Sean McDowell
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VideoBioEDUCATOR: Head of the Bible Department at Capistrano Valley Christian Schools, where he teaches the courses, “Apologetics 101” and “Old Testament Survey”. He graduated summa cum laude from Talbot Theological Seminary with a double Master’s degree in Theology and Philosophy. SPEAKER: Popular speaker at camps, churches, schools, and conferences nationwide. Sean has spoken for organizations including Focus on the Family, Campus Crusade for Christ, Youth Specialties, Wisdom Works and the Association of Christian Schools International. Sean is the national spokesman and a conference speaker for Wheatstone Academy, an organization committed to training young people with a biblical worldview. Sean has also appeared as a guest on radio shows such as Family Life, Focus on the Family, Point of View, the Frank Pastore Show, the Michael Reagan Show, Converse with Scholars, Stand to Reason, and more. AUTHOR: Sean is the co-author of Understanding Intelligent Design along with William A. Dembski (Harvest House, 2008) and The Credible Resurrection with Josh McDowell (Gospel Light, 2008). Sean is currently compiling Apologetics for a New Generation (HH, 2009). Sean has also written Ethix: Being Bold in a Whatever World (B&H, 2006) and compiled Josh McDowell’s Youth Ministry Handbook (Word, 2000). Sean is a contributor for Passionate Conviction, an apologetics book compiled by William Lane Craig and Paul Copan (B&H, 2007). He is currently the general editor for The Apologetics Study Bible for Teens. Sean has also contributed to YouthWorker Journal, Decision Magazine, the Christian Research Journal, and writes regular columns for www.christianworldviewnetwork.com as well as for www.planetwisdom.com . In April, 2000, Sean married his high school sweetheart, Stephanie. They have two children, Scottie and Shauna, and live in San Juan Capistrano, California. Sean played college basketball at Biola University, where his teams went 28-6 and 30-7 his final two years. TestimonyAs far back as I can remember, I have always believed in Jesus. From bedtime stories of David and Goliath, to memorizing Bible verses at Awanas, to vacation Bible school, my parents did a great job of raising me and my sisters in the faith. Although I don’t recall the first time I prayed the “sinner’s prayer”—after all, I was only four!—I have always known that the world was created by God (Gen 1), that it was ravaged by sin (Rom 5:12), and that I needed to believe in Jesus for salvation (Rom 10:9). I had the privilege of growing up in a Christian home where my parents not only taught me what it means to be a Christian, but they modeled it in their daily lives. The older I get, the more grateful I become for my upbringing. Some of my confidence in Christianity, however, was undermined the summer after my first year in college. It started when I came across skeptical writings on the Internet and in various books and articles. They raised questions I had never considered before and caused me to doubt much of the worldview I had held dear since my childhood. Is Jesus truly the only way? Can I really trust the biblical accounts of the life of Christ? Why do so many people believe in Darwinian evolution if God created the world? Is Christianity even true? Wrestling with these questions was difficult and sometimes even painful. Yet, it was necessary if I was ever going to truly own my faith. I finally got up the nerve to share my doubts with my dad. Reluctantly, I said, “I want you to know how much I love and respect you, Dad, but I don’t really know what I believe about these things. I’ve never come to my own conclusions about them.” His response shocked me. Immediately he replied, “Son, I think that’s great.” What? How can this be great? He must have misheard me! But he continued, “I heard you, son, and I think it’s great because you care about the truth, and you don’t want to believe things just because you were told them. You need to find out if Christianity is true. But in your search, I hope you’ll take to heart the positive things you learned growing up.” And to make a long story short, that’s exactly what I did. I have since committed my life to helping Christians develop a biblical worldview—to see that all of life makes sense when viewed from a biblical perspective. Despite what our world claims, Christianity truly is the good life worth living (Matthew 6:33). Helping people to think biblically about all of life, to apply their faith consistently, and to engage the world for Christ is my greatest joy and passion. what others are saying“Sean has a message every teacher, youth worker, and parent needs to hear” “Sean McDowell is one of the most knowledgeable, gifted, and passionate young leaders I know on the topics of worldview analysis and biblical worldview integration.” “More than ever in our emerging culture, do we need to be able to discern and understand the times through a biblical lens. Sean is someone who has that rare gift to understand today’s culture and to reach both the hearts and minds of today’s youth.” “We invited Sean to speak to our students at summer camp and we couldn't have been more pleased! Sean has a great ability to combine solid, biblical content with fun and humor that kept our kids completely engaged. In one week's time, they heard Sean speak about 8 times and were still asking for more!” “Sean McDowell has spoken for us several times here at Ponderosa Pines and is always engaging and personable with the students. If I had one shot at a group of high school students on the topics of purity or apologetics, Sean McDowell, hands down, would be the speaker. I highly recommend him.” |
