Cultural Update: Armed Teachers; Gen Z's Views on Israel; AI + CRISPR; Listener Questions

This week, Sean and Scott discuss:Tennessee Legislation on Armed Teachers: The controversial decision by Tennessee lawmakers allowing teachers to carry concealed handguns in schools, prompted by a tragic school shooting. Generational Views on Israel: A  poll suggests that nearly half of Gen Z views Israel's actions against Hamas as unjust due to its power, painting it as the oppressor. Innovations in Gene Editing: The integration of generative AI with CRISPR technology, with the potential to revolutionize medical treatments by rapidly developing tailored therapies.Listener Questions: The intersection of faith and public policy, the distinction between gender and sex, and the personal struggle of witnessing to non-believing family members. ==========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. Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video. 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 [email protected].

What is polyamory and why is it bursting on the scene right now? Is there such a thing as Christian polyamory? Will polyamorous relationships work? While relying on Scripture and social science research, Sean and Scott discuss these questions and more. You can also find this discussion on video through the Biola YouTube channel.Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2024/polyamory-a-biblical-response. ==========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. Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video. 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 [email protected].

This week:Exploring Shifts in Religious Identification: Dive into the latest trends in religious affiliations in America. Discover why the religiously unaffiliated are the fastest growing group and how different faith groups are retaining their followers.The Power of AI in Persuasion: Uncover the surprising findings of a new study comparing the persuasiveness of AI to human argumentation. Learn how AI is shaping the way we think and the potential implications for the spread of information and misinformation.Rethinking Gender-Affirming Care: Get insights from a groundbreaking report in England challenging widely accepted practices in gender-affirming care for youth. This segment contrasts approaches in the U.K. and the U.S. and discusses the broader implications for healthcare and society.Listener Question: Human Souls vs. God's ImageListener Question: Ethics of prescribing medications for lifestyles you don't morally agree withRead a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2024/cultural-update-shifts-in-religious-identification-persuasive-ai-rethinking-gender-affirming-care-listener-questions. ==========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. Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video. 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 [email protected].

Who is the Holy Spirit? How does the Holy Spirit work in our lives? What are some common misconceptions about the Holy Spirit and what are some vital truths to know to live in the power of the Spirit? Sean and Scott speak with fellow Biola professor Fred Sanders about these questions and his new book The Holy Spirit: An Introduction.Fred Sanders (PhD, Graduate Theological Union) is a professor of theology at the Torrey Honors College at Biola University. Sanders is the author of multiple books including The Deep Things of God. He blogs regularly at fredfredfred.com.Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2024/encountering-the-holy-spirit.==========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. Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video. 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 [email protected].

Today, Scott and Sean discuss:Solar Eclipses and Intelligent Design: Discussion on how solar eclipses demonstrate intelligent design, including the precise conditions necessary for a habitable planet and the unique positioning that allows for the observation of solar eclipses.Racial Bias in Hiring: Insights from a study where researchers sent 80,000 fake resumes to gauge racial bias among large U.S. companies. The study found a 9.5% higher contact rate for presumed white applicants over black ones, suggesting ongoing racial bias, despite improvements over the past decade.Vatican's Stance on Gender and Surrogacy: Vatican's declaration that gender fluidity, transition surgery, and surrogacy are affronts to human dignity, arguing for the irrevocable nature of sex as a gift from God. This section also touches on the implications for church teachings and societal views on sexuality.30th Anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide: Reflects on the genocide's 30th anniversary, focusing on reconciliation efforts and the personal stories of victims and perpetrators. Listener Questions: Answers to audience questions on topics like determinism vs. libertarian free will, and practical advice for a listener planning to teach young adults how to think biblically about cultural issues.==========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. Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video. 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 [email protected].

Are humans physical machines determined by the laws of chemistry and physics? Has science shown that free will is a myth? Sean and Scott invite Biola professor Greg Ganssle to discuss the recent book Determined by Robert Sapolsky. They discuss the nature of free will, respond to common arguments in favor of determinism, and talk about why this issue matters so much for human flourishing.Greg Ganssle (Ph.D. Syracuse University) is a professor of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University.  Dr. Ganssle has worked in campus ministry at a variety of campuses including Yale University. He is the author of multiple books including Our Deepest Desires and Thinking about God.Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2024/is-free-will-a-myth.==========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. Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video. 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 [email protected].

This week, Sean and guest co-host Rick Langer discuss:Richard Dawkins Identifies as a Cultural Christian: Dawkins expresses shock over Ramadan lights in the UK, highlighting his value for Christian heritage despite his atheism.Debate on "Sex Assigned at Birth": An opinion piece in The New York Times challenging the terminology, emphasizing biological facts over socio-political agendas.Social Costs of De-Churching in America: An article in The Atlantic by an agnostic author explores the negative impacts of declining church attendance, particularly on community and social engagement.Listener Question: Doctoral Program in Engaging Mind and Culture: The podcast mentions Talbot School of Theology's program aimed at fostering thoughtful and winsome cultural engagement.Listener Question: Spiritual Parenthood in the Church: The importance of the church in providing mentorship and support, especially to young individuals without Christian familial backgrounds.==========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. Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video. 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 [email protected].

What is it like to be a pro-life Democrat in a state legislature? How does it work to be pro-life in the African American community? We’ll answer these questions and more with our guest, artist and state representative Treneé McGee. This is a joint podcast with Think Biblically and the Winsome Conviction Project, both from Biola University. Scott represents the Think Biblically podcast and Rick Langer represents the Winsome Conviction podcast.Treneé McGee is an artist and Connecticut state representative who has been serving in office since 2021. Representative McGee is uniquely situated as a pro-life member of the Democratic party. Her faith guides her to a strong conviction to conduct politics with truth, honesty and sincere care for people, and motivates her to preserve life by opposing abortion and seeking ways to support women and mothers experiencing poverty, homelessness, and many other situations that often drive them to abortion.Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2024/defending-life-courageously. ==========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. Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video. 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 [email protected].

This week, Sean McDowell and guest co-host Rick Langer discuss:Political Realignment and Identity Politics: A discussion based on a New York Times opinion piece by David French, exploring the potential shift in political alignment among voters of color towards the Republican party. The conversation delves into the implications of moving from identity-based divisions to idea-based disagreements, emphasizing the health of democracy when debates are centered on ideas rather than identity.Marriage and Well-Being: Analysis of a Gallup poll indicating that married individuals report higher levels of thriving compared to their single or cohabiting counterparts. This segment explores how the societal perception of marriage's happiness has evolved and examines the benefits of marriage for personal well-being, children's outcomes, and societal prosperity.Smartphones and Gen Z's Mental Health: Based on Jonathan Haidt's work, "Generation Anxiety," Sean & Rick discuss the impact of smartphones and social media on the mental health of Gen Z, highlighting a significant increase in anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies among young people.Listener Questions:Good Friday's Significance: Should we call Jesus' crucifixion "good"?Single Women and the Soulmate Model in Churches: Challenges in finding a partner within the church community due to prevailing expectations. Integration of Secular Psychology and Biblical Views: Concerns about the integration of secular psychology theories in Christian counseling.Women Pastors: Should it be a divisive issue among believers?Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2024/cultural-update-political-realignment-marriage-and-well-being-smartphones-and-gen-z-s-mental-health. ==========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. Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video. 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 [email protected].

How can Christians best respond to the reality of evil and suffering? What does it mean to trust God through our pain? Sean and Scott interview Ingrid Faro about her new book Demystifying Evil. She shares some vulnerable and honest stories that can bring hope during suffering.Ingrid Faro (PhD, MDiv) is Affiliate Professor of Old Testament and Coordinator of the MA in Old Testament–Jerusalem University College Program. Ingrid is an author and international speaker on topics including deconstructing evil, navigating suffering, forgiveness, lament, abuse and power dynamics, women in the Bible and ministry, Genesis, and Ecclesiastes. Ingrid is the author of Evil in Genesis, co-author of Honest Answers, and forthcoming with IVP, Demystifying Evil.Read a transcript of this episode at https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2024/demystifying-evil. ==========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. Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video. 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 [email protected].