Sean McDowell, Thaddeus Williams | May 15, 2026

Cultural Update: China Rewrites the Bible; Going "No Contact"; AI Tests Academic Honor

This week, Sean and guest co-host Thaddeus Williams discuss: 

AI Tests Academic Honor: Princeton’s return to proctored exams shows how generative AI is exposing deeper questions about virtue, trust, and human nature. 

China Rewrites Scripture: The Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to reshape the Bible highlight the clash between state power and the lordship of Christ. 

Ben Sasse Faces Death: Ben Sasse’s public battle with pancreatic cancer becomes a powerful witness to Christian hope, resurrection, and true dignity in dying. 

Cutoff Culture Grows: Rising numbers of Americans, especially Gen Z, are going “no contact,” raising urgent questions about conflict, loneliness, and reconciliation. 

Listener Question: When Conversations Stall: Sean and Thad offer practical ways to recognize one-sided conversations and know when wisdom calls for stepping back. 

Listener Questions: Practices That Form Faith: Scripture memory and prayer for the Spirit’s fruit stand out as simple, steady habits for deepening spiritual life.


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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.  

Sean McDowell, Ph.D. is a professor of Christian Apologetics at Biola University, best-selling author, popular speaker, part-time high school teacher, and the Resident Scholar for Summit Ministries, California. Follow him on Twitter: @sean_mcdowell