Thinking better and thinking together about life’s most important issues. A place to finally meet in the middle to think freely and reasonably about the big questions of life. Welcome to Thinker Sensitive.
Ryan bids his listeners farewell, departing with a final word.
"This is what I am learning: I must abide in him that he might abide in me. I hope you have learned something too. I hope, like me, you’re striving to become something more. I hope we reach the same end. I hope that we wash up on the same shore….”About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:
Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.
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Ryan shifts to a personal evaluation of ancient Stoicism, offering some commendations and some corrections.
"There’s a lot of practical wisdom and prudent advice in Stoicism, as long as we stay clear of some of the extremes—incorporating the recommendations of Epictetus into our lives in a nuanced and balanced manner.”About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:
Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.
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After briefly discussing Epicureanism, the moral philosophy of Epicurus, Ryan transitions to Aristotle’s moral philosophy—which is widely understood as a “character, or virtue, ethic.”
"One of the most intriguing and thought-provoking aspects of Aristotle’s ethics is the idea that morality, virtue, and happiness are solely based on acting, doing, living, and being. It is not enough to talk about morality or to think about morality; one must enact justice and embody the good. For Aristotle, talking about virtue doesn’t make you good; being virtuous makes you good.”About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:
Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.
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Ryan dips into Classical Greek ethics, beginning with a brief summary of Epicureanism, which is an ancient form of hedonism that emphasizes simplicity and moderation.
"Epicurus was born on the Island of Samoa. He visited Athens as a teenager and briefly studied under a disciple of Plato. Years later, he would return to Athens, but this time not as a student, but rather as a teacher, quickly establishing a philosophy school at a local garden. He liked it so much that… he never left."About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:
Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.
Links:
Fear of retribution, hope of rewards, or the power of love? Ryan talks about the only motivating factor and inspirational force in the universe worth living and dying for.
"...fear of punishment and hope of rewards are motivations and incentives for the immature, not the mature. They are what help children behave, but we must progress beyond childhood and move towards perfection, the perfection of love…."
About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:
Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.
Links:
In the second part of a two-part podcast on "The Law of Love," Ryan argues that no one—neither Christian nor non-Christian—consistently and perfectly embodies the love that fulfills all law.
"...the love that fulfills the law, the love of God in Christ—self-sacrificial, edifying, and unconditional love—represents an immensely high standard, one that almost all people fail to reach. This standard, this love, like the law of old, becomes our judge. It scrutinizes our love. It shows us just how incredibly small and impotent our love is…."
About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:
Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.
Links:
Ryan discusses the nature and character of the love that fulfills all law.
"True love, real love, the love that fulfills all law, is made up of three defining characteristics: selflessness, edification, and unconditionality."
About Ryan, Host of Thinker Sensitive:
Ryan Ragozine is the host of Thinker Sensitive. He is passionate about ecumenical dialogue, inter-religious dialogue, and worldview engagement. He is a major proponent of civil discourse, free thinking, free speech, and ethical communication. Ryan has always been preoccupied with big ideas and big questions. He holds a B.A. in Theology and an M.A. in Philosophy. While in seminary, Ryan had the privilege of studying under Michael Peterson, editor and author of several philosophy of religion texts published by Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Notre Dame—most notably in the subcategories of religion and science, the problem of evil, and C.S. Lewis scholarship. Ryan and his wife are huge advocates of Christian hospitality, running a house church that welcomed people from all different backgrounds and belief systems for about five years before eventually taking over at Thinker Sensitive.
Links:
In the ninth episode of our season on the question of God, Ryan concludes the season with some final words and some final declarations.
In the eighth episode of our season on the question of God, Ryan discusses the notion of miracles—analyzing the concept from a philosophical perspective and sharing some personal stories.
In the seventh episode of our season on the question of God, Ryan continues to evaluate theism and atheism from a cognitive perspective, juxtaposing and critically assessing these worldviews on the basis of rational categories and criteria.
In the sixth episode of our season on the question of God, Ryan finally begins to evaluate theism and atheism from a cognitive perspective, juxtaposing and critically assessing these worldviews on the basis of rational categories and criteria.
In the fifth installment of our season on the question of God, Ryan examines the holistic nature of human belief, demonstrating that belief is not simply a matter of the mind, but a matter of the heart, the will, and personal experience.
In the fourth episode of our season on the question of God, Ryan dispels some common myths about theism and atheism and debunks some stereotypes about believers in God.
In the third episode of our season on the question of God, Ryan unpacks the profound implications of both worldviews: a theistic worldview and an atheistic worldview—demonstrating why this question is truly the question of all questions.
In the second episode of our new season on the question of God, Ryan sums up the history of this all-important question in the West, chronicling the historical development of both theism and atheism in the ancient and modern world.
In the first episode of our season on The Question of God, Ryan sets the stage for the rest of the season, explaining why the question is so important to him and sharing how the question has shaped his life. Ryan can only answer this question for himself, and so what follow will be his answer alone….
We are happy to announce that we are releasing our third full season at the end of September. The season will be on the question of God, which Ryan believes is the most fundamental and important question of all—a question that speaks to and illuminates all other questions.
In this season, Ryan will explain why the question of God is so significant, detailing the many implications, and—most importantly—he will set out to provide a personal answer to the question. We hope that this season will be helpful to the formulation of your own response to this all-important question.
In today’s edition of The Weekly, Ryan shares his personal thoughts on poverty in the United States, highlighting the ways in which this issue relates to personal virtue and personal ethics.
In today's edition of The Weekly, which is the second episode of a three-part set on American poverty, Ryan outlines the overarching debate on poverty in the United States—examining key arguments and claims from across the spectrum.
In today’s podcast, the first of three on American poverty, Ryan sets the table by analyzing the key definitions and standards that are used when discussing such matters—looking particularly at how we measure and weigh poverty.
On today’s installment of The Weekly, Ryan analyzes two opposing contemporary views on America: A traditional patriotic and idealistic perspective, on one hand, and a modern (or post-modern) unpatriotic and critical perspective, on the other. Just how does this relate to the popular debate between New York-style and Chicago-style pizza? Listen to the episode to find out!
In today's installment of the The Weekly, Ryan proposes the idea that all human experience is transcendental experience, asserting that all of us experience God "in the everyday," and that each of us encounter the transcendent in our mere existence. To live—to exist—is to be in the presence of one's creator.
On today's Weekly episode, Ryan shares his story and explains how Thinker Sensitive is the culmination of his personal journey, a journey that is still unfolding.
On today’s Weekly episode, which is the second part of a two-part podcast on humans and animals, Ryan begins to develop his philosophy and theology of human nature, unpacking the key differences between a human being and other developed primates, and establishing in what ways the human might be said to be made in the image of God.
Do animals have souls? What are the essential differences between a human being and a dolphin or an ape? Are human beings really special amongst all other animals? What makes a human a human? On today’s Weekly episode, which is the first part of a two-part podcast, Ryan sets the table for an in-depth discussion on the nature of humans and animals.
This week’s episode is a continuation of our interview with Randy Hardman, owner of the Drinklings Coffee House and creator of the Thinklings Podcast. On the second half of this two-part interview, we talk about suffering in human experience, the distinction between the philosophical problem of evil and the existential problem of evil, the presence of God in the midst of pain, the importance of wrestling with God, the significance of authenticity, the difference between faith in ideas and faith in a Living Being, the values of imagination and fellowship, and the importance of having a faithful presence in one’s own sphere of influence.
On today’s Weekly episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing my friend from seminary, Randy Hardman, owner of the Drinklings Coffee House and one of the original founders of Ratio Christi. Randy has an amazing story (including how he unfortunately passed up the opportunity to watch Appalachian State upset Michigan in the Big House while a student in Boone, NC). On the first half of this two-part interview, we talk about his experience growing up in church as an outsider, his crisis of faith at the age of 15, his introduction to apologetics, his decision to attend a secular university and study philosophy, his contribution to the formation of Ratio Christi, his discovery of some of the pitfalls of Christian apologetics, his process of integrating classical faith with modern ideas, the evolution of his beliefs, and the uniqueness of seminary life.
In today’s Weekly episode, Ryan continues his interview with his friend from college, Wade Bearden, author of To My Friend Who Left the Faith: A Letter to a Prodigal from a Prodigal. In the second half of their conversation, they talk about the relationship between faith and certainty, hypocrisy in the church, the problem of pain, the role of suffering in the Christian life, and Wade’s goals for his book. Listen to the pod to ponder these important topics with Ryan and Wade. Purchase Wade’s book today: https://www.amazon.com/My-Friend-Who-Left-Faith/dp/0578391597/
In today’s Weekly episode, Ryan sits down with Wade Bearden, author of To My Friend Who Left the Faith: A Letter to a Prodigal from a Prodigal. “Wade and his friend met and grew up at church. After high school, they parted ways. Wade’s friend left the faith. Wade stayed—only to wrestle with his own questions about Christianity.” In the first half of our conversation, we talk about “emotionalism,” doubt, personal bias, the role of desire in faith, deconstruction, reconstruction, and self-criticism.
Purchase Wade’s book today: https://www.amazon.com/My-Friend-Who-Left-Faith/dp/0578391597/
On today's Weekly episode, Ryan discusses the importance of having a sense of awe and wonder in life and for the world around us, attempting to inspire people to transcend modern disillusionment and contemporary disenchantment. Life is full of beauty and majesty, and it's important to be mindful of this.
On this week's episode, Ryan unpacks the practical benefits of belief in God, looking at the relevant data and research from contemporary studies.
On this week's episode, Ryan offers a constructive critique of the selective kindness of the world and tries to explain why universal kindness and unconditional love are far greater.
In the second part of our two part podcast on the current deconstruction movement, Ryan looks at the reasons why so many people are deconstructing Christianity today, closing with a brief appraisal and a brief critique of contemporary deconstruction.
If you are on Instagram or TikTok, you are probably familiar with the deconstruction hashtag. This hashtag is often associated with other hashtags, like: #exevangelical, #exfundie, #exholiness, and even #exchristian. As a type of deconstructionist himself, in the opening installment of this two part podcast, Ryan sets out to deconstruct the deconstruction movement in a constructive manner, setting the table for more in-depth analysis in the second episode.
In the final episode of our new mini-series, Ryan brings his discussion of ethical education to a close, laying down some guidelines and ending with a concrete application.
In the second installment of our new mini-series, Ryan sets the table for his ethic of education—defining terms, making key distinctions, and establishing the ideal of neutrality (which is an "impossible possibility") in the public sphere.
In the first episode of our new mini-series, Ryan evaluates cancel culture from a philosophical and ethical perspective—looking at various pros & cons and presenting a way forward.
In this installment of the Weekly, Ryan diagnoses the pitfalls of defining success by and basing self-worth on contemporary standards, providing practical recommendations and giving encouragement to those who may be struggling with insecurity and a lack of self esteem in a digital age.
Ryan releases an updated trailer that succinctly sums up the nature, character, vision, and goal of Thinker Sensitive.
On this week's episode, Ryan explains why all people—regardless of whether one is religious or not—are people of faith.
In this week's episode, Ryan discusses the relationship between faith and reason, explaining why he personally doesn't see them as enemies, but as friends.
On this week's episode, Ryan delves into the relationship between Christianity and conspiracy theories and religion and delusional thinking. Although Ryan does not believe that there is a necessary connection between faith and delusion, he does think that there are some reasons why religious people have a tendency to accept conspiracy theories.
On today's installment of The Weekly, Ryan discusses the topic of justice. But instead of focusing on issues of activism and social justice, Ryan centers his attention on justice in thought and speech, which he believes is every bit as important as social justice.
On this week's episode, Ryan delves into the topic of finding common ground and highlights the importance of volunteering and public service.
Why is self-interest harmful to democracies? Why is the pursuit of the common good such an integral part of healthy democratic societies? Is it even possible today to talk about a “common good”? And how does all of this relate to our contemporary American context? These are the tough questions that we will be tackling on this week's episode!
Why do we have such a strong tendency to focus on what divides us instead of on what unites us? How do we overcome such a negative tendency? How should we approach difference? And how do we foster unity? These are the tough questions that we will be tackling on this week's episode!
In this installment of The Weekly, Ryan discusses the importance of practicing what we preach, detailing many benefits on both a personal and social level.
On this installment of The Weekly, Ryan delves into the various causes of inconsistent thinking and demonstrates why coherence is something that we should all care about.
In this installment of the Weekly, Ryan distinguishes between cultural Christianity and authentic Christianity, defining the relationship between Christianity and Jesus Christ and ultimately resolving on the primacy of love and forgiveness in the Christian faith.
On this Weekly episode, Ryan discusses the nature and character of extremism, looking at various forms of radicalism and asking the tough question: Is extremism always bad?
Is intolerance always inappropriate and uncalled for? Are there times when intolerance is actually warranted? Is it ever morally right or ethically good to be intolerant? These are the tough questions that we will tackle on this episode!
Are all judgments bad? Are all criticisms unwarranted? Is it possible to speak about good judgments? If so, are such judgments important or even necessary at times? What’s the difference between good criticism and bad criticism? These are the tough questions that we will be tackling in this episode!
In the final episode, Ryan analyzes the standards and criteria that we use to evaluate truth claims and moral propositions, questioning why religious criteria, propositions, ideas, and worldviews have been pushed out of the public square.
In the seventh episode, Ryan tackles the topic of online censorship, providing examples and presenting some possible solutions.
In the sixth episode of the season, Ryan diagnoses the various forms of censorship, coercion, and discrimination in contemporary society, providing a nuanced understanding of free thinking and free speech.
In the fifth episode of our season on simplemindedness, Ryan, with the help of "The Social Dilemma" Netflix documentary, discusses the issue of algorithmic bias.
In the fourth episode of our new season, Ryan uncovers the many different forms of bias that are prevalent in our society today; critiques contemporary tribalism; and offers some advice and encouragement.
In the third installment of our season entitled, "The Simpleminded Society," Ryan deconstructs human objectivity, displaying the negative consequences that flow from it, and reconstructs a working understanding of human subjectivity, demonstrating its many advantages.
In the second episode of our new season, Ryan offers a critique of black and white, polarized thinking; argues that centrists and moderates are becoming more rare and more disliked in our society; and calls for mediation, bridge-building, and peacemaking.
In the first episode of our season entitled, "The Simpleminded Society," we argue that the question of truth should be elevated above the question of offense; we define simplemindedness; we provide several examples of it in contemporary society; we detail the way of the true philosopher; and we provide practical tips on how to overcome simplemindedness.
The belief that the masses are simpleminded is an opinion shared by many of the great philosophers throughout the history of philosophical discourse. In this season, we will look at several examples of simplemindedness in contemporary society and provide some practical tips for how to overcome it.
In this edition of The Weekly, Ryan provides 7 practical tips for maintaining and developing friendships amidst profound disagreement.
In the third episode of our new weekly segment, Ryan reads through and comments on an article that he wrote on the limitless and boundless power of love. The original article was entitled, "The Rule of Love: The Hope of the World."
In the second episode of our new weekly segment, Ryan reads through and comments on an article that he wrote on the state of contemporary morality during the turmoil and civil unrest of 2020. The original article was entitled, "The Moral Spirit of the Age."
In the opening episode of our new weekly segment, Ryan reads through and comments on an article that he wrote on Martin Luther King Jr. during the turmoil and civil unrest of 2020. The original article was entitled, "A Prophetic Word From MLK."
In the last episode of our introductory season, Ryan gives an open invitation to engage freely, openly, critically, and civilly with the issues that matter most in life at Thinker Sensitive.
In the sixth episode of our opening season, Ryan lays out Thinker Sensitive's version of Christian presuppositionalism, providing a personal confession of faith and confronting the lack of self-awareness and self-critique in contemporary society.
In the fifth episode of our opening season, Ryan lays down some practical guidelines for free and civil discourse, which he calls "rules of engagement."
In the fourth installment of our opening season, Ryan evaluates the nature of human belief and human knowledge—delving into the various factors and conditions that undergird our personal worldviews and ideologies.
In the third episode of our introductory season, Ryan discusses two major reasons for the loss of interest in big questions and big ideas in contemporary society: (1) extreme pragmatism and (2) nihilism.
In the second installment of our introductory season, Ryan explains why theology is—and will always be—so important.
In the opening episode of our introductory season, Ryan explains why philosophy is fundamental to: (1) all human thinking, (2) all human acting, and (3) all human communication.
This trailer succinctly introduces listeners to the nature, values, mission, and purpose of Thinker Sensitive. Learn about what we are all about!
This informational and introductory episode covers:
Ryan sits down with Caleb David, president of The Table Initiative. In this interview, Ryan and Caleb discuss the importance of hospitality, the power of a meal in breaking down barriers, the relationship between mission and colonialism, the value of nuance, and the issue of civil discourse.
Ryan interviews Russ Ware, co-owner of The Wild Goose Meeting House in Downtown Colorado Springs. In addition to informing us about the purpose and mission of "The Goose," Russ shares a lot of interesting information about new developments in the city!
Chad and Ryan discuss the hot topic of justice in this installment of The Weekly, focusing particularly on where the contemporary American church has fallen short.
In their first installment of “The Weekly,” Chad and Ryan discuss Kanye West’s new, much-publicized album, JESUS IS KING.
Chad interviews Niki and Travis Fields, owners of FH Beer Works and members of the community advisory and steering teams at COSILoveYou.
Chad interviews Don Knight, a current city council member who is intricately involved in the development of our city—which, amongst many other things, includes the redevelopment plan for the North Nevada corridor.
Ryan Interviews Andrea Burrows, a talented local artist who is very engaged in the developing art scene of Colorado Springs.
Ryan interviews Chauncey Carroll, former professional rock climber and current wellness program lead at Penrose St. Francis.
Chad Interviews Clay Ross, owner of Yobel — a place where you can find beautiful ethnically-sourced products and artwork.
Chad and Ryan define the parameters for friendship and offer their view on the ideal friendship.