The Sean McDowell Show

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"If God is good, why is there pain and suffering?". Today, we have a video of atheist professor Paul Rinzler and I to discuss evil. This is our return to the Cal Poly Veritas Forum for a second year this time on the hardest question in apologetics. Not a debate to be won. A real conversation between two people who disagree deeply and like each other anyway. CHECK OUT:Paul Rinzler - Professor Emeritus at Cal Poly State University https://music.calpoly.edu/faculty/rinzler/index.html WATCH: Are Miracles Real? A Christian & Atheist Explore (Veritas Forum) https://www...

Randy Kay was a biotech CEO and a self-described skeptic who didn't believe in near-death experiences until he flatlined for 30 minutes in 2005 and, in his telling, found himself face to face with Jesus. Now he's collected 140 NDE accounts he says he's vetted more rigorously than any single volume before. Today, I asked the obvious question: does the evidence actually stack up?

READ: Heaven Encounters: 140 Near-Death Experiences Revealing the Afterlife by Randy Kay (https://amzn.to/4x1azpF)

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Giants. A divine council. Demons and the Nephilim. Michael Heiser made the Bible's strangest passages impossible to ignore and sold hundreds of thousands of books doing it. So what does one of the world's leading spiritual-warfare scholars actually think of his work? Dr. Clint Arnold joins me today to say where Heiser gets it right, and where he pushes back.

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Talbot New Testament scholar Dr. Alan Hultberg joins Sean McDowell to sort out what Scripture says, walk through the three major views, and ask the question everyone wants answered: are we close? Hultberg starts by clearing away the "Left Behind" imagery most of us absorbed from movies and kids' Bible storybooks, then lays out the three positions evangelicals actually debate explaining what separates them, how each handles the tribulation, Israel, and the timing of Christ's return. CHECK OUT: Logos Bible 60 Day Free Trial (https://logos.com/mcdowell)

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Can we actually know Jesus is coming back or is this just a matter of blind faith? In this conversation, bestselling author and pastor John Bevere joins me to talk about his new book The King Is Coming. John makes for why Christians can have confidence that Jesus is returning, why he sees Israel's reestablishment in 1948 and the recapture of Jerusalem in 1967 as escatologically significant, his reading of the Hosea 6 timeline, his view on the rapture and the tribulation, and why he believes we're living in the generation that may see Christ's return. 00:00 Intro and the central question 01:51 Why...

Children who have near-death experiences make for unusually strong evidence and almost nobody has studied them. In this conversation, near-death experience researcher Dr. Steve Miller returns to walk through what we actually know about children and NDEs. We get into the case from Dr. Melvin Morse's peer-reviewed work (the drowned girl who came back describing exactly what her family was wearing and doing at home), the documented patterns from Dr. Elizabeth Kübler-Ross's cross-cultural research, the children Dr. Diane Komp watched die at Yale that turned her from atheism to faith, and a few accounts from Steve's own circle o...

Many Christians dismiss the evidence from near-death experiences on biblical or theological grounds by quoting Hebrews 9:27, citing soul sleep, worrying about new age associations, or treating any extra-biblical vision as automatically suspect. But are those objections actually warranted by Scripture? Dr. Steve Miller returns to walk through twelve of the most common biblical and theological objections Christians raise against NDEs.

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00:00 Intro 01:10 How should Christians approach NDE and deathbed accounts? 10:13 The Billy Graham and Dr. Randy Steer accounts 17:46 Objection #1 — Some NDEs repo...

What are the strongest Old Testament prophecies that point to Jesus as the Messiah? My guest is Jeff Morgan, a former secular Jew who does street evangelism with Jewish people in Israel. He hears the objections every day, in Hebrew, from people who grew up reading these texts. Jeff and I walk through 10 prophecies and address the common Jewish objections to each passage and shows where rabbinic sources themselves (Rashi, the Talmud, Targum Jonathan) connect these texts to a messianic figure. CHECK OUT: Logos Bible 60 Day Free Trial (https://logos.com/mcdowell)

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In this conversation, Carl Trueman joins me and Scott Rae for one of the most wide-ranging episodes we've recorded. We get into CS Lewis, Nietzsche's madman, the anthropological question at the heart of every cultural debate, the sexual revolution, pornography, contraception (where Trueman calls himself "a work in progress"), IVF, surrogacy, end-of-life decisions, and how Christians sometimes mirror the secular world's trivialization of death.

READ: The Desecration of Man: How the Rejection of God Degrades Our Humanity by Carl Trueman (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DW3LVXQW?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_HNU2...

Dr. John Lennox has lived one of the most remarkable lives in modern Christian thought. From sitting in on CS Lewis's final lectures at Cambridge in 1962, earning his PhD and teaching at Oxford as Emeritus Professor of Mathematics, debating Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens, and authoring best-selling books on faith, science, suffering, AI, and Revelation. In this conversation, Dr. Lennox joins me to discuss his new autobiography, My Story. We talk about his encounter with CS Lewis, what he considers the hardest objection to Christianity (suffering and evil), and how his mind is increasingly filled with the hope of...

The Michael Jackson hit is one of the most recognizable songs in pop history. What most people don't know is that the woman behind the song was a real person with a real family. La Nej is a chaplain, an apologetics teacher, a Biola grad, and someone I've known since the mid-90s. She's also the daughter of the woman the world remembers as Billy Jean. In this conversation La Nej walks through her childhood: being told Michael Jackson was her father, camping outside his Encino gate at age seven, getting abandoned in a taxi the next morning, the...

Does the science actually point to a beginning of the universe or can clever cosmological modeling get around it? Sir Roger Penrose's Conformal Cyclic Cosmology (CCC) is one of the most serious modern attempts to model an infinite, beginning-less universe This is Part 2 of the conversation. (If you missed Part 1, watch that first! In this deep dive, Dr. Stephen Meyer walks through Penrose's CCC model in six steps, explains where he believes it works mathematically but fails physically, and shows why every infinite-universe model he and his colleagues have examined comes at what he calls a "high epistemic cost."<...

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A neuroscientist with a brain tumor. A wife with a strange dream. A demonic encounter. And a healing he can't explain away. Dr. Josh Brown is a professor of psychological and brain sciences at Indiana University and the author of Proving a Miracle. As one of the world's leading researchers studying the empirical effects of prayer, he applies rigorous scientific methods to questions most scientists won't touch and most Christians have been afraid to investigate. In this conversation, Josh is here to share his remarkable personal story and explore what the science actually says about miracles, prayer, and healing.<...

Tomas Samuel returns to the show to discuss his new book The Truth Unveiled: A Defense of the Trinity. Once trained to destroy anyone who challenged the Islamic faith, Tomas now devotes his scholarship to answering the most common Muslim objections to the triune nature of God, and his perspective is unlike anything you've heard. We walk through why the Trinity is the doctrine that Muslims attack most aggressively, why most Muslim objections target a straw man, and how the Quran itself misrepresents what Christians actually believe about God.

READ: The Truth Unveiled by Tomas Samuel (https...

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Meyer is back to set the record straight and unpack the bigger argument his critics keep missing. This is the first part of a response to Sir Roger Penrose who recently pushed back on a previous conversation with me on the show. Stephen calls it a "pick your poison" argument and once you see it, you can't unsee it. It's a dilemma at the heart of modern cosmology that philosophical naturalism has not been able to escape.

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Is the universe fine-tuned for life? Or has the fine-tuning argument been defeated? In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Jay Richards, a philosopher, co-author of The Privileged Planet, and one of the world's leading defenders of the fine-tuning argument to explore one of the most compelling cases for design today. Dr. Richards walks through how the fine-tuning argument has improved over 30 years and why even atheists like Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins have admitted this is the argument that gives them pause.

WATCH THE FILM: https://www.fathomentertainment.com/releases/the-story-of-everything/ READ: The Privileged Planet...

Today, we sit down with Dr. Doug Axe, a molecular biologist, Caltech and Cambridge researcher, and author of Undeniable. He's here to discuss one of the most consequential questions in science: could a functional protein arise by chance? This protein folding experiment changed everything and is why Doug became a Darwin doubter at Berkeley. Join us Tuesday April 21 at 4:30 PT to follow up on the conversation.

READ: Undeniable: How Biology Confirms Our Intuition That Life Is Designed As Featured in the Film, The Story of Everything Paperback by Douglas Axe (https://a.co/d/0bl4aHUO)

"If the universe needs a cause, what caused God?" In this episode, Dr. Sean McDowell and Dr. Tim Pickavance dive into the metaphysical heart of the universe's origin. They move past the scientific data of the Big Bang to explore the logicbehind it. Discover why "nothing" is incapable of creation, why the laws of mathematics are "causally effete," and why an infinite past would make the present moment impossible to reach. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this philosophical breakdown offers a rigorous look at the "Voice of Reason" behind existence itself.

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Today, I talk with Dr. Stephen Meyer, a Cambridge-trained philosopher of science, about his belief in God about the beginning of the universe and how it points to a Creator. And as Science has progressed it has in fact helped in the case for God.

WATCH THE FILM: https://www.fathomentertainment.com/releases/the-story-of-everything/

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What is the "Islamic Dilemma," and is it really an unanswerable challenge for Islam? In this conversation, David Wood join us to discuss some of the biggest questions facing Islam today. We explore David’s journey to faith that began in prison, his friendship with the late Christian convert and apologist Nabeel Qureshi, and the main reasons many Muslims begin questioning their faith today.

FOLLOW: The Apologetics Roadshow: https://www.youtube.com/@UCePbPbJ96WvMeMm_VuDkOJA

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I sat down with Bart Ehrman to explore one of the most important questions in philosophy and faith: Is morality objective or is it simply a product of human development over time? Today, I'm reviewing the debate live with you! 

READ: Love Thy Stranger: How the Teachings of Jesus Transformed the Moral Conscience of the West by Bart D. Ehrman (https://amzn.to/3O85zhU)

WATCH: A New Approach to the Divinity of Jesus (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9n4seBg1JQ)

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Is what’s happening in the Middle East connected to biblical prophecy? I'm sitting down with Mark Hitchcock to discuss the role of Iran (ancient Persia), Israel, and the end times. Together, we examine key passages from Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel, consider whether events today could relate to Ezekiel 38, and talk about how to approach biblical prophecy with wisdom, clarity, and humility.

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In this live Q&A with professors, we tackle the toughest "deal-breaker" questions for the existence of God, focusing on the problem of divine hiddenness and the reality of religious hypocrisy. Rather than dodging the hard hits, we argue that God provides enough evidence for those who seek Him without being so overwhelming that He destroys human freedom, while also explaining why a church full of "fallen" people actually proves the need for an objective moral savior. From debunking the idea that science and math are "accidental" to revisiting Nietzsche’s warning about the terrifying cost of killing God, th...

Did the teachings of Jesus actually transform the moral conscience of the West? And if they did… does that point to objective moral truth or just cultural evolution? Today, I sat down with Bart Ehrman to explore one of the most important questions in philosophy and faith: Is morality objective or is it simply a product of human development over time?

READ: Love Thy Stranger: How the Teachings of Jesus Transformed the Moral Conscience of the West by Bart D. Ehrman (https://a.co/d/07lDkZiy)

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Are the arguments for God’s existence still standing… or have they been defeated? After more than four decades of debates, writings, and public discussions, Dr. William Lane Craig offers a fascinating assessment of where the conversation stands today and why belief in God is far from intellectually obsolete. In this in-depth conversation with Sean McDowell, Dr. Craig walks through six major arguments for the existence of God, explaining why he believes they are not only still relevant—but stronger than ever when taken together.

READ: Systematic Philosophical Theology, Volume IIb: Excursus on Natural Theology, the Trinity (https...

Why are we hearing so many stories of Christian artists, pastors, apologists, and influencers who either abandon the faith or fail morally? Is something broken in Christian celebrity culture? And is there still hope for those who fall? Today, I have John James, founding member and former lead singer of the Newsboys, to talk about his new book: Newsboy, the failures and fractures inside Christian platform culture, and the redemption God brought through his lowest moments.

READ: Newsboy, by John James (https://amzn.to/3NvlYwx)

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Christian apologist Wes Huff recently appeared on one of the world’s largest podcasts, Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett, where he was asked a series of challenging questions about God, the resurrection of Jesus, doubt, hell, prayer, and the meaning of life. Today, I'll react to a few clips and talk about how Wes handled the questions as well as add in my own insight.

CHECK OUT: Full podcast (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrwNSSyKuD4&t=5241s) 

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Is hell eternal conscious punishment or does the Bible teach that the wicked will ultimately be destroyed? This is one of the most debated theological questions among Christians today. Today, we have two leading scholars to explore the biblical case for two different views of hell: eternal conscious punishment and conditional immortality (annihilationism). Together they examine key passages from both the Old and New Testaments and covers major texts such as Daniel 12, Matthew 25, Mark 9, Luke 16, 2 Thessalonians 1, and Revelation 14–20, along with the historical views of the church and the philosophical and pastoral implications of each position.

We'll also be...

Did the people named in the Bible actually exist? In this episode, archaeologist Dr. Titus Kennedy joins me to walk through how archaeology confirms the existence of ten individuals mentioned in Scripture. Dr. Kennedy lays out his criteria for evaluating archaeology discoveries and applies his careful criteria to figures in both the OT and NT. We cover evidence connected to central figures like King David, Ahab, Isaiah, and Belshazzar, as well as obscure figures like Berenice. Let us know what you think!

READ: Archaeology and the People of the Bible: Exploring the Evidence for the Historical Existence...

Today, I sit down with an anonymous Christian scholar living in a predominantly Muslim context where openly following Christ can be life-threatening. Because of active persecution, our guest appears without revealing identifying details. Today, he'll talk about his doctoral research, focused on the most important Muslim convert to Christianity, and explores the historical roots of modern Christian-Muslim engagement especially the often-overlooked Urdu apologetics tradition.

READ: Let the Convert Speak, by Ibn Hikmat (Link forthcoming)

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What if the “supernatural” parts of Scripture weren’t the exceptions… but the assumed backdrop? What if we have been reading the supernatural part of Scripture wrong? In this conversation, Joel Muddamalle will unpack the worldview behind The Unseen Battle (building on Michael Heiser’s The Unseen Realm) and ask a provocative question: Have modern Christians unintentionally normalized a naturalistic reading of the Bible?

*Joel will also return LIVE on March 24 at 4:30 PM PST to take questions, objections, and challenges—especially for those engaging Michael Heiser’s work for the first time.

READ: The Unseen Battle, by Joe...

In this episode, we explore modern-day visionary experiences like near-death experiences (NDEs), deathbed visions, and striking dreams. Many assume the supernatural “only happened back then,” but we examine reports from respected scholars, public figures, and historical voices to challenge the claim that miracle testimony comes only from the “ignorant and barbarous.” Dr. Steve Miller joins the conversation to share research-driven insights on why testimonies from credible people still matter and how NDEs and deathbed experiences commonly reshape priorities (especially around love and relationships)

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"Pornocracy" is one of the most disturbing books I've read in some time, and it’s written from a secular perspective. With my co-host Dr. Scott Rae, we explore the authors’ case that pornography is no longer just “personal entertainment,” but a force reshaping everything from sexual expectations to violence, tech, and society itself. Viewer discretion advised.

READ: Chasing Love: Sex, Love and Relationships In A Confused Culture, by Sean McDowell (https://amzn.to/4agHhL5)

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As America approaches its 250th anniversary, social critic Os Guinness joins Sean to argue that the “state of the American Union” is far more fragile than most people realize and that slogans like “restore the soul” or “make America great” avoid the deeper question of what made America free in the first place. Guinness traces today’s polarization, the drift toward power politics on both left and right, and why liberty-based societies are harder to sustain than authoritarian ones without virtue, faith, and a shared moral foundation. This conversation is a sober, hope-filled call for Christians (and all citizens) to think bibli...

Thousands are dead, Iran’s economy is collapsing, and the nation is on the brink of unrest, yet Dr. Hormoz Shariat says God is moving powerfully behind the scenes. In this urgent conversation, Sean sits down again with the “Billy Graham of Iran” to hear how many Iranians are rejecting Islam, turning to Christ, and how the underground church is growing amid persecution and chaos. This is a rare glimpse into both the darkness and the spiritual awakening unfolding in Iran right now.

WATCH: Why Iranian Muslims are Turing to Jesus (https://youtu.be/_tdPBR7i7rw)

...

Most people think that David kills Goliath with a sling and then cuts off his head (1 Samuel 17). But there’s a lesser-known biblical tension that surprises a lot of readers. 2 Samuel 21:19 seems to say that Elhanan killed Goliath. Is this a contradiction? Today, I invite on Old Testament (and Hebrew scholar) Dominick Hernandez to help us make sense of this seeming contradiction.

READ: Who Really Killed Goliath? (https://textandcanon.org/who-really-killed-goliath/) READ: Engaging the Old Testament by Dominick Hernandez (https://amzn.to/49PqD54)

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Today, I sat down with my son to talk about his testimony. We talk about How porn shows up today (not just “hardcore,” but the stuff that finds you through social media) and how porn impacts relationships, faith, and the way you see people. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone and you’re not beyond help. My hope is this episode gives you clarity, courage, and a next step.

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