In this special Halloween episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron dive deep into It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown—exploring how wishful thinking, childlike faith, and imagination reveal profound theological truths about human desire and divine hope. Known for their thoughtful Christian analysis of culture, Nathan and Cameron unpack C.S. Lewis’s argument from desire, the role of fantasy in spiritual formation, and the controversial idea that belief in figures like Santa Claus or the Great Pumpkin can be formative tutors of faith. Drawing connections between pop culture, philosophy, and Christian theology, they invite listeners to rediscover how imagination and longing point to the ultimate fulfillment found in Christ. Perfect for Christians seeking rich theological reflection on Halloween, faith, and the deeper meaning behind our stories.DONATE LINK: https://toltogether.com/donate BOOK A SPEAKER: https://toltogether.com/book-a-speakerJOIN TOL CONNECT: https://toltogether.com/tol-connect TOL Connect is an online forum where TOL listeners can continue the conversation begun on the podcast.
In this episode, Nathan and Cameron dive deep into the theological and cultural earthquakes shaking the global church, beginning with the dramatic shift in the Anglican Communion as the Church of England appoints Dame Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury—a move many global Anglicans see as proof that the English church has abandoned biblical authority. With sharp insight and theological nuance, they unpack the growing divide between progressive Western Anglicanism and the vibrant, Scripture-centered Global South, drawing powerful parallels to the recent Methodist split. The conversation explores not only gender and sexuality debates but the deeper issue of biblical authority, orthodoxy, and faithfulness to historic Christianity. Nathan and Cameron also react to Canon Press’s $10 million offer to buy Christianity Today, analyzing what these events reveal about the realignment of authority, mission, and truth in the modern church. Perfect for Christians seeking thoughtful, Reformed, and intellectually rigorous discussion on current events in theology and the church.
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In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron dive deep into a rich theological discussion on globalization, nationalism, and the Christian’s calling in a hyper-connected yet fractured world. Through the lens of American farm policy, overproduction, and the global soybean market, they explore how shifting trade dynamics, political realignments, and cultural homogenization reveal both the power and fragility of modern systems. Drawing on biblical wisdom and thinkers like Wendell Berry and Marshall McLuhan, Nathan and Cameron challenge Christians to discern where their true responsibilities lie—between interest, concern, and focus—and to reclaim a distinctly Christian vision of diversity, culture, and stewardship amid global uncertainty. This conversation is perfect for believers seeking thoughtful, gospel-centered insight into current events and how faith shapes our engagement with economics, culture, and identity.
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In this thought-provoking episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron dive deep into what it means to be Christian "people of the Book" in a society rapidly drifting into post-literacy. Drawing from James Marriott’s article The Dawn of the Post-Literate Society, they explore the cultural, spiritual, and intellectual consequences of our screen-saturated age — and what it means for Christians committed to truth, Scripture, and careful thinking. From the decline in reading comprehension to the passive consumption of endless digital content, they examine how smartphones, edutainment, and modern distractions are shaping our minds and our theology. With references to thinkers like Neil Postman, Kant, and Matthew Arnold, this episode is for Christians who crave rich theological discussion, cultural critique, and a challenge to reclaim deep literacy in a distracted world. Subscribe for more Christian commentary on current events, media, and philosophy.
LINK TO ARTICLE: https://jmarriott.substack.com/p/the-dawn-of-the-post-literate-society-aa1
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In this episode, Nathan and Cameron dive deep into the rising influence of Doug Wilson and the growing interest in Christian nationalism among evangelicals. Sparked by Wilson’s recent high-profile interview with Ross Douthat on The Interesting Times podcast and growing media coverage—including CNN—this conversation critically examines Wilson’s theological vision, his version of Christendom 2.0, and the historical Reformed roots of his political theology. With thoughtful nuance, Nathan and Cameron explore the appeal of Wilson’s message to disillusioned Christian men, the implications of his post-secular, patriarchal worldview, and the overlap and tension between theocracy, Calvinism, and modern conservative movements. This episode is essential for Christians seeking serious, biblically grounded analysis of current theological trends shaping the church and society today.
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In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron dive into one of the most provocative questions facing the modern church: could — or should — we ever accept an AI pastor? Drawing from a Substack article by Tony Kritz titled “You Want an AI Pastor (and You Just Don’t Know It Yet),” they unpack a fictional yet eerily realistic scenario where artificial intelligence takes over spiritual leadership. The two explore the theological, ethical, and philosophical implications of AI-generated sermons, digital discipleship, and the replacement of human embodiment with machine precision. In classic Thinking Out Loud style, Nathan and Cameron push beyond fearmongering to ask deep questions about truth, incarnation, and what it really means to be human in an increasingly artificial age. Perfect for Christians hungry for thoughtful theological discussion on technology, faith, and the future of the Church.
Article Link: https://tonykriz.substack.com/p/you-want-an-ai-pastor-you-just-dont?r=53syi&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=true
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In this thought-provoking episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron tackle the complex and emotionally charged topic of martyrdom, using the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk as a lens to examine how Christians should think about suffering, political identity, and gospel witness. Drawing from theological tradition and historical parallels like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, they explore three possible frameworks for understanding Kirk's death—Christian martyr, political martyr, or a hybrid of both. With careful attention to language, biblical definitions, and the cultural moment, this deep-dive invites Christians to move beyond knee-jerk reactions and reflect theologically on the meaning of true sacrifice and public faith. Whether you’re wrestling with the term “martyr” in light of recent events or seeking clarity in how Christians engage with political power, this episode offers nuanced, faithful insight grounded in Scripture and church history. Perfect for believers seeking serious Christian analysis of current events, especially where faith and politics intersect.
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In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron unpack the recent conversation between Ross Douthat and Ezra Klein, diving deep into the question: What is the guiding story of progressive politics today? With insight, wit, and theological reflection, they explore the cultural crisis of meaning, the limits of techno-utopianism, and why modern narratives—both secular and spiritual—are failing to satisfy the human soul. Drawing from Joan Didion, Charles Taylor, and American pop culture, they challenge Christians to consider how the gospel offers a fuller, more coherent vision of life, purpose, and hope. If you're a believer wrestling with the intersection of faith, politics, and culture, this thoughtful analysis will sharpen your mind and deepen your understanding of the stories shaping our time.
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In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron respond to critiques that their political and cultural commentary lacks conviction, clarifying their distinctly Christian approach to public discourse. Drawing on virtue ethics, New Testament theology, and the wisdom of thinkers like James Davison Hunter, they explore why a posture of humility, nuance, and spiritual discernment is not weakness—but faithfulness. With cultural distrust rising and Christians worldwide grappling with political polarization, Nathan and Cameron ask: Are we living in Israel or Babylon? What does it mean to think Christianly in an age of fear, outrage, and existential threats? This episode offers thoughtful, theologically rich insight for believers seeking to navigate the complexities of modern life without compromising the Gospel. Perfect for Christians craving depth, nuance, and Christ-centered clarity in today’s chaotic world.
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In this thought-provoking episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan Rittenhouse is joined by Pastor Mike Gehry of Communitas Church to explore the rising interest in Christianity—particularly among young adults—and the theological challenges and opportunities that come with it. Drawing from their seminary days and Mike’s expertise in spiritual formation and direction, Nathan and Mike engage in a rich, biblically grounded discussion about pragmatic conversions, cultural Christianity, spiritual disciplines, and the dangers of reducing the Gospel to mere self-help. With insights into the tension between tradition and modern evangelicalism, this episode offers deep encouragement for Christians who crave substance, nuance, and clarity in their walk with Christ. Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or just someone seeking authentic spiritual growth, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to pursue Christlikeness through the power of the Holy Spirit, within the life of the Church, and grounded in Scripture.
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In this thought-provoking episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron tackle one of the most urgent and divisive issues in modern culture: free speech. From the shocking killing of Charlie Kirk, to the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel, to the weaponization of speech by both political sides, this episode offers a Christian theological response to the chaos.
Are both the right and left guilty of using the same oppressive tactics? What does true freedom of speech look like from a biblical and historical perspective? How should Christians navigate public discourse without losing their moral clarity or gospel witness?
If you’re a Christian who craves deep theological discussion, not just recycled partisan talking points, this is for you.
👥 Who it’s for:
Theologically conservative Christians
Christians concerned with culture, politics, and ethics
Pastors, students, and thinkers wanting substance over slogans
📌 Topics discussed:
Free speech vs. hate speech
Political tribalism and hypocrisy
The theology of speech
Historical threats to religious liberty
Responding to Charlie Kirk’s death as Christians
Cancel culture from both sides of the aisle
👉 Subscribe for more in-depth Christian thinking on culture and current events.
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In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron return to the subject of Malcolm Gladwell—this time exploring his recent admission that he spoke dishonestly in a 2022 panel discussion on trans athletes in women’s sports. Drawing connections between Gladwell’s statements, Douglas Murray’s fierce critique, and the broader cultural shift on gender ideology, Nathan and Cameron offer thoughtful, biblically rooted commentary on intellectual courage, cowardice, and the pressure to conform in elite spaces. With a focus on truth, integrity, and the role of the church in discerning the signs of the times, this conversation unpacks the internal contradictions of progressive movements, the resurgence of populist common sense, and what Christians can learn from this moment. Ideal for believers hungry for rich theological engagement with today’s most controversial issues.
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In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron engage in a sober, theologically grounded conversation on the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk—a rising conservative voice, public speaker, and Christian leader. Speaking carefully and pastorally, they explore the emotional and spiritual weight of this moment, discussing the role of political rhetoric, cultural dehumanization, and the influence of evil in a fallen world. With a focus on deep theological reflection rather than reactionary commentary, they offer a framework for Christians wrestling with grief, outrage, and confusion in the wake of this political assassination. If you're a believer looking for more than surface-level takes—and want to process this event through a gospel-centered, biblically faithful lens—this discussion will help you think clearly and Christianly about a moment many are calling paradigm-shifting.DONATE LINK: https://toltogether.com/donate BOOK A SPEAKER: https://toltogether.com/book-a-speakerJOIN TOL CONNECT: https://toltogether.com/tol-connect TOL Connect is an online forum where TOL listeners can continue the conversation begun on the podcast.
In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron offer a thought-provoking theological response to Episode 644 of the Freakonomics podcast, "Has America Lost Its Appetite for the Common Good?"—featuring controversial political theorist Patrick Deneen. With their signature blend of faith, philosophy, and cultural analysis, Nathan and Cameron explore Deneen’s critique of liberalism, the spiritual vacuum in Western political life, and the implications of his ideas for Christians navigating a fractured public square. From Why Liberalism Failed to Regime Change, Deneen's work prompts timely questions: Can a pluralistic society truly share a common good without shared faith? How should Christians think about post-liberalism, populism, and the loss of moral consensus in America? This episode is essential listening for believers seeking rich theological engagement with current events, political theory, and the future of Christian witness in the modern West. Whether you're washing eggs on the farm or commuting to work, join us for a deep dive into faith, politics, and the crumbling foundations of our common life.
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In this thought-provoking episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron dive into a rich theological conversation on how our view of history shapes our understanding of human nature—and vice versa. Drawing from classical thinkers like Aristotle, Machiavelli, and Madison, as well as the biblical narrative, they challenge the modern assumption that progress means moral advancement. Is human nature evolving, or are we just repeating ancient patterns with new tools? And how should Christians think about Scripture, history, and the trajectory of our culture in a time of increasing technological disillusionment? This episode is a must-watch for Christians interested in deep theological reflection, cultural analysis, and how the Christian worldview uniquely offers a coherent vision of history, hope, and human identity.
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In this thought-provoking episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron dive deep into the question: Have Christians abandoned truth in an age of conspiracy theories, curated realities, and alternative facts? With clarity and theological depth, they explore how personal preference, algorithm-driven information bubbles, and cultural relativism are shaping the way believers engage with truth today. Drawing from Scripture, church history, and contemporary issues—from astrology to AI, from psilocybin to politics—they ask whether Christians are applying the same rigorous standards of coherence, correspondence, and livability to all their beliefs—or just some. This conversation challenges viewers to consider how truth is defined, defended, and lived out in a post-truth culture, and why reclaiming a biblically grounded understanding of reality is more urgent than ever. Perfect for Christians seeking robust theological reflection on culture, worldview, and current events.
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In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron dive deep into the complex and controversial legacy of Dr. James Dobson, following news of his recent passing. Best known for founding Focus on the Family, Dobson shaped evangelical family culture for decades through radio, books, and discipleship materials like Adventures in Odyssey and McGee and Me. But his legacy is far from one-dimensional. Nathan and Cameron unpack Dobson's theological influence, his disciplinary advice, and his increasingly political stance—from early cultural engagement to vocal support for Donald Trump. This nuanced conversation explores how Dobson became both a hero of Christian family values and a villain in the eyes of many exvangelicals. For Christians seeking serious theological reflection on how faith intersects with politics, parenting, and cultural engagement, this is a must-listen. Join Nathan and Cameron as they wrestle with Dobson’s impact—both the good and the harmful—and what it means for the Church moving forward.
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In this thought-provoking episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan Rittenhouse and Stuart McAllister dive into a rich theological discussion sparked by a listener’s question: What are the foundational books every thinking Christian should engage with to understand today’s cultural, philosophical, and sociological landscape? Stuart, a globally respected Christian thinker and apologist, shares a curated list of essential texts—from Modern Times by Paul Johnson to The Cross of Christ by John Stott and The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis. Together, Nathan and Stuart explore how deep Christian theology, classical philosophy, and cultural analysis intersect to equip believers to live faithfully in a complex, postmodern world. This episode is a must-listen for Christians hungry for intellectually rigorous, gospel-centered engagement with the issues shaping our time.
1. Modern Times by Paul Johnson.
2. The Passion of the Western Mind by Richard Tarnas.
3. The Cross of Christ by John Stott.
4. No god but God by Os Guinness and John Seel.
5. The One, the Three, and the Many by Colin Gunton.
6. The Way of the Modern world by Craig Gay.
7. The Abolition of man by C.S. Lewis.
8. The Universe Next Door by James Sire.
9. When God became King by N. T. Wright.
10. The Gospel in a Pluralistic Society by Leslie Newbigin.
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In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron dive deep into That Hideous Strength, the final and most complex book of C.S. Lewis's Ransom Trilogy. Rather than offering a typical plot summary, they explore the prophetic theological themes that Lewis weaves into this dystopian narrative—from technocratic utopianism and demonic deception to the seduction of power and the spiritual cost of compromise. Originally written in 1945, this novel’s relevance to the challenges Christians face in 2025 is both unsettling and illuminating. Nathan and Cameron connect Lewis’s fiction to The Abolition of Man, The Inner Ring, and present-day issues like AI, media manipulation, transhumanism, and the loss of transcendence in modern culture. Perfect for Christians seeking rich theological reflection on current events, this conversation challenges believers to slow down, cultivate virtue, and recover a vision of reality where spirit precedes matter and truth is not up for negotiation.
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In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron dive deep into the widely accepted cultural narrative that unbelief is the default human position. Drawing from a landmark Oxford University study on the natural inclination toward belief in the supernatural, they challenge the modern myth that religion is merely a primitive attempt at science. Together, they explore the philosophical and theological implications of studies suggesting that children are predisposed to believe in God or the afterlife, critique the legacy of thinkers like Auguste Comte and J.G. Frazier, and examine the intellectual assumptions behind secularism, skepticism, and the myth of progress. This conversation is a must-watch for Christians seeking thoughtful, intelligent engagement with the roots of belief, the burden of proof, and how to respond to contemporary atheistic claims with grace and intellectual rigor.
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