Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

Biblical scholar Preston Sprinkle discusses how followers of Jesus are exiles in this world, challenging political views. He explores the subversive nature of first-century church gatherings and the political symbolism of the cross in the Roman world. Sprinkle emphasizes the importance of aligning political engagement with allegiance to Christ and addresses the church's role in advocating for social issues like human trafficking and abortion. The discussion also delves into the intersection of identity and allegiance through the usage of political terminology and preferred pronouns for individuals with same-sex attraction.

Discussions on falling U.S. fertility rates, campus protests, and marijuana reclassification. Listener questions on birth control, problem of evil/suffering, and HPV vaccine. Explorations of societal impacts, campus polarization, cannabis industry complexities, and religious perspectives on birth control.

Mark Rae, a kidney recipient from his brother, shares his emotional journey of receiving a life-saving kidney donation. The podcast explores the spiritual impact on both brothers, the significance of family relationships, and how faith plays a role in medical procedures like organ transplants.

Controversial topics discussed include armed teachers in schools post a shooting, Gen Z's view on Israel and Hamas, integration of AI with CRISPR for gene editing, and faith intersecting with public policy and family evangelism.

Explore the concept of polyamory and its rising popularity, including discussions on ethical non-monogamy and natural marriage. Delve into the legal-moral divide in relationships and the biblical response to polyamory, with theological insights on the Trinity. Learn how to navigate polyamory disclosure in a church setting with kindness and grace.

Explore shifts in religious identification in America, the power of AI in persuasion, and rethinking gender-affirming care for youth. Delve into listener questions on human souls, God's image, and ethics of prescribing medications. Learn about the evolving landscape of faith, technology, and healthcare ethics in a thought-provoking cultural update.

Fred Sanders, Professor of Theology at Biola University, discusses misconceptions and truths about the Holy Spirit, including praying to the Spirit, neglect of His work, and understanding the Spirit within a Trinitarian perspective.

Solar Eclipses and Intelligent Design, Racial Bias in Hiring, Vatican's Stance on Gender, Rwanda Genocide Anniversary, Free Will vs. Determinism debates, Practical advice on teaching biblical views on cultural issues

Philosophy professor Greg Ganssle debates free will vs. determinism, discussing Sapolsky's book. Topics include brain physiology, Libet experiment's implications, moral responsibility, and Phineas Gage's case. The episode emphasizes personal choice, human agency, and the impact of genetics and upbringing on individual abilities.

Rick Langer and the host discuss Richard Dawkins' surprising connection to Christianity, societal impacts of de-churching, and the importance of spiritual parenthood in the church. Topics include Dawkins' view on Ramadan lights, challenge to 'sex assigned at birth,' and negative effects of declining church attendance on communities.