Rod Rosenbladt

On this episode, the Fellows define what Christian apologetics is as a category of theology and lay the groundwork for how to approach it.

On this episode the Fellows answer a handful of questions submitted by listeners. Among them is the question, is baptism a good work that earns salvation? Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.

On this episode, the Fellows have a conversation about historical methodology and why it is important for the practice of theology but also daily life. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.

The Thinking Fellows record a live podcast every year at the Here We Still Stand conference.

Have you ever noticed that sometimes you can’t understand what a theologian is trying to say?

In this episode, the Thinking Fellows try to navigate the theological and philosophical problems of secular doomsaying.

How do you know you are truly repentant? Does your life have to be wrecked by some special sin before you know the Gospel?

The Thinking Fellows are joined by friends to have a conversation in a Hotel bar in Bergen Norway.

The Thinking Fellows are joined by Stephen Pietsch for a live recording in Bergen Norway.

The Thinking Fellows ask the question, what is the Bible?

The historic creeds are brief summations of Scriptural truth. Their use has been to combat heresy by gifting the words of faith and crediting Christ alone for salvation.

Today’s episode includes questions about Erasmus of Rotterdam, the Lord’s Supper, and Prayer companions.

On the 489th anniversary of the Augsburg confession, the Fellows ask the question, does the Church still stand or fall on justification?

Returning to their topical format, the Thinking Fellows talk about stoic philosophy. The conversation flows from classical stoicism to modern proponents like Jordan Peterson.

Dan talks about the second half of the 20th century and how it has led to the current cloudy question of where Christianity is headed.

On this episode, Dan van Voorhis leads listeners through origins of fundamentalism and modernism in American Christianity.

The fellows discuss the differences between the first and second Great Awakenings as well as the impact of migration westward.

The Thinking Fellows are once again joined by Dr. Dan van Voorhis to discuss the history of Christianity in America. This time, they cover the context, characters, and development of the first great awakening.

Is America a Christian nation? To help answer that question, Dr. Dan van Voorhis looks at the background and context of the constitution of the United States.

As a part of new episodes on apologetic conversations, the Thinking Fellows revisit questions about epistemology. Instead of tackling the topic from a wholly academic standpoint, the show turns to practical examples about how and why it is important to…

The Fellows discuss the importance of knowing why you believe. As part of this discussion, the hosts share some stories and explain the personal impact apologetics had on their lives.

The series on the history of the Reformation comes to an end with a recap on the Formula of Concord and the beginnings of the Thirty Years War.

Dr. Dan van Voorhis leads a discussion on the history of Christianity in America. This episode focuses on the religious practices of American colonies and their lasting impact.

On this episode, the Fellows discuss the events leading up to and the fallout after Luther’s death.

Between the years 1550 and 1560 the giants of the Reformation are dying. The Fellows discuss the political and theological turmoil that occurred as a result of the Smalcald war.

The Fellows take a one week break from their series on the history of the Reformation to answer listener questions. The questions range all the way from the doctrine of Zwingli to apologetic responses to evolution.

The Thinking Fellows cover the major reformational events between 1535 and 1539.

Coming back from the Diet of Augsburg the Lutheran reformers began responding to the doctrinal backlash of the Confutation.

In 1530 an imperial diet was called to the city of Augsburg. Among many issues to be addressed was the increasing influence of Lutheran theology.

Before his death in 1532 Ulrich Zwingli led a more radical reform than those in Wittenberg. Zwingli was not only a theologian, but also a humanist, and a soldier ultimately leading to his death on the battlefield.

On this episode, the Thinking Fellows talk about catechisms and catechetical methodology. During the Reformation, catechisms were a tool for addressing the issue of Christian education.

The seventh episode of the History of The Reformation brings the Fellows to a challenging time in Lutheran history.

This episode of the Thinking Fellows opens to the peasants revolt and the radical reform of Thomas Müntzer. To round out the show the Conversation moves to the Bondage of the Will and the begining of Luther’s family life…

In 1521, the Pope issued an official decree known as bull against Luther. The Bull declared Luther’s writings as heresy and demanded he recant.

As the Biblical text transforms Luther’s positions on grace and justification, he shifts his writing from disputations to letters targeted at the common man, secular rulers, and the Roman church.

The Thinking Fellows continue outlining the events of the Reformation by following Luther’s move from the monastery to the university.

The Fellows begin a new series outlining the history of the Reformation. The first episode features a thorough description of the Middle Ages followed by the initial struggles of Luther.

In this the second episode of The Soul of Christianity we discuss how The Creed is the summation of what we believe. It’s the answer to the fight over the divinity and humanity of Christ.. Words like suffered, died, bled…

The Thinking Fellows are joined by Dr. John Warwick Montgomery to talk about the apologetic task today.

The Heidelberg Disputation represents the first time that Reformational theology emerges as a whole.

From Our Series on Luthers, Heidelberg Disputation.

Over the summer listeners sent in many important questions. Today the fellows answer questions about assurance and Lutheran history.

The Thinking Fellows revisit their very first episode on the doctrine of sin.

The regular hosts are reunited after a summer of teaching and travel. In preparation for the Here We Still Stand Conference the hosts visit some of the theological errors that pushed Luther toward the cross.

This episode of the Thinking Fellows is about defining terms. Often, the fellows describe movements, doctrine, and even people as orthodox, historical, and reformational.

The Fellows approach the latest set of listener questions. This time, we have questions about Lutheran history, baptism, and apostasy.

The Thinking Fellows dive into Dr. Rosenbladt's outline on Matin Chemnitz's Two Natures in Christ. As such, this episode covers the importance of Christology and why it is worth studying even if you are not academic.

Almost every episode of the Thinking Fellows has a handfull of books linked in the show notes.

The Thinking Fellows engage with listener questions sent in during April. From the inspiration of the scriptures to the Apostles, to Luther and the confessions, the fellows take on a broad range of topics.

The Resurrection of Christ is the central matter of the Christian faith.

As the last confession in the Book of Concord, the Formula of Concord strove to unite a Lutherans around a standard set of answers regarding doctrinal controversy.

The Theology of the Cross is a recurring theme on the Thinking Fellows.

This week, the Fellows cover the Anglican theologian Thomas Cranmer. Cranmer was a reformation theologian influenced early on by Martin Luther.

Thinking Fellows come into their monthly Q&A episodes with a big question about interpreting Romans chapter nine

Today, the fellows dive back into apologetics. Talking about epistemology, we discuss the necessary link between historical data and theological knowledge

The Small Catechism was a tool for pastors and families to learn the essential doctrine of the Chrisitan faith.

Ever since Christ's ascension into heaven, Christians have been arguing about who Jesus is.

C.S. Lewis was one of the most prolific Christian authors of the 20th century.

As we begin recording into the new year, the Thinking Fellows take time to answer two big listener questions.

Today, we are spending another episode defining terms used throughout the show over the last two years. This episode is meant to be a big thank you to all of our listeners and supporters.

As Christmas approaches, the Fellows take on a long time listener request to define our terms.

This week, we are continuing to talk about the inspiration of Scripture.

After spending two episodes dealing with the apparent tension between justification and good works we dedicate another installment to the doctrine of vocation.

On this episode of the show, the Fellows tackle synergism. This error has been present in every age of Christianity and poses unique challenges to Christianity in America. Sit back, relax, grab a drink and enjoy the show.

What is it to be an heir of the Reformation? It is to look outward to Christ bleeding and dying on the cross as Great Rescuer of sinners—of me.

The Reformation was impacted by forces outside the Church including the impending threat of Islam.

"What Drove Luther's Hammer" is a look behind the curtain of Martin Luther's reasons for reform.

Soli Deo Gloria is the final turn of the screw in the Sola formula that reminds us that salvation is not our own doing but belongs to God alone.

On this episode, the Fellows talk about the center of Christianity. In Christ alone lies the hope of salvation! Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.

Dr. Francisco gives the historical background of Sola Fide while Dr. Keith talks about some doctrinal implications.

On Episode two of the Great Ideas of the Reformation series, we talk about Sola Gratia or Grace Alone.

It is time to shake things up and take a break from the Great Thinkers of the Christian Faith and begin a new series on the Great Ideas of the Reformation.

The Fellows hand over the reigns to Dr. Franscico to teach us about Hugo Grotius.

Father's Day is an important time of the year for the Thinking Fellows with the subject matter of Dr. Keith's book being fatherhood.

Beza was the successor to John Calvin and is the subject of Dr. Mallinsons Ph.D. dissertation.

On this episode Dr. Keith talks about Melanchthon's later life and some of the controversies surrounding his work.

Melanchthon is both massively influential to Lutheranism but is often described as a detractor of Lutheranism because of some late writings.

Jeff Mallinson co-host of the Virtue in the Wasteland podcast comes on to talk about Kierkegaard.

Aquinas' views on philosophy set up the groundwork for classical apologetics and his Theology was disputed in the Reformation.

It is impossible to pass up Luther and his significance in Chruch History.

This week, we cover another wave of listeners questions as we start the journey into year two. A big thank you to all our listeners and supporters as the show continues to thrive an

Thank you to our listeners who pushed the Thinking Fellows through a fantastic first year of podcasting. To kick off year two, we are answering listeners questions on air. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.

Dr. Adam Francisco leads a conversation on relationship, history, and tension between Christianity and Islam.

Drs. Keith and Rosenbladt are back on the show to talk about repentance.

Christmas and apologetics go hand in hand this week as we talk about the incarnation of Christ.

Is the Old Testament as reliable as the New? The Thinking Fellows track down the words of Jesus to see what the Son of God has to say about the OT. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the…

Before Christians begin defending God's Word it is important to understand what it means for Scripture to be God's. On this episode, the Fellows talk about the inspiration of Scripture and how it applies to apologetics. Sit back, relax, grab…

Philosopher Dan is back to finish up part two of our entry into philosophical apologetics. This episode primarily covers the teleological and the moral arguments for the existence of God. Don't forget to miss part of this series episode 43…

Almost everyone has heard it said that miracles are just fairy tail stories and the most inaccurate and deceptive parts of the Bible. The Thinking Fellows tackle the root of this objection and discuss why miracles cannot be dismissed without…

Have you ever wondered who needs apologetics the most in their world? It might just be the high schooler sitting in the pew in front of you. Today, the Fellows bring on a resident expert in the field of training…

This evening we will together take a very abbreviated look at what led Luther down the long road to the discovery of the Gospel.

Today we celebrate the upcoming 499th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. Joining us this episode is Dr. Steve Hein who is an author and contributor at 1517 the Legacy Project. This episode is about the history and importance of the…

If the New Testament truly is an accurate historical source, what implications does that mean about who Christ said he was and the things he did? This week, the fellows examine the claims of Christ particularly his resurrection and explain…

Do the New Testament documents hold the same historical weight as other ancient documents? The Fellows bring the history and the criticism to the table and explain why the New Testament ends up on top. Sit back, relax, grab a…

This week the Fellows introduce the validity and reliability of the New Testament documents. In addition to this, the fellows talk about how apologetics must work hand in hand with faith. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the…

Today you’ll hear the giddy voice of Dr. Keith and the calm demeanor of Dr. Kolb as they go over the details concerning the history, background, and Loci of Philip Melanchthon. If you're even remotely interested in Lutheran theology this…

How do you know what you Know? Epistemology is the sense through which one filters and views all the knowledge he or she has acquired in this world. Understanding your own epistemology as well as the other common epistemological views…

This week the Fellows discuss the Do's and Dont's of Apologetics. In other words what strategies should apologists avoid and what tools they should readily employ. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.

Hallo! This week the Thinking Fellows are in Germany as special guests to the Confessio Augustana conference. Capitalizing on this experience, Dr. Keith, and producer Caleb sit down with Drs. Bob Kolb and Uwe Siemon-Netto. Our guests along with Dr…

Description - Dr. Francisco addresses the problem of Islam as we remember the attack on the World Trade Center 9/11/01.

Today we continue down the road of apologetics, this time introducing the various types and systems of apologetics common used. This episode is full of comparisons and clarification so listen carefully. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the…

On episode 32 of the Thinking Fellows, we introduce our next series of topics surrounding Christian apologetics. Listen to find out what the purpose and place of apologetics are within the Christian life. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and…

On this episode of the Thinking Fellows, Dr. Jim Nestingen stops by to talk about Luther's book the Bondage of the Will. This episode is filled with profound wisdom, great stories, and a whole lot of fun. Sit back, relax…

This is a special midweek episode of the Thinking Fellows featuring Dr. Jim Nestingen. The fellows join Dr. Nestingen in a bar just outside the annual NALC convention to talk about what it means to be a mentor. Sit back…

Before long I was deeply involved in the trilogy (the reader is invariably "drawn into" the story in a unique way, and for a good reason as we shall see).

This week the Fellows are joined by Pastor Joel Hess to talk about just what it is a pastor does. Joel is a writer for the Jagged and 1517. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and find out why you…

This week the Fellows relax and have some fun with Joel Fitzpatrick. What this episode lacks structurally it makes up for with unforgettable stories. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and find out what the Fellows think it means to…

This week the Thinking Fellows are joined by Elyse Fitzpatrick and her son Joel Fitzpatrick to talk about a controversy revolving around the idea of the eternal subordination of the Son. The Fellows aren't here to join the fight but…

On episode 27 the Thinking Fellows cover the last regularly scheduled Loci topic, vocation. While most systematics end with Eschatology, the Fellows go a different route. Vocation is where the theological rubber meets the road. Sit back, relax, grab a…

On episode 26 the Fellows are joined by Pastor Craig Donofrio to talk about missions. Lutherans, especially in the LCMS are often accused of ignoring the mission field, pastor Donofrio talks about why that has changed, and why it is…

In one of our most fun shows yet the fellows talk about grace and parenting. For our 25th episode, we are joined by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson to get a unique perspective on how God works through the vocation…

Eschatology is the study of the last things or end times. It is one of the most talked about and sensationalized topics in modern evangelical Christianity. On this Episode, the Fellows are joined by Dr. Dan van Voorhis as they…

The Thinking Fellows return to their Loci topics in episode 23. Drs. Keith, Rosenbladt, and Francisco discuss the history and purpose behind Two Kingdom theory while also covering its limitations. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.

This week the Fellows celebrate the 486th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession. The Fellows go into the detail of the History, and Theology of the Augsburg Confession and how it can still be applied today. Sit back, relax, and enjoy…

Fatherhood is an essential part of what shapes the minds and worldview of the Fellows. On this episode, the fellows talk about the fundamental nature of the father and his role as a mouthpiece of grace in the home. Sit…

On Episode 20 the Fellows talk about the Church and what it means to be a member of the bride of Christ. Additionally, we answer a fan question for the first time. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and find…

Episode 19 is a special show on preaching with guest Fellow pastor Paul Koch. The Fellows talk about what makes good preaching as well as what it means to be called to preach. Sit back, relax, grab a drink and…

The final episode in our Means of Grace series. We talk about the power of Christ's body and blood given to you for the forgiveness of sins. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and find comfort in the body and…

This week, the Fellows continue to talk about the Means of Grace by discussing Confession and Absolution. Confession and Absolution serve to soothe the troubled soul and calm the burdened conscience the proclamation of Christ's Forgiveness. Sit back, relax, and…

Last week the Fellows talked about the Means of Grace, as a direct follow-up to that episode the Fellows now dive into Baptism. Why get Baptized? How does Baptism work? Who should be Baptized? Sit Back, relax, and grab a…

Lutherans can often be misunderstood as rejecting the existence or necessity of good works. On episode 14 the Thinking Fellows discuss why this common misconception is not true. Sit back, relax and grab a drink to find out why good…

Lutherans can often be misunderstood as rejecting the existence or necessity of good works. On episode 14 the Thinking Fellows discuss why this common misconception is not true. Sit back, relax and grab a drink to find out why good…

Do Lutherans even have a doctrine of predestination? I thought that was the Calvinists? This week, The Fellows discuss predestination, which is a little known or seldom talked about doctrine among Lutherans. Sit back, relax, and grab a drink to…

On this episode, the Thinking Fellows do things differently. Deviating from the typical Loci topics, the guys interview Pastor Brian Thomas. Brian Thomas is the author of 1517 the Legacy Project's latest book Wittenberg vs. Geneva. The Fellows talk about…

The Thinking Fellows discuss the human will and ask some important questions. What role does the will have in or on the Christian life? What does it mean for the will to be bound? And does the will have anything…

The doctrine of conversion is highly debated among Christians. The Thinking Fellows find their answer not so surprisingly away from logic and back in Christ. Sit back, relax, grab a drink, and enjoy the show.

This week, the Thinking Fellows talk about the various theories of atonement. On their quest for clarity, the Fellows examine Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. Sit back, relax, grab a drink and join the conversation.

Last week we ran out of time and barely scratched the surface of the theology of the person and work of Christ. This week we continue our conversation and touch on active and passive obedience and other pieces of the…

On episode 6 the Thinking Fellows talk about faith. Faith is one of the Solas of the Reformation, and is instrumental to salvation. Follow the good Drs. as they discuss why faith isn't a work and explain the difference between…

Every doctrine of Christianity hinges on the person and work of Christ. Sit back,relax and grab a drink as the fellows talk about whats truth and whats heresy concerning Christ.

The following conversation occurred between one of 1517's readers/listeners and Dr. Rosenbladt via email in February of 2016.

On episode 5 of the Thinking Fellows, we talk about Justification. Find out why justification is the article upon which the Church stands or falls. Sit back, relax, and grab a drink as Drs. Rosenbladt, Keith and Francisco explore this…

During episode 4, the Thinking Fellows tackle the topic of God's Grace. Grace is an attitude on the part of God whereby He sees the unjust sinner as just, on account of Christ alone.

This week the Thinking Fellows talk about the Gospel. What is meant when we say the word "Gospel" and how does it relate to our earlier topics of Sin and Law? Sit back relax grab a drink and find out…

The Thinking Fellows premier episode. Drs. Rosenbladt, Keith, and Francisco follow the Loci Method to discuss the doctrine of sin.

The Thinking Fellows premier episode. Drs. Rosenbladt, Keith, and Francisco follow the Loci Method to discuss the doctrine of sin.

All other subjects—even Biblical subjects—were subservient to an accurate view of the Person and work of Jesus Christ for sinners.

Sinner: I see. I see for the first time. It’s clear to me. You died for me and for my sin. You took my verdict. God: I did.

In this first session, we introduce Luther's commentary on Galatians.

In this second session, we cover the first part of chapter two.

In this third session, we cover the second part of the first chapter of Galatians.

In this fourth session, we cover the first part of the second chapter of Galatians.

In this fifth session, we cover the second part of the second chapter of Galatians.

In this sixth session, we cover the third part of the second chapter of Galatians.

In this seventh session, we cover the first part of the third chapter of Galatians.

In this eighth session, we cover the second part of the third chapter of Galatians.

In this ninth session, we cover the third part of the third chapter of Galatians.

In this tenth session, we cover the fourth part of the third chapter of Galatians.

In this eleventh session, we cover the fourth part of the third chapter of Galatians.

In this twelfth session, we cover the second part of the fourth chapter of Galatians.

In this thirteenth session, we cover the third part of the fourth chapter of Galatians.

In this final session, we cover the fourth part of the fourth chapter of Galatians.

The Reformation ignited by Martin Luther in 1517 was radical, simply because it was a return. A return to to the heart of God’s message of salvation through the free gift of justification found in in His Son, Jesus Christ. Martin Luther's Commentary on Galatians drives home the central point of Christianity: That the death of Christ saves. By approaching…