Two years ago, Dr. Randy Newman joined Dr. Keith Plummer on Defragmenting to discuss the third edition of his book, Questioning Evangelism: Engaging Peoples’ Hearts the Way that Jesus Did. Dr. Newman went to be with the Lord a year ago this month. To honor his legacy, we have re-released his conversation with Dr. Plummer, which still holds just as much relevance and application as it did when it was first released. In this episode, they discuss why asking questions and listening well are so important, some of the top questions non-Christians ask about Christians, why the new edition of his book includes a new chapter on science and Christianity, the difference between evangelism and pre-evangelism, and more.

Because the triune God has graciously revealed himself, he is knowable. But because he is infinite, there is always more to him than finite creatures can comprehend. Dr. Ronni Kurtz explains and explores the profound and often overlooked doctrine of incomprehensibility in his book Light Unapproachable: Divine Incomprehensibility and the Task of Theology. In this episode, he and Dr. Keith Plummer discuss the biblical basis of the doctrine; its historical development; and why its contemplation should elicit worship, foster humility, and produce joy-filled hope.

Reading and interpreting the Bible is more, never less, than applying the correct principles. That's because the Scriptures are unlike any other writing in that they are God's words to his people. In his book Mere Christian Hermeneutics: Transfiguring What it Means to Read the Bible Theologically, Dr. Kevin Vanhoozer writes, “Biblical interpreters are answerable not only for the ‘correctness’ of their reading but for the way they respond to what they read, and to the one who is saying it.” In this episode, he joins Dr. Keith Plummer to discuss his book and what truly faithful biblical integration looks like.

What could a book written about television forty years ago possibly have to teach us about living well and wisely in our world of smartphones, social media, and high-speed connectivity? According to the editors of Scrolling Ourselves to Death: Reclaiming Life in a Digital Age, a lot! In this episode, Brett McCracken and Dr. Ivan Mesa join Dr. Keith Plummer to discuss why Neil Postman's classic volume Amusing Ourselves to Death is still amazingly relevant and how they hope their project will help the body of Christ.

When it comes to controversial topics, it’s tempting to go to one of two extremes—to engage people with vitriol, anger, and contentiousness in our determination to make them see things our way or to totally avoid talking about important yet potentially controversial subjects altogether in an attempt to “keep the peace.” Neither is a viable option for followers of Jesus. In this episode, Dr. Sean McDowell joins Dr. Keith Plummer to talk about having meaningful and respectful conversations with those with whom we have strong disagreements.

Chris Martin, author of The Wolf in Their Pockets: 13 Ways the Social Internet Threatens the People You Lead, returns to the podcast to talk with Dr. Keith Plummer about why Christian leaders need to understand how our relationship with social media changes the ways we think, feel, and believe. Chris explains why he calls social media “the most pervasive discipleship force in the world right now;” details the wrong ways we approach social media; and suggests how pastors, ministry leaders, parents, and teachers can foster cultures that better enable believers to resist the seductive snares of online life. Even if you’re not on social media, you’re affected by it somehow, so there’s something for everyone to take away from this conversation.

Central to the historic Christian faith is the confession that our God is triune, one in being and three in persons. Admittedly, this truth exceeds our ability to comprehend. But we shouldn’t allow that to keep us from seeking to understand what we can of what God has revealed of himself. To that end, Dr. James Dolezal, professor of theology at Cairn University, joins Dr. Keith Plummer to discuss his chapter on divine simplicity and the Trinity in IVP's 2024 award-winning book On Classical Trinitarianism.

Seasoned journalist Bonnie Kristian believes America is in the midst of a knowledge crisis that the church cannot afford to ignore. In fact, she thinks it could be the most pressing and unprecedented challenge for contemporary discipleship. Her book Untrustworthy: The Knowledge Crisis Breaking Our Brains, Polluting Our Politics, and Corrupting Christian Community describes the multiple forces contributing to an atmosphere characterized by mounting misinformation, mistrust, and polarization. Bonnie joins Dr. Keith Plummer to discuss why Christians need to understand the crisis and what measures we can take to resist it and its destructive effects.