Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

What should a biblical sexual purity message look like for today? In this episode, Scott interviews Sean about his latest book: Chasing Love: Sex, Love, and Relationships In A Confused World . They discuss pressing questions, such as: Is sex really a big deal? Isn't it a private act between consenting? Is a biblical sexual ethic really good for individuals and society? Sean's latest book...

The journey of authentic Christian faith and sexuality is often a rocky and complicated one. Rachel Gilson, in her book, Born Again This Way , tells her story of this journey, with some surprising twists and turns along the way. Join Scott and Sean for this fascinating conversation about faith and sexuality.   Rachel Gilson is director of theological development at Cru Northeast. She holds a BA in...

The imprecatory psalms--some of the most difficult parts of the Bible, are the places in which the psalmist asks God to bring judgment on one's enemies, often in very harsh language. Talbot OT professor, Dr. Charlie Trimm, helps us understand how these psalms fit in with Jesus' command to love your enemies. Join Scott and Sean for an interesting discussion that will help you understand t...

Can Christianity answer the toughest questions raised against it? According to Rebecca McLaughlin, the answers is yes. In this interview, Sean and Scott ask McLaughlin, author of the new book Confronting Christianity , some of the most challenging questions Christians face today related to science and faith, the supposed intolerance of religion, the claim that Jesus is the only way, and so on.  Re...

Votes for the next president have been cast and one thing is certain — somebody will be happy, and others disheartened. Can a friendship or workplace relationship be preserved with someone who voted differently and holds vastly different beliefs?   Today's episode features a recent episode of the new Winsome Conviction podcast, which is another podcast from Biola University. Learn more about...

Biola Professors Rick Langer and Tim Muehlhoff describe how to hold deeply held convictions with passion, grace and civility in the midst of the polarization of our current culture, especially true given the election of 2020. Join Scott and Sean as they talk about how to stand firm in one's convictions but do it in ways that build bridges, not walls.    Read a transcript of this episode at: h...

Given the polarization of culture, politics and religion in the United States and increasingly in other parts of the world as well, it's critical for the follower of Jesus to represent the gospel well in these complicated times. Journalist David French in his new book, Divided We Fall: America's Secession Threat and How to Restore the Nation , describes the polarization clearly, gives so...

Do Christians have an obligation to vote? What principles should shape how Christians think about voting? When it comes to politics, Christians often differ significantly. Yet there are some biblical principles all Christians can think through. In this episode, Scott and Sean offer some reflections for the upcoming election.   Register to vote and get information on your polling place at vote.gov...

Gay men and women who desire to be faithful to Scripture and thus choose a life of celibacy have chosen a difficult path and have much to teach the church. Psychologist Mark Yarhouse led a study of these men and women and some fascinating conclusions emerged from this study. Join Sean and Scott as they interview Dr. Yarhouse, on his new book, Costly Obedience: What We Can Learn from the Celibate G...

Much of the conversation about race in 2020 has surfaced an underlying philosophy that is driving the discussion in the broader culture — known as Critical Race Theory. Our guest, Monique Duson, helps us understand what this is and how it fits with a Christian worldview. Join Scott and Sean for this insightful discussion of this important cultural topic.  Monique Duson is the founder of the Center...

Conflicts over religious freedom have heightened especially in the last few years, and some maintain that religion is under assault in places where religious freedom has historically been protected. It’s not often we get the chance to hear from those who are on the legal front lines of these conflicts. Join us for this conversation as Scott and Sean talk with religious freedom attorney Luke Goodri...

Without even realizing it, many Westerners fail to understand the Bible, and the larger Christian story, from an Eastern perspective. Yet doing so unlocks the Scripture in a fresh and insightful way. In this episode, Sean and Scott interview Abdu Murray about his recent book, which he wrote with Ravi Zacharias. This interview will help you look at the stories and teachings of Jesus with fresh eyes...

Where do we begin in helping young children develop a vibrant faith? How do we declare the goodness and faithfulness of God to the next generation? In this episode, Sean and Scott interview Ruth Chou Simons, author of the new book Foundations: 12 Biblical Truths to Shape a Family . They discuss practical strategies youth influencers can put into practice right away.  Ruth Chou Simons is a bestsell...

How should Christians think about social justice? What is a Christian response to Critical Race Theory? In this video, Sean interviews Biola professor Thaddeus Williams about his upcoming book: Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth . In particular, Sean and Thaddeus discuss how Christians can respond to present race relations.  Dr. Thaddeus Williams is Associate Professor of Theology at...

One of the most complex aspects of the immigration debate concerns what the law and public policy should be in this area. Join Scott for this stimulating discussion with Dr. Dennis Hollinger as he applies a Christian ethic to the public dimension of immigration.  Dr. Dennis Hollinger is President Emeritus of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary and one of the leading experts in Christian ethics. He...

How can we motivate people to live passionately and compassionately in light of the gospel? Sean interviews David Platt about his latest book Something Needs to Change . David shares stories of his personal journey through the Himalayas, how it motivated him live out the gospel more deeply, and how he answers some of the toughest questions people are asking today about the Christian faith.  Dr. Da...

In his latest book , William Lane Craig explains the significance of the atonement of Jesus and defends it against some of the most common critiques.   This interview was recorded on Sean's YouTube channel, and is longer than our typical episodes, but it falls right in line with the focus of the Think Biblically podcast. Enjoy!    Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/bl...

You may not realize it, but couples wanting to adopt a child can actually adopt embryos that have been placed for adoption by the couples who conceived them through advanced reproductive technology. The very first person in the world who was adopted as an embryo is current Biola student, Hannah Strege . Join Scott and Sean for a conversation with Hannah and her adoptive parents about their experie...

In the past few years, sexual misconduct among leaders has been exposed in various sectors of society, including Hollywood, the church and youth sports. One of the most egregious examples occurred in youth gymnastics, resulting in the conviction and prison sentence of Dr. Larry Nasser of multiple counts of sexual abuse and assault of young girls. Listen in as Scott and Sean interview Rachael Denho...

Many critics of the Bible hold that the OT views women as property and is demeaning toward women. OT scholar Dr. Sandra Richter looks at the parts of the Mosaic law that deal with sexual violence toward women and concludes that, "far fewer lives were ravaged by sexual misconduct in the central hill country of Israel in the Iron Age than in southern California in 2019." Join us as Scott i...

Why do humans wonder so deeply about the nature and purpose of the world? And what does this tell us about what it means to be human? In this episode, Sean and Scott interview Oxford professor Alister McGrath about his latest book . McGrath makes a powerful case that naturalism is insufficient to account for the universal human sense of wonder and that this feature of the world points us to Christ...

Jon Steingard is the former lead singer for the Christian rock band Hawk Nelson. Not long ago, he announced that he no longer considers himself a Christian. In this episode, we are featuring a conversation between Jon and Sean McDowell about faith, doubt, and evidence for the Christian faith, which first aired on the Unbelievable? radio show in the U.K.   If you enjoy this episode, check out the f...

Why should Christians care about euthanasia and physician assisted suicide? And how did we get to the place we are today in which "death with dignity" is considered increasingly acceptable? In this episode, Sean interviews historian Richard Weikart on these questions and more. Professor Weikart describes some of they key ideas that gave rise to the euthanasia movement and explains how th...

Managing the end of life is challenging both for patients/families, and also for physicians. Join us as Scott interviews Dr. Ryan Nash, who has dealt with thousands of patients and families at the end of life as he shares his expertise on end of life care and assisted suicide.  Dr. Ryan Nash, MD, is Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of the Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities at...

One of the church’s most respected theologians, Dr. Wayne Grudem, has re-thought the Bible’s teaching on divorce and remarriage , and has helpful insight for pastors, counselors and those who have been touched by divorce. Join Scott for this stimulating discussion of the Bible’s teaching on divorce and remarriage.  Dr. Wayne Grudem is Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix...