Talbot School of Theology at Biola University / Sean McDowell & Scott Rae | March 28, 2025

Cultural Update: Ethics of Embryo Research; Christianity in Silicon Valley; Vigilante Justice

This week's topics: 

The Ethics of Embryo Research: The abortion debate is shifting toward the status and treatment of embryos—especially in light of new scientific experimentation pushing past the 14-day research limit.

Science vs. Philosophy: Scott and Sean discuss the crucial distinction between biological life and personhood—and why science can’t answer moral questions about human identity.

Christianity’s Resurgence in Silicon Valley?: A Vanity Fair article highlights growing interest in Christianity in tech culture—but is it genuine faith or just a useful tool for success?

Faith as a Business Strategy: From Peter Thiel to AI startups, some leaders are invoking Christian values in surprising ways—but Sean and Scott caution against reducing Christianity to a productivity hack.

The Rise of Vigilante ‘Pedophile Hunters’: Viral videos of vigilantes confronting suspected predators are gaining popularity—but the hosts unpack the dangers of vigilante justice and the biblical call to trust God’s authority.

Listener Q&A: Can Christians identify as gay? Is same-sex attraction a “thorn in the flesh”? The hosts clarify biblical teaching while emphasizing grace and transformation.


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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.
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].

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