The Sean McDowell Show

Aisha Borden, a former Pakistani Muslim, shares her extraordinary journey of faith marked by a transformative dream with Jesus. She discusses the heavy cultural expectations of firstborn sons in her community and her struggles with personal identity in a strict household. Aisha reflects on her turbulent teenage years, finding solace in punk rock music. As she navigates the conflicts between her newfound Christian faith and familial pressures, Aisha's story highlights the importance of spiritual growth and rebuilding family relationships through faith.

Dr. Ben Shaw, a Christian scholar and author of "Trustworthy," delves into the reliability of the New Testament. He shares his personal journey of faith and the stunning textual evidence supporting NT credibility. Shaw discusses authorship controversies and intriguing Undesigned Coincidences that bolster biblical narratives. He highlights how transformative truths in the New Testament aid personal growth, and offers engaging insights for both believers and skeptics to explore the text's authenticity.

Steve Dabbs, a retired military chaplain with over 35 years in pastoral care, shares his compelling journey through encounters with demonic activity. He discusses the misconceptions that surround demons and emphasizes the authority believers possess over evil spirits. Dabbs recounts a transformative moment that led him to faith, and addresses the crucial role of repentance in spiritual deliverance. With poignant anecdotes, he explores the distinctions between illness and demonic influence, advocating for discernment in spiritual healing.

Rosaria Butterfield, an author renowned for her insights on same-sex attraction and Christian teachings, joins the conversation. They dive into provocative questions about whether same-sex attraction is a sin and the complexities of moral culpability. Discussions range from the impact of LGBTQ legal changes to the nuances of reparative therapy. The conversation emphasizes understanding indwelling sin, moral accountability, and the importance of empathy in debates surrounding faith and sexuality, urging a thoughtful examination of desires from a biblical perspective.

Thomas Kidd, an expert in American religious history, dives into the complexities of evangelicalism in America. He tackles its controversial ties to politics, especially its perception as a Republican movement. Kidd shares insights on the historical roots from the First Great Awakening and critiques modern media narratives. He also explores how emotional and intellectual aspects shape evangelical identity and discusses recent challenges and future implications for the movement, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding.

World-renowned psychologist Henry Cloud discusses his new book 'Why I Believe' and shares personal stories of healing and faith. Topics include struggles with illness, miracles, and the intersection of psychology, science, and religion.

Dr. Steve Miller, a leading researcher on near-death experiences, discusses if NDEs confirm universalism or uniquely support Christianity. Do NDEs show Jesus, Muhammad, or Krishna? The data challenges common beliefs. Exploring the alignment of NDEs with personal faith and biblical theology. Debunking the idea of universalism and analyzing encounters with religious figures across different faiths. Highlighting the importance of seeking spiritual truths and understanding various perspectives.

Biblical scholar Rebecca McLaughlin delves into the top 10 affirming arguments for same-sex unions in relation to biblical passages, discussing Jesus' silence, Paul's condemnations, and modern interpretations of biblical teachings. Topics include inclusivity, God's judgment on Sodom, following Old Testament rules, and the significance of love and community in the church.

Explore the evidence for Jesus' existence and resurrection outside the Bible. Discover Jesus' uniqueness among other religious founders and delve into his divinity through his actions and claims. Unpack the term 'Son of Man' in the Gospel of Mark and reflect on Jesus' unparalleled impact compared to other major religious figures.

Scott Rae, co-host of the podcast, joins to discuss the impact of cancel culture on free speech, analyzing its pros and cons. They explore the historical context of cancel culture, its influence on society, and the role of postmodernism. The conversation emphasizes the need for grace, forgiveness, and empathy in navigating cancel culture and raising resilient children.