Cultural Update: Political Realignment; Marriage and Well-Being; Smartphones and Gen Z’s Mental Health

This week, Sean McDowell and guest co-host Rick Langer discuss:

• Political Realignment and Identity Politics: A discussion based on a New York Times opinion piece by David French, exploring the potential shift in political alignment among voters of color towards the Republican party. The conversation delves into the implications of moving from identity-based divisions to idea-based disagreements, emphasizing the health of democracy when debates are centered on ideas rather than identity.
• Marriage and Well-Being: Analysis of a Gallup poll indicating that married individuals report higher levels of thriving compared to their single or cohabiting counterparts. This segment explores how the societal perception of marriage's happiness has evolved and examines the benefits of marriage for personal well-being, children's outcomes, and societal prosperity.
• Smartphones and Gen Z's Mental Health: Based on Jonathan Haidt's work, "Generation Anxiety," Sean & Rick discuss the impact of smartphones and social media on the mental health of Gen Z, highlighting a significant increase in anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies among young people.
• Listener Questions:
  • Good Friday's Significance: Should we call Jesus' crucifixion "good"?
  • Single Women and the Soulmate Model in Churches: Challenges in finding a partner within the church community due to prevailing expectations. 
  • Integration of Secular Psychology and Biblical Views: Concerns about the integration of secular psychology theories in Christian counseling.
  • Women Pastors: Should it be a divisive issue among believers?

Read a transcript of this episode at: https://www.biola.edu/blogs/think-biblically/2024/cultural-update-political-realignment-marriage-and-well-being-smartphones-and-gen-z-s-mental-health. 

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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.
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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 thinkbiblically@biola.edu.