Cultural Update: Shifts in Religious Identification; Persuasive AI; Rethinking Gender-Affirming Care; Listener Questions

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].

This week, Sean and guest co-host Thaddeus Williams discuss:Kanye West's Controversial Statements on Faith: Kanye West, now known as Ye, expressed disillusionment with Jesus in a recent interview, questioning the efficacy of prayer and Christian support. He controversially declared himself as "the God of me," sparking discussions on the nature of faith, idolatry, and self-sovereignty. Artificial Intelligence and Resurrection: Using artificial intelligence to "resurrect" the dead through digital simulations. This technology, known as ghost bots or death bots, allows for virtual interactions with deceased loved ones, raising questions about healthy grieving processes and the theological implications of seeking reunion beyond death.The University of Florida's Departure from DEI Initiatives: The University of Florida announced the closure of its Office of the Chief Diversity Officer and the elimination of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) focused positions, sparking a conversation on the effectiveness and intentions behind DEI programs. Sean & Thaddeus explore the biblical perspective on diversity and unity, questioning whether current DEI initiatives align with Christian values and what a biblical approach to diversity might look like.Listener Question: Family planning with a non-Christian spouse.Listener Question: Bearing God's image and how perpetuated evil impacts one's humanity. Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2024/cultural-update-kanye-s-god-of-me-ai-resurrections-florida-s-dei-departures.==========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 does a Christian view of mental health compare and contrast with a secular perspective? Are we in a mental health crisis today? And how do we best love our family and friends who are suffering from mental illness. In this video and podcast, Sean and Scott talk with Rosemead Professor Chris Adams about these questions and more. Dr. Adams shares about the new Flourishing in Ministry resource that helps pastors and churches address mental health. See www.flourishinginministry.org. Rev. Chris Adams, PhD, is a third-generation pastor's kid, ordained minister, clinical psychologist, and certified wellbeing and leadership coach. He has served in pastoral care and counseling roles in a large congregation and a large Christian university. He specializes in the wellbeing of ministerial students, clergy, and their families. Chris currently serves as Professor, Chaplain, and Executive Director of the Mental Health and the Church initiative at Rosemead Graduate School of Psychology, Biola University. Chris teaches pastoral care and counseling, Christian leadership formation, and psychology and Christianity integration courses for Rosemead and several seminaries. Chris is a consultant to numerous denominations and seminaries in the areas of clergy candidate formative evaluation, clergy health and flourishing, and pastoral leadership formation. He is the lead researcher for the Flourishing in Ministry project, and is currently participating as a consultant and researcher with the Duke Clergy Health Initiative. Chris is a frequent lecturer at seminaries, retreats, and conferences. He was awarded the Archibald D. Hart Counseling Pioneer Award for excellence in Research and Scholarship in Training and Educating the Next Generation of Leaders in Mental Health and Caring for Others in 2023.Download a guide to the Flourishing in Ministry Wellbeing Model.Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2024/a-biblical-view-of-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].