Podcast appearances and mentions of nathan rittenhouse

In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Cameron McAllister and Nathan Rittenhouse perform an intellectual autopsy of the New Atheist movement, reflecting on its cultural rise and current irrelevance. They unpack why arguments from figures like Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and Sam Harris no longer resonate—especially in light of Christianity's enduring philosophical and moral foundations. With references to current debates, including a dismantling of Lawrence Krauss's secular claims, this episode provides Christians with a robust understanding of how to engage secular critiques with grace and intellectual rigor. Whether you're interested in apologetics, cultural commentary, or the intersection of theology and modern society, this conversation is for you.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.

In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan Rittenhouse and Cameron McAllister explore how the globalization of food reflects much deeper cultural and spiritual shifts. From curry on British Airways to food hacks on TikTok, the conversation moves beyond cuisine to consider what we lose—culturally, theologically, and personally—when everything becomes an option and nothing remains rooted.Is the abundance of choice leading to a loss of identity, tradition, and self-control? And what does a faithful Christian response look like in a world of constant novelty and overstimulation?Join us for a thoughtful, theological discussion about food, place, globalization, and the formation of Christian character.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.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Curry on British Airways and British cuisine00:35 – Food as a reflection of cultural change01:41 – Global cuisine and the dilution of culinary identity03:09 – Food hacks, fusion, and cultural blending05:43 – Overabundance, novelty, and food as entertainment06:39 – Supply chains and shifting priorities in food sourcing07:55 – Cultural roots vs. global convenience10:00 – The erosion of place and cultural distinctiveness13:36 – What we're really losing in globalization16:42 – Regional art and placelessness in the modern world18:50 – The disappearance of family recipes and tradition20:15 – Modern identity as curated choice21:03 – Moving forward: Deliberate simplicity and Christian formation

The Christian world is finally awaking to the reality of the technological captivity of humanity. But one man who has been thinking about this from the beginning is Stuart McAllister. Gleaning wisdom from CS Lewis and many other authors, Stuart helps us navigate the technological world by first helping us understand the underlying problems and what is at stake.   Stuart is the Director of Ministry for Thinking Out Loud (featuring Cameron McAllister and Nathan Rittenhouse) and the Director of Leadership and Deployment for Restoration Presbyterian Church in Dacula, Georgia. Stuart is an in-demand speaker, author, and thought leader who has contributed chapters to several books and co-wrote Faith That Lasts: A Father and Son on Cultivating Lifelong Belief (InterVarsity Press, 2021).  We mentioned a lot of resources in this episode! If you're interested in this topic, we recommend you check them out. Here is a list of the works referenced, which are all books unless otherwise noted:  CS Lewis, The Abolition of Man  Jacques Ellul, The Technological Society   Peter Berger, Brigitte Berger, and Hansfried Kellner, Homeless Mind   Zygmunt Bauman, Modernity and the Holocaust  Neil Postman, Technopoly  Norbert Wiener, The Human Use of Human Beings  Shoshana Zuboff, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism  Rod Dreher, Living in Wonder  Gerard Manley Hopkins, God's Grandeur (poem)  Robin Phillips and Joshua Pauling, Are We All Cyborgs Now  Kevin Kelly, What Technology Wants  Paul Kingsnorth, The Cross and the Machine (article)    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/abdumurray  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abdumurray12  Twitter https://twitter.com/abdumurray  TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@abdumurray  Keep in touch with Abdu and be notified when he is in a town near you by signing up for his monthly newsletter at https://embracethetruth.org/sign-up/.   Embrace the Truth is a donor-supported ministry that seeks to answer PEOPLE, not questions. Consider partnering with us in this important mission by visiting https://embracethetruth.org/donate.  

I have been a long time fan of Nathan Rittenhouse and his work at Thinking Out Loud Together and today, I had the incredible privilege of sitting down with Nathan Rittenhouse for our podcast! Nathan is a speaker, apologist, and co-founder of Thinking Out Loud Together. Our conversation today was filled with rich insights about intimacy, humility, integrity, and the way marriage fits into God's grand design. I truly can't wait for you to hear it! There's so much to unpack, but here are some of the biggest takeaways from our conversation: The Bigger Purpose of Marriage: Building a Legacy That Lasts Nathan shared how his perspective on marriage has been deeply shaped by the generations of faithful, steady relationships in his family. He reminded us that marriage isn't just about two people—it impacts generations. "What will my descendants 200 years from now say about the type of life I lived?" he asked. This long-term vision is something I would encourage every reader and listener to think about. We often get so caught up in the day-to-day struggles of marriage, but when we zoom out, we see that every choice we make—every act of love, every moment of kindness, every decision to honor our spouse—ripples out for generations. What an incredible reason to be intentional about how we love, respect, and serve in our marriages! Intimacy as Worship: God's Design for Physical and Emotional Connection One of the most powerful themes we explored was how intimacy—yes, physical intimacy—can actually be an act of worship. Nathan pointed out that God designed the physical world—including our bodies—as good.  And when we engage in intimacy within God's design, it's not just a physical act—it's a deeply spiritual one. It's an opportunity to delight in God's creation, to experience His love, and to reflect His heart. Instead of something to be endured or achieved, it becomes something to celebrate—a way to glorify the Lord. Sexuality & Integrity: Practicing Spiritual Discipline in Private Nathan emphasized that our true selves are revealed in private moments.  He highlighted Jesus' words in Matthew 6, where He speaks about the Father rewarding what is done in secret. And that's so important when it comes to things like purity, faithfulness, and battling temptations like pornography. True integrity means being the same person in private that we present in public. Or as Nathan said, “Preach what you practice”, not just practice what you preach, but actually live with such integrity that your life naturally becomes the message. The Power of Male Friendships: Emotional Support & Community for Men Nathan and I also talked about something that's so often overlooked: the power of godly male friendships. He pointed out that a lot of men struggling in their marriages—whether it's loneliness, unmet expectations, or just feeling stuck—often lack deep, strong friendships with other men. And part of the problem is that our culture has sexualized everything- including strong, male friendships- making it difficult for men to form those healthy, meaningful bonds. But here's the thing: God designed men to need other men in their lives. Just like women thrive when they have strong female friendships, men need brothers—not just surface-level friendships, but real, deep, iron-sharpening-iron relationships. Christian Hope in Marriage: Finding Strength in God's Design We also discussed that unity in marriage is a byproduct of a shared focus on Christ. Unity in marriage isn't found by fixing our eyes on each other—it's found by fixing our eyes on Christ. When we try to make our spouse the center of our world, things get out of balance. But when we prioritize our relationship with God, everything else—including our marriages—falls into its rightful place.  Encouragement for Those Struggling: Finding Strength in God's Love And finally, for those feeling discouraged—whether it's low intimacy, unmet expectations, or loneliness—Nathan left us with this powerful reminder: Our ultimate satisfaction must be in Christ. Marriage is a gift. But it was never meant to replace our deepest need—to be fulfilled in God's love. If you're struggling right now, know this: God sees you. He loves you. And He is the one who fills the deepest places of your heart. Thank you again, Nathan, for this incredible conversation, for your joy in the Lord, and the deep, valuable insights you've shared with us! This conversation was truly such a gift. And to you, dear listener and dear reader- may this conversation bless you, inspire you, and remind you of how deeply the Lord loves you. Blessings,   Belah & Team PS - Want to hear more from Nathan? Check out his podcast, Together Out Loud  https://toltogether.com/podcast, and the Thinking Out Loud Together website for more. https://toltogether.com/ PPS - If the idea of a family with no drama seems like a far off dream, or the thought of your private life being revealed in public brings thoughts of shame and hopelessness, we want you to know… there is hope. Give us a call: delightym.com/cc PPPS - Here is a quote from a recent graduate: “We were planning on how to keep a family together while breaking our family up - We were at the end of ourselves and decided it was time to give up and go our separate ways… I have grown in patience, perspective, my faith and connection with God, my understanding of my husband, and peace. I have learned how to build my marriage. Building it is now a journey and no longer an intense, overwhelming mission impossible.”

Understanding and answering our cultural moment is a two-part series. Part one explores the challenges and struggles for the gospel and belief raised by our culture. Part two looks at the church and our response as God's people in this time.

Join us as we learn about loneliness from our guest speaker Nathan Rittenhouse! He is an Apologetic of the faith who specializes in discipleship and the local church! 

One of the most effective methods for sharing the gospel is through personal conversations. But in our modern world, many of us struggle with 'personal' and 'conversation' for a variety of reasons. Today on PEP Talk we discuss the issues and struggles we have with conversation, personal connection and empathy in an age of digital distraction and polarised public discourse.For further reading, books mentioned in this episode include Disruptive Witness by Alan Noble and Reclaiming Conversation by Sherry Turkle.Our GuestNathan Rittenhouse is a speaker, preacher and podcaster. After double-majoring in Physics and Philosophy, Nathan studied theology and pastoral studies in several institutions and holds an M.Div from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. Nathan has been preaching and speaking in the field of Christian apologetics at churches, campuses, and conferences for the last 8 years. He is the Co-Founder of Thinking Out Loud. Nathan, his wife Erin, and their four children enjoy the great outdoors and are grateful for the wisdom, support, and opportunities to serve and grow in their local church.

This week, Jonathan and David are joined by Nathan Rittenhouse, co-founder and co-host of the Thinking Out Loud, to have a discussion about what a successful Christian life looks like and the importance of the local church. Learn more about Thinking Out Loud: https://toltogether.com/ Learn more about Unbound: https://beunbound.us/ Hosts: Jonathan Brush, David Rethemeyer Producer: Kyle Hill

Nathan Rittenhouse recently appeared on the Premier UnBelievable podcast to discuss the question, Do Animals have souls? His interlocutor in the discussion is Joyce D'Silva, Ambassador Emeritus for Compassion in World Farming. Click here to listen to the podcast and to read Nathan's follow-up article. In this episode, Nathan begins by trying to convince Cameron to become a vegetarian.

Nathan Rittenhouse recently appeared on the Premier UnBelievable podcast to discuss the question, Do Animals have souls? His interlocutor in the discussion is Joyce D'Silva, Ambassador Emeritus for Compassion in World Farming. Click here to listen to the podcast and to read Nathan's follow-up article. In this episode, we unpack Nathan's conversation and we press into why the question of animal rights is so prevalent right now.

Do we need to reconsider the moral status of animals? What does the Christian worldview tell us about animals? Do we change our attitudes towards animals if we believe they have capacity for pain and pleasure, challenging anthropocentric views, advocating for animal rights, promoting vegetarianism and critiquing speciesism? Or closer to home people often ask 'will I see my doggie if I get to heaven?'. Host Roger Bolton is joined by Joyce D'Silva and Nathan Rittenhouse to debate this thorny issue on Unbelievable. Joyce D'Silva is Ambassador Emeritus for Compassion in World Farming, the leading charity advancing the welfare of farm animals worldwide. Nathan Rittenhouse is a speaker and preacher and co-founder of the podcast Thinking Out Loud. • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For online learning: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Nathan Rittenhouse argues that we live in a moment when our idealism is outpacing our capabilities. In this episode, we explore the tension of wanting to improve the world while facing our human limitations. 

The western world is becoming more and more of a melting pot and conversations about religious differences are going to be unavoidable. In this episode, Nathan Rittenhouse interviews Dr. Andy Bannister about how we talk to our children about Islam.

“Are we a podcast that does ministry, or are we a ministry that does a podcast?” That was Nathan Rittenhouse's question as we resigned from our former jobs and stepped out in faith to found Thinking Out Loud. It's been nearly two years since that day, so we thought we'd take this opportunity to provide an update on the current shape of our ministry and where we hope to go.

"Well, Cameron, every once in a while, an international sport runs into a theocracy." So begins Nathan Rittenhouse's opening to this episode, which explores the cultural tensions that have erupted at the Fifa 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Carl Lentz, the disgraced former Hillsong pastor, is in the news once again because of a black and white glamor shot of he and his wife that was posted to his Instagram page. Many are speculating that this signals a return to ministry. By many accounts an all-too-familiar story, Nathan Rittenhouse finds the whole celebrity charade deeply perplexing. In this episode, Cameron does his darndest to help Nathan make sense of the appeal of celebrity Christianity.

Nathan Rittenhouse recently returned from a talk at the University of Virginia. Cameron took this as an opportunity to ask him all about the feel on campus these days, as well as the types of questions being asked. Surprisingly, the interest is deeply biblical, rather than topical.

"What does it mean to live in a time when most of our maps are filled in?" This question from Nathan Rittenhouse is occasioned by the discovery of the wreck of Ernest Shackleton's vessel, the Endurance. Researches recently located the ship on the Antarctic sea floor. Granted, arctic expeditions are largely a thing of the past, but what does it mean to go on an adventure in the age of GPS technology? Does our infatuation with safety sometimes rob us of vital experiences? Do we need danger? Do you need to listen to this episode? We think so! Buckle up for an adventure.

The title of New York Times columnist, David Brooks's, latest piece speaks for itself: "The Dissenters Trying to Save Evangelicalism from Itself." Some found it compelling. Some found it irksome. Very few had a neutral response. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron weigh in on the state of the church in North America, drawing on some of their sobering experiences as former speakers for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. For those interested, here's the link to the uncomfortable interview Cameron mentions at the beginning. And here's the link to Nathan Rittenhouse's talk on environmental justice.

In this episode, Abe and David talk with Nathan Rittenhouse. Nathan has been a preacher and speaker in the field of Christian Apologetics for 7+ years. He's the host of the Thinking Out Loud podcast with Cameron McAllister, and has been a guest speaker at Unbound's APEX event. Thinking Out Loud Podcast Thinking Out Loud Together Unbound Blog  

Last year's Christmas episode provides a study in contrast. Nathan and Cameron hosted a jovial discussion on Santa. This year, that kind of tone seems utterly out of place. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss the nature of our celebrations in the midst of deeply surreal circumstances and consider the greater hope of Christ's promise to make all things new. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

For most of us, a significant part of Thanksgiving involves food and lots of it. More importantly, it involves a shared meal with those we love (and often struggle with). Of course, this year things looked a bit different. Some of us headed into the holiday with increasing levels of anxiety. Others chose to forego travels altogether this year. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss some of the complex dynamics surrounding shared meals in the midst of a global pandemic.Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

This week, Nathan and Cameron discuss the challenges of friendship in the digital world as well as the nature of their own friendship. (Cameron also tries not to take offense at Nathan's initial question about the status of their friendship). Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

In this re-run of a Thinking Out Loud episode recorded last year, Nathan and Cameron discussed the election and how to follow Christ through a turbulent time. While the US wait for the 2020 election results, we thought it would be an ideal time to re-air this episode recorded live from 2019. Though only a year has passed since this recording, the world in which the event took place now feels very distant. How do we follow Christ through it all? This live exchange from last year remains pertinent to our current political climate, so we invite you to take a deep breath and enjoy Nathan and Cameron trying to stay on their feet in front of a crowd. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Many Christians feel conflicted about Halloween, even as they usher their costumed kids out the door for tricks or treats. In this episode, an enthusiast (Cameron) and a naysayer (Nathan) try to make sense of this deeply strange American holiday, and consider the light that the gospel sheds on the matter.Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Nathan and Cameron feel a bit down in this episode and they have a feeling that some of you may be in the same boat. That's 2020 in a nutshell. In this episode, they discuss what it looks like to hold to Christian hope, even when there doesn't seem to be a clear light at the end of the tunnel. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

The term "religion" is wildly unpopular and many contemporary Christians sidestep the issue with the neat phrase "personal relationship with Jesus." While the phrase is not necessarily false, it leaves both Nathan and Cameron uneasy. In this episode, they discuss that unease and try to offer a more holistic response. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

For the first time in history, it's possible to "bracket death." But death is the one thing we can all be certain of. So, what does it mean to be mortal? Why do many struggle in Western culture with elderly care? Nathan and Cameron "think out loud" about these questions, pulling from Dr. Atul Gawande's book Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End to take a timely and deeply helpful meditation on our mortal condition, end of life ethics, and more.Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

One of the surprising national pastimes that have emerged during the pandemic is a growing obsession with conspiracy theories. A phenomenon that touches all points of the political spectrum, what does this new hobby say about us? In this episode, Nathan and Cameron tackle this question.Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

In a time of deep cultural unrest, many of us long for "things to go back to normal." But if this is what our nation looks like under extreme stress, what does that say about our sense of normal? And what is the Christian posture in a time of wide-spread fear and division? Sound uplifting? Join Nathan and Cameron for a discussion of our troubled moment. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Few would dispute that the past few weeks have been some of the more tumultuous America has experienced in recent years. Far from merely political or cultural tensions, the most recent crisis is a matter of life and death and can be seen most clearly in the three faces of those who unjustly lost their lives: Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. These three names don't represent isolated incidents and the great travesty is that the list of names keeps growing. As has been repeatedly said, this is a fundamental human rights issue, one that goes to the heart of America's struggle with racism, prejudice, and discrimination. In this episode, Thinking Out Loud hosts Nathan Rittenhouse and Cameron McAllister are joined by their colleague Brandon Cleaver for a candid discussion about this cultural moment and how Christ's life, death, and resurrection intersect with our current predicament. Listen to Part 1Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1Brandon Cleaver - @BrandonCleaver1

It seems 2020 has been full of difficult news. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron push pause on the relentless news cycle to discuss gardening. As usual, this seemingly light-hearted topic leads into a much deeper discussion of the human condition. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Few would dispute that the past few weeks have been some of the more tumultuous America has experienced in recent years. Far from merely political or cultural tensions, the most recent crisis is a matter of life and death and can be seen most clearly in the three faces of those who unjustly lost their lives: Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. These three names don't represent isolated incidents and the great travesty is that the list of names keeps growing. As has been repeatedly said, this is a fundamental human rights issue, one that goes to the heart of America's struggle with racism, prejudice, and discrimination. In this episode, Thinking Out Loud hosts Nathan Rittenhouse and Cameron McAllister are joined by their colleague Brandon Cleaver for a candid discussion about this cultural moment and how Christ's life, death, and resurrection intersect with our current predicament. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1Brandon Cleaver - @BrandonCleaver1

We live in a cultural moment that vigorously punishes mistakes, often in a very public fashion. Indeed, this is one of the key aspects of our deeply polarized landscape. Yet, if we aren't allowed the freedom to make mistakes—to be wrong—moral growth is short circuited. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss how mistakes can be an occasion for tremendous growth, rather than simply shame and retribution. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Given the deep divisions that define our cultural moment, empathy is often touted as the central virtue of our age. But our growing tribalism continues to undermine our efforts to understand people who remain culturally remote. Add a pandemic to the mix and the difficulties are multiplied. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss the limits and possibilities of empathy in our divided age. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

What distinguishes a home from a mere physical shelter? And why do so many of us long to escape our homes? Since COVID-19 continues to keep many of us confined to the places we live, Nathan and Cameron discuss how Christianity reframes our understanding of home. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Do you actually own your technological devices or are you just leasing the software that's running them? From Apple to John Deere, it's increasingly clear that these companies are securing their ownership through the very design of their devices. This is evidenced by the fact that we're entirely dependent on the providers for repairs. These machines are not made to be fixed by us. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss the implications of this trend, as well as the disturbing possibility that what may initially appear to be an elaborate conspiracy is in fact simply an example of the cost of our demand for convenience. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Though Nathan and Cameron recorded this episode before the coronavirus received its official name (Covid-19), their discussion reflects the dynamic nature of this story—we still have way more questions than answers—and attempts to counter the growing anxiety and animosity with a Christian response. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

The world is still reeling from the tragic events that claimed the lives of nine people, including basketball superstar Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. For most of us, celebrities are people we feel personally attached to, but who remain strangers to us. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron talk about some of the complexities that arise when we grieve the loss of a celebrity. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Experts continue to point to a growing mental health crisis. Suicide is now the third leading cause of death among teens, and depression and anxiety seem to be the rule, rather than the exception. On the face of it, this is a pretty odd state of affairs: Broadly speaking, we're more comfortable, connected, and healthy than ever. So what's wrong with us? In this episode, Nathan and Cameron wrestle with that question. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

December is upon us. Traffic is outrageous, stress levels are escalating, and budgets are taking a serious hit as we cross items off of our swelling Christmas lists. But what about the guy in the red suit who yells "ho-ho-ho" and showers us with presents if we've been nice? Is Santa just a bit of harmless fun, or is the question a bit more serious? Join Nathan, Cameron, and special guest Kasey Leander for a consideration of Santa's role in our holiday cheer. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

From the recent HBO documentary to the feature film starring Tom Hanks, Fred Rogers is having a moment. But why is this cardigan-donning TV host getting so much attention now? In this episode, Nathan and Cameron aim to push past the superficial answers and consider what's given Mister Rogers such staying power. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

In this special episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron discuss the upcoming presidential election before a live audience. The specific focus is on the Christian posture that characterizes our political lives. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Kanye West's latest album, JESUS IS KING, offers a striking reversal from his earlier work, and has inspired elation, fury, and bewilderment in nearly equal measure. Gone are tracks like "POWER" and "I Am A God," replaced by songs like "God Is" and "Jesus Is Lord." Given the shaky nature of celebrity conversions in our cultural moment, many people are understandably skeptical. Is Kanye sincere or is this this just a publicity stunt to boost album sales? Is the album even good? In this episode, we're joined by special guest Shawn Hart (co-host of the Cover to Cover podcast) for a discussion on Kanye West, the dangers of celebrity culture, and the unabashed faith on display in the album. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1Shawn Hart - @Shawnmhart

As our newsfeeds continue to fill with disheartening headlines about the state of the church in North America, Nathan and Cameron discuss the perennial challenge of hypocrisy, and argue that Christianity helps us make sense of our consistent moral shortcomings. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Recent remarks about "unhitching" ourselves from the Old Testament have renewed the controversy surrounding the challenging material found in these ancient pages. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron seek to redress some of the confusion by discussing the continuity between both testaments. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

HBO's massively popular Game of Thrones recently went out with a whimper, according to most fans. Due to its highly graphic nature, the show continues to ignite heated discussions among Christians. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss why they've chosen to forego the popular series, plus they take a look at how what we watch and consume has a power to shape and our imaginations and daily living. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

A wise man once said that "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die" (Ecc 3:1-2 NIV). The entire concept of "limitation" is categorically anathema to our culture. We would like to be able to do whatever we want, whenever we want. In this podcast, Nathan and Cameron ponder whether embracing the frailty and limitations of our time and abilities can actually give us a deeper sense of beauty and appreciation for the present moment. There are certain delights that are accessible to us only if we recognize them as delicate, and there is a certain hope that we have by acknowledging that future beauty is not limited by our limitations. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Cameron McAllister and Nathan Rittenhouse discuss author and speaker Rachel Held Evan's life and legacy, and then turn to consider the Christian understanding of the sanctity of life, and its bearing on the current abortion debates. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

With The Coddling of the American Mind, authors Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff offer a sobering diagnosis of the state of our universities, arguing that the best of intentions have led to severe consequences for many of today's young adults. Since the subtitle of the book is "How Good Intentions Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure," it's worth asking: Are the authors simply exaggerating the case to sell books? Is this just clickbait? Tune in to hear Nathan and Cameron discuss this provocative new title. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1