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Thinking Christian: Clear Theology for a Confusing World
James SpencerChristians shouldn’t just think. They should think Christian. Join Dr. James Spencer and guests for calm, thoughtful, theological discussions about a variety of topics Christians face every day. The Thinking Christian Podcast will help you grow spiritually and learn theology as you seek to be faithful in a world that is becoming increasingly proficient at telling stories that deny Christ.
Find more from James at https://usefultogod.com/.
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Grateful Beyond Thanksgiving
November 27, 2023 - 48 min
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 and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Get Ready for Thanksgiving by Remembering the Giver of All Good Gifts
November 22, 2023 - 5 min
James offers some insights into thankfulness from the book of Deuteronomy and the history of Israel. He then has a brief time of prayer to help Christians cultivate a heart of gratitude. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Lessons from the Life of Dwight Moody- Humility, Prayer, and Dependence
November 17, 2023 - 32 min
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.
Brian Sumner, God, and the Church's Mission, Part 1
November 14, 2023 - 24 min
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.
What D. L. Moody's Life Teaches Us
November 13, 2023 - 17 min
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. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
How Should Christians Think About Transhumanism?
November 1, 2023 - 15 min
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.
How Should Christians Think About Being Human?
October 30, 2023 - 15 min
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.
Another Problem with Halloween: Thinking Christian and Consumerism
October 27, 2023 - 17 min
Dr. James Spencer and producer/journalist, Richard Beattie, talk about Halloween and the globalization of seasons, consumerism, and regionalism. This came from an Op-ed that James wrote in 2022 for Halloween. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Finding Joy Amidst Suffering (with Skateboarding Pro Josh Harmony)
October 26, 2023 - 29 min
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.
Is A.I. Going to Make Us Less Human?
October 25, 2023 - 107 min
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.
Meet Your Host
Meet Your Host
James Spencer earned his Ph.D. in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He believes discipleship will open up opportunities beyond anything God’s people could accomplish through their own wit and wisdom. As such, James seeks to help believers think Christianly about social, cultural, and political assumptions. His desire is to see Christians test God by trusting God so that they conform ever more closely to the image of Christ.
In addition to being a regular contributor to Christianity.com and Washingtontimes.com, James has published multiple works, including Christian Resistance: Learnign to Defy the World and Follow Christ, Useful to God: Eight Lessons from the Life of D.L. Moody, Thinking Christian: Essays on Testimony, Accountability, and the Christian Mind, and Trajectories: A Gospel-Centered Introduction to Old Testament Theology.
James currently serves as president of the D. L. Moody Center, an adjunct instructor at Wheaton College Graduate School, and faculty member at Right On Mission.
You can find out more about James at his personal website www.jamesspencer.com.
In addition to being a regular contributor to Christianity.com and Washingtontimes.com, James has published multiple works, including Christian Resistance: Learnign to Defy the World and Follow Christ, Useful to God: Eight Lessons from the Life of D.L. Moody, Thinking Christian: Essays on Testimony, Accountability, and the Christian Mind, and Trajectories: A Gospel-Centered Introduction to Old Testament Theology.
James currently serves as president of the D. L. Moody Center, an adjunct instructor at Wheaton College Graduate School, and faculty member at Right On Mission.
You can find out more about James at his personal website www.jamesspencer.com.
