

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

Apr 12, 2024 • 52min
Cultural Update: Solar Eclipse and Intelligent Design; Racial Bias in Hiring; Vatican on Gender
Solar Eclipses and Intelligent Design, Racial Bias in Hiring, Vatican's Stance on Gender, Rwanda Genocide Anniversary, Free Will vs. Determinism debates, Practical advice on teaching biblical views on cultural issues

Apr 9, 2024 • 49min
Is Free Will a Myth? (with Greg Ganssle)
Philosophy professor Greg Ganssle debates free will vs. determinism, discussing Sapolsky's book. Topics include brain physiology, Libet experiment's implications, moral responsibility, and Phineas Gage's case. The episode emphasizes personal choice, human agency, and the impact of genetics and upbringing on individual abilities.

5 snips
Apr 5, 2024 • 51min
Cultural Update: Dawkins is a Christian?; Social Costs of De-Churching; Spiritual Parenthood
Rick Langer and the host discuss Richard Dawkins' surprising connection to Christianity, societal impacts of de-churching, and the importance of spiritual parenthood in the church. Topics include Dawkins' view on Ramadan lights, challenge to 'sex assigned at birth,' and negative effects of declining church attendance on communities.

Apr 2, 2024 • 36min
Defending Life Courageously (with Treneé McGee)
Artist and Connecticut state representative Treneé McGee discusses the challenges of being a pro-life Democrat, especially in the African American community. She shares her journey into politics and highlights the importance of faith in shaping her views on abortion. The conversation explores the political climate surrounding abortion, the role of Planned Parenthood, and the need for bipartisan collaboration in addressing such contentious issues.

10 snips
Mar 29, 2024 • 58min
Cultural Update: Political Realignment; Marriage and Well-Being; Smartphones and Gen Z's Mental Health
Sean McDowell and Rick Langer discuss political realignment towards the Republican party, the benefits of marriage for well-being, and the negative impact of smartphones on Gen Z's mental health. They also address challenges in finding love within the church community and integrating secular psychology with biblical views.

Mar 26, 2024 • 32min
Demystifying Evil (with Ingrid Faro)
Ingrid Faro discusses demystifying evil, sharing personal stories and theological reflections on trusting God through pain. Topics include confronting evil, finding courage, exploring transformation, seeking good, and navigating profound pain and faith.

Mar 22, 2024 • 53min
Cultural Update: Kanye's "God of Me"; AI Resurrections; Florida's DEI Departures
This podcast discusses Kanye West's controversial declarations, AI tech resurrecting the dead, and Florida's shift away from DEI initiatives. They touch on theological implications of self-sovereignty, healthy grieving with ghost bots, and biblical perspectives on diversity. Listener questions cover family planning with a non-Christian spouse and reflecting God's image amidst perpetuated evil.

9 snips
Mar 19, 2024 • 39min
A Biblical View of Mental Health (with Chris Adams)
Exploring the intersection of biblical and secular approaches to mental health, challenges faced by pastors in maintaining well-being, the importance of holistic care for mental illness in faith communities, and the role of church support in enhancing pastor flourishing and mental health.

Mar 15, 2024 • 51min
Cultural Update: China's Baby Bust; France Puts Abortion in Constitution; New Tech May Allow Embryo from Two Men
This podcast explores China's low birth rates and societal values, France enshrining abortion in the constitution, advancements in reproductive technology allowing for embryos from two men, ethical concerns of AI-generated pornography, and the challenges of drug decriminalization laws.

Mar 12, 2024 • 39min
Being God's Image (with Carmen Imes)
Explore the concept of being made in God's image with Dr. Carmen Imes, touching on topics like identity, work, sexuality, body image, disability, and transgender issues. Understand the essence of being God's image as a physical representation and embrace body image within God's design. Discuss the intersection of being made in God's image with LGBTQ experiences and the intentional design of disabilities by God. Delve into the significance of identifying as God's image in addressing mental health challenges.