

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

Nov 26, 2024 • 27min
Thanksgiving and Gratitude (with Stacy Eltiti)
Explore how gratitude can transform mental health and relationships in a busy world. Discover the psychological and neurological benefits tied to gratitude, supported by biblical teachings. Learn practical strategies for cultivating intentional gratitude amidst life’s chaos. Delve into the significance of daily reminders of salvation and meaningful Thanksgiving experiences. This conversation encourages deeper, reflective gratitude, highlighting personal stories and practices to enhance appreciation during challenging times.

Nov 22, 2024 • 51min
Cultural Update: Constitutional bans on physician-assisted suicide; Teaching the Bible in public schools
Explore the recent constitutional ban on physician-assisted suicide in West Virginia and its ethical implications. Delve into the heated debate surrounding Harvard's 'Sex Week' and the search for deeper meaning in relationships. Discover the Texas Board of Education's move to integrate biblical content into school curricula and the resulting discussions on faith in education. Plus, gain insights on genetic privacy in healthcare and navigate the principles of thoughtful, generous giving.

Nov 19, 2024 • 35min
Pro-Child Policies (with Katy Faust)
Katy Faust, Founder and President of Them Before Us, dives into the urgent topic of children's rights, advocating for their needs in policy discussions. She challenges damaging cultural narratives surrounding masculinity and femininity, highlighting their impact on youth. Faust critiques environmental policies, revealing how they can harm children's health, and discusses the troubling trends in education that prioritize adult interests over student achievement. Her insights are a call to rethink cultural misconceptions that affect our youngest generations.

Nov 15, 2024 • 51min
Cultural Update: Genetic discrimination; Banning social media for minors; Listener questions
Delve into the pressing issue of genetic discrimination and the gaps in U.S. laws that leave individuals vulnerable. Discover the debate surrounding Australia’s proposed ban on social media for minors, weighing mental health against freedom. Explore the recent resignation of a key church leader, raising serious questions of accountability. Listener inquiries tackle the ethics of vasectomies and moral obligations in terminal illness care, alongside a discussion on divine sovereignty in political matters.

Nov 12, 2024 • 37min
How to Think Biblically about Morality and Ethics (with Dave Horner)
In this insightful discussion, Dave Horner, a Professor of Theology and Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, explores how to think biblically about morality. He addresses the challenge of moral relativism and presents the moral argument for God's existence. Horner delves into moral realism, emphasizing that objective moral standards exist beyond cultural opinions. He also shares his transformative journey of faith, and the importance of understanding metaethics in today’s world, especially for complex issues like abortion and immigration.

Nov 8, 2024 • 57min
Cultural Update: Living together post-election; balancing grace & truth in conversations
The discussion reflects on the challenges of maintaining relationships in a polarized post-election landscape, focusing on grace and understanding. There's a deep dive into balancing truth and compassion in sensitive conversations, particularly around topics like abortion. Ethical dilemmas in genetic screening for embryo intelligence are examined, raising questions about societal pressures on perfectionism. Additionally, the importance of nurturing dialogue and teaching biblical reliability to younger audiences is emphasized, fostering unity amid differing views.

19 snips
Nov 5, 2024 • 34min
Sola Scriptura (with Ben Witherington)
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Ben Witherington, an esteemed New Testament scholar and prolific author, tackles the concept of 'sola Scriptura' and its relevance today. He dives into its historical roots during the Protestant Reformation and discusses contemporary struggles with biblical authority amid a culture of personal experience. Witherington addresses the challenges of biblical literacy and emphasizes the importance of accurate scriptural interpretation. He also critiques modern discipleship practices, advocating for love and understanding in a polarized world.

Nov 1, 2024 • 56min
Cultural Update: Resurrected as a chatbot; Young men falling behind; IVF followup
This discussion tackles the ethical storm created by reviving a murdered teenager as a chatbot. It also highlights a Harvard study showing improved economic mobility for Black Americans, shifting the narrative around race and opportunity. Young men face alarming declines in education and mental health, signaling a crisis of purpose. The podcast delves into the moral complexities surrounding frozen embryos in IVF, emphasizing biblical perspectives. Finally, it encourages civic engagement, framing it within a biblical context.

7 snips
Oct 29, 2024 • 31min
Is IVF Morally Permissible: A Dialogue, Part 2
Dive into a thought-provoking debate on the morality of in vitro fertilization. Explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding technology's role in conception and the impact on the sanctity of life. The discussion also tackles embryo adoption versus donation and the nuanced rights tied to parenthood. Gain insights into contrasting Christian perspectives on IVF, highlighting the health risks for IVF-conceived children. This engaging dialogue invites listeners to reflect on the profound moral complexities of reproductive technologies.

Oct 25, 2024 • 44min
Cultural Update: Can AI be blamed for suicide?; Religious comeback?; Political word games
A heartbreaking story of a 14-year-old's suicide prompts a deep dive into the implications of AI in human relationships. The discussion explores a potential religious revival amidst rising secularism. Political language is dissected, revealing how words shape public perception and obscure truths. Listener questions spark a conversation on navigating family dynamics and ideological divides, while interfaith dialogues stress the importance of understanding and respecting core beliefs.


