What are the essential truths of the Christian faith? How do we know they are true, and how do we live them out in relationships? In this episode, Scott interviews Sean about his recent book 12 Crucial Truths of the Christian Faith . They discuss the core issues of Christianity, how we know they are true, and why they matter for our relationship with God and others. ========== Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University , w...
Jul 02, 2024•46 min
This week, Scott & Sean discuss: Current struggles and internal conflicts within the pro-life movement after the Dobbs decision Implications of a New York bill that could impact private and religious schools' policies on gender expression The rise of anti-Semitism on elite university campuses and its effects on Jewish students Incident involving Venezuelan migrants in Texas and its impact on the immigration debate Listener Question: Women's Roles in Church Leadership Listener Question: God's...
Jun 28, 2024•1 hr
Why is it so important that we reclaim the historic Christian faith in a culture dominated by individualism and identity politics? Join Sean for an interview with Carl Trueman, as they discuss how believers can use the traditional creeds to evaluate modern cultural questions. Carl's new book is Crisis of Confidence: Reclaiming the Historic Faith in a Culture Consumed with Individualism and Identity . ========== Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School ...
Jun 26, 2024•36 min
This week, Sean and Scott discuss: Louisiana mandates public schools to display the Ten Commandments , sparking legal debates and opposition. A federal judge in Kentucky blocks Biden's Title IX rules , arguing gender identity and sex are distinct. The U.S. Surgeon General advocates for warning labels on social media to protect adolescents' mental health. Listener question: Navigating self-defense as a Christian in light of Jesus' teachings on non-retaliation. Listener question: Ethics of IVF and...
Jun 21, 2024•58 min
Why do conversations today so often descend into unhealthy arguments and cancellation? Is it possible to have meaningful, positive conversations on difficult topics with people who see the world differently? And if so, how do we do it? Sean talks with Tim Muehlhoff, Biola communications professor, about these questions and more. They discuss their latest co-written book End the Stalemate and offer some biblical insights for effective conversations across worldview divides. Tim Muehlhoff (Ph.D., ...
Jun 18, 2024•54 min
This week, Sean & Scott discuss: Canada's Online Harms Act : Potentially draconian free speech restrictions and the debate on its implications for political activism and public discourse. Compassionate Transfer in IVF : Addressing the moral dilemma of excess embryos through a controversial medical procedure aimed at unsuccessful pregnancies. Toxic Masculinity and Boys : Exploring the cultural impact of toxic masculinity on boys, including gender disappointment and the need for meaningful hum...
Jun 14, 2024•1 hr
What does it mean to be an evangelical? What do non-Christians think about the evangelical movement? Is it a movement worth saving? These are some of the questions Sean discusses with our guest Thomas Kidd, Research Professor of Church History at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. They briefly discuss the history of the evangelical movement and its core beliefs. Whether you are part of an evangelical movement or not, this episode will help you understand one of the most significant religio...
Jun 11, 2024•40 min•Ep. 342
This week, Scott & Sean discuss: AI and Virtual Companions : Discussion on potential radical changes in AI, with OpenAI and Apple possibly announcing a partnership to integrate advanced virtual companions into devices. Sports Gambling : Examination of the impact of legalized sports betting on the integrity of professional sports and the pressures it places on athletes. Fidelity Month : Introduced by Professor Robert George, the concept encourages a renewal of commitment to faith, family, and...
Jun 07, 2024•59 min
What is cancel culture and why has it burst on the scene so dramatically the past few years? How can Christians best navigate our current cultural moment of canceling people with whom we disagree? In this episode, Sean and Scott discuss the recent book The Cancelling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Rikki Schlott. You can also find this discussion on video through the Biola YouTube channel . Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2024/clarity...
Jun 04, 2024•47 min•Ep. 336
This week, Sean and Scott discuss: Marijuana has Surpassed Alcohol as the Most Frequently Used Drug How Hamas Refers to Female Captives The Non-Religous May Have Stopped Growing in Number Listener Question: How Can I be a Fulfilled Christian if I Can't Have a Family Listener Question: Should I publish Christian Media if it will affect my carreer? ========== Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University , which offers degrees ...
May 31, 2024•57 min•Ep. 345
Jack Hollis is the executive VP of Toyota North America. He loves to say: "I work for Jesus, but get paid by Toyota." How does he lead such a successful business and yet live out his faith? What leadership principles has he learned from Jesus? In this interview, Sean talks with Jack about his journey to becoming a Christian, his story of becoming one of the key leaders within Toyota, and how he integrates his faith into his work. Jack Hollis is executive vice president of Toyota Motor North Amer...
May 28, 2024•34 min•Ep. 344
This week, Sean and Scott discuss: Christian Ethics of Immigration AI in Dating Apps Nonconsensual Medical Examinations Listener Question: What determines the morality of our societies relational boundaries, like gay marriage? Listener Question: What should be most meaningful when we reflect back on life? Listener Question: What is the purpose of sex? ========== Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University , which offers deg...
May 24, 2024•59 min•Ep. 343
Although it may be surprising to some, having two parents in the home provides the greatest economic privilege kids can have. Thus, the decline in marriage has had disastrous cultural implications. In this episode, Sean and Scott discuss the recent book The Two Parent Privilege by Melissa Kearney. They discuss Kearney's 10-year study which shows the host of benefits that are passed on to children who grow up with two parents. While her argument is not biblically-based, it lines up with Scriptura...
May 21, 2024•35 min•Ep. 342
This week, Sean and Scott discuss: Sex Workers Punished by Law for Refusing Sex What Deathbed Visions Teach us About the Afterlife Kansas City Chief Kicker, Harrison Butker's Graduation Speech Listener Question: Responding to Listener Feedback about Preston Sprinkle Episode Listener Question: Does God still Discipline his Children? Listener Question: Rwandan Genocide - is Humanity to Blame for Such Evil? ========== Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot Sch...
May 17, 2024•58 min•Ep. 340
What made the first Christians so different from their surrounding culture? How did their worship differ from the way the average Roman citizen viewed the gods? Why did the early church view themselves as a family and why is that so significant? We’ll discuss these questions and more with our guest Dr. Nijay Gupta around his new book, Strange Religion: How the First Christians were Weird, Dangerous and Compelling . Nijay K. Gupta (PhD, Durham University) is professor of New Testament at Northern...
May 14, 2024•30 min•Ep. 340
This week, Sean and guest co-host Rick Langer discuss: Troubling Trends in Teenage Sex Slogans in Israel/Palestine Conflict Debate Over Gender Affirming Care for Children Listener Question: HPV Vaccine in Children Listener Question: Should my beliefs be law? Listener Question: Is America a "chosen nation"? ========== Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University , which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern Cal...
May 10, 2024•57 min•Ep. 338
The Bible is clear that followers of Jesus are exiles in this world. What exactly does this mean and what does this mean for the way we view our political views and affiliations? How was going to church in the first century a politically subversive act? How was the cross a political image in the Roman world? We’ll answer these questions and more with our guest and friend Dr. Preston Sprinkle around his new book, Exiles: The Church in the Shadow of Empire . Dr. Preston Sprinkle is a biblical scho...
May 07, 2024•44 min•Ep. 338
This week, Scott & Sean discuss: Falling Fertility Rates : Discussion on the continuous decline of fertility rates in the U.S., with women delaying childbirth, leading to economic and social implications. Campus Protests Escalate : Coverage of widespread campus protests across the U.S. and Europe, reflecting deep-seated ideological battles and a decline in civil discourse at universities. Marijuana Reclassification: Debate on the DEA's proposal to reclassify marijuana, exploring its potentia...
May 03, 2024•57 min•Ep. 337
Our host Scott Rae recently donated a kidney to his brother, Mark. It was a long, arduous journey in which God was clearly present along the way. How did it affect each of them spiritually? How did it affect their relationships with family? And how can we think biblically about a life-saving medical procedure such as this? Sean interviews both Scott and Mark to hear about their emotional journey. ========== Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of T...
Apr 30, 2024•39 min•Ep. 336
This week, Sean and Scott discuss: Tennessee Legislation on Armed Teachers : The controversial decision by Tennessee lawmakers allowing teachers to carry concealed handguns in schools, prompted by a tragic school shooting. Generational Views on Israel : A poll suggests that nearly half of Gen Z views Israel's actions against Hamas as unjust due to its power, painting it as the oppressor. Innovations in Gene Editing : The integration of generative AI with CRISPR technology, with the potential to ...
Apr 26, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 335
What is polyamory and why is it bursting on the scene right now? Is there such a thing as Christian polyamory? Will polyamorous relationships work? While relying on Scripture and social science research, Sean and Scott discuss these questions and more. You can also find this discussion on video through the Biola YouTube channel . Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2024/polyamory-a-biblical-response . ========== Think Biblically: Conversations on Fa...
Apr 23, 2024•47 min•Ep. 334
This week: Exploring Shifts in Religious Identification : Dive into the latest trends in religious affiliations in America. Discover why the religiously unaffiliated are the fastest growing group and how different faith groups are retaining their followers. The Power of AI in Persuasion : Uncover the surprising findings of a new study comparing the persuasiveness of AI to human argumentation. Learn how AI is shaping the way we think and the potential implications for the spread of information an...
Apr 19, 2024•53 min•Ep. 333
Who is the Holy Spirit? How does the Holy Spirit work in our lives? What are some common misconceptions about the Holy Spirit and what are some vital truths to know to live in the power of the Spirit? Sean and Scott speak with fellow Biola professor Fred Sanders about these questions and his new book The Holy Spirit: An Introduction . Fred Sanders (PhD, Graduate Theological Union) is a professor of theology at the Torrey Honors College at Biola University. Sanders is the author of multiple books...
Apr 16, 2024•35 min•Ep. 332
Today, Scott and Sean discuss: Solar Eclipses and Intelligent Design : Discussion on how solar eclipses demonstrate intelligent design, including the precise conditions necessary for a habitable planet and the unique positioning that allows for the observation of solar eclipses. Racial Bias in Hiring : Insights from a study where researchers sent 80,000 fake resumes to gauge racial bias among large U.S. companies. The study found a 9.5% higher contact rate for presumed white applicants over blac...
Apr 12, 2024•52 min•Ep. 331
Are humans physical machines determined by the laws of chemistry and physics? Has science shown that free will is a myth? Sean and Scott invite Biola professor Greg Ganssle to discuss the recent book Determined by Robert Sapolsky. They discuss the nature of free will, respond to common arguments in favor of determinism, and talk about why this issue matters so much for human flourishing. Greg Ganssle (Ph.D. Syracuse University) is a professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology , Biola Un...
Apr 09, 2024•49 min•Ep. 330
This week, Sean and guest co-host Rick Langer discuss: Richard Dawkins Identifies as a Cultural Christian : Dawkins expresses shock over Ramadan lights in the UK, highlighting his value for Christian heritage despite his atheism. Debate on "Sex Assigned at Birth" : An opinion piece in The New York Times challenging the terminology, emphasizing biological facts over socio-political agendas. Social Costs of De-Churching in America : An article in The Atlantic by an agnostic author explores the neg...
Apr 05, 2024•51 min•Ep. 329
What is it like to be a pro-life Democrat in a state legislature? How does it work to be pro-life in the African American community? We’ll answer these questions and more with our guest, artist and state representative Treneé McGee. This is a joint podcast with Think Biblically and the Winsome Conviction Project, both from Biola University. Scott represents the Think Biblically podcast and Rick Langer represents the Winsome Conviction podcast . Treneé McGee is an artist and Connecticut state rep...
Apr 02, 2024•36 min•Ep. 328
This week, Sean McDowell and guest co-host Rick Langer discuss: Political Realignment and Identity Politics : A discussion based on a New York Times opinion piece by David French , exploring the potential shift in political alignment among voters of color towards the Republican party. The conversation delves into the implications of moving from identity-based divisions to idea-based disagreements, emphasizing the health of democracy when debates are centered on ideas rather than identity. Marria...
Mar 29, 2024•58 min•Ep. 327
How can Christians best respond to the reality of evil and suffering? What does it mean to trust God through our pain? Sean and Scott interview Ingrid Faro about her new book Demystifying Evil . She shares some vulnerable and honest stories that can bring hope during suffering. Ingrid Faro (PhD, MDiv) is Affiliate Professor of Old Testament and Coordinator of the MA in Old Testament–Jerusalem University College Program. Ingrid is an author and international speaker on topics including deconstruc...
Mar 26, 2024•32 min•Ep. 326
This week, Sean and guest co-host Thaddeus Williams discuss: Kanye West's Controversial Statements on Faith : Kanye West, now known as Ye, expressed disillusionment with Jesus in a recent interview, questioning the efficacy of prayer and Christian support. He controversially declared himself as "the God of me," sparking discussions on the nature of faith, idolatry, and self-sovereignty. Artificial Intelligence and Resurrection : Using artificial intelligence to "resurrect" the dead through digit...
Mar 22, 2024•53 min•Ep. 325
