Why Liberalism Failed: Reaction to Freakonomics #644
Freakonomics Podcast EpisodeIn this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron offer a thought-provoking theological response to Episode 644 of the Freakonomics podcast, "Has America Lost Its Appetite for the Common Good?"—featuring controversial political theorist Patrick Deneen. With their signature blend of faith, philosophy, and cultural analysis, Nathan and Cameron explore Deneen’s critique of liberalism, the spiritual vacuum in Western political life, and the implications of his ideas for Christians navigating a fractured public square. From Why Liberalism Failed to Regime Change, Deneen's work prompts timely questions: Can a pluralistic society truly share a common good without shared faith? How should Christians think about post-liberalism, populism, and the loss of moral consensus in America? This episode is essential listening for believers seeking rich theological engagement with current events, political theory, and the future of Christian witness in the modern West. Whether you're washing eggs on the farm or commuting to work, join us for a deep dive into faith, politics, and the crumbling foundations of our common life.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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The Future Isn’t What You Think —And Neither Are You
In this thought-provoking episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron dive into a rich theological conversation on how our view of history shapes our understanding of human nature—and vice versa. Drawing from classical thinkers like Aristotle, Machiavelli, and Madison, as well as the biblical narrative, they challenge the modern assumption that progress means moral advancement. Is human nature evolving, or are we just repeating ancient patterns with new tools? And how should Christians think about Scripture, history, and the trajectory of our culture in a time of increasing technological disillusionment? This episode is a must-watch for Christians interested in deep theological reflection, cultural analysis, and how the Christian worldview uniquely offers a coherent vision of history, hope, and human identity.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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have Christians given up on truth?
In this thought-provoking episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron dive deep into the question: Have Christians abandoned truth in an age of conspiracy theories, curated realities, and alternative facts? With clarity and theological depth, they explore how personal preference, algorithm-driven information bubbles, and cultural relativism are shaping the way believers engage with truth today. Drawing from Scripture, church history, and contemporary issues—from astrology to AI, from psilocybin to politics—they ask whether Christians are applying the same rigorous standards of coherence, correspondence, and livability to all their beliefs—or just some. This conversation challenges viewers to consider how truth is defined, defended, and lived out in a post-truth culture, and why reclaiming a biblically grounded understanding of reality is more urgent than ever. Perfect for Christians seeking robust theological reflection on culture, worldview, and current 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.
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James Dobson Was a Hero… Or Was He?
In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron dive deep into the complex and controversial legacy of Dr. James Dobson, following news of his recent passing. Best known for founding Focus on the Family, Dobson shaped evangelical family culture for decades through radio, books, and discipleship materials like Adventures in Odyssey and McGee and Me. But his legacy is far from one-dimensional. Nathan and Cameron unpack Dobson's theological influence, his disciplinary advice, and his increasingly political stance—from early cultural engagement to vocal support for Donald Trump. This nuanced conversation explores how Dobson became both a hero of Christian family values and a villain in the eyes of many exvangelicals. For Christians seeking serious theological reflection on how faith intersects with politics, parenting, and cultural engagement, this is a must-listen. Join Nathan and Cameron as they wrestle with Dobson’s impact—both the good and the harmful—and what it means for the Church moving forward.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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Top Ten Books Every Thinking Christian Should Read
In this thought-provoking episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan Rittenhouse and Stuart McAllister dive into a rich theological discussion sparked by a listener’s question: What are the foundational books every thinking Christian should engage with to understand today’s cultural, philosophical, and sociological landscape? Stuart, a globally respected Christian thinker and apologist, shares a curated list of essential texts—from Modern Times by Paul Johnson to The Cross of Christ by John Stott and The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis. Together, Nathan and Stuart explore how deep Christian theology, classical philosophy, and cultural analysis intersect to equip believers to live faithfully in a complex, postmodern world. This episode is a must-listen for Christians hungry for intellectually rigorous, gospel-centered engagement with the issues shaping our time.1. Modern Times by Paul Johnson.2. The Passion of the Western Mind by Richard Tarnas.3. The Cross of Christ by John Stott.4. No god but God by Os Guinness and John Seel.5. The One, the Three, and the Many by Colin Gunton.6. The Way of the Modern world by Craig Gay.7. The Abolition of man by C.S. Lewis.8. The Universe Next Door by James Sire.9. When God became King by N. T. Wright.10. The Gospel in a Pluralistic Society by Leslie Newbigin.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.
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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