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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

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.

The Bible Handbook of Difficult Verses: A Complete Guide to Answering the Tough Questions

Don’t let your confusion about a Bible verse or passage keep you from spiritual growth! Going from book to book, the McDowells boil down the tough topics, explain them in everyday language, and include a summary of key principles of interpretation. Their resource will help laypeople and pastors alike gain confidence and competence in all of Scripture.

The Fate of the Apostles

The Book of Martyrs by John Foxe written in the sixteenth century has long been the go-to source for studying the lives and martyrdom of the apostles. In The Fate of the Apostles, Sean McDowell offers a comprehensive, reasoned, historical analysis of the fate of the Twelve disciples of Jesus along with the apostles Paul and James, the brother of Jesus. McDowell assesses the evidence for each apostle’s martyrdom as well as determining its significance to the reliability of their testimony. The question of the fate of the apostles also gets to the heart of the reliability of the kerygma: Did the apostles really believe Jesus appeared to them after his death, or did they fabricate the entire story? How reliable are the resurrection accounts? In this thoroughly updated new edition, McDowell offers insightful scholarly analysis of this argument to break new ground within the spheres of New Testament studies, Church History, and apologetics.

The Gospel of John – DVD Bible Study

Jesus has called you. Called you to be different. Called you to love. Called you to restore. Equip your small group to answer the call of God on their life with this incredible 12-session DVD. The Gospel of John: Finding Identity and Purpose DVD Bible Study covers 12 passages from the book of John that will deepen your understanding of identity, calling, and God’s purpose for you. Packed with leader tips, discussion questions, practical applications, and prayer points, this DVD study can be led by anyone! Sessions are taught by 6 professors with specialized areas of knowledge.

The Unshakable Truth Study Guide

This comprehensive study guide covers the introduction and the 12 foundational truths distilled in The Unshakable Truth, making it ideal for a 13-week group course and adaptable for a 52-week one. Users of the study guide whether individuals or church groups will get a firm grip on the book’s central issues: what they as Christians believe, why they believe it, how it s relevant to life, and how they can pass it on to the next generation. The guide will help them work the meaning, credibility, and relevance of Christianity deep into their minds and hearts.

The Unshakable Truth: How You Can Experience the 12 Essentials of a Relevant Faith

The name Josh McDowell promises real-life, on-the-street Christian apologetics. In his first Harvest House book, Josh joins his son Sean to draw on his life’s work and comprehensively address a vital issue: why an entire generation of young Christians—and millions of older believers—is confused about what they believe, why they believe it, and how it’s relevant.

The Unshakable Truth: How You Can Experience the 12 Essentials of a Relevant Faith – Unabridged Audiobook [Download]

The name Josh McDowell promises real-life, on-the-street Christian apologetics. In his first Harvest House book, Josh joins his son Sean to draw on his life’s work and comprehensively address a vital issue: why an entire generation of young Christians—and millions of older believers—is confused about what they believe, why they believe it, and how it’s relevant.

Think Biblically, Teen Bible Study Book

Sean McDowell’s six-session Bible study walks students through a Christian ethic for a new generation. Developed for teenage guys to discover how to discern biblical truth, real justice, and God’s love amid the noise of today’s world. Teens learn how to listen and engage in healthy dialogue when it comes to issues like race, poverty, homosexuality, immigration, social media, and politics.

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