

The Sean McDowell Show
The Sean McDowell Show
Dr. Sean McDowell is a gifted communicator with a passion for equipping the church, and in particular young people, to make the case for the Christian faith. Sean is an Associate Professor in the Christian Apologetics program at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. On this channel he tackles some of the biggest questions about God, morality, and contemporary culture. Visit www.seanmcdowell.org for more posts and info.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 2min
Is Empathy a Sin? A Clarifying Debate
In this discussion with Dr. Tim Muehlhoff, a communications expert and professor at Biola, the focus is on the delicate nature of empathy within Christian faith. They debate the potential dangers of excessive empathy that may lead to compromising biblical truths. The talk navigates through issues of respectful dialogue on contentious topics, the balance between compassion and conviction, and explores the concept of 'toxic empathy.' Their insights aim to clarify how to maintain moral integrity while engaging empathically in today's polarized cultural landscape.

Jul 25, 2025 • 38min
Is Cohabitation Wise? The Data Might Surprise You.
Is living together before marriage truly a path to success? A fascinating discussion reveals that cohabitation often leads to less stability and more challenges in relationships. The impact of living together on marriage and children is explored, alongside the importance of commitment. The conversation highlights the significance of intentional decision-making and the potential risks associated with casual cohabitation. Listeners are encouraged to consider the value of marriage as a public commitment for lasting love.

Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 3min
Are Muslims Encountering Jesus? A Surprise Awakening.
Why are so many Muslims around the world having dreams and visions of Jesus? Tom Doyle is a missionary, speaker, and is the author of "Dreams and Visions: Is Jesus Awakening the Muslim World?" He's here to explain why he believes many Muslims from around the world are coming to Christ. Today, we'll explore the remarkable rise of supernatural encounters in the Islamic world and what they might mean.READ: Dreams and Visions, by Tom Doyle (https://amzn.to/43dO5pa)WATCH: A Die-Hard Shia Muslim Finds Jesus (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bygvw6Nk8M)*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://x.com/Sean_McDowellTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sean_mcdowell?lang=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanmcdowell/Website: https://seanmcdowell.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Jul 18, 2025 • 48min
Ambition's Hidden Danger: Miroslav Volf Explains
Miroslav Volf, a renowned theologian and Yale professor, discusses his book 'The Cost of Ambition.' He explores how our culture's obsession with ambition may harm our souls. Volf highlights the dangers of competition and striving for superiority, emphasizing the importance of personal development over comparison. He offers insights on meritocracy and intrinsic human value, urging listeners to reflect on true worth and authenticity. Through biblical reflections, he challenges traditional views on ambition, promoting kindness and honor in our pursuits.

Jul 16, 2025 • 53min
The Grammy Winner Who Left Rock for Christ
John Schlitt, a four-time Grammy Award winner and lead singer of the Christian rock band Petra, shares his gripping journey from the heights of rock stardom with Head East to a profound personal crash that led him to faith. He discusses his battles with addiction, the challenges of a mixed-religion household, and the pressures within the music industry. Schlitt explores why many Christian artists are questioning their faith today and reflects on Petra's impactful legacy in Christian music, emphasizing the importance of community and accountability in maintaining faith amid fame.

Jul 11, 2025 • 58min
Why Did God Allow the Holocaust?
In a thought-provoking discussion, Collin Hansen, author of 'Where is God in a World with So Much Evil?', explores the haunting question of why a loving God would allow the Holocaust. He reflects on the emotional impact and personal stories tied to this tragedy, connecting them to broader themes of trauma and morality. Hansen delves into the nature of evil, discussing human responsibility and the complexities of suffering. He also emphasizes the importance of divine dialogue, drawing insights from the Book of Job and urging a deeper understanding of faith amidst hardship.

Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 7min
How to Investigate the Supernatural (w/ Lee Strobel)
Lee Strobel, a former editor at the Chicago Tribune and bestselling author, dives into the realm of the supernatural. He discusses evidence for angels, miraculous healings in Mozambique and Brazil, and shares personal stories that challenge skepticism. Strobel advocates for an open-minded exploration of near-death experiences and divine encounters. With anecdotes of individuals experiencing profound healing and supernatural protection, he invites listeners to reconsider the relationship between faith, suffering, and scientific limitations.

Jul 4, 2025 • 53min
Famous Drummer Preaches Faith to Lenny Kravitz, Bobby Brown, etc. (w/ Zoro)
How does a World Renowned Drummer for people like Lenny Kravitz, Bobby Brown and Frankie Valli come to Jesus and continue to spread his ministry while drumming for these legendary musicians? Today, he tells us his story to faith and how he continues to evangelize and be a good example to these people to show his faith. READ: Maria’s Scarf: A Memoir of a Mother’s Love, a Son’s Perseverance, and Dreaming Big by Zoro (https://a.co/d/i2XLGoI)*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://x.com/Sean_McDowellTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sean_mcdowell?lang=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanmcdowell/Website: https://seanmcdowell.org Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 5min
Does the Bible Contradict? A Response to Dan McClellan
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Jonathan McLatchie, a PhD holder in Molecular Biology and apologetics mentor, teams up with Bible scholar Dan McClellan, known for his thought-provoking TikTok insights. They tackle the notion of contradictions in Gospel accounts, emphasizing that apparent discrepancies can deepen understanding rather than undermine faith. The duo debates the implications of resurrection narratives, advocating for critical engagement in apologetics and exploring how diverse perspectives within the Gospels enhance biblical interpretation.

Jun 27, 2025 • 44min
The Surprising State of the Bible in 2025: New REVEALING Study
Explore the surprising trends in Bible engagement for 2025, revealing a paradox of increasing sales but declining active users. Discover how Gen Z is reshaping these patterns and the profound connection between scripture reading and personal well-being. The impact of AI on Bible study practices is examined, alongside the resurgence of in-person church attendance post-COVID. Delve into the inspiring link between biblical engagement and acts of generosity, as well as the transformative benefits of regular scripture reading for emotional health and community ties.