Thinking Out Loud with Alan Shlemon

How to Receive Critical Feedback

Alan received some harsh feedback from a recent event. He explains three steps he takes when he gets these kinds of critical comments.

Live According to a Plumb Line, Not a Pendulum

When you realize your theology is in error, do you overcorrect by swinging wildly to the opposite position? Alan offers a biblical approach to correcting your view, one that looks more like using a plumb line than a pendulum.

The Fear of “Phobic”

Have you ever been called a "phobic" term like homophobic, Islamophobic, transphobic, or xenophobic? Alan discusses three reasons why you don’t have to fear the “phobic” label.

Will Faith as Small as a Mustard Seed Save You?

Does God require a certain amount of faith before he accepts it? Alan addresses this question by clarifying the nature of faith.

Atheism’s Empty Soul

A worldview that denies God and embraces naturalism has serious repercussions, the most egregious being a logical slide to nihilism. Alan unpacks three reasons why nihilism flows logically from naturalism.

Coffee Cup Christianity

Alan sounds the alarm on a pop Christian culture habit called Coffee Cup Christianity. He unpacks three of its harms and explains how they are fueling biblical illiteracy.

How to Prepare for the Next Cultural Revolution

Alan talks about how Christians were caught off guard by the current cultural revolution sweeping society today. He offers a two-step strategy to prepare for the next revolution and to protect believers from succumbing to its ideas.

Why the Problem of Evil Is Still a Problem

Skeptics and atheists find the problem of evil so repugnant and our solutions so hollow because they refuse to accept a fundamental reality that every Christian believes. Alan explains what that reality is in this episode, thereby demonstrating why the problem of evil is still a problem for many non-Christians.

How 2020 Is Taking a Toll on Your Soul

Alan explains why you’re likely feeling fatigued and frustrated with 2020. He quotes what he believes is the comment of the year because it provides valuable insight into how God made us and what we’re created to handle. This episode is from the STR broadcast when Alan was a guest host.

Christians Can’t Play Mortal Kombat

Believe it or not, there’s a valuable lesson that Christians can learn from the violent video game Mortal Kombat. Alan explains the lesson and how it should affect your conversations with people who don’t share your convictions.