Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

Talbot School of Theology at Biola University / Sean McDowell & Scott Rae
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76 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 1h

Why Christians Should Not Be Leftists, Part 1 of 2

They define Leftism and contrast it with liberal traditions. They trace a writer's move toward socialism and debate where markets, private property, and human dignity intersect. They examine caring for the poor, LGBTQ inclusion, and how ancient texts should or should not shape modern politics. They argue practical and theological limits of leftist proposals while previewing a market-focused reply.
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38 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 59min

Cultural Update: The Monetization of Loneliness; Hospital Ends Youth Gender Treatment; Alarming U.K. Abortion Data

They examine how platforms monetize cultural loneliness and what that says about intimacy. They discuss a major hospital ending youth gender treatments and the policy pressures behind the decision. They cover alarming U.K. abortion data and the rise of pills-by-post. They reflect on facing mortality and how believers should think about investing with a kingdom perspective.
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25 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 52min

Finding Freedom in Jesus (with JP Foster)

JP Foster, senior pastor and Biola faculty, talks about identity in Christ and spiritual formation. He explores cultural pressures on identity. He describes how knowing God’s character anchors who we are. He outlines the book’s 21-term structure and practical tools to move from knowing to living. He reflects on freedom, shame, suffering, and the need for hope and confidence.
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15 snips
Feb 13, 2026 • 1h

Cultural Update: Social Network for Bots; AI Revolution in Jobs; Science of Happiness

A rundown of AI agents forming their own social network and whether that hints at emerging machine self-awareness. A wide look at how artificial intelligence could reshape jobs and the economy. Coverage of shifting views on marijuana policy and rising harms. Summaries of recent happiness research highlighting feeling loved, listening, and community.
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24 snips
Feb 10, 2026 • 32min

Suffering and our Spiritual Lives (with Craig Keener)

Craig Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies and New Testament author, joins to discuss suffering, persecution, and faith. He recounts personal and global stories of hardship. He distinguishes when suffering is God’s will, explores how trials shape or harden faith, and reflects on joy, lament, and responses to violence and healing amid adversity.
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18 snips
Feb 6, 2026 • 1h 1min

Cultural Update: $2 Million Gender Medicine Verdict; AI Boyfriends; Politics at the Grammys

Erik Thoennes, Talbot theologian and ethicist, offers crisp analysis on medical ethics, marriage, and culture. He and Scott tackle a $2M detransitioner verdict and its legal ripple effects. They also probe the rise of AI romantic partners and the risks of artificial intimacy. Conversation covers end-of-life conflicts over continuing treatment and celebrities making political statements at the Grammys.
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9 snips
Feb 3, 2026 • 34min

A Psychologist Watches "The Chosen" (with Liz Hall)

Liz Hall, psychologist and professor at Rosemead School of Psychology, brings research on attachment, embodiment, and meaning-making to a conversation about The Chosen. She explores attachment theory applied to biblical characters, how embodied portrayals can reshape implicit images of Jesus, and practical ways to watch, notice surprises, and process emotional responses in community and prayer.
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Jan 30, 2026 • 59min

Cultural Update: UK Revival Questioned; Child Safety on Social Media; Posthumous Sperm Retrieval

A fresh look at claims of a UK youth revival and why survey methods change the story. A major legal fight over social media and child safety highlights platform accountability. Tough ethical questions surface around posthumous sperm retrieval and consent. Conversations probe shifting political identities for younger generations and practical stewardship of marriage and family life.
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Jan 27, 2026 • 28min

Serving God Under Siege

A conversation about serving in wartime Ukraine, from blackouts and shelters to returning to work amid attacks. Theological questions about suffering, providence, conscience, and mobilization come up. Seminary life adapts with classes during sirens, chaplain training, and trauma ministry. Stories of resilience, baptisms, and changed perceptions of evangelical churches offer hope.
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Jan 23, 2026 • 1h 3min

Cultural Update: "Looksmaxxing"; Grok's Sexual AI-Generated Images; Crime in Decline

A historic crime drop in the U.S. puzzled listeners, highlighting Baltimore's proactive strategies that slashed homicides by nearly 60%. The dark side of AI emerged as millions of sexualized images flooded social media, raising ethical concerns about nonconsensual deepfakes. Meanwhile, the alarming trend of looksmaxxing revealed young men's desperation for acceptance and worth amid societal pressures. Lastly, China's ongoing demographic collapse provoked a discussion on the need for cultural shifts to revitalize birth rates.

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