

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

May 13, 2021 • 38min
Cultural Intelligence (with Darrell Bock)
The people of God are called to engage with the issues of the culture, which can involve at times, some difficult and challenging conversations. How to insure that the church's cultural engagement remains a positive contribution instead of furthering division is the subject of well-known scholar Darrell Bock's new book, Cultural Intelligence. Join Sean and Scott for this helpful guidance on engaging culture productively. Dr. Darrell Bock is Executive Director of Cultural Engagement at the Hendricks Center for Leadership and Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, both at Dallas Theological Seminary. He is the author of more than 40 books and is widely sought out by various media outlets for his expertise. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/cultural-intelligence ==========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.

Apr 30, 2021 • 33min
Another Gospel? (with Alisa Childers)
What is "progressive Christianity" and why is it so important to understand today? In this interview, we talk with Alisa Childers about her latest book Another Gospel? A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity. As Childers explains, progressive Christianity is a popular movement that holds a different view of the gospel, biblical authority, and a range of important Christian doctrines that thoughtful Christians must recognize with discernment. Alisa Childers is a wife, mom, an author, blogger, a speaker, and a worship leader. She was a member of the award-winning CCM recording group ZOEgirl. You can connect with Alisa online at alisachilders.com. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/another-gospel ==========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.

Apr 23, 2021 • 30min
Transgender Sports Policy (with Gabe Higerd)
The intersection of the transgender movement and sport is at the forefront of sport policy discussions. Dr. Higerd recently finished his doctoral dissertation examining the effects that transgender sports policies would have on girl's track and field. In this episode, Sean and Scott discuss with Dr. Higerd why biology matters for sports competition and how deeply transgender athletes would dominate girl's sports. Dr. Gabriel Higerd is a transgender sport policy researcher who completed a doctoral dissertation: "Assessing the potential transgender impact on girl champions in American high school track and field" at the United States Sports Academy. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist, father of six, and was an adjunct professor of Exercise Science at Azusa Pacific University, and an Army Officer. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/transgender-sports-policy ==========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.

10 snips
Apr 19, 2021 • 32min
Embodied: Transgender Identities and the Church (with Preston Sprinkle)
Is there a difference between sex and gender? What does it mean to be transgender? And what about intersex? In this interview, Sean and Scott talk with Dr. Preston Sprinkle about these important questions and more. They discuss his latest book Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say. The interview focuses on understanding the transgender phenomenon scientifically and biblically so Christians can love transgender people well. Dr. Preston Sprinkle is a professor, speaker, and a New York Times bestselling author. He earned a Ph.D. in New Testament from Aberdeen University in Scotland (2007), and he currently is the director for the Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender. He hosts the popular podcast “Theology in the Raw” and is the author of the recent book Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/embodied-transgender-identities-and-the-church ==========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.

Apr 12, 2021 • 1h 8min
[Bonus] The Equality Act (with Caleb Kaltenbach)
Many consider the Equality Act the most serious threat to religious liberty in our lifetime. What is it? And how should Christians respond? Sean interviews author Caleb Kaltenbach, who has researched the issue extensively, to understand it better and to discuss how Christians can best respond. Caleb consults with Christian organizations in regard to religious liberty, so he has some practical suggestions too. This BONUS episode was first recorded on Sean's YouTube channel, which is in partnership with the Talbot Apologetics program. Caleb's document, "How Religious Organizations Can Understand the Equality Act and Discern Next Steps," is available here: https://www.messygracegroup.org/equality-act-document. Caleb Kaltenbach is a pastor and founder of The Messy Grace Group where he helps churches love and foster community with LGBTQ individuals without sacrificing theological convictions. He's currently writing Messy Truth and has also authored God of Tomorrow and Messy Grace (where he discusses being raised in the LGBTQ community, following Jesus, and how loving others doesn’t require shifting beliefs). He has been featured in The New York Times, Fox & Friends, and more. He graduated from Talbot School of Theology. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/bonus-equality-act ==========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.

Apr 9, 2021 • 26min
Unhindered Abundance (with Ken Baugh)
What does it mean to truly live the abundant life that Jesus described? And why are so many Christians not experiencing it? Ken Baugh is a longtime pastor and writer who offers a roadmap for spiritual growth in this interview and in his latest book: Unhindered Abundance. The book is rooted in Scripture, but also brings in recent scientific findings about the body, the brain, and relationships.Ken Baugh is the founder & CEO of IDT Ministries. He served as a local church pastor for 25 years and in 2014, after a devastating experience as a senior Pastor, started the Institute for Discipleship Training (IDT Ministries) to be a resource for Christ-formation and to gather a community of believers who desire to journey together in discipleship to Jesus. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/unhindered-abundance ==========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.

Apr 7, 2021 • 47min
Taking the Vaccine: Right or Wrong?
Is it wrong for pro-lifers to get the vaccine when it was developed through cell lines that come from aborted fetuses? Are Christians obligated to get the vaccine out of love for their neighbor? Scott and Sean discuss these questions, and many more, related to the ethics behind the COVID-19 vaccine. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/taking-the-vaccine ==========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.

Mar 26, 2021 • 31min
Birth Control, Infertility, Reproductive Technology and Adoption (with Wayne Grudem)
Join Scott and Sean as they interview well known theologian Dr. Wayne Grudem about his new book on ethical issues at the beginning of life. It moves fast since we cover a lot of ground, but Dr. Grudem does it with clarity and compassion both. Dr. Wayne Grudem is Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary. He is the author of numerous books and articles in theology and one of the most respected theologians on the scene today. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/birth-control-infertility ==========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.

Mar 21, 2021 • 38min
Christian Nationalism
With the election of 2020 and the events surrounding the Capitol on January 6, 2021, the phenomena of Christian nationalism became front page news. While different than loving one’s country, Christian nationalism, described by one observer as "wrapping the cross in the flag" is challenging to define and holds some theological assumptions that merit close scrutiny. Join Scott and Sean as they discuss this unique fusion of Christian faith and country and they answer the questions around the American founding as a Christian nation. While upholding love of one’s country, they also point out some of the dangers of Christian nationalism to the church. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/christian-nationalism ==========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.

Mar 11, 2021 • 33min
Playing with Fire (with Billy Hallowell)
What would a modern investigation into demons, exorcisms, and ghosts reveal? What is the evidence they exist? In this interview, Sean and Scott talk with journalist Billy Hallowell about his latest book Playing with Fire. They discuss some recent research and public stories that provide compelling evidence for the existence of the supernatural. And then they offer some insights and practical advice for believing Christians today. Billy Hallowell has worked in journalism and media for more than two decades. His writings, interviews, and social commentary have appeared in the Washington Post, Deseret News and FoxNews.com. He is currently the director of communications and content at Pure Flix. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/playing-with-fire ==========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.