Thinking Fellows: Merry Christmas 2022 – Episode Summary

Podcast: Thinking Fellows
Episode: Merry Christmas 2022
Date: December 25, 2022
Hosts: Caleb Keith (B), Scott Keith (A), Adam Francisco (C)

Episode Overview

This Christmas special serves both as a festive greeting and a reflective year-end wrap-up from the Thinking Fellows. The hosts offer thanks to their listeners, discuss annual Christmas controversies within Christian circles, and share lighthearted moments about family traditions and decorating. The conversation blends theological commentary with humor and personal anecdotes, embracing the relaxed, conversational style the podcast is known for.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Podcast Progress and Reading Tolkien (00:18–03:15)

• The episode opens with light banter about the ongoing Lord of the Rings reading challenge, providing a break between “The Hobbit” and “The Fellowship of the Ring.”
• The hosts joke about using audiobooks to make progress, especially during busy holiday activities.
  • Scott: “[Lord of the Rings] is like a 20-hour read through the first book.” (01:08)
  • Discussion about the differing experiences of listening vs. reading, especially while multitasking.

2. Thanking the Listeners and Year-End Reflections (03:18–05:06)

• Caleb extends heartfelt gratitude to supporters and listeners for their engagement and financial support.
  • Caleb: “We had the most support we've ever had in a given year… I'm extremely thankful for the support that listeners give to our podcast and the podcast network.” (03:39)
• Emphasis on the podcast’s impact not just in education, but in providing companionship and entertainment.

3. Revisiting Past Christmas Episodes (05:08–05:48)

• The hosts recall previous Christmas episodes—discussions about Santa, the "Creaster" phenomenon (Christmas/Easter church attendance), and related church culture topics.

4. Annual Christmas Controversies (05:49–18:40)

a. "Mary, Did You Know?" Song Debate (06:04–09:59)

• Adam and Caleb describe how online discourse criticizes the song for allegedly being patronizing to Mary, debating whether the lyrics are rhetorical or misinformed.
  • Scott: “There are some scriptures to support the fact that [Mary] maybe did not know the extent to which…” (07:05)
  • Caleb: “Peter, in the course of one breath, declares that Jesus is Lord, and then seconds later tells him that he can't be crucified…” (07:35)
• The hosts generally conclude that overanalyzing the issue misses the rhetorical intent and symbolic meaning of the song.

b. Churches Closing on Christmas Morning (10:08–18:40)

• Spirited discussion about churches choosing not to hold services on Christmas (especially when it falls on a Sunday), and the subsequent shaming or criticism on social media.

  • Adam: “It's amazing the things like people obsess about, especially in the world of Christianity…” (12:04)

• The hosts critique both sides: shaming those who only go to church on Christmas/Easter and those closing services out of concern for attendance or convenience.

• Liturgical traditions’ role:

  • Scott: “Maybe it's one of those things that the church calendar kind of protects you from having a controversy over…” (17:08)
  • Liturgical churches typically avoid these issues by adhering to the established calendar, unlike some evangelical settings.

5. Theology of Church Attendance and Piety (18:41–38:45)

• Discussion shifts to personal and communal aspects of worship attendance during holidays:
  • The difference between individual liberty and corporate worship in the tradition of the church.
  • The hosts reflect on seasons when family obligations prevented them from attending, noting that meaningful worship can also occur at home through devotions or prayer.
  • Scott: “The first Christian community you have is your family.” (24:27)
• Critique of an overemphasis on attendance as a metric of faith or as a “category of the law,” rather than focusing on receiving the gifts of the Gospel.
  • Scott: “This just gets... What are we counting here? Are they a better Christian than the person next to them that goes every single Christmas Eve and Christmas Day...?” (21:06)
• Adam laments the volume of “law, law, law, law, law” posts online, emphasizing the need to center the Gospel in church messaging.
  • Adam: “[There’s] very little concern about whether the gospel is true or not… Almost a complete absence of contending for the truthfulness of the gospel, instead of just law, law, law…” (26:29)

6. The "Office of the Holy Ministry" Debate (27:54–35:59)

• The hosts discuss theological disputes over the proper respect for the pastoral office.
  • Scott argues that disrespecting the office is not the “greatest heresy,” as some claim—it’s an error (heterodoxy), not a salvation issue.
    • Scott: “Is it a heresy? No, of course it's not a heresy. Can you believe in this wrong doctrine and still be saved? If the answer to that is yes, it's not a heresy.” (31:19)
  • The Augsburg Confession (Article 5) is cited to clarify the purpose of the preaching office.
  • The distinction is made between true doctrinal errors and the misguided amplification of certain institutional issues.

7. Personal Experiences and Holiday Fun (38:45–45:39)

• Sudden shift to lighthearted family topics and traditions:
  • Scott wins his neighborhood Christmas lights contest and jokes with Adam about decorating prowess.
    • Scott: “Yes, I did [win the contest]. In fact, yeah, I got a ticket from your wife.” (39:07)
  • Stories about nativity decorations and their quality; family traditions of hand-made manger scenes and childhood memories.
  • The hosts muse on the role of imaginative, decorative traditions in pointing children toward the significance of Christmas.
    • Adam: “It really does help children when things are exciting and important and different.” (41:12)
• Plans for next year’s decorations include potential Narnia-in-winter themes (44:52).

8. Concluding Thoughts and Looking Ahead (45:36–49:07)

• Short discussion on the format and future direction of the podcast.
  • Caleb explains the shift away from the “Why You Should” series due to fatigue and the desire for natural, topic-based conversation.
  • Listeners are encouraged to submit suggestions for future episodes.
    • Caleb: “If you have something near and dear to you that you believe needs repeating or refreshing or you would like for us to have a conversation about, feel free to send those ideas via the contact form at 1517.org.” (47:38)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Adam, on online controversy fatigue: “I'm tired of people yelling at me through Facebook or whatever.” (06:21)
• Scott, on the meaning of Christmas worship: “It's the ultimate message of the gospel. The Messiah has come… It's a time to remember and rejoice in that. And it's not a category of the law. It's just not.” (16:29)
• Caleb, reflecting on family worship: “That the first Christian community you have is your family. And I think Christmas is an opportunity to see that as well…” (24:27)
• Scott, satirizing comparison in piety: “I'm better than Adam. You know, just like with my Christmas lights.” (37:12)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:18 — Tolkien reading check-in and Christmas episode setup
• 03:18 — Year-end listener gratitude
• 05:08 — Recap of past Christmas episodes
• 06:04 — “Mary, Did You Know?” song controversy
• 10:08 — Churches closing on Christmas; church attendance culture
• 18:41 — Church attendance, family piety, and liberty
• 27:54 — Pastoral office and theological debate
• 38:45 — Christmas lights competition and family traditions
• 45:36 — Podcast direction and call for listener feedback

Episode Tone

This episode is characterized by warm banter, self-deprecating humor, and thoughtful engagement with both perennial and current church controversies. The hosts manage a nuanced conversational style—simultaneously incisive and gracious, offering serious theological commentary while poking fun at themselves and holiday foibles.

Summary

The Thinking Fellows combine hearty Christmas wishes, genuine gratitude, theological exploration, and holiday fun in this episode. They balance analysis of online controversies (worship practices, church attendance, and the “office of the ministry”) with stories of Christmas lights, family traditions, and imaginative celebrations—creating a rich, accessible episode for lay and learned listeners alike.