Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

What does the Bible say, if anything, about living together before marriage? Given that 70% of Americans now cohabit before marriage, and roughly 2/3 believe it will improve the odds of relationship success, what does the data show about how effective it is? While this is a huge topic in the church and culture today, surprisingly, few people are discussing it. In this episode, Sean and Scott discuss a recent study on cohabitation from the Institute for Family Studies. Download the study: htt...

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

Topics this week: Controversy after Christianity Today published an article questioning whether Jesus was crucified with nails. The Supreme Court is debating whether parents can opt their kids out of LGBTQ-themed books in elementary schools. The New York Times and USA Today published articles discussing the return to church, particularly among young men, and the increased interest in the supernatural in today's culture. Listener ques...

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

How many Americans are engaging the Bible today? And in what ways? How does Bible reading affect giving to charity, life flourishing, and experience with loneliness? Sean and Scott discuss these questions, and more, by analyzing the latest report from the American Bible Society. While some of the findings are expected, quite a few are eye-opening and unexpected. Read and download the report here. ========== Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School...

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

Topics this week: Women's Basketball Player Embraces Her FaithThe UK Supreme Court Rules on GenderFrance's Law on Anonymous Sperm and Egg DonationRichard Dawkins' Blog Post on ChristianityListener Questions: Further questions concerning the life of MLK jr.How should someone approach talking with parents in the midst of deconstruction?Is there continuity of life between now and the new heavens and new earth?========== Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talb...

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

Michael Heiser is one of the most influential Old Testament scholars over the past decade. In this video, Sean is joined by Talbot Old Testament professor Charlie Trimm to discuss Heiser’s best-selling book “The Unseen Realm.” They discuss these questions and more: Why has Heiser been so influential? Are his ideas orthodox? Should Christians read his works? What does it mean to biblically embrace the supernatural realm? Charlie Trimm received his Ph.D. from Wheaton College in 2012, writ...

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

Topics this week: An Atlantic article on Elaine Pagels' new book, "Miracles and Wonder." Is she downplaying the supernatural? This episode dives into her controversial take on New Testament miracles.Florida teacher fired for using a student's preferred name without parental consent. Where do parental rights collide with student support? Scientists have brought back the dire wolf. Is this a cool breakthrough or a recipe for disaster? We debate the ethics of de-extinction.Are embryos prope...

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2025

What should apologetics look like for this generation? What does it mean that apologetics is for everyone, not just specialists? How is the gospel good news, especially for women? We’ll discuss these questions and more with Sean around his new book Apologetics for an Ever-Changing Culture. ========== 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....

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

This week's topics: Polygany Found to Cause Lower Birthrates than MonogamyAI Chatbots can Allow People to Talk with Deceased RelativesNew Tech allows for more Control Over Embryo Selection.Listener Questions: A Listener shares their experience working in secular spaces and using preferred pronouns. Should christians identify as gay? Are near death experiences biblical? ========== Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola Unive...

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

What is the state of the intelligent design movement today? How is it faring in the scientific realm, the church, and in the public? How has the strategy of the ID movement shifted, and what has it learned over the past 20 years? Our guest today is Biola University Biology professor Doug Axe. Douglas Axe is the Maxwell Professor of Molecular Biology at Biola University, the founding Director of Biologic Institute, the founding Editor of BIO-Complexity, and the author of Undeniable: How Biolog...

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

This week's topics: The Ethics of Embryo Research: The abortion debate is shifting toward the status and treatment of embryos—especially in light of new scientific experimentation pushing past the 14-day research limit. Science vs. Philosophy: Scott and Sean discuss the crucial distinction between biological life and personhood—and why science can’t answer moral questions about human identity. Christianity’s Resurgence in Silicon Valley?: A Vanity Fair article highlights growing interes...

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

What is the enduring legacy of MLK?, why has the culture neglected the theological basis for his civil rights work?, what assumptions to white and black people have about each other that are inaccurate or unhelpful? We'll discuss these questions and more in a joint podcast with the Biola Winsome Convictions Podcast and my co-host Tim Muehlhoff. Our guest is Pastor Chris Brooks, pastor of Woodside Bible Church in metro Detroit and host of the radio program, Equipped with Chris Brooks. Ch...

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

Decline of Romantic Relationships Among Young People – Dating among high school and college students is decreasing due to emotional intimacy fears, digital distractions, and safety concerns, highlighting the theological importance of relationships. Rise of Pornography Over Real Relationships – Many young men now prefer pornography over romantic relationships, leading to emotional desensitization, weakened human connections, and the need for a biblical approach to sexual purity. Need for Digit...

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

Should Christians identify as gay? Is this a secondary issue that should not divide Christians, or is more at stake? Sean and Preston Sprinkle continue the dialogue from last week and focus on the question of whether homosexuality can be one part of Christian identity. Preston Sprinkle is Biblical scholar, speaker, and the head of the Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender. He is the best-selling author of multiple books including People to be Loved and Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marria...

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2025

This week, Sean and Scott discuss: New Study on Gender Affirming Surgery – A major peer-reviewed study finds increased psychological distress post-surgery, sparking discussion on long-term mental health effects and the importance of pre-surgical mental health assessments.The Future of Faith in America – Pew data suggests the rise of the “nones” (religiously unaffiliated) has plateaued, but experts predict continued secularization due to generational shifts.The Nature vs. Nurture Debate ...

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

Should Christians use preferred pronouns? Is it wise and biblically permissible, or not? While Sean has had this discussion before on the Think Biblically podcast, this episode features a conversation with Preston Sprinkle, and they go even deeper. They also discuss how the LGBTQ conversation has shifted in the church over the past decade. Preston Sprinkle is Biblical scholar, speaker, and the head of the Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender. He is the best-selling author of multiple books...

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025

Maine Continues to Fight over Transgender AthletesA Bill to Recognise First Cousin MarriageIs America Becoming a Theocracy?A Bill in Washington Challenges Religous Liberty========== 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/...

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

How strong is the evidence for near-death experiences? How has the field of study changed over the past 50 years since doctors, academics, and other experts began studying them? And what do they reveal about the soul or the afterlife? In this episode, Sean and Scott talk with Dr. Steve Miller, a near-death experience researcher and author, about these questions and more. They discuss how the study of near-death experiences, and deathbed experiences, has shifted over the past 5 decades. Steve ...

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025

Humanoid Robots in the Workforce. AI-powered robots are becoming more common for tasks like stacking and sorting, though their abilities remain limited.Medically Assisted Suicide and Alzheimer's: Quebec now allows terminally ill patients to choose assisted death years in advance, sparking ethical debates.Christianity’s Resilience in America: New research challenges the idea of Christianity’s decline, showing signs of resilience and growth.Planned Parenthood Allegations: Reports reveal botched...

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2025

What are the sociological effects for women from trans ideology? How do we think biblically given our confused cultural moment about sex, gender, and identity? And what does all this mean for those who want to reach and disciple Gen Z? Sean and Scott address these questions and more with Katie McCoy, author of To Be a Woman. Katie McCoy holds a PhD in Systematic Theology from Southwestern Seminary (TX), where she served on faculty for five years. Katie's research includes the patterns o...

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2025

In this episode, Scott Rae and guest co-host Dr. Tim Pickavance tackle key cultural issues through a biblical lens: Are Traditional Wedding Vows Disappearing? A discussion on the enduring significance of wedding vows and their role in shaping lasting marriages.Free Speech in the Digital Age – How platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Meta are handling (or not handling) hate speech, and the tricky balance between free expression and content moderation.Is TikTok Killing Democracy? The impact ...

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2025

What is the state of Christian efforts to reach out to their Jewish friends and neighbors? What are the biggest barriers Jews have to considering the claims of Christ? And how can Christians lovingly engage their Jewish friends with the gospel? In this episode, Sean and Scott talk with Mitch Glaser, from Chosen People Ministries, to discuss these questions and more. Dr. Glaser gives practical, historical, and biblical insights to these questions. Even though he grew up in a nominally Or...

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2025

This week, Scott and Sean discuss: Can AI feel pain? Scientists experiment with AI models simulating pain and pleasure to test for sentience—but are we just anthropomorphizing algorithms?AI relationships on the rise? One in four young adults believe AI could replace real-life romance, raising serious concerns about loneliness and human connection.Should AI make end-of-life decisions? Some experts suggest AI could help assess patient choices, but can it ever replace the wisdom of human c...

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2025

What is the contribution of the neurosciences to our understanding of gender? How does the study of the brain help us understand transgenderism? How, if at all, are male and female brains different? And would it be possible to have a male brain in a female body? We’ll answer these questions and more with our guest, Dr. Stephen Willing. Steven Willing is board-certified in diagnostic radiology and neuroradiology, with an MD from the Medical College of Georgia and an MBA from the Universi...

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2025

This Week, Scott and Sean Discuss: Dating is Dropping among TeenagersAI Generated News Articles have been PublishedThe Super Bowl Removes "End Racism" SloganA New Zealand Mountain is Granted PersonhoodListener Question: If God allows something, does that mean He causes it?Listener Question: How should we think about animal violence?Listener Question: How should we refute the secular humanist argument that our human morals developed as humans evolved?========== Think Biblically: Conversations...

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2025

What is the state of religious freedom in the US? What about those who claim that religious freedom is sometime seen as code for bigotry and discrimination, inconsistent with some trends toward justice? What are the main challenges to religious freedom in the West today? We’ll answer these questions and more with our guest and good friend, Baylor University Professor Dr. Frank Beckwith. Dr. Frank Beckwith is Professor of Philosophy & Church-State Studies at Baylor Universi...

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2025

Topics of discussion this week:80th Anniversary of Auschwitz’s Liberation – Reflecting on the horrors of the Holocaust, the importance of remembering history, and the moral lessons Auschwitz teaches us today.School Choice on the Rise – 2025 may be the tipping point for school choice in the U.S., as more states adopt policies that expand educational options for families.The Decline of DEI? – Reports show that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are being reconsidered, with conce...

Transcribed - Published: 31 January 2025

What does it mean to have a healthy calling? Why are people who view their work as a calling more vulnerable to burnout? How do you know when your work has given way to idolatry? We’ll discuss these questions and much more with our Biola communications colleague, Dr. Ariana Molloy, around her new book, Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work. Dr. Arianna Molloy (Ph.D., University of Denver, CO) is an Associate Professor of Organizational Communication in the Division...

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2025

Scott is joined by Erik Thoennes to discuss: Religious Elements in Presidential Inaugurations: A discussion on the profound religious traditions embedded in the U.S. presidential inauguration, highlighting the inclusion of clergy, prayers, and hymns, and their connection to America's cultural and historical fabric. Christian Players in the National Championship: Exploration of faith in sports, as prominent Christian athletes publicly credited God, raising questions about divine inte...

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2025

How can Christians think biblically about TV and movies? What kinds of entertainment should Christians consume? And can Christians survive and thrive in Hollywood today? These are the kinds of questions Sean and Scott ask their special guest, Biola professor and dean Tom Halleen, who has worked as an executive in Hollywood for over three decades. Tom Halleen, former executive vice president of programming strategy, acquisitions and scheduling at AMC Networks, is the founding dean of Biola’s S...

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2025

This week, Scott & Sean discuss: Biblical Perspective on Southern California FiresExploring the theological implications of natural disasters, addressing questions about God's sovereignty and goodness amidst tragedy.Rising Global Anti-SemitismReport showing an alarming increase in anti-Semitic sentiments worldwide, especially among younger generations, and highlights the role of social media in spreading these views.Pharmacists Prescribing Abortion PillsExamines the new policy in Was...

Transcribed - Published: 17 January 2025

What does it mean to engage Jesus with our senses? What is an embodied approach to studying the life of Jesus as opposed to the way we normally read the gospel accounts? How could this change the way we encounter Jesus in the gospels? We’ll discuss these questions and more with our guest, Talbot colleague Jeannine Hanger in her new book, Engaging Jesus with Our Senses. Dr. Jeannine Hanger is Associate Professor of New Testament at Talbot. She has a Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, ...

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2025

For the first week of the new year, Sean & Scott discuss:Update on the wildfires in Southern California.Atheist author argues that true Christianity is key to saving America.The California Senate revisits expanding aid-in-dying laws to include dementia and Alzheimer's patients.AI’s role in selecting embryos raises significant ethical and moral questions about life and reproduction.Listener Response to Jim Daly on singlenessListener Question: Responsibility to leave inheritance to a child ...

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2025

What does it mean to say that we are body and soul both? Have the neurosciences done away with the soul? Are we little more than our physical stuff that is reducible to chemistry and physics? We’ll answer these questions and much more in our conversation with Stan Wallace around his new book, Have We Lost Our Minds?: Neuroscience, Neurotheology the Soul and Human Flourishing.Stan Wallace is President and CEO of Global Scholars. He is a MA Phil graduate of Talbot School of Theology. =====...

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2025

What new challenges have emerged to the family in the past few years? How is the family doing today versus in the past? What biblical principles must Christians keep in mind when thinking about the family today? These are a few of the questions we ask Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family. He discusses radical shifts in the modern family as well as gives practical ideas on how to pass on the faith and engage others in the culture who view the family differently. Jim Daly is president of ...

Transcribed - Published: 31 December 2024

Jordan Peterson is one of the leading intellectuals of our day. He is a mega-selling author, psychologist, and popular influencer. In this discussion, Sean and Scott review his latest book We Who Wrestle with God. They discuss key lessons and insights from the book, but also help listeners think biblically about some of Peterson's psychological insights. ==========Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which o...

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2024

Topics this week: Veterans are increasingly exploring psychedelic treatments in Mexico for trauma and brain injuries, raising medical, ethical, and spiritual questions.Syrian Christians face uncertainty and displacement following the rise of Islamist-led groups after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.Over 1 million children in Nigeria are forced into hazardous lithium mining, sacrificing education and health for survival.Listener question: balancing faith with worldly pressures.Listener questi...

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2024

Who was the "real" Bonhoeffer and why has he left such an enduring legacy? What can we learn from his life today? And is the new film about his life, Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin, accurate? In this interview, we talk with Dr. Brant Himes, a professor and scholar who has studied the life and theology of Bonhoeffer for two decades.Brant is a full time faculty member at Los Angeles Pacific University (part of the Azusa Pacific University System), teaching online courses in Bible, theology, ...

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2024

This week, Sean & Scott discuss: UK bans puberty blockers for children, citing insufficient evidence of safety and efficacy, sparking international comparisons and debate.OpenAI's new AI video generator, Sora, raises ethical and biblical questions about truth and technology's societal impact.Designer babies now teens, with many experiencing identity struggles, reveal the unintended consequences of parental expectations and genetic tailoring.The legacy of Hal Lindsey, author of The La...

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2024

The Barna Group has released a new alarming study about the extent and impact of pornography in the culture and the church. Some of the findings are truly eye-opening and disturbing. For example, 55% of practicing Christians reportedly believe that one can view porn and be sexually healthy. How did we get here, and what can we do about it? Sean and Scott discuss this new study and then give suggestions for how we move forward in our lives and relationships. ==========Think Biblically: Co...

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2024

This week, Scott and Erik Thoennes discuss: IVF Mix-Up Drama: A heartbreaking in vitro fertilization mix-up forces two families to navigate moral, emotional, and relational challenges.Assisted Suicide Legalization: UK Parliament passes a bill legalizing assisted suicide, sparking debates on ethics, compassion, and the sanctity of life.Faith Amid Chaos: Players kneel to pray during a brawl after the Ohio State vs. Michigan football game, showcasing the counter-cultural impact of faith.Hun...

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2024

What makes Jesus so different than other religious leaders? How can you prove Christianity is true? How should we evaluate the claim that “Jesus changed my life.” We’ll answer these questions and much more as Sean and I discuss the revision that he and his dad, Josh McDowell recently did to the bestselling and impactful book, More Than a Carpenter. ==========Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers ...

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2024

With the Thanksgiving season upon us, we thought it fitting to do some theological and psychological reflection on gratitude. Join us for this stimulating conversation with Rosemead Professor Dr. Stacy Eltiti, as we explore dimensions of gratitude that you might not have thought about before. It can be applied all year round, not just during the Thanksgiving holiday. Dr. Stacy Eltiti is Associate Professor of Psychology at Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University. She has a Ph.D. in co...

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2024

This week, live from the Evangelical Theological Society Conference in San Diego, Scott & Sean discuss: West Virginia amends its constitution to ban physician-assisted suicide, sparking a larger discussion on bioethics and cultural trends.Harvard's controversial "Sex Week" and a student's bold critique highlight the cultural longing for deeper meaning in human relationships.The Texas Board of Education backs an elementary school curriculum incorporating biblical content, raising ques...

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2024

Is it really true that no area of culture, politics or economics where we prioritize what is best for children? What are some of the biggest cultural lies about masculinity and femininity that impact children? What are some of the main cultural misconceptions about the family that harm children? And how does green energy subsidization negatively impact children? We’ll answer these questions and much more with our guest Katy Faust, founder of the children’s advocacy group, Them Before Us, arou...

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2024

Topics this week: Scott & Sean dive into genetic discrimination, exploring gaps in U.S. laws that leave people vulnerable to genetic privacy violations by insurers. Australia plans to ban social media for minors under 16, sparking debate on mental health vs. freedom and enforcement challenges. Justin Welby resigns as Archbishop of Canterbury amid allegations he mishandled abuse reports, raising questions of accountability in church leadership. Listener questions on vas...

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2024

How should we think biblically about morality in today’s culture? What do we way to the skeptic who insists that morality is nothing more than a matter of one’s opinion? What is the moral argument for God’s existence? Why is God critical for a coherent view of morality? We’ll answer these questions and more with our guest, our colleague Dr Dave Horner around his new book with JP Moreland, (don’t let the title throw you) Metaethics—or how to think about morality and ethics. Dr. Dave Horne...

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2024

Topics this week include: Reflecting on living with one another post-election, focusing on maintaining relationships amidst political differences.Discussion of a recent article exploring the challenges and necessity of unity within the church despite diverse political beliefs.Insights on balancing truth and grace in conversations, especially when discussing sensitive issues like abortion or differing political opinions.Analysis of a controversial U.S. startup offering embryo IQ screening...

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2024

What do we mean by the phrase, sola Scriptura? What does it mean that the Bible is our authority for life today? How does that fit in a culture that emphasizes “my truth?” We’ll discuss these questions and more with our guest, Dr, Ben Witherington around his new book Sola Scriptura: Scripture’s Final Authority in the Modern World. Bible scholar Ben Witherington is Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary and on the doctoral faculty at St. Andrew...

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2024

This week, Sean and Scott discuss: A murdered teenager was resurrected as a chatbot, raising ethical and theological concerns about AI misuse.A Harvard study suggests that race matters less than it used to for achieving the American dream, with economic mobility improving for Black Americans.Young men in America are falling behind in education, employment, and mental health, facing a crisis of purpose and increasing isolation.Listener question: ethical dilemmas around IVF, including the ...

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2024

This week Sean and Scott continue the conversation about the morality of IVF. Don't forget to listen to Part 1, last week, when they defined and explained the nature of IVF and began the conversation about the moral permissibility of practicing it. This week, we uncover further differences and clarify the moral issues beneath the debate. ==========Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees bot...

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2024