How should Christians think about race and justice five years after George Floyd? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer welcomes back Ed Uszynski, author of Untangling Critical Race Theory, to explore the nuanced realities of race, politics, and faith. They discuss the pendulum swings of political ideologies, the role of the church in fostering biblical justice, and how Christians can engage these conversations with wisdom and discernment. Plus, Ed previews his talk at the Exiles in Babylon conference and reflects on his 30+ years with Athletes in Action.

🔹 How can Christians avoid being swept into political rhetoric?
🔹 What does true justice look like from a biblical perspective?
🔹 Why should we transcend the culture’s binaries on race and inclusion?

This is a must-listen for those wanting to think biblically and critically about the complex issues of race and justice in today's world.

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

1️⃣ Ed Uszynski’s Book – Untangling Critical Race Theory
📖 Buy the book here

2️⃣ Exiles in Babylon Conference – Theology in the Raw
🎙️ Learn more about the conference

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Deconstruction is often misunderstood—some see it as a step toward renewal, while others fear it as a path to apostasy. But what if we’re missing the deeper reality? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer talks with Ian Harber, author of Walking Through Deconstruction: How to Be a Companion in a Crisis of Faith.

Together, they explore the personal and cultural forces shaping deconstruction, why many in the church respond with fear or animosity, and how we can engage with those questioning their faith with patience, wisdom, and truth. Ian shares his own journey of deconstruction and reconstruction, highlighting the existential nature of faith crises and why intellectual arguments alone aren’t enough.

Join us for a deep and thoughtful conversation on how the church can walk with those wrestling with doubt, engage the deeper assumptions behind deconstruction, and foster a faith that is both intellectually rigorous and spiritually resilient.

🔗 Check out Ian Harber’s book: Walking Through Deconstruction at IVP (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount)
🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, James Spencer and Nate Giarratano take a deep dive into the complexities of meritocracy, systemic sin, and hiring practices. Using personal stories and broader cultural conversations—sparked by a recent presidential speech—they examine whether hiring is ever truly based on merit alone. They explore how networks, relationships, and institutional structures shape hiring decisions, sometimes in ways we fail to recognize.

Does meritocracy really exist? How should Christians think about hiring in ministry and beyond? And how does our dependence on God shape the way we navigate these realities? Join the conversation as James and Nate unpack these issues and challenge common assumptions about qualifications, fairness, and faith-led decision-making.

Listen to James's conversation with Kaitlyn Beatty on The Evangelical Bro Code here.

You can access James' article on the way the "bro code" impacts men here.

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.