The Limits of Therapy: Why a Counselor Can’t Replace Your Community 🛋️📉

Are we asking therapy to do something it was never designed to do? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew take a provocative look at the "Counseling Industry" and its role in a collapsed culture. While therapy is a vital tool for clinical challenges, Dr. Mathew…

The Loneliness Epidemic: Why Modern Life is a Structural Trap (and How the Church Breaks It) 🛑🤝

Loneliness isn't just a "feeling"—it’s a structural crisis. In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew take a hard look at the "Epidemic of Loneliness" and why our modern way of life is practically designed to keep us isolated. Building on the "Embodied Leg" of our…

Beyond the Screen: Why Your Physical Presence is the Secret to Mental Health ⛪🫂

In an era of digital convenience and "on-demand" spirituality, have we lost something vital by staying home? Join Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew as they explore the "Embodied Leg" of the mental health stool. This episode dives into the "Deaths of Despair" phenomenon and how the simple act of…

Suffering for Christ's Sake

Hundreds of churches once bombed and burned to the ground are not only standing again but thriving in Sudan and South Sudan. Hear stories of pastors who experienced intense persecution and how their faith sustained them. Resources: Learn more about the Church Reconstruction Program in South Sudan …

Beyond the Quick Fix: Embracing Sadness as a Rational Response to a Broken World 🌧️⚓

In a culture obsessed with "happiness hacks" and immediate emotional relief, what if our sadness isn't a glitch, but a proper response to reality? In this follow-up episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew (Professor of Counselor Education at CIU) tackle the heart of the…

Navigating Existential Dread and Finding Meaning Together 🌪️🙏

Have you ever been in the middle of a busy, successful season only to be hit by a sudden, creeping feeling that none of it matters? You aren’t alone. In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew (Professor of Counselor Education at CIU) dive deep into the "existential…

The Digital Paradox: Why More Connection is Making Us More Alone 📱📉

Are we living in a "Truman Show" world? 🎬 In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew (Professor of Counselor Education) dive into the "Social Leg" of their three-legged stool model for mental health. Together, they explore how our modern, technology-driven socie…

Why Your Mental Health is an "Embodied" Experience 🧬🙏

Is mental health just "all in your head," or is there something deeper happening within our physical design? In the premiere of this series, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Dr. Ben Mathew, Professor of Counselor Education, to introduce a revolutionary way of looking at well-being: The Three-Legged…

🧠 Faith or Therapy? Navigating the Mental Health Crisis in the Church

Are we living in a "paid friend" culture? 🛋️ As mental health awareness skyrockets, the Church is at a crossroads. We’re seeing more counseling centers, more pastoral care roles, and more conversations about anxiety than ever before—but are we missing the spiritual heart of the matter? In this ep…

A King Like the Nations: The Easter Luncheon and the Theology Behind the Prayers

When faith leaders gathered at the White House for an Easter luncheon, the prayers offered weren't just politically awkward — they were theologically problematic. In this episode, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ashish Varma move past the headlines to examine the deeper issues: What happens when national…