Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture - podcast cover

Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

Talbot School of Theology at Biola University / Sean McDowell & Scott Raewww.biola.edu
A weekly podcast that offers Christian perspectives on some of the most significant issues facing today's church and culture. In each episode, hosts Scott Rae and Sean McDowell — professors at Biola University's Talbot School of Theology — draw upon biblical wisdom and insights from guest experts as they explore how Christians can thoughtfully and faithfully engage with cultural trends and current events.
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Episodes

Can We Still Believe in God? (with Craig Blomberg)

How can Christians respond to some of the toughest questions today related to evil, hell, unanswered prayer, the unevangelized and more? In this interview, Sean and Scott talk with New Testament scholar Craig Blomberg about his latest book Can We Still Believe in God? Dr. Blomberg uniquely addresses these questions from within his training as a New Testament scholar, and thus offers some fresh insights. Dr. Craig Blomberg is a distinguished professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary. He has w...

Feb 26, 202136 minEp. 168

When Christian Leaders Fail

The report revealing the sexual misconduct of apologist and evangelist Ravi Zacharias is heart-breaking. In this episode, Sean and Scott reflect on lessons we can learn from this scandal and what it might mean for ministries moving forward. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/when-christian-leaders-fail ========== Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University , which offers ...

Feb 23, 202135 minEp. 167

Compassion and Conviction in Public Life and Politics (with Justin Giboney)

In our divided political and cultural landscape, the combination of conviction and compassion is more necessary than ever. Join Scott and Sean as they interview author and founder of the AND Campaign, Justin Giboney about his new book Compassion and Conviction: The AND Campaign’s Guide to Faithful Civic Engagement . Justin Giboney is the founder of the AND Campaign, whose goals are to foster responsible Christian engagement in politics and public life. Read a transcript of this episode at: https...

Feb 16, 202130 minEp. 166

Weep With Me - Lament and Racial Reconciliation (with Mark Vroegop)

One of the key element in racial reconciliation is recognizing the experience of minorities in majority cultures. Pastor Mark Vroegop maintains that the practice of lament, both individually and corporately, is an important first step in that process, yet a practice that many Christians are unfamiliar with. Join Sean and Scott for this stimulating conversation about the spiritual discipline of lament. Mark's new book is Weep with Me: How Lament Opens a Door for Racial Reconciliation . Mark Vroeg...

Feb 05, 202129 minEp. 165

[BONUS] Is Mormonism Defensible Today?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has recently responded to some of the biggest challenges to the truth of their faith. This includes the plural wives of Joseph Smith, the book of Abraham, DNA studies, and more. In this interview, Sean talks with Eric Johnson, of the Mormonism Research Ministry, about their responses. This interview first aired on Sean's YouTube channel , which is in partnership with the Talbot Apologetics program. We hope you enjoy this in-depth look at some of th...

Feb 02, 20211 hr 21 min

Win by Two - Basketball, Race and Coming to Faith in Christ (with Adam Donyes and Derrick Derrell)

Win by Two is a gripping story about two men, Adam Donyes and Derrick Derrell, from very different backgrounds whose lives intersected on the basketball court and around a shared friendship and eventually a shared faith in Christ. Join Scott and Sean as they interview Adam and Derrick—you’ll be encouraged by their story. Adam Donyes is the founder and director of the Kanakuk Kamps Link Year Program. He played D-1 basketball at Boise State University. Derrick Derrell works in Raytown, Missouri, i...

Jan 28, 202139 minEp. 164

[BONUS] Behind the Scenes with JP Moreland

In this interview, Sean goes behind the scenes with Biola professor JP Moreland to discuss the people, experiences, and books that shaped his life. JP shares about the challenges of growing up without a father, the key people who influenced his life, his favorite book of the Bible and more. This interview is a bonus episode that first aired on Sean's YouTube channel , which is in partnership with the Talbot Apologetics program. We hope you will enjoy this "inside look" at one of Biola's most inf...

Jan 27, 20211 hr 1 min

The Gathering Storm (with Albert Mohler, Jr.)

How deeply has secularism infiltrated our society and the church? In his latest book, The Gathering Storm , Dr. Albert Mohler argues that Western civilization and the church stand at a consequential crossroads in regard to its future. Scott interviews Dr. Mohler about the ideologies threatening society as well as the church and how to best contend for the faith today. Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr. is the president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been recognized as a leader among...

Jan 22, 202135 minEp. 163

I Am Restored (with Lecrae Moore)

Grammy Award winner and hip hop artist Lecrae tells his story of artistic success, battle with addiction and depression, and being restored in this fascinating new book . Lecrae is vulnerable and open about his background, mistakes he made and how his restored faith in Christ is making a difference in his life going forward. Join Scott and Sean for this conversation with Lecrae. Lecrae Moore is a Grammy Award winner and NY Times Bestselling Author, as well as successful hip-hop artist. He is als...

Jan 16, 202136 minEp. 162

Turn Your Season Around (with Darryl Strawberry)

Darryl Strawberry is a legendary baseball player who had everything the world has to offer, and yet he was broken and hurting inside. In this interview, Strawberry shares some powerful stories from his life that led him to become a follower of Jesus and experience a transformed life. He uses sports as a metaphor to offer some memorable and helpful spiritual insights. Darryl Strawberry won four World Series titles, had eight all-star game appearances, and was nominated to the National Baseball Ha...

Jan 08, 202129 minEp. 161

[Bonus] Is the Christian God a Genocidal Bully? (with Charlie Trimm)

One of the toughest challenges to the Christian faith is the claim that God is unnecessarily violent. How could God command "genocide" in the Old Testament? In this interview, Sean and Biola professor Charlie Trimm walk through the various options Christians have to approach Old Testament violence. This interview was first recorded on Sean's YouTube channel, which is in partnership with the Talbot Apologetics program, and is posted here as a bonus episode. Read a transcript of this episode at: h...

Dec 29, 20201 hr 5 min

[Bonus] Our Deepest Desires (with Greg Ganssle)

As human beings, we have deep desires for freedom, beauty, goodness and truth. According to Biola professor Greg Ganssle, these desires point to the reality of the Christian faith. In this BONUS episode, Sean interviews Dr. Ganssle about his book "Our Deepest Desires: How the Christian Story Fulfills Human Aspirations." Dr. Ganssle argues not that Christianity is true, although he believes that, but that it is good and fulfills our deepest longings as human beings. We hope you will enjoy this di...

Dec 22, 20201 hr 4 min

Can We Trust the Bible On the Historical Jesus? (with Craig Evans)

Does the Bible present an accurate view of the historical Jesus? Craig Evans is one of the leading New Testament scholars today, and he answers this question with a resounding "yes." In this interview, Sean and Scott ask him about his latest book, which highlights Dr. Evans's latest debate with Bart Ehrman. They discuss the historical evidence for the New Testament, both from within and outside the Bible, and respond to common criticisms. New Testament scholar, prolific author, and popular teach...

Dec 18, 202032 minEp. 160

Can We Trust the Copying of the Bible? (with Peter Gurry)

What is the best way to defend the reliability of the Bible? What are common mistakes Christians often make when responding to critics who challenge the Bible? Sean and Scott interview Dr. Peter Gurry about his latest book, which aims to correct myths and mistakes often made in defense of the New Testament. The good news is that a solid case can be made for the trustworthiness of the New Testament, as Dr. Gurry describes, but we also need to be careful when presenting that case. Peter Gurry join...

Dec 12, 202034 minEp. 159

The Sexual Purity Movement

What should a biblical sexual purity message look like for today? In this episode, Scott interviews Sean about his latest book: Chasing Love: Sex, Love, and Relationships In A Confused World . They discuss pressing questions, such as: Is sex really a big deal? Isn't it a private act between consenting? Is a biblical sexual ethic really good for individuals and society? Sean's latest book is part of the True Love Waits campaign that is geared towards helping young people make wise, biblically-bas...

Dec 03, 202032 minEp. 158

Born Again This Way (with Rachel Gilson)

The journey of authentic Christian faith and sexuality is often a rocky and complicated one. Rachel Gilson, in her book, Born Again This Way , tells her story of this journey, with some surprising twists and turns along the way. Join Scott and Sean for this fascinating conversation about faith and sexuality. Rachel Gilson is director of theological development at Cru Northeast. She holds a BA in history from Yale College and is completing her MDiv at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She blog...

Nov 28, 202033 minEp. 157

Does God Command That We Curse Our Enemies? (with Charlie Trimm)

The imprecatory psalms--some of the most difficult parts of the Bible, are the places in which the psalmist asks God to bring judgment on one's enemies, often in very harsh language. Talbot OT professor, Dr. Charlie Trimm, helps us understand how these psalms fit in with Jesus' command to love your enemies. Join Scott and Sean for an interesting discussion that will help you understand this complicated area of the Bible. Charlie Trimm is an associate professor and chair of the Old Testament prog...

Nov 19, 202031 minEp. 156

Confronting Christianity (with Rebecca McLaughlin)

Can Christianity answer the toughest questions raised against it? According to Rebecca McLaughlin, the answers is yes. In this interview, Sean and Scott ask McLaughlin, author of the new book Confronting Christianity , some of the most challenging questions Christians face today related to science and faith, the supposed intolerance of religion, the claim that Jesus is the only way, and so on. Rebecca McLaughlin holds a PhD from Cambridge University and a theology degree from Oak Hill seminary i...

Nov 14, 202035 minEp. 155

Processing the Election with Family, Friends and Co-workers

Votes for the next president have been cast and one thing is certain — somebody will be happy, and others disheartened. Can a friendship or workplace relationship be preserved with someone who voted differently and holds vastly different beliefs? Today's episode features a recent episode of the new Winsome Conviction podcast, which is another podcast from Biola University. Learn more about the podcast at winsomeconviction.com and subscribe today wherever you listen to podcasts. Read a transcript...

Nov 04, 202035 minEp. 154

Winsome Convictions Amidst A Polarizing Election (with Rick Langer and Tim Muehlhoff)

Biola Professors Rick Langer and Tim Muehlhoff describe how to hold deeply held convictions with passion, grace and civility in the midst of the polarization of our current culture, especially true given the election of 2020. Join Scott and Sean as they talk about how to stand firm in one's convictions but do it in ways that build bridges, not walls. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2020/winsome-convictions-amidst-polarizing-election ========== T...

Oct 29, 202037 minEp. 153

Divided We Fall (with David French)

Given the polarization of culture, politics and religion in the United States and increasingly in other parts of the world as well, it's critical for the follower of Jesus to represent the gospel well in these complicated times. Journalist David French in his new book, Divided We Fall: America's Secession Threat and How to Restore the Nation , describes the polarization clearly, gives some alarming possible scenarios, and ultimately provides a way forward for the future. Join us as Scott intervi...

Oct 27, 202039 minEp. 152

How Should Christians Vote?

Do Christians have an obligation to vote? What principles should shape how Christians think about voting? When it comes to politics, Christians often differ significantly. Yet there are some biblical principles all Christians can think through. In this episode, Scott and Sean offer some reflections for the upcoming election. Register to vote and get information on your polling place at vote.gov . Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2020/how-should-c...

Oct 22, 202033 minEp. 151

Costly Obedience (with Mark Yarhouse)

Gay men and women who desire to be faithful to Scripture and thus choose a life of celibacy have chosen a difficult path and have much to teach the church. Psychologist Mark Yarhouse led a study of these men and women and some fascinating conclusions emerged from this study. Join Sean and Scott as they interview Dr. Yarhouse, on his new book, Costly Obedience: What We Can Learn from the Celibate Gay Christian Community . Dr. Mark Yarhouse is the Dr. Arthur P. Rech and Mrs. Jean May Rech Chair in...

Oct 16, 202035 minEp. 150

Critical Race Theory (with Monique Duson)

Much of the conversation about race in 2020 has surfaced an underlying philosophy that is driving the discussion in the broader culture — known as Critical Race Theory. Our guest, Monique Duson, helps us understand what this is and how it fits with a Christian worldview. Join Scott and Sean for this insightful discussion of this important cultural topic. Monique Duson is the founder of the Center for Biblical Unity, committed to a Biblically grounded pursuit of racial justice. She has a broad ba...

Oct 08, 202033 minEp. 149

Free to Believe — The Battle Over Religious Freedom (with Luke Goodrich)

Conflicts over religious freedom have heightened especially in the last few years, and some maintain that religion is under assault in places where religious freedom has historically been protected. It’s not often we get the chance to hear from those who are on the legal front lines of these conflicts. Join us for this conversation as Scott and Sean talk with religious freedom attorney Luke Goodrich about his book, Free to Believe . Luke Goodrich is VP & senior counsel at Becket, where he re...

Oct 01, 202035 minEp. 148

Seeing Jesus from the East (with Abdu Murray)

Without even realizing it, many Westerners fail to understand the Bible, and the larger Christian story, from an Eastern perspective. Yet doing so unlocks the Scripture in a fresh and insightful way. In this episode, Sean and Scott interview Abdu Murray about his recent book, which he wrote with Ravi Zacharias. This interview will help you look at the stories and teachings of Jesus with fresh eyes. If you want to see an additional interview, which goes into even more depth, check out this YouTub...

Sep 24, 202033 minEp. 147

Foundations to Biblically Shape a Family (with Ruth Chou Simons)

Where do we begin in helping young children develop a vibrant faith? How do we declare the goodness and faithfulness of God to the next generation? In this episode, Sean and Scott interview Ruth Chou Simons, author of the new book Foundations: 12 Biblical Truths to Shape a Family . They discuss practical strategies youth influencers can put into practice right away. Ruth Chou Simons is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and speaker. She shares her journey of God's grace intersecting daily life ...

Sep 18, 202031 minEp. 146

[Bonus Podcast] A Biblical Response to Social Justice (with Thaddeus Williams)

How should Christians think about social justice? What is a Christian response to Critical Race Theory? In this video, Sean interviews Biola professor Thaddeus Williams about his upcoming book: Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth . In particular, Sean and Thaddeus discuss how Christians can respond to present race relations. Dr. Thaddeus Williams is Associate Professor of Theology at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. He holds MA degrees from Talbot and UCLA and a Ph.D. fr...

Sep 16, 20201 hr 18 min

Immigration and Public Policy (with Dennis Hollinger)

One of the most complex aspects of the immigration debate concerns what the law and public policy should be in this area. Join Scott for this stimulating discussion with Dr. Dennis Hollinger as he applies a Christian ethic to the public dimension of immigration. Dr. Dennis Hollinger is President Emeritus of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary and one of the leading experts in Christian ethics. He is also the Colman M. Mockler Distinguished Professor of Christian Ethics. He is also Distinguished ...

Sep 10, 202029 minEp. 145

Something Needs to Change (with David Platt)

How can we motivate people to live passionately and compassionately in light of the gospel? Sean interviews David Platt about his latest book Something Needs to Change . David shares stories of his personal journey through the Himalayas, how it motivated him live out the gospel more deeply, and how he answers some of the toughest questions people are asking today about the Christian faith. Dr. David Platt serves as pastor at McLean Bible Church in Washington, D.C., and he is the founder and pres...

Sep 05, 202031 minEp. 144
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