Thinking Christian: Clear Theology for a Confusing World

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 state and the church, and the attitudes that Christians might adopt as they seek to be faithful in a fallen world. For more from James, visit usefultogod.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 church might come alongside those struggling with mental illness. They also talk about the importance of developing intimate relationships within the body of Christ. To connect with James visit https://usefultogod.com/contact-us. You can purchase Chris's books at the following links: Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons about Suicidality and Depression from the Psych Ward Perfectly Abnormal: Uncovering the Image of God in Chronic Illness Whispers in the Pews: Voices on Mental Illness in the Church By Faith: Strength and Hope for Life's Challenges For more on Chris visit chrismorriswrites.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 James visit usefultogod.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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. For more from James visit usefultogod.com or purchase Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness from amazon.com.  See the text of the Louisiana law here. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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. They also discuss the shortcomings of Christian worldview. To connect with James, visit https://usefultogod.com/contact-us. You can find more information on the Assumptions Institute at learntodiscern.com/thinkingchristian. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 particular practice, but how we should engage in it.   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 for us to pause and think about the ways technology may be hindering us from conforming more closely to the image of Christ.  You can view the Surgeon General's essay here. To read his previous advisory, click here. James also has an opinion piece dealing with the advisory at Christian Post. For more on technology from James, check out the following resources and visit usefultogod.com. Be sure to check out James's 20 Questions: Christian Resistance, Technology, and Artificial Intelligence.  https://www.thinkingchristianpodcast.com/christians-think-human/ https://www.thinkingchristianpodcast.com/how-should-we-think-about-kids-and-technology-a-conversation-with-david-eaton/ https://www.thinkingchristianpodcast.com/thinking-christian-about-family-and-technology-use-a-conversation-with-krista-boan/     Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 writing songs. They also discuss Jason's forthcoming book and some of his other musical offerings.  To connect with James, visit https://usefultogod.com/contact-us. You can find out more about Jason Gray at https://www.jasongraymusic.com/. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 more relevant than any other actor or factor we will ever encounter.  To connect with James and to find additional content, like the 30-Days in the Gospels Reading Plan or the Walk Through the Gospels course, visit, usefultogod.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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 Flourishing in Christ. Joshua and James discuss various vision of human flourishing and the necessity of Christ for human flourishing. They also discuss what sort of practices are necessary to conforming more closely to the image of Christ.  To connect with James, visit https://usefultogod.com/contact-us. You can get Joshua Jipp's Pauline Theology as a Way of Life at amazon.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.