Best Talbot School Of Theology At Biola University Sean Mcdowell Podcasts (2025)

1
[BONUS] Debating Miracles (with Paul Rinzler) 1:20:13

2h ago1:20:13

1:20:13

In this bonus episode, Sean discusses the possibility of miracles with atheist professor Paul Rinzler. This conversation was part of the Veritas Forum at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the spring of 2025. McDowell and Rinzler discuss the evidence for miracles and whether or not it is reasonable to believe in the supernatural today. If you want to watc…

1
Family Unfriendly (with Tim Carney) 31:40

3d ago31:40

31:40

Parents are spending more time with their kids than in the past, and yet kids are less happy and less healthy. Given that the population of children is shrinking at an alarming rate, we need to figure out what is going on. Could it be that our culture is making raising kids harder than it needs to be? That is the suggestion of our guest today, Tim …

1
Engaging Controversial Issues Without Getting Too Emotional (with Tim Pickavance) 37:30

10d ago37:30

37:30

How do we engage our friends, family and others around controversial issues, particularly those in science? Why do these controversial issues trigger emotional responses and how do we manage our emotions in these discussions? We’ll discuss these questions and more with our guest, Talbot colleague in philosophy, Dr. Tim Pickavance around some new re…

1
Cultural Update: Why Don't We Feel We're Thriving?; The End of Rainbow Capitalism; Democratic Socialism 57:21

15d ago57:21

57:21

This week, Scott is joined by Talbot professor Thaddeus Williams to discuss: Why Don’t We Feel We're Thriving? — Despite living in the most prosperous era of human history, many Americans feel anxious and discontent. The End of Rainbow Capitalism? — Major corporations are backing away from Pride Month sponsorships. The discussion unpacks “rainbow c…

1
Understanding Critical Theory (with Carl Trueman) 24:53

17d ago24:53

24:53

What is critical theory and why is it so vital for Christians to understand today? What are its historical roots and where do we see it manifest today? Carl Trueman is one of the leading Christian social critics today and he has a new book To Change All Worlds. Sean and Scott talk with him about the motivation behind the book, why it is so timely f…

1
Cultural Update: Regretting Smartphones; Can Moms Have It All?; Assisted Suicide and the Slippery Slope 1:01:05

22d ago1:01:05

1:01:05

This week, Scott is joined by Erik Thoennes, Professor of Theology at Talbot School of Theology. Smartphone Regret Among Parents: A new survey reveals most parents regret giving their kids smartphones and social media too early—many now see platforms like TikTok and Snapchat as more harmful than alcohol or even guns. Assisted Suicide and the Slippe…

1
Medicine’s Wrong Turn? (with Brent Waters) 29:19

24d ago29:19

29:19

Despite medicine’s remarkable advances, has it actually taken a wrong turn and lost something pretty important? What is the dominant worldview of medicine and health care today and how has that affected both patients and health care providers? What are the virtues that should govern health care to get it back on track? We’ll answer these questions …

1
Cultural Update: Selecting embryos; AI romantic chatbots; Is sunlight and fresh air a human right? 56:35

29d ago56:35

56:35

This week, Scott and guest host Carmen Imes discuss: Can AI romantic chatbots become dangerously addictive? Exploring the emotional and ethical consequences of these pseudo-relationships. What do couples do with leftover embryos after IVF? A Psychology Today article opens a discussion on grief, responsibility, and the image of God. New genetic scre…

1
Work and the Meaning of Life (with David Bahnsen) 35:39

1M ago35:39

35:39

How is work connected to one’s purpose and meaning in life? What can churches do to foster a biblical view of work? How do certain lower paying jobs contribute to a person’s sense of purpose? We’ll answer these and more with our guest David Bahnsen around his new book Full Time: Work and the Meaning of Life. David Bahnsen is the Managing Partner an…

1
Cultural Update: Is Therapy Causing Childlessness?; Gene Editing Moratorium; Charismatic Christianity's Growth 1:03:50

1M ago1:03:50

1:03:50

This week: Therapy Culture & Childlessness – Sean and Scott discuss a New York Times article suggesting that the rise in childlessness among Millennials and Gen Z may be linked to therapeutic culture and a fear of repeating parental mistakes. Charismatic Christianity's Growth – A look at why charismatic and Pentecostal Christianity is the fastest-g…

1
AI: Prospects and Perils (with Yohan Lee) 40:46

1M ago40:46

40:46

How should we think biblically about AI? What are some of the exciting prospects for AI in the future? What should make us nervous about some of the uses of AI that are growing rapidly? We'll discuss these questions and more with our guest, Dr. Yohan Lee, Associate Dean of Technology here at Biola. Dr. Yohan Lee holds the Promod and Dorcas Haque En…

1
Answering Your Questions! 46:57

1M ago46:57

46:57

We got so many great questions from our listeners and we only have time for 2-3 in the Weekly Cultural Update. We have quite a backlog so we're devoting this episode entirely to your insightful questions. We'll cover things like How do we disciple our children? Was there animal violence before the Fall? What if education reform leaves behind kids t…

1
The State of the Persecuted Church Today (with Brian Orme) 30:17

2M ago30:17

30:17

What parts of the world are the most challenging for believers today? How has the relative comfort of American Christianity impacted spiritual growth, compared to communities experiencing persecution? What habits could American Christian adopt to more regularly remember and support our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world? We'll answer …

1
Cultural Update: Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery; Colorado Gender Laws; A Braindead Pregnant Woman Kept on Life Support; Personalized Gene-Editing 59:50

2M ago59:50

59:50

New federal law targets the removal of deepfakes and non-consensual intimate imagery online. Colorado law sparks controversy over parental rights and biblical views on sex and gender. Georgia hospital keeps a brain-dead woman on life support due to state laws. The world's first gene-editing treatment used to heal a one-week-old baby. ========== Thi…

1
Thinking Biblically about Exercise (with David Mathis) 35:25

2M ago35:25

35:25

Why would a pastor write a theological book on exercise? Would Jesus exercise if he were here bodily today? What does the Bible say about exercise and physical activity? And are Christians sinning if they don't exercise? These are a few of the questions Sean and Scott explore with pastor David Mathis, author of the new book A Little Theology of Exe…

1
Cultural Update: Are Young Men Lost?; Physician's Critique of Assisted Suicide; Pornhub's Secrets 59:38

2M ago59:38

59:38

This week: Are Young Men Lost or Returning to Faith? A deep dive into seemingly contradictory studies on young men: while many are falling behind in education and mental health, others are returning to church and discovering faith through the Bible, not institutional religion. The Role of Fathers and Masculinity Sean and Scott discuss how the absen…

1
Is Empathy a Sin? (with Tim Muehlhoff) 59:09

2M ago59:09

59:09

Is empathy being weaponized by Progressives to manipulate Christians into adopting certain ethical and political views? Is empathy a virtue, or merely an emotion that is sometimes a valuable and important means of loving people? There have been a myriad of Christians books and podcasts on this topic, and so Sean has invited Biola communications pro…

1
Cultural Update: New Pope, Supreme Court Hears Case on Religious Charter Schools, New Successful Argument Against Transgenderism 1:01:17

2M ago1:01:17

1:01:17

This Week's Topics: A New Pope has been chosen by the Catholic Church The Supreme Court hears a case about government funding for a Catholic charter school in Oklahoma a new successful argument against transgenderism that Christians need to be aware of A wild conversation about race on the Piers Morgan Show offers important lessons for Christians t…

1
Thinking Biblically About Disability (with Chris Ralston) 36:26

2M ago36:26

36:26

Why does God allow disabilities? What is the point of someone's disability? What is disability theology, and what are the implications of this for the church? In what sense will disabilities be healed when we meet the Lord? We’ll answer these questions and more with our guest, Dr Chris Ralston. Guest Bio: D. Christopher Ralston (PhD Rice University…

1
Cultural Update: The Abortion Pill Harms Women; Dads Are Spending More Time With Their Kids 58:33

2M ago58:33

58:33

This week's topics: Abortion Pill Study: A massive study reveals serious health risks linked to the abortion pill mifepristone, with adverse events 22 times higher than FDA estimates—raising ethical and philosophical concerns about privacy, safety, and the personhood of the unborn. Fathers Post-COVID: New research shows American dads are spending m…

1
Cohabitation: Is it Biblical and Wise? 38:01

2M ago38:01

38:01

What does the Bible say, if anything, about living together before marriage? Given that 70% of Americans now cohabit before marriage, and roughly 2/3 believe it will improve the odds of relationship success, what does the data show about how effective it is? While this is a huge topic in the church and culture today, surprisingly, few people are di…

1
Cultural Update: Was Jesus crucified with nails?; Young men return to church; Are Megachurches Ethical? 1:00:07

3M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

Topics this week: Controversy after Christianity Today published an article questioning whether Jesus was crucified with nails. The Supreme Court is debating whether parents can opt their kids out of LGBTQ-themed books in elementary schools. The New York Times and USA Today published articles discussing the return to church, particularly among youn…

1
The State of the Bible in 2025 44:18

3M ago44:18

44:18

How many Americans are engaging the Bible today? And in what ways? How does Bible reading affect giving to charity, life flourishing, and experience with loneliness? Sean and Scott discuss these questions, and more, by analyzing the latest report from the American Bible Society. While some of the findings are expected, quite a few are eye-opening a…

1
Weekly Cultural Update: Rise of Christian Faith in Women's Basketball, UK Supreme Court Rules on Gender, France Passes a New Law Regarding Sperm Donation, Richard Dawkins Asks, "Who is a Christian?" 1:00:14

3M ago1:00:14

1:00:14

Topics this week: Women's Basketball Player Embraces Her Faith The UK Supreme Court Rules on Gender France's Law on Anonymous Sperm and Egg Donation Richard Dawkins' Blog Post on Christianity Listener Questions: Further questions concerning the life of MLK jr. How should someone approach talking with parents in the midst of deconstruction? Is there…

1
The Unseen Realm: Analysis of the 10-year expanded edition 1:07:49

3M ago1:07:49

1:07:49

Michael Heiser is one of the most influential Old Testament scholars over the past decade. In this video, Sean is joined by Talbot Old Testament professor Charlie Trimm to discuss Heiser’s best-selling book “The Unseen Realm.” They discuss these questions and more: Why has Heiser been so influential? Are his ideas orthodox? Should Christians read h…

1
Cultural Update: The Ethics of Dire Wolves; What to Make of Miracles; Are Embryos Property? 59:52

3M ago59:52

59:52

Topics this week: An Atlantic article on Elaine Pagels' new book, "Miracles and Wonder." Is she downplaying the supernatural? This episode dives into her controversial take on New Testament miracles. Florida teacher fired for using a student's preferred name without parental consent. Where do parental rights collide with student support? Scientists…

1
Apologetics for a New Generation 48:43

3M ago48:43

48:43

What should apologetics look like for this generation? What does it mean that apologetics is for everyone, not just specialists? How is the gospel good news, especially for women? We’ll discuss these questions and more with Sean around his new book Apologetics for an Ever-Changing Culture. ========== Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Cul…

1
Cultural Update: Polygany Reduces Birthrates, Relatives Can Be "Brought Back to Life" Through AI Chatbots, and New Tech Allows for More Control Over Embryo Selection 1:02:46

3M ago1:02:46

1:02:46

This week's topics: Polygany Found to Cause Lower Birthrates than Monogamy AI Chatbots can Allow People to Talk with Deceased Relatives New Tech allows for more Control Over Embryo Selection. Listener Questions: A Listener shares their experience working in secular spaces and using preferred pronouns. Should christians identify as gay? Are near dea…

1
Intelligent Design: Dying or Flourishing? (with Doug Axe) 43:21

3M ago43:21

43:21

What is the state of the intelligent design movement today? How is it faring in the scientific realm, the church, and in the public? How has the strategy of the ID movement shifted, and what has it learned over the past 20 years? Our guest today is Biola University Biology professor Doug Axe. Douglas Axe is the Maxwell Professor of Molecular Biolog…

1
Cultural Update: Ethics of Embryo Research; Christianity in Silicon Valley; Vigilante Justice 1:00:10

4M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

This week's topics: The Ethics of Embryo Research: The abortion debate is shifting toward the status and treatment of embryos—especially in light of new scientific experimentation pushing past the 14-day research limit. Science vs. Philosophy: Scott and Sean discuss the crucial distinction between biological life and personhood—and why science can’…

1
The Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. 49:38

4M ago49:38

49:38

What is the enduring legacy of MLK?, why has the culture neglected the theological basis for his civil rights work?, what assumptions to white and black people have about each other that are inaccurate or unhelpful? We'll discuss these questions and more in a joint podcast with the Biola Winsome Convictions Podcast and my co-host Tim Muehlhoff. Our…

1
Cultural Update: Why is Dating Dying in Younger Generations? Porn is Becoming More Popular than Real Relationships, The App Store Enables New Age Restrictions on Downloading Certain Apps, An Australian ... 59:07

4M ago59:07

59:07

Decline of Romantic Relationships Among Young People – Dating among high school and college students is decreasing due to emotional intimacy fears, digital distractions, and safety concerns, highlighting the theological importance of relationships. Rise of Pornography Over Real Relationships – Many young men now prefer pornography over romantic rel…

1
Can Christians Identify as Gay? (with Preston Sprinkle) 59:11

4M ago59:11

59:11

Should Christians identify as gay? Is this a secondary issue that should not divide Christians, or is more at stake? Sean and Preston Sprinkle continue the dialogue from last week and focus on the question of whether homosexuality can be one part of Christian identity. Preston Sprinkle is Biblical scholar, speaker, and the head of the Center for Fa…

1
Cultural Update: Sociogenomics; New Study on Gender Affirming Surgery; Future of Faith in America 56:09

4M ago56:09

56:09

This week, Sean and Scott discuss: New Study on Gender Affirming Surgery – A major peer-reviewed study finds increased psychological distress post-surgery, sparking discussion on long-term mental health effects and the importance of pre-surgical mental health assessments. The Future of Faith in America – Pew data suggests the rise of the “nones” (r…

1
Christians and Preferred Pronouns: Is it Biblical? (with Preston Sprinkle) 1:07:13

4M ago1:07:13

1:07:13

Should Christians use preferred pronouns? Is it wise and biblically permissible, or not? While Sean has had this discussion before on the Think Biblically podcast, this episode features a conversation with Preston Sprinkle, and they go even deeper. They also discuss how the LGBTQ conversation has shifted in the church over the past decade. Preston …

1
Cultural Update: Maine Continues to Fight Over Transgender Athletes, Delaware Considering a Bill to Recognize First Cousin Marriage, Is America Becoming a Theocracy? A Bill That Challenges Religious Liberty ... 59:47

4M ago59:47

59:47

Maine Continues to Fight over Transgender Athletes A Bill to Recognise First Cousin Marriage Is America Becoming a Theocracy? A Bill in Washington Challenges Religous Liberty ========== 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…

1
The State of Near-Death Experiences 32:56

4M ago32:56

32:56

How strong is the evidence for near-death experiences? How has the field of study changed over the past 50 years since doctors, academics, and other experts began studying them? And what do they reveal about the soul or the afterlife? In this episode, Sean and Scott talk with Dr. Steve Miller, a near-death experience researcher and author, about th…

1
Cultural Update: Humanoid Robots Enter the Workforce, Medically Assisted Suicide Can Be Scheduled, Christianity's Growth in America, and Planned Parenthood Allegations 59:06

4M ago59:06

59:06

Humanoid Robots in the Workforce. AI-powered robots are becoming more common for tasks like stacking and sorting, though their abilities remain limited. Medically Assisted Suicide and Alzheimer's: Quebec now allows terminally ill patients to choose assisted death years in advance, sparking ethical debates. Christianity’s Resilience in America: New …

1
Fallout of the Trans Revolution (with Katie McCoy) 37:22

5M ago37:22

37:22

What are the sociological effects for women from trans ideology? How do we think biblically given our confused cultural moment about sex, gender, and identity? And what does all this mean for those who want to reach and disciple Gen Z? Sean and Scott address these questions and more with Katie McCoy, author of To Be a Woman. Katie McCoy holds a PhD…

1
Cultural Update: Limits of Online Free Speech; TikToking Democracy to Death 1:00:34

5M ago1:00:34

1:00:34

In this episode, Scott Rae and guest co-host Dr. Tim Pickavance tackle key cultural issues through a biblical lens: Are Traditional Wedding Vows Disappearing? A discussion on the enduring significance of wedding vows and their role in shaping lasting marriages. Free Speech in the Digital Age – How platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Meta are ha…

1
Understanding Messianic Movements Today (with Mitch Glaser) 32:31

5M ago32:31

32:31

What is the state of Christian efforts to reach out to their Jewish friends and neighbors? What are the biggest barriers Jews have to considering the claims of Christ? And how can Christians lovingly engage their Jewish friends with the gospel? In this episode, Sean and Scott talk with Mitch Glaser, from Chosen People Ministries, to discuss these q…

1
Cultural Update: Can AI Feel Pain?; Should AI Make End-of-Life Decisions? 1:01:23

5M ago1:01:23

1:01:23

This week, Scott and Sean discuss: Can AI feel pain? Scientists experiment with AI models simulating pain and pleasure to test for sentience—but are we just anthropomorphizing algorithms? AI relationships on the rise? One in four young adults believe AI could replace real-life romance, raising serious concerns about loneliness and human connection.…

1
Transgenderism and Neuroscience (with Steven Willing) 29:40

5M ago29:40

29:40

What is the contribution of the neurosciences to our understanding of gender? How does the study of the brain help us understand transgenderism? How, if at all, are male and female brains different? And would it be possible to have a male brain in a female body? We’ll answer these questions and more with our guest, Dr. Stephen Willing. You can view…

1
Cultural Update: Teen Dating Trends, AI Generated News Articles,The Super Bowl's New Message, A Mountains in New Zealand is Granted Personhood, Listener Questions 59:37

5M ago59:37

59:37

This Week, Scott and Sean Discuss: Dating is Dropping among Teenagers AI Generated News Articles have been Published The Super Bowl Removes "End Racism" Slogan A New Zealand Mountain is Granted Personhood Listener Question: If God allows something, does that mean He causes it? Listener Question: How should we think about animal violence? Listener Q…

1
The State of Religious Freedom in the US (with Frank Beckwith) 35:00

5M ago35:00

35:00

What is the state of religious freedom in the US? What about those who claim that religious freedom is sometime seen as code for bigotry and discrimination, inconsistent with some trends toward justice? What are the main challenges to religious freedom in the West today? We’ll answer these questions and more with our guest and good friend, Baylor U…

1
Cultural Update: Decline of DEI, School Choice, 80th Anniversary of Auschwitz Liberation 1:02:43

5M ago1:02:43

1:02:43

Topics of discussion this week: 80th Anniversary of Auschwitz’s Liberation – Reflecting on the horrors of the Holocaust, the importance of remembering history, and the moral lessons Auschwitz teaches us today. School Choice on the Rise – 2025 may be the tipping point for school choice in the U.S., as more states adopt policies that expand education…

1
When Your Calling Leads to Burnout (with Arianna Molloy) 34:39

5M ago34:39

34:39

What does it mean to have a healthy calling? Why are people who view their work as a calling more vulnerable to burnout? How do you know when your work has given way to idolatry? We’ll discuss these questions and much more with our Biola communications colleague, Dr. Ariana Molloy, around her new book, Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustain…

1
Cultural Update: Religion at the Inauguration; Liberal Atheist Grappling with the Sanctity of Life 58:45

6M ago58:45

58:45

Scott is joined by Erik Thoennes to discuss: Religious Elements in Presidential Inaugurations: A discussion on the profound religious traditions embedded in the U.S. presidential inauguration, highlighting the inclusion of clergy, prayers, and hymns, and their connection to America's cultural and historical fabric. Christian Players in the National…

1
Christians in the TV & Film Industry (with Tom Halleen) 59:11

6M ago59:11

59:11

How can Christians think biblically about TV and movies? What kinds of entertainment should Christians consume? And can Christians survive and thrive in Hollywood today? These are the kinds of questions Sean and Scott ask their special guest, Biola professor and dean Tom Halleen, who has worked as an executive in Hollywood for over three decades. T…

1
Cultural Update: Making sense of the fires; Anti-Semitic views on the rise; Pharmacists prescribing abortion pills 1:00:05

6M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

This week, Scott & Sean discuss: Biblical Perspective on Southern California Fires Exploring the theological implications of natural disasters, addressing questions about God's sovereignty and goodness amidst tragedy. Rising Global Anti-Semitism Report showing an alarming increase in anti-Semitic sentiments worldwide, especially among younger gener…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Talbot School Of Theology At Biola University Sean Mcdowell Podcasts

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