Sean McDowell

Sean McDowell is an associate professor in the Christian Apologetics program at Biola University. He is the Resident Scholar for Summit California. Sean still teaches one high school Bible class, which helps him have exceptional insight into the prevailing culture so he can impart his observations poignantly to fellow educators, pastors and parents alike. In 2008, he received the Educator of the Year award for San Juan Capistrano, Calif. The Association of Christian Schools International awarded Exemplary Status to his apologetics training. Sean is listed among the top 100 apologists. He graduated summa cum laude from Talbot School of Theology with a master’s degree in theology and another in philosophy. He earned a doctorate in Apologetics and Worldview Studies in 2014 from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Sean played college basketball at Biola and was captain his senior year on a team that went 30-7.

Traveling throughout the United States and abroad, Sean speaks at camps, churches, schools, universities, and conferences and has also appeared as a guest on radio shows such as The Michael Medved Show, Family Life Today, Point of View, Stand to Reason, Common Sense Atheism and the Hugh Hewitt Show.

Sean is the author, co-author or editor of over 18 books and has also written multiple books with his father, Josh McDowell. Sean is the general editor for The Apologetics Study Bible for Students. He has also written for YouthWorker JournalDecision Magazine, and the Christian Research Journal.

Affiliations Faculty, Alumnus
Position Associate Professor in Christian Apologetics
Degree B.A. Communications
Degree M.A. Philosophy
Degree M.A. Theology

Author's books

Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World – Unabridged Audiobook on CD

In the first edition of Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Josh McDowell armed thoughtful Christians with historical documentation and modern scholarship, bearing witness to the truth of the Bible. Evidence quickly became a resource for millions of believers in defense of Christianity against the harshest of critics. Josh is joined by his son, Sean McDowell, in this exciting new edition with more historical insights to encourage those familiar with Evidence, as well as a new generation of believers, to embrace the truth of Christ in a skeptical culture. This is a book that invites readers to bring their doubts and doesn’t shy away from the tough questions.

Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World – Unabridged Audiobook on MP3

In the first edition of Evidence That Demands a Verdict, Josh McDowell armed thoughtful Christians with historical documentation and modern scholarship, bearing witness to the truth of the Bible. Evidence quickly became a resource for millions of believers in defense of Christianity against the harshest of critics. Josh is joined by his son, Sean McDowell, in this exciting new edition with more historical insights to encourage those familiar with Evidence, as well as a new generation of believers, to embrace the truth of Christ in a skeptical culture. This is a book that invites readers to bring their doubts and doesn’t shy away from the tough questions.

Experience Your Bible – eBook

See it. Study it. Do it. Many Christians focus on mechanical application of the Scriptures. In Experience Your Bible the McDowells proclaim God’s original design-the Scriptures are his way to reveal himself so he can enjoy a relationship with people. A key tool for pastors leaders parents and youth workers-anyone wanting to proclaim and experience the life- and culture-changing Christianity the Bible reveals.

Is God Just a Human Invention? And Seventeen Other Questions Raised by the New Atheists

Offering guidance for the emerging generation, apologists McDowell and Morrow’s accessible and thorough examination of the New Atheism addresses scientific, philosophical, moral, and biblical challenges to belief in God. Their balanced answers to honest questions will help you build a firm foundation for your faith. Includes expert commentary and recommended resources for further investigation.

Marriage: Its Foundation, Theology, and Mission in a Changing World

What we believe about marriage reflects what we believe about God. God designed marriage to tell us about Himself—to showcase His love, commitment and redemption. What does it mean, then, that many Christians today aren’t sure what marriage is or why it matters? Could it be that while we were busy defending marriage (or trying not to offend the world) we actually lost sight of its original purpose and beauty? We must learn to speak wisely, biblically, and winsomely about marriage. The book you hold in your hand represents 4 years and thousands of hours of work from 40 experts on this crucial topic. These theologians, professors, pastors, and counselors have written on diverse topics related to marriage—from the way neuroscience upholds love to the challenges of dealing with broken relationships. All so that you can better understand and express the beauty and truth of God-honoring and world-changing marriage. Marriage is the great issue of our day. If you want to lead well, it’s time to prepare yourself for the conversations ahead.

More Than a Carpenter

Updated for a new generation of seekers with revised material and a new chapter, this bestseller introduces the real Jesus—a carpenter, a religious leader, and the Son of God. The McDowells reveal how they searched for meaning, truth, and relevance—finding the answers in Jesus Christ. Discover how you can find him, too!

Passionate Conviction: Contemporary Discourses on Christian Apologetics

Passionate Conviction brings together the most popular and heart-stirring presentations in defense of Christianity from the annual fall conference on apologetics held in association with the Evangelical Philosophical Society, the C. S. Lewis Institute, and the Christian Apologetics program at Biola University. Applicable to pastors, serious-minded lay people, and university and high school students, these twenty essays are grouped into six dynamic categories: (1) Why Apologetics? (2) God (3) Jesus (4) Comparative Religions (5) Postmodernism and Relativism (6) Practical Application.

Same-Sex Marriage: A Thoughtful Approach to God’s Design for Marriage

Whether for it or against it, same-sex marriage matters: to the Church, to people, and to the future of our society. In Same-Sex Marriage, authors Sean McDowell and John Stonestreet face these uncharted waters by clearly defining and contrasting two very different meanings of marriage. In the process, they reveal the dramatic shift in our culture’s understanding of human dignity, and the meaning of freedom and sex.

Same-Sex Marriage: A Thoughtful Approach to God’s Design for Marriage – eBook

Whether for it or against it, same-sex marriage matters: to the Church, to people, and to the future of our society. In Same-Sex Marriage, authors Sean McDowell and John Stonestreet face these uncharted waters by clearly defining and contrasting two very different meanings of marriage. In the process, they reveal the dramatic shift in our culture’s understanding of human dignity, and the meaning of freedom and sex.

So the Next Generation Will Know Participant’s Guide

Written by two trusted influencers and experts on Generation Z, Sean McDowell and J. Warner Wallace, So the Next Generation Will Know is an extraordinarily practical guide for anyone concerned with ensuring the next generation understands and embraces a biblical worldview. This participant’s guide to the eight-part video series walks small groups through ways to meaningfully engaged with Generation Z, as well as convey the relevance of a Christian worldview in today’s culture.

So the Next Generation Will Know Video Series

Written by two trusted influencers and experts on Generation Z, Sean McDowell and J. Warner Wallace, So the Next Generation Will Know is an extraordinarily practical guide for anyone concerned with ensuring the next generation understands and embraces a biblical worldview. This eight-part video series walks small groups through ways to meaningfully engaged with Generation Z, as well as convey the relevance of a Christian worldview in today’s culture. Facilitator’s Guide included.

So the Next Generation Will Know: Preparing Young Christians for a Challenging World

Gen Zers are making a mass exodus from the church! Can we do anything to stop this trend? McDowell and Wallace say yes—and provide research-based, proven strategies and practical, experientially grounded tactics to help parents, youth leaders, and Christian teachers assist young people in owning their faith and effectively engaging the world around them.

The Beauty of Intolerance: Setting a Generation Free to Know Truth and Love – eBook

Today’s message of cultural acceptance is dangerously distorted and deceptive. In a world that shouts: “If you truly care about other people, you must agree that their beliefs, values, lifestyle, and truth claims are equal and as valid as yours!” it’s no wonder our youth are confused. The Beauty of Intolerance–brand-new from Josh McDowell with son Sean McDowell–cuts through the confusion and points you back to the place where the only truth resides. . .Jesus Christ. Tied directly to the Heroic Truth initiative launched by the Josh McDowell Ministry, McDowell will share how a biblical view of truth can counter cultural tolerance and encourage a love and acceptance of others apart from their actions with a heart of Christlike compassion.