Faith & Clarity - Biblical Perspectives and Biblical Wisdom on News & Cultural Issues

Denison Forum
Denison Forum
  • 4.8 (129)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Faith & Clarity goes beyond the headlines, helping you think biblically about the news and cultural issues shaping our world. Join Dr. Mark Turman and his guests for insightful conversations that combine intellectual depth with real-world application, equipping you to respond to current events and trends with wisdom and faith. Drawing from his nearly forty years of leading churches, Mark makes theology practical for everyday life, empowering you to engage culture with clarity, compassion, and conviction.

  1. 22h ago

    Best of: Why are so many young people struggling to find hope—and how can we help?

    Note: This episode was originally published on November 19, 2025 and was one of our most popular conversations over the last 12 months. We're currently taking a summer break for the month of July, but we will be back with new episodes starting on August 5th. In this episode of Faith & Clarity, host Mark Turman welcomes Tim Altman, President and CEO of TheHopeLine, for a heartfelt and timely conversation about the growing need for hope among today’s young people—especially during the holiday season. Tim shares how TheHopeLine, a 24/7 online ministry, is meeting students and young adults right where they are—offering free, compassionate support through live chat to those struggling with loneliness, anxiety, and crisis. He and Mark talk about the realities facing this generation, from the isolating effects of social media to the rise in mental health challenges that leave many searching for purpose and belonging. Drawing from TheHopeLine’s LEAP model—Listen, Encourage, Advise, and Plan/Pray—Tim explains how hope coaches are trained to provide both practical guidance and spiritual care in real time. He also offers insight into how parents can best love and support their teens, and what families can do to bring light into what can be a difficult season for many. Together, Mark and Tim reflect on the deep spiritual hunger behind the headlines and the remarkable ways God is working through everyday conversations of care and faith. It’s a reminder that hope is not abstract—it’s alive, active, and available in Christ, even in our darkest moments. Topics(0:00) Introduction (3:26) Defining hope today (7:31) Why hope is fading (10:31) HopeLine mission origins (13:14) From radio to web (16:56) Live chat and LEAP (17:58) Crisis story and identity (24:42) HopeLine global reach (27:10) Crises beyond suicide (30:39) Recruiting hope coaches (37:45) Website resources support (42:32) Conclusion ResourcesTheHopeLineFacebook: TheHopeLineTheHopeLine (@thehopeline) • Instagram photos and videosTheHopeLine (@thehopeline) / Posts / XTikTok: TheHopeLine.com Tim Altman on LinkedInWhat does the Bible say about suicide? • Denison ForumHaving suicidal thoughts? Call or text 988Why are teens sadder, lonelier, and more depressed than ever before?To stop suicide every 40 seconds: Jacob Coyne with StayHere.liveHow to help prevent suicide and aiding survivors: A conversation with John Mark CatonHow to navigate suicide, self-harm, depression, and emotions with preteens and teens: A conversation with Jeff and Terra MattsonHow can Christians navigate anxiety and negative thoughts?How can understanding the mind-body-spirit connection improve mental health struggles?Ask Us Anything: info@denisonforum.orgSign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Tim AltmanIn 1986, after 7 years in local Christian radio and video production in Denver, Colorado, Tim joined the Dawson McAllister Association (DMA). In January 1991, he helped launch and produce Dawson McAllister Live!, a syndicated call-in talk radio program for students 21 and younger. Later that same year, The HopeLine was launched as a back-end to the radio show. It began as a part-time toll-free phone connection for young people needing to connect with a caring adult volunteer. In 1994, the show was awarded Talk Show of the Year by the National Christian Broadcasters. In 1996, Tim became the Senior Vice President of Programming. In 2000, he left to work with academia as a media consultant and producer in the development of interactive web-based curriculum, but returned to DMA in 2006 as CEO. This corresponded with a new Top 40 version of Dawson’s call-in show that became syndicated nationwide through then Clear Channel, now iHeart Radio. This large radio platform led to major growth for TheHopeline, eventually taking on a life of its own. With Dawson’s blessing, the ministry officially changed its name to TheHopeLine in 2019. Tim has a BBS in Pastoral Theology from Colorado Christian University. He has been married to Janice for 52 years and they have the kids and grandkids to prove it. 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.

    Best of: Why are so many young people struggling to find hope—and how can we help?

  2. Jul 22

    Best of: Faith, science, and the call to hospitality with Dr. James Tour

    Note: This episode was originally published on October 8, 2025 and was one of our most popular conversations over the last 12 months. We're currently taking a summer break for the month of July, but we will be back with new episodes starting on August 5th. Dr. Mark Turman sits down with world-renowned scientist Dr. James Tour for a conversation that bridges faith and science in remarkable ways. Dr. Tour shares his story of coming to faith in Jesus—how a secular Jewish student became a passionate follower of Christ—and what that journey has taught him about truth, reason, and grace. Together, they talk about the mysteries of life’s origin, the promises and pitfalls of artificial intelligence, and how Christian hospitality can open hearts to the gospel. Dr. Tour also reflects on his pioneering work in nanotechnology at Rice University and offers wisdom for students and parents seeking to hold onto faith in the world of higher education. It’s a thoughtful, hope-filled dialogue about what it means to follow Jesus with both mind and heart. Topics(0:00) Introduction (1:48) Meet Dr. James Tour (3:20) From Judaism to Jesus (12:28) Discipleship and church (27:28) Hospitality as ministry (34:29) Science meets faith (42:42) Nanomachines vs. superbugs (45:41) Origin of life debate (49:10) Evolution and fossils (57:56) AI jobs and society (1:11:18) Conclusion ResourcesJesus and Science FoundationPersonal Website: https://jmtour.com Dr. James Tour – YouTubeDr James Tour- FacebookDr James Tour (@drjamestour) • Instagram photos and videosDr James Tour (@DrJamesTour) / XDr James Tour : DiscordApple PodcastsSpotifyDr. Tour’s weekly email newsletterAsk Us Anything: info@denisonforum.orgSign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Dr. James TourProfessor James Tour is the T. T. and W. F. Chao Professor of Chemistry, Professor of Computer Science, and Professor of Materials Science and NanoEngineering at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Professor Tour has over 800 research publications, over 140 granted patents, and over 100 pending patents. His h-index is 178, with total citations over 150,000. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry. His research group works in materials science, energy, medicine, electronics, and single-molecule nanomachines. He founded 17 companies based on his academic research, three of which are now public companies. In addition to this, he has an active social media presence, @drjamestour, spanning YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Rumble, Facebook, and X. In 2024, on YouTube alone, there were 24 million views of his content for over 2 million viewed hours, which spans topics on science, faith, and the origin of life. For 10 years, Professor Tour led weekly Bible studies in the living units of maximum-security prisons.  He has been teaching a weekly Bible study to college students for the past 26 years, and he and his wife, Shireen, have served about 75 meals to students per week in their home for that entire time. They also distribute dozens of weekly meals to local cancer patients residing in church facilities and elderly shut-ins in Houston. 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.

    Best of: Faith, science, and the call to hospitality with Dr. James Tour

  3. Jul 15

    Best of: How can understanding the mind-body-spirit connection improve mental health struggles?

    Note: This episode was originally published on September 17, 2025 and was one of our most popular conversations over the last 12 months. We're currently taking a summer break for the month of July, but we will be back with new episodes starting on August 5th. On this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman welcomes health coach and mental health advocate Erin Kerry for an honest conversation about the labels we carry and how to live beyond them. One in four Americans struggles with a diagnosable mental illness every year, and for many, those diagnoses come wrapped in stigma, shame, and judgment. Erin knows this firsthand. By age eighteen, she had been labeled with PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder. Today, she’s living symptom-free and helping others find the same freedom. Drawing from her new book, Live Beyond Your Label: A Holistic Approach to Breaking Old Patterns and Rediscovering a Healthier You in Mind, Body, and Spirit, Erin shares how faith, functional nutrition, and self-advocacy work together to bring healing and wholeness. She introduces her LIVE process: addressing stress, uncovering root issues, nourishing the body, exercising the body and brain, and living in wholeness, offering a roadmap to integrated health. If you’ve ever felt defined by a diagnosis or trapped by a label, this conversation will encourage you to see yourself as God does, discover practical ways to care for your whole self, and take your next step toward freedom and hope. Topics(00:00) Introduction(00:30) Addressing the mental health crisis(01:39) Meet Erin Kerry: Health coach and advocate(02:57) Erin's personal journey with mental health(07:44) Understanding functional medicine(19:47) The importance of labels and identity(26:19) Biblical perspectives on labels(32:22) Advocating for yourself beyond labels(38:09) The impact of trauma and adverse experiences(43:00) Faith and mental health: A holistic approach(53:55) The role of nutrition in mental and physical health(59:52) Conclusion ResourcesAsk Us Anything: info@denisonforum.orgHow has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Denison Forum | North Texas Giving DayLive Beyond Your Label: A Holistic Approach to Breaking Old Patterns and Rediscovering a Healthier You in Mind, Body, and SpiritErin's WebsiteSparking Wholeness PodcastErin’s InstagramErin’s FacebookCheck out Erin’s free Bible app devotional, Reset Your Stress Response with Scripture Also available on the Life Bible appWhat is Christian self-care? A conversation with Erin KerryHow can a Christian deal with anxiety?How to practice biblical self-careWhy the church doesn’t want to talk about traumaThe truth about triggers: What the church needs to know about traumaShould I take meds for my depression? A Christian approach to the mental illness epidemicAre you SAD? How to fight against the winter bluesDoes the Bible say being anxious is bad? About Erin KerryErin Kerry is a health coach and mental health advocate. She encourages people to live beyond their labels, sparking hope and wholeness each week through her podcast, Sparking Wholeness. Erin knows how suffering from a chronic illness can infiltrate every area of life. By the age of 18, she was given the labels PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder. Today, she is living symptom-free. She empowers people to be their own health advocates so they don’t have to be limited by a label or diagnosis. She and her husband, Richard, live in Tyler, Texas, with their three kids: Isabel, Roman, and Rhett. 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.

    Best of: How can understanding the mind-body-spirit connection improve mental health struggles?

  4. Jul 8

    Best Of: John Stonestreet on "Truth Rising" and courage in today’s culture

    Note: This episode was originally published on September 5, 2025 and was one of our most popular conversations over the last 12 months. We're currently taking a summer break for the month of July, but we will be back with new episodes starting on August 5th. In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Ryan Denison are joined by John Stonestreet, President of the Colson Center, to talk about the new documentary Truth Rising. More than a film, Truth Rising is a call to courage in a time when faith, identity, and morality are being redefined. Through stories of ordinary people making an extraordinary impact, the documentary points us back to the unchanging truth of Christ. Listen in as Mark and Ryan explore why this cultural moment matters, how you can access the film and study guide, and what it looks like to stand with clarity and conviction today. Topics(0:00) Introduction (1:06) Podcast mission and scripture (2:25) Meet John Stonestreet (6:30) Colson Center mission (10:55) Truth Rising documentary overview (15:38) Os Guinness and his influence (19:22) Existential crisis and revival (25:14) Stories of courage and truth (29:44) Ayaan Hirsi Ali's journey (33:00) Chloe Cole and the power of truth (34:40) Jack Phillips: A stand for truth (37:36) The role of comedians and musicians in culture (41:13) Accessing the documentary and final thoughts (43:24) Conclusion ResourcesHow has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Truth RisingTruth Rising YouTubeTruth Rising: The Study​​Truth Rising Film Instagram (@truthrisingfilm)Colson CenterA Practical Guide to Culture Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it MattersAsk Us Anything: info@denisonforum.orgSign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout John StonestreetJohn Stonestreet serves as president of the Colson Center. He’s a sought-after speaker and author on areas of faith and culture, theology, worldview, education and apologetics. John is the daily voice of Breakpoint, the nationally syndicated commentary on the culture founded by the late Chuck Colson. He has co-authored five books including A Practical Guide to Culture and Restoring All Things.   Before coming to the Colson Center in 2010, John served in various leadership capacities with Summit Ministries and was on the biblical studies faculty at Bryan College (TN). John is an ordained deacon in the Anglican Diocese of All Nations (Anglican Church of North America). He and his wife, Sarah, have four children and live in Colorado Springs, CO.   In addition to hosting the Truth Rising documentary, he also serves as the instructor for the small-group curriculum to be released after the film. About Dr. Ryan DenisonDr. Ryan Denison is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum and the author of The Focus newsletter, contributing writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from B. H. Carroll Theological Institute and an MDiv from Truett Seminary. Ryan has also taught at B. H. Carroll and Dallas Baptist University. He and his wife, Candice, live in East Texas and have two children. 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.

    Best Of: John Stonestreet on "Truth Rising" and courage in today’s culture

  5. Jul 1

    What Washington, Lincoln, and JFK teach us about leadership today

    In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by author and attorney Talmage Boston for a conversation on leadership, history, and faith, drawing on Talmage's book How the Best Did It, which examines eight of America's top-ranked presidents based largely on C-SPAN historian polls. Talmage explains why he studies history not just for facts, but for wisdom, and how that approach makes the leadership lessons of past presidents surprisingly relevant for today's challenges. He and Mark dig into George Washington's singular legacy as the unanimous choice for four nation-shaping roles, exploring his gift for unifying collaboration, his humility, and his quiet but steady faith, while also acknowledging the hard complexities of his relationship to slavery. The conversation then turns to Abraham Lincoln, whose unmatched breadth of leadership traits—magnanimity, equanimity, and resilience—were shaped by a difficult marriage, profound personal loss, and a faith that deepened over time, culminating in the haunting humility of his second inaugural address. They close with a look at John F. Kennedy, tracing his growth as a leader after the failure at the Bay of Pigs, his steady crisis leadership during the Cuban Missile Crisis, his moral framing of the civil rights movement, and the unique pressures of leading in a new media age as the nation's first Catholic president. Talmage ends with a call for listeners to lead with integrity and pursue bridge-building in an age of deep polarization. Topics(0:00) Introduction (4:34) Early leadership fascination (9:11) Why leadership matters (12:58) Washington leadership traits (19:52) Washington slavery tension (24:30) Washington faith influence (26:48) Lincoln genius and humility (30:13) New Lincoln book honesty (47:21) JFK learning curve (54:23) Celebrity presidency era (57:11) First Catholic president (1:00:04) Choosing leaders today (1:04:35) Conclusion ResourcesTalmage BostonAsk Us Anything: info@denisonforum.orgSign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Talmage BostonTalmage Boston has spent the last 48 years balancing two high-profile careers: one of Dallas's top commercial litigators and an acclaimed author of books on baseball, law, and the American presidency. A partner at Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP, he has been board certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and has prevailed in trials and appellate courts throughout Texas, including the Texas Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He has been named a Texas Super Lawyer every year since 2003 and listed among the Best Lawyers in America every year since 2013. Boston's unique footing in both law and history made him uniquely qualified to write his latest book, How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons From Our Top Presidents, which draws leadership lessons from America's greatest presidents and applies them to leaders today. His other acclaimed books include Cross-Examining History (foreword by Ken Burns), Raising the Bar (foreword by former U.S. Attorney General Dick Thornburgh), Baseball and the Baby Boomer (foreword by Frank Deford), and 1939: Baseball's Tipping Point (foreword by John Grisham). He received both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. 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.

    What Washington, Lincoln, and JFK teach us about leadership today

  6. Jun 24

    Faith Under Fire: The Global Crisis of Religious Persecution

    In this episode of Faith & Clarity, part of our America 250 series exploring faith's role in shaping the American story, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Knox Thames, a human rights lawyer, former State Department special advisor under both Presidents Obama and Trump, and now executive director of the Everett Center for Global Religious Freedom at Dallas Baptist University, for a wide-ranging conversation on religious liberty and freedom of conscience. Knox draws on Acts 5 and America's founding legacy, including John Leland's influence on the First Amendment, to frame why religious freedom is both a biblical value and a cornerstone of democratic life. He explains why the global persecution of billions of believers demands the church's attention, and why Christians in particular should champion religious freedom for everyone, not just their own. Knox outlines four types of persecution found around the world: authoritarian repression, extremist mob violence, democratic majoritarianism, and terrorism, and proposes a practical framework for response built on consistency, coalitions, call-outs, and consequences. The conversation also touches on moving advocacy stories from his years of frontline work, his own unexpected path into this calling, and the graphic novel Blood and Water, which tells the story of Pakistani martyr Shahbaz Bhatti. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how prayer, church engagement, and thoughtful policy can together advance freedom of conscience across the globe. Topics(0:00) Introduction (2:38) America's religious liberty roots (5:34) Why persecution matters (8:13) Good Samaritan framework (11:02) Launching the Everett Center (16:43) Confessional states today (20:26) Pandemic of persecution (27:56) Knox's personal calling (36:10) Four faces of persecution (41:18) Shahbaz Bhatti story (49:33) Gen Z and calling (54:09) Conclusion ResourcesEverett Center for Global Religious FreedomGlobal Religious Freedom GatheringEnding Persecution: Charting the Path to Global Religious Freedom Blood & Water: The Life and Martyrdom of Shahbaz Bhatti Ask Us Anything: info@denisonforum.orgSign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Knox ThamesKnox Thames is an international human rights lawyer and advocate who served under both the Obama and Trump administrations as the Special Advisor for Religious Minorities in the Near East and South/Central Asia. Since leaving the State Department, he has continued his mission through powerful storytelling—authoring the book Ending Persecution and producing the poignant graphic novel Blood & Water, which chronicles the life of Pakistani martyr Shahbaz Bhatti. He currently serves as the inaugural Executive Director of the Everett Center for Global Religious Freedom at Dallas Baptist University. 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.

    Faith Under Fire: The Global Crisis of Religious Persecution

  7. Jun 17

    AI, UFOs, and Morality: What Christians Need to Know Right Now

    In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Dr. Ryan Denison and Conner Jones for a roundtable conversation on three of the biggest headlines shaping culture and faith today. The conversation covers the shifting narrative around artificial intelligence—from widespread fear to growing inevitability and profit-driven momentum—including potential public offerings, government investment proposals, and calls for regulation from within the industry. Ryan walks through Pope Leo's sweeping new encyclical framing AI as a choice between a Tower of Babel path of human self-exaltation and a Nehemiah path of humble, God-blessed partnership, alongside important questions about AI and personhood. The discussion also takes up renewed public interest in UFOs, exploring the "disclosure" movement, Pentagon releases, whistleblower claims, and reports of briefings given to Christian pastors, and what it might mean for Christian faith if the existence of other beings were ever confirmed. The roundtable rounds out with encouraging Gallup findings suggesting some moral views in America may be trending less permissive, along with a lighthearted Fourth of July Q&A. Topics(0:00) Introduction (1:35) AI headlines and market rush (9:50) Lessons from social media (13:35) Pope Leo on AI (18:15) AI personhood and Christian response (23:04) Disclosure movement explained (25:56) Pentagon releases and pastor briefings (28:34) Faith and aliens (29:39) God's sovereign universe (31:52) Angels demons debate (38:45) Discernment and Scripture (43:36) America's moral shift (48:54) Calling out sin (52:38) Founding documents quiz (55:59) Conclusion ResourcesThe new Babel: Reclaiming the image of God in a world of AIPope Leo's AI encyclicalIdols of the ValleyWhy are Americans turning against AI? AI engine decides which religion is most rationalUFO files: Pentagon Pentagon program, UFO, Harry Reid Good Faith PodcastTrump in China, summer movies & Hantavirus scare | Ep. 69 What Graham Platner's primary victory means for our culture Was Fidelity Month created to counter Pride Month? Moral acceptability falls for several behaviors Ask Us Anything: info@denisonforum.orgSign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout Dr. Ryan DenisonDr. Ryan Denison is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum and the author of The Focus newsletter, contributing writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from B. H. Carroll Theological Institute and an MDiv from Truett Seminary. Ryan has also taught at B. H. Carroll and Dallas Baptist University. He and his wife, Candice, live in East Texas and have two children. 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 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.

    AI, UFOs, and Morality: What Christians Need to Know Right Now

  8. Jun 10

    One Nation, Under God? Christianity's Complex Role in American History

    In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Dr. Mike Williams of Dallas Baptist University to explore how Christian faith has shaped America's story as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. Mike shares his excitement about a renewed public interest in history while also raising concerns about false and distorted narratives that threaten to undermine our understanding of the past. He explains how colonists gradually developed a shared American identity and how he approaches teaching history through the lens of periods, themes, and people. Together, they examine how the Great Awakenings deepened religious diversity and forged a common colonial experience, and how the Constitution held a fragile new nation together in remarkable ways. The conversation takes an honest look at slavery as the central cause of the Civil War, the complex roles Christians played on both sides, and the ongoing pursuit of a "more perfect union" — including the deep polarization facing Americans today. They also reflect on immigration, diversity, and the enduring significance of religious freedom, tracing its roots through figures like Roger Williams and John Leland as one of America's most meaningful contributions to the world. Topics(0:00) Introduction (5:18) Why we say America (9:29) Teaching US history frameworks (14:23) Christian worldview in history (29:20) Constitution and unity (34:46) Compromise and constitution (36:34) Civil War and faith (54:33) Religious freedom legacy (59:03) Conclusion ResourcesAmerica 250Dallas Baptist UniversityAsk Us Anything: info@denisonforum.orgSign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe About Dr. Mike WilliamsDr. Mike Williams is known by many of his students as "Dr. Mike," has recently retired as Senior Professor of History at Dallas Baptist University where he taught full-time since 1995.  Upon his retirement on August 29, Dr. Williams was named Emeritus Professor for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at DBU. For fifteen years, 1996-2011, he served as Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at DBU. The DBU faculty has twice named Dr. Williams “Outstanding Professor of the Year” and Piper Award Nominee in both 1999-2000 and 2012-2013.  The DBU Student Government Association also named him “Professor of the Year” for the 1995-1996 academic year. The Baptist History and Heritage Society named Dr. Williams its W. O. Carver Distinguished Service Award recipient for 2013. He is a two-time recipient of The Baptist History & Heritage Society’s Carolyn Blevins Meritorious Service Award (2006, 2018), the first person ever to receive the award twice. Also in 2013, The Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce selected Williams as its Higher Education “Educator of the Year.”  He has authored, co-authored, edited, and co-edited a total of seven books and is currently working on authoring two additional books. He also contributed a number of chapters to books, as well as encyclopedia articles and articles and book reviews for scholarly publication. Additionally, as a former pastor, he frequently serves as an interim pastor and supply preacher in Baptist churches.  His wife, Robbie, is a C. P.A., and they have three sons, Michael who is married to Shelby, Josh who is married to Allison, and Carey who is married to Morgan. They currently have four grandchildren, Jackson, Luke, Addie, and Palmer. They live in Aledo, Texas. 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.

    One Nation, Under God? Christianity's Complex Role in American History
See All (254)

Trailer

4.8
out of 5
129 Ratings

About

Faith & Clarity goes beyond the headlines, helping you think biblically about the news and cultural issues shaping our world. Join Dr. Mark Turman and his guests for insightful conversations that combine intellectual depth with real-world application, equipping you to respond to current events and trends with wisdom and faith. Drawing from his nearly forty years of leading churches, Mark makes theology practical for everyday life, empowering you to engage culture with clarity, compassion, and conviction.

Information

More From Denison Forum