Cultural Update: The Loneliness Epidemic; Tesla’s Robot Army; Why Orthodoxy is Surging in the U.S.

Loneliness & Misinformation: Sean and Rick unpack new research linking rising loneliness, especially among young adults, to increased susceptibility to conspiracy theories and online misinformation, emphasizing the need for real community and diverse conversation partners.Tesla’s ‘Robot Army’: They discuss Elon Musk’s ambitious plan to deploy one million humanoid robots, raising concerns about work, human purpose, and the worldview assumptions behind a future where “work becomes optional.”How Movies Get Rated: The hosts explore newly revealed insights from the film ratings board, explaining shifting standards around nudity, marijuana, violence, and how Christians can think more deeply about film beyond simple PG-13/R labels.Orthodox Christianity’s Surprising Growth: A major feature covers why young men are increasingly drawn to Eastern Orthodoxy for its beauty, tradition, masculinity, and supernaturalism, and how this trend fits into broader signs of spiritual renewal in the U.S.Listener Questions: Unpacking the millennial reign of Christ.Helping someone who is struggling with pedophilia.Understanding the theological significance of rainbows in today's culture.==========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 are the main tenets of the sexual revolution and who are some of the main victims? How do the debates over gender connect to the overall sexual revolution? Who are some of the main victims of the sexual revolution? What is the view of the body in gender ideology and how is that different from a Christian view of the body? We’ll answer these questions and more with our guest, Dr. Jennifer Morse, founder and president of the Ruth Institute. Dr. Morse is the President and founder of The Ruth Institute, an interfaith international coalition to defend the family and build a Civilization of Love. Dr. Morse was a campaign spokeswoman for California’s winning Proposition 8 campaign, defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman. She has authored or co-authored six books and spoken around the globe. Her work has been translated into Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Polish and Chuukese, the native language of the Micronesian Islands. ==========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].

Abortion access after Dobbs: Sean and Scott unpack a New York Times editorial on how telehealth and the abortion pill have reshaped the landscape, debate concerns about safety and framing, and address misleading claims around emergency care. Rising antisemitism: The hosts analyze the resurgence of antisemitism across the political spectrum—including Tucker Carlson platforming Nick Fuentes—and distinguish conversation about Israel from violent antisemitic rhetoric. Human–animal organ transplants: A look at emerging clinical trials using genetically modified pig organs, including ethical concerns, personal reflections from Scott, and discussion of stewardship, safety, and the future of transplant medicine. Listener questions:Thinking biblically about economics. Healing from distorted theology. Rising popularity of faith-based films.==========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 we unlock our talent, treasure, and time for the kingdom? Ruslan KD is a highly successful YouTuber, entrepreneur, and rapper. He has a new book out called "Godly Ambition." He and Sean discuss his journey to faith and how to develop a platform for Christ without falling into many dangerous traps of our social media age. Ruslan KD, a hip-hop artist, content creator, and entrepreneur of Armenian descent, was a refugee from Azerbaijan when he moved to the United States as a child. He started a YouTube channel around 2015 that has grown into a popular platform for discussions on faith, lifestyle, and music. Known for his insights on Christ-centered living, culture, and personal development, he is also a speaker, author, and advocate for godly ambition. ==========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].

NYC’s New Mayor: Sean and Scott discuss the election of progressive Muslim democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s next mayor—exploring socialism’s renewed appeal, the moral framework behind market economies, and biblical principles of work, property, and caring for the poorSurrogacy in Crisis: Troubling trends in the surrogacy industry—lack of oversight, exploitation of low-income women, legal gray areas, and moral implications of turning children and motherhood into commoditiesAI Erotica Launch: Sean and Scott react to ChatGPT’s announced “erotica” feature, warning that it normalizes digital pornography and creates the illusion of emotional connection while eroding real-world relationshipsListener Questions:Coping with chronic pain and finding God’s presence through suffering.Clarifying democratic socialism vs. authoritarian socialism.How Sean and Scott read and evaluate books differently depending on purpose and genre.==========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].

Tim Tebow is known for being a Heismann Trophy winner and an NFL quarterback. But he also spearheads one of the most influential anti-trafficking organizations today. He has a new book out, Look Again, in which he talks about the importance of understanding human value and caring for the vulnerable amongst us. Sean and Tim have a fun, intense, and impactful conversation. ==========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].

Relational Discontent: Sean and Rick discuss a New York Times piece on growing unhappiness in modern relationships, exploring how dating apps and individualism have replaced duty and community with self-focused fulfillment. They contrast fleeting “happiness” with the deeper pursuit of meaning.Gambling and Sports: They unpack the NBA betting scandal and the rise of legalized gambling in America, warning how it’s reshaping sports culture, eroding integrity, and fostering addiction. The conversation highlights the moral and pastoral need to address gambling in the church.Bill Gates and Climate Change: The hosts examine Bill Gates’ surprising shift away from climate alarmism, noting his call for pragmatic solutions that help the developing world. They discuss how doomsday rhetoric has replaced thoughtful stewardship and how Christians can respond with wisdom and balance.Listener Questions:On Israel and the Palestinians — Sean clarifies biblical promises to Israel and stresses the need for justice and compassion on both sides.How Christians and churches can thoughtfully respond when accused of being unloving or intolerant, emphasizing careful communication, listening, and clarity about biblical beliefs.On Bible reading — Sean and Rick share their personal Scripture study habits and tips for staying consistent and engaged.==========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].

Is there a way to reconcile differences in the body of Christ over the role of women in the church and the home? In some ways, this issue is tearing the church apart, and our guest on this episode has a unique proposal of how the church can move forward with unity on this topic amidst significant differences. Professor Gregg Allison is the author of a new book, Complementarity and he is here to talk about complementarianism, egalitarianism, and how to find common ground in the 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. 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].

We have so many great questions that come in each week and only have time for a handful of them on our Weekly Cultural Update. So we’re devoting this entire episode to your questions. This time the questions deal with the following: Is there a biblical mandate to vote?Should we use gene editing to cure Down syndrome?Where does national identity fit with our allegiance to God’s Kingdom?Does God control everything in our lives?Should women be held criminally liable for their abortions? and that’s just the beginning!Join us for this stimulating conversation about a variety of important 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].

What are some of the aspects of the human body that point to the design of God?; For example, how does the function of your eyes, lungs and even the function of your individual cells point to God as an intelligent designer? How does religious observance affect a person’s physical and mental health? We’ll answer these questions and more with our guest, Dr. Rick Zimmerman, a physician and an infectious disease and vaccine specialist at the Univ of Pittsburgh Medical School. Dr. Rick Zimmerman is Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School and is affiliated with the school’s Center for Vaccine Research. He is the author of numerous publications in medical journals and has served as a consultant for the Center for Disease Control (CDC). ==========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].