Cultural Update: Hostages Released; Gen Z Christianity and Suicide; Nigerian Persecutions

Scott is joined by guest co-host Erik Thoennes to discuss:Hostage Return in Gaza: Celebrating the return of all surviving Israeli hostages and discussing the theological and political complexities of the Israel–Gaza peace accord. Faith and Gen Z: Exploring new data showing a rise in Christian faith among Gen Z—even as suicide rates among the same generation reach record highs—and how both trends reflect a deep search for meaning in a secular age.Global Persecution of Christians: Spotlighting the genocide of Christians in Nigeria and the crackdown on China’s house churches, with reflections on unity, empathy, and prayer for the persecuted church worldwide.Listener Question: Authenticity at Work: Responding to a viral quote about not bringing your “authentic self” to work—examining biblical balance between honesty, professionalism, and humility.Listener Question: AI and Faith: Considering whether AI-generated media might force society to rediscover discernment and critical thinking in what we choose to believe.Listener Question: Outrage Culture in the Church: Addressing the rise of Christian social-media outrage, calling believers to pursue truth with grace, humility, and unity rather than division.==========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 [email protected].