Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

Though we recognize that our family background has a major influence on the kind of person we all become, we don't often extend that to our spiritual formation and development. Talbot spiritual formation professor Dr. Judy TenElshof outlines how our family upbringing affects our journey toward spiritual maturity. Join us as Scott and Sean interview Dr. TenElshof on this important topic that a...

Sean recently had a public discussion with Hemant Mehta, who is known as "The Friendly Atheist," and is an outspoken atheist blogger and YouTuber. They discuss common misconceptions each side has about the other, and then take live questions from the audience.   This episode first aired on the Premier Christian Radio show Unbelievable?     Read a transcript of this episode at: https://ww...

In June, 2018, the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of California's crisis pregnancy centers protecting their free speech rights. California law required these pro-life centers to provide abortion referrals to their clients who came in seeking their services. The clinics sued, alleging that the law infringed on their free speech rights, forcing them to provide what their conscience prevented t...

The Church Fathers provide a vital link from the time of Jesus and the apostles to future generations. Who were they? What did they care about? And what can we learn for today? Sean and Scott interview Talbot professor Ken Berding with these questions and more.  Additional Resources:   The Apostolic Fathers: A Narrative Introduction   Kenneth Berding's blog   Kenneth Berding is a professor of...

What is the scientific evidence for evolution? How is the Darwinian paradigm faring? Sean and Scott interview Dr. Jonathan Wells about his recent book Zombie Science , which offers a critique of some of the most common arguments offered for evolution. Dr. Wells offers some perspective and insight from being engaged in discussions and debate over evolution and intelligent design for the past few de...

Do we really live in a post-truth culture? How do we effectively communicate truth in a world dominated by feelings? Scott and Sean interview speaker and author Abdu Murray (from Ravi Zacharias Ministries) about his new book Saving Truth . Murray offers some cultural insights and practical tips for evangelism and apologetics today.  Abdu Murray is North American Director with Ravi Zacharias Intern...

Are Mormons Christians? Is the Mormon church aligning with historic Christian doctrine? And how do we best share the good news with our Mormon friends, neighbors, and co-workers? Sean and Scott interview author, scholar, and missionary Eric Johnson about these questions and more.   Eric's latest book is Sharing the Good News with Mormons: Practical Strategies for Getting the Conversation Star...

In her new best-selling book " Love Thy Body ," Nancy Pearcey argues that modern culture commits one huge fallacy--denigrating the value of the body. This mistake lies at the heart of how our secular culture thinks about some of the most common ethical issues of today, such as euthanasia, abortion, and transgenderism. Scott and Sean interview Pearcey about how the church can offer a huma...

Is the Bible racist? Sexist? How do we know the Bible contains the right books? In this episode, Sean interviews adjunct Talbot professor Jonathan Morrow about his book Questioning the Bible . Sean and Jonathan aim to offer answers to the toughest questions people are asking today about the Bible.  Jonathan Morrow is the Director of Creative Strategies for Impact 360 Institute where he teaches in...

In this fascinating look at the life and art of Vincent Van Gogh, Sean and Scott interview Professor William Havlicek, one of the world’s leading experts on Van Gogh. William teaches at the Laguna College of Art and Design in Laguna Beach, California and has written Van Gogh’s Untold Journey , the story of the Christian faith of Van Gogh and how it is portrayed in his artwork. Join us for this con...

Scott and Sean interview Dr. Richard Weikart, professor of history at Cal State Stanislaus on the connection between evolutionary ethics and the re-emergence of eugenics in culture today. Dr. Weikart is the author of several books which he discusses in this podcast, including, Hitler’s Ethic , Hitler’s Religion , and The Death of Humanity , in which he shows the link between evolutionary ethics an...

Victoria Robinson had an abortion. She hid the hurt and shame for years, even while working at a church and pregnancy resource center. After experiencing God's grace and forgiveness, she now has a story she wants to share with other women (and men). Sean and Scott interview Victoria about her story. She also shares her insights about the state of the pro life movement and some practical ways...

In this stimulating conversation, Sean and Scott interview Dr. Paul Chamberlain, director of the program in Christian Apologetics at Trinity Western University in Canada, and author of the book Why People Stop Believing . Dr. Chamberlain chronicles the story of several prominent Christian leaders who gave up their faith — then he proceeds to answer the most common objections to Christianity that t...

What is the biblical call to justice? Should Christians embrace the social justice movement? Sean and Scott interview Biola faculty member Thaddeus Williams about these questions and more. Dr. Williams provides biblical perspective about the social justice movement--highlighting both areas of agreement and concern with Scripture. In light of public debates about race, immigration, and family, it i...

What is transgender? And how can Christians think both biblically and compassionately about transgender people? Scott and Sean interview author Preston Sprinkle about this issue. Sprinkle provides clarification on some important terms, such as "intersex," and also offers some practical advice for how Christians can approach the transgender question both personally and publicly.  Dr. Pres...

Immigration remains one of the most divisive and debated social and political issues of our day. Understanding the Bible's teaching on immigration and applying it to current immigration issues is complicated terrain. Dr. Markus Zehnder, Talbot Professor of Old Testament, brings a wealth of research on the bible and immigration, as well as his experience of immigration issues from living most...

In the long-awaited case of Masterpiece Cake Shop vs. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in favor of cake baker Jack Phillips. Citing the commission’s hostility towards Phillips’ religious beliefs, the court ruled that the commission violated its mandate for neutrality about religion. However, the court left unresolved the fundamental conflict here between the rights of...

What is unique about Generation Z (born between 1999-2015)? What does the newest research show about their beliefs, practices, and approach to life? Sean and Scott interview Jonathan Morrow, author of " Welcome to College ," about a new massive study he commissioned with Barna. Jonathan reveals some surprising truths about young people today and offers some practical steps for discipling...

From a conference in Canada, Sean recently had the opportunity to interview Jojo Ruba, head of Faith Beyond Belief, an apologetics and worldview ministry that trains young people across Canada. Jojo shares some practical lessons American Christians can learn from the secular shift in Canada.  Jojo Ruba is Executive Director of Faith Beyond Belief, a Canadian apologetics organization based in Calga...

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 discus...

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...

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 toda...

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...

How is porn affecting this generation? What are some of the most common and pernicious myths people believe about how it affects relationships? Sean and Scott interview Matt Fradd, author of " The Porn Myth ." He offers an insightful cultural analysis of how porn has shaped our culture, responds to the most common myths, and offers some practical steps for parents and other leaders.  Mat...

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...