Thinking Christian: Clear Theology for a Confusing World

If we throw away the old, distorted maps of manhood, what do we use to navigate instead? 🗺️📍

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ashish Varma move into the constructive phase of their series. They explore how to redraw the "map" of male disciple...

What happens when the "old maps" of masculinity fail us? 🗺️📉

In this follow-up episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ashish Varma move from critique to construction. If the cultural and traditional "maps" of biblical manhood are distorted, how do we redra...

Is the current conversation around "Biblical Manhood" giving us a clear path, or just a distorted map? 🗺️🤔

In the season premiere of our new series on Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ashish Varma dive deep into the "methodological problem" at the heart of the ...

How did we get here? From the Enlightenment to the rise of Postmodernism, the landscape of what we believe about God has shifted beneath our feet. In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with renowned theologian Dr. Roger ...

In a world that demands instant results, we’ve found a thousand new ways to numb the pain of existence. Join Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew for the final installment of our series as they tackle the normalization of "quick-fix" drugs—from anabolic steroids and TRT in the fitness wo...

Are we asking therapy to do something it was never designed to do? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew take a provocative look at the "Counseling Industry" and its role in a collapsed culture.

Loneliness isn't just a "feeling"—it’s a structural crisis. In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew take a hard look at the "Epidemic of Loneliness" and why our modern way of life is practically designed...

In an era of digital convenience and "on-demand" spirituality, have we lost something vital by staying home? Join Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew as they explore the "Embodied Leg" of the mental health stool.

This episode dives into the "Deaths of Despair" phenomenon an...

Hundreds of churches once bombed and burned to the ground are not only standing again but thriving in Sudan and South Sudan. Hear stories of pastors who experienced intense persecution and how their faith sustained them.

Resources:

• Learn more about the Church Reconstruction Program in South Sudan

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/construction/celebrating-over-500-new-churches-in-south-sudan/

• To hear more about Ryan&rs...

In a culture obsessed with "happiness hacks" and immediate emotional relief, what if our sadness isn't a glitch, but a proper response to reality?

In this follow-up episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben M...

Have you ever been in the middle of a busy, successful season only to be hit by a sudden, creeping feeling that none of it matters? You aren’t alone. In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew (Professor ...

Are we living in a "Truman Show" world? 🎬 In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew (Professor of Counselor Education) dive into the "Social Leg" of their three-legged stool model for mental health.

Is mental health just "all in your head," or is there something deeper happening within our physical design? In the premiere of this series, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Dr. Ben Mathew, Professor of Counselor Education, to introduce a revolutionary way of looking at well-being: The Three-Leg...

Are we living in a "paid friend" culture? 🛋️ As mental health awareness skyrockets, the Church is at a crossroads. We’re seeing more counseling centers, more pastoral care roles, and more conversations about anxiety than ever before—but are we missing the spiritual heart of the matter?

In this episode of Thinking Christi...

When faith leaders gathered at the White House for an Easter luncheon, the prayers offered weren't just politically awkward — they were theologically problematic. In this episode, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ashish Varma move past the headlines to examine the deeper issues: What happens when national identity absorbs Christian identity? What does the Bible actually say about kings, suffering, and God's purposes for nations? And...

Is the way we view church leadership actually doing more harm than good? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Dr. Christa L. McKirland—Dean of Faculty at Carey Baptist College and author of A Theology of Autho...

How can local churches maintain a historic Christian sexual ethic while still being a place where anyone can belong, ask tough questions, and encounter Jesus?

In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer welcomes back Pieter Valk, a licensed clinical counselor and the director of Equip. Together, they tackle the ...

“Have a safe summer!” “Travel safe!” “Stay safe!” 🛡️ In today’s world, safety isn’t just a wish—it’s a multi-billion dollar industry and a modern obsession. But as Christians, are we sacrificing our mission at the altar of security?

In this episode of

What happens when a life shaped by violence, poverty, and abandonment meets consistent love, purpose, and the message of the Gospel?

In this powerful episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Greg Harris, Executive Director of Counteract International, to explore the realities facing incarcerated youth in...