1. Kick Out the Jams. In this episode, we focus on the raw, real work of life in the parish—the ordinary burdens, the hidden insecurities, and the quiet faith that holds it all together. We explore the distinction between philosophy and theology and why attempts to fuse them often leave both diminished. There’s talk of reformation—its drama, its necessity, and its cost. We reflect on the pervasive victim-perpetrator dynamic that shapes so much of modern life and how the gospel when rightly preached, breaks that cycle. At the heart of it all is this: the power of Christ’s mercy to open what we’ve shut tight, to drive out the bitterness we’ve made into habit, and to speak a word stronger than shame.
  2. Craig and Troy invite special guest Pastor Mark J. Renner to discuss his recent book Curious Cases: A Series of Short Pastoral Case Studies.
  3. The Atlantic published a large article called "Anti-Social Century" which spurred on a conversation with Gretchen and Katie on why this generation of people is anti-social, and what to do about it.
  4. Erasmus accused Luther of being outside of the church and having a novel understanding of Scripture.
  5. In what way is the Church a remnant? Luther uses God's preservation of a remnant of faithful teachers and preachers throughout scripture and the Church against Erasmus and his argument that Luther stands alone.
  6. In episode THREE HUNDRED AND TWELVE, Mike, Jason, and Wade discuss the Protestant fear of formalism, or ritualism?
  7. In episode THREE HUNDRED AND ELEVEN, Jason and Wade build on the previous episode’s discussion of monasticism by focusing on two aspects of the monastic life from which we can draw practical lessons: routine and contemplation.
  8. In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, the Fellows answer, "Did Martin Luther invent a new religion?"
  9. Who Made Who? Today, we read an essay by Rev. Dr. John Kleinig about what makes a theologian. Dr. Kleinig explains Martin Luther’s threefold description of how the master of theology, the Holy Spirit, makes one a theologian through contemplative prayer, meditating on Scripture within the communion of saints, and being translated into the kingdom of heaven by God’s Word—all this and much more on this week’s episode of the podcast.
  10. For Valentine's Day, Gretchen Ronnevik and Katie Koplin talk about the trend of writing marriage vows, and some of the pitfalls of such a trend.
  11. In episode THREE HUNDRED AND NINE, using a chapter from Mark Mattes' Law & Gospel in Action, Mike, Jason, and Wade discuss whether there is such a thing as a Lutheran ethic and, if so, what it looks like (and what it doesn't)?
  12. Many times, Christian homes view sin as a problem "out there" and not a problem "in here."