk about who Dwight Moody was and how his life may inform the lives of modern-day Christians. Dr. Quiggle, who is also an expert in the Protestant Reformation, also discusses an opportunity to travel abroad this December to learn about the Reformation. You can email him at ranch812@hotmail.com...

In this episode, James Spencer is joined by Alin Vrancila to discuss the Transhumanist Declaration from a biblical and theological perspective. They consider the problems with pursuing immortality through human means and discuss the changing landscape of technology. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

Another useful conversation about Halloween and seasons. Dr. James Spencer and producer Richard Beattie have a thoughtful conversation about who this season is for and what are ways to mark the change of seasons in a productive way. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

Dr. James Spencer and producer/journalist, Richard Beattie talk about Halloween and the globalization of seasons, and regionalism. This came from an Op-ed that James wrote in 2022 for Halloween. It becomes another useful conversation on Thinking Christian on Life Audio. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

What it means to be human--If you look at history it could be "to err," or to "empathetic," or sympathetic. Can your computer be human? And with that can we become less human if artificial intelligence overtakes us. Wait! Can AI overtake us? Dr. James Spencer and producer Richard Beattie have a conversation or a brainstorm on human nature as well as dehumanization. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

This is a special podcast with skateboarding pro, Josh Harmony. Dr. James Spencer and Nate Giarratano take us on a journey with Josh that has had its share of bumps and bruises! This is a two-part story. Remember: Wear a helmet. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

Dr. James Spencer makes the connection between dehumanization in the latest push towards AI with slavery, human trafficking and what we are becoming. This is one conversation that is useful and helpful in reaching an understanding on how to be "Thinking Christian." Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

In yesterday's edition of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer had a useful conversation with Skateboard Pro, Josh Harmony. We left off at a place in Josh's life and career, where he was at a crossroads and how a move was much more than physical! Here is the rest of that story. That's on this edition of Thinking Christian! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

Are you someone who takes time to think and process, rather than rushing to make decisions? In a world filled with distractions, being able to consciously determine how you're going to spend your time, who you're going to spend it with, and why you're going to do certain things is a gift. In this episode, Dr. James Spencer and Richard Arnold Beattie have a thoughtful conversation on Christian resistance and what it means in time and space. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and in...

Dr. James Spencer and Richard Beattie talk Baseball and Thinking Christian with Baseball Star Darryl Strawberry. In addition to discussing his career, Darryl shares how he had to renew his mind through the Word of God and let go of his old ways to live according to God's principles. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

Here is the second part of the discussion between Dr. James Spencer and John Van Sloten on the connection between creation, arts and science. A good way to end the first week of "Thinking Christian." Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

Is there a link to Scientific Method and Creative Process? On Jamesgspencer.com, we discuss the link with John Van Sloten on Think Radio, the artist once known as Talk Radio begins "thoughtful and useful conversations!" The new book by pastor and author John Van Sloten explores the connection to creation, the creator and science. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

What if artificial intelligence (AI) is allowing us to reward our own bad behavior? At what point is the need for the sort of efficiency AI promises to provide driven by our skewed priorities, broken systems, and unwillingness to address our problems through non-technological means? I don’t doubt that AI will help humans move beyond where we could go individually or together in certain arenas. Like other technological platforms, AI will have benefits. As we look at the various ways AI models...

Welcome to Thinking Christian, an audio podcast with Dr. James Spencer and Richard Arnold Beattie. This week, we interview Ed Vigatalino from American Family about a new interactive AI-Jesus. Then, James Spencer speaks to Shayna Rattler, an executive coach, about purpose and "The God Shift." Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .