

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 26, 2024 • 1h 3min
Cultural Update: Armed Teachers; Gen Z's Views on Israel; AI + CRISPR; Listener Questions
Controversial topics discussed include armed teachers in schools post a shooting, Gen Z's view on Israel and Hamas, integration of AI with CRISPR for gene editing, and faith intersecting with public policy and family evangelism.

Apr 23, 2024 • 47min
Polyamory: A Biblical Response
Explore the concept of polyamory and its rising popularity, including discussions on ethical non-monogamy and natural marriage. Delve into the legal-moral divide in relationships and the biblical response to polyamory, with theological insights on the Trinity. Learn how to navigate polyamory disclosure in a church setting with kindness and grace.

9 snips
Apr 19, 2024 • 53min
Cultural Update: Shifts in Religious Identification; Persuasive AI; Rethinking Gender-Affirming Care; Listener Questions
Explore shifts in religious identification in America, the power of AI in persuasion, and rethinking gender-affirming care for youth. Delve into listener questions on human souls, God's image, and ethics of prescribing medications. Learn about the evolving landscape of faith, technology, and healthcare ethics in a thought-provoking cultural update.

8 snips
Apr 16, 2024 • 35min
Encountering the Holy Spirit (with Fred Sanders)
Fred Sanders, Professor of Theology at Biola University, discusses misconceptions and truths about the Holy Spirit, including praying to the Spirit, neglect of His work, and understanding the Spirit within a Trinitarian perspective.

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.