How did we get here? From the Enlightenment to the rise of Postmodernism, the landscape of what we believe about God has shifted beneath our feet. In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with renowned theologian Dr. Roger E. Olson (Emeritus Professor at Baylor University) to map out the fascinating—and often turbulent—history of modern theology.

They explore the tension between tradition and the "modern mind," discussing how giants like Schleiermacher, Barth, and Bonhoeffer navigated a world that was rapidly deconstructing old certainties. Whether you're a theology nerd or just trying to understand the intellectual roots of your own faith, this conversation provides a vital compass for the journey.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Modern" Dilemma: What happens when theology tries to accommodate the demands of the Enlightenment?

• Reconstruction to Deconstruction: Understanding the shift from building grand systems of thought to the skepticism of the 21st century.

• The Giants of the Faith: Why figures like Karl Barth and Dietrich Bonhoeffer still matter for your walk with Christ today.

• The Evangelical Response: How believers can engage with modern ideas without losing the core of the Gospel.

• Finding Your Place: How understanding the history of ideas helps you situate your own beliefs in a chaotic world.

Join us for a deep dive into the ideas that shaped the modern church and discover how to think Christianly in an era of reconstruction and deconstruction.

Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

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

#ThinkingChristian #Theology #ModernTheology #ChurchHistory #ChristianScholarship #FaithAndReason #RogerOlson #IntellectualFaith