Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

Talbot School of Theology at Biola University / Sean McDowell & Scott Rae
  • 4.7 (1.3K)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 6h ago

    Weekly Cultural Update: Televised Execution of Fort Hood Shooter; Screens and Youth Mental Health; A New Wave of Feminism; AI Wins Literary Prize

    Televised Execution of the Fort Hood Shooter: Scott and Sean analyze Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's announcement that the U.S. military plans to execute Fort Hood shooter by firing squad and live-stream the event for public deterrence. Screen Time and Youth Mental Health: Examining a New York Times opinion piece, the hosts evaluate whether compulsive device usage is the root cause of rising youth anxiety or merely an anesthesia masking underlying relational voids and mental health conditions.The Next Wave of Feminism: Scott and Sean review a report in The Dispatch covering a new feminist movement and its "Declaration of Interdependence," which rejects radical autonomy and body-denying technologies in favor of mutual community obligations.AI and Literary Integrity: Responding to The Atlantic's coverage of an AI-flagged short story winning the Caine Prize for African Writing, the hosts discuss the growing crisis of trust across literature and academia. They stress that passing off AI-generated work as original writing violates the Ninth Commandment, noting that technological safeguards can never replace personal character and virtue. Legal Accountability for Men in Abortions: A listener asks if men who impregnate women should be held legally accountable for abortions, questioning whether an unfair legal and moral burden is placed solely on the woman. The hosts address the query by examining the legal asymmetries surrounding parental rights, financial child support, and instances of male coercion. Elisha and the Bears (2 Kings 2:23–24): In response to a listener asking if Elisha overreacted to taunts about his baldness, the hosts clarify that the original Hebrew phrase refers to young men aged 12 to 30 rather than small children. They explain that mocking the newly appointed prophet with calls to "go up" derided Elijah's ascent to heaven, making the taunt a direct act of contempt against God Himself during a pivotal period in Israel's history. ========== 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 California.    Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically.    To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.

  2. 3d ago

    Naturalism’s Cosmological Dilemma (With Stephen Meyer)

    Do the latest discoveries in cosmology point beyond the limits of philosophical naturalism? In this episode, Sean welcomes Dr. Stephen Meyer to discuss a profound dilemma at the heart of modern cosmology. Responding to recent criticisms from renowned mathematical physicist Sir Roger Penrose, Meyer argues that many discussions about the origin of the universe miss a deeper issue. He calls it a "pick your poison" argument: either the universe arose from a set of highly improbable conditions that defy explanation, or we must consider explanations that challenge the assumptions of philosophical naturalism. Dr. Stephen C. Meyer received his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge in the philosophy of science. A former geophysicist and college professor, he directs the Center for Science and Culture at the Discovery Institute in Seattle. ========== 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 California.    Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically.    To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.

  3. Oct 9

    Weekly Cultural Update: Botched Execution of Christa Pike; Cornell Rape Allegations & the Sexual Revolution; Secularization Among Evangelicals; Gen Z & Anti-Semitism

    The Botched Execution of Christa Pike: The hosts evaluate the ethical and theological implications surrounding death row inmate Christa Pike, who survived a botched lethal injection attempt in Tennessee. They examine whether procedural flaws in capital punishment undermine its moral justification under a biblical worldview.  The Sexual Revolution and the Cornell Incident: In light of reopened investigations into an alleged fraternity gang rape at Cornell University, Scott and Sean analyze how a sexual ethic based solely on consent fails to protect young people. They explore recent commentaries arguing that such incidents are the tragic byproduct of post-1968 sexual liberation and widespread pornography consumption.  Secularization Among Evangelicals: The hosts break down new research suggesting that self-identified evangelicals are absorbing secular cultural values and practices at a higher rate than expected. This trend highlights how cultural trends can subtly erode traditional theological convictions over time.  Gen Z, Anti-Semitism, and Covenant Theology: The discussion turns to study findings revealing that the strongest predictor of anti-Semitic attitudes among Generation Z is the belief that God's covenant to the Jewish people has ended. Scott and Sean reflect on how theological views regarding Israel directly impact real-world cultural perspectives among young adults.  Human Nature: Body, Soul, and Spirit: Following up on a recent conversation with Dr. J.P. Moreland, the hosts address whether the human makeup is bipartite (body and soul/spirit) or tripartite (body, soul, and spirit). They clarify biblical terminology to help listeners better understand human nature and spiritual growth.  Culture and the Authority of the New Testament: Responding to a listener's concern that Christians will begin dismissing the New Testament just as many have dismissed the Old Testament, Sean and Scott explore the dangers of aligning faith with popular culture. They offer guidance on maintaining confidence in the full authority of Scripture despite societal pressure.  ========== 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 California.    Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically.    To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.

  4. Oct 6

    When the Journey Hurts (With Jason McMartin)

    Does God cause our suffering? How does our suffering undermine our sense of life’s meaning? What does it mean to say that God redeems our suffering? We’ll answer these questions and a good deal more with our guest, Dr. Jason McMartin around a new book he’s co-authored with two other Biola faculty members, entitled, When the Journey Hurts. Dr. Jason McMartin Is Professor of Theology and teaches systematic theology and theological integration for Rosemead School of Psychology and for Talbot School of Theology. He is the author of numerous journal articles in the integration of psychology and theology. ========== 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 California.    Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically.    To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.

  5. Oct 2

    Weekly Cultural Update: Traditional Dating Apps; Jehovah's Witnesses Blood Policy Shift; Pope Leo in France; Smartwatches for Kids in China

    Traditional Values in Dating Apps: The Match Group relaunched the Upward dating app for "next gen traditionalists" seeking marriage and family through modern courtship, reflecting a growing desire for stability and traditional relationship roles.  Jehovah's Witnesses Update on Blood Policy: The governing body of the Jehovah's Witnesses announced that accepting individual blood components—such as red blood cells, plasma, and platelets—is now a matter of personal conscience, though their core prohibition on whole blood transfusions remains intact.  Pope Leo’s Reception in France: Pope Leo drew massive crowds in France, including over 800,000 people for a papal mass in Paris, highlighting a shift in the country from an "inherited Christianity" to a "chosen Christianity".  Smartwatches over Smartphones in China: Hosts Scott Rae and Erik Thoennes discuss why parents in China are giving their children scaled-down smartwatches instead of smartphones to help set healthier boundaries around technology.  Listener Question: Church Hopping: The hosts address an audience question regarding church hopping, exploring when personal preference becomes too dominant a factor in choosing a church body—a situation the first-century church never had to consider.  Listener Question: Public Neutrality: The episode tackles a listener query about neutrality in public settings, assessing whether genuine neutrality exists in the public square and how Christians should navigate public involvement. ========== 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 California.    Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically.    To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.

  6. Sep 29

    J.P. Moreland on Suffering, Doubt, and Facing Death Without Fear

    What has philosopher J.P. Moreland learned from two dozen surgeries? What does he consider the best evidence for the existence of God? How confident is he that heaven is real? And what is his advice for the next generation of leaders? In this frank conversation, Sean sits down with Talbot/Biola professor J.P. Moreland to talk about his life and faith. J. P. Moreland is Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. He is a philosopher, author, and speaker who has authored, edited, or contributed to 95 books and published more than 85 scholarly articles on philosophy, theology, consciousness, and the existence of God, including Finding Quiet. He has lectured and debated on more than 200 college campuses worldwide and was named one of The Best Schools' 50 Most Influential Living Philosophers in 2016. ========== 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 California.    Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically.    To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.

  7. Sep 25

    Weekly Cultural Update: Is Scripture Outdated? The Rise of Polyamory; Worldview and AI Safety: UK's Assisted Dying

    Are Biblical Truths Becoming Outdated? Sean and Scott analyze recent Lifeway research revealing that a growing number of younger churchgoers view certain biblical teachings as outdated, highlighting the need to help the next generation understand how Scripture promotes human flourishing. The Rise of Polyamory: An article in The Christian Century addresses the rise of consensual non-monogamy, spurring analysis of how alternative relationship structures affect personal fulfillment, emotional stability, and the social frameworks supporting mutual care. AI Safety and China's Worldview: While Western nations debate whether AI poses systemic risks to society, China approaches AI safety around protecting Communist Party control and embedding state ideology into algorithms.  Defeating the UK's Assisted Dying Bill: The discussion turns to how Christian advocacy helped defeat proposed assisted dying legislation in the UK, standing up for the vulnerable and affirming the value of human life. Audience Question: Flock License Plate Cameras: Sean and Scott evaluate the ethics of widespread Flock surveillance cameras, balancing the benefits of crime prevention against concerns regarding personal privacy and government overreach. Audience Question: Can we choose evil in heaven? Responding to an audience question, the hosts clarify how free will is maintained in heaven, yet sin would still not be present. ========== 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 California.    Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically.    To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.

  8. Sep 22

    The Centrality of Gratitude to our Spiritual Lives (With Kent Dunnington)

    Is gratitude to God the heart of our spiritual formation? What do we make of the notion of a debt of gratitude? How was grace and gratitude viewed in the world of the New Testament? We’ll answer these questions and more with our guest, our Biola colleague in philosophy, Dr. Kent Dunnington, around his new book, Gratitude to God: The Heart of spiritual Formation. Kent Dunnington is Professor of Philosophy at Biola University. He teaches and writes in the areas of virtue ethics, the philosophy of religion, and the philosophy of addiction. He is the author or editor of four books and numerous journal articles. ========== 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 California.    Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically.    To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.

See All (627)

Hosts & Guests

4.7
out of 5
1,275 Ratings

About

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.

Information

You Might Also Like