Rzim: Thinking Out Loud Broadcasts

Recently, three scholars submitted twenty bogus papers to the most prestigious, peer-reviewed journals in the field of cultural studies. Seven of these papers were published, and it's likely that more would have seen the light of print if the Wall Street Journal hadn't exposed the hoax, now dubbed "Sokal Squared." In this episode, Nathan and Cameron explore some of the implications of this elaborate hoax.

Recently, journalist and popular blogger Rod Dreher made waves with the publication of his book, The Benedict Option. In it, Dreher argues that the Christian church is far from immune to the precipitous cultural decline in the West, and that many Christians have lost sight of what it means to be in the world, but not of it. Drawing on The Rule of St. Benedict's, The Benedict Option mounts a complex argument for a strategic cultural withdrawal on the part of the Church. How feasible is Dreher's proposal? Aren't there already many examples of people practicing cultural withdrawal (Amish, the homeschooling movement, etc.)? How much is too much? In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss Dreher's provocative thesis. Don't miss another episode, subscribe to the podcast on: iTunes or Google Play Music. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

The recent Hurricane Florence left behind devastation—drenching North Carolina with 8 trillion gallons of water and causing $266 million worth of damage–and now with Hurricane Michael's landfall this week, a number of interesting questions are raised regarding human agency and control, especially in our era of unprecedented convenience and instant customization. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss some of the ways in which these natural occurrences disrupt our notions of human progress and control. Don't miss another episode, subscribe to the podcast on: iTunes or Google Play Music.Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Should we burn our Nikes? How should Christians respond to the cartoon depicting Serena Williams and deemed as racist? From Serena Williams to Colin Kaepernick, there've been no shortage of controversies in the world of sports recently. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss these recent cultural moments and aim to offer a holistic framework for approaching these vexing topics. Tune in as we "think out loud" together on these current events through the lens of Christian hope.Don't miss another episode, subscribe to the podcast on: iTunes or Google Play Music.Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

In 2010, James Davison Hunter's book To Change the World was greeted with a great deal of fanfare and controversy. Nearly ten years later, the book's sobering critique of the many well-meaning efforts to change the world appears truly prophetic. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss how Christians can be faithful presences in culture, exercising leadership and influence within their local contexts.Don't miss another episode, subscribe to the podcast on: iTunes or Google Play Music.Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

The recent campaign against popular talk show host and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has once again ignited discussion about the nature of free speech. What exactly constitutes hate speech? What speech should and shouldn't be protected? How do online communities, with their respective policies and moderating protocol, change this conversation? This week on Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron discuss these current events through the lens of the gospel.Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

Why are we so suspicious of the news today? How do we avoid "fake news"? For that matter, how do we avoid the habit of chasing headlines just to stay in the conversation? How do we stay informed without succumbing to the notion that the sky is falling? In this episode, Nathan and Cameron take a broader look at our approach to current events and consider how Christianity can modify our interactions with today's headlines. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

In this episode, Nathan and Cameron take a break from the headlines to discuss Alan Jacobs' excellent new book, "How To Think", and consider, among other things, why that title is not so much an insult as it is an invitation for a more measured response to our volatile cultural climate. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter:Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

On the week of June 4th, the world was rocked by two celebrity suicides: fashion designer Kate Spade on June 5 and chef and television host Anthony Bourdain on June 8. Sadly, these kinds of incidents are becoming more and more prevalent, and, given our increasing access to celebrities—through social media and other platforms—our response is often deeply personal. Join Nathan and Cameron as they discuss these two talented people, their sad departure, and the changing perception of celebrities in today's all-access culture. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1 If you are having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

On Thursday, May 10, Dr. David Goodall, a highly respected scientist who continued his botanical and ecological research well into old age, traveled to Basel, Switzerland to end his life at the age of 104. A longtime advocate for physician-assisted suicide, Dr. Goodall left his native Australia to make this final journey, aided by a GoFundMe page that quickly went viral and surpassed its modest goal. These sad events raise a host of questions about everything from human freedom to the sanctity of life. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron discuss these issues, and consider how Christianity modifies our understanding of life and death.Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1 If you are having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Most of us have heard about the recent arrests of Donte Robinson and Rashon Nelson at a Philadelphia Starbucks. According to news sources, the two 23-year-old black men had come for a business meeting with a friend, but events took a turn for the worse after the manager refused to allow them to use the facilities without making a purchase. The two men resigned themselves to the store's apparent policy and simply decided to wait for their friend. After asking them to leave, the manager then called the police, maintaining that the men refused to leave the store. Controversy swelled after a customer uploaded a video of the two men being led away in cuffs by the police. Meanwhile, their awaited friend and business partner enters the scene repeatedly asking, "What did they do?" The video received millions of views, sparked protests, and began a national conversation about the role of unconscious bias and the changing face of racism in U.S. culture. In this episode, Nathan and Cameron join that conversation, focusi

One aspect of online culture that receives scant attention is our unfettered access to footage of people dying. From terrorist attacks to car accidents, we now have the ability to watch people perish on our phones. In this episode, we discuss this unsettling feature of our technology, and consider some of the ways in which it changes our thinking about human life. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), "every day, more than 115 Americans die after overdosing on opioids." NIDA calls the misuse of and addiction to opioids "a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare." What do these additions say about us? This week on Thinking Out Loud, Nathan Rittenhouse and Cameron McAllister discuss some of the implications of the national opioid crisis. Follow the Thinking Out Loud hosts on Twitter: Cameron McAllister - @CamMcAllister7Nathan Rittenhouse - @N_Rittenhouse1