Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture - Talbot School of Theology at Biola University / Sean McDowell & Scott Rae

Latest Episodes:

Where Prayer Becomes Real (with Kyle Strobel) Jun 01, 2021

Show notes

Prayer is often a hard subject to talk about, and one reason for that is the guilt that it induces as people inevitably face up to the challenges and failures in their life of prayer. Talbot spiritual formation professors Kyle Strobel and John Coe, take a new look at prayer, offering helpful realism and insightful practices to make prayer more real and vibrant. Join Scott and Sean as they interview Dr. Strobel about this new book.
Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/prayer-becomes-real

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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.

Critical/Cynical Theories (with Helen Pluckrose) May 20, 2021

Show notes

Since the summer of 2020, Critical Race Theory, and Critical Theory in general, have come out from the academic world and moved into popular culture. Helen Pluckrose, a self-described "exile from the humanities" and James Lindsay, have co-authored a detailed assessment of these Critical Theories. Join Scott and Sean as they interview Helen and she makes a complex subject accessible for those unfamiliar with the topic.
Helen Pluckrose is Editor in Chief of Areo Magazine, devoted to free speech, reason and the western tradition of human rights.
Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/critical-cynical-theories

Cultural Intelligence (with Darrell Bock) May 13, 2021

Show notes

The people of God are called to engage with the issues of the culture, which can involve at times, some difficult and challenging conversations. How to insure that the church's cultural engagement remains a positive contribution instead of furthering division is the subject of well-known scholar Darrell Bock's new book, Cultural Intelligence. Join Sean and Scott for this helpful guidance on engaging culture productively.
Dr. Darrell Bock is Executive Director of Cultural Engagement at the Hendricks Center for Leadership and Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, both at Dallas Theological Seminary. He is the author of more than 40 books and is widely sought out by various media outlets for his expertise.
Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/cultural-intelligence

Another Gospel? (with Alisa Childers) Apr 30, 2021

Show notes

What is "progressive Christianity" and why is it so important to understand today? In this interview, we talk with Alisa Childers about her latest book Another Gospel? A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity. As Childers explains, progressive Christianity is a popular movement that holds a different view of the gospel, biblical authority, and a range of important Christian doctrines that thoughtful Christians must recognize with discernment.
Alisa Childers is a wife, mom, an author, blogger, a speaker, and a worship leader. She was a member of the award-winning CCM recording group ZOEgirl. You can connect with Alisa online at alisachilders.com.
Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/another-gospel

Transgender Sports Policy (with Gabe Higerd) Apr 23, 2021

Show notes

The intersection of the transgender movement and sport is at the forefront of sport policy discussions. Dr. Higerd recently finished his doctoral dissertation examining the effects that transgender sports policies would have on girl's track and field. In this episode, Sean and Scott discuss with Dr. Higerd why biology matters for sports competition and how deeply transgender athletes would dominate girl's sports.
Dr. Gabriel Higerd is a transgender sport policy researcher who completed a doctoral dissertation: "Assessing the potential transgender impact on girl champions in American high school track and field" at the United States Sports Academy. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist, father of six, and was an adjunct professor of Exercise Science at Azusa Pacific University, and an Army Officer.
Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/transgender-sports-policy

Embodied: Transgender Identities and the Church (with Preston Sprinkle) Apr 19, 2021

Show notes

Is there a difference between sex and gender? What does it mean to be transgender? And what about intersex? In this interview, Sean and Scott talk with Dr. Preston Sprinkle about these important questions and more. They discuss his latest book Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say. The interview focuses on understanding the transgender phenomenon scientifically and biblically so Christians can love transgender people well.
Dr. Preston Sprinkle is a professor, speaker, and a New York Times bestselling author. He earned a Ph.D. in New Testament from Aberdeen University in Scotland (2007), and he currently is the director for the Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender. He hosts the popular podcast “Theology in the Raw” and is the author of the recent book Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say.
Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/embodied-transgender-identities-and-the-church

[Bonus] The Equality Act (with Caleb Kaltenbach) Apr 12, 2021

Show notes

Many consider the Equality Act the most serious threat to religious liberty in our lifetime. What is it? And how should Christians respond? Sean interviews author Caleb Kaltenbach, who has researched the issue extensively, to understand it better and to discuss how Christians can best respond. Caleb consults with Christian organizations in regard to religious liberty, so he has some practical suggestions too. This BONUS episode was first recorded on Sean's YouTube channel, which is in partnership with the Talbot Apologetics program.

Caleb's document, "How Religious Organizations Can Understand the Equality Act and Discern Next Steps," is available here: https://www.messygracegroup.org/equality-act-document.
Caleb Kaltenbach is a pastor and founder of The Messy Grace Group where he helps churches love and foster community with LGBTQ individuals without sacrificing theological convictions. He's currently writing Messy Truth and has also authored God of Tomorrow and Messy Grace (where he discusses being raised in the LGBTQ community, following Jesus, and how loving others doesn’t require shifting beliefs). He has been featured in The New York Times, Fox & Friends, and more. He graduated from Talbot School of Theology.
Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/bonus-equality-act

Unhindered Abundance (with Ken Baugh) Apr 09, 2021

Show notes

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

Taking the Vaccine: Right or Wrong? Apr 07, 2021

Show notes

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

Birth Control, Infertility, Reproductive Technology and Adoption (with Wayne Grudem) Mar 25, 2021

Show notes

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