Apologetics Without the Fight: John Lennox and Alex O'Connor
In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Cameron and Nathan unpack the recent conversation between renowned Oxford mathematician and Christian apologist John Lennox and rising skeptic Alex O’Connor (a.k.a. Cosmic Skeptic). While they don’t provide a full play-by-play of the dialogue, they reflect on the tone, posture, and emerging style of apologetics marked by humility, curiosity, and mutual respect. What does it mean for Christians to engage skeptics in a post-new-atheist world—where questions are deeper, and certainty is quieter? Cameron and Nathan explore the significance of Lennox’s decades of faithful intellectual witness, his philosophical and scientific insight, and why this conversation may signal a more fruitful era for theological discourse. For Christians seeking deep, thoughtful engagement with faith, reason, and today’s cultural questions, this episode offers a refreshing perspective.Topics discussed:Collapse of combative apologeticsPublic intellectuals and faithEpistemic humility in religious discoursePersuasion vs performance in debatesRhetoric in religious conversationsThe future of Christian persuasionChristianity and postmodern dialoguePhilosophy of religionLessons from Oxford debates on faithDONATE 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.
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38:12
Why Doesn’t God Just Prove He’s Real?? Responding to Skeptics comments
In this special episode of Thinking Out Loud, Christian apologist Cameron responds to comments on his viral TikTok video—a video that generated over 3,000 comments and 200,000+ views. The central question? "Why does God seem hidden?"Cameron unpacks this profound topic using insights from Blaise Pascal, the book of Hebrews, and centuries of Christian theology. He addresses the skeptical assumptions behind the objections and challenges the idea that God should prove Himself on human terms. Rather than offering simplistic answers, the episode explores how faith, divine revelation, and the incarnation intersect with real doubt.This is a must-watch for anyone interested in serious Christian apologetics, thoughtful theological reflection, and honest engagement with modern skepticism.Key topics:-The problem of divine hiddenness-Why God doesn’t always reveal Himself visibly-Blaise Pascal’s perspective on faith and knowledge of God-The difference between blind belief and informed faith-Biblical references on God’s revelation (e.g., the book of Hebrews)-Skeptical objections and assumptions about God’s existence-The incarnation as a form of divine revelation-The limits of demanding proof from God on human termsDONATE 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.
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47:38
Jordan Peterson Jubilee Analysis
In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron react to Jordan Peterson’s appearance in the viral Jubilee debate—and things get theologically intense. They unpack where Peterson’s thinking aligns with Christian truth and where it dangerously veers off course. From disordered loves and worship to the meaning of belief, Nathan and Cameron bring biblical clarity and philosophical depth to the table. Along the way, they reference thinkers like Augustine, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, T.S. Eliot, David Foster Wallace, and Tom Holland, making this a must-listen for Christians who care about faith, reason, and the big questions of culture.Topics Covered:Is Jordan Peterson a Christian—or just Christian-adjacent?What is worship, really? Augustine vs. PetersonDisordered loves and cultural idolatryWhy “aim upward” isn’t the gospelPeterson’s definition of belief—where it failsAre atheists borrowing Christian morality? (feat. Tom Holland)David Foster Wallace, Paul Tillich, and the quest for meaningWhy science can’t give you moralityDid empathy replace conscience? A naturalist critiqueDONATE 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.
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48:37
Can AI Disciple You?
In this episode, Nathan and Cameroon dive deep into the rising tide of AI in theological education, especially its implications for seminaries, spiritual formation, and the future of pastoral training. Drawing from Cameron Schaefer’s provocative article on Mere Orthodoxy, they discuss how AI may soon outpace traditional online seminary models and why Christian institutions must shift from being sources of information to curators of formation. Join as they explore the irreplaceable value of embodied ministry, human mentorship, and habitual wisdom in the digital age. Is AI a tool, a threat, or a catalyst for rethinking how we form Christian leaders? Listen for robust theological dialogue, real-world applications, and a hopeful vision for a hybrid future. 📚💻🧠🔍 Topics Covered:AI in higher education & seminariesThe limits of digital discipleshipSpiritual formation vs. information downloadHybrid models of theological trainingPastoral presence in an AI worldThe value of embodied wisdom and habits📧 Interested in the Backyard Seminary cohort? Email: info@toltogether.comDONATE 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.
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32:06
DC Embassy Shooting: Scapegoats, Sacrifice, and Violence
In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron explore the recent DC embassy shooting through a Christian theological lens. Why do people scapegoat others? What drives individuals to violent action in the name of causes they don’t directly represent? Drawing on René Girard’s scapegoat theory, biblical concepts of atonement, and the moral confusion of modern culture, they analyze how this tragedy reveals the deep brokenness in human nature and our desperate attempts at meaning-making. With thoughtful insight and pastoral clarity, Nathan and Cameron reflect on individualism, ideological identity, and the limits of symbolic action. This conversation is essential for Christians seeking a thoughtful and faithful response to complex cultural events.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.🔎 Topics Covered:– DC embassy shooting analysis– René Girard and scapegoat theory– Biblical atonement and collective guilt– Virtue signaling vs. real sacrifice– Individualism and ideology– Human responsibility and sin⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: DC Embassy Shooting Overview01:19 – Scapegoating and Misplaced Guilt02:42 – Collective Blame and Individual Responsibility07:54 – Identity, Solidarity, and Symbolic Action14:23 – A Story of Hyper-Individualism16:49 – Community, Culture, and Perception17:28 – Desperate Acts of Self-Expression21:13 – The Dark Side of Virtue Signaling24:35 – The Tragic Capacity of Human Destruction25:31 – Theology of Sacrifice and Scapegoats26:55 – Biblical Justice vs. Endless Retribution#ThinkingOutLoud #NathanAndCameron #ChristianWorldview #TheologyAndCulture #ScapegoatTheory #RenéGirard #ChristianPodcast #CurrentEvents #BiblicalJustice #FaithAndCulture #ChristianCommentary #Atonement #SymbolicViolence
For those interested in thoughtful cultural analysis without all the apocalyptic forecasts, Thinking Out Loud is a podcast about current events and Christian hope. Hosted by Nathan Rittenhouse and Cameron McAllister, co-founders of Thinking Out Loud, a ministry that seeks to bridge the gap between discipleship and apologetics, this is a show that seeks to connect the dots on the subject of Christian realism.
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