Few subjects are more controversial today than immigration and the Christian debate reflects the discussion in the culture at large. There is still significant debate over what the Bible teaches on this subject and how the Bible's teaching should be applied. Markus Zehnder's new book, The Bible and Immigration, is a first rate resource not only on what the Bible says but how to properly use the Bible on subjects like this one. Join Scott and Sean for this interview with Dr. Zehnder, who brings his perspective from his European background to this issue. Markus Zehnder grew up in Switzerland and is an ordained minister of the Reformed Church of Switzerland. After the completion of his doctorate, he moved to Jerusalem and then to Boston for postdoctoral studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and at Harvard University. He has held teaching positions in Switzerland, Germany, Norway, and Belgium. He has a passion to connect the Bible both with personal and societal issues. Questions relating to migration are at the top of the list of his research interests. Show notes, including a full transcript, are available at: biola.edu/thinkbiblically
Should we be hopeful about the post-pandemic church or concerned? Are churches growing today or dying? In this episode, we talk with Sam Rainer, a pastor and church growth expert, about these questions and more. He gives specific ways to revitalize a church regardless of its current state. Sam Rainer is the lead pastor at West Bradenton Baptist Church. He is a speaker, consultant, and the author of multiple books including The Church Revitalization Checklist. Show notes, including a full transcript, are available at: biola.edu/thinkbiblically
The worldview of Gnosticism, which was one of the first heresies facing the first Christians, is alive and well today-and it has permeated the church. As a result, we end neglecting or disparaging our bodies, seeing them as holding us back from spiritual growth and longing for the day we will be free of them. In this episode, we talk with author and professor Greg Allison about his fascinating and timely new book Embodied. We discuss transgender ideology, plastic surgery, and many more issues that we face as embodied beings. Greg Allison is a professor of theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He spent 18 years working with Campus Crusade (Cru) and is the author of many books including Historical Theology: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine, and Roman Catholic Theology and Practice: An Evangelical Assessment. Show notes, including a full transcript, are available at: biola.edu/thinkbiblically
Sarah Zagorski survived an abortion—that’s right, she survived an attempt to abort her, having been born alive as a result of a botched abortion, her mother refused to let the abortionist end her life. Join Scott and Sean for this amazing story, how that impacted Sarah and she has flourished in her life in spite of those circumstances. Her story comes from her chapter in the new book, Choose Life. Sarah Zagorski is an advocate for life, foster care and adoption. She serves as Adoption Education Director for Pro-Life Louisiana. Show notes, including a full transcript, are available at: biola.edu/thinkbiblically
In his new book, co-authored with his wife and psychology colleague, Todd Hall and Liz Hall, lay out a new way of looking at spirituality that takes into account insights not only from the Bible, but also from psychology and the neurosciences. Join Scott and Sean for this insightful look at spiritual formation. Todd Hall is professor of psychology at Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University. He is the author of numerous journal articles, specializing in the spiritual formation of Christian college students. Show notes, including a full transcript, are available at: biola.edu/thinkbiblically
With abortion being so available today, the notion of the unwanted child has become standard fare among defenders of abortion. Bethany Bomberger, herself at one time pregnant in less than ideal circumstances, is married to her husband Ryan, who was conceived as a result of sexual assault. She explodes the myth that children are unwanted-join Scott and Sean for this insightful interview that comes out of her chapter in the new book, Choose Life. Bethany Bomberger is co-founder and Executive Director of the Radiance Foundation, a pro-life, pro-family organization. She is the author of Pro-Life Kids, one of the first books of its kind aimed at taking the pro-life message to kids. Show notes, including a full transcript, are available at: biola.edu/thinkbiblically
Kyle Strobel brings an insightful critique of the exercise of power in the church today and spells out the way of Jesus as the radical alternative. Join Scott and Sean for this interview with Kyle that will change the way you view leadership and power. Kyle's book, with his co-author Jamin Goggin, is titled The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb: Searching for Jesus’ Path of Power in a Church that Has Abandoned It. Kyle Strobel is Associate Professor of Spiritual Theology at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. He is a prolific author and popular speaker and teacher. Show notes, including a full transcript, are available at: biola.edu/thinkbiblically
What is at the heart of the reason for the decline in Western culture? Cultural analyst Os Guinness argues that it is a faulty view of freedom. According to Dr. Guinness, America is at a vital moment in history in which it is being determined whether it will embrace the revolution of 1776 or 1789. Freedom, quite literally, is at stake. Scott and Sean discuss these ideas with Dr. Guinness, which come from his latest book The Magna Carta of Humanity. Show notes, including a full transcript, are available at: biola.edu/thinkbiblically
What is the fundamental problem at the core of modern society? According to Alan Noble, it is a faulty view of what it means to be human. This dehumanization in modern society leads to stress, loneliness, and often despair. In this episode, Sean and Scott interview Dr. Noble to understand his diagnosis of modern society and learn how a biblical view of humanity can set us free. Dr. Alan Noble is an Associate Professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University. He is the author of multiple books including Disruptive Witness and You Are Not Your Own. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the online magazine, Christ and Pop Culture and a freelance writer whose work has appeared in The Atlantic, Vox, Buzzfeed, First Things, Christianity Today, and The Gospel Coalition. Show notes, including a full transcript, are available at: biola.edu/thinkbiblically