

Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture
Talbot School of Theology at Biola University / Sean McDowell & Scott Rae
A weekly podcast that offers Christian perspectives on some of the most significant issues facing today's church and culture. In each episode, hosts Scott Rae and Sean McDowell — professors at Biola University's Talbot School of Theology — draw upon biblical wisdom and insights from guest experts as they explore how Christians can thoughtfully and faithfully engage with cultural trends and current events.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 19, 2025 • 58min
Cultural Update: Disobeying Unlawful Orders; The Truth Physics Can No Longer Ignore; Rightward Shift Among Young Men
In a thought-provoking discussion, a woman in Japan raises eyebrows after 'marrying' an AI chatbot, sparking debates on technology's impact on intimacy. The hosts delve into how physics may need a new paradigm as it grapples with concepts like emergence and self-organization. They also explore the moral quandaries of soldiers disobeying unlawful orders, guided by biblical principles. Lastly, an analysis reveals a rightward shift among young men, attributed to feelings of institutional bias and lost opportunities.

Dec 16, 2025 • 1h 29min
The AI Revolution: Expert Roundtable
Join experts Yohan Lee, a tech innovator and former AI executive, Michael Arena, a business leader specializing in AI applications, and Mihretu Guta, a philosopher delving into consciousness and AI ethics. They discuss how AI transforms language translation, raises workplace efficiency, and shapes business dynamics. The panel also addresses the ethical implications of AI, including job displacement, misinformation, and the risks of dehumanization. With insights on biblical stewardship and the integration of faith in technology, this conversation navigates the complex landscape of AI's future.

11 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 1h 1min
Cultural update: Australia's Social Media Ban; Marijuana and Youth Health; Study on Charlie Kirk Death
A surge in adolescent ER visits linked to marijuana legalization raises ethical concerns about youth health and substance use. Australia enacts a groundbreaking social media ban for children under 16, igniting debate about government overreach versus protection. A Barna study reveals that Charlie Kirk's death inspired more spiritual reflection than political action, especially among Gen Z. Furthermore, an AI conference uncovers alarming ethical issues in academia as one-fifth of peer reviews were generated by AI. The conversation navigates pressing cultural and faith-related topics.

Dec 10, 2025 • 40min
The Remarkable and Influential Life of Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop
Nigel Cameron, a medical historian and biographer of Dr. C. Everett Koop, dives into the fascinating life of the former Surgeon General. He discusses Koop's rise as a pediatric surgeon and his unique blend of tough love and humor. Nigel reveals how clinical experiences shaped Koop's pro-life stance and his groundbreaking work on tobacco and AIDS, impacting public health policy. He also touches on the Baby Doe controversy and Koop's struggles with political pressures, offering insights into his legacy as a compassionate leader in challenging times.

Dec 6, 2025 • 60min
Cultural Update: Jesus Bots; UCSD Education Crisis; The New Singlehood Dilemma; Guns in Church
The hosts dive into the intriguing world of 'Jesus Bots,' exploring how AI spiritual guides may promote a self-centered faith. They discuss the alarming math crisis at UC San Diego, attributing it to grade inflation and COVID learning loss. The conversation shifts to the dangers of becoming overly reliant on AI for decision-making, reshaping our thought processes. Cultural pressures around being single create confusion and isolation, while they also tackle tattoo ethics and the practicality of armed security in churches. Lastly, they share tips for teen devotionals.

Dec 5, 2025 • 51min
Biola's Commitment to Biblical Truth: A Conversation with President Corey
In this engaging discussion, Barry H. Corey, the eighth president of Biola University, shares insights from his 16 years of leadership. He tackles the challenges of staying true to Biola's biblical mission amid a polarized culture. Corey emphasizes the importance of intentional course corrections to prevent mission drift and the rigorous hiring processes that align faculty with theological convictions. He also discusses responses to critiques since the COVID-19 era and the role of critical theories in education, underscoring a commitment to both scholarship and biblical truth.

Dec 2, 2025 • 48min
Seeing Good in the World (with Tim Muehlhoff)
In this engaging discussion, Tim Muehlhoff, a seasoned speaker and senior director of Biola's Winsome Conviction Project, explores why Christians often overlook the goodness of creation. He advocates for embracing the world as God's home and treasures the beauty found in nature, art, and relationships. Tim challenges listeners to balance their recognition of both brokenness and goodness, encouraging gratitude and stewardship. Delight in creation while lovingly resisting its corruption is a key theme, offering a fresh perspective on faith and environmental engagement.

Nov 25, 2025 • 48min
The Cost of Ambition (with Miroslav Volf)
In this engaging discussion, Miroslav Volf, a leading public theologian and professor at Yale, explores the intricate relationship between ambition and spirituality. He reveals how cultural pressures can lead individuals to constantly compare themselves to others, ultimately harming their self-worth and relationships. Volf distinguishes between healthy ambition and harmful superiority striving, urging listeners to ground their worth in God's affirmation. He also critiques modern meritocracy and discusses the impact of technology on our competitive natures.

18 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 1h 2min
Cultural Update: The Loneliness Epidemic; Tesla’s Robot Army; Why Orthodoxy is Surging in the U.S.
In this engaging discussion, Rick Langer, a professor and cultural commentator, explores significant topics like the link between loneliness and susceptibility to conspiracy theories, emphasizing the need for community. They also delve into Elon Musk's plan for a million humanoid robots, raising ethical concerns about the future of work. Finally, Rick analyzes the surprising rise of Orthodox Christianity among young men, attributing it to its beauty, tradition, and appeal to masculinity, while also reflecting on insights regarding film ratings and how they can impact societal values.

16 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 37min
The Long Term Impact of the Sexual Revolution (with Jennifer Morse)
Dr. Jennifer Morse, founder of the Ruth Institute, shares insights on the lasting consequences of the sexual revolution. She defines its core tenets, highlighting how they disconnect sex from marriage and biological norms. Morse discusses the harm done to youth and families, and elaborates on the evolution of gender ideology as a philosophical offshoot of these ideas. She also emphasizes the need for compassionate support for individuals questioning their gender identity, while addressing the impact of cultural shifts on corporate support for LGBTQ initiatives.


