College Faith

In this episode, we’re talking about one of the biggest challenges facing students today: mental health during the college years. Between academic pressure, anxiety about the future, loneliness, relationships, social media, and the constant pressure to succeed, many students are struggling quietly and wondering how to navigate it all faithfully and wisely. My guest is Brooke Wesley, a licensed cli...

One of the most pressing and contested topics on college campuses today is social justice, and many Christians are confused about how to understand it through a biblical lens. I hope this conversation will clear away some of the confusion. I’m joined by Dr. Thaddeus Williams, a professor of theology and philosophy at Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology. Dr. Williams is the author of Confr...

In this episode, I’m continuing my sporadic series on various campus ministries. I’m joined by Jaime Noyd, the Director of the Emerging Scholars Network (ESN). We discuss what ESN is and how it will be of great help to you if you are considering following God’s call to one day serve Christ as a professor. In this podcast we discuss: How Jamie came to direct ESN Why ESN exists–the vision of t...

Writing papers is a part of every student’s life. Writing a good one can feel overwhelming. But what if it’s about more than just getting a grade? What if your writing is actually an opportunity to think clearly, communicate truth, and even honor God? In this episode of College Faith , we’re talking about what students need to understand first in order to write well, the essential elements of a st...

In this episode I continue my sporadic series on various campus ministries. I am joined by Charles Askew and Caysie Ashton, campus ministers with Reformed University Fellowship (RUF). Charles and Caysie bring their unique perspectives to help us better understand the ministry of RUF and whether it might be right for you. In this podcast we discuss: What “Reformed” means How Casey and Chuck got inv...

There are an estimated 2 billion Muslims worldwide, including your classmates, neighbors, and friends. Many are interested in discussing spiritual topics, including the person of Jesus. But how do we have these conversations–and share the good news about who Jesus really is–without the conversation turning into an argument? Alan Shlemon has an answer that he and many others have found...

Are you or someone you know considering going to law school (and majoring in pre-law to prepare)? In this episode, I continue my sporadic series on various college majors students may choose. To discuss the field of Law, I’ve invited Mike Schutt, J.D. , who has wide experience and vast knowledge in this field. In this podcast we discuss: How Mike got interested in studying Law Some of the career o...

In this episode, we challenge the idea that studying as a student (and throughout the rest of our lives) is a necessary evil. Rather, we discuss why study is to be embraced and how it plays an important role in forming us into Christ’s image as we increasingly learn to love God with our minds. My guest is Dr. Richard Smith, who has just written Such a Mind as This , a study of the role of thinking...

This episode’s conversation is especially important if you’ve ever felt like your faith was unraveling—or if you’ve watched someone you care about go through that. I’m joined by Dr. Peter Schuurman, a sociologist, pastor, and co-author of Blessed Are the Undone: Testimonies of the Quiet Deconstruction of Faith in Canada . It’s a book full of real-life stories from people who have strug...

In the mid-20th century, many in academia assumed that serious philosophy had little room for Christian belief. But in the past fifty-plus years, something remarkable has happened—a quiet revolution in the philosophy departments of leading universities. Christian philosophers have not only entered the conversation; they’ve shaped it, challenged prevailing assumptions, and earned a respected place...

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Corey Miler, the President and CEO of Ratio Christi, an apologetics ministry on over 100 campuses in the U.S. I’ve invited him to join me to discuss the ministry of Ratio Christi.   In this podcast we discuss: What “ratio Christi” means and how that relates to doing “apologetics evangelism” How Ratio Christi differs from other apologetics ministries and from other...

Do you want to find and share answers to skeptics’ questions about the Christian faith? Would you enjoy being around other thoughtful Christians also interested in answering these questions? Then consider joining or beginning a Reasonable Faith chapter on your campus or in your city. My guest in this episode is Tyson James, Reasonable Faith’s National Chapter Director. We discuss why being a...

In this episode we’re talking about something that might sound like it’s only for pastors or missionaries, but actually applies to all of us: mission . I’m joined by Eric Rafferty and Jon Hietbrink, two of the authors of Reviving Mission: Awakening to the Everyday Movement of God , and we’re digging into what it means to live with purpose, not just someday, but right now —in your dorm, your classe...

Do you ever feel you can’t really be honest with God when you are upset, angry, or grieving? My guest in this episode believes you don’t need to filter your prayers, and has the biblical evidence to back him up. I’m joined by Dr. Keith Campbell , author of Of Heroes and Villains , which explores prayers of lament in the New Testament. Keith received his Ph. D. in New Testament from Southeastern Ba...

In this episode, we are discussing how to make wise decisions when faced with ethical dilemmas, both in your personal life and in your studies. My guest is Dr. Scott Rae , a distinguished Christian ethicist and professor at the Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. Scott is widely recognized for his work in bioethics, business ethics, and moral philosophy from a Christian worldview. He hold...

In this edition we are discussing a very prevalent philosophy on university campuses today (as well as in many churches): Postmodernism. My guest is Dr. Scott Smith, Professor of Christian Apologetics at Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology. Scott has written quite a few articles and well-received books on this topic and often speaks on postmodernism and its implications in churches, at co...

In this episode, we discuss how to transition well after college. My guest is Jon Steele , host of the After IV podcast, where he interviews guests on this very topic. So I’ve invited him to summarize what he is learning from his guests on this important life transition.    In this podcast we discuss: How Jon became interested in helping students transition from college to their careers The import...

Today we are talking about how to manage the deluge of college recruiting materials to help choose the best college or university. My guest today is Dr. Shirley Roels. She has been a career counselor and a marketing professor focusing on nonprofit marketing.  She also speaks from her experience as someone who made mistakes when she was selecting a college and did a better job helping her two...

My guest on this episode of the College Faith podcast is my colleague Dr. Stephen Garrett, Vice-President of Curriculum at Global Scholars. Steve is uniquely qualified to help us understand the benefits and challenges of students taking a semester or year to study abroad, having taught in Lithuania as a “receiving” professor of study abroad students and being a “sending” parent of a son who studie...

In this edition, I continue my sporadic series on various college majors students may choose. To discuss the field of Sociology, my guest is Dr. Kevin Dougherty, Associate Professor of Sociology at Baylor University.   In this podcast we discuss: How Kevin got interested in sociology What sociologists study Career paths open to those with a degree in sociology Traits that make a person a good soci...

My guest in this episode is Brian Mann, National Director of InterVarsity’s ministry among students in fraternities and sororities. As many students are on campuses with Greek houses, I’ve asked Brian to help us understand what the “Greek System” is, and the pros and cons of “going Greek” at college.   In this podcast we discuss: What is a fraternity or sorority? Why Greek letters are identified w...

Why do universities require students to take classes in the humanities during their first few years? Dr. David Horner, who has taught these classes for many years, helps us see the wisdom of requiring these courses, in light of the value they bring to the student who takes them seriously. Dave earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in philosophy at Oxford University, is a professor of phil...

This edition of the College Faith podcast welcomes Dr. Robbie Castleman, emeritus professor of Biblical Studies at John Brown University. She has studied, ministered to students, and taught at a number of very different types of schools. As a result, she is a helpful guide to understanding the similarities and differences between different types of colleges and universities. In this podcast we dis...

In this episode, I continue my series on various college majors students may choose. To discuss business, and the professions more generally, I’ve invited Dr. John Terrill to join me. John has a unique background to help us consider majoring in the professions. He has a degree in business from Indiana University, an MBA. from the Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University), master’s deg...

In this episode, I continue my sporadic series on various college majors students may choose. To discuss the field of Communications, I’ve invited back Dr. Tim Muehlhoff, professor of Communications at Biola University.   In this podcast we discuss: How Tim decided to major in Communications Career choices Communications majors have The two things a college education should provide The personal ch...