

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

Jul 26, 2018 • 30min
Vincent Van Gogh’s Journey of Faith (with William Havlicek)
In this fascinating look at the life and art of Vincent Van Gogh, Sean and Scott interview Professor William Havlicek, one of the world’s leading experts on Van Gogh. William teaches at the Laguna College of Art and Design in Laguna Beach, California and has written Van Gogh’s Untold Journey, the story of the Christian faith of Van Gogh and how it is portrayed in his artwork. Join us for this conversation with Dr. Havlicek. Dr. William Havlicek is professor at the Laguna College of Art and Design in Laguna Beach, California. He holds a Ph.D. in aesthetics from Claremont Graduate University, is a studio artist and one of the leading experts on the life and art of Vincent Van Gogh. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2018/vincent-van-gogh-s-journey-of-faith ==========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.

Jul 19, 2018 • 28min
Hitler’s Ethic and Religion and Eugenics Today (with Richard Weikart)
Scott and Sean interview Dr. Richard Weikart, professor of history at Cal State Stanislaus on the connection between evolutionary ethics and the re-emergence of eugenics in culture today. Dr. Weikart is the author of several books which he discusses in this podcast, including, Hitler’s Ethic, Hitler’s Religion, and The Death of Humanity, in which he shows the link between evolutionary ethics and the erosion of respect for the sacredness of life. He also dispels the notion that Christian faith had anything to do with the Holocaust. Dr. Richard Weikart is Professor of History at California State University, Stanislaus, and author of From Darwin to Hitler: Evolutionary Ethics, Eugenics, and Racism in Germany, Hitler’s Ethic, and Hitler’s Religion. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2018/hitlers-ethic-and-religion-and-eugenics-today ==========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.

Jul 12, 2018 • 35min
Grace and Redemption After Abortion (with Victoria Robinson)
Victoria Robinson had an abortion. She hid the hurt and shame for years, even while working at a church and pregnancy resource center. After experiencing God's grace and forgiveness, she now has a story she wants to share with other women (and men). Sean and Scott interview Victoria about her story. She also shares her insights about the state of the pro life movement and some practical ways churches can better minister to women who have had abortions. Victoria Robinson is Director of External Relations for the pro-life organization, Save the Storks. She is a widely sought after speaker, media guest and former radio host. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2018/grace-and-redemption-after-abortion ==========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.

Jul 5, 2018 • 29min
Why People Stop Believing (with Paul Chamberlain)
In this stimulating conversation, Sean and Scott interview Dr. Paul Chamberlain, director of the program in Christian Apologetics at Trinity Western University in Canada, and author of the book Why People Stop Believing. Dr. Chamberlain chronicles the story of several prominent Christian leaders who gave up their faith — then he proceeds to answer the most common objections to Christianity that these former Christian leaders have in common. Dr. Paul Chamberlain is Director of the Institute for Christian Apologetics at Trinity Western University in Vancouver, BC, and Professor of Apologetics, Philosophy and Ethics also at TWU. He also serves as the Canadian director for Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. He is the author of six books and numerous journal articles and presentations. He is a widely sought after speaker globally. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2018/why-people-stop-believing ==========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.

Jun 28, 2018 • 30min
How Should Christians Think about Social Justice (with Thaddeus Williams)
What is the biblical call to justice? Should Christians embrace the social justice movement? Sean and Scott interview Biola faculty member Thaddeus Williams about these questions and more. Dr. Williams provides biblical perspective about the social justice movement--highlighting both areas of agreement and concern with Scripture. In light of public debates about race, immigration, and family, it is more critical than ever that Christians think biblically about justice. Dr. Thaddeus Williams is Associate Professor of Theology, undergraduate division at Talbot. He holds MA degrees from Talbot and UCLA and a Ph.D. from the Free University of Amsterdam. He also serves as adjunct professor of law and theology at Trinity Law School in Orange County, California. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2018/how-should-christians-think-about-social-justice1 ==========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.

Jun 21, 2018 • 32min
Christians and the Transgender Question (with Preston Sprinkle)
What is transgender? And how can Christians think both biblically and compassionately about transgender people? Scott and Sean interview author Preston Sprinkle about this issue. Sprinkle provides clarification on some important terms, such as "intersex," and also offers some practical advice for how Christians can approach the transgender question both personally and publicly. Dr. Preston Sprinkle is 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's been a professor of theology at Cedarville University (OH), Nottingham University (England), and Eternity Bible College (CA and ID). Preston is currently a full-time author, speaker, and teacher and he is the author of 13 books. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2018/christians-and-the-transgender-question ==========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.

Jun 14, 2018 • 28min
The Bible and Immigration (with Markus Zehnder)
Immigration remains one of the most divisive and debated social and political issues of our day. Understanding the Bible's teaching on immigration and applying it to current immigration issues is complicated terrain. Dr. Markus Zehnder, Talbot Professor of Old Testament, brings a wealth of research on the bible and immigration, as well as his experience of immigration issues from living most of his life in Europe, to bear on this complex and emotionally-charged issue. Dr. Markus Zehnder grew up in Switzerland and is an ordained minister of the Reformed Church of Switzerland. After the completion of his doctorate, he moved to Jerusalem and then to Boston for postdoctoral studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and at Harvard University. He has held teaching positions in Switzerland, Germany, Norway, and Belgium. He has a passion to connect the Bible both with personal and societal issues. Questions relating to migration are at the top of the list of his research interests. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2018/the-bible-and-immigration ==========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.

Jun 11, 2018 • 31min
Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Religious Liberty...Sort Of
In the long-awaited case of Masterpiece Cake Shop vs. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in favor of cake baker Jack Phillips. Citing the commission’s hostility towards Phillips’ religious beliefs, the court ruled that the commission violated its mandate for neutrality about religion. However, the court left unresolved the fundamental conflict here between the rights of gay people and Phillips' rights under the first amendment. Scott and Sean offer their reflections on this landmark decision that was handed down on June 4, 2018. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2018/supreme-court-rules-in-favor-of-religious-liberty-sort-of ==========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.

Jun 7, 2018 • 27min
Understanding Generation Z (with Jonathan Morrow)
What is unique about Generation Z (born between 1999-2015)? What does the newest research show about their beliefs, practices, and approach to life? Sean and Scott interview Jonathan Morrow, author of "Welcome to College," about a new massive study he commissioned with Barna. Jonathan reveals some surprising truths about young people today and offers some practical steps for discipling and evangelizing them. Jonathan Morrow is the Director of Creative Strategies for Impact 360 Institute where he teaches in the college “Gap Year” program and high school summer Immersion experience. He is the author of Questioning the Bible: 11 Major Challenges to the Bible’s Authority, Welcome to College: A Christ-Follower’s Guide for the Journey,Think Christianly: Looking at the Intersection of Faith and Culture, and coauthor of Is God Just a Human Invention? And Seventeen Other Questions Raised by the New Atheists. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2018/understanding-generation-z ==========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.

May 31, 2018 • 27min
Lessons Americans Can Learn from Canada (with Jojo Ruba)
From a conference in Canada, Sean recently had the opportunity to interview Jojo Ruba, head of Faith Beyond Belief, an apologetics and worldview ministry that trains young people across Canada. Jojo shares some practical lessons American Christians can learn from the secular shift in Canada. Jojo Ruba is Executive Director of Faith Beyond Belief, a Canadian apologetics organization based in Calgary, Alberta. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2018/lessons-americans-can-learn-from-canada ==========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.