Victoria Robinson had an abortion. She hid the hurt and shame for years, even while working at a church and pregnancy resource center. After experiencing God's grace and forgiveness, she now has a story she wants to share with other women (and men). Sean and Scott interview Victoria about her story. She also shares her insights about the state of the pro life movement and some practical ways churches can better minister to women who have had abortions. Victoria Robinson is Director of External R...
Jul 12, 2018•35 min•Ep. 36
In this stimulating conversation, Sean and Scott interview Dr. Paul Chamberlain, director of the program in Christian Apologetics at Trinity Western University in Canada, and author of the book Why People Stop Believing . Dr. Chamberlain chronicles the story of several prominent Christian leaders who gave up their faith — then he proceeds to answer the most common objections to Christianity that these former Christian leaders have in common. Dr. Paul Chamberlain is Director of the Institute for ...
Jul 05, 2018•29 min•Ep. 35
What is the biblical call to justice? Should Christians embrace the social justice movement? Sean and Scott interview Biola faculty member Thaddeus Williams about these questions and more. Dr. Williams provides biblical perspective about the social justice movement--highlighting both areas of agreement and concern with Scripture. In light of public debates about race, immigration, and family, it is more critical than ever that Christians think biblically about justice. Dr. Thaddeus Williams is A...
Jun 28, 2018•30 min•Ep. 34
What is transgender? And how can Christians think both biblically and compassionately about transgender people? Scott and Sean interview author Preston Sprinkle about this issue. Sprinkle provides clarification on some important terms, such as "intersex," and also offers some practical advice for how Christians can approach the transgender question both personally and publicly. Dr. Preston Sprinkle is Preston Sprinkle is a professor, speaker, and a New York Times bestselling author. He earned a ...
Jun 21, 2018•32 min•Ep. 33
Immigration remains one of the most divisive and debated social and political issues of our day. Understanding the Bible's teaching on immigration and applying it to current immigration issues is complicated terrain. Dr. Markus Zehnder, Talbot Professor of Old Testament, brings a wealth of research on the bible and immigration, as well as his experience of immigration issues from living most of his life in Europe, to bear on this complex and emotionally-charged issue. Dr. Markus Zehnder grew up ...
Jun 14, 2018•28 min•Ep. 32
In the long-awaited case of Masterpiece Cake Shop vs. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in favor of cake baker Jack Phillips. Citing the commission’s hostility towards Phillips’ religious beliefs, the court ruled that the commission violated its mandate for neutrality about religion. However, the court left unresolved the fundamental conflict here between the rights of gay people and Phillips' rights under the first amendment. Scott and Sean offer their reflections on...
Jun 11, 2018•31 min•Ep. 31
What is unique about Generation Z (born between 1999-2015)? What does the newest research show about their beliefs, practices, and approach to life? Sean and Scott interview Jonathan Morrow, author of " Welcome to College ," about a new massive study he commissioned with Barna. Jonathan reveals some surprising truths about young people today and offers some practical steps for discipling and evangelizing them. Jonathan Morrow is the Director of Creative Strategies for Impact 360 Institute where ...
Jun 07, 2018•27 min•Ep. 30
From a conference in Canada, Sean recently had the opportunity to interview Jojo Ruba, head of Faith Beyond Belief, an apologetics and worldview ministry that trains young people across Canada. Jojo shares some practical lessons American Christians can learn from the secular shift in Canada. Jojo Ruba is Executive Director of Faith Beyond Belief, a Canadian apologetics organization based in Calgary, Alberta. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2018/...
May 31, 2018•27 min•Ep. 29
Working with a team of over three dozen Biola grad students, Sean recently helped his father, Josh McDowell, update his classic book “ Evidence that Demands a Verdict .” Scott interviews Sean about how both culture and the historical evidence for Christianity have changed over the past few decades. The evidence for Christianity is more compelling than it has ever been, but as Sean and Scott discuss, it must be presented with kindness and love. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.bi...
May 24, 2018•28 min•Ep. 28
Pastor Andy Stanley recently gave a sermon in which he suggested that Christians today should unhitch the Old Testament from our faith. Scott and Sean interview Messianic Jew Mitch Glaser for his thoughts and insights. They discuss the Jewish roots of the Christian faith, the relationship between the OT law and today, and provide some perspective and insight to the controversial sermon. Dr. Mitch Glaser is President of Chosen People Ministries, in Brooklyn, NY. He also serves as a faculty member...
May 21, 2018•30 min•Ep. 27
What is the most effective approach for defending the faith today? What does it mean to do apologetics through the lens of the cross? Sean and Scott interview professor Josh Chatraw about his new book, " Apologetics at the Cross ." Josh offers some lessons for evangelism and apologetics today from the early church fathers, and also addresses some of the most pressing questions asked today by both believers and non-believers. Josh Chatraw serves as executive director of the Center for Apologetics...
May 17, 2018•28 min•Ep. 26
Spoiler alert! In this special episode, Scott and Sean discuss the ethical questions behind the recent blockbuster movie Infinity War. Here is the big question they explore: Under what conditions is it just to sacrifice a life (or lives) for another? They discuss various scenarios in the film and make some practical applications for today. And they discuss how the theme of Infinity War powerfully assumes certain ideas of love and sacrifice at the heart of the gospel. Read a transcript of this ep...
May 11, 2018•37 min•Ep. 25
How is porn affecting this generation? What are some of the most common and pernicious myths people believe about how it affects relationships? Sean and Scott interview Matt Fradd, author of " The Porn Myth ." He offers an insightful cultural analysis of how porn has shaped our culture, responds to the most common myths, and offers some practical steps for parents and other leaders. Matt Fradd speaks to tens of thousands of people every year. He is the best-selling author of several books, inclu...
May 08, 2018•26 min•Ep. 24
In this episode, Sean and Scott talk with Judge Ken Starr and Dr. Thomas Farr about the state of religious liberty today in America and beyond. How concerned should Christians be? What big issues are on the horizon? And how can Christians respond? Starr and Farr bring remarkable perspective and wisdom for thoughtful Christians today. Thomas Farr is President of the Religious Freedom Institute and Director of the Religious Freedom Research Project at Georgetown University’s Berkley Center. He is ...
Apr 28, 2018•29 min•Ep. 23
Sean recently had a public discussion with Bart Campolo , former evangelist and Christian social worker, who is now a leading secular humanist. They share and contrast their stories and discuss whether Christianity or secular humanism is the best explanation for moral values. This is a bonus episode that first aired on Unbelievable? at Premier Christian Radio. For more from Unbelievable? , be sure to check out their podcast , book , and upcoming conference . Bart Campolo is an American humanist ...
Apr 18, 2018•50 min
What worldviews are competing for the hearts and minds of today’s students? What is unique about this generation? Sean interviews Dr. Jeff Myers, president of Summit Ministries, about how the church can best understand and reach Generation Z. Dr. Jeff Myers is president of Summit Ministries, a highly respected worldview training program whose tens of thousands of graduates are making a difference in politics, law, academics, medicine, science, and business. In the last twenty years, Dr. Myers ha...
Apr 12, 2018•26 min•Ep. 22
How does economics shape what it means to “love our neighbor”? How should theology shape our view of economics? In this episode, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae interact with Dr. Tom Nelson, who is the head of Made To Flourish, a network of pastors and local churches committed to integrating theology and work for the common good. They discuss pastor Nelson’s excellent book The Economics of Neighborly Love . Dr. Tom Nelson is founding pastor of Christ Community Church in the Kansas City area and Pres...
Apr 06, 2018•26 min•Ep. 21
Christians find themselves today in an increasingly secular culture, which is sometimes even hostile to the faith. In this setting, what is the most biblical and effective means of persuasion? In this episode, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae talk with author of Winsome Persuasion and Biola University professor Tim Muehlhoff about what it means to communicate winsomely today. Tim offers practical ideas for having difficult and controversial conversations. Dr. Tim Muehlhoff is Professor of Communicati...
Mar 29, 2018•28 min•Ep. 20
Did God use evolution? Should Christians embrace evolution? In this episode, Sean and Scott talk with the leading intelligent design proponent Stephen Meyer about the new book Theistic Evolution: A Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Critique . Stephen C. Meyer received his Ph.D. in the philosophy of science from the University of Cambridge. A former geophysicist and college professor, he now directs Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture in Seattle. He has authored the New ...
Mar 22, 2018•27 min•Ep. 19
In this special release, Sean joins John Stonestreet , president of The Chuck Colson Center , and co-host of the BreakPoint Podcast , to discuss the Bible and homosexuality. John interviews Sean about his recent public dialogue with one of the leading “Gay Christian” voices in America. John Stonestreet is President of the Colson Center and co-host (with Eric Metaxas) of the Breakpoint daily radio program. He is the author of five books on culture and a Christian worldview. A Dialogue Between Sea...
Mar 20, 2018•30 min
In the second half of this two-part series, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae continue their conversation with pastor and author Caleb Kaltenbach. In this episode, they focus on Caleb’s new book The God of Tomorrow , which is about how trusting God’s sovereign plan for tomorrow while living with boldness and hope today. Caleb Kaltenbach is the Lead Pastor of Discovery Church in Simi Valley, CA. He’s the author of Messy Grace and God of Tomorrow . In Messy Grace , Caleb writes about growing up in the L...
Mar 15, 2018•26 min•Ep. 18
There is often great fear, mistrust, and tension between the church and the LGBTQ community. How can Christians posture themselves in a biblical manner? In this episode, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae talk with pastor and author Caleb Kaltenbach about his book Messy Grace . As the son of two gay parents, Caleb has a unique voice on this issue today. Caleb Kaltenbach is the Lead Pastor of Discovery Church in Simi Valley, CA. He’s the author of Messy Grace and God of Tomorrow . In Messy Grace , Caleb...
Mar 09, 2018•27 min•Ep. 17
Jesus taught his followers to help the poor. Yet there is much confusion about the most effective and biblical means for doing so. In this episode, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae talk with Dan Anderson, pastor at the Urban Rescue Mission, about how Christians can make a genuine and lasting difference for the poor. Dan shares some memorable and life-changing stories. After serving in Pastoral ministry in the local church for twenty-five years, God has called Dan Anderson into full-time compassion mi...
Mar 04, 2018•27 min•Ep. 16
What is the church doing well in the LGBTQ conversation? Where can we improve? In this podcast, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae interview Dr. Mark Yarhouse about these questions and more. They ask Dr. Yarhouse some of the toughest questions surrounding this issue, and he responds with wisdom and insight. As a trained psychologist, Dr. Yarhouse brings a uniquely balanced and research-based approach to this issue. Dr. Mark Yarhouse is the Rosemarie S. Hughes Endowed Chair and Professor of Psychology a...
Feb 22, 2018•27 min•Ep. 15
What is the best evidence for the soul? What is the state of philosophical debate over the existence of the soul? Can evolution explain the soul? In this episode, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae discuss these questions, and many more, with Talbot professor J.P. Moreland, one of the top 50 living philosophers today. If you're interested in this topic, check out The Soul: How We Know It's Real and Why It Matters by J.P. Moreland. Dr. J.P. Moreland is Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Talbot. He...
Feb 16, 2018•27 min•Ep. 14
The contemporary church puts a huge emphasis on natural marriage and family. But according to pastor, author and Talbot professor Joe Hellerman, the New Testament prioritizes the church family. Have we gotten our priorities wrong? In this podcast, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae talk to Professor Hellerman about the biblical view of family and what this practically means for the church today. Joe Hellerman's book is titled When the Church Was a Family: Recapturing Jesus' Vision for Authentic Christi...
Feb 09, 2018•26 min•Ep. 13
In this episode, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae continue the conversation with Brett Kunkle, president of Maven, a youth culture specialist organization. They discuss how to define culture, and then offer practical ideas for helping young people navigate our information age, apply faith to all areas of life, and guide them to experience the good life amidst affluence and materialism. Brett Kunkle's latest book is titled A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today’s Worl...
Feb 01, 2018•28 min•Ep. 12
What are the unique challenges young people face today? And what are some creative ways to equip and reach them? In this podcast, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae talk with youth expert Brett Kunkle about how to help students effectively navigate technology, media, and other pressing concerns of today. Brett Kunkle's latest book is titled A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Today’s World . Brett Kunkle is the founder and president of MAVEN, a movement to equip the next ...
Jan 26, 2018•26 min•Ep. 11
This week, Open Doors, the international ministry to the persecuted church founded by Brother Andrew, released its annual World Watch List—the list of the 50 countries that most deny religious freedom and persecute Christians around the world. Listen in as Dr. Scott Rae interviews Dr. Ron Boyd-MacMillan on the state of the persecuted church in 2018. Dr. Boyd- MacMillan is Director of Strategic Research for Open Doors, International, and Professor of Practical Theology and Persecution Studies at ...
Jan 11, 2018•28 min•Ep. 10
In this stimulating conversation with Dr. Russell Moore, Talbot Professor Dr. Scott Rae explores how to navigate the difficult terrain of meaningful cultural engagement while staying faithful to the Bible. Dr. Moore is the President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, the public policy and ethics think tank for the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination in the U.S. Dr. Moore is featured regularly in various news media and has become one of the leading spokes...
Dec 14, 2017•31 min•Ep. 9
