Author

  1. 436: Schuldheisz - Luther and the Lion

    book
    04/17/26
    12 mins
    By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley | Sam P. Schuldheisz
    The Lutherans, the Lion, and the gifts of Narnia. In this episode, we talk with Pastor Sam Schuldheisz about his forthcoming book, Luther and the Lion: A Narnian Catechism. We discuss how Lewis (and other Inklings) can help us catechize children and adults, how stories lead us deeper into the biblical narratives, and vice versa. How can great myths and stories be employed in Christian apologetics when seen through Christian liturgy and sacraments? Now is the best time to reintroduce great Christian authors, great myths, and great stories, and the best of all stories — the gospel of Jesus Christ — can carry us out of our churches into a world that’s wounded and can’t find true healing that only Christ can give.
    436: Schuldheisz - Luther and the Lion

  2. 433: Von Schenk - The Crucifixion

    book
    03/19/26
    8 mins
    By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley
    What’s Love Got to do With It? In this episode, we read Berthold von Schenk’s The Presence, discussing sacrifice, sacrament, human will, anthropology, the cross, Lent, Easter, Love, and the consequences of the crucifixion for worship, faith, and Christian living. Why does our focus determine how we view these things? What is the “telos” of the Lord’s Supper, and where does it lead us? How does it change us?
    433: Von Schenk - The Crucifixion

  3. Understanding Revivalism with Dan van Voorhis

    book
    03/03/26
    5 mins
    By Dan van Voorhis | Kelsi Klembara
    What does revival really mean for the modern church?
    Understanding Revivalism with Dan van Voorhis

  4. Monday, February 23, 2026

    book
    02/23/26
    13 mins
    By Dan van Voorhis
    Today on the Christian History Almanac, we head to the mailbag to answer a question asked such that it got Dan’s attention!
    Monday, February 23, 2026

  5. 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

  6. Friday, January 16, 2026

    book
    01/16/26
    13 mins
    By Dan van Voorhis
    Today on the Christian History Almanac, we remember a key advisor behind the Reformation in Germany: George Spalatin.
    Friday, January 16, 2026

  7. Understanding the American Religious Landscape with Ryan Burge

    book
    01/13/26
    5 mins
    By Kelsi Klembara
    Kelsi is joined by data analyst, Ryan Burge, to discuss the current American Religious Landscape as well as his newest book, The Vanishing Church: How the Hollowing Out of Moderate Congregations Is Hurting Democracy, Faith, and Us.Dr. Ryan Burge is an associate professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University.
    Understanding the American Religious Landscape with Ryan Burge

  8. Has Lutheranism Failed?

    book
    01/11/26
    5 mins
    By Caleb Keith | Adam Francisco | Bruce Hillman | Scott Keith
    Has Lutheranism Failed? In this episode, the Thinking Fellows discuss the purpose and aim of the church to examine if Lutheranism in America has failed.
    Has Lutheranism Failed?

  9. How Education Problems Affect Handing Down the Faith

    book
    12/30/25
    4 mins
    By Caleb Keith | Scott Keith | Adam Francisco | Bruce Hillman
    Reading and education outcomes in the United States have been declining for decades. In this episode, the Thinking Fellows examine how these trends have impacted Christian education and what Christians can contribute to America’s education crisis.
    How Education Problems Affect Handing Down the Faith

  10. When Christians Contradict Themselves

    book
    12/01/25
    6 mins
    By Caleb Keith | Bruce Hillman | Adam Francisco | Scott Keith
    The Thinking Fellows examine the Ligonier 2025 State of Theology Survey. They identify a major recurring theme: Christians are contradicting themselves.
    When Christians Contradict Themselves

  11. 417: Luther - A deep, evil corruption of nature that reason does not comprehend

    book
    11/21/25
    8 mins
    By Christopher Gillespie | Donavon Riley
    How Deep Is Your Love! In this episode, we continue our reading of the Smalcald Articles, focusing our attention on sin and the law. What is sin? What does it do to us? What are its effects? And, in following, what is the relationship of the law to sin? Does the law empower us to sin less? Can the law produce good works and good fruits? What is the function of pastoral care in relation to sin and the law? All this and much, much more on this episode of the podcast.
    417: Luther - A deep, evil corruption of nature that reason does not comprehend

  12. Where Lutheranism Disagrees with Thomas Aquinas

    book
    11/18/25
    5 mins
    By Scott Keith | Caleb Keith | Adam Francisco | Bruce Hillman
    In this episode of the Thinking Fellows, we take a closer look at the growing interest in Thomas Aquinas especially among younger evangelicals and even many Lutherans.
    Where Lutheranism Disagrees with Thomas Aquinas