Best Talbot School Of Theology At Biola University Sean Mcdowell Podcasts (2025)

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A Christian Response to Physician Assisted Suicide — Perspective from Canada (with Ewan Goligher) 39:48

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4h ago39:48

39:48

What is the state of assisted suicide/euthanasia in Canada today?; How significant are the financial pressures on the Canadian health care system and is that a reason that PAS/E is encouraged?; What is involved in a Christian response to PAS/E? We’ll address these questions and a few more with our guest Dr. Ewan Goligher, critical care physician an…

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Cultural Update: What About Those Rapture Promises?; Charlie Kirk and Faith in Politics 1:00:30

4d ago1:00:30

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Scott & Sean's topics this week: Failed rapture predictions once again made headlines, fueled by social media hype, raising questions about biblical teaching, authority, and how Christians should respond with truth and compassion Reflection on the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the role of faith in politics, with insights from David Brooks’ conc…

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Can Christlikeness and Competitiveness Go Together? (with Erik Thoennes) 46:25

7d ago46:25

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What does it mean to play sports for the glory of God? How do you keep someone from tying their identity to their success in sports? And why do parents sometimes have a greater interest in their child’s success in sports than the child himself/herself? We’ll answer these questions and more with our guest, our Talbot colleague in theology, Dr. Erik …

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Cultural Update: Cancel Culture Resurfaces; Surveillance State in New York 58:52

11d ago58:52

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This week's topics: Police surveillance in New York – Sean and Scott discuss the rise of citywide tracking, privacy rights, and biblical perspectives on government power and personal freedom. Graphic killings on social media – They reflect on how viral videos of violent deaths, including Charlie Kirk’s assassination, can deaden our souls, dehumaniz…

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"Dad Deprivation" and the Importance of Fathers (with Anthony Bradley) 41:01

14d ago41:01

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What accounts for the dramatic growth of kids living without their biological father in the home? What are some of the social impacts of what is called “dad deprivation?” What is the effect of dads on the mental health of kids? We’ll discuss these questions and more with our guest, Dr. Anthony Bradley, well known scholar and author, current disting…

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Cultural Update: Charlie Kirk Assassination; Sex Change Regrets; AI's effect on high schoolers 1:07:56

18d ago1:07:56

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This week, Sean and Scott discuss: How should Christians respond to the assassination of Charlie Kirk? Will the CDC recognize the suffering of individuals who've attempted to change their sex and regret it? A study across 5 continents finds that men and women with multiple sex partners are less desirable as long-term mates In an Atlantic essay, a h…

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Spiritual Warfare and the Powers of Darkness (with Clint Arnold) 47:19

21d ago47:19

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Whether in the occult, astrology, or New Age, interest in the supernatural has increased in the past few years. What can we learn about the spiritual realm, and spiritual warfare, from the letters of Paul? Talbot professor Clint Arnold is one of the leading New Testament scholars in the world. He joins the Think Biblically podcast to talk about his…

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Cultural Update: Does Marriage Have a Future?; Women's Happiness Around the World 59:39

25d ago59:39

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Scott is joined by guest co-host Erik Thoennes this week to discuss: Marriage: A New Atlantis essay argues tech and economics have “unbundled” marriage; the hosts counter that a Christian vision roots love, covenant, and fidelity amid today’s easy-in/easy-out norms. Women’s happiness: An Atlantic/IFFS survey finds married mothers are about twice as…

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How Much Can Christians Compromise on Sexuality? 1:18:37

28d ago1:18:37

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Is it time for the church to set aside theological differences about the morality of same sex unions and gender identity and find common ground in the Gospel? Is same sex marriage a disputable issue that should not divide us believers? According to a new book, the answer to both these questions is yes. The book is called Christlike Acceptance Acros…

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Cultural Update: Is Climate Change a Big Deal?; Adulthood Milestones Delayed; School Shooting 59:11

1M ago59:11

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This week, Scott & Sean discuss: A massive new government study challenges common narratives about climate change A new study shows that markers of adulthood are occurring later and later for millennials and Gen Zers A terrible school shooting at a Catholic elementary school in Minnesota Listener Questions ========== Think Biblically: Conversations…

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Is Business a Force for Good? (with Jim Otteson) 37:36

1M ago37:36

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What’s a business for? Why is there skepticism about business among younger generations today? What do we say to the notion that business is based on greed, that it creates consumerism and contributes to growing economic inequality? We’ll answer these questions and more with our guest Dr. Jim Otteson, professor of business ethics at Notre Dame. Jam…

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Cultural Update: Single Dads by Choice; Abortion Pills at Costco; Americans dying more often 59:21

1M ago59:21

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This week, Sean and guest co-host Rick Langer discuss: A growing trend of men becoming single dads by choice sparks discussion on meaning, technology, and the impact on children when family design is redefined. New research shows American millennials and Gen Z are dying at 2.6 times the rate of peers in other wealthy nations—raising questions about…

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A Biblical Guide to Navigating Youth Sports (with Ed Uszynski) 35:26

1M ago35:26

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How can Christian parents and other Christian leaders best navigate youth sports? What are some of the toxic elements of youth sports that Christians can avoid, or strategically use as an opportunity for ministry and growth? Our guest today, Ed Uszynski, is the author of a new book Away Game: A Christian Parent's Guide to Navigating Youth Sports. E…

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Cultural Update: AI takeover of education; proposed law overturning same-sex marriage; increased demand for euthanasia 53:21

2M ago53:21

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AI's takeover of education leaves rising seniors as the last students to remember high school before ChatGPT, raising questions about AI’s lasting impact on education. A Supreme Court case seeks to overturn same-sex marriage, prompting discussion on how Christians should respond culturally and theologically. Demand for euthanasia in Canada now outp…

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Economics and the Fertility Gap (with Clara Piano) 28:09

2M ago28:09

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Why is fertility in decline around the world? What is the long term social impact of this decline? And why is marriage so central to fertility rates? We’ll discuss these questions and much more with our guest, University of Mississippi economist Dr. Clara Piano. Dr. Clara Piano is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of Mis…

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Cultural Update: Teen use of AI chatbots; Canada pushes to expand euthanasia; cash aid lacks results; designer babies fall short 59:12

2M ago59:12

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Teen use of AI chatbots is on the rise, prompting concern over emotional dependency, harmful content, and the loss of real human connection. Cash aid to low-income families lacks results, challenging assumptions about poverty and flourishing. Canada pushes to expand euthanasia to mental illness, raising ethical alarms about autonomy, consent, and t…

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The Pursuit of Safety — At What Cost? (with Jeremy Lundgren) 30:32

2M ago30:32

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Does God promise to always keep us safe? What does the Bible have to say about our pursuit of safety for ourselves and our kids? How can the pursuit of safety become a form of idolatry in our lives? We’ll discuss these questions and more with our guest, Talbot grad Jeremy Lundgren in his new book, The Pursuit of Safety: A Theology of Danger, Risk a…

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[BONUS] An Ex-Abortion Doctor Shares Her Story (with Catherine Wheeler) 1:12:09

2M ago1:12:09

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Why would an abortion doctor change her mind about the morality of abortion and become a Christian? On this bonus episode of the Think Biblically podcast, Dr. Catherine Wheeler shares her compelling and powerful story of redemption and transformation from an abortionist to a pro-life activist. If you want to watch this episode in person, please vis…

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Scrolling Ourselves to Death (with Brett McCracken) 34:55

2M ago34:55

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Screens and social media have reshaped the world and our minds, bringing an appetite for distraction, loneliness, and increased rates of mental health challenges. It is time for Christians to rethink their relationship with screens and to consider what it means to live faithfully in our screen-dominated world. Our guest today, Brett McCracken, is t…

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[BONUS] Does the Church Need "Queering"? (with Brandan Robertson) 1:30:59

2M ago1:30:59

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Does the church need a "queer revolution"? Do we need a new reformation akin to the Protestant Reformation? In this discussion, Sean talks with author and progressive pastor Brandan Robertson about his new book Queer & Christian. They have a friendly debate about their different moral and theological frameworks and then discuss key biblical passage…

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Why Religion Went Obsolete (with Christian Smith) 33:00

2M ago33:00

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Has traditional faith become obsolete in America? And if so, what are the main contributing factors? Until now, there has not been a thorough sociological analysis of the various factors contributing to the demise of religion in America since the 1990’s. In this interview, rooted in his latest book Why Religion Went Obsolete, Dr. Smith offers a 30,…

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[BONUS] Deadpool Creator Talks Faith and Comics (with Rob Liefeld) 1:27:48

2M ago1:27:48

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What happens when a comic book legend sits down to talk about faith? Sean got to interview Rob Liefeld, creator of Deadpool, Cable, and many iconic Marvel characters, to explore the intersection of faith, creativity, and culture. Rob and I discuss his journey in the comic book world and the creation of Deadpool, how his Christian faith has shaped h…

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Living as Outsiders in Our Culture (with Patrick Miller) 31:57

3M ago31:57

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What does it mean that the Christian is an outsider in one’s community? How do we engage our divisive culture well and faithfully at the same time? What might your particular style for cultural engagement be? We’ll answer these questions and more with our guest, pastor Patrick Miller, around his new book, Joyful Outsiders: Six Ways to Live Like Jes…

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[BONUS] Debating Miracles (with Paul Rinzler) 1:20:13

3M ago1:20:13

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In this bonus episode, Sean discusses the possibility of miracles with atheist professor Paul Rinzler. This conversation was part of the Veritas Forum at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the spring of 2025. McDowell and Rinzler discuss the evidence for miracles and whether or not it is reasonable to believe in the supernatural today. If you want to watc…

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Family Unfriendly (with Tim Carney) 31:40

3M ago31:40

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Parents are spending more time with their kids than in the past, and yet kids are less happy and less healthy. Given that the population of children is shrinking at an alarming rate, we need to figure out what is going on. Could it be that our culture is making raising kids harder than it needs to be? That is the suggestion of our guest today, Tim …

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Engaging Controversial Issues Without Getting Too Emotional (with Tim Pickavance) 37:30

3M ago37:30

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How do we engage our friends, family and others around controversial issues, particularly those in science? Why do these controversial issues trigger emotional responses and how do we manage our emotions in these discussions? We’ll discuss these questions and more with our guest, Talbot colleague in philosophy, Dr. Tim Pickavance around some new re…

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Cultural Update: Why Don't We Feel We're Thriving?; The End of Rainbow Capitalism; Democratic Socialism 57:21

3M ago57:21

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This week, Scott is joined by Talbot professor Thaddeus Williams to discuss: Why Don’t We Feel We're Thriving? — Despite living in the most prosperous era of human history, many Americans feel anxious and discontent. The End of Rainbow Capitalism? — Major corporations are backing away from Pride Month sponsorships. The discussion unpacks “rainbow c…

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Understanding Critical Theory (with Carl Trueman) 24:53

3M ago24:53

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What is critical theory and why is it so vital for Christians to understand today? What are its historical roots and where do we see it manifest today? Carl Trueman is one of the leading Christian social critics today and he has a new book To Change All Worlds. Sean and Scott talk with him about the motivation behind the book, why it is so timely f…

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Cultural Update: Regretting Smartphones; Can Moms Have It All?; Assisted Suicide and the Slippery Slope 1:01:05

3M ago1:01:05

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This week, Scott is joined by Erik Thoennes, Professor of Theology at Talbot School of Theology. Smartphone Regret Among Parents: A new survey reveals most parents regret giving their kids smartphones and social media too early—many now see platforms like TikTok and Snapchat as more harmful than alcohol or even guns. Assisted Suicide and the Slippe…

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Medicine’s Wrong Turn? (with Brent Waters) 29:19

4M ago29:19

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Despite medicine’s remarkable advances, has it actually taken a wrong turn and lost something pretty important? What is the dominant worldview of medicine and health care today and how has that affected both patients and health care providers? What are the virtues that should govern health care to get it back on track? We’ll answer these questions …

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Cultural Update: Selecting embryos; AI romantic chatbots; Is sunlight and fresh air a human right? 56:35

4M ago56:35

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This week, Scott and guest host Carmen Imes discuss: Can AI romantic chatbots become dangerously addictive? Exploring the emotional and ethical consequences of these pseudo-relationships. What do couples do with leftover embryos after IVF? A Psychology Today article opens a discussion on grief, responsibility, and the image of God. New genetic scre…

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Work and the Meaning of Life (with David Bahnsen) 35:39

4M ago35:39

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How is work connected to one’s purpose and meaning in life? What can churches do to foster a biblical view of work? How do certain lower paying jobs contribute to a person’s sense of purpose? We’ll answer these and more with our guest David Bahnsen around his new book Full Time: Work and the Meaning of Life. David Bahnsen is the Managing Partner an…

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Cultural Update: Is Therapy Causing Childlessness?; Gene Editing Moratorium; Charismatic Christianity's Growth 1:03:50

4M ago1:03:50

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This week: Therapy Culture & Childlessness – Sean and Scott discuss a New York Times article suggesting that the rise in childlessness among Millennials and Gen Z may be linked to therapeutic culture and a fear of repeating parental mistakes. Charismatic Christianity's Growth – A look at why charismatic and Pentecostal Christianity is the fastest-g…

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AI: Prospects and Perils (with Yohan Lee) 40:46

4M ago40:46

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How should we think biblically about AI? What are some of the exciting prospects for AI in the future? What should make us nervous about some of the uses of AI that are growing rapidly? We'll discuss these questions and more with our guest, Dr. Yohan Lee, Associate Dean of Technology here at Biola. Dr. Yohan Lee holds the Promod and Dorcas Haque En…

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Answering Your Questions! 46:57

4M ago46:57

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We got so many great questions from our listeners and we only have time for 2-3 in the Weekly Cultural Update. We have quite a backlog so we're devoting this episode entirely to your insightful questions. We'll cover things like How do we disciple our children? Was there animal violence before the Fall? What if education reform leaves behind kids t…

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The State of the Persecuted Church Today (with Brian Orme) 30:17

4M ago30:17

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What parts of the world are the most challenging for believers today? How has the relative comfort of American Christianity impacted spiritual growth, compared to communities experiencing persecution? What habits could American Christian adopt to more regularly remember and support our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world? We'll answer …

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Cultural Update: Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery; Colorado Gender Laws; A Braindead Pregnant Woman Kept on Life Support; Personalized Gene-Editing 59:50

4M ago59:50

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New federal law targets the removal of deepfakes and non-consensual intimate imagery online. Colorado law sparks controversy over parental rights and biblical views on sex and gender. Georgia hospital keeps a brain-dead woman on life support due to state laws. The world's first gene-editing treatment used to heal a one-week-old baby. ========== Thi…

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Thinking Biblically about Exercise (with David Mathis) 35:25

4M ago35:25

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Why would a pastor write a theological book on exercise? Would Jesus exercise if he were here bodily today? What does the Bible say about exercise and physical activity? And are Christians sinning if they don't exercise? These are a few of the questions Sean and Scott explore with pastor David Mathis, author of the new book A Little Theology of Exe…

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Cultural Update: Are Young Men Lost?; Physician's Critique of Assisted Suicide; Pornhub's Secrets 59:38

5M ago59:38

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This week: Are Young Men Lost or Returning to Faith? A deep dive into seemingly contradictory studies on young men: while many are falling behind in education and mental health, others are returning to church and discovering faith through the Bible, not institutional religion. The Role of Fathers and Masculinity Sean and Scott discuss how the absen…

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Is Empathy a Sin? (with Tim Muehlhoff) 59:09

5M ago59:09

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Is empathy being weaponized by Progressives to manipulate Christians into adopting certain ethical and political views? Is empathy a virtue, or merely an emotion that is sometimes a valuable and important means of loving people? There have been a myriad of Christians books and podcasts on this topic, and so Sean has invited Biola communications pro…

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Cultural Update: New Pope, Supreme Court Hears Case on Religious Charter Schools, New Successful Argument Against Transgenderism 1:01:17

5M ago1:01:17

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This Week's Topics: A New Pope has been chosen by the Catholic Church The Supreme Court hears a case about government funding for a Catholic charter school in Oklahoma a new successful argument against transgenderism that Christians need to be aware of A wild conversation about race on the Piers Morgan Show offers important lessons for Christians t…

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Thinking Biblically About Disability (with Chris Ralston) 36:26

5M ago36:26

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Why does God allow disabilities? What is the point of someone's disability? What is disability theology, and what are the implications of this for the church? In what sense will disabilities be healed when we meet the Lord? We’ll answer these questions and more with our guest, Dr Chris Ralston. Guest Bio: D. Christopher Ralston (PhD Rice University…

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Cultural Update: The Abortion Pill Harms Women; Dads Are Spending More Time With Their Kids 58:33

5M ago58:33

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This week's topics: Abortion Pill Study: A massive study reveals serious health risks linked to the abortion pill mifepristone, with adverse events 22 times higher than FDA estimates—raising ethical and philosophical concerns about privacy, safety, and the personhood of the unborn. Fathers Post-COVID: New research shows American dads are spending m…

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Cohabitation: Is it Biblical and Wise? 38:01

5M ago38:01

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What does the Bible say, if anything, about living together before marriage? Given that 70% of Americans now cohabit before marriage, and roughly 2/3 believe it will improve the odds of relationship success, what does the data show about how effective it is? While this is a huge topic in the church and culture today, surprisingly, few people are di…

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Cultural Update: Was Jesus crucified with nails?; Young men return to church; Are Megachurches Ethical? 1:00:07

5M ago1:00:07

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Topics this week: Controversy after Christianity Today published an article questioning whether Jesus was crucified with nails. The Supreme Court is debating whether parents can opt their kids out of LGBTQ-themed books in elementary schools. The New York Times and USA Today published articles discussing the return to church, particularly among youn…

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The State of the Bible in 2025 44:18

5M ago44:18

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How many Americans are engaging the Bible today? And in what ways? How does Bible reading affect giving to charity, life flourishing, and experience with loneliness? Sean and Scott discuss these questions, and more, by analyzing the latest report from the American Bible Society. While some of the findings are expected, quite a few are eye-opening a…

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Weekly Cultural Update: Rise of Christian Faith in Women's Basketball, UK Supreme Court Rules on Gender, France Passes a New Law Regarding Sperm Donation, Richard Dawkins Asks, "Who is a Christian?" 1:00:14

6M ago1:00:14

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Topics this week: Women's Basketball Player Embraces Her Faith The UK Supreme Court Rules on Gender France's Law on Anonymous Sperm and Egg Donation Richard Dawkins' Blog Post on Christianity Listener Questions: Further questions concerning the life of MLK jr. How should someone approach talking with parents in the midst of deconstruction? Is there…

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The Unseen Realm: Analysis of the 10-year expanded edition 1:07:49

6M ago1:07:49

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Michael Heiser is one of the most influential Old Testament scholars over the past decade. In this video, Sean is joined by Talbot Old Testament professor Charlie Trimm to discuss Heiser’s best-selling book “The Unseen Realm.” They discuss these questions and more: Why has Heiser been so influential? Are his ideas orthodox? Should Christians read h…

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Cultural Update: The Ethics of Dire Wolves; What to Make of Miracles; Are Embryos Property? 59:52

6M ago59:52

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Topics this week: An Atlantic article on Elaine Pagels' new book, "Miracles and Wonder." Is she downplaying the supernatural? This episode dives into her controversial take on New Testament miracles. Florida teacher fired for using a student's preferred name without parental consent. Where do parental rights collide with student support? Scientists…

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Apologetics for a New Generation 48:43

6M ago48:43

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What should apologetics look like for this generation? What does it mean that apologetics is for everyone, not just specialists? How is the gospel good news, especially for women? We’ll discuss these questions and more with Sean around his new book Apologetics for an Ever-Changing Culture. ========== Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Cul…