Cultural Update: Fertility Rates Drop in the US; Canada's "Online Harms" Bill; Finland Pushes Back on Gender Affirming Care; The Ethics of Parents Using Their Kids for Clicks

Cultural Update: Fertility Rates Drop in the US; Canada's "Online Harms" Bill; Finland Pushes Back on Gender Affirming Care; The Ethics of Parents Using Their Kids for Clicks

Author: Talbot School of Theology at Biola University / Sean McDowell & Scott Rae April 10, 2026 Duration: 59:57
Declining U.S. Fertility Rates: Scott and Sean discuss how the U.S. fertility rate has hit a historic low. They explore how economic pressures and a secular worldview that prioritizes personal "settling" over family are driving this decline. Canada’s "Online Harms" Bill (C-63): They examine a new Canadian bill that aims to combat hate but may threaten religious liberty. Concerns are raised about increased penalties for "hate crimes" and how broadly "hate" might be defined by the government. F...

What does it look like to live out a thoughtful Christian faith in a complex world? That’s the central question explored in Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture. Each week, hosts Sean McDowell and Scott Rae, both professors at Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology, sit down for genuine discussions that bridge the gap between timeless scripture and contemporary life. Rather than offering simple answers, they delve into the nuances of current events, ethical dilemmas, and shifting cultural trends with a blend of scholarly insight and pastoral concern. You’ll hear them engage with a variety of guest experts, drawing out practical wisdom for everyday application. This isn’t about echo chambers; it’s about equipping listeners to navigate modern challenges with both conviction and compassion, rooted in a deep understanding of biblical principles. Tuning into this podcast feels like joining a substantive, gracious conversation where faith is taken seriously as a lens for understanding everything from politics and science to art and personal relationships. It’s for anyone seeking to move beyond superficial takes and cultivate a more integrated, resilient worldview.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture
Podcast Episodes
Economics and the Fertility Gap (with Clara Piano) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:09
Why is fertility in decline around the world? What is the long term social impact of this decline? And why is marriage so central to fertility rates? We’ll discuss these questions and much more with our guest, University…
The Pursuit of Safety — At What Cost? (with Jeremy Lundgren) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:32
Does God promise to always keep us safe? What does the Bible have to say about our pursuit of safety for ourselves and our kids? How can the pursuit of safety become a form of idolatry in our lives? We’ll discuss these q…
Scrolling Ourselves to Death (with Brett McCracken) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:55
Screens and social media have reshaped the world and our minds, bringing an appetite for distraction, loneliness, and increased rates of mental health challenges. It is time for Christians to rethink their relationship w…
[BONUS] Does the Church Need "Queering"? (with Brandan Robertson) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:59
Does the church need a "queer revolution"? Do we need a new reformation akin to the Protestant Reformation? In this discussion, Sean talks with author and progressive pastor Brandan Robertson about his new book Queer & C…
Why Religion Went Obsolete (with Christian Smith) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:00
Has traditional faith become obsolete in America? And if so, what are the main contributing factors? Until now, there has not been a thorough sociological analysis of the various factors contributing to the demise of rel…
[BONUS] Deadpool Creator Talks Faith and Comics (with Rob Liefeld) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:48
What happens when a comic book legend sits down to talk about faith? Sean got to interview Rob Liefeld, creator of Deadpool, Cable, and many iconic Marvel characters, to explore the intersection of faith, creativity, and…
Living as Outsiders in Our Culture (with Patrick Miller) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:57
What does it mean that the Christian is an outsider in one’s community? How do we engage our divisive culture well and faithfully at the same time? What might your particular style for cultural engagement be? We’ll answe…
[BONUS] Debating Miracles (with Paul Rinzler) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:13
In this bonus episode, Sean discusses the possibility of miracles with atheist professor Paul Rinzler. This conversation was part of the Veritas Forum at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the spring of 2025. McDowell and Rinzl…