Thinker Sensitive

Ryan bids his listeners farewell, departing with a final word. "This is what I am learning: I must abide in him that he might abide in me. I hope you have learned something too. I hope, like me, you're striving to become something more. I hope we reach the same end. I hope that we wash up on the same shore….”About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Ryan shifts to a personal evaluation of ancient Stoicism, offering some commendations and some corrections. "There's a lot of practical wisdom and prudent advice in Stoicism, as long as we stay clear of some of the extremes—incorporating the recommendations of Epictetus into our lives in a nuanced and balanced manner.”About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

After briefly discussing Epicureanism, the moral philosophy of Epicurus, Ryan transitions to Aristotle's moral philosophy—which is widely understood as a “character, or virtue, ethic.”   "One of the most intriguing and thought-provoking aspects of Aristotle's ethics is the idea that morality, virtue, and happiness are solely based on acting, doing, living, and being. It is not enough to talk about morality or to think about morality; one must enact justice and embody the good. For Aristotle, talking about virtue doesn't make you good; being virtuous makes you good.”About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Ryan dips into Classical Greek ethics, beginning with a brief summary of Epicureanism, which is an ancient form of hedonism that emphasizes simplicity and moderation.  "Epicurus was born on the Island of Samoa. He visited Athens as a teenager and briefly studied under a disciple of Plato. Years later, he would return to Athens, but this time not as a student, but rather as a teacher, quickly establishing a philosophy school at a local garden. He liked it so much that… he never left."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Fear of retribution, hope of rewards, or the power of love? Ryan talks about the only motivating factor and inspirational force in the universe worth living and dying for."...fear of punishment and hope of rewards are motivations and incentives for the immature, not the mature. They are what help children behave, but we must progress beyond childhood and move towards perfection, the perfection of love…."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In the second part of a two-part podcast on "The Law of Love," Ryan argues that no one—neither Christians nor non-Christians—consistently and perfectly embodies the love that fulfills all law."...the love that fulfills the law, the love of God in Christ—self-sacrificial, edifying, and unconditional love—represents an immensely high standard, one that almost all people fail to reach. This standard, this love, like the law of old, becomes our judge. It scrutinizes our love. It shows us just how incredibly small and impotent our love is…."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Ryan discusses the nature and character of the love that fulfills all law."True love, real love, the love that fulfills all law, is made up of three defining characteristics: selflessness, edification, and unconditionality."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Ryan unpacks the contextual and nuanced ethic of Christ, which was centered on the values of the kingdom that he proclaimed."So much of Jesus's ethical reasoning has to do with notions of priority and primacy, as moral judgments often involve a deliberation—choosing which principle or principles should be given ultimate primacy and priority above all others."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Ryan talks about dreaded religious rules and much maligned divine precepts, taking a uniquely positive and optimistic approach to the law of God in the Judeo-Christian tradition."As I have said many times before, and as the ancient thinkers and classical philosophers also taught—not just in Israel but in Greece and in Rome as well—the moral life is the good life. The high character person is the happy person. The virtuous person is the blessed person. The mature person is the fulfilled person."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Ryan explains why he believes that the moral life is the good life, that the spiritual life is the blessed life, and that the holy life is the happy life."Holiness and happiness, purity and pleasure, benevolence and blessedness, virtue and vivaciousness, faithfulness and fulfillment, jurisprudence and joy, character and contentment. What do these seemingly contradictory concepts have in common? What do these ideas—often pitted against each other, and often understood as being mutually exclusive—have to do with one another? Is this some kind of paradox? What relationship do these notions share? What does holiness have to do with happiness? What does purity have to do with pleasure?"About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Ryan discusses the gods of the present age—envisaging the Western world as deeply religious, even if not in the traditional sense."Over the last few episodes, I have attempted to demolish the false gods and idols of our age. I have been in the process of a kind of deconstruction, but not the kind of deconstruction that has become popular today, not a deconstruction of classical religion, but a deconstruction of modern religion—which I suppose is both ancient and new at the same time."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Ryan discusses the shortcomings of the wanton pursuit of pleasure, a pursuit that is often confused with the pursuit of happiness."What I will say is that pleasure is a good thing, but, like fortune and fame, it is easily abused and easily corrupted—especially when it is treated as an end in itself rather than as a means to or, in some cases, as a byproduct, or consequence, of the pursuit of a higher end."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Ryan discusses the futility and vanity of the pursuit of popularity, a pursuit that is often confused with the pursuit of happiness.Like with money and wealth, instead of viewing fame as an end in itself, it should be used as a means to an end—particularly a means to the end of helping others. In this way, popularity and status can be used for good and can lead to virtue. When we use our influence for others, in a selfless manner, we will find a piece, a part, of that happiness that we so badly desire. Influence that is used as a concrete expression of love for neighbor becomes a means to true happiness, a happiness that is fulfilled, in part, in time and, in whole, in the eternity of God—the source and goal of all happiness.About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

Ryan discusses the pitfalls of the pursuit of wealth and riches, a pursuit that is often confused with the pursuit of happiness."The way in which we use our money and use our possessions makes all the difference in the world! Those who give, receive; sharing with others and living for others is inherently rewarding. There is a huge difference between the rich person who lives for others and the rich person who lives for himself. The former is fulfilled; the latter is empty. The former is truly rich—filled with joy, and peace, and contentment; the other—despite all of his wealth and abundance—is poor and left wanting."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In today's installment of The Weekly, Ryan invokes a peculiar theory from the French Enlightenment philosopher Rousseau in order to discuss the path to fulfillment and the way of contentment."Rousseau believed that this simple and humble way of life, this life without unnecessary ambitions, without exorbitant desires, without an inflated sense of what one really needs, was a life of tranquility and satisfaction—a life of fulfillment and happiness. I suppose one could sum this up by saying that, for Rousseau, happiness—at least in part—is a matter of perspective."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

On today's Weekly episode, which is really the first full Weekly of the New Year, Ryan discusses the topic of modern convenience and contemporary ease of living."The ancient person doesn't know what she doesn't have, she doesn't know what she can or could have; and so, it may very well be that she is happy with what she does have, even happier than she would be. In fact, she might be happier than I am…." Links: Website: https://www.thinkersensitive.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thinkersensitive1752 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thinkersensitive Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/thinkersensitive/ Twitter Handle: https://twitter.com/ThinkerSen

In today's installment of The Weekly, the first podcast episode of the new year, Ryan updates his listeners on recent progress and does some vision casting for 2023 and beyond.Special Requests: Write a quick review on Apple Podcasts If you feel so inclined, donate to the show Thanks for your support!

In the final part of our three part interview with Chad Graham, the original creator of Thinker Sensitive, Ryan and Chad discuss several pertinent cultural issues—issues ranging from political polarization to environmental and energy concerns to the possibility of alien life.

In the second part of a three-part interview with Chad Graham, Ryan asks Chad some candid questions about the state and condition of the contemporary church in the United States.

In the first part of a three-part interview with the original founder of Thinker Sensitive, Ryan asks Chad about his personal story, which includes the story behind the development of Thinker Sensitive.

In the ninth episode of our season on the question of God, Ryan concludes the season with some final words and some final declarations.

In the eighth episode of our season on the question of God, Ryan discusses the notion of miracles—analyzing the concept from a philosophical perspective and sharing some personal stories.

In the seventh episode of our season on the question of God, Ryan continues to evaluate theism and atheism from a cognitive perspective, juxtaposing and critically assessing these worldviews on the basis of rational categories and criteria. 

In the sixth episode of our season on the question of God, Ryan finally begins to evaluate theism and atheism from a cognitive perspective, juxtaposing and critically assessing these worldviews on the basis of rational categories and criteria. 

In the fifth installment of our season on the question of God, Ryan examines the holistic nature of human belief, demonstrating that belief is not simply a matter of the mind, but a matter of the heart, the will, and personal experience.

In the fourth episode of our season on the question of God, Ryan dispels some common myths about theism and atheism and debunks some stereotypes about believers in God.

In the third episode of our season on the question of God, Ryan unpacks the profound implications of both worldviews: a theistic worldview and an atheistic worldview—demonstrating why this question is truly the question of all questions.

In the second episode of our new season on the question of God, Ryan sums up the history of this all-important question in the West, chronicling the historical development of both theism and atheism in the ancient and modern world.

In the first episode of our season on The Question of God, Ryan sets the stage for the rest of the season, explaining why the question is so important to him and sharing how the question has shaped his life. Ryan can only answer this question for himself, and so what follow will be his answer alone….

We are happy to announce that we are releasing our third full season at the end of September. The season will be on the question of God, which Ryan believes is the most fundamental and important question of all—a question that speaks to and illuminates all other questions. In this season, Ryan will explain why the question of God is so significant, detailing the many implications, and—most importantly—he will set out to provide a personal answer to the question. We hope that this season will be helpful to the formulation of your own response to this all-important question.

In today's edition of The Weekly, Ryan shares his personal thoughts on poverty in the United States, highlighting the ways in which this issue relates to personal virtue and personal ethics.

In today's edition of The Weekly, which is the second episode of a three-part set on American poverty, Ryan outlines the overarching debate on poverty in the United States—examining key arguments and claims from across the spectrum.

In today's podcast, the first of three on American poverty, Ryan sets the table by analyzing the key definitions and standards that are used when discussing such matters—looking particularly at how we measure and weigh poverty.

On today's installment of The Weekly, Ryan analyzes two opposing contemporary views on America: A traditional patriotic and idealistic perspective, on one hand, and a modern (or post-modern) unpatriotic and critical perspective, on the other. Just how does this relate to the popular debate between New York-style and Chicago-style pizza? Listen to the episode to find out!

In today's installment of the The Weekly, Ryan proposes the idea that all human experience is transcendental experience, asserting that all of us experience God "in the everyday," and that each of us encounter the transcendent in our mere existence. To live—to exist—is to be in the presence of one's creator. 

On today's Weekly episode, Ryan shares his story and explains how Thinker Sensitive is the culmination of his personal journey, a journey that is still unfolding.

On today's Weekly episode, which is the second part of a two-part podcast on humans and animals, Ryan begins to develop his philosophy and theology of human nature, unpacking the key differences between a human being and other developed primates, and establishing in what ways the human might be said to be made in the image of God.

Do animals have souls? What are the essential differences between a human being and a dolphin or an ape? Are human beings really special amongst all other animals? What makes a human a human? On today's Weekly episode, which is the first part of a two-part podcast, Ryan sets the table for an in-depth discussion on the nature of humans and animals.

This week's episode is a continuation of our interview with Randy Hardman, owner of the Drinklings Coffee House and creator of the Thinklings Podcast. On the second half of this two-part interview, we talk about suffering in human experience, the distinction between the philosophical problem of evil and the existential problem of evil, the presence of God in the midst of pain, the importance of wrestling with God, the significance of authenticity, the difference between faith in ideas and faith in a Living Being, the values of imagination and fellowship, and the importance of having a faithful presence in one's own sphere of influence.

On today's Weekly episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing my friend from seminary, Randy Hardman, owner of the Drinklings Coffee House and one of the original founders of Ratio Christi. Randy has an amazing story (including how he unfortunately passed up the opportunity to watch Appalachian State upset Michigan in the Big House while a student in Boone, NC). On the first half of this two-part interview, we talk about his experience growing up in church as an outsider, his crisis of faith at the age of 15, his introduction to apologetics, his decision to attend a secular university and study philosophy, his contribution to the formation of Ratio Christi, his discovery of some of the pitfalls of Christian apologetics, his process of integrating classical faith with modern ideas, the evolution of his beliefs, and the uniqueness of seminary life. 

In today's Weekly episode, Ryan continues his interview with his friend from college, Wade Bearden, author of To My Friend Who Left the Faith: A Letter to a Prodigal from a Prodigal. In the second half of their conversation, they talk about the relationship between faith and certainty, hypocrisy in the church, the problem of pain, the role of suffering in the Christian life, and Wade's goals for his book. Listen to the pod to ponder these important topics with Ryan and Wade. Purchase Wade's book today: https://www.amazon.com/My-Friend-Who-Left-Faith/dp/0578391597/

In today's Weekly episode, Ryan sits down with Wade Bearden, author of To My Friend Who Left the Faith: A Letter to a Prodigal from a Prodigal. “Wade and his friend met and grew up at church. After high school, they parted ways. Wade's friend left the faith. Wade stayed—only to wrestle with his own questions about Christianity.” In the first half of our conversation, we talk about “emotionalism,” doubt, personal bias, the role of desire in faith, deconstruction, reconstruction, and self-criticism. Purchase Wade's book today: https://www.amazon.com/My-Friend-Who-Left-Faith/dp/0578391597/

On today's Weekly episode, Ryan discusses the importance of having a sense of awe and wonder in life and for the world around us, attempting to inspire people to transcend modern disillusionment and contemporary disenchantment. Life is full of beauty and majesty, and it's important to be mindful of this.

On this week's episode, Ryan unpacks the practical benefits of belief in God, looking at the relevant data and research from contemporary studies.

On this week's episode, Ryan offers a constructive critique of the selective kindness of the world and tries to explain why universal kindness and unconditional love are far greater. 

In the second part of our two part podcast on the current deconstruction movement, Ryan looks at the reasons why so many people are deconstructing Christianity today, closing with a brief appraisal and a brief critique of contemporary deconstruction.

If you are on Instagram or TikTok, you are probably familiar with the deconstruction hashtag. This hashtag is often associated with other hashtags, like: #exevangelical, #exfundie, #exholiness, and even #exchristian. As a type of deconstructionist himself, in the opening installment of this two part podcast, Ryan sets out to deconstruct the deconstruction movement in a constructive manner, setting the table for more in-depth analysis in the second episode.

In the final episode of our new mini-series, Ryan brings his discussion of ethical education to a close, laying down some guidelines and ending with a concrete application.

In the second installment of our new mini-series, Ryan sets the table for his ethic of education—defining terms, making key distinctions, and establishing the ideal of neutrality (which is an "impossible possibility") in the public sphere.

In the first episode of our new mini-series, Ryan evaluates cancel culture from a philosophical and ethical perspective—looking at various pros & cons and presenting a way forward.

In this installment of the Weekly, Ryan diagnoses the pitfalls of defining success by and basing self-worth on contemporary standards, providing practical recommendations and giving encouragement to those who may be struggling with insecurity and a lack of self esteem in a digital age.