"You want an AI Pastor, You Just Don't Know it Yet": Cameron and Nathan Respond
In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron dive into one of the most provocative questions facing the modern church: could — or should — we ever accept an AI pastor? Drawing from a Substack article by Tony Kritz titled “You Want an AI Pastor (and You Just Don’t Know It Yet),” they unpack a fictional yet eerily realistic scenario where artificial intelligence takes over spiritual leadership. The two explore the theological, ethical, and philosophical implications of AI-generated sermons, digital discipleship, and the replacement of human embodiment with machine precision. In classic Thinking Out Loud style, Nathan and Cameron push beyond fearmongering to ask deep questions about truth, incarnation, and what it really means to be human in an increasingly artificial age. Perfect for Christians hungry for thoughtful theological discussion on technology, faith, and the future of the Church.Article Link: https://tonykriz.substack.com/p/you-want-an-ai-pastor-you-just-dont?r=53syi&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=trueDONATE 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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Was Charlie Kirk a Martyr? A Christian Theological Reflection on Faith, Politics & Tragedy
In this thought-provoking episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron tackle the complex and emotionally charged topic of martyrdom, using the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk as a lens to examine how Christians should think about suffering, political identity, and gospel witness. Drawing from theological tradition and historical parallels like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, they explore three possible frameworks for understanding Kirk's death—Christian martyr, political martyr, or a hybrid of both. With careful attention to language, biblical definitions, and the cultural moment, this deep-dive invites Christians to move beyond knee-jerk reactions and reflect theologically on the meaning of true sacrifice and public faith. Whether you’re wrestling with the term “martyr” in light of recent events or seeking clarity in how Christians engage with political power, this episode offers nuanced, faithful insight grounded in Scripture and church history. Perfect for believers seeking serious Christian analysis of current events, especially where faith and politics intersect.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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What Is the Progressive Story? Douthat, Klein & the Search for Meaning
In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron unpack the recent conversation between Ross Douthat and Ezra Klein, diving deep into the question: What is the guiding story of progressive politics today? With insight, wit, and theological reflection, they explore the cultural crisis of meaning, the limits of techno-utopianism, and why modern narratives—both secular and spiritual—are failing to satisfy the human soul. Drawing from Joan Didion, Charles Taylor, and American pop culture, they challenge Christians to consider how the gospel offers a fuller, more coherent vision of life, purpose, and hope. If you're a believer wrestling with the intersection of faith, politics, and culture, this thoughtful analysis will sharpen your mind and deepen your understanding of the stories shaping our time.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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Why We Don’t Pick Sides: A Christian Approach to Politics, Power, and Virtue
In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron respond to critiques that their political and cultural commentary lacks conviction, clarifying their distinctly Christian approach to public discourse. Drawing on virtue ethics, New Testament theology, and the wisdom of thinkers like James Davison Hunter, they explore why a posture of humility, nuance, and spiritual discernment is not weakness—but faithfulness. With cultural distrust rising and Christians worldwide grappling with political polarization, Nathan and Cameron ask: Are we living in Israel or Babylon? What does it mean to think Christianly in an age of fear, outrage, and existential threats? This episode offers thoughtful, theologically rich insight for believers seeking to navigate the complexities of modern life without compromising the Gospel. Perfect for Christians craving depth, nuance, and Christ-centered clarity in today’s chaotic world.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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Pragmatic Christianity vs. True Discipleship: A Theological Conversation on Spiritual Formation
In this thought-provoking episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan Rittenhouse is joined by Pastor Mike Gehry of Communitas Church to explore the rising interest in Christianity—particularly among young adults—and the theological challenges and opportunities that come with it. Drawing from their seminary days and Mike’s expertise in spiritual formation and direction, Nathan and Mike engage in a rich, biblically grounded discussion about pragmatic conversions, cultural Christianity, spiritual disciplines, and the dangers of reducing the Gospel to mere self-help. With insights into the tension between tradition and modern evangelicalism, this episode offers deep encouragement for Christians who crave substance, nuance, and clarity in their walk with Christ. Whether you're a pastor, church leader, or just someone seeking authentic spiritual growth, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to pursue Christlikeness through the power of the Holy Spirit, within the life of the Church, and grounded in Scripture.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.
México