

Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture
Talbot School of Theology at Biola University / Sean McDowell & Scott Rae
A weekly podcast that offers Christian perspectives on some of the most significant issues facing today's church and culture. In each episode, hosts Scott Rae and Sean McDowell — professors at Biola University's Talbot School of Theology — draw upon biblical wisdom and insights from guest experts as they explore how Christians can thoughtfully and faithfully engage with cultural trends and current events.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 28, 2023 • 57min
The Porn Wars
The hosts discuss the current debate on the morality and legality of pornography. They explore the shifting boundaries of pornography and the connection between religion and porn. They delve into the ethics and economics of banning commodities, the potential consequences of banning pornography, and the impact of COVID on pornography. They also address the debate over porn addiction and provide practical resources for families and parents.

Sep 21, 2023 • 33min
Can the Criminal Justice System be Fixed? (with Matt Martens)
Experienced attorney Matt Martens discusses criminal justice reform from a Christian perspective, exploring topics such as the use of physical coercion in the justice system, proposed changes to the bail system and plea bargains, forgiveness and proportionality in punishment, and flaws and moral issues within the system.

26 snips
Sep 14, 2023 • 43min
Religious Freedom in a Polarized Culture (with Robert George)
In this engaging discussion, Robert George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence at Princeton, delves into the vital role of religious freedom in a polarized culture. He explores whether freedom of religion is the cornerstone of all liberties and contrasts historical persecution with contemporary threats. George provides insight into the erosion of free speech on college campuses, urging the importance of robust dissenting voices. He navigates the complexities of both global religious persecution and domestic challenges while advocating for civil discourse across ideological divides.

Sep 7, 2023 • 37min
Losing Our Religion??? (with Russell Moore)
Russell Moore, Editor in Chief of Christianity Today, discusses the loss of integrity in the Evangelical Church and the need for honest conversations. He explores the meaning of "losing our religion" and the breakdown of traditional religious structures. The podcast also delves into the complexities of evangelical identity and the importance of genuinely following Jesus. Check out "Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture" for more thought-provoking discussions.

Aug 31, 2023 • 31min
The Real Heroes of the Faith (with Johnnie Moore)
What is the condition of the global church in places where persecution is commonplace? What are the countries where this persecution is the worst? What are some of the stories of the heroic followers of Jesus that in the past and are currently enduring persecution for their faith? We’ll answer these question and more with our guest, Johnnie Moore, a former member of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom and author of the New Book of Christian Martyrs. Join Scott for this insightful discussion on the real heroes of the Christian faith.Johnnie Moore is a former Commissioner of the United States Commissional on International Religious Freedom and is currently President of the Congress of Christian Leaders. He is the author of eight books, including most recent, an updated version of the classis Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, entitled, The New Book of Christian Martyrs. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2023/the-real-heroes-of-the-faith ==========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.

14 snips
Aug 24, 2023 • 48min
How to Deconstruct Your Faith (with John Marriott)
Dr. John Marriott, Research and Program Coordinator at Biola University, discusses deconstructing faith with Scott and Sean. They explore reasons for deconstruction, challenging biblical doctrines, the influence of cultural ideas, retaining and reforming evangelical tradition, and finding a mentor in the faith re-examination process.

Aug 17, 2023 • 32min
Is Work Just a Paycheck? (with Helen Mitchell)
Helen Mitchell, Assistant Professor of Leadership and Ethics at Biola University, discusses the connection between faith and work. They explore the importance of connecting one's faith with their professional lives and the significance of work reflecting God's work. They also delve into the transformative power of the workplace in shaping individuals spiritually. The podcast concludes with an introduction to the Work Exchange curriculum, which helps churches integrate faith and work.

Aug 10, 2023 • 34min
QAnon and the Cross (with Mike Austin)
What are conspiracy theories and why are Christians so drawn to them? How widespread are conspiracy theories in the church? What does it mean to think biblically about conspiracy theories? In this episode, we talk with philosopher Mike Austin about the recent book he co-edited QAnon, Chaos, and the Cross. Dr Mike Austin is a Professor of Philosophy at Eastern Kentucky University. He teaches, writes, and speaks about topics in ethics, family, sports, religion and spirituality, and technology, but always with an eye towards character and human flourishing. He has published 12 books including God, Guns, and America.Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2023/qanon-and-the-cross ==========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.

Aug 3, 2023 • 38min
Truth and Toxic Masculinity
The podcast delves into the definition of toxic masculinity, exploring its harmful traits like emotional repression and entitlement. It tackles cultural confusion about masculinity today, highlights the contrast between true virtues and the tough-guy stereotype, and emphasizes that showing emotion can be a sign of strength. The discussion also examines the impact of purity culture and clarifies that true Christian theology champions sacrificial love over entitlement. Finally, it outlines Christlike masculinity, promoting gentleness and humility as essential qualities.

Jul 27, 2023 • 29min
World Religions on Trial (with Mark Lanier)
What would happen if a leading lawyer examined some of the biggest religions in the world? How would Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Mormonism, and other religions fare when put on trial? Our guest today, Mark Lanier, is a trial lawyer who was named on the list of Best Lawyers in America for 9 consecutive years. He is the author of Religions on Trial. We discuss how his legal training prepares him to discover truth and his assessment of various world religions.Mark Lanier is consistently recognized as one of the top civil trial lawyers in America. Mark’s success in the courtroom and perspectives on litigation have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, Bloomberg News and the Houston Chronicle, among many other publications. He is also a frequent guest on news and business programs for a wide range of broadcast and cable networks. He is the author of multiple books including Religion on Trial.Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2023/world-religions-on-trial ==========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.


