The Sean McDowell Show

What happens when atheists who expect nothing after death report vivid visions of an afterlife? Dr. Steve Miller returns to unpack surprising cases of near-death experiences, deathbed visions, and other phenomena that challenge a purely naturalistic worldview. He talks about how these encounters unfold, what they describe and how they reconcile them with their beliefs. Are these experiences just b...

For decades, we’ve been told that humans and chimpanzees are 99% genetically identical a claim repeated in museums, textbooks and by science celebrities like Bill Nye. But new genomic research tells a very different story. In this episode, Dr. Casey Luskin joins to reveal why the “1% difference” statistic is outdated, misleading, and scientifically inaccurate. We discuss how this...

Peter Singer has been called the most influential living philosopher. At 79, he’s still active, sharp, and shaping global conversations on ethics. Singer is an atheist and a secular utilitarian. While we disagree on many fundamentals, we sat down to explore possible common ground on poverty, ethics, and how we treat animals while also clarifying our differences. This isn’t a debate on...

Could a first-century Jewish historian offer one of the most compelling extra-biblical confirmations of Jesus’ life? In this episode, Dr. Thomas Schmidt, a Yale Ph. D. and author of Josephus and Jesus: New Evidence for the One Called Christ, is here to explore the controversial Testimonium Flavianum, a passage in Josephus’ Antiquities that remarkably affirms key Christian beliefs: Jesu...

What is the evidence for and against evolution? Is it a secondary issue Christians should move beyond or is more at stake? In this dialogue, intelligent design advocate Doug Axe and evolutionary creationist Sy Garte discuss the scientific status and importance of the contemporary theory of evolution. READ: BEYOND EVOLUTION: HOW NEW DISCOVERIES IN THE SCIENCE OF LIFE POINT TO GOD by Sy Garte ( http...

How can God be all-present (omnipresent) and yet be located in the temple and indwell believers? How can God know everything (omniscient) if He doesn't know what it is like to sin? How can God be a necessary Being if it is logically possibly He doesn't exist? These are just a few of the tough, philosophical questions I discuss with William Lane Craig. Find his answers here as well as an update to...

Have you ever wondered if angels are real or if you've encountered one without realizing it? Today, I discuss these questions with theologian Dr. Doug Potter to explore the evidence that angels are real and even maybe make themselves present in our lives today. READ: The Doctrine of Angels & Demons (NGIM Guide to Bible Doctrine) by Douglas Potter & Norman L. Geisler *Get a MASTERS IN APOLO...

Why so many Jews are rethinking Jesus? Is a quiet revival happening amongst secular and religious Jews? Jeff Morgan from Jews for Jesus is here to explore a growing movement of Jewish men and women coming to believe that Jesus is the Messiah. He also shares his compelling story of becoming a follower of Jesus. What does it mean for the church and for the future of evangelism? SUBSCRIBE: SO BE IT!...

Why has traditional religion declined so sharply in America since the early 1990s? Today, I have renowned sociologist Dr. Christian Smith to unpack the cultural, technological and generational forces behind the apparent obsolescence of religion in the West. Religion didn’t just decline, it was quietly replaced. READ: Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith inby Christian Smith...

Are miracles real or just ancient myths? Is there evidence they still occur today? I was recently invited to speak at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo alongside Dr. Paul Rinzler, an atheist professor, to examine whether miracles still occur in the modern world. Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this respectful but thought-provoking exchange will challenge how you think about...

Is the West, specifically America at a breaking point? Today, I have renowned social critic and author Os Guinness here to talk about his latest book, Our Civilizational Moment. Using history, philosophy, and faith, he believes that unless the West returns to its founding spiritual roots, decline is inevitable. READ: Our Civilizational Moment: The Waning of the West and the War of the Worlds by Os...

Empathy is often seen as a virtue, but is there a point where it becomes dangerous? Today, I have fellow Biola professor Dr. Tim Muehlhoff, a communications expert, to explore whether modern Christians are becoming so empathetic that they begin to compromise biblical truth. Are Christians afraid to speak truth for fear of offending others? And how can we balance compassion with conviction? We hope...

Is living together before marriage really setting couples up for success? Today, Scott Rae and I dive into a revealing sociological report from the Institute for Family Studies, unpacking why cohabitation often leads to less stability, not more. We'll explore the impact of cohabitation on marriage, children, and long-term trust, while offering a biblical and practical perspective on what leads...

Why are so many Muslims around the world having dreams and visions of Jesus? Tom Doyle is a missionary, speaker, and is the author of "Dreams and Visions: Is Jesus Awakening the Muslim World?" He's here to explain why he believes many Muslims from around the world are coming to Christ. Today, we'll explore the remarkable rise of supernatural encounters in the Islamic world and wh...

Ambition drives success today, but is it also destroying our souls? Today, theologian and author Dr. Miroslav Volf Joins me in person to discuss his new book The Cost of Ambition. We explore the deeper spiritual cost of our culture’s obsession with striving, comparison, and being better than others. This book truly led me to reflect on my own life and striving for ambition. It is one of the most i...

John Schlitt was the voice behind the legendary '70s rock band Head East. At the height of success, he almost lost everything. What looked like the end of his career became the beginning of something far greater. He is now the lead singer for the Christian Rock band Petra. Today, he's here to share how a personal crash, a radical encounter with Jesus, and an unexpected call to join the pio...

Why would a loving, all-powerful God allow something as horrific as the Holocaust? This is one of the most difficult questions that has caused many to doubt or walk away from faith altogether. Collin Hansen has thought about these questions for years and has written an excellent book on this topic. He’s here today to give his sobering, honest take. READ: Where is God in as World of Suffering? (htt...

Lee Strobel has a new book out called Seeing the Supernatural. He takes readers on a journey talking with various experts about the evidence for angels, near-death experiences, miracles, demon possessions, and more. Don't miss one of his first interviews on the subject. He takes us through how a seasoned journalist might investigate the supernatural. READ: Seeing the Supernatural, by Lee Strob...

How does a World Renowned Drummer for people like Lenny Kravitz, Bobby Brown and Frankie Valli come to Jesus and continue to spread his ministry while drumming for these legendary musicians? Today, he tells us his story to faith and how he continues to evangelize and be a good example to these people to show his faith. READ: Maria’s Scarf: A Memoir of a Mother’s Love, a Son’s Perseverance, and Dre...

Do the Gospels hopelessly contradict? Is it "laughable" to try and harmonize them? Recently, Bible scholar and popular TikToker Dan McClellan responded to a short TikTok video of mine from five years ago. Joined by Dr. Jonathan McLatchie, I respond to the response video clip by clip. READ: Evidence that Demands a Verdict (https://amzn.to/4hlMDoC)*Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE A...

What is the state of the Bible in 2025? The American Bible society has given it's new report and we're going over it today to talk about how AI has impacted Bible reading/study, how Gen Z is changing the trend and how the Bible has been linked to flourishing in life. Hope this conversation is useful and gives encouragement going forward!*Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION...

How does an "untouchable" Hindu from Nepal become a follower of Jesus? Does he still face persecution and mistreatment today in Nepal? Suresh is a friend of Thaddeus Williams, a professor at Biola, and he's here today to explain his remarkable story of his life as the lowest class citizen in the caste system to becoming a Christian. PLEASE consider supporting Suresh in getting his do...

What is the truth about what history really reveals about how the apostles died? What did Foxes Book of Martyrs get right, and what did it get wrong? I published my Ph. D. dissertation on the deaths of the apostles in 2014, an academic book in 2015, and just completed a 1-year update (Routledge). In this video, David Wood asks me all the right questions about their fates. Enjoy...and please share!...

Are modern miracles real or are they just wishful thinking? Dr. Candy Gunther Brown, a Harvard-trained professor of religious studies at Indiana University, and author of Testing Prayer, is here to explain the most provocative questions in faith and science: Does prayer still heal? What does the science show about the efficacy of prayer? I hope this conversation inspires you to think critically an...

Did Jesus really rise from the dead? I recently gave a talk at a local church on how important the Resurrection of Jesus is IF IT IS TRUE. So what is the latest case for the Resurrection? Today, ahead of Easter, I go into where the research is for the most important event in human history. READ: More Than A Carpenter By Josh and Sean McDowell (https://store.josh.org/product/more-than-a-carpenter-r...