Author

  1. 453: Athanasius - Against the Wiles of Satan

    book
    09/12/26
    13 mins
    By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley
    The Cost of Discipline. In this episode, we sit with St. Athanasius and his writings on the life of St. Antony. How did Christians in the 4th century view spiritual warfare and affliction? What is the relation of discipline to prayer, piety, and resisting temptation? What did 4th century Christians think about virtues and vices, and whether they were (or weren’t) related to the Christian life? Is it better for Christians to seek a place of solitude or community when focusing on heavenly things versus worldly things? How does Mammon factor into this? What does Scripture teach about the evil one, demons, dark powers, and evil spirits? Do we as modern Christians agree with Athanasius and Antony’s views about spiritual warfare, and if not, why? This and much, much more on this week’s episode.
    453: Athanasius - Against the Wiles of Satan

  2. 448: Marquart - Luther and Theosis

    book
    08/07/26
    9 mins
    By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley
    As Alive As You Need Me to Be. In this episode, we sit with Rev. Dr. Kurt Marquardt and listen as he teaches us about theosis, deification, justification, Christology, myth and ethics, materialism and rationalism, sacramentality, vocation, relational versus philosophical exegesis, sanctification, glorification, and much, much more.
    448: Marquart - Luther and Theosis

  3. Demons Are Real But Christians Don’t Need to Be Afraid

    book
    04/10/26
    5 mins
    By Caleb Keith | Bruce Hillman | Adam Francisco
    Contemporary Christianity often ignores or understates the realities and existence of spiritual warfare and spiritual beings. The naturalistic Western world views these things as superstitious. How can Christians talk about the existence and work of demons without being sensationalized?
    Demons Are Real But Christians Don’t Need to Be Afraid

  4. 428: Postman - A great narrative... has sufficient credibility, complexity, and symbolic power to enable one to organize one's life around it

    book
    02/14/26
    12 mins
    By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley
    We Don’t Need No Education. In this episode, we read The End of Education by Neal Postman, discussing the mechanisms of public education, religious catechesis, the influence of the Enlightenment and psychoanalysis on contemporary learning, and what happens when fiction replaces truth as the basis of meaning. This and much, much more on today’s show!
    428: Postman - A great narrative... has sufficient credibility, complexity, and symbolic power to enable one to organize one's life around it

  5. 419: C.S. Lewis - All that Christianity adds to Paganism is the cure

    book
    12/05/25
    9 mins
    By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley
    Pagan Neart, Christian Soul. In this episode, we read C.S. Lewis’ “A Christmas Sermon for Pagans.” Why does the post-Christian person need to become pagan again to be prepared to hear the gospel? How has a mechanistic view of nature led us to kill each other? Why do we reject the good news that Jesus ended the need for guilt-offerings, sin-sacrifices, and fear about the afterlife? What happened as a consequence of moderns pushing heavenly truth out of the material world? What is the message of Christmas that offers a cure for all that ails us?
    419: C.S. Lewis - All that Christianity adds to Paganism is the cure

  6. Are Lutherans Evangelicals?

    book
    05/10/25
    5 mins
    By Scott Keith | Caleb Keith | Bruce Hillman | Adam Francisco
    The Fellows continue their conversation about Lutheran identity. This time, they discuss the term "evangelical."
    Are Lutherans Evangelicals?

  7. A Lutheran Identity Crisis

    book
    04/22/25
    5 mins
    By Caleb Keith | Adam Francisco | Bruce Hillman | Scott Keith
    In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, Bruce Hillman, and Scott Keith engage discuss an ongoing identity crisis within Lutheranism.
    A Lutheran Identity Crisis

  8. 382: Riley - Our False Gods and Addiction

    book
    02/28/25
    9 mins
    By Donavon Riley | Christopher Gillespie
    In this episode, we explore The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction, a forthcoming book that examines addiction not just as a habit or illness, but as a form of misplaced worship. We discuss how addiction draws us toward false gods, demanding our devotion and shaping our lives in ways we barely recognize. More than a personal struggle, addiction weaves itself into families, communities, and churches—warping trust, distorting love, and hollowing out the soul. How can we reclaim what has been lost? How do we confront addiction not just physically and mentally, but as a deeply spiritual battle? Join us as we dig into these questions and consider a way forward, one rooted in truth, grace, and the renewal of the whole person.
    382: Riley - Our False Gods and Addiction

  9. A Theology of Addiction with Donavon Riley

    book
    02/25/25
    11 mins
    By Kelsi Klembara | Donavon Riley
    Kelsi chats with pastor and author, Donavon Riley, about his forthcoming book, ⁠The Impossible Prize: A Theology of Addiction⁠.
    A Theology of Addiction with Donavon Riley

  10. Did Martin Luther Start a New Religion?

    book
    02/17/25
    6 mins
    By Scott Keith | Caleb Keith | Adam Francisco | Bruce Hillman
    In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, the Fellows answer, "Did Martin Luther invent a new religion?"
    Did Martin Luther Start a New Religion?

  11. Baptismal Identity vs Idolatry (1 Peter 4:1-6)

    book
    01/16/25
    4 mins
    By Scott Keith | Daniel Emery Price
    In this episode of Tough Texts, Daniel Emery Price and Scott Keith explore the complexities of 1 Peter 4:1-6.
    Baptismal Identity vs Idolatry (1 Peter 4:1-6)

  12. Worship and Idolatry

    book
    10/04/24
    5 mins
    By Caleb Keith | Steven Paulson
    In this episode, Dr. Paulson talks about the worship produced out of men's hearts when God remains silent. This worship is nothing short of idolatry. 
    Worship and Idolatry