The Sean McDowell Show

Michael Ray Lewis, a filmmaker and former committed atheist-turned-Christian, shares his fascinating journey from mocking believers to creating a documentary on the evidence for God. He discusses his initial skepticism fueled by science and horror filmmaking, and how pivotal encounters with evidence led to his conversion. Michael emphasizes the importance of apologetics, investigates world religions, and reflects on the cultural shift toward openness about God. He outlines how his documentary aims to address doubts and serve as an evangelistic tool.

Join John Lennox, an Oxford mathematician, philosopher, and author, as he explores the enigmatic world of Revelation. He argues for trusting Revelation over other apocalyptic texts by centering it on Christ. Lennox discusses how to read the book in its first-century context and warns against interpreting it as mere prediction. He connects its themes to contemporary issues like AI, urging a balance of faith and readiness. Lennox also addresses the concept of the Millennium and encourages living expectantly for Christ’s return.

J.P. Foster, senior pastor at Faithful Central Bible Church and co-author of Finding Freedom in Jesus, dives deep into the identity crisis plaguing our culture. He challenges slogans like "live your truth" and emphasizes the importance of understanding our identity in Christ. Foster breaks down 21 key identity terms, highlighting that true freedom is found in a relationship with Jesus. He also addresses the decline in biblical literacy and explores how our relationships with God can transform shame into healing, offering hope and direction even in times of suffering.

Shabbos Kestenbaum, an Orthodox Jewish thinker, Harvard Divinity School graduate, and political commentator, dives into the complex relationship between Judaism and Christianity. He discusses how Jewish theology views Jesus as a Torah-observant rabbi, the significance of miracles, and the criteria for messianic expectations. Shabbos also addresses beliefs about the afterlife, the rising antisemitism today, and the need for Jewish-Christian friendships. His insights challenge common perceptions, encouraging a respectful dialogue between the two faiths.

Fred Sanders, a theologian and professor at Biola University, dives into the rich landscape of Protestantism, clarifying its historical and theological roots. He argues the term 'Protestant' should be seen as a positive advocacy for reform rather than just a rejection of Catholicism. Sanders highlights the importance of sola scriptura, explaining its significance in Protestant thought. He also discusses the role of grace and good works, the nature of Protestant sacraments, and the ongoing relevance of Reformation theology in today's church.

William Lane Craig, a renowned philosopher and theologian in Christian apologetics, takes on the critique of penal substitutionary atonement in light of Dr. Andrew R. Rillera's book. Craig dissects Rillera's methodological flaws and emphasizes the biblical significance of animal sacrifices and their role in atonement. He reaffirms the necessity of Jesus' death, exploring concepts of substitution and participation, while arguing for the centrality of these ideas in the gospel narrative. A thought-provoking discussion that challenges modern interpretations!

Michael Arena, Dean at Biola's Crowell School of Business and former AWS executive, Yohan Lee, tech expert and computer science professor, and Mihretu Guta, philosophy and apologetics scholar, delve into the profound implications of AI for Christians. They discuss AI’s impact on education and business management, raising critical questions about consciousness and ethics. Concerns about dehumanization, job loss, and cognitive dependency are highlighted. The trio advocates for an integrated approach, linking Scripture with AI literacy to navigate emerging challenges in a tech-driven world.

In this intriguing discussion, Dr. Michael J. Kruger, a New Testament scholar and author of The Question of Canon, delves into the early recognition of the biblical canon. He reveals that defining the canon is crucial for Christians and explains how both covenant theology and heretical challenges, like those from Marcion, influenced its formation. Kruger clarifies that the church recognized apostolic books, emphasizing the significant criteria of apostolicity. He also addresses why some texts, despite their value, were excluded from the canon, providing valuable insights into the historical context of scripture.

In this discussion, Greg Koukl, founder of the apologetics ministry Stand to Reason, dives into the intricacies of understanding God’s will. He challenges the notion that believers should wait for a mystical 'still small voice' before making decisions. Instead, Greg emphasizes the importance of scripture, reasoned moral living, and wise counsel. He critiques traditional views of discovering God’s will and suggests practical approaches to decision-making that honor God, advocating for reliance on biblical insights rather than subjective feelings.

William P. Cheshire, M.D., a neurologist and professor, dives into the intriguing intersection of science and the biblical story of Jonah. He explores whether surviving inside a whale is scientifically plausible, drawing on modern whale research and anecdotal evidence. Cheshire also discusses the approach to interpreting biblical narratives, arguing that faith and science can coexist. He highlights credible cases of survival in whale encounters and emphasizes the deeper lessons of obedience and God's mercy in the Jonah narrative.