Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

The podcast delves into the transformation of education due to AI, spotlighting the last generation to experience high school without it. It examines a Supreme Court case that could overturn same-sex marriage and discusses how Christians might respond. In Canada, the rising demand for euthanasia raises urgent ethical concerns about life and suffering. Additional listener questions explore issues of wills, the limits of belief, and the complex theology surrounding reproductive technologies, including the origins of the soul.

Clara Piano, a Visiting Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of Mississippi, delves into the global decline in fertility rates and its implications on society. She discusses how marriage is vital to child-rearing and examines economic factors influencing fertility decisions. The conversation challenges overpopulation myths, advocating for viewing individuals as resources for growth. Clara highlights the struggles young people face in forming families today, emphasizing the importance of supportive values and environments for thriving marriages.

Teenagers are increasingly turning to AI chatbots, raising concerns about emotional dependency and shrinking real-life connections. Canada is considering expanding euthanasia laws to include mental health issues, which poses serious ethical questions. The hype around designer babies reveals the limitations of genetic screening and the dangers of viewing children as customizable products. Finally, the conversation emphasizes the biblical value of everyday work as a form of ministry, contrasting it with traditional wealth narratives.

Jeremy Lundgren, Director of Nicolet Bible Institute and author of 'The Pursuit of Safety,' challenges the cultural obsession with safety. He explores how the quest for security can become an unhealthy idol, urging listeners to reconsider its true value. The podcast dives into the paradox of wanting control while embracing faith's unpredictability. Lundgren highlights the importance of risking for Christ, encouraging a balance between planning for the future and trusting in God's sovereignty amidst life’s uncertainties.

Catherine Wheeler, a former abortion doctor turned pro-life activist, shares her incredible journey of transformation and redemption. She discusses her upbringing in a religious family and the pivotal moments that reshaped her views on women's health and abortion. Catherine opens up about a near-death experience that deepened her faith and highlighted the moral complexities she faced in her medical career. She emphasizes the importance of compassion in the pro-life dialogue and encourages active engagement in the movement, urging listeners to recognize the sanctity of life.

Brett McCracken, Senior editor at The Gospel Coalition and co-editor of 'Scrolling Ourselves to Death', dives into the digital landscape's impact on our lives. He discusses how screens foster loneliness and mental health issues, urging a reevaluation of our screen habits from a Christian perspective. The conversation explores the spiritual stagnation linked to excessive screen time and the importance of embodied relationships in a digital age. McCracken also shares strategies for finding balance amidst information overload and encourages embracing local experiences for mental well-being.

Brandan Robertson, a progressive Christian pastor and author of 'Queer & Christian', dives into the idea of a 'queer revolution' in the church. He discusses the need for a fresh reformation that revisits biblical interpretations, emphasizing the importance of context. Robertson and his co-host debate controversial concepts, including the nature of Jesus' morality and the inclusivity of same-sex relationships. They explore scriptural narratives from Genesis to the letters of Paul, arguing for a more accepting and nuanced understanding of faith in light of queer identities.

In this engaging discussion, Christian Smith, a prominent sociologist and religious scholar from Notre Dame, explores the decline of traditional faith in America. He outlines how cultural shifts since the 1990s have rendered religion increasingly irrelevant, particularly among younger generations. Smith delves into the impact of the digital age on beliefs and authority, and warns of the societal consequences of growing religious disaffiliation—like isolation and mental distress—highlighting the need for community support in a changing landscape.

Rob Liefeld, the visionary behind Deadpool and Cable, shares his fascinating journey through the comic book realm. He dives into how his Christian faith has influenced his creations and shaped his resilience in Hollywood. The discussion also touches on the cultural impact of the Deadpool character, particularly among younger audiences, and the moral complexities he embodies. Liefeld emphasizes the importance of storytelling in exploring deep themes of good and evil, making for a thought-provoking conversation about faith and creativity in modern culture.

Patrick Miller, a Teaching Pastor and the Director of Digital Relationships at the Crossing Church, discusses living as Christian outsiders in today's divided culture. He emphasizes the importance of diverse church collaboration and the role of individual engagement styles in ministry. Miller shares personal stories about navigating faith amidst societal issues like inclusivity and gender identity. He encourages believers to cultivate a joyful outsider mentality, embracing the tensions of their faith while deepening their connection with Jesus.