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

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

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2h ago1:18:37

1:18:37

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

4d 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

7d 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

11d 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

14d 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

18d 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

21d 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

25d 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

28d 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

1M ago1:12:09

1:12:09

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

1M 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

1M ago1:30:59

1:30:59

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

1M 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

1:27:48

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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

5M 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

5M ago1:07:49

1:07:49

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

5M 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

5M 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…

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Cultural Update: Polygany Reduces Birthrates, Relatives Can Be "Brought Back to Life" Through AI Chatbots, and New Tech Allows for More Control Over Embryo Selection 1:02:46

5M ago1:02:46

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This week's topics: Polygany Found to Cause Lower Birthrates than Monogamy AI Chatbots can Allow People to Talk with Deceased Relatives New Tech allows for more Control Over Embryo Selection. Listener Questions: A Listener shares their experience working in secular spaces and using preferred pronouns. Should christians identify as gay? Are near dea…

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Intelligent Design: Dying or Flourishing? (with Doug Axe) 43:21

5M ago43:21

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What is the state of the intelligent design movement today? How is it faring in the scientific realm, the church, and in the public? How has the strategy of the ID movement shifted, and what has it learned over the past 20 years? Our guest today is Biola University Biology professor Doug Axe. Douglas Axe is the Maxwell Professor of Molecular Biolog…

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Cultural Update: Ethics of Embryo Research; Christianity in Silicon Valley; Vigilante Justice 1:00:10

5M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

This week's topics: The Ethics of Embryo Research: The abortion debate is shifting toward the status and treatment of embryos—especially in light of new scientific experimentation pushing past the 14-day research limit. Science vs. Philosophy: Scott and Sean discuss the crucial distinction between biological life and personhood—and why science can’…

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The Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. 49:38

5M ago49:38

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What is the enduring legacy of MLK?, why has the culture neglected the theological basis for his civil rights work?, what assumptions to white and black people have about each other that are inaccurate or unhelpful? We'll discuss these questions and more in a joint podcast with the Biola Winsome Convictions Podcast and my co-host Tim Muehlhoff. Our…

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Cultural Update: Why is Dating Dying in Younger Generations? Porn is Becoming More Popular than Real Relationships, The App Store Enables New Age Restrictions on Downloading Certain Apps, An Australian ... 59:07

6M ago59:07

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Decline of Romantic Relationships Among Young People – Dating among high school and college students is decreasing due to emotional intimacy fears, digital distractions, and safety concerns, highlighting the theological importance of relationships. Rise of Pornography Over Real Relationships – Many young men now prefer pornography over romantic rel…

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Can Christians Identify as Gay? (with Preston Sprinkle) 59:11

6M ago59:11

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Should Christians identify as gay? Is this a secondary issue that should not divide Christians, or is more at stake? Sean and Preston Sprinkle continue the dialogue from last week and focus on the question of whether homosexuality can be one part of Christian identity. Preston Sprinkle is Biblical scholar, speaker, and the head of the Center for Fa…

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Cultural Update: Sociogenomics; New Study on Gender Affirming Surgery; Future of Faith in America 56:09

6M ago56:09

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This week, Sean and Scott discuss: New Study on Gender Affirming Surgery – A major peer-reviewed study finds increased psychological distress post-surgery, sparking discussion on long-term mental health effects and the importance of pre-surgical mental health assessments. The Future of Faith in America – Pew data suggests the rise of the “nones” (r…

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Christians and Preferred Pronouns: Is it Biblical? (with Preston Sprinkle) 1:07:13

6M ago1:07:13

1:07:13

Should Christians use preferred pronouns? Is it wise and biblically permissible, or not? While Sean has had this discussion before on the Think Biblically podcast, this episode features a conversation with Preston Sprinkle, and they go even deeper. They also discuss how the LGBTQ conversation has shifted in the church over the past decade. Preston …