Shows
Thinking Out LoudThe Lie Parents Are Told About Raising “Successful” KidsIn this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron engage in a deep theological discussion on parenting, childhood, and Christian formation in light of current cultural pressures, drawing on recent findings from Science that challenge the modern obsession with early specialization and measurable success. Through a distinctly Christian worldview, they explore how American competitiveness, metrics-driven education, and parental anxiety often crowd out moral development, spiritual maturity, and the biblical call to raise children toward wisdom, virtue, and love of neighbor rather than status or achievement. Nathan and Cameron reflect on Scripture, Christian anthropology, and lived experience to argue...
2026-01-0235 minThinking Out LoudWhy Pro-Death ideology Is Gaining Support: Nathan and Cameron on the MAID ActIn this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron engage in a deep theological discussion on the New York MAID Act (Medical Aid in Dying) and what medically assisted suicide means for Christians thinking faithfully about current events. From a Christian bioethics perspective, they explore end-of-life ethics, the sanctity and intrinsic value of human life, and how cultural ideas of autonomy, rights, happiness, and suffering are shaping moral decision-making—even within the church. Drawing on Scripture, Christian tradition, and real-world pastoral experience, Nathan and Cameron examine whether pro-life convictions can remain consistent from birth to death, why assisted su...
2025-12-3031 minThinking Out LoudWhy Advent Hope Matters When the Culture Feels Like It’s Collapsing | Nathan and CameronIn this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron engage in a deep theological conversation on Christian hope during Advent, wrestling honestly with the widespread sense of cultural exhaustion, despair, and decline shaping current events in the modern West. Drawing on Scripture, Christian tradition, and contemporary debates involving figures like David French and broader evangelical discourse, they explore the difference between optimism and true Christian hope, asking whether Western culture is in a moral and spiritual “death spiral” or whether that diagnosis misses something essential. Nathan and Cameron argue that biblical hope is not rooted in political solutions, econ...
2025-12-1939 minThinking Out LoudWhy Protestantism Is Collapsing in America: Nathan and Cameron on Church DeclineIn this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron offer a deep theological analysis of current events by engaging Daniel Hummel’s provocative claim that “secular Protestantism is America’s religion,” exploring why both liberal Protestantism and evangelicalism may be declining precisely because of their cultural success. Through thoughtful discussion on sociology of religion, expressive individualism, ecclesiology, and biblical anthropology, Nathan and Cameron examine how Enlightenment values, spiritual individualism, and unintended theological consequences have reshaped Christianity in America. Drawing on insights from Christian Smith, Mere Orthodoxy, and historic Christian doctrine, they contrast liberal Protestantism, evangelicalism, and Pentecostalism while asking w...
2025-12-1629 minThinking Out LoudShould Christians Use AI in Worship? The Morality Behind Modern Church PracticesIn this episode, Nathan and Cameron dive deep into one of the most pressing theological questions facing today’s church: What happens when worship, sermons, and spiritual formation collide with AI and morally complicated creators? Using provocative thought experiments—like whether Christians would eat fruit from a tree planted by an immoral person—they explore how believers should think about AI-generated worship music, sermons, artistic integrity, and the character of those who shape our spiritual lives. From EDM and emotional engineering to pastoral authenticity, formation, and the “food sacrificed to idols” dilemma, Nathan and Cameron offer rich, intellectually serious Christian...
2025-12-1236 minThinking Out LoudWhy Young Men Are Turning to Orthodoxy: Nathan and Cameron on the Rise of the “Ortho Bros”In this episode, Nathan and Cameron dive deep into the rise of the so-called “ortho bros” and explore why so many young men are converting to Eastern Orthodoxy in today’s chaotic cultural moment. Drawing on history, theology, and their own pastoral experience, they analyze Ruth Graham’s New York Times article, compare the trend to the Young, Restless, and Reformed movement, and discuss the growing desire among Christians for rootedness, tradition, and doctrinal clarity. This thoughtful conversation challenges reductive explanations of hyper-masculinity and invites viewers into a richer understanding of how ancient Christian traditions speak into modern unrest. Perfect...
2025-12-0938 minThinking Out LoudInstant Influencer Christianity: Lindsey and Nathan Sound the AlarmIn this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan Rittenhouse sits down in Kona, Hawaii with Lindsey from the YWAM Countercultural School of Apologetics to unpack one of the biggest questions facing the modern church: how should Christians navigate influencer culture, online discipleship, and the tension between digital convenience and real spiritual formation? Lindsey and Nathan explore the rise of untrained “Christian influencers,” the responsibility of discernment, the longing for embodied community, the need for multi-generational mentorship, and the subtle dangers of intellectual shortcuts in the age of AI and endless content. Their conversation invites believers into deeper thinking, meaningful conn...
2025-12-0530 minThinking Out LoudHollywood Doesn’t Want You to Notice This: Media, Church, and AttentionIn this episode, Nathan and Cameron dive into a thought-provoking conversation on how modern media, Hollywood, and even the church have reshaped our attention spans, communication styles, and expectations for depth. In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, they explore why today’s films and sermons feel “dumbed down,” how smartphones have changed the way we engage with story and truth, and what Christians should recover from past eras of richer, more thoughtful communication. With cultural analysis, historical insight, and theological reflection, Nathan and Cameron challenge believers to rethink entertainment, discipleship, and the habits shaping our spiritual lives....
2025-12-0238 minThinking Out LoudAre We Drowning in Cheap Stuff? Consumerism, Relationships, and HolidaysIn this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron dive deep into the “junkification” of modern culture, using Christmas consumerism, cheap mass-produced goods, and the exhaustion of holiday commercialism as a launchpad for a thoughtful theological discussion. They explore whether our growing weariness with stuff is simply aging—or a sign of the times—while unpacking themes of relational poverty, cultural decadence, the loss of craftsmanship, and the ways economic values subtly replace biblical ones. Through humorous stories, honest cultural critique, and rich Christian reflection, Nathan and Cameron challenge believers to resist empty consumerism, rediscover meaningful presence over presents...
2025-11-2835 minThinking Out LoudBlack Friday, Green Wednesday… Has America Lost Its Mind?In this thought-provoking Thanksgiving episode, Nathan and Cameron dive into the surprising cultural rise of Black Friday, Green Wednesday, and the “cousin walk,” using these trends as a springboard for a deeper Christian examination of family tension, modern fragmentation, and the loss of shared spiritual continuity. Drawing on theology, literature, and pastoral experience, they unpack why holidays have become so difficult for many believers, how radical individualism fuels division, and why the historic Christian practices of feasting, gratitude, and communal life matter more than ever. Nathan and Cameron explore the difference between guilt, gloating, and true thanksgiving; the mystery of r...
2025-11-2534 minThinking Out LoudEmbarrassed to Say You’re a Christian? Nathan and Cameron on Misrepresentation and True FaithIn this episode, Nathan and Cameron dive into why so many believers today feel embarrassed to publicly identify as Christians, exploring how cultural polarization, political co-optation, and widespread biblical illiteracy shape modern perceptions of the church. Drawing on real experiences—from awkward airplane conversations to navigating headlines about scandals, televangelists, and politicized “Christian” figures—they unpack the tension between the beauty of the Gospel and the distorted versions of Christianity that dominate the public square. Nathan and Cameron offer thoughtful theological insight on hypocrisy, deconstruction, cultural Christianity, and what it means to articulate the way of Jesus in clear, non-insi...
2025-11-1834 minThinking Out LoudOutraged at Fake Outrage: Taylor Swift, Culture Wars, and Christian DiscernmentIn this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan Rittenhouse and Cameron McAllister tackle the phenomenon of fake outrage in Christian culture—using the reaction to Taylor Swift’s Life of a Showgirl as a jumping-off point. With deep theological reflection and cultural insight, Nathan and Cameron explore why outrage has become a form of identity-building within the church and beyond, how scapegoating and virtue signaling distort genuine moral concern, and what it means for Christians to live wisely in a world shaped by Babylon and Vanity Fair. This thoughtful conversation challenges believers to pursue discernment, truth, and humility rather than...
2025-11-1433 minThinking Out LoudPeak Trans: What Hyper-Individualism Is Doing to UsIn this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan Rittenhouse and Cameron McAllister explore whether culture has truly reached “peak trans” — or if the real issue runs much deeper. Through a thoughtful and theological lens, they examine the rise and supposed decline of gender identity politics, uncovering how the modern obsession with self-definition and hyper-individualism reflects a broader spiritual crisis in Western culture. Nathan and Cameron discuss how this cultural moment exposes our longing for meaning, community, and truth, and why followers of Jesus must think beyond headlines to engage with deep cultural currents shaping our world. Perfect for Christians seekin...
2025-11-1131 minThinking Out LoudCrypto-Religious Explained (Part 2)In Part 2 of Thinking Out Loud’s exploration of “crypto-religious” art, Nathan and Cameron dive deep into the complex relationship between Christianity, culture, and creativity in a post-secular age. Building on their earlier conversation, they examine how artists like David Foster Wallace, Flannery O’Connor, and Walker Percy wrestle with spiritual truth, beauty, and brokenness in ways that challenge both secular and Christian audiences. With thoughtful analysis and honest reflection, Nathan and Cameron ask whether authentic Christian art must always be explicit—or whether ambiguity can reveal deeper theological insight. Perfect for Christians seeking serious, theologically rich discussion on faith, art...
2025-11-0727 minThinking Out LoudCrypto-Religious Explained: Bob Dylan, Madonna, and the Hidden Language of Faith (Part 1)In this two-part episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan Rittenhouse and Cameron McAllister dive deep into the fascinating idea of being “crypto-religious”—a term coined by Polish poet Czesław Miłosz and revived in Paul Elie’s new book The Last Supper. Together, Nathan and Cameron explore how artists like Bob Dylan, Madonna, Prince, Bono, and Andy Warhol used religious imagery while keeping their personal beliefs ambiguous, inviting audiences to wrestle with questions of faith in a post-Christian world. Through thoughtful theological and cultural analysis, they examine whether “crypto-religiosity” can still exist today amid political polarization and spiritual confusion. Thi...
2025-11-0425 minThinking Out LoudSanta, The Great Pumpkin, and Wishful Thinking| Nathan & CameronIn this special Halloween episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron dive deep into It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown—exploring how wishful thinking, childlike faith, and imagination reveal profound theological truths about human desire and divine hope. Known for their thoughtful Christian analysis of culture, Nathan and Cameron unpack C.S. Lewis’s argument from desire, the role of fantasy in spiritual formation, and the controversial idea that belief in figures like Santa Claus or the Great Pumpkin can be formative tutors of faith. Drawing connections between pop culture, philosophy, and Christian theology, they invite listeners to red...
2025-10-3134 minThinking Out Loudthe Anglican Breakup & The $10 Million Cannon Press OfferIn this episode, Nathan and Cameron dive deep into the theological and cultural earthquakes shaking the global church, beginning with the dramatic shift in the Anglican Communion as the Church of England appoints Dame Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury—a move many global Anglicans see as proof that the English church has abandoned biblical authority. With sharp insight and theological nuance, they unpack the growing divide between progressive Western Anglicanism and the vibrant, Scripture-centered Global South, drawing powerful parallels to the recent Methodist split. The conversation explores not only gender and sexuality debates but the deeper issue of bi...
2025-10-2836 minThinking Out LoudThe Hidden Cost of GlobalizationIn this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron dive deep into a rich theological discussion on globalization, nationalism, and the Christian’s calling in a hyper-connected yet fractured world. Through the lens of American farm policy, overproduction, and the global soybean market, they explore how shifting trade dynamics, political realignments, and cultural homogenization reveal both the power and fragility of modern systems. Drawing on biblical wisdom and thinkers like Wendell Berry and Marshall McLuhan, Nathan and Cameron challenge Christians to discern where their true responsibilities lie—between interest, concern, and focus—and to reclaim a distinctly Christian vision...
2025-10-2434 minThinking Out LoudDoug Wilson, Christian Nationalism & Theocracy: A Deep Dive with Nathan & CameronIn this episode, Nathan and Cameron dive deep into the rising influence of Doug Wilson and the growing interest in Christian nationalism among evangelicals. Sparked by Wilson’s recent high-profile interview with Ross Douthat on The Interesting Times podcast and growing media coverage—including CNN—this conversation critically examines Wilson’s theological vision, his version of Christendom 2.0, and the historical Reformed roots of his political theology. With thoughtful nuance, Nathan and Cameron explore the appeal of Wilson’s message to disillusioned Christian men, the implications of his post-secular, patriarchal worldview, and the overlap and tension between theocracy, Calvinism, and modern con...
2025-10-1734 minThinking Out Loud"You want an AI Pastor, You Just Don't Know it Yet": Cameron and Nathan RespondIn 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 pu...
2025-10-1437 minThinking Out LoudWhy We Don’t Pick Sides: A Christian Approach to Politics, Power, and VirtueIn 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? Th...
2025-09-3048 minThinking Out LoudPragmatic Christianity vs. True Discipleship: A Theological Conversation on Spiritual FormationIn 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...
2025-09-2655 minThinking Out LoudMalcolm Gladwell Admits He Lied: the Cost of Truth in a Hostile CultureIn this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron return to the subject of Malcolm Gladwell—this time exploring his recent admission that he spoke dishonestly in a 2022 panel discussion on trans athletes in women’s sports. Drawing connections between Gladwell’s statements, Douglas Murray’s fierce critique, and the broader cultural shift on gender ideology, Nathan and Cameron offer thoughtful, biblically rooted commentary on intellectual courage, cowardice, and the pressure to conform in elite spaces. With a focus on truth, integrity, and the role of the church in discerning the signs of the times, this conversation unpacks the inte...
2025-09-1931 minThinking Out LoudWhy 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...
2025-09-1245 minThinking Out LoudJames 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...
2025-09-0235 minThinking Out LoudTop Ten Books Every Thinking Christian Should ReadIn 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...
2025-08-2942 minThinking Out LoudC.S. Lewis Predicted 2025 in That Hideous StrengthIn this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron dive deep into That Hideous Strength, the final and most complex book of C.S. Lewis's Ransom Trilogy. Rather than offering a typical plot summary, they explore the prophetic theological themes that Lewis weaves into this dystopian narrative—from technocratic utopianism and demonic deception to the seduction of power and the spiritual cost of compromise. Originally written in 1945, this novel’s relevance to the challenges Christians face in 2025 is both unsettling and illuminating. Nathan and Cameron connect Lewis’s fiction to The Abolition of Man, The Inner Ring, and presen...
2025-08-2636 minThinking Out LoudIs the Bible Enough? Hidden Influences on How We Read ScriptureIn this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron dive deep into a theologically rich conversation sparked by a dialogue between Bishop Robert Barron and N.T. Wright on how to read the Bible. With Bible sales surging across North America, many Christians are picking up Scripture for the first time—or returning with fresh eyes—and asking: "Where do I begin?" Nathan and Cameron explore the unavoidable role of tradition, community, and the Holy Spirit in biblical interpretation. They challenge hyper-individualistic readings common in Western Christianity and unpack the theological implications of relying on YouTube influencers, historical cont...
2025-08-1940 minThinking Out LoudThe Weariness of Watching: News Overload and the Michael Tate ScandalIn this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron explore the growing weariness many Christians feel toward today's nonstop news cycle—from the emptiness of sensational headlines to the deeper cultural and spiritual implications of media overload. They reflect on why stories that once captivated now seem meaningless, and why skepticism toward both the news and its messengers is rising. The conversation then turns to the sobering allegations surrounding Michael Tate, former member of DC Talk and the Newsboys, prompting a hard but necessary theological reflection on celebrity culture within the Church, moral integrity, and the long-term impact of...
2025-07-2240 minThinking Out LoudDiscipleship in a Distracted Age: Karl Johnson on Spiritual FormationJoin Nathan Rittenhouse and Karl "KJ" Johnson of the C.S. Lewis Institute for a powerful theological discussion on discipleship, virtue, and spiritual renewal in today's culture. In this thought-provoking episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and KJ explore the growing hunger among Christians for more than entertainment or self-help—diving into the often-ignored middle ground of spiritual formation, holiness, and Christlike transformation. Drawing from decades of experience, KJ unpacks the importance of mentorship, community, and spiritual disciplines, while confronting the challenges of modern Christian life. This is a must-watch for believers seeking serious, biblically grounded conversation on...
2025-07-1848 minThinking Out LoudYoung Americans Turning to Socialism?In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron engage in a thoughtful, theologically grounded discussion on the changing political and cultural landscape in America, using the recent New York City mayoral primary as a springboard. They reflect on the growing appeal of socialism and even communism among younger voters, and explore why traditional capitalist and conservative frameworks are increasingly being rejected. Rather than dismissing these trends as youthful ignorance, Nathan and Cameron dig deeper—analyzing the plausibility structures, economic realities, and cultural narratives shaping a generation that feels disconnected from ownership, community, and purpose. For Christians seeking a...
2025-07-0432 minThinking Out LoudSmartest Man Alive Is a Christian — But Does That Matter?In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron respond to viral claims that Younghoon Kim—allegedly the individual with the highest IQ ever recorded—is a Christian. While some in the apologetics community tout this as a cultural win, Nathan and Cameron explore whether raw intelligence should be used to validate the Christian faith. They dig into the distinction between IQ and biblical wisdom, the long-standing intellectual tradition of Christianity, and the dangers of seeking external validation from secular standards. The hosts challenge the assumption that faith needs elite endorsement, arguing that wisdom, not intelligence, is the true...
2025-07-0129 minThinking Out LoudWhat Happened to Pride Month? The Culture Shift You Didn’t See ComingIn this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan Rittenhouse and Cameron McAllister explore the noticeable shift in cultural momentum surrounding Pride Month 2025. Has society grown weary of identity politics and expressive individualism? Is there a deeper hunger for meaning—one that shallow slogans and corporate branding can’t satisfy? With thoughtful Christian analysis, they unpack why Pride messaging feels quieter this year, the ideological fractures within the LGBTQIA+ movement, and how historic Christian symbols like the rainbow are being reclaimed. If you're a believer seeking intelligent, biblically grounded discussion on Pride Month, cultural fatigue, and the renewal of Christian witn...
2025-06-2726 minThinking Out LoudFundamentalism and the Fear of AmbiguityIn this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Cameron and Nathan explore the tension between Christian fundamentalism and faithful scholarship, using the controversy around resurrection expert Mike Licona as a case study. As Licona faces accusations of “caving to secularism” for his analysis of gospel differences through ancient literary conventions, the hosts ask: does questioning tradition mean abandoning truth? This conversation unpacks how fundamentalism’s demand for absolute certainty often silences honest inquiry and mistakes nuance for compromise. With insights from George Marsden, Craig Keener, and D.A. Carson, Cameron and Nathan examine the evangelical tendency to draw rigid lines of who...
2025-06-1740 minThinking Out LoudApologetics Without the Fight: John Lennox and Alex O'ConnorIn 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 philosop...
2025-06-1038 minThinking Out LoudJordan Peterson Jubilee AnalysisIn 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 questi...
2025-06-0348 minThinking Out LoudDC Embassy Shooting: Scapegoats, Sacrifice, and ViolenceIn 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 conve...
2025-05-2733 minThinking Out LoudAutopsy of New Atheism: Why Its Arguments No Longer Hold UpIn this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Cameron McAllister and Nathan Rittenhouse perform an intellectual autopsy of the New Atheist movement, reflecting on its cultural rise and current irrelevance. They unpack why arguments from figures like Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and Sam Harris no longer resonate—especially in light of Christianity’s enduring philosophical and moral foundations. With references to current debates, including a dismantling of Lawrence Krauss’s secular claims, this episode provides Christians with a robust understanding of how to engage secular critiques with grace and intellectual rigor. Whether you're interested in apologetics, cultural commentary, or the inters...
2025-05-0252 minThinking Out LoudFood Hacks and FOMOIn this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan Rittenhouse and Cameron McAllister explore how the globalization of food reflects much deeper cultural and spiritual shifts. From curry on British Airways to food hacks on TikTok, the conversation moves beyond cuisine to consider what we lose—culturally, theologically, and personally—when everything becomes an option and nothing remains rooted.Is the abundance of choice leading to a loss of identity, tradition, and self-control? And what does a faithful Christian response look like in a world of constant novelty and overstimulation?Join us for a thoughtful, theological disc...
2025-04-2936 minThinking Out LoudWhat's The Big Deal With Sin?In this thought-provoking video, Cameron and Nathan delve into the controversial and often misunderstood doctrine of sin, exploring its significance in both theological and practical terms. As the conversation unfolds, they address the growing cultural skepticism surrounding sin, particularly among younger generations, who view it as harmful or outdated. The discussion touches on the biblical understanding of sin as a fracturing of relationships, both with God and with others, offering a relational framework to help modern listeners grasp its relevance. Cameron and Nathan also critique the idea that education or enlightenment can resolve moral failings, highlighting the deeper issue...
2025-04-0135 minThinking Out LoudA Discussion with Grandpa RittenhouseIn this episode, Nathan sits down with his often quoted Grandpa to talk about the parallels between our era and the 1960s and how his church leadership style adapted to grow churches in the midst of cultural chaos. We hope this is an encouraging reminder to those who are interested in the future of the church.
2024-08-0644 minThinking Out LoudLet’s Talk about the Barbie MovieCameron watched it. Nathan didn’t. Cameron sort of liked it. Nathan is intrigued. Join us as we close out 2023 by discussing its most popular movie.
2023-12-2637 minThinking Out LoudLet’s Talk Animal Rights, Part 2Nathan Rittenhouse recently appeared on the Premier UnBelievable podcast to discuss the question, Do Animals have souls? His interlocutor in the discussion is Joyce D’Silva, Ambassador Emeritus for Compassion in World Farming. Click here to listen to the podcast and to read Nathan’s follow-up article. In this episode, Nathan begins by trying to convince Cameron to become a vegetarian.
2023-10-0636 minThinking Out LoudLet’s Talk Animal Rights, Part 1Nathan Rittenhouse recently appeared on the Premier UnBelievable podcast to discuss the question, Do Animals have souls? His interlocutor in the discussion is Joyce D’Silva, Ambassador Emeritus for Compassion in World Farming. Click here to listen to the podcast and to read Nathan’s follow-up article. In this episode, we unpack Nathan’s conversation and we press into why the question of animal rights is so prevalent right now.
2023-10-0339 minThinking Out LoudIdealism and Harsh RealitiesNathan Rittenhouse argues that we live in a moment when our idealism is outpacing our capabilities. In this episode, we explore the tension of wanting to improve the world while facing our human limitations.
2023-09-2935 minThinking Out Loud“Do I Need Community to Know Who I Am?”The episode title was also the title of a talk that Nathan recently gave to a large gathering at a coffee shop. Here, Cameron and Nathan continue to explore the ways in which our culture seems to be trending away from the rugged individualism that dominated previous generations. But where exactly are we going? Join us as we explore the topic of community in the modern world.
2023-08-1134 minThinking Out LoudAn Interview with Dr. Andy BannisterThe western world is becoming more and more of a melting pot and conversations about religious differences are going to be unavoidable. In this episode, Nathan Rittenhouse interviews Dr. Andy Bannister about how we talk to our children about Islam.
2023-07-1445 minThinking Out LoudWho We Are, Where We Hope to Go“Are we a podcast that does ministry, or are we a ministry that does a podcast?” That was Nathan Rittenhouse’s question as we resigned from our former jobs and stepped out in faith to found Thinking Out Loud. It’s been nearly two years since that day, so we thought we’d take this opportunity to provide an update on the current shape of our ministry and where we hope to go.
2023-03-0738 minThinking Out LoudFifa and Theocracy"Well, Cameron, every once in a while, an international sport runs into a theocracy." So begins Nathan Rittenhouse's opening to this episode, which explores the cultural tensions that have erupted at the Fifa 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
2022-11-2937 minThinking Out LoudThe Appeal of "Celebrity Christianity"Carl Lentz, the disgraced former Hillsong pastor, is in the news once again because of a black and white glamor shot of he and his wife that was posted to his Instagram page. Many are speculating that this signals a return to ministry. By many accounts an all-too-familiar story, Nathan Rittenhouse finds the whole celebrity charade deeply perplexing. In this episode, Cameron does his darndest to help Nathan make sense of the appeal of celebrity Christianity.
2022-10-1449 minThinking Out LoudCampus Ministry TodayNathan Rittenhouse recently returned from a talk at the University of Virginia. Cameron took this as an opportunity to ask him all about the feel on campus these days, as well as the types of questions being asked. Surprisingly, the interest is deeply biblical, rather than topical.
2022-10-1137 minThinking Out LoudAmish Paradise?As our cultural moment grows more embattled and contentious, many of us long for alternative forms of community. Perhaps this explains our largely romantic view of the Amish. From romance novels to daydreams of a “simpler form of life,” the notion that most of us could bring our consumerist individualism into the tight knit fold of an Amish community strains credibility. But what happens when communal practice clashes with the laws of the land? Tune in as Nathan and Cameron press into this question and try to settle once and for all why so many folks think Nathan is Amis...
2022-09-1340 min
Thinking Out LoudIs True Adventure Outdated?"What does it mean to live in a time when most of our maps are filled in?" This question from Nathan Rittenhouse is occasioned by the discovery of the wreck of Ernest Shackleton's vessel, the Endurance. Researches recently located the ship on the Antarctic sea floor. Granted, arctic expeditions are largely a thing of the past, but what does it mean to go on an adventure in the age of GPS technology? Does our infatuation with safety sometimes rob us of vital experiences? Do we need danger? Do you need to listen to this episode? We think so! Buckle...
2022-05-0641 minThinking Out LoudDavid Brooks, "Evangelical Dissenters," and the Hope of RenewalThe title of New York Times columnist, David Brooks's, latest piece speaks for itself: "The Dissenters Trying to Save Evangelicalism from Itself." Some found it compelling. Some found it irksome. Very few had a neutral response. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron weigh in on the state of the church in North America, drawing on some of their sobering experiences as former speakers for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries.
For those interested, here's the link to the uncomfortable interview Cameron mentions at the beginning. And here's the link to Nathan Rittenhouse's talk on environmental justice.
2022-02-1138 minThinking Out LoudNeil Young, Joe Rogan, and #cancelspotifyIs Neil Young "so woke he canceled himself," or is he standing on moral principle? In this episode, Nathan and Cameron explore the developing story of one musician's opposition to the streaming giant.
2022-01-2828 minThinking Out LoudEpisode 98: Is physical church outdated?Has the pandemic forced us to recognize that physical church is now outdated? Is the pivot to online services the dawn of a new era, rather than a temporary precaution? Nathan and Cameron explore these issues in this episode and do their darndest to not get too grumpy. We’ll let you be the judge of whether they succeed…
2022-01-2529 minThinking Out LoudEpisode 97: Who can afford to not care about genocide?Golden State Warriors co-owner Chamath Palihapitiya recently sparked controversy when he casually remarked “nobody cares about the Uyghurs” on his podcast. Given his wealth and position, it’s worth asking whether such a statement will even make a tangible difference in his life. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron press into the complex question of how wealth often dictates the rules of free speech.
2022-01-2138 min
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 96: The Tonga Volcano and Human VulnerabilityWhat does a volcano eruption have to do with Christianity? Tune in to hear Nathan and Cameron explore the Tonga eruption, its ongoing devastation, and how our Christian convictions can help us to frame the situation.
2022-01-2038 minThinking Out LoudEpisode 96: The Tonga Volcano and Human VulnerabilityWhat does a volcano eruption have to do with Christianity? Tune in to hear Nathan and Cameron explore the Tonga eruption, its ongoing devastation, and how our Christian convictions can help us to frame the situation.
2022-01-1838 min
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 95: January 6th and the State of the NationNathan and Cameron discuss the storming of the capital and consider some of the severe responses to its aftermath.
2022-01-1539 minThinking Out LoudEpisode 95: January 6th and the State of the NationNathan and Cameron discuss the storming of the capital and consider some of the severe responses to its aftermath.
2022-01-1439 minThinking Out LoudEpisode 94: The Christian Obsession with CelebrityDo we need “Christian” celebrities to validate the credibility of the church? Join Nathan and Cameron as they explore this question.
2022-01-1135 min
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 94: The Christian Obsession with CelebrityDo we need “Christian” celebrities to validate the credibility of the church? Join Nathan and Cameron as they explore this question.
2022-01-1135 minThinking Out LoudEpisode 93: The Webb Telescope and Cosmic WonderSpace, the final frontier: these are the voyages of Nathan and Cameron as they think out loud about the unprecedented capabilities of the James Webb telescope.
2022-01-0739 min
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 93: The Webb Telescope and Cosmic WonderSpace, the final frontier: these are the voyages of Nathan and Cameron as they think out loud about the unprecedented capabilities of the James Webb telescope.
2022-01-0739 minThinking Out LoudEpisode 92: Three Cheers for New Year’s ResolutionsNathan and Cameron explore the theological underpinnings of the rituals that inevitably structure our lives, and consider how our resolutions (or lack thereof) influence that dynamic.
2022-01-0445 min
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 92: Three Cheers for New Year’s ResolutionsNathan and Cameron explore the theological underpinnings of the rituals that inevitably structure our lives, and consider how our resolutions (or lack thereof) influence that dynamic. .
2022-01-0445 min
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 91: Why We Need the HumanitiesInspired by an editorial by Purdue engineering professor, Avi Kak, arguing for the value of the humanities, Nathan and Cameron do their best to persuade you that the humanities equip us for more than flipping burgers.
2021-12-3143 minThinking Out LoudEpisode 91: Why We Need the HumanitiesInspired by an editorial by Purdue engineering professor, Avi Kak, arguing for the value of the humanities, Nathan and Cameron do their best to persuade you that the humanities equip us for more than flipping burgers.
2021-12-3143 minThinking Out LoudEpisode 90: Sensationalism Is Old NewsIn this episode, Nathan and Cameron explore the longstanding tradition of media sensationalism and consider why it’s often mistaken for a new phenomenon.
2021-12-2834 min
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 90: Sensationalism Is Old NewsIn this episode, Nathan and Cameron explore the longstanding tradition of media sensationalism and consider why it’s often mistaken for a new phenomenon.
2021-12-2834 minThinking Out LoudEpisode 89: The Moral Foundation of AdventThought Nathan and Cameron couldn’t overanalyze Advent? Think again. Merry Christmas from the Thinking Out Loud crew!
2021-12-2433 min
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 89: The Moral Foundation of AdventThought Nathan and Cameron couldn’t overanalyze Advent? Think again. Merry Christmas from the Thinking Out Loud crew!
2021-12-2433 minThinking Out LoudEpisode 88: What’s So Great About Christmas Hymns?In this episode, Nathan and Cameron try to explore the unique staying power of Christmas hymns without ruining it in the process.
2021-12-2131 min
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 88: What’s So Great About Christmas Hymns?In this episode, Nathan and Cameron try to explore the unique staying power of Christmas hymns without ruining it in the process.
2021-12-2131 min
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 87: Tornadoes, Devastation, and the Demand for ExplanationsIn the wake of the devastation wrought by tornadoes in Kentucky and portions of the Midwest, many of us are struggling to make sense of these events. Nathan and Cameron explore the nature of our response.
2021-12-1735 minThinking Out LoudEpisode 87: Tornadoes, Devastation, and the Demand for ExplanationsIn the wake of the devastation wrought by tornadoes in Kentucky and portions of the Midwest, many of us are struggling to make sense of these events. Nathan and Cameron explore the nature of our response.
2021-12-1735 minThinking Out LoudEpisode 86: What’s an Evangelical?Nathan and Cameron explore the vexed topic of evangelicalism through the lens of Daniel Silliman’s new book, Reading Evangelicals.
2021-12-1445 min
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 86: What’s an Evangelical?Nathan and Cameron explore the vexed topic of evangelicalism through the lens of Daniel Silliman’s new book, Reading Evangelicals.
2021-12-1445 minThinking Out LoudEpisode 85: Michigan School Shooting and Moral ResponsibilityIn the wake of this latest school shooting at Oxford High School in Michigan, Nathan and Cameron explore the tangled question of moral responsibility.
2021-12-1040 min
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 85: Michigan School Shooting and Moral ResponsibilityThough Google remains committed to its "Don't be evil" motto, evil is surprisingly difficult to define without God. Nathan and Cameron consider what evil means in the age of Google.
2021-12-1040 minThinking Out LoudEpisode 84: Evil in the Age of GoogleThough Google remains committed to its "Don't be evil" motto, evil is surprisingly difficult to define without God. Nathan and Cameron consider what evil means in the age of Google.
2021-12-0743 min
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 84: Evil in the Age of GoogleThough Google remains committed to its "Don't be evil" motto, evil is surprisingly difficult to define without God. Nathan and Cameron consider what evil means in the age of Google.
2021-12-0743 minThinking Out LoudEpisode 83: Alec Baldwin and Our Lethal Entertainment HabitsNathan and Cameron discuss the broader implications of the tragic events that unfolded on the set of Rust.
2021-12-0338 min
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 83: Alec Baldwin and Our Lethal Entertainment HabitsNathan and Cameron discuss the broader implications of the tragic events that unfolded on the set of RUST.
2021-12-0338 min
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 82: Why Are Christians Deconstructing Their Faith?Nathan and Cameron continue their discussion of deconstruction by exploring some of the deeper motivations behind the movement.
2021-11-3046 minThinking Out LoudEpisode 82: Why Are Christians Deconstructing Their Faith?Nathan and Cameron continue their discussion of deconstruction by exploring some of the deeper motivations behind the movement.
2021-11-3046 minThinking Out LoudEpisode 81: Christian Deconstruction?What does it mean to “deconstruct” one’s faith? Nathan and Cameron discuss the matter.
2021-11-2547 min
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 81: Christian Deconstruction?What does it mean to "deconstruct" one's faith? In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss the matter.
2021-11-2547 min
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 80: Reckoning with Kyle RittenhouseNathan and Cameron discuss Kyle Rittenhouse and the events that led up to his trial.
2021-11-1947 minThinking Out LoudEpisode 80: Reckoning with Kyle RittenhouseNathan and Cameron discuss Kyle Rittenhouse and the events that led up to his trial.
2021-11-1947 min
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 79: Should We Cancel Dave Chappelle?Nathan and Cameron discuss the swelling controversy surrounding Dave Chappelle’s latest comedy special and consider some of its broader implications
2021-11-1740 minThinking Out LoudEpisode 79: Should We Cancel Dave Chappelle?Nathan and Cameron discuss the swelling controversy surrounding Dave Chappelle’s latest comedy special and consider some of its broader implications.
2021-11-1740 min
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 78: Reckoning with the Haiti KidnappingNathan and Cameron press into the tension between modern assumptions about safety and convenience and missionary work in developing nations.
2021-11-0837 minThinking Out LoudEpisode 78: Reckoning with the Haiti KidnappingNathan and Cameron press into the tension between modern assumptions about safety and convenience and missionary work in developing nations.
2021-11-0837 min
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 77: Vaccine Mandates and RiskNathan and Cameron explore how a Christian understanding of risk frames the discussion on vaccine mandates.
2021-11-0257 minThinking Out LoudEpisode 77: Vaccine Mandates and RiskNathan and Cameron explore how a Christian understanding of risk frames the discussion on vaccine mandates.
2021-11-0257 min
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 76: Of Halloween and Horror MoviesOn the occasion of Halloween, Nathan and Cameron take a look at the theological implications of horror movies. They are joined by Dr. Philip Tallon, who is Dean of the School of Christian Thought at Houston Baptist University, as well as Cameron’s old professor.
2021-10-311h 01
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 75: What the Texas Abortion Ban Says About UsNathan and Cameron discuss the controversial Texas “Heartbeat Bill” and consider some of its broader implications for Christians who want to pursue justice without compromising their convictions.
2021-10-2757 min
Thinking Out LoudEpisode 74: Where We’ve Been, Where We’re GoingAfter nearly 6 months away, Nathan and Cameron return to the Thinking Out Loud podcast to discuss the circumstances of their departures from Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, as well as the new direction of the show.
2021-10-1938 min