Thinking Christian: Bible, Theology, and Culture

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with authors Linson Daniel, Jon Hietbrink, and Eric Rafferty to discuss their new book, Reviving Mission: Awakening to the Everyday Movement of God. Together, they explore how mission and revival are inseparable, why cynicism hinders spiritual growth, and how to recognize and join God’s work in the ordinary moments of life. Drawing from biblical wisdom, personal stories, and practical insights, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what it means to be a disciple on mission. Key Topics Covered:How encountering God daily reshapes our missionOvercoming cynicism and rediscovering wonderThe role of spiritual habits in preparing for revivalWhy mission isn’t just for the “called” but for every believer Thinking Christian is hosted by Dr. James Spencer, president of the D. L. Moody Center and author of Digital Discernment (InterVarsity Press). Each conversation reads the Bible as the final authority for life and faith, questioning the assumptions of our culture, even our Christian culture, so that we don't settle for a narrower vision than God's word offers. Unsettling convention. Cultivating conviction.Episodes, articles, and questions: thinkingchristian.orgAbout James Spencer: thinkingchristian.org/jamesThe Thinking Christian Framework: thinkingchristian.org/frameworkOrder Digital Discernment: amazon.com Subscribe: YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Spotify Advertising and partnership inquiries: info@thinkingchristian.org Get Reviving Mission with 20% off! (20% off with code for IVP- use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount) IVP Press Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How should Christians think about race and justice five years after George Floyd? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer welcomes back Ed Uszynski, author of Untangling Critical Race Theory, to explore the nuanced realities of race, politics, and faith. They discuss the pendulum swings of political ideologies, the role of the church in fostering biblical justice, and how Christians can engage these conversations with wisdom and discernment. Plus, Ed previews his talk at the Exiles in Babylon conference and reflects on his 30+ years with Athletes in Action. How can Christians avoid being swept into political rhetoric?What does true justice look like from a biblical perspective?Why should we transcend the culture’s binaries on race and inclusion? This is a must-listen for those wanting to think biblically and critically about the complex issues of race and justice in today's world. Go deeper: Christians & Politics Thinking Christian is hosted by Dr. James Spencer, president of the D. L. Moody Center and author of Digital Discernment (InterVarsity Press). Each conversation reads the Bible as the final authority for life and faith, questioning the assumptions of our culture, even our Christian culture, so that we don't settle for a narrower vision than God's word offers. Unsettling convention. Cultivating conviction.Episodes, articles, and questions: thinkingchristian.orgAbout James Spencer: thinkingchristian.org/jamesThe Thinking Christian Framework: thinkingchristian.org/frameworkOrder Digital Discernment: amazon.com Subscribe: YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Spotify Advertising and partnership inquiries: info@thinkingchristian.org Ed Uszynski’s Book – Untangling Critical Race TheoryBuy the book here Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Deconstruction is often misunderstood—some see it as a step toward renewal, while others fear it as a path to apostasy. But what if we’re missing the deeper reality? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer talks with Ian Harber, author of Walking Through Deconstruction: How to Be a Companion in a Crisis of Faith. Together, they explore the personal and cultural forces shaping deconstruction, why many in the church respond with fear or animosity, and how we can engage with those questioning their faith with patience, wisdom, and truth. Ian shares his own journey of deconstruction and reconstruction, highlighting the existential nature of faith crises and why intellectual arguments alone aren’t enough. Join us for a deep and thoughtful conversation on how the church can walk with those wrestling with doubt, engage the deeper assumptions behind deconstruction, and foster a faith that is both intellectually rigorous and spiritually resilient. Thinking Christian is hosted by Dr. James Spencer, president of the D. L. Moody Center and author of Digital Discernment (InterVarsity Press). Each conversation reads the Bible as the final authority for life and faith, questioning the assumptions of our culture, even our Christian culture, so that we don't settle for a narrower vision than God's word offers. Unsettling convention. Cultivating conviction.Episodes, articles, and questions: thinkingchristian.orgAbout James Spencer: thinkingchristian.org/jamesThe Thinking Christian Framework: thinkingchristian.org/frameworkOrder Digital Discernment: amazon.com Subscribe: YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Spotify Advertising and partnership inquiries: info@thinkingchristian.org Check out Ian Harber’s book: Walking Through Deconstruction at IVP (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, James Spencer and Nate Giarratano take a deep dive into the complexities of meritocracy, systemic sin, and hiring practices. Using personal stories and broader cultural conversations—sparked by a recent presidential speech—they examine whether hiring is ever truly based on merit alone. They explore how networks, relationships, and institutional structures shape hiring decisions, sometimes in ways we fail to recognize. Does meritocracy really exist? How should Christians think about hiring in ministry and beyond? And how does our dependence on God shape the way we navigate these realities? Join the conversation as James and Nate unpack these issues and challenge common assumptions about qualifications, fairness, and faith-led decision-making. Listen to James's conversation with Kaitlyn Beatty on The Evangelical Bro Code here. You can access James' article on the way the "bro code" impacts men here. 🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Can Christians faithfully engage in politics without compromising their convictions? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer is joined by Dr. Jesse Covington, Dr. Brian T. McGraw, and Dr. Micah Watson, co-authors of Hopeful Realism: Evangelical Natural Law and Democratic Politics. Together, they explore how natural law provides a foundation for engaging in the public square while maintaining theological integrity. Topics Covered: What is natural law, and why should evangelicals care? How does natural law shape Christian engagement in politics? The dangers of both political withdrawal and theocratic overreach How to share governance in a pluralistic society while upholding biblical truth The role of prudence in navigating difficult political issues, such as abortion policy Go deeper: Christians & Politics Thinking Christian is hosted by Dr. James Spencer, president of the D. L. Moody Center and author of Digital Discernment (InterVarsity Press). Each conversation reads the Bible as the final authority for life and faith, questioning the assumptions of our culture, even our Christian culture, so that we don't settle for a narrower vision than God's word offers. Unsettling convention. Cultivating conviction.Episodes, articles, and questions: thinkingchristian.orgAbout James Spencer: thinkingchristian.org/jamesThe Thinking Christian Framework: thinkingchristian.org/frameworkOrder Digital Discernment: amazon.com Subscribe: YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Spotify Advertising and partnership inquiries: info@thinkingchristian.org Get the book with an exclusive 20% discount at IVP! Visit ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount). Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, James and Nate explore the razor-thin line Christian journalism walks between accountability and bearing false witness. Prompted by a controversy at the NRB convention, they discuss the tension between exposing sin and rushing to judgment, the biblical framework for justice and accountability, and the consequences of premature or biased reporting. How should Christians navigate the flood of information in a digital age? What does real accountability look like—for both accused and accuser? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on truth, responsibility, and the impact of Christian media on the witness of the Church. For more thoughts on the verses and ideas discussed in this episode, see James's article titled "Beyond the Scandal: Rethinking Christian Journalism in an Age of Speed and Spectacle" at usefultogod.com/read. 🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

he church is at a crossroads. With rising disaffiliation and declining trust, how can we re-engage the next generation? How do we stop the drift and disciple effectively in today's world? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer welcomes Raymond Chang, Executive Director of 10x10 Collaboration at Fuller Seminary and co-author of Future Focused Church. They explore: Key Topics:The "10x10" Initiative: Engaging 10 million young people in faith over 10 yearsWhy are so many young adults leaving the church? (And how do we respond?)How relational discipleship can transform church engagementThe biggest leadership & trust challenges churches face todayHow to build a "Transformation Team" to drive church renewalWhy churches need a change map: Here, There, Who, & HowPractical steps for reshaping church culture & mission Thinking Christian is hosted by Dr. James Spencer, president of the D. L. Moody Center and author of Digital Discernment (InterVarsity Press). Each conversation reads the Bible as the final authority for life and faith, questioning the assumptions of our culture, even our Christian culture, so that we don't settle for a narrower vision than God's word offers. Unsettling convention. Cultivating conviction.Episodes, articles, and questions: thinkingchristian.orgAbout James Spencer: thinkingchristian.org/jamesThe Thinking Christian Framework: thinkingchristian.org/frameworkOrder Digital Discernment: amazon.com Subscribe: YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Spotify Advertising and partnership inquiries: info@thinkingchristian.org Resources & Links:Get the Book: Future Focused Church Learn More About 10x10: www.tenx10.orgMore from Fuller Youth Institute: Fuller Youth Institute Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Is your work-life balance out of sync? Do you struggle with burnout, workaholism, or feeling like your job defines you? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Ariana Malloy, communication professor at Biola University and author of Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work, to unpack the dangers of job idolatry, the power of Sabbath, and how humility helps us maintain a sustainable calling. Key Topics Covered:How to recognize when your calling is becoming an idolThe difference between a job, a career, and a calling—and why calling leads to the most burnoutHow Christian organizations unintentionally pressure employees into overworkPractical Sabbath rhythms to break the cycle of exhaustionThe three aspects of humility that protect against burnoutWhy accountability should go beyond moral failure to include work-life balance Ariana also shares her personal journey with workaholism and burnout—plus practical strategies for staying on the right side of healthy calling. Thinking Christian is hosted by Dr. James Spencer, president of the D. L. Moody Center and author of Digital Discernment (InterVarsity Press). Each conversation reads the Bible as the final authority for life and faith, questioning the assumptions of our culture, even our Christian culture, so that we don't settle for a narrower vision than God's word offers. Unsettling convention. Cultivating conviction.Episodes, articles, and questions: thinkingchristian.orgAbout James Spencer: thinkingchristian.org/jamesThe Thinking Christian Framework: thinkingchristian.org/frameworkOrder Digital Discernment: amazon.com Subscribe: YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Spotify Advertising and partnership inquiries: info@thinkingchristian.org Resources Mentioned:Get Ariana Malloy’s Book – Healthy Calling (20% off with code for IVP- use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount) IVP Press Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As AI and digital technology become more embedded in our daily lives, what does it really mean to be human? Are we losing our sense of identity, community, and embodied faith? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Dr. Shane Wood, New Testament professor at Ozark Christian College, to explore how technology is shaping our understanding of humanity, relationships, and discipleship—and what Scripture has to say about it. Key Discussion Points:How has AI changed the way we relate to each other and to God?Are we outsourcing our spiritual formation and decision-making to technology?Why efficiency isn't always a virtue—and how technology can distort human flourishingDoes technology weaken our sense of community, or can it strengthen it?What role does effort, embodiment, and limitation play in being truly human?The hidden dangers of transactional relationships & the “algorithmic” mindsetThe theological significance of boundaries, dependence on God, and true discipleship Go deeper: Technology & Media Thinking Christian is hosted by Dr. James Spencer, president of the D. L. Moody Center and author of Digital Discernment (InterVarsity Press). Each conversation reads the Bible as the final authority for life and faith, questioning the assumptions of our culture, even our Christian culture, so that we don't settle for a narrower vision than God's word offers. Unsettling convention. Cultivating conviction.Episodes, articles, and questions: thinkingchristian.orgAbout James Spencer: thinkingchristian.org/jamesThe Thinking Christian Framework: thinkingchristian.org/frameworkOrder Digital Discernment: amazon.com Subscribe: YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Spotify Advertising and partnership inquiries: info@thinkingchristian.org Resources & Links:Explore Shane Wood’s Work – ShaneJWood.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Technology and faith often seem like opposing forces, but what happens when a Christian innovator steps into the artificial intelligence space with a mission to transform education? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Mark Naufel, CEO and founder of Axio, an AI company dedicated to reshaping how people learn, grow, and engage with knowledge. Mark shares his personal faith journey, growing up in a Lebanese Christian family and later transitioning into a Protestant, non-denominational context. His passion for faith and technology led him to found Axio, a platform designed to personalize education through AI while preserving the values and beliefs of individual users. Together, they explore how AI can be leveraged for good—enhancing education, mentorship, and personal growth—without replacing the irreplaceable: human connection and community. They discuss AI’s role in addressing gaps in education, from personalized tutoring to career mentoring, and how Axio ensures that faith-based learning remains accessible and engaging. Mark also shares insights on the broader implications of AI, the future of work, and why the Church must engage with technological advancements rather than retreat from them. He highlights the importance of Christian communities being active participants in shaping AI’s future, ensuring that it serves as a tool for discipleship rather than detachment. Key Topics Discussed: Mark’s journey from a Catholic upbringing in Lebanon to a Protestant faith in the U.S. The role of AI in education, mentorship, and faith-based learning How Axio personalizes learning while maintaining biblical values The importance of maintaining real-world community in an increasingly digital age The future of work and the ethical considerations of AI How churches can embrace technology for discipleship and community building 🔗 Learn more about Axio: axio.ai📩 Interested in beta testing Axio for homeschooling? Reach out to Mark directly at mark@axio.ai 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. 🔗 Explore More at UsefulToGod.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.