Podcast
Thinking Out Loud
Hosted by Nathan Rittenhouse & Cameron McAllister · EN
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.
39episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
“What Happens When the Bible Doesn’t Give a Clear Answer?” | Church Authority Explained
1w ago00:38:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan Rittenhouse and Cameron McAllister explore one of the most pressing questions facing modern Christianity: how should churches handle authority, biblical interpretation, and cultural issues that are not explicitly addressed in Scripture? From AI-generated sermons and marijuana use to cohabitation, church tradition, conscience, and Christian freedom, Nathan and Cameron discuss how believers can faithfully apply timeless biblical principles to rapidly changing cultural realities. They unpack the difference between “rethinking” Christianity and “re-articulating” historic Christian faith, while emphasizing the importance of church leadership, discipleship, catechesis, and honest conversations within the church. This deep discussion on church authority, Christian ethics, biblical principles, theology, discipleship, and modern culture is essential listening for Christians navigating faith in the digital age.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.
Transcribe →Hantavirus Cruise Ship Panic: Should You Actually Be Worried?
2w ago00:38:47Tap to summarizeNathan and Cameron dive into the latest hantavirus cruise ship outbreak, unpacking the growing public anxiety around viruses, global travel, and pandemic-era distrust in institutions like the World Health Organization. In this thought-provoking episode of Thinking Out Loud, they explore the science behind hantavirus, the media frenzy surrounding the cruise ship crisis, and the lingering cultural impact of COVID-19 on public trust, epidemiology, and scientific communication. From discussions about social media misinformation and expert credibility to Christian perspectives on fear, community, and the unknown, Nathan and Cameron offer a nuanced conversation about science, faith, public health, and modern society. If you're interested in discussions on viruses, pandemic response, COVID-19 lessons, media narratives, scientific trust, Christian worldview, and current events, this episode delivers a compelling and balanced perspective.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.
Transcribe →The Viral AI Graduation Speech That Backfired
3w ago00:36:25Tap to summarizeNathan Rittenhouse and Cameron McAllister unpack the viral AI commencement speech controversy in this thought-provoking episode of Thinking Out Loud, exploring why younger generations are increasingly skeptical of artificial intelligence, corporate tech culture, and the promises of the digital revolution. Nathan and Cameron discuss the growing backlash against AI hype, the loss of authentic human connection in a hyper-digital age, and the cultural divide between technological optimism and the desire for deeper community, meaningful work, and rooted living. Drawing on insights from thinkers like Ben Sasse, Wendell Berry, Paul Kingsnorth, and Ian McGilchrist, they examine how practices like reading books, digital sabbaths, hard physical work, travel, church community, and shared stories can help people remain fully human in an AI-driven world. This conversation dives into AI ethics, technology and Christianity, digital culture, social media addiction, humanities education, and the future of human flourishing in the age of artificial intelligence.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.
Transcribe →Performative Christianity: Why So Many Christians Feel FAKE Online
3w ago00:34:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan Rittenhouse and Cameron McAllister explore the tension between public faith and performative Christianity through the lens of Matthew 5 and Matthew 6. Discussing Jesus’ teachings on prayer, fasting, giving, and letting your light shine before others, Nathan and Cameron unpack the difference between authentic Christian practice and virtue signaling in the age of social media, branding, and online ministry. Drawing from biblical examples like Daniel, the Pharisees, and the Apostle Paul, they examine motivations, humility, Christian witness, spiritual formation, worship, and the danger of performative faith in modern evangelical culture. This thoughtful Christian podcast conversation also highlights practical ways believers can live with sincerity, cultivate “sneaky righteousness,” and pursue a doxological life that glorifies God rather than self.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.
Transcribe →Why Christians Don’t Know How to Be Christians Anymore
4w ago00:38:14Tap to summarizeIn this thought-provoking episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan Rittenhouse and Cameron McAllister explore why modern Christianity in North America is facing a deep discipleship crisis and why many Christians struggle to live out their faith in a secular culture. Drawing from the practices of the early church, Nathan and Cameron discuss catechesis, spiritual formation, Christian habits, biblical discipleship, virtue, apologetics, worship, and the importance of teaching believers how to truly obey Jesus rather than simply consume Christian content. They examine how early Christians trained new converts through Scripture, doctrine, Christian virtue, and spiritual discernment, while also addressing topics like cultural Christianity, deconstruction, church leadership, spiritual warfare, Christian community, and the formation of Christian identity in today’s world. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in Christian discipleship, theology, church history, spiritual growth, apologetics, evangelicalism, Orthodox and Catholic traditions, and the future of the church in an increasingly post-Christian culture.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.
Transcribe →What to Say to Someone Deconstructing Their Faith?
May 500:38:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan Rittenhouse and Cameron McAllister explore what happens when someone begins to lose their faith and how Christians can thoughtfully respond. They discuss the nature of belief and doubt, why faith often shifts gradually rather than suddenly, and how underlying assumptions shape what people come to विश्वास or reject. Nathan and Cameron also examine what defines a Christian, distinguishing between core theological essentials and secondary beliefs, while offering practical guidance for supporting friends or loved ones who are deconstructing. Emphasizing patience, humility, and meaningful relationship, they encourage listeners to engage with tough questions, remain grounded in scripture and prayer, and understand the deeper reasons behind changing beliefs in today’s cultural and intellectual landscape.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.
Transcribe →Biblical Prophecy Explained: Symbolism, Sovereignty, and Christ-Centered Interpretation
May 100:34:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Nathan and Cameron dive into the meaning of biblical prophecy, unpacking complex symbolism, Old Testament passages like Zechariah 1, and the broader purpose of prophecy within Scripture. They explore how to interpret prophetic literature without getting lost in speculative details, emphasizing God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and the central role of Christ in understanding the Bible. They also discuss practical tools like trusted commentaries, the dangers of overanalyzing prophecy, and how believers can approach difficult passages with clarity and confidence. Plus, they share details about the upcoming Summer Academy hosted by the C.S. Lewis Institute, where listeners can engage with them and other leading Christian thinkers. This conversation is ideal for anyone interested in biblical interpretation, Christian theology, Old Testament prophecy, and how Scripture applies to modern faith.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.
Transcribe →The Rise of ‘Micro Looting’: Are Moral Standards Collapsing?
Apr 2800:34:48Tap to summarizeNathan Rittenhouse and Cameron McAllister dive into a thought-provoking discussion on their Thinking Out Loud podcast, analyzing a controversial New York Times article titled “The Rich Don’t Play by the Rules. So Why Should We?” and the growing cultural conversation around “micro looting,” corporate theft, and shifting moral standards. Drawing on a real classroom story about middle school students’ attitudes toward stealing, Nathan and Cameron explore how language, culture, and modern political commentary—featuring figures like Hassan Piker and ideas influenced by G.K. Chesterton—are reshaping public perceptions of property, ethics, and justice. This episode offers sharp cultural analysis, Christian worldview insights, and social commentary on capitalism, morality, and the normalization of theft, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in politics, philosophy, and current cultural debates.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.
Transcribe →13 Ideas Destroying Christianity: The Hartford Appeal Revisited
Apr 1700:41:48Tap to summarizeNathan and Cameron revisit the Hartford Appeal in this episode of Thinking Out Loud, exploring 13 “false and debilitating ideas” that have shaped modern Christianity and continue to influence culture today. Drawing on insights from figures like Peter Berger, Richard John Neuhaus, and C. S. Lewis, they examine themes such as moral relativism, the rise of therapeutic self-fulfillment, the decline of church authority, and the tension between modern thought and historic Christian doctrine. From critiques of “chronological snobbery” to discussions on God’s transcendence, secularization, and cultural influence, Nathan and Cameron analyze how these ideas have aged since 1974 and where they appear in both mainline and evangelical contexts today. This episode offers a thought-provoking deep dive into theology, philosophy, and culture, ideal for viewers interested in Christian apologetics, church history, and the future of faith in the modern world.Click here to read the Hartford ArticleDONATE 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.
Transcribe →Is Modern Culture Losing Great Art? What Handel’s Messiah Reveals
Apr 1300:39:03Tap to summarizeNathan Rittenhouse and Cameron McAllister explore the enduring power and cultural significance of Handel’s Messiah in this thought-provoking episode of Thinking Out Loud, unpacking its surprising Easter origins, rich theological themes, and lasting impact on both classical music and modern culture. Reflecting on the 1742 Dublin debut by George Frideric Handel, they discuss the deeper meaning behind the iconic “Hallelujah Chorus,” the role of great art in shaping human experience, and why timeless works demand patience in an age of instant entertainment. From personal stories of hearing Messiah performed live to broader insights on creativity, worship, and the “creative commons,” Nathan and Cameron challenge listeners to rediscover classical masterpieces, engage with profound artistic traditions, and consider how music, faith, and shared cultural works continue to shape our understanding of hope, beauty, and what it means to be human.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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