Religion as a Stepping Stone to Truth?? Response to Ross Douthat
In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan & Cameron dive into a nuanced theological discussion on Ross Douthat’s latest book Believe, exploring the provocative idea that religion—even in its broadest form—can serve as a legitimate and vital stepping stone toward Christianity. They examine Douthat’s arguments through the lens of current cultural disinterest in organized faith, C.S. Lewis’s concept of “mere Christianity,” and spiritual seekers like Simone Weil and David Foster Wallace. Is structured religion still the best place to begin a sincere search for truth in the modern age? Join them as they wrestle with these questions, challenge each other, and consider whether religion is a crutch, a catalyst, or a compass in a post-Christian world. Perfect for Christians craving thoughtful, biblically grounded commentary on contemporary spiritual issues.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.
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47:21
Anti-Natalism and Consent | Christian Response to Palm Springs Fertility Clinic Bombing
In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, we dive deep into a disturbing and tragic event—the bombing of a fertility clinic in Palm Springs by a self-proclaimed "pro-mortalist." While grieving the loss of life, we also explore the unsettling philosophical underpinnings of this act, including anti-natalism, pro-mortalism, and the idolization of consent as the highest moral authority. For Christians seeking thoughtful, theologically grounded discussions on current events, this conversation unpacks how modern moral frameworks—rooted in radical autonomy, subjective consent, and distorted views of love and freedom—can lead to logical yet dangerous conclusions. We contrast these ideologies with a biblical worldview, challenging the cultural narrative that human beings are the ultimate moral arbiters. Join us as we confront the implications of being born "without consent" and what it reveals about our cultural moment.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.
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41:04
Fighting Distraction: How Christians Can Reclaim Focus in the Digital Age
In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, we dive deep into the crisis of attention in the digital age and its profound implications for Christian witness, spiritual formation, and intellectual integrity. Are we losing our ability to think deeply, listen well, and discern truth amidst the noise? Join us as we explore how Sabbath, solitude, intentionality, and community can help reclaim a Christ-centered focus in a world of distraction. With references to Dallas Willard, Joseph Pieper, and the Screwtape Letters, this conversation equips Christians, apologists, and thoughtful believers to pursue meaningful theology, cultural analysis, and spiritual disciplines that resist the algorithm and restore the mind. Perfect for Christians seeking more than hot takes—subscribe for rich theological dialogue on faith, culture, and formation.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.
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46:28
Following Jesus in a Corrupt System: Moral Dilemmas
In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, we dive into the morally complex decision by the U.S. to reduce medical aid to Zambia due to systemic government corruption—and ask how Christians should think through such dilemmas. With a focus on ethical reasoning, moral calculus, and Christian theology, Nathan and Cameron explore the spiritual and practical tensions involved in foreign aid, workplace complicity, and the moral responsibilities of believers living in a broken system. What does Scripture say about giving, accountability, and justice? How do we balance compassion with stewardship? Join us for a deep, faith-informed conversation on global corruption, moral math, and Christian responses to injustice in an age of political compromise. If you care about Christian ethics, global missions, and theology applied to real-world events, this episode is for you.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.
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37:23
Don’t Be a Defensive Christian: Defend the Faith with Confidence
In this thought-provoking conversation, Cameron and Nathan explore the crucial difference between defending Christianity and being a defensive Christian. Rooted in biblical wisdom and apologetic insight, they challenge believers to stand firm in their faith without fear or insecurity. From tackling common objections to Christianity, to addressing the cultural pressure to stay silent, this episode equips Christians to respond with clarity, humility, and strength. Whether you're engaging skeptics or wrestling with doubts, you'll discover how Christian apologetics isn't about proving God needs us—but about faithfully representing what we believe. Perfect for believers seeking to grow in intellectual discipleship, biblical confidence, and gospel witness. 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.#ChristianApologetics #DefendingFaith #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndReason #SpiritualGrowth #ThinkingOutLoudPodcast #BiblicalWorldview
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.
México