Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

Sean recently had a public discussion with Bart Campolo , former evangelist and Christian social worker, who is now a leading secular humanist. They share and contrast their stories and discuss whether Christianity or secular humanism is the best explanation for moral values.   This is a bonus episode that first aired on Unbelievable? at Premier Christian Radio.   For more from Unbelievable? , be...

What worldviews are competing for the hearts and minds of today’s students? What is unique about this generation? Sean interviews Dr. Jeff Myers, president of Summit Ministries, about how the church can best understand and reach Generation Z.  Dr. Jeff Myers is president of Summit Ministries, a highly respected worldview training program whose tens of thousands of graduates are making a difference...

How does economics shape what it means to “love our neighbor”? How should theology shape our view of economics? In this episode, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae interact with Dr. Tom Nelson, who is the head of Made To Flourish, a network of pastors and local churches committed to integrating theology and work for the common good. They discuss pastor Nelson’s excellent book The Economics of Neighborly...

Christians find themselves today in an increasingly secular culture, which is sometimes even hostile to the faith. In this setting, what is the most biblical and effective means of persuasion? In this episode, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae talk with author of Winsome Persuasion and Biola University professor Tim Muehlhoff about what it means to communicate winsomely today. Tim offers practical ideas...

Did God use evolution? Should Christians embrace evolution? In this episode, Sean and Scott talk with the leading intelligent design proponent Stephen Meyer about the new book Theistic Evolution: A Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Critique .  Stephen C. Meyer received his Ph. D. in the philosophy of science from the University of Cambridge. A former geophysicist and college professor, he...

In this special release, Sean joins John Stonestreet , president of The Chuck Colson Center , and co-host of the BreakPoint Podcast , to discuss the Bible and homosexuality. John interviews Sean about his recent public dialogue with one of the leading “Gay Christian” voices in America.   John Stonestreet is President of the Colson Center and co-host (with Eric Metaxas) of the Breakpoint daily radi...

In the second half of this two-part series, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae continue their conversation with pastor and author Caleb Kaltenbach. In this episode, they focus on Caleb’s new book The God of Tomorrow , which is about how trusting God’s sovereign plan for tomorrow while living with boldness and hope today.  Caleb Kaltenbach is the Lead Pastor of Discovery Church in Simi Valley, CA. He’s th...

There is often great fear, mistrust, and tension between the church and the LGBTQ community. How can Christians posture themselves in a biblical manner? In this episode, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae talk with pastor and author Caleb Kaltenbach about his book Messy Grace . As the son of two gay parents, Caleb has a unique voice on this issue today.  Caleb Kaltenbach is the Lead Pastor of Discovery C...

Jesus taught his followers to help the poor. Yet there is much confusion about the most effective and biblical means for doing so. In this episode, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae talk with Dan Anderson, pastor at the Urban Rescue Mission, about how Christians can make a genuine and lasting difference for the poor. Dan shares some memorable and life-changing stories.  After serving in Pastoral ministr...

What is the church doing well in the LGBTQ conversation? Where can we improve? In this podcast, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae interview Dr. Mark Yarhouse about these questions and more. They ask Dr. Yarhouse some of the toughest questions surrounding this issue, and he responds with wisdom and insight. As a trained psychologist, Dr. Yarhouse brings a uniquely balanced and research-based approach to...

What is the best evidence for the soul? What is the state of philosophical debate over the existence of the soul? Can evolution explain the soul? In this episode, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae discuss these questions, and many more, with Talbot professor J.P. Moreland, one of the top 50 living philosophers today.   If you're interested in this topic, check out The Soul: How We Know It's Re...

The contemporary church puts a huge emphasis on natural marriage and family. But according to pastor, author and Talbot professor Joe Hellerman, the New Testament prioritizes the church family. Have we gotten our priorities wrong? In this podcast, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae talk to Professor Hellerman about the biblical view of family and what this practically means for the church today.   Joe He...

In this episode, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae continue the conversation with Brett Kunkle, president of Maven, a youth culture specialist organization. They discuss how to define culture, and then offer practical ideas for helping young people navigate our information age, apply faith to all areas of life, and guide them to experience the good life amidst affluence and materialism.  Brett Kunkle&ap...

What are the unique challenges young people face today? And what are some creative ways to equip and reach them? In this podcast, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae talk with youth expert Brett Kunkle about how to help students effectively navigate technology, media, and other pressing concerns of today.   Brett Kunkle's latest book is titled A Practical Guide to Culture: Helping the Next Generation...

This week, Open Doors, the international ministry to the persecuted church founded by Brother Andrew, released its annual World Watch List—the list of the 50 countries that most deny religious freedom and persecute Christians around the world. Listen in as Dr. Scott Rae interviews Dr. Ron Boyd-MacMillan on the state of the persecuted church in 2018. Dr. Boyd- MacMillan is Director of Strategic Res...

In this stimulating conversation with Dr. Russell Moore, Talbot Professor Dr. Scott Rae explores how to navigate the difficult terrain of meaningful cultural engagement while staying faithful to the Bible. Dr. Moore is the President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, the public policy and ethics think tank for the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination in the...

In part two of our conversation on race and the church, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae talk with Pastor Chris Brooks about the Black Lives Matter movement, the protests at NFL games and the notion of white privilege. Brooks is pastor of Evangel Ministries, a large and predominantly African-American church in the heart of Detroit. He is also the author of Urban Apologetics and Kingdom Dreaming and ser...

Issues around race continue to be front-page news both in the culture at large and in the church. In this episode and the one that follows, Scott Rae and Sean McDowell interview Chris Brooks, pastor of Evangel Ministries, a large and predominantly African-American church in the heart of Detroit. Pastor Brooks is also the author of Urban Apologetics and Kingdom Dreaming and serves as Dean of Moody...

In the midst of an alarming loss of civility in discussing debated and controversial issues, what’s needed is a restoration of the art of persuasion and reasoned argument. This applies both to the discussion of controversial issues, but also to the gospel message itself. In this second half of a two-part interview, Sean McDowell and Scott Rae talk to Os Guinness about his book Fool’s Talk: Recover...

It doesn't take much to notice that there are deep divisions in our society, and discussions about controversial issues often sound like shouting matches that sometimes turn violent. In other parts of the world, religious differences are often destructive and lead to violence, persecution and sometimes even terrorism. In this first half of a two-part interview, Scott Rae and Sean McDowell tal...

On Oct. 31, we celebrated the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther nailing the 95 Theses on the door of his church in Wittenburg, Germany. Alan Gomes, professor of church history at Talbot School of Theology, explains some of the most important parts of the legacy of the Reformation for today. Listen in as Scott Rae and Sean McDowell interview Alan on the relevance of the Reformation for today.  Dr....

In anticipation of the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (Nov. 5), Scott Rae interviews David Curry, CEO of Open Doors, USA, one of the leading ministries serving the persecuted church around the world. Join us for a very revealing interview about what’s happening to the Christians around the world. And be sure to pray for the persecuted church, especially on Nov. 5.  David Cur...

Talbot School of Theology professor Brandon Cash has served as chaplain for the Los Angeles Dodgers for the past seven years. Listen in as Scott Rae and Sean McDowell interview Brandon about his experience in this key role with the Dodgers, and how he’s able to minister to the players and coaches, especially during the pressure-packed World Series.  Professor Brandon Cash is Assistant Professor of...

Josh McDowell has long been one of the leading spokespersons and apologists for Christianity, having spoken to hundreds of thousands of students all over the world. He’s just as excited about the gospel today as he was when he began his ministry in his 20s. He’s a great example of sustained faithfulness and consistent impact for God’s Kingdom. Scott Rae and Sean McDowell interview Josh about his l...