Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

Is there a difference between sex and gender? What does it mean to be transgender? And what about intersex? In this interview, Sean and Scott talk with Dr. Preston Sprinkle about these important questions and more. They discuss his latest book Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say [https://www.amazon.com/Embodied-Transgender-Identities-Church-Bible/dp/0830781226/] . The interview focuses on understanding the transgender phenomenon scientifically and biblically so Christians can love transgender people well. Dr. Preston Sprinkle is a professor, speaker, and a New York Times bestselling author. He earned a Ph.D. in New Testament from Aberdeen University in Scotland (2007), and he currently is the director for the Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender. He hosts the popular podcast “Theology in the Raw” and is the author of the recent book Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say. Show notes, including a full transcript, are available at: biola.edu/thinkbiblically [https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/embodied-transgender-identities-and-the-church]

Many consider the Equality Act the most serious threat to religious liberty in our lifetime. What is it? And how should Christians respond? Sean interviews author Caleb Kaltenbach, who has researched the issue extensively, to understand it better and to discuss how Christians can best respond. Caleb consults with Christian organizations in regard to religious liberty, so he has some practical suggestions too. This BONUS episode was first recorded on Sean's YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-W75w2r2dnY], which is in partnership with the Talbot Apologetics program. Caleb Kaltenbach is a pastor and founder of The Messy Grace Group where he helps churches love and foster community with LGBTQ individuals without sacrificing theological convictions. He's currently writing Messy Truth and has also authored God of Tomorrow and Messy Grace (where he discusses being raised in the LGBTQ community, following Jesus, and how loving others doesn’t require shifting beliefs). He has been featured in The New York Times, Fox & Friends, and more. He graduated from Talbot School of Theology. Caleb's document, "How Religious Organizations Can Understand the Equality Act and Discern Next Steps," is available here: https://www.messygracegroup.org/equality-act-document [https://www.messygracegroup.org/equality-act-document]. Show notes, including a full transcript, are available at: biola.edu/thinkbiblically [https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/bonus-equality-act]

What does it mean to truly live the abundant life that Jesus described? And why are so many Christians not experiencing it? Ken Baugh is a longtime pastor and writer who offers a roadmap for spiritual growth in this interview and in his latest book: Unhindered Abundance [https://www.amazon.com/Unhindered-Abundance-Restoring-Souls-Fragmented/dp/1641581948] . The book is rooted in Scripture, but also brings in recent scientific findings about the body, the brain, and relationships. Ken Baugh is the founder & CEO of IDT Ministries. He served as a local church pastor for 25 years and in 2014, after a devastating experience as a senior Pastor, started the Institute for Discipleship Training (IDT Ministries) to be a resource for Christ-formation and to gather a community of believers who desire to journey together in discipleship to Jesus. Show notes, including a full transcript, are available at: biola.edu/thinkbiblically [https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/unhindered-abundance]

Is it wrong for pro-lifers to get the vaccine when it was developed through cell lines that come from aborted fetuses? Are Christians obligated to get the vaccine out of love for their neighbor? Scott and Sean discuss these questions, and many more, related to the ethics behind the COVID-19 vaccine. Show notes, including a full transcript, are available at: biola.edu/thinkbiblically [https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/birth-control-infertility]

Join Scott and Sean as they interview well known theologian Dr. Wayne Grudem about his new book on ethical issues at the beginning of life [https://www.amazon.com/Control-Infertility-Reproductive-Technology-Adoption-ebook/dp/B08CS1S4PR/] . It moves fast since we cover a lot of ground, but Dr. Grudem does it with clarity and compassion both. Show notes, including a full transcript, are available at: biola.edu/thinkbiblically [https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2021/birth-control-infertility]