Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

Shane Enete, an Associate Professor of Finance at the Crowell School of Business, dives deep into blending faith with finances. He discusses the spiritual importance of budgeting and treating spending as a discipline. The conversation explores how upbringing shapes money habits, and the need for couples to align financial values. Enete emphasizes the balance between generous giving and wise saving, advocating for a holistic approach to wealth management. His insights from his book, 'Whole Heart Finances,' serve as a guide to navigating financial decisions through a faith-based lens.

This week, Sean & Scott discuss:The U.S. Surgeon General addresses the overwhelming stress faced by parents and the need for community and governmental support.The debate over whether Christian persecution exists in the U.S., comparing American religious freedoms with global persecution.A discussion on selective moral outrage, highlighting underreported global injustices.Examination of recent immigration policies and their implications for families and merit-based systems.Listener questions on moral outrage, mixed-faith marriages, and the implications of socialism from personal experiences.==========Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California.   Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically.   To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.  

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Richard Weikart, an esteemed historian and expert on euthanasia, delves into the ethical evolution surrounding life and death. He shares insights on ancient perspectives of suicide, the early church’s sanctity of life, and the modern resurgence of euthanasia debates. The discussion highlights the dark history of the Nazi euthanasia program and its implications for today's ethical dilemmas. Weikart also critiques the intersection of eugenics, personal autonomy, and compassion in end-of-life decisions.

The discussion highlights the crucial role of Christianity in shaping Western civilization and its values. There's a deep dive into the troubling trend of viewing abortion as a societal good, which raises ethical concerns. Also explored are the implications of designer babies and gene editing, sparking debates over morality and societal impact. Listener questions tackle mixed-faith marriages and navigating family complexities, offering insights on building understanding and community.

Katie McCoy, director of Women’s Ministry at Texas Baptists and co-author of the book Humanity, dives into profound discussions on the nature of humanity. She addresses the significance of understanding gender through a biblical lens, asserting that gender is rooted in biology. The conversation touches on corporate repentance versus individual responsibility for historical sins, and critiques transhumanism while emphasizing human dignity. Katie also delves into how our understanding of humanity impacts societal issues like sexuality and race.

This week dives into inspiring stories of Olympians sharing their faith with spontaneous worship. The Vatican's new guidelines on patient care spark ethical debates, while political shifts in Britain reshape discussions on transgender rights. A pastor's choices raise moral dilemmas around the death penalty, and listener questions tackle human nature's complexities. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassionate dialogue on gender identity and the emotional preparation of children for life's challenges.

In a thought-provoking conversation, AI specialist and businessman Christopher Lind discusses how artificial intelligence is transforming human sexuality and the adult film industry. He delves into ethical dilemmas surrounding AI-generated content, especially the dangers of deep fakes and privacy concerns for minors. Lind highlights the rapid evolution of AI and the urgent need for regulatory frameworks. He also explores the potential impact of these technologies on personal relationships and societal norms, urging critical dialogue about their psychological effects.

A deep dive into the decline of birth rates sparks a debate on its political implications. The resurgence of syphilis raises questions about public health and prenatal care ethics. The harassment of pregnancy resource centers post-Dobbs showcases the challenges faced by those supporting crisis pregnancies. Discussion revolves around engaging with diverse gender identities while grounding interactions in faith, and the moral dilemmas healthcare providers face regarding controversial procedures. The hosts emphasize the need for respectful dialogue in the intersection of faith and culture.

Mike Thigpen, an Old Testament scholar and former executive director at the Evangelical Theological Society, joins Jacob Wright, a theology professor at Emory University. They explore the provocative questions of why the Bible was written and its role in shaping Jewish identity, especially after historical defeats. The discussion delves into biblical authors as potential revisionists and highlights the importance of recent archaeological findings. Additionally, they emphasize understanding the divine context in scripture and the educational challenges faced by today’s theologians.

Rick Langer, a thought-provoking co-host, dives into pressing cultural discussions. He and Scott analyze the tension between beliefs and actions within the American church. They tackle the complexities of sexual orientation, challenging the 'born this way' narrative, and explore AI's dual role as an ally and potential risk. The duo also scrutinize the influence of media and universities on public opinion, while addressing listener queries about faith, mental health, and the cost of true discipleship in Christianity.