

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

Apr 9, 2021 • 26min
Unhindered Abundance (with Ken Baugh)
What does it mean to truly live the abundant life that Jesus described? And why are so many Christians not experiencing it? Ken Baugh is a longtime pastor and writer who offers a roadmap for spiritual growth in this interview and in his latest book: Unhindered Abundance. The book is rooted in Scripture, but also brings in recent scientific findings about the body, the brain, and relationships.Ken Baugh is the founder & CEO of IDT Ministries. He served as a local church pastor for 25 years and in 2014, after a devastating experience as a senior Pastor, started the Institute for Discipleship Training (IDT Ministries) to be a resource for Christ-formation and to gather a community of believers who desire to journey together in discipleship to Jesus. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/unhindered-abundance ==========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 7, 2021 • 47min
Taking the Vaccine: Right or Wrong?
Is it wrong for pro-lifers to get the vaccine when it was developed through cell lines that come from aborted fetuses? Are Christians obligated to get the vaccine out of love for their neighbor? Scott and Sean discuss these questions, and many more, related to the ethics behind the COVID-19 vaccine. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/taking-the-vaccine ==========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.

Mar 26, 2021 • 31min
Birth Control, Infertility, Reproductive Technology and Adoption (with Wayne Grudem)
Join Scott and Sean as they interview well known theologian Dr. Wayne Grudem about his new book on ethical issues at the beginning of life. It moves fast since we cover a lot of ground, but Dr. Grudem does it with clarity and compassion both. Dr. Wayne Grudem is Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary. He is the author of numerous books and articles in theology and one of the most respected theologians on the scene today. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/birth-control-infertility ==========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.

Mar 21, 2021 • 38min
Christian Nationalism
With the election of 2020 and the events surrounding the Capitol on January 6, 2021, the phenomena of Christian nationalism became front page news. While different than loving one’s country, Christian nationalism, described by one observer as "wrapping the cross in the flag" is challenging to define and holds some theological assumptions that merit close scrutiny. Join Scott and Sean as they discuss this unique fusion of Christian faith and country and they answer the questions around the American founding as a Christian nation. While upholding love of one’s country, they also point out some of the dangers of Christian nationalism to the church. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/christian-nationalism ==========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.

Mar 11, 2021 • 33min
Playing with Fire (with Billy Hallowell)
What would a modern investigation into demons, exorcisms, and ghosts reveal? What is the evidence they exist? In this interview, Sean and Scott talk with journalist Billy Hallowell about his latest book Playing with Fire. They discuss some recent research and public stories that provide compelling evidence for the existence of the supernatural. And then they offer some insights and practical advice for believing Christians today. Billy Hallowell has worked in journalism and media for more than two decades. His writings, interviews, and social commentary have appeared in the Washington Post, Deseret News and FoxNews.com. He is currently the director of communications and content at Pure Flix. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/playing-with-fire ==========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.

4 snips
Mar 5, 2021 • 39min
Critical Race Theory in the Culture and the Church (with David French)
Critical Race Theory (CRT) has recently moved from academic circles to popular culture and has been the subject of both praise and critique. In this episode, journalist and former religious freedom lawyer David French discusses the merits and shortcomings of CRT. Join Scott for this informative conversation that took place during his 2020 visit to Biola's campus. David French is a Senior Editor at The Dispatch, which launched in 2019. French is also a columnist for Time magazine, and previously spent four years as a writer at the National Review. He was previously a religious freedom attorney before becoming a journalist. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/critical-race-theory-culture-and-church ==========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.

Feb 26, 2021 • 36min
Can We Still Believe in God? (with Craig Blomberg)
How can Christians respond to some of the toughest questions today related to evil, hell, unanswered prayer, the unevangelized and more? In this interview, Sean and Scott talk with New Testament scholar Craig Blomberg about his latest book Can We Still Believe in God? Dr. Blomberg uniquely addresses these questions from within his training as a New Testament scholar, and thus offers some fresh insights. Dr. Craig Blomberg is a distinguished professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary. He has written or edited numerous books including Can We Still Believe in the Bible? And The Historical Reliability of the New Testament. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/can-we-still-believe-in-god ==========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.

Feb 23, 2021 • 35min
When Christian Leaders Fail
The report revealing the sexual misconduct of apologist and evangelist Ravi Zacharias is heart-breaking. In this episode, Sean and Scott reflect on lessons we can learn from this scandal and what it might mean for ministries moving forward. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/when-christian-leaders-fail ==========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.

Feb 16, 2021 • 30min
Compassion and Conviction in Public Life and Politics (with Justin Giboney)
In our divided political and cultural landscape, the combination of conviction and compassion is more necessary than ever. Join Scott and Sean as they interview author and founder of the AND Campaign, Justin Giboney about his new book Compassion and Conviction: The AND Campaign’s Guide to Faithful Civic Engagement. Justin Giboney is the founder of the AND Campaign, whose goals are to foster responsible Christian engagement in politics and public life. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/compassion-conviction-public-life-politics ==========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.

Feb 5, 2021 • 29min
Weep With Me - Lament and Racial Reconciliation (with Mark Vroegop)
In this engaging conversation, Pastor Mark Vroegop discusses the importance of lament in racial reconciliation, highlighting the need for empathy and understanding. He shares personal experiences and explores the concept of lament in Scripture and tradition, emphasizing its role in addressing racial tensions. The chapter also showcases a powerful moment of reconciliation in the church, highlighting the transformative nature of forgiveness and action.


