Deconstruction is often misunderstood—some see it as a step toward renewal, while others fear it as a path to apostasy. But what if we’re missing the deeper reality? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer talks with Ian Harber, author of Walking Through Deconstruction: How to Be a Companion in a Crisis of Faith.

Together, they explore the personal and cultural forces shaping deconstruction, why many in the church respond with fear or animosity, and how we can engage with those questioning their faith with patience, wisdom, and truth. Ian shares his own journey of deconstruction and reconstruction, highlighting the existential nature of faith crises and why intellectual arguments alone aren’t enough.

Join us for a deep and thoughtful conversation on how the church can walk with those wrestling with doubt, engage the deeper assumptions behind deconstruction, and foster a faith that is both intellectually rigorous and spiritually resilient.

🔗 Check out Ian Harber’s book: Walking Through Deconstruction at IVP (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount)
🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, James Spencer and Nate Giarratano take a deep dive into the complexities of meritocracy, systemic sin, and hiring practices. Using personal stories and broader cultural conversations—sparked by a recent presidential speech—they examine whether hiring is ever truly based on merit alone. They explore how networks, relationships, and institutional structures shape hiring decisions, sometimes in ways we fail to recognize.

Does meritocracy really exist? How should Christians think about hiring in ministry and beyond? And how does our dependence on God shape the way we navigate these realities? Join the conversation as James and Nate unpack these issues and challenge common assumptions about qualifications, fairness, and faith-led decision-making.

Listen to James's conversation with Kaitlyn Beatty on The Evangelical Bro Code here.

You can access James' article on the way the "bro code" impacts men here.

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Can Christians faithfully engage in politics without compromising their convictions? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer is joined by Dr. Jesse Covington, Dr. Brian T. McGraw, and Dr. Micah Watson, co-authors of Hopeful Realism: Evangelical Natural Law and Democratic Politics. Together, they explore how natural law provides a foundation for engaging in the public square while maintaining theological integrity.

📖 Topics Covered:

• What is natural law, and why should evangelicals care?
• How does natural law shape Christian engagement in politics?
• The dangers of both political withdrawal and theocratic overreach
• How to share governance in a pluralistic society while upholding biblical truth
• The role of prudence in navigating difficult political issues, such as abortion policy

🎙 Listen now to learn how natural law can help Christians be faithful participants in politics without losing sight of the gospel.

📚 Get the book with an exclusive 20% discount at IVP! Visit ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount).

🔗 Explore more biblical resources at UsefulToGod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.