Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

The discussion highlights the crucial role of Christianity in shaping Western civilization and its values. There's a deep dive into the troubling trend of viewing abortion as a societal good, which raises ethical concerns. Also explored are the implications of designer babies and gene editing, sparking debates over morality and societal impact. Listener questions tackle mixed-faith marriages and navigating family complexities, offering insights on building understanding and community.

Katie McCoy, director of Women’s Ministry at Texas Baptists and co-author of the book Humanity, dives into profound discussions on the nature of humanity. She addresses the significance of understanding gender through a biblical lens, asserting that gender is rooted in biology. The conversation touches on corporate repentance versus individual responsibility for historical sins, and critiques transhumanism while emphasizing human dignity. Katie also delves into how our understanding of humanity impacts societal issues like sexuality and race.

This week dives into inspiring stories of Olympians sharing their faith with spontaneous worship. The Vatican's new guidelines on patient care spark ethical debates, while political shifts in Britain reshape discussions on transgender rights. A pastor's choices raise moral dilemmas around the death penalty, and listener questions tackle human nature's complexities. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassionate dialogue on gender identity and the emotional preparation of children for life's challenges.

In a thought-provoking conversation, AI specialist and businessman Christopher Lind discusses how artificial intelligence is transforming human sexuality and the adult film industry. He delves into ethical dilemmas surrounding AI-generated content, especially the dangers of deep fakes and privacy concerns for minors. Lind highlights the rapid evolution of AI and the urgent need for regulatory frameworks. He also explores the potential impact of these technologies on personal relationships and societal norms, urging critical dialogue about their psychological effects.

A deep dive into the decline of birth rates sparks a debate on its political implications. The resurgence of syphilis raises questions about public health and prenatal care ethics. The harassment of pregnancy resource centers post-Dobbs showcases the challenges faced by those supporting crisis pregnancies. Discussion revolves around engaging with diverse gender identities while grounding interactions in faith, and the moral dilemmas healthcare providers face regarding controversial procedures. The hosts emphasize the need for respectful dialogue in the intersection of faith and culture.

Mike Thigpen, an Old Testament scholar and former executive director at the Evangelical Theological Society, joins Jacob Wright, a theology professor at Emory University. They explore the provocative questions of why the Bible was written and its role in shaping Jewish identity, especially after historical defeats. The discussion delves into biblical authors as potential revisionists and highlights the importance of recent archaeological findings. Additionally, they emphasize understanding the divine context in scripture and the educational challenges faced by today’s theologians.

Rick Langer, a thought-provoking co-host, dives into pressing cultural discussions. He and Scott analyze the tension between beliefs and actions within the American church. They tackle the complexities of sexual orientation, challenging the 'born this way' narrative, and explore AI's dual role as an ally and potential risk. The duo also scrutinize the influence of media and universities on public opinion, while addressing listener queries about faith, mental health, and the cost of true discipleship in Christianity.

Yeonmi Park, a North Korean escapee and author, shares her harrowing journey to freedom and life in America. She recounts the exploitation she faced in China and her experiences at Columbia University, which starkly contrast with her past. Park critiques the safe spaces in higher education that inhibit open dialogue while discussing the challenges of raising awareness about human rights abuses. She reflects on cultural differences and censorship, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and perspective amidst her criticisms of American society.

Communications professor Tim Muehlhoff and Sean discuss Christians using preferred pronouns. They explore common ground and disagreements on LGBTQ conversations, navigating tough Christian dialogues, disputable church issues like same-sex marriage, gender identity, and cultural sensitivity in biblical contexts. The dialogue focuses on building trust, respect, and understanding in discussing sensitive topics.

Sociologist Brad Wilcox discusses the importance of healthy marriages in society, debunks myths about marriage, and gives insights on creating a marriage-friendly culture. They explore the impact of marriage on well-being, the appeal of traditional masculinity in relationships, and the influence of policy and cultural attitudes on marriages and families.