

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

Feb 6, 2024 • 41min
"He Gets Us" at the Super Bowl (with Ed Stetzer)
Step into the captivating world of faith and advertising with Talbot Dean Ed Stetzer in this Think Biblically podcast episode. Explore the groundbreaking "He Gets Us" campaign, a visionary effort by Christian business leaders and marketing experts to reshape contemporary views of Jesus, fostering curiosity and dialogue among skeptics and believers alike. Stetzer delves into the campaign's strategic approach to reach a broader audience, its significant impact on engagement with the Bible and church communities, and addresses the criticism it faces. Additionally, Ed provides details on a companion book to the campaign. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by the innovative intersection of faith, culture, and marketing, offering deep reflections on making Jesus' message resonate in today's world.Read a transcript of this episode at https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2024/he-gets-us-at-the-super-bowl. ==========Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California. Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically. Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video. To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.

Feb 2, 2024 • 40min
Cultural Update: After-school Satan clubs; Cops using DNA to predict a suspect's face; Listener questions
Discussion on after-school Satan clubs and the implications of religious liberty. Ethics of law enforcement using DNA for suspect's facial features. Australian bill for voluntary assistance in dying, including children and people with dementia. Query on homosexuality in biblical times and attending worship services of other faiths.

Jan 30, 2024 • 56min
Do Animals Have Rights?
The hosts discuss animal rights, meat consumption, and the treatment of animals. They review Peter Singer's influential book, explore the moral problem of animal suffering, and question the concept of speciesism. They also discuss the government's role in protecting rights and the biblical evidence for Jesus eating meat. The speakers debate interfering in the predator-prey relationship and highlight Christians integrating faith into business practices. Overall, they encourage further exploration of a Christian perspective on animal rights.

Jan 26, 2024 • 42min
Cultural Update: Legal responsibility for child's actions; "Post-Truth" Universities; Jordan Peterson; Pope on Surrogacy; Listener Questions
Special guest Rick Langer joins the hosts to discuss the legal responsibility of parents for their child's actions in the context of a school shooting case. They also explore the declining confidence in higher education due to postmodernism and the questioning of truth. The implications of Jordan Peterson's license revocation and Pope Francis's condemnation of surrogate motherhood are also examined. Additionally, they address listener questions regarding debt and financial stewardship and the order of creation.

5 snips
Jan 23, 2024 • 33min
The Case for Life (with Scott Klusendorf)
"The Case for Life" features Scott Klusendorf, Founder and President of a pro-life organization. They discuss engaging the abortion discussion, training individuals, addressing challenges in Christian schools and churches, examining the philosophical issue of abortion, commemorating Roe v. Wade, and finding hope in the debate.

Jan 19, 2024 • 36min
Cultural Update: Polyamory, Lab Grown Eggs, Atheist Churches, and the Responsibility of Christian Voters
The podcast discusses the mainstreaming of polyamory, advances in lab-grown human eggs, the rise of atheist churches, and the responsibility of Republican voters. They also explore the implications of polyamorous relationships with children and the possibility of reproduction using lab-grown human eggs. Additionally, they discuss the differences between Mormonism and other religions and explore the concept of salvation and the role of faith in the Old and New Testaments.

Jan 16, 2024 • 35min
A Compelling Vision of Friendship (with Rebecca McLaughlin)
Rebecca McLaughlin, apologist and author, discusses her book on friendship and how we can learn from Jesus and Paul. The podcast explores the lost virtue of friendship, the church's lack of emphasis on singleness, physical affection between same-sex friends, navigating diverse friendships, and a nuanced approach to the Billy Graham rule.

Jan 12, 2024 • 36min
Cultural Update: Kim Davis; Texas Abortion Law Enforcement; Balancing Head & Heart; Should churches be involved in politics?
Kim Davis, a public figure involved in legal issues, discusses her case and the intersection of religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights. The hosts also explore balancing head and heart in everyday life as believers, the role of churches in addressing political issues, and the importance of maintaining a prophetic voice.

12 snips
Jan 8, 2024 • 32min
Who are the "Nones?" (with Ryan Burge)
Guest Ryan Burge, a political scientist and pastor, discusses the "nones" - the fastest growing religious group in the US. He explores their religious disaffiliation over the past 30 years, the rise of the "nones" in America, the incorporation of politics in churches, the link between church involvement and the "nones," and the misconception that education leads to decreased religiosity.

Jan 4, 2024 • 47min
Don’t Follow Your Heart?? (with Thaddeus Williams)
Thaddeus Williams, Biola professor and author, discusses his book 'Don't Follow Your Heart' and the ten commandments of self-worship. They explore the origins of self-worship and its rise in society. They also delve into self-worship in the church, the difference between ancient and modern concepts of happiness, and the idea of being a cultural heretic.