Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

Working with a team of over three dozen Biola grad students, Sean recently helped his father, Josh McDowell, update his classic book “Evidence that Demands a Verdict.” Scott interviews Sean about how both culture and the historical evidence for Christianity have changed over the past few decades. The evidence for Christianity is more compelling than it has ever been, but as Sean and Scott discuss, it must be presented with kindness and love.  Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2018/does-evidence-still-demand-a-verdict  ==========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.

Pastor Andy Stanley recently gave a sermon in which he suggested that Christians today should unhitch the Old Testament from our faith. Scott and Sean interview Messianic Jew Mitch Glaser for his thoughts and insights. They discuss the Jewish roots of the Christian faith, the relationship between the OT law and today, and provide some perspective and insight to the controversial sermon.  Dr. Mitch Glaser is President of Chosen People Ministries, in Brooklyn, NY. He also serves as a faculty member in Talbot’s Messianic Jewish Studies Program, also in Brooklyn. He holds an MA from Talbot and a Ph.D. from Fuller Seminary.   Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2018/should-we-unhitch-the-old-testament  ==========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.

What is the most effective approach for defending the faith today? What does it mean to do apologetics through the lens of the cross? Sean and Scott interview professor Josh Chatraw about his new book, "Apologetics at the Cross." Josh offers some lessons for evangelism and apologetics today from the early church fathers, and also addresses some of the most pressing questions asked today by both believers and non-believers.  Josh Chatraw serves as executive director of the Center for Apologetics and Cultural Engagement, an associate professor of apologetics and theology at Liberty University School of Divinity, and the executive editor of Faith and the Academy. He writes and lectures in the areas of apologetics and public theology. His recent books include Truth in a Culture of Doubt and Apologetics at the Cross. Chatraw has served in pastoral ministry and is a Fellow with the Center for Pastor Theologians.   Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2018/apologetics-at-the-cross  ==========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.

Spoiler alert! In this special episode, Scott and Sean discuss the ethical questions behind the recent blockbuster movie Infinity War. Here is the big question they explore: Under what conditions is it just to sacrifice a life (or lives) for another? They discuss various scenarios in the film and make some practical applications for today. And they discuss how the theme of Infinity War powerfully assumes certain ideas of love and sacrifice at the heart of the gospel.   Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2018/moral-question-behind-infinity-war  ==========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.

The guest in this episode is Matt Fradd, an author and speaker on the cultural analysis of porn. They discuss the impact of porn on relationships, debunk myths about it, and offer practical steps for parents. Topics include Matt's personal journey, societal pressures, and the importance of parental conversations about pornography.

In this episode, Sean and Scott talk with Judge Ken Starr and Dr. Thomas Farr about the state of religious liberty today in America and beyond. How concerned should Christians be? What big issues are on the horizon? And how can Christians respond? Starr and Farr bring remarkable perspective and wisdom for thoughtful Christians today.  Thomas Farr is President of the Religious Freedom Institute and Director of the Religious Freedom Research Project at Georgetown University’s Berkley Center. He is associate Professor of the Practice of Religion and World Affairs at Georgetown’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service.  A senior fellow at the Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor University, and at the Witherspoon Institute in Princeton, N.J., Farr received a B.A. from Mercer University, and a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina.  Dr. Farr served for 28 years in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Foreign Service. In 1999 he became the first director of the State Department's Office of International Religious Freedom. He subsequently directed the Witherspoon Institute's International Religious Freedom (IRF) Task Force, was a member of the Chicago World Affairs Council’s Task Force on Religion and U.S. Foreign Policy, and served on the Secretary of State’s IRF working group.  Ken Starr has had a distinguished career in academia, the law and public service. For six years, he served as the 14th president of Baylor University. He served as both President and Chancellor for three of those years. He currently is practicing law, writing articles of interest and serving as a guest commentator for various news programs.  Ken has argued 36 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, including 25 cases during his service as Solicitor General of the United States from 1989-93. He served as United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit from 1983 to 1989, as law clerk to Chief Justice Warren E. Burger from 1975 to 1977, and as law clerk to Fifth Circuit Judge David W. Dyer from 1973 to 1974. He was appointed to serve as Independent Counsel for five investigations, including Whitewater, from 1994 to 1999.  Judge Starr previously taught constitutional law as an adjunct professor at New York University School of Law and was a distinguished visiting professor at George Mason University School of Law and Chapman Law School. After graduating from San Antonio's Sam Houston High School, he earned his B.A. from George Washington University in 1968, his M.A. from Brown University in 1969 and his J.D. degree from Duke University Law School in 1973. He is admitted to practice in California, the District of Columbia, Virginia and the United States Supreme Court.   ==========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.

Sean recently had a public discussion with Bart Campolo, former evangelist and Christian social worker, who is now a leading secular humanist. They share and contrast their stories and discuss whether Christianity or secular humanism is the best explanation for moral values.  This is a bonus episode that first aired on Unbelievable? at Premier Christian Radio.  For more from Unbelievable?, be sure to check out their podcast, book, and upcoming conference.  Bart Campolo is an American humanist speaker and writer. He is the son of Tony Campolo, and was a pastor before transitioning from Christianity to secular humanism. Campolo is the co-founder of Mission Year and the author of several books including Kingdom Works: True Stories of God and His People in Inner City America and Things We Wish We Had Said, which he co-wrote with his father. His most recent book, Why I Left, Why I Stayed, also co-written with his father, is a reflection on both men's "spiritual odysseys and how they evolved when their paths diverged." He was the first Humanist Chaplain at the University of Southern California. Campolo hosts a podcast called Humanize Me.   Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2018/bonus-podcast-losing-faith-and-keeping-faith-sean-mcdowell-and-bart-campolo  ==========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.

What worldviews are competing for the hearts and minds of today’s students? What is unique about this generation? Sean interviews Dr. Jeff Myers, president of Summit Ministries, about how the church can best understand and reach Generation Z.  Dr. Jeff Myers is president of Summit Ministries, a highly respected worldview training program whose tens of thousands of graduates are making a difference in politics, law, academics, medicine, science, and business. In the last twenty years, Dr. Myers has become one of America's most respected authorities on youth leadership development.   Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2018/unique-worldview-challenges-for-students-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.

How does economics shape what it means to “love our neighbor”? How should theology shape our view of economics? In this episode, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae interact with Dr. Tom Nelson, who is the head of Made To Flourish, a network of pastors and local churches committed to integrating theology and work for the common good. They discuss pastor Nelson’s excellent book The Economics of Neighborly Love.  Dr. Tom Nelson is founding pastor of Christ Community Church in the Kansas City area and President of Made to Flourish, a pastor and church network committed to the integration of faith, work and economics for human flourishing and the common good.  He is the author of Work Matters: Connecting Sunday Worship to Monday Work, Five Smooth Stones: Discovering the Path to Wholeness of Soul, Ekklesia: Rediscovering God’s Design for the Church, and The Economics of Neighborly Love: Investing in Your Community’s Compassion and Capacity.   Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2018/economics-and-the-christian-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.

Christians find themselves today in an increasingly secular culture, which is sometimes even hostile to the faith. In this setting, what is the most biblical and effective means of persuasion? In this episode, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae talk with author of Winsome Persuasion and Biola University professor Tim Muehlhoff about what it means to communicate winsomely today. Tim offers practical ideas for having difficult and controversial conversations.  Dr. Tim Muehlhoff is Professor of Communication Studies at Biola. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina and is the author of seven books and has contributed chapters to six others.   Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2018/winsome-communication  ==========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.