The Sean McDowell Show

Dive into an engaging discussion on free will versus predestination, exploring various Christian perspectives. Discover the intricacies of the Trinity and how it contrasts with Oneness Pentecostalism. Sean delves into why the Gospels feature limited childhood stories of Jesus and discusses the nature of prayer and God's engagement in our lives. Learn about the challenges of modern Gnosticism's influence on the church and the importance of community in facing doubt and sin. Plus, get insights on navigating differing interpretations of Scripture.

Corey Miller, an author and scholar focused on philosophy of religion and cultural critique, joins to explore the contentious concept of a 'woke right.' He argues that university ideologies shape cultural movements and shares insights from his academic journey confronting radical ideas. Corey reveals the philosophical underpinnings of wokeism and its distinction from right-wing identity politics. He warns against mislabeling, emphasizing the importance of accurate terminology in understanding modern ideological battles.

In this engaging discussion, Scottie McDowell, a 21-year-old young adult and the host's son, shares a Gen Z perspective on the hit series Stranger Things. Scottie highlights the show's nostalgia, strong character arcs, and connection with multiple generations. They dive into the series' biblical themes, with Scottie critiquing the recent seasons for their shift in storytelling logic. The duo evaluates controversial elements like demonic imagery and a contentious "coming out" scene, making for a thought-provoking take on this cultural phenomenon.

Scott Rae, an ethicist and author of The Virtues of Capitalism, engages in a thought-provoking discussion about capitalism and its moral implications. He addresses the resurgence of socialism among Gen Z and clarifies economic distinctions between ownership models. Rae argues that capitalism fosters prosperity through incentives and innovation while providing moral reasons for its defense. He also highlights how markets can channel greed into charitable endeavors and how proper teachings can guide Christians in economic responsibility.

Scott Rae, a theologian and ethicist, critiques the arguments in Philip Christman's book on leftism and Christianity. They explore the distinctions between leftism and liberalism, praising the book's focus on caring for the poor and critiquing consumerism. Scott debates whether leftism aligns with biblical values, defending concepts like private property and markets while warning against equating employment with enslavement. The conversation highlights the complexity of political beliefs in relation to faith, emphasizing a need for clarity in a polarized society.

Gary Habermas, a renowned philosopher and historian of religion, joins to debate the validity of reincarnation. He explores how cultural trends influence younger generations' interest in it. The discussion includes critical evaluations of evidence like child memories and birthmarks. Habermas argues that near-death experiences offer limited support for reincarnation claims, emphasizing that Christian resurrection provides a stronger historical foundation. He also highlights the overlaps between possession and reincarnation, challenging the effectiveness of common evidence.

Shane Idleman, a passionate pastor and podcaster from Westside Christian Fellowship, dives deep into the issues facing modern Christianity. He discusses the balance of grace and truth, emphasizing the need for humility when confronting sin. Shane warns against the dangers of false prophets and the silence of pulpits in today's culture. He shares personal stories highlighting the importance of loving confrontation and remaining teachable. The conversation explores how to speak truth boldly yet gently, nurturing spiritual growth in a divided world.

Gavin Ortlund, a Christian theologian and apologist, dives deep into the controversial topic of annihilationism in his discussion. He explores whether Kirk Cameron's views are heretical, emphasizing that they aren’t first-rank heresy. The conversation touches on biblical evidence, early church diversity, and how to approach discussions about hell with kids. Gavin advocates for charity in disagreements and stresses the need for thoughtful online discourse. The pair also emphasize the importance of scripture-centered responses and humility in discussions.

Dr. Marc Siegel, a Fox News medical analyst and NYU professor, delves into the intersection of medicine and miracles. He discusses how advanced medical skills highlight the sanctity of life, positioning doctors as agents of divine healing. Siegel distinguishes between strict supernatural events and 'soft' miracles, emphasizing that healing can result from faith, coincidences, and persistence. He also shares personal stories of miraculous recoveries, advocating for the recognition of prayer’s role in healing and challenging the notion that miracles are just relics of the past.

Charles Murray, a Harvard and MIT-trained policy analyst and author of *Taking Religion Seriously*, discusses his transition from agnosticism to Christianity. He explores why educated individuals often dismiss religion, attributing it to cultural forces at elite institutions. Murray delves into intriguing topics like the implications of mathematics and the Big Bang, the influence of C.S. Lewis, and the historical reliability of the gospels. He reflects on personal experiences with spiritual sensitivity and the deep questions that led him to embrace faith.