Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

Medical Ethics & Assisted Suicide: The hosts examine a National Review report on bioethical pressure to compel doctors to assist in self-starvation suicides (VSED), raising severe concerns over physicians' conscience rights. Scott emphasizes that forcing medical participation in deliberate starvation bypasses assisted suicide laws and undermines traditional medical ethics.
The Legacy of Gloria Steinem: Reflecting on the passing of feminist activist Gloria Steinem at age 92, Sean and Scott unpack her cultural impact and the mixed legacy of second-wave feminism. They contrast her secular views on autonomy and abortion with a biblical view of human value rooted in the image of God.
AI Sentience and the Singularity: Analyzing recent coverage from The Wall Street Journal and The Atlantic, the team addresses claims of AI sentience and fears surrounding an impending technological singularity. Scott explains why true consciousness cannot emerge from physical code, while Sean warns against attributing human selfhood to programmed responses.
Audience Question: Slavery in the Bible: Addressing a listener question on biblical passages regarding slavery, the hosts clarify the historical context of ancient servitude. They demonstrate how Scripture's overarching moral framework elevates human dignity and lays the foundation for abolition.
Audience Question: AI as a Bible Study Tool: In response to an audience inquiry about using AI for Scripture study, Sean and Scott outline both benefits and warnings. They note that while AI functions well for fast textual research, it cannot replace personal engagement or Holy Spirit-led discernment.
Audience Question: The Real Costs of Egg Freezing: Following up on a previous discussion regarding Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the hosts review research submitted by an outside organization detailing the true financial and physical costs of egg freezing. The conversation highlights the bioethical complexities and hidden expenses often omitted from popular fertility narratives.

==========

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.

The Book of Enoch has exploded in popularity. Some people claim it unlocks the Bible's greatest mysteries, while others say it shouldn't be trusted at all. So, what's the truth? Today we're diving into one of the most controversial ancient books ever written. Does it really explain the origin of demons? Can it help us understand the mysterious story of the Nephilim in Genesis—or does it raise more questions than it answers? Dr. Joel Muddamalle is the author of The Unseen Battle and he was both a friend and protege of the late Michael Heiser. He joins us for a deep-dive on these questions and more. Please join us for a LIVE discussion about this episode, and the previous episode on angels and demons, on Sean's YouTube channel on September 8th at 4:30pm PST. Bring your questions for Dr. Muddamalle or submit them at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.
Joel Muddamalle holds a PhD in theology and serves as the director of theology and research at Proverbs 31 Ministries. He co-hosts the Therapy & Theology podcast with Lysa TerKeurst and licensed counselor Jim Cress. Joel is a frequent speaker for churches, conferences and events. He is the author of The Unseen Battle.
==========

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.

Voter Views on Political Assassination: Sean McDowell and guest host Thaddeus Williams react to alarming poll data showing 17% of voters view the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson as acceptable. They examine how toxic cultural narratives, dehumanizing language, and self-righteous tribalism normalize political violence. 
Massachusetts Extreme Abortion Law: The hosts unpack Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signing a bill that removes gestational age limits to allow abortion up to the moment of birth. They critique the underlying ideology, contrast it with biblical principles on protecting the vulnerable, and share global abortion statistics. 
Rising Stress and Existential Crises: Sean and Thaddeus discuss survey results revealing that 35% of Americans and over half of Gen Z face severe stress and an existential crisis in 2026. Thaddeus explains the mental toll of modern self-worship, while Sean highlights scripturally rooted practices for restoring peace. 
Devastating Floods in Nepal: The hosts highlight the ongoing disaster in Nepal, where massive flooding has claimed hundreds of lives. They call on listeners to pray and support relief efforts following this tragic event. 
Audience Question: Narcissism and AI Pastor Avatars: Following up on a report about a Bay Area pastor who built an AI clone of himself to counsel church members, a listener asks whether narcissism is the underlying drive. The hosts emphasize that substituting automated digital avatars for authentic, humble human presence distorts true pastoral ministry.
Audience Question: Free Markets and Government Intervention in Food Supply: Addressing a question on whether government should step in when free markets fail to feed the hungry. Sean and Thaddeus explain that free enterprise still has a proven track record as the most efficient system for generating abundance.
Audience Question: Navigating Suicide Discussions with Non-Christians: Addressing a sensitive audience question, the hosts offer practical wisdom for discussing suicide with non-Christians. They outline how to lovingly communicate human dignity, offer Christ-centered hope, and support individuals experiencing deep despair.
==========

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.

Has the church largely misunderstood the nature and origin of angels and demons? Are there other heavenly divine beings that are not angelic or demonic, and if so, where did they come from and what do they do? Are demons really the disembodied spirits of the Nephilim as discussed in Genesis 6 and the Book of Enoch? Dr. Joel Muddamalle is the author of The Unseen Battle and he was both a friend and protege of the late Michael Heiser. He joins us for a deep-dive on these questions and more. Please join us for a LIVE discussion about this episode, and the next episode on 1 Enoch, on Sean's YouTube channel on September 8th at 4:30pm PST. Bring your questions for Dr. Muddamalle or submit them at thinkbiblically@biola.edu. 
Joel Muddamalle holds a PhD in theology and serves as the director of theology and research at Proverbs 31 Ministries. He co-hosts the Therapy & Theology podcast with Lysa TerKeurst and licensed counselor Jim Cress. Joel is a frequent speaker for churches, conferences and events. He is the author of The Unseen Battle.
==========

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.

Betting on the Palisades Fire: Scott and Sean examine the ethics surrounding Polymarket users placing financial wagers on the 2025 Palisades fire, asking where open market speculation crosses into exploiting human tragedy.
Meta Facing State Lawsuits: The hosts unpack a recent report detailing the major multi-state lawsuit against Meta, focusing on the legal and moral implications of algorithmic design and youth mental health.
The Rise of Young Conservative Socialists: Analyzing a thought-provoking Wall Street Journal report, the duo explores the growing phenomenon of young conservatives embracing socialist economic policies.
Building AI Influencers for Profit: Scott and Sean dissect a NY Times article on companies creating synthetic, AI-driven personalities and podcasts to market businesses, cut costs, and maximize corporate profits.
Audience Question: Commercializing the Human Body: The hosts provide a biblical framework for evaluating the ethics of monetizing human biology, touching on issues like blood plasma sales and organ donation.
Audience Question: Seminary in the '70s vs. Today: Scott contrasts the theological landscape of 1970s seminaries with today, highlighting past doctrinal battles alongside modern cultural issues that were previously unimagined.
Audience Question: Grant Underwood Conversation Follow-Up: Sean addresses audience feedback and expands on key insights from his previous discussion on LDS history and theology with scholar Grant Underwood.
==========

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.