Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

Tim Carney, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and father of six, shares his insights on the complexities of modern parenting. He highlights the contradiction of increased parental time spent with children leading to lower happiness and well-being. The discussion reveals how societal expectations and government policies can hinder family growth. Carney contrasts family support in France and Israel, emphasizing the importance of community and realistic parenting ambitions to nurture resilience in kids.

Joining the discussion is Dr. Tim Pickavance, a philosophy expert focused on metaphysics and the emotional landscape of controversial topics. He delves into managing emotions during debates, especially around science and faith. Tim highlights the importance of emotional intelligence when discussing contentious issues like COVID and gender-affirming treatments. He provides a six-step process for navigating feelings in discussions and stresses the need for balance between emotional and rational thinking to promote understanding and compassion in complex conversations.

This conversation features Thaddeus Williams, a Talbot professor known for his perspectives on faith and culture. He delves into the paradox of thriving in an age of prosperity, where anxiety prevails. The decline of rainbow capitalism raises questions about corporate responsibility in the LGBTQ movement. Williams also discusses the rising support for democratic socialism among younger generations and reflects on societal shifts since the Obergefell ruling. Lastly, he addresses listener questions on balancing ambition and identity in work and navigating modern marriage dynamics.

Carl Trueman, a leading Christian social critic and professor at Grove City College, dives into the complexities of critical theory and its importance for today's Christians. He traces its historical roots, including influences from the Frankfurt School and figures like Marx. The conversation covers critical theory's impact on discussions of gender and race, examines its paradoxes, and critiques its appeal to victimhood. Trueman also emphasizes how the church can serve as a living counter to these theories through authentic community and self-giving principles.

In this engaging discussion, Erik Thoennes, Professor of Theology at Talbot School of Theology, tackles pressing cultural issues. He reveals alarming findings about parental regret over children's early smartphone use and its mental health consequences. The conversation then shifts to assisted suicide, highlighting ethical concerns about autonomy versus societal values. Lastly, the complexities surrounding women's roles emerge, as Thoennes examines the struggles of balancing motherhood and career aspirations from a faith perspective.

Join Brent Waters, an esteemed bioethics professor and author, as he challenges the current state of healthcare. He discusses how modern medicine often sees the body as a problem to fix rather than a whole person to care for, urging a return to virtues such as love and prudence. Sharing personal recovery insights, he advocates for valuing caregiving over just curing. Brent also critiques our tech-heavy approach to health, reminding us of the importance of human connection and the need for emotional support in medical practice.

Carmen Imes, an Old Testament scholar and Talbot professor, joins Scott to tackle fascinating issues. They discuss the potential dangers of AI romantic chatbots, exploring how they can create unhealthy dependencies. The conversation shifts to the ethics of selecting embryos for specific traits, raising questions about societal values and eugenics. Additionally, they highlight the dire conditions of inmates lacking sunlight and fresh air, advocating for basic human dignity. The duo also reflects on faith's role in governance and the ethics of taxation within communities.

David Bahnsen, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of The Bahnsen Group, dives into how work is intricately tied to one's sense of purpose. He discusses the impact of the pandemic on perceptions of essential roles, advocating for a celebration of every job's value. Bahnsen emphasizes a biblical perspective of work rooted in creativity and stewardship, debunking myths that it’s merely a consequence of sin. He also examines the balance between work and family life, urging a holistic approach that harmonizes responsibilities while enhancing personal fulfillment.

The discussion dives into how modern therapeutic culture might be impacting childlessness among younger generations, exploring fears of repeating parental mistakes. It also highlights the rapid growth of charismatic Christianity as a response to secularism. Ethical concerns are raised regarding a proposed global moratorium on gene editing, focusing on unintended consequences. Furthermore, the hosts reflect on the implications of Planned Parenthood clinic closures for abortion access, challenging listeners to reconsider the classification of abortion in the context of women's healthcare.

Yohan Lee, Associate Dean of Technology at Biola University and former CEO of a Silicon Valley AI startup, dives deep into the ethical challenges and promising prospects of artificial intelligence. He discusses how AI can be utilized in redemptive ways within a biblical context and emphasizes informed Christian engagement with technology. The conversation highlights AI's transformative potential in healthcare and the importance of understanding its biases. Yohan also explores the digital experiences of younger generations, advocating for a balanced approach to education in an AI-driven world.