The Sean McDowell Show - podcast cover

The Sean McDowell Show

The Sean McDowell Showseanmcdowell.org
Dr. Sean McDowell is a gifted communicator with a passion for equipping the church, and in particular young people, to make the case for the Christian faith. Sean is an Associate Professor in the Christian Apologetics program at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. On this channel he tackles some of the biggest questions about God, morality, and contemporary culture. Visit www.seanmcdowell.org for more posts and info.
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Episodes

Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead: Faith and Film in Hollywood

Can a Christian thrive in Hollywood? Should they even try? What kinds of movies should Christians watch? These are the kinds of questions we tackle with Tom Halleen, the founding dean of Biola’s Snyder School of Cinema and Media Arts. He's a former executive AMC, BBC America, IFC, Sundance TV and WeTV and helped launch of groundbreaking and Emmy winning series including Mad Men, Breaking Bad, and The Walking Dead. Hope his story inspires you or any other creatives looking to impact the Kingdom o...

Mar 08, 202559 min

We Who Wrestle With God | Reviewing Jordan Peterson's New Book

Today, Dr. Scott Rae and I review Jordan Peterson's newest book which explores ancient, foundational stories of the Western world from the Old Testament. Through a psychological lens, Peterson looks at the Biblical accounts of rebellion, sacrifice, suffering, and redemption that have long stabilized, inspired, and united culture. We discuss some remarkable insights from the book and some areas of disagreement. READ: We Who Wrestle with God (https://amzn.to/4gG8JST) *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS ...

Mar 03, 202557 min

Ex-Muslim LEAVES her Faith to be a Christian

Why would a Muslim leave her faith to become a Christian, even though it cost her everything, and she received threats from her family? Kenza Haddock had dreams about Jesus that shook up her Muslim beliefs and motivated her to follow Christ regardless of the cost. But there is much more to her story that she shares with Sean in this interesting and moving interview. Join us! READ: The Ex-Muslim's Guide to Christianity (https://amzn.to/48WHnVI) Don’t forget to like this video, subscribe to our Yo...

Feb 28, 202557 min

Leaving Progressive Christianity (and Atheism)

How did a Christian become an atheist at a Bible college, then 25 years later, convert back to his faith? Dr. John Wise is the host of The Christian Atheist podcast. He has taught as an adjunct professor of philosophy at East Stroudsburg University, Grand Canyon University, and is currently teaching ethics and informal logic at the University of Arizona, Global Campus. Today, he tells us more about his time as a Progressive Christian. LISTEN: The Christian Atheist Podcast: https://wisewordsforyo...

Feb 24, 20251 hr 3 min

Religion Strikes Back: Why Everyone Should Believe in God (ft. Ross Douthat)

As a columnist for the New York Times, Ross Douthat has a new book releasing in February on why he believes it is harder NOT to believe in God than to have faith. He traces how the God-conversation has radically shifted since the early 2000s. Join us for a deep-dive on religion today and the latest case for God from order in the cosmos and consciousness. READ: Believe Why Everyone Should Be Religious by Ross Douthat (https://amzn.to/3BYHYdq) *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION ...

Feb 22, 20251 hr

Lee Strobel REVEALS Behind the Scenes of "More Than A Carpenter"

More than a Carpenter has been printed in over 30 million copies worldwide in 120 languages. What is the story behind the origin of the book? Why has it been so influential. And what is unique about the recent updated version? Today, Lee Strobel puts me in the hot seat to unpack the fascinating story behind this mega best-seller: READ: More Than a Carpenter by Josh & Sean McDowell (https://amzn.to/3Baf5uo) *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION at BIOLA (https://bit.ly/3LdNqKf...

Feb 21, 20251 hr

Can Christians Become Divine? A Surprising Doctrine Returns (w/ Paul Copan)

The doctrine of deification or theosis has been gaining interest among scholars for some time. Dr. Paul Copan is the editor of a new book that makes the case for a Protestant view of deification. This doctrine may sound abstract (or heretical), but when properly understood, it has deep historical roots in the Christian faith and deep transformative power in the lives of believers. CHECK OUT: Paul's work at The Worldview Bulletin (https://worldviewbulletin.substack.com/) READ: Transformed into th...

Feb 14, 202559 min

Was Jesus a Failed Prophet? (w/ Darrell Bock)

Did Jesus say he would return during the time of his followers but fail to do so? This question has bothered me for awhile, and I finally decided to do a deep-dive by talking with one of the leading NT scholars in the world: Dr. Darrell Bock. We discuss various approaches to this challenge and his favored view. Darrell L. Bock is professor of New Testament at Dallas Theological Seminary and will give us some insight into this claim. READ: Jesus according to Scripture: Restoring the Portrait from...

Feb 11, 20251 hr 4 min

Has God Changed his Mind on Same Sex Relationships?

A new book called The Widening Of God's Mercy believes that the Bible narrative points to the full inclusion of LGBTQ. Today I will analyze this book with Rebecca McLaughlin and the associated biblical passages to see if their argument holds up. READ: Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships? Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality (https://a.co/d/iJp0pru) WATCH: Same-Sex Unions: Everything the Bible Says About It (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogXQUY-0Rgg&t=21s) Make sure to...

Feb 07, 20251 hr 22 min

A BIG Debate Behind David & Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11)

Today, we'll cover one of the most controversial stories in the Bible: David & Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). Did David rape Bathsheba? Was she complicit in any way? Dr. Carmen Imes is an Old Testament professor, writer, and biblical scholar at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. Hope you enjoy and it can clear up some of the misconceptions and reveal other parts to the story. READ: Blame David, Not Bathsheba. Nathan Did, by Carmen Imes: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2022/07/rape-da...

Feb 03, 20251 hr 9 min

A "Christian" Case for Abortion? No Chance!

Is there a Christian case for abortion? According to author Rebecca Todd Peters, abortion can be the result of thinking Christianly about justice. In this video, Sean invites on pro-life speaker Megan Almon to discuss the book "Trust Women: A Progressive Christian Argument for Reproductive Justice." Megan is a speaker for Apologetics, Inc., and she graduated with her MA in Christian Apologetics from Biola in 2011. Invite Megan to speak: https://meganalmon.com/ READ: Chasing Love: Sex, Love, and ...

Feb 01, 20251 hr 18 min

A QUESTION Christians Must Consider (Mark 2:15-17)

How can Christians best engage their family and friends? Jesus models how to do this in his encounter with "sinners." There are some BIG lessons to learn and mistakes to avoid if we can follow the example of Jesus. Enjoy this sermon, which was from Yorba Linda Friends Church (Nov 17, 2024), and please take the warning and encouragement to heart. READ: End the Stalemate, by Sean McDowell and Tim Muehlhoff (https://amzn.to/3Zi6I9l) *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION at BIOLA (ht...

Jan 27, 202541 min

Why Do Musicians Deconstruct? Newsboys Speak Out!

The Newsboys have been one of the most successful and recognizable Christian bands for four decades. What have they learned over their time as leaders in the contemporary Christian music scene? And what are their thoughts on why so many musicians are deconstructing and deconverting from the faith? Is there something wrong with the CCM that needs addressing? In this interview, I talk with lead singer Michael Tait and keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein. Watch the Newsboys recent song: "Heaven on Earth"...

Jan 24, 202559 min

Is "New Thought" A Cause for Concern? (Melissa Dougherty Speaks Out)

There is a rising movement–which few people are familiar with–sweeping across the world known as New Thought. What is it? And how concerned should we be? Former New Ager, Melissa Dougherty, joins me to discuss her soon-to-be released book Happy Lies, and why Christians need to wake up to the New Thought movement. READ: Happy Lies: How a Movement You (Probably) Never Heard Of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World by Melissa Dougherty (https://amzn.to/3BG93Sz) *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND...

Jan 21, 20251 hr 6 min

Reacting to Wesley Huff on Joe Rogan

Wesley Huff was recently on the Joe Rogan Experience, one of the largest podcasts in the world. He is a Christian apologist, public speaker, and current Central Canada Director for Apologetics Canada. Today, I discuss the podcast and give my insight on some of what they talked about. Check out the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwyAX69xG1Q See the Debate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7ngjtT43-4 *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION at BIOLA (https://bit.ly/3LdN...

Jan 17, 202522 min

How Progressive Christians “Help” Evangelicals Shift Beliefs

What strategies do Progressive Christianity use to help lead Conservative Christians to have a paradigm shift about sin, hell, the Bible, and various moral issues? In this interview, I talk with Dr. Ashlee Quosigk, co-author of ONE FAITH NO LONGER. WATCH: Are Progressive and Conservative Christianity Different Faiths? Yes!(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoTim3-j7d8) READ: One Faith No Longer by Ashlee Quosigk and George Yancey (https://amzn.to/3mdx9Zd *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AN...

Jan 12, 20251 hr 2 min

What Heaven Is REALLY Like (w/ Dr. Michael Youssef)

Is heaven boring or delusional? What are the biggest misconceptions about heaven? It seems like many Christians are unenthusiastic about Heaven will really be like, and many skeptics have a faulty view of what the Bible really teaches. Dr. Michael Youssef is the senior pastor of the Church of the Apostles in Atlanta. He's written a book that we'll cover today on heaven and how we should think about heaven. READ: Heaven Awaits: Anticipate Your Future Hope, Your Eternal Home, Your Daily Reality by...

Jan 10, 20251 hr 4 min

A Designed Cosmos: Your Toughest Questions Answered!

Earlier this week, Dr. Jay Richards and I went live to discuss the 20-year update to his classic book THE PRIVILEGED PLANET. We laid out the case that our place in the cosmos is evidence for design, and discussed how the argument is even stronger today. Now we take your questions LIVE! WATCH: Staggering Scientific Evidence Our Place in the Cosmos is Designed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y1ZgWrWtvo&t=1812s READ: The Privileged Planet (https://amzn.to/3ZmSgNT) *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETIC...

Jan 07, 20251 hr

The BIBLE and SLAVERY Explained! (Dr. Carmen Imes)

Does the Bible Endorse Slavery? Does the Bible allow beating slaves? Dr. Carmen Imes is an Old Testament professor, writer, and biblical scholar at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. She is currently writing a commentary on Exodus, and thus spending a ton of time thinking about these issues. Today, she's here to address these tough challenges and more. READ: Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters (https://a.co/d/bjAZRjP) WATCH: Genocide. Slavery. Polygamy: Dennis Prager on Tough...

Jan 05, 20251 hr 11 min

Rejecting the Gospel of Self-Improvement: A Conversation with Ruth Chou Simons

What is the "gospel" of self-improvement? How has it subtly crept into our lives, and how do we reject it? In this interview, I talk with author and entrepreneur Ruth Chou Simmons about her new book "When Strivings Cease." READ: When Strivings Cease, by Ruth Chou Simons (https://amzn.to/3COI9mu) *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION at BIOLA (https://bit.ly/3LdNqKf) *USE Discount Code [SMDCERTDISC] for 25% off the BIOLA APOLOGETICS CERTIFICATE program (https://bit.ly/3AzfPFM) *Se...

Jan 04, 202559 min

What Was the Mission of Jesus? A Conversation with Greg Koukl

Did Jesus come to earth to champion the cause for the poor and oppressed? While he cared deeply about bringing justice to the poor, and spreading a message of peace and love, his primary mission was different. And we must get this right! In this conversation, I talk with apologist Greg Koukl about the main reason Jesus came to earth. READ: The Legend of the Social Justice Jesus: (https://www.str.org/w/the-legend-of-the-social-justice-jesus) *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION a...

Dec 31, 20241 hr 1 min

Heartbreak: Walking with Jesus In Grief (ft. Randy Alcorn)

Randy Alcorn is perhaps the most well-known Christian who writes and speaks on Heaven. Yet two years ago, his childhood bride, Nanci, died of cancer. How did his belief in heaven shape how he grieved? And what did he learn through this experience that can help Christians (and others) better grieve through loss, heartbreak, and pain? Sean and Randy both get personal in this interview. READ: Grieving with Hope: Walking with Jesus in Heartbreak, by Randy Alcorn (https://store.epm.org/grieving-with-...

Dec 27, 20241 hr 5 min

Is Christmas a Pagan Rip-Off? Interview with Louis Markos.

Is Christmas pagan? Was Christianity based on pagan celebrations on December 25? In this interview, I talk with Dr. Louis Markos, expert on Greek and Roman mythology. READ: The Myth Made Fact: (https://amzn.to/3kNMlcT) *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION at BIOLA (https://bit.ly/3LdNqKf) *USE Discount Code [SMDCERTDISC] for 25% off the BIOLA APOLOGETICS CERTIFICATE program (https://bit.ly/3AzfPFM) *See our fully online UNDERGRAD DEGREE in Bible, Theology, and Apologetics: (http...

Dec 24, 20241 hr 9 min

Historical Adam: Updates and BIG Lessons (w/ William Lane Craig)

Was Adam a real historical person? Is belief in Adam and Eve compatible with science? Is it required by scripture? Dr. William Lane Craig is back to update us on the latest findings/evidences about the search for the historical Adam. READ: Perspectives on the Historical Adam and Eve: Four Views (https://amzn.to/4eTnYXZO *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION at BIOLA (https://bit.ly/3LdNqKf) *USE Discount Code [SMDCERTDISC] for 25% off the BIOLA APOLOGETICS CERTIFICATE program (ht...

Dec 20, 20241 hr

Is IVF Moral? A Christian Debate.

Is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) ethical? Is there a pro-life way to practice IVF, or should it be entirely out of bounds for Christians (and others)? Dr. Scott Rae is one of the leading Christian ethicists today, he is the author of Moral Choices, and my co-host for the Think Biblically podcast. He makes the case for an ethical way of practicing IVF, and I push back. We certainly don't settle the issue, but invite you to consider what is at stake in the practice. READ: Moral Choices, by Scott Ra...

Dec 17, 20241 hr 3 min

STUNNING Early Christian Inscription from Armageddon: "God Jesus Christ"

Dr. Christopher Rollston is back to discuss one of the most significant early biblical inscriptions EVER discovered. The Akeptous Inscription, from a century before the Council of Nicaea, remarkably says: "God Jesus Christ." It was discovered at biblical Armageddon and deserves much more popular discussion. We talk about how it was discovered, why it is so significant, and what it contributes to debates about the divinity of Jesus. READ: A Stunning Trio of Early (3rd Century) Christian Inscripti...

Dec 15, 20241 hr 6 min

Christian Nationalism: A Threat to America?

Is Christian Nationalism an existential threat to America? Or is it a tactic to marginalize conservative voices today in the public arena? In this episode, I am joined by two scholars (Mark David Hall and Michael W. Austin) to discuss and debate the nature of Christian nationalism, the church and how Christians should bring their faith into the political realm. READ: Who’s Afraid of Christian Nationalism: Why Christian Nationalism Is Not an Existential Threat to America or the Church by Mark Dav...

Dec 13, 20241 hr 9 min

Radical Healing Changes Muslim's Life

Is Jesus God? Can the Bible be trusted? These are the questions Jainil, as a Muslim, debated his Christian friend for years. Finally, his friend challenged him to consider that Jesus could heal him. What happened? And how did it transform his life? Today, we dive into his dramatic story. READ: Evidence that Demands a Verdict, Sean and Josh McDowell (https://amzn.to/47zmv6k) *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION at BIOLA (https://bit.ly/3LdNqKf) *USE Discount Code [SMDCERTDISC] fo...

Dec 09, 202457 min

Can a Christian Who Commits Suicide Go to Heaven

What does the Bible say about suicide? Is suicide the unforgivable sin? In this conversation, Sean talks with Jon Noyes (from Stand to Reason) about these questions and more. They discuss why suicide has become such a big issue today and how Christians can practically respond to those who are hurting. READ: A Rebel's Manifesto, by Sean McDowell (https://amzn.to/3QYgpml) *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION at BIOLA (https://bit.ly/3LdNqKf) *USE Discount Code [SMDCERTDISC] for $1...

Dec 06, 20241 hr 1 min

The Bible: Tough Qs and Answers

How did we get the Bible? How many variants of the early manuscripts are there? Can we trust our biblical texts? Joining me today is New Testament scholar Dr. Peter Gurry and Old Testament scholar Dr. John Meade to discuss the trustworthiness of Scripture and how we can have confidence in our biblical text. READ: Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible, by John D. Meade and Peter J. Gurry (https://amz.run/68IN) READ: A Rebel's Manifesto, by Sean McDowell (https://amzn.to...

Dec 02, 20241 hr 11 min
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