The Sean McDowell Show

William Lane Craig, a leading Christian apologist and philosopher, shares insights from his new multi-volume work, Systematic Philosophical Theology. He discusses the motivations behind this ambitious project and the unique approach it takes in bridging theology and philosophy. Craig reflects on the intricate relationship between divine inspiration and human authorship in scripture, emphasizing its authority. He also dives into the nuances of faith, the impact of the Renaissance on Christian thought, and the importance of community in the academic discussion of philosophy.

Venerable Hueza, Abbot of Fugangshan Shilai Temple, and Venerable Huey Dong, a monk from the same temple, share fascinating insights about Buddhism. They discuss the concept of hell realms shaped by karma and the compassionate role of bodhisattvas. The monks explain their personal journeys into Buddhism and the responsibilities of an abbot. Challenging misconceptions, they highlight Buddhism’s proactive nature and its commitment to interfaith dialogue. The conversation also touches on desire and the middle path, offering a depth of understanding about spiritual practices.

Doug Axe, a professor at Biola and author of "Undeniable," dives into the heated debate between evolution and intelligent design. He discusses how recent advancements in science challenge Darwinian theory and the implications for both believers and skeptics. Axe explores the complexities of protein formation and compares it to language structure, arguing against traditional perspectives. The conversation also touches on the evolution of the intelligent design movement and proposes future dialogues to foster understanding between differing views.

William Lane Craig, a renowned philosopher and theologian, engages with Alex O'Connor, known as Cosmic Skeptic, to dissect criticisms of Wes Huff's claims about Jesus. They delve into the portrayal of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark, examining his divine identity and miraculous works. The duo compares the growth of early Christianity to other religions, scrutinizing the resurrection's role. They also explore the authenticity of New Testament writings and the transformation of James, providing a fascinating analysis of belief and evidence.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Anthony Ferguson, a passionate pastor and expert in Dead Sea Scrolls, delves into the intriguing 1Q Isaiah A scroll. He critiques Wes Huff's portrayal of it on the Joe Rogan podcast, revealing surprising insights. Dr. Ferguson explores the scroll’s significance for biblical texts, the challenges of textual preservation, and how misconceptions about miracles shape our understanding. He emphasizes the importance of textual criticism in navigating the complexities of ancient manuscripts and biblical interpretation.

Larry Sanger, co-founder of Wikipedia and a Ph.D. in philosophy, shares his compelling journey from agnosticism to Christianity. He discusses his critiques of the new atheist movement, the impact of personal experiences on his faith, and the philosophical inquiries that shaped his beliefs. Sanger reflects on the transformative power of marriage and parenthood, as well as his deepening understanding of biblical texts. He emphasizes the integration of rational discourse with genuine faith, making for an engaging exploration of belief and skepticism.

Why would a New Ager become a Christian? What about the evidence for reincarnation and other evidences offered in defense of New Age beliefs? In this video, I talk with popular YouTuber Melissa Dougherty about her journey to Jesus. SUBSCRIBE TO MELISSA DOUGHERTY on YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/c/MelissaDougherty: READ: A Rebel's Manifesto, by Sean McDowell (https://amzn.to/3u8s2Oz) *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION at BIOLA (https://bit.ly/3LdNqKf) *USE Discount Code [SMDCERTDISC] for 25% off the BIOLA APOLOGETICS CERTIFICATE program (https://bit.ly/3AzfPFM) *See our fully online UNDERGRAD DEGREE in Bible, Theology, and Apologetics: (https://bit.ly/448STKK) FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sean_McDowell TikTok: @sean_mcdowell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanmcdowell/

In a captivating discussion, Tom Halleen, founding dean of Biola's Snyder School of Cinema and Media Arts and former executive for major networks, shares insights on being a Christian in Hollywood. He explores the challenges of integrating faith in the film industry, offering guidance on discerning media consumption. The conversation delves into the moral complexities of iconic series like 'Breaking Bad' and 'The Walking Dead,' illuminating the responsibility creators have when shaping profound narratives. Halleen's journey encourages believers to engage thoughtfully with media.

Dr. Scott Rae, an expert in Christian apologetics and ethics, joins the conversation to delve into Jordan Peterson's latest book. They discuss how biblical narratives inform human psychology and morality, emphasizing their relevance in shaping culture. Rae highlights the importance of understanding the author's intent in scripture interpretation, using the Tower of Babel as a case study. The duo also examines the intersection of faith and science, while reflecting on how genuine belief manifests through actions, making this dialogue both thought-provoking and engaging.

Kenza Haddock, author of "Ex-Muslim's Guide to Christianity," shares her heartfelt journey of transitioning from Islam to Christianity. She recounts her dreams of Jesus that instigated her faith shift, leading to deep family conflicts and personal sacrifices. Kenza discusses her struggles with cultural expectations and navigating friendships outside her Islamic background. The conversation also delves into the differing attributes of Allah and Yahweh, and the role of dreams in faith transitions, providing a thought-provoking look at her spiritual transformation.