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Thinking Fellows

1517 Podcasts
Christianity
Lutheranism
Reformation
Theology
Lutheran Theology
Scripture
Grace
Apologetics
Law and Gospel
Martin Luther
Justification
Islam
Gospel
Christian History
Christian Theology
1517
Catholicism
Free Will
Christian Apologetics
Evangelism

The Thinking Fellows is a 45-minute podcast about theology, philosophy, Christian history, and apologetics. It is hosted by Scott Keith, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, and Bruce Hilman. The Thinking Fellows bring high-level subject matters to fun and insightful lay-level conversations each week.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes517Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PhilosophySociety & CultureReligion & SpiritualityChristianity

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Latest Episodes

In this episode of Thinking Fellows, the guys discuss the ongoing debate over children's church and whether kids should be separated from adults during worship. They argue that Christian worship is more than age appropriate teaching. God works throug... more

In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Adam, Bruce, and Caleb explore whether Martin Luther can be trusted, responding to modern critiques that question his character, motives, and mental state as a way of dismissing the Reformation. They argue that wh... more

In this episode of Thinking Fellows, Adam Francisco discusses his new book The Turk at the Door, exploring how Martin Luther understood Islam, the Ottoman Empire, and the challenges facing Christendom during the Reformation. The conversation examines... more

Caleb, Scott, and Bruce discuss the claim that young men are making a dramatic return to regular church attendance. They examine the data and the growing implications of the widening differences between young men and young women in their dispositions... more

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Recent Guests

Pastor Sam Scholdeis
Author of Luther and the Lion, a Narnian Catechism
1517
Episode: Can We Trust Luther?
Adam Francisco
Author of Luther and Islam; scholar
Author
Episode: The Turk at the Door
Toni Kokkonen
Pastor at Ordain; director of youth work with an independent Finnish Lutheran mission
Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church; Ordain; Finnish Lutheran Mission
Episode: Lutheranism in Finland w/ Toni Kokkonen
Dan van Voorhis
Guest with Daily podcast background
Daily podcast / CHA
Episode: How American Christianity Lost Baptism
Magnus Persson
Guest from Sweden discussing the Evangeliska Fusterlandstiftelsen (EFS) movement within the Church of Sweden
Evangeliska Fusterlandstiftelsen (EFS)
Episode: Confessional, Evangelical, and Catholic with Magnus Persson
Chad Bird
Scholar in residence at 1517.org and cohost of 40 Minutes in the Old Testament
1517.org
Episode: Are There Hidden Secrets in the Old Testament? Featuring Chad Bird
Dr. Steve Mueller
Vice President and Chief Mission Officer at Concordia University Irvine
Concordia University Irvine
Episode: Why Do Christians Sing Hymns? | Dr. Steve Mueller, Concordia University Irvine
Todd Hains
Associate Publisher of Acquisitions and Development at Lexham Press
Lexham Press
Episode: Martin Luther And The Rule Of Faith
Wesley Huff
Christian apologist and guest on Joe Rogan's podcast
Episode: Lutherans React to Wesley Huff's Joe Rogan Appearance

Hosts

Caleb Keith
Host/Co-host on The Thinking Fellows; long-standing contributor with deep involvement in Lutheran theology.
Scott Keith
Co-host and host with ongoing discussions on theology, apologetics, and church history.
Adam Francisco
Host with strong emphasis on doctrinal clarity and practical theology.
Bruce Hilman
Host contributing theological and historical perspectives; sometimes described as a driving voice in discussions.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 1.1k ratings
  • Nice Guys

    I really enjoy listening to them they are fun informative and I look forward to their new Podcast

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MISS CYDNEY
    United States2 months ago
  • A Podcast good for the swoll

    This is one of my go to podcasts to listen to while I get swoll in the gym. Down to earth discussion and humor on topics of the faith.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PBCisco
    United States5 months ago
  • One of my “go-to” Podcasts

    I’m a grew-up-Pentecostal-became-Presbyterian-in-college Christian, but I love this podcast. I’ve learned a lot about Lutheran theology and practice, and I always find these conversations challenging and enriching. This podcast is not just for Lutherans. In fact, I think I benefit so much from it, because I am not Lutheran. It challenges me to really consider my positions where we differ, and it strengthens my resolve where we agree. Thanks to Caleb, Scott, Adam, and Bruce for these regular epis... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ecparker
    United Statesa year ago
  • Salt of the earth

    3 old salts that haven't lost their saltiness. Could use a little pepper though. They're like 3 quarks spinning the same direction or 3 blonde waitresses at the truck stop. Every baseball player knows that a good coach will sometimes take him back to the basics. These fellows consistently plant their back foot on the cross of Christ and the empty tomb. Solid scriptural teaching illuminates both historical and modern Christian teachers. No bells or whistles but if you want Rock solid Theology the... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    @mountainbadger
    United Statesa year ago
  • Lutheran Podcasting for all to Enjoy

    This is a really approachable show. They come from a confessional Lutheran perspective but the conversations are enjoyable for all. The new series on a Lutheran identity crisis is especially well received.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    The Ghost in The Machine
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Balanced, confessional Lutheran perspective with strong scholarly underpinnings.
A few reviewers request deeper dives or less 'bro' banter; overall positive reception for content quality and hosts.
Thoughtful, rigorous theology that stays accessible for lay listeners.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Turk at the Door
Q: What drew Luther to study Islam so deeply, and what sources did he rely on?
Luther drew on both traditional polemical sources and a rare Latin translation of the Quran he received in the 1540s, relying on a Dominican scholar who had spent a decade in Baghdad; this allowed Luther to address Islam in precise theological terms.
The Turk at the Door
Q: Can you describe the book for people, what material it covers, what it's about?
Adam explains that the book is a popular narrative built around Luther's responses to the rising Ottoman threat, including his early war writings, his polemics on Islam, and his later engagement with Islamic texts, all framed as a way to understand the fate of Christendom in the 16th century.
Lutheranism in Finland w/ Toni Kokkonen
Q: What is Finnish Lutheran Mission (AFLM/FLM) and how do renewal movements function within Finland's church landscape?
Renewal movements in Finland aim to renew and sometimes operate alongside the state church, emphasizing confessional, scriptural Christianity and mission both domestically and abroad. They fund themselves through donors and pursue a balance between Finnish ministry and foreign missions, often forming coalitions to influence the church from within rather than replacing it entirely.
Lutheranism in Finland w/ Toni Kokkonen
Q: What is the current state of Christianity and secularization in Finland, and how does it compare to other Nordic countries?
Finland shows secularization as a transformation rather than a simple decline; Lutheran culture remains deeply embedded, with debates about how closely the state church should align with society versus Scripture, and discussions about renewing church life through parish-centered movements while maintaining confessional commitments.
What Is the Athanasian Creed, and Why Does It Matter?
Q: How should modern believers approach creeds in a Lutheran or confessional context?
Creeds are a communal confession of Scripture's teaching, not additions to Scripture; they articulate the church's unified understanding of God and salvation.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Thinking Fellows

What is Thinking Fellows about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful, theology-forward show that blends Christian apologetics, philosophy, church history, and biblical interpretation. Episodes frequently tackle doctrinal topics (baptism, eschatology, just war, confession) through a Lutheran lens while also engaging broader religious and cultural questions. Listeners likely value rigorous discussion, historical context, and practical implications for faith and daily life. The program stands out for its confessional perspective, willingness to wrestle with complex topics, and its emphasis on the gospel in conversation, making it useful for listeners who enjoy theological depth presented in accessible, lay-friendly terms.

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How many listeners does Thinking Fellows get?

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How many subscribers and views does Thinking Fellows have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Thinking Fellows?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Thinking Fellows:

1. 30 Minutes In The New Testament
2. Christian History Almanac
3. 40 Minutes In The Old Testament
4. On The Line
5. Issues, Etc.

How many episodes of Thinking Fellows are there?

Thinking Fellows launched 10 years ago and published 517 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Thinking Fellows?

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What guests have appeared on Thinking Fellows?

Recent guests on Thinking Fellows include:

1. Pastor Sam Scholdeis
2. Adam Francisco
3. Toni Kokkonen
4. Dan van Voorhis
5. Magnus Persson
6. Chad Bird
7. Dr. Steve Mueller
8. Todd Hains

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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