Thoughts of the Round Table

Over the last few decades, abortion has become a central talking point in many political discussions and platforms, but where did this debate come from? The gang talks about the history of the pro-life movement and how the meaning has changed over time. They also look at some of the strengths and weaknesses of the pro-life platform and try to see what it really means to be pro-life. Join in and give us your thoughts on this hot button issue!

From the opioid crisis to alcoholism, the US seems to have a big problem with addiction. The gang discusses what causes addiction, how people can get out of it, and whether addiction is a disease or not. Also, hear about some cool research with rats and how it might show that community is important in breaking addiction.

This week on Thoughts of the Round Table, the gang talks about the "good old days", and why modern society is obsessed with nostalgia. The film industry seems to thrive on this obsession, and every movie feels like another reboot. Does this use of nostalgia dampen creativity? Can there be any benefits to nostalgia? Most importantly, are there any theological implications (good or bad) with this popular emotional state? Come join in as the gang dives into these questions.

Happy 4th of July! This week Juan, Rebeca, and Chris talk about the good ole US of A. They wrestle with some of the issues that plague America, but also focus on what makes it a truly amazing country. So sit back, relax, and enjoy one explosive discussion!

The gang is back together again from their summer break! This week, they cover current events that have to do with free speech, such as Rosanne Barr's tweets, the NFL, and the recent Supreme Court case ruling about the cake baker. How does the US balance the struggles between free speech, religious freedom, and equality for everyone? All of this and more at the Roundtable!

In honor of May the Fourth (yeah it's a little late. Forgive us), the gang talks about the world of Star Wars! In this episode, Juan, Rebeca, Chris, and Gabby talk about their favorite scenes and characters from the first six movies as well as their thoughts on the more recent films. Also, hear about their views on the upcoming Han Solo film and Disney's treatment of Star Wars over all. So after you go to Tosche Station and get your power converters, come back and join in at the Round table!

Throughout Church history, hell has been a fascinating topic for many Christians. In recent times, there has been debate about what hell is (and if it even exists, according to some). In this episode, the gang discusses some of the different views on hell and what forms of theology and scripture back up each of those ideas. So put on your red devil suit, grab your pitchfork, and join in the conversation on hell!

In the next few weekends, graduations will be going on all over the United States. With this in mind, the gang decides to dive into the topic of college and it's importance to society. Does everyone really need to go to a liberal arts college? What are the benefits of further education? Also, hear about Juan, Rebeca, Chris, and Gabby's experiences in college and what they think about it. What about you? What can you teach us about college?

Since Avengers: Infinity War just came out, the gang decided to get together and talk about how they felt about the movie and the Marvel Universe overall. This episode is full of spoilers, so if you haven't seen it, stop the episode right now and go watch one of the best Marvel movies so far. For those of you who are still listening, hear about the gang's favorite Marvel characters and movies, as well as what they thought about Infinity War.

In this special episode, the gang discusses various unpopular opinions that each of them have in lightning-round style! Hear about unexpected music preferences, the overratedness of certain bands or movies, and how some restaurants might be better than others. Also, leave us your thoughts! What are some unpopular opinions you might want to share?

As some of you know, this week includes an American event that could almost be called a holiday (according to some), and that's 4/20. Juan, Rebeca, and Gabby come together to talk about marijuana and if it should be legalized or not. They also look at the history of the "War on Drugs" and its impact on society. So gather around the Table, bring some brownies (preferably without THC), and tell us what you think about this issue!

With recent stories in the news about police using excessive force in some cases, the gang decides to discuss the potential issue of police brutality. Is it exaggerated in the media, or is this a real issue, especially toward minorities? Hear about some of the statistics and certain stories of police brutality. Also, Rebeca and Gabby tie psychological topics to the issue, and the gang discusses ways in which such problems could be reduced. What do you think? Let us know at the Roundtable!

And here is part two of the discussion on gun control! In this half of the conversation, the gang focuses on the philosophical side of things, and Juan provides some details about different types of guns (who knew there were so many?). There are a lot of different thoughts on this issue, and the gang would love to hear yours! What do you think? How would you solve the conflict on guns? Let us know what you think.

Join the gang in a conversation about gun rights this week. There's so much to talk about that they couldn't even fit it in one episode (so you'll have to come back to hear the rest!). In this half of the discussion, the gang focuses on the legal arguments for and against certain gun rights. Hear each of them give their passionate perspectives on a big issue.

It’s time to go back to the future! This week Chris, Rebeca, Juan, and special guest star Matt talk time travel, from multi-branch and single timeline to whether ethics will let you mess with the timeline or not. You will want to make time for this episode. If you had a time machine, where would you go and what would you do?

What do cows know? Do they know they know? On this week's episode Juan, Chris, and Rebeca talk about what makes someone a someone, the differences in sentience and salience, and what it means to be.

Happy International Women's Week! On March 8th, women around the world are honored for the work that they have done across many fields and jobs. In honor of this week, the gang (plus a special guest, Chloe) takes some time to talk about feminism and what it means. Join in to hear about the wage gap, job roles, and the relationship between theology and feminism.

In the current political climate, immigration is an issue that is front and center. With the threats of DACA ending, a wall being built, and people being deported, many feel concerned. How should Christians respond to this issue? What's the best solution to these situations? And what can we learn about the immigration process? All this and more at the Roundtable.

This year's Winter Olympics have been quite entertaining so far, with new records set, plenty of surprises, and curling (and plenty of funny memes about it). The gang talks about the importance of the Olympics politically and culturally, looking back on the history of the event and its impact on international relationships. Also, Juan brings up e-Olympics and if video games should be a part of the events. All this and more, as USA goes for the gold!

Love is in the air in this week's podcast! For Valentine's Day, the gang decides to talk about "the One" or the "soulmate." Is it even real? Is there one, specific person out there for you somewhere? Also, hear about the history of St. Valentine and why this holiday is way cooler than just chocolate and flowers.

It’s the attack of the clones! The gang tries to debate the ethics of cloning, whether a clone is a person and if cows like philosophy

When it comes to alcohol, people have a lot of different opinions on it, even within Christianity. One of the main questions Christians have about it is if drinking alcohol is wrong or a sin. During the episode, Juan, Rebeca, Chris, and Gabby give their different views on it and how they approach the topic of alcohol as believers.

On this week's episode, be ready to have your minds blown as the gang struggles to understand the possibility of multiple universes! With everything from physics to theology, the group discusses the arguments for and against multiverse and parallel universes. So join in, buckle your seatbelts, and get ready for one trippy conversation.

In today's society, it can be difficult to understand masculinity and what is required of men to fulfill this image of the "real man." Hear about some of the societal expectations that men face, especially with emotions, work ethic, and family roles. For those who are Christians, what does the Bible have to say about masculinity, especially in today's culture? Maybe the gang can provide some answers on this week's episode! 

Happy New Year, everyone! In this week's episode, the gang talks about everyone's favorite part of New Year's --- the resolutions. Why do people usually fail at keeping them? What are the typical resolutions for the New Year? What does the gang hope for in this next year? And where is Chris? All this and more, at the Roundtable!

Merry Christmas, everyone! On today's episode, the gang focuses on the beauty of the holiday. Hear about the history of Christmas and the theology of the incarnation. For believers, this day carries great significance as the day when Christ came to redeem the world. As you all listen in, we hope you all have a wonderful day of celebration and peace, filled with the joy and hope of Christmas.

Underneath all of the happy music, the caroling, and presents, there seems to be something... sinister brewing. According to some, there is a terrible war happening in the culture at large, and Christians are the only ones that can stop it. This war, of course, is the War on Christmas! The gang debates if this war is real and if so, what the real war is. They also mention the great Starbucks cup debacle of 2016, nativity scenes, and consumerism. Join in and give your thoughts on the holida-- I mean, Christmas season.

If any of you have been looking at the news recently, you've likely seen different reports about "net neutrality," and how everyone might be losing it soon. Much debate has been made on the topic, and the gang takes some time to join in on the conversation. What does it mean if we lose net neutrality? Who does it really help? Join in, and hear the gang's thoughts!

With all of the allegations of sexual misconduct coming out in the news, the gang decides to discuss the issue head-on. This is a very serious topic and problem, but there is still hope for the problem to be fixed (or at least reduced). Maybe by having this conversation, all of the darkness can be brought to light, and all of the places of hurt can become places of healing.

Come gather around the Table for a Thanksgiving special! In this episode, the gang covers everything from family traditions to the cultural debates over the holiday. Also, you might get to hear some attempts at turkey noises... So come join in, bring your favorite Thanksgiving foods, and tell us what you're thankful for.

In this issue, with the release of Justice League coming, the gang decides to talk about their favorite superheroes, villains, and stories in the DC universe (which almost everyone agrees is the best, except for Chris, who apparently thinks Marvel is better...). So come join in and hear why superheroes are so important.

In our world today, with all of our advancements and progress, we continue to wrestle with the question of violence. The gang comes together to discuss if violence is ever an option and if media has an impact on how people treat each other. This is not an easy conversation, but it is a needed one.

Since it's almost Halloween, the gang joins up to talk about a variety of creatures that seem to pop up around this holiday. Juan also provides various strategies on how to take down monsters, should you happen to run into one. Each of them discuss their opinions on which animals could be real or not, and if Bigfoot is just really good at hide and seek. Music: Toccata in D minor (by Bach)

Today, Juan, Chris, Rebeca, and Gabby join up to talk about all things Tolkien! Hear about which characters the gang likes the most, and when each of them first saw the movies or read the books. They also cover some of the symbolism in Lord of the Rings (everyone knowns Tolkien was a sucker for details!). Don't miss it, because this is one podcast to rule them all.

In honor of (protest of?) Columbus Day, the gang tackles the topic of if this day should be celebrated as a holiday. Should we memorialize the person who bumped into the Americas while looking for India (and also might have led to the deaths of millions of indigenous peoples)? Plus, how does the history of colonialism impact society today? All this and more at the Round Table!

To kneel or not to kneel, that is the question. In the inaugural episode of Thoughts of the Round Table, the gang dives into free speech.