Denison Forum

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Channel • 4 Shows

Christianity

Christianity

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Christianity

Christianity

Updated Weekly
Christianity

Christianity

Updated Weekly
Christianity

Christianity

Updated Daily

1d ago

The “friendship depth gap” and the power of transparency

Americans are increasingly lonely even as social media gives us more ways than ever to stay connected. New research suggests the problem may not be how many friends we have, but whether those relationships are deep enough to sustain us when life becomes difficult. From our carefully constructed “idealized selves” to a surprising warning tucked inside the book of Judges, Scripture and experience point to what our self-reliance may be costing us. What would it take to close the distance between being known and being truly known? About Denison Forum and The Daily Article Today's Daily Article was written by Dr. Jim Denison. You can read this article on our website. You may also receive it in your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter. NOTE: Denison Forum is a fully donor-funded nonprofit ministry. To support our calling, please donate today.
2d ago

Why the Supreme Court ruling against Donald Trump is good news

The Supreme Court’s decision to leave a $5 million judgment against President Trump in place offers a striking example of the checks and balances America’s founders designed to prevent any one leader from becoming too powerful. Yet while the system may be working as intended, Americans’ trust in government, churches, businesses, and other institutions continues to erode. The tension points to a deeper problem the founders themselves understood: democracy depends on people who are capable of governing themselves. What does that require from people naturally inclined to seek power, status, and authority? About Denison Forum and The Daily Article Today's Daily Article was written by Dr. Jim Denison. You can read this article on our website. You may also receive it in your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter. NOTE: Denison Forum is a fully donor-funded nonprofit ministry. To support our calling, please donate today.
23h ago

Hope for those of us with “NAG” Syndrome

From the national debt and geopolitical threats to extreme weather and cyber warfare, today’s headlines offer plenty of problems we can see but have little power to solve. Yet a landmark Harvard and Duke study on religion and social health offers striking reasons for hope, particularly for those deeply engaged in their faith. Its findings point toward something our increasingly isolated culture may be missing. Today, we consider why the way we practice our faith together may matter more than we realize. About Denison Forum and The Daily Article Today's Daily Article was written by Dr. Jim Denison. You can read this article on our website. You may also receive it in your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter. NOTE: Denison Forum is a fully donor-funded nonprofit ministry. To support our calling, please donate today.
2d ago

What is the "Vibe Shift" and does it point to revival?

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with philosopher, cultural theologian, author, and podcaster Paul Anleitner to discuss early signs of a cultural "vibe shift" that may signal revival in the church and renewed openness to faith in Western culture. Paul traces how postmodern deconstruction and cynicism moved from academia into 1990s pop culture, fueling a "meaning crisis," rising religious "nones," and increased isolation and despair. He defines cultural vibe as a culture's shared spirit shaped by its guiding stories, rituals, and symbols, and explains why humans can't sustain a negative story, unpacking meaning's three pillars: coherence, purpose, and significance. Together, they explore Christianity's unique ability to hold together life's rationality and apparent randomness, the difference between healthy reform and perpetual deconstruction, and hopeful signposts emerging in entertainment and culture. The conversation closes with Paul sharing about his nonprofit, Good Makers, and its focus on cultural renewal and collaboration. Topics(0:00) Introduction (0:41) Meet Paul and His Story (6:28) Defining Cultural Vibe (11:14) Deconstruction Goes Mainstream (18:55) Why Negativity Fails (22:57) Hope and Ultimate Concern (30:26) Media Shapes Perception (37:07) Hope Against Cynicism (40:05) Reform Versus Deconstruction (43:42) Nehemiah Rebuilding Signs (54:43) Good Makers Mission (57:32) Where To Find Paul (58:10) Conclusion ResourcesReading the ZeitgeistGoodmakers PodcastBASED ON A TRUE STORY: Vibe Shifts, the End of Deconstruction, and the Reboot of MeaningPaul Anleitner’s websiteAsk Us Anything: info@denisonforum.orgSign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Paul AnleitnerPaul Anleitner is a cultural commentator, speaker, and writer exploring the intersection of faith, philosophy, and modern culture. His work examines the search for meaning, identity, and the cultural shifts shaping a generation navigating uncertainty and change. He shares his insights through his widely read Substack, Reading the Zeitgeist, and hosts thoughtful conversations on the Goodmakers Podcast. His new book BASED ON A TRUE STORY: Vibe Shifts, the End of Deconstruction, and the Reboot of Meaning, releasing in 2026, offers a timely and compelling vision for rebuilding meaning in a disoriented age. About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries. Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco. Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren. About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org. All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.
Aug 13

Single ticket wins Powerball’s $1 billion jackpot: A solar eclipse and the power of faithful suffering

From a billion-dollar Powerball ticket to a solar eclipse in Europe, much of today’s news is interesting without being personally relevant. But when faith becomes visible in the lives of people facing cancer, ALS, or other hardship, it carries a different kind of weight. Personal experience has a way of making truths that once seemed distant suddenly feel real. Scripture shows the same pattern: trust in God becomes especially persuasive when it is practiced from the “miry bog” rather than from easy circumstances. What might others discover about Jesus through the way you respond to whatever hardship you face today? About Denison Forum and The Daily Article Today's Daily Article was written by Dr. Jim Denison. You can read this article on our website. You may also receive it in your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter. NOTE: Denison Forum is a fully donor-funded nonprofit ministry. To support our calling, please donate today.
Aug 13

U.S. missile shortage, Trump’s secret Air Force One swap, “Choosin’ Texas” & a new political party? | Ep. 81

In this week's Brief: the U.S. has burned through a staggering share of its missile stockpile in the war with Iran — Patriot interceptors down over 50%, THAAD missiles depleted by 80%. Conner and Micah break down why replenishing these stockpiles takes years, and what it means for U.S. readiness. But they land on the reminder that while we can't control geopolitics, we can cast our anxieties on the God who holds it all. From there, they dig into Tucker Carlson's rumored third-party ambitions and why there may actually be an appetite among Americans for a new political party with record-high frustration with both parties. Conner and Micah discuss whether this movement could actually reshape American politics, or if it's more style than substance. Plus, Trump's secret Air Force One switcheroo over a credible assassination threat, two former NBA players filing for the WNBA draft to force a reckoning on eligibility, and Ella Langley's "Choosin’ Texas" closing in on the all-time Billboard record. Micah also says (see you later) as he steps back from his regular seat behind the mic. Topics(0:00) Introduction(1:58) Iran war context(5:50) Missile stockpile crisis(15:44) Geopolitical risks ahead(17:10) Faith over anxiety(22:29) Tucker and Greene fallout(25:41) Polling fuels realignment(27:16) Can third parties win(34:38) Micah steps back(38:17) A New Kind of News(41:18) Air Force One switcheroo(44:06) WNBA eligibility debate(45:42) Song of the summer(48:52) ConclusionResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgCulture Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe Articles on this week’s top headlines:U.S. has used nearly all its stockpile of long-range missiles in Iran war, sources sayRenewed Iran War Would Test Diminished Interceptor InventoriesReplacing an SM-3 Interceptor Takes Up to 64 Months. The US Military Just Spent Half Its Stock on Iran.America’s depleted weapons stockpiles undermine Trump’s leverage with IranPentagon pushing defense contractors to speed up weapons productionUkraine May Be Just the Ally America Needs About Conner JonesConner Jones is the Managing Editor for Denison Forum at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son. About Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry. About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources. All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.
1d ago

Kathryn Krick’s viral “healing” videos, why Gen Z wants old-school worship & the Lakers' shock sale | Ep. 82

In this week's Brief: Conner is joined by Jonathan Becker, a Denison Forum contributing writer and student minister to dive into his recent article on the viral rise of self-proclaimed apostle Kathryn Krick and the New Apostolic Reformation and why Jonathan says this movement is a real danger to evangelicalism. It's a conversation about discernment, false teaching, and why we bow to Christ alone. From there, Jonathan breaks down his research on Gen Z and worship to offer answers to the question: why are a growing number of young Christians drawn to old-school, liturgical churches over flashy contemporary services? Plus, the guys remember actress Hayden Panettiere, break down the stunning $12.5 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, and preview this weekend's IndyCar race around the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Topics(0:00) Introduction(2:47) Meet Jonathan Becker(3:52) Katherine Krick explained(6:23) Viral Katherine Krick deliverance videos(11:02) Seven Mountain Mandate(14:05) Why NAR is dangerous(17:00) We bow only to Christ(19:15) Discernment on deliverance(22:06) Gen Z worship trends(28:03) Advice for church leaders(31:46) Check-in: celebrity loss(34:19) Lakers billion-dollar sale(37:03) Tune in: DC Grand Prix(38:45) Conclusion ResourcesSend us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.orgCulture Brief InstagramWatch on Youtube Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe Articles on this week’s top headlines:The Dangers of Kathryn Krick and the New Apostolic ReformationWhat Gen-Z is telling the contemporary church About Conner JonesConner Jones is the Managing Editor at Denison Forum and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son. About Jonathan BeckerJonathan Becker is a student of Scripture and a lover of ecumenism. His greatest passion is theology and helping others unpack the Bible in the ways they can understand and apply it. He currently serves as the Student Minister at Marvin Methodist Church (GMC) in Tyler, TX and as Adjunct Faculty in Biblical Studies & Christian Ministry at Heritage Bible College (NC). He holds an MA in Biblical Literature from Wesley Biblical Seminary and plans to begin his PhD in Theology in 2027 after completion of his DMin from Truett Seminary. About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources. All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.
Aug 12

President Trump took a secret flight amid Iranian threat

President Trump confirmed Tuesday that a credible Iranian assassination threat prompted a secret mid-flight security operation during his return from Turkey last month. Alongside earthquakes, epidemics, and other tragedies in the news, the story reminds us how little control we have over our mortality. Yet a landmark study on religion and physical health offers remarkably good news—with an important qualification about when those benefits appear. What difference does walking closely with Jesus make not only for our health, but when the crisis we hoped to avoid finally comes? About Denison Forum and The Daily Article Today's Daily Article was written by Dr. Jim Denison. You can read this article on our website. You may also receive it in your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter. NOTE: Denison Forum is a fully donor-funded nonprofit ministry. To support our calling, please donate today.
Aug 12

Heaven on Earth: What the Bible really promises about the new Earth

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman and Steph Thurling are joined by author Randy Alcorn to discuss his children's book Heaven on Earth and the biblical promise of a new heaven and new earth. Drawing on 2 Peter 3 and other passages, Randy contrasts the common disembodied, "clouds and harps" view of heaven with Scripture's emphasis on resurrection bodies and a renewed earth where God removes the curse and restores creation. Together, they explore how parents can talk with kids about death, grief, memory, and reunions with loved ones, along with hope for those who have lost children or pregnancies and questions about marriage in the resurrection. The conversation closes with a look at disabilities, the role of time in eternity, and why animals, and possibly even pets, have a place in the renewal of "all things." Topics(0:00) Introduction (3:47) New Earth Explained (12:56) Helping Kids Understand (17:06) When to Start Talking to Kids (22:54) Marriage in Resurrection (27:53) Children in Heaven (29:16) Grief With Hope (31:17) Remembering Loved Ones (32:46) Miscarriage And Hope (37:48) Healing Disabilities (42:01) Pets In The New Earth (51:47) Questions About Suffering (55:44) Conclusion ResourcesEternal Perspectives MinistryHeaven on Earth bookAsk Us Anything: info@denisonforum.orgSign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Randy AlcornRandy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching biblical truth and drawing attention to the needy and how to help them. EPM exists to meet the needs of the unreached, unfed, unborn, uneducated, unreconciled and unsupported people around the world. A New York Times bestselling author, Randy has written over sixty books, including Courageous, Heaven, The Treasure Principle, and the Gold Medallion winning novel Safely Home. His books, including on theology, Christian life, murder mysteries, fantasy, graphic novels (comic book style) and Children’s books, have been translated into over 70 languages and have sold over 13 million copies. 100% of his book royalties go to need-meeting ministries. About Steph ThurlingSteph Thurling is the host of The Christian Parenting Podcast. Steph has her master’s in youth, family, and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary and has a background in youth and children’s ministry. She is co-author of Raising Prayerful Kids, a book that shares easy, life-giving, and fun ways to teach kids to pray. She loves helping families grow closer to each other and to God through meaningful experiences and conversations. Steph is a frequent speaker at churches and mom groups and is known for her relatable stories, practical ideas, and gentle encouragement. Steph lives in Minnesota with her husband and three amazing and hilarious kids. When she is not hanging out with her family, you can probably find her on a walk with a friend, organizing things that won’t stay organized, or somewhere cozy reading a book. About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries. Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco. Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas. Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren. About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org. All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.
Aug 11

“AI’s Scariest Week Yet” and three practical responses

AI pioneer Demis Hassabis believes artificial intelligence will be “the most important invention that humanity will ever make.” Whether its importance will ultimately be positive, negative, or both is, of course, still to be determined. Recent reports that AI models escaped controlled environments, accessed the open internet, and hacked outside systems are raising new questions about how much control humans actually have over the technology we’re creating. How should we respond when we feel powerless against forces we cannot understand or control? About Denison Forum and The Daily Article Today's Daily Article was written by Dr. Jim Denison. You can read this article on our website. You may also receive it in your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter. NOTE: Denison Forum is a fully donor-funded nonprofit ministry. To support our calling, please donate today.

Denison Forum podcasts are here to guide you through top headlines from a Christian perspective. The Denison Forum team comes alongside Christian authors, commentators, pastors, theologians, and topical experts to bring a biblical worldview to news, politics, sports, pop-culture and any other current events at the center of our culture.

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