

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

May 31, 2022 • 33min
Becoming Whole: Poverty and the "American Dream" (with Brian Fikkert)
Many people consider the "American Dream" to be the goal of someone trying to get out of poverty. Both in the US and around the world, we have found that simply having more material goods doesn't necessarily lead to increased happiness. Join Scott and Sean for part II of Scott's earlier discussion with economist Dr. Brian Fikkert, as he critiques some of the most prominent poverty alleviation efforts and insists that flourishing involves more than accumulating material goods. His latest book is Becoming Whole: Why the Opposite of Poverty Isn't the American Dream. Dr. Brian Fikkert is Professor of Economics and Community Development and the Founder and President of the Chalmers Center for Economic Development at Covenant College. He is coauthor of the best-selling book When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor...and Yourself. He has a Ph.D. in Economics from Yale. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2022/poverty-and-the-american-dream ==========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.

May 19, 2022 • 37min
Economics and the Image of God (with Brian Fikkert)
Economist Brian Fikkert discusses the intersection of economics and the image of God. Topics include economic growth reducing poverty, material prosperity vs. well-being, human flourishing as image bearers of God, critiquing socialism, resisting economic-centric thinking, and integrating economics with Christian beliefs for holistic flourishing.

May 17, 2022 • 52min
[BONUS] Is Roe vs. Wade Gone? Sean and Scott Discuss the Leaked Ruling
Roe vs. Wade (1973) was one of the most consequential Supreme Court rulings in America history, allowing abortion in all 50 states. It appears that the Supreme Court is overturning this case. A rough draft of the ruling was recently leaked to the public. In this discussion, which was recorded live on Sean's YouTube channel, Scott and Sean discuss the implications of the ruling and analyze the reasoning behind it. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2022/is-roe-vs-wade-gone ==========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.

May 13, 2022 • 52min
Scripture and Gender (with Erik Thoennes)
This podcast episode is also available as a video on Biola's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvSlsNMJkB4 Biblically speaking, is our biological sex an essential part of our identity? Are there unique differences and roles for men and women? In this live interview, Sean and Scott talk with Biola professor Erik Thoennes and Scripture and gender. They also discuss some practical ways to love people with gender dysphoria. Dr. Erik Thoennes is committed to teaching biblical and systematic theology so that he and his students love God and people more fully. He strives to make the necessary connections between the study of theology, obedience to Jesus and fulfilling the Great Commission. He has taught theology and evangelism at the college and seminary levels for several years and is a frequent guest speaker at churches, conferences and retreats, in addition to co-pastoring a local church. Thoennes has received the University award for faculty excellence and professor of the year. His research interests include godly jealousy, the atonement, the exclusivity of Christ and theology of culture. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2022/scripture-and-gender ==========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.

May 10, 2022 • 36min
The Story Behind the Think Biblically Podcast
Have you ever wondered how this podcast got started? How do Scott and Sean pick guests and topics? What's the future of this podcast? In this unique episode, Scott and Sean offer a "behind the scenes" look at their favorite episodes, some memorable stories of impact, and a few lessons they have learned since starting the podcast in 2017. Enjoy! Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2022/story-behind-think-biblically-podcast ==========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.

May 4, 2022 • 27min
Headwinds and Tailwinds: Leading a Christian University in Today's Culture (with Barry Corey)
Join Scott and Sean as they interview Biola's President, Dr. Barry Corey about leading a Christian university in these challenging times. You'll enjoy this encouraging and challenging time with Dr. Corey. Dr. Barry Corey is the 8th President of Biola University, beginning his tenure here in 2007. He previously served as Dean of Gordon Conwell Seminary outside Boston for many years. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2022/headwinds-and-tailwinds-leading-christian-university ==========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.

Apr 24, 2022 • 33min
Atheism on Trial (with Mark Lanier)
How would atheism fare if it were put on trial? Leading trial Lawyer Mark Lanier believes the evidence undermines atheism and points firmly to the existence of God. In this interview, Sean and Scott talk with Mark about how his legal training shapes the way he addresses faith questions, and they evaluate some of the evidence against atheism and for God. Hailed as a "superstar among plaintiff's lawyers" by the National Law Journal, Mark Lanier is an acclaimed trial lawyer and the founder of the Lanier Law Firm, with offices in New York, Texas and California. He is the author of Christianity on Trial and is a frequent guest on Fox News, MSNBC, and other prominent news outlets. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2022/atheism-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.

Apr 15, 2022 • 31min
The Loneliness Epidemic (with Susan Mettes)
Coming out of COVID, with gatherings restricted, there is a renewed emphasis on loneliness in the culture at large. As Susan Mettes reports in her new book, The Loneliness Epidemic, many of these trends were in existence long before COVID hit but exacerbated by the 2+ years of restrictions. Join Scott and Sean for this insightful discussion that touches us all. Susan Mettes is a behavioral scientist and researcher and Associate Editor for Christianity Today. She lives with her husband in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2022/loneliness-epidemic ==========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.

Apr 13, 2022 • 33min
Eyes to See God's Common Grace (with Tim Muehlhoff)
Where is God when tragedy hits? Is it possible that God is at work in the world in ways we often miss? By explaining God's "common grace," Dr. Tim Muehlhoff suggests that God may be revealing himself through science, communication, art, and many more ways than we often realize. This discussion will help in one important step towards making sense of why there is suffering and evil in the world. Tim Muehlhoff is a professor of communication at Biola University in La Mirada, California, a speaker and research consultant for the Center for Marriage and Relationships, and an author of several books on communication. In addition to being an educator and author, he is the co-host of a podcast entitled The Art of Relationships, which is produced by Biola University and is currently heard in 100 countries. Tim and his wife, Noreen, are frequent speakers at FamilyLife Marriage Conferences. For more information, visit timmuehlhoff.com. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2022/eyes-to-see-gods-common-grace ==========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.

Apr 1, 2022 • 37min
Behind the Scenes at The Chosen (with Doug Huffman)
The Chosen TV series is a compelling look at the lives of Christ and his disciples. Talbot's own Dr. Doug Huffman is one of the 3 script consultants to the show. Join Scott and Sean as they talk with Doug about his role on the show and some of the behind the scenes aspects of the show that the general public is not aware of. Dr. Doug Huffman is Division Dean of the Undergraduate Division of Biblical Studies and Theology at Talbot. He is a New Testament specialist and the author of several books on NT Greek. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2022/behind-the-scenes-at-the-chosen ==========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.


