The Denison Forum Podcast - Christian perspective on current events, Christian news and culture, Biblical wisdom

Denison Forum
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The Denison Forum Podcast - Christian perspective on current events, Christian news and culture, Biblical wisdom

On The Denison Forum Podcast, host Dr. Mark Turman interviews knowledgeable guests on timely news and relevant spiritual topics. Each week an author, commentator, pastor, theologian, or a topical expert joins the show to bring biblical insight and practical applications to help Christians further develop a biblical worldview on current events.

  1. The rise of the sexual revolution - Part 3

    3 DAYS AGO

    The rise of the sexual revolution - Part 3

    Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman discuss the sexual revolution and its implications for today’s culture. They discuss how the church’s witness is hurt by its bad example, how biblical morality is going to be persecuted, the implications of the Equality Act, how US laws should legislate certain moral judgments and not others, and how the world’s understanding of sex ultimately leads to harm. First, Mark and Jim show why it’s important to have historical context for cultural ideas today. Much of the LGBTQ movement in today’s world is a symptom, not the cause, of the cultural tsunami. To address the root causes, however, the church must start within our own doors and hearts. Since the church abuse scandals, comparable levels of divorce rates, and the acceptance of cohabitation, the church has lost credibility in the eyes of the culture.  In the case of the new sexual morality, biblical Christians are becoming more ostracized and considered even dangerous for our beliefs. Indeed, while all laws legislate morality in some way, we must get clear on religious freedom and what the State can legislate.  They unpack how this played out in the legalization of abortion. Jim then elaborates on how civil rights laws protecting minorities are categorically different from those protecting based on sexual orientation, both biblically and under secular arguments, and how the Equality Act poses a serious threat to biblical Christian institutions.  Finally, they discuss how Christians can respond to today’s sexual revolution following Paul’s model from Corinthians. Jim argues that we shouldn’t take the easy route, but rather we must let our light shine. We have the heroes of Hebrews 11 to inspire us.  (Correction: Cardinal Francis George first said, “I expect my successor to die in prison . . . .”) not Archbishop Collins.) Resources and further readingThe Coming Tsunami, Dr. Jim Denison The Benedict Option, Rod Dreher  “The Equality Act: What Christians need to know,” Dr. Jim Denison “Religious Liberty Isn’t Enough,” Ryan T. Anderson About Dr. Jim DenisonJim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening. About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture. 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 Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

    45 min
  2. The rise of a post-truth culture - Part 2

    DEC 11

    The rise of a post-truth culture - Part 2

    Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman discuss the foundation for Denison Forum by first unpacking apologetics ("to make a defense"), which has its roots in the book of Acts. Cultural apologetics refers to giving a defense of biblical truth in the context of cultural issues like same-sex marriage, abortion, or euthanasia. They discuss starting points for those conversations, which need to begin outside of the Bible and with varying assumptions, depending on the audience.  Next, they discuss the origins of Protestants’ split from Roman Catholicism and its further divisions. Evangelicalism is a relatively recent movement, however, beginning in the 20s and 30s, and gaining prominence after WWII. Evangelicalism, in some ways, rose in reaction against a perceived liberal drift of mainline denominations. But, from the start, with people like Billy Graham, the main point was to spread the simple gospel.  Nowadays, the word evangelical has become associated with the political right more than its core biblical beliefs, from the well-intentioned “we want a nation God can bless” acting as part of the Moral Majority, and activism, to its disparaged status in culture. Culture tends to view evangelicals as a political action movement, especially with some preachers endorsing Donald Trump.  Finally, Mark and Jim discuss the earthquakes that Jim outlines in The Coming Tsunami. Denial of biblical truth, the first earthquake, is in many ways the one which starts the fall of dominoes. Many Christians are trying to address these problems by tackling the symptoms of the cultural tsunami. That leaves us blind to the actual, invisible causes of the cultural decline we see today. Each person deals with their own unique presuppositions, so the best way to change the tide is to influence the people where you are as best you can. In the midst of this discussion, Mark and Jim begin to unpack further cultural earthquakes.  Resources and further readingThe Coming Tsunami, Jim DenisonGood Faith, David French, Curtis ChangLeadership is an art, Max DupreeAbout Dr. Jim DenisonJim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening. About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture. 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 Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

    59 min

  3. TRAILER

    Trailer

    On The Denison Forum Podcast, host Dr. Mark Turman interviews knowledgeable guests on timely news and relevant spiritual topics. Each week an author, commentator, pastor, theologian, or a topical expert joins the show to bring biblical insight and practical applications to help Christians further develop a biblical worldview on current events.

    1 min
  4. The gravest threat Christians in America have ever faced - Part 1

    DEC 4

    The gravest threat Christians in America have ever faced - Part 1

    Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman talk about the origins of Jim’s book, The Coming Tsunami, and God’s calling on Jim’s life to cultural apologetics. In this first episode, they cover: how Christians should engage the culturenewfound unity between denominationsrising atheismhow to turn the cultural tideand hope for a new awakening  In part 1, Jim and Mark delve into Jim’s life and upbringing. Jim’s father experienced the horrors of World War II and couldn’t reconcile them with Christianity. So, Jim grew up in a “loving, wonderful home but no spiritual life and all my father’s questions.” Eventually, after following Christ in his teens, God called him to ministry.  Fast-forward to two or three years ago. The Holy Spirit pressed on him the “urgency of the moment” in our culture, which eventually led to the writing of The Coming Tsunami. The analogy runs like this: unseen forces (earthquakes) can lead to cultural symptoms that make Christianity a danger in the eyes of the culture (the tsunami). In part 2, Jim and Mark discuss: the sociology of how to change the cultureand the best strategies for Christians to accomplish it in AmericaThe election of conservative Christians to the presidency seems to have led to passivity among many Christians; political officials cannot change the culture. The way to change culture is to practice what you preach and exercise your influence wherever you are. In part 3, they talk about encouraging ways God is moving. For instance, they discuss the growing unity in the church between denominations, the miraculous awakenings in Islam, and the explosive growth of Christianity in Asian countries.  Next, they cover the influx of atheist, secular thinkers into mainstream Western culture. Many are brilliant scientists but overstep into philosophy and theology, places where they make frequent errors but still hold massive influence. This and subjects like the church abuse scandals have broken the church’s image in the modern eye. Philosophy has consequences, and you can trace the ideas of today back generations to people like Kant.  Finally, Jim shares his pastoral insight into how the Lord moves. While we may feel desperate now, God works awakenings when a culture is on the brink of despair. The Spirit has worked like that before in America, and he can do it again. Resources and further readingThe Coming Tsunami, Jim DenisonWrestling With God, Jim DenisonHow to Change the World, James Davidson HunterThe Screwtape Letters, C.S. LewisThe God Delusion, Richard Dawkinsgod is not Great, Christopher HitchensThe CEO Forum: “Created to support and minister to Christian CEOs and Senior Executives, CEO Forum exists to provide a unique approach to The Great Commission.”"How dreams and visions of “Isa” are awakening the Islamic world," Mark Legg About Dr. Jim DenisonJim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening. About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture. 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 Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

    55 min
  5. Listening to God’s voice in leadership

    NOV 20

    Listening to God’s voice in leadership

    In this episode of the Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman engages in a deep conversation with Robin Pou, an executive coach and author, about the complexities of leadership. They explore Robin's personal faith journey and the importance of listening to God's voice. They discuss the significance of relationships in faith, the purpose of vocational work, and the role of doubt in leadership.   In this conversation, Robin Pou discusses the themes of forgiveness, purpose, and leadership within the context of faith and work. He emphasizes the importance of forgiveness as a spiritual discipline, the struggles leaders face in forgiving others, and the necessity of finding purpose in one's career as a form of ministry. The discussion also touches on the reception of his book, The Reluctant Disciple, and the differences between leading in ministry versus business. Finally, Robin reframes the concept of pressure as a privilege, encouraging listeners to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Topics(02:58): Robin Pou's Background and Faith Journey(05:52): The Reluctant Disciple: A Catalyst for Change(09:09): Listening to God's Voice(11:53): The Importance of Relationship in Faith(14:53): Understanding Purpose in Vocational Work(18:04): Miracles and Daily Encounters with God(21:03): The Role of Doubt in Leadership(23:54): Forgiveness and the Reluctant Disciple(27:02): The Power of Forgiveness(30:18): Struggles with Forgiveness in Leadership(34:25): Finding Purpose in the Workplace(37:18): Contentment in Current Circumstances(44:08): Leading in Ministry vs. Business(51:47): Reframing Pressure as a Privilege ResourcesEpisode Transcript (PDF)Buy The Reluctant DiscipleSign up for The Confident Leader newsletterhttps://robinpou.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinpou/ About Robin PouAs a result of a kidnapping and near-death experience on a mission trip in Africa, Robin Pou wrote The Reluctant Disciple, an inspirational parable of how to reconcile the pursuit of business success with a purpose-driven life. Robin is an Executive Coach, Author, Speaker, and Founder of a leadership development firm with a mission to make bad leadership extinct by building high-achieving individuals into leaders who value their teams and grow meaningful businesses. As an executive coach and frequent keynote speaker on leadership trends, he works with Fortune 500 executives and CEOs of high-growth organizations. Robin has also authored two books and shares his latest leadership insights in a popular weekly newsletter called The Confident Leader. Robin’s leadership development programs operate to inspire, teach, and train confident leaders to overcome doubt, build businesses that matter, and reach their full potential. Robin lives in Dallas, Texas, with his wife Karen and their three kiddos: Robert, Cate, and Boyd (and their pandemic puppy, Charlie). About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture. 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 Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

    59 min
  6. On the ground in Israel: An Israeli's perspective on the current crisis

    NOV 11

    On the ground in Israel: An Israeli's perspective on the current crisis

    This conversation explores the current situation in Israel, focusing on the aftermath of the October 7th attacks by Hamas. The speakers share personal experiences and insights into the existential threats facing Israel, including external enemies and internal divisions within society. They discuss the resilience of the Israeli people amidst ongoing conflict and the impact of hostage situations on the nation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of prayer and support for Israel during these challenging times.  In this conversation, the speakers discuss the multifaceted nature of the Israeli conflict, emphasizing the importance of international support, personal connections, and the complexities of political dynamics. They explore potential future scenarios for Israel, the significance of friendships across cultural divides, and the distinction between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism. The conversation concludes with reflections on community, hope, and the power of prayer for peace in the region. Topics(09:55): Personal Experiences and Perspectives from Israel(19:56): The Existential Threats Facing Israel(30:14): Internal Divisions and Social Dynamics in Israel(39:51): Resilience Amidst Ongoing Conflict(42:42): Imagining Possible Futures for Israel(46:35): The Complexity of Victory and Politics(49:19): Friendships Across Divides(56:08): Understanding Anti-Zionism vs Anti-Semitism(01:03:20): Finding Solace and Hope in CommunityResourcesEpisode Transcript (PDF)Further resources on the war in IsraelAbout Danny LampelDanny Lampel is an Israeli citizen and tour guide. Since 1980, he has guided tours of Israel for many Christian groups from all over the world. He also worked as a Marketing Director for the Spanish-speaking segment of one of the leading tour operators in Israel. Danny studied social work and graduated with a master's degree in community work from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He and his wife have two daughters and four grandchildren. About Dr. Mike FanningMike Fanning is the founder and president of MBF Enterprises, “a group tour operations company that specializes in organizing, marketing and leading unique, one-of-a-kind trips. These trips include pilgrimage tours to Israel, Jordan and Egypt, as well as “Journeys of Paul” cruise tours to Greece, Turkey and Italy.” He holds a PhD in Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology, Modern Middle East History, Anthropology, and Hebrew/Greek from Baylor University. About Dr. Jim DenisonJim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening. About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture. 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 Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

    1h 9m
  7. Exploring the church in dark times with Mike Cosper

    NOV 6

    Exploring the church in dark times with Mike Cosper

    In this episode of the Denison Forum podcast, host Mark Turman engages in a deep conversation with Mike Cosper, creator of the Mars Hill podcast and author of The Church in Dark Times. They explore Mike's background, his journey in church planting, and the impact of the Mars Hill story on contemporary church dynamics. In this conversation, Mike Cosper and Mark Turman explore the complex interplay between leadership, faith, and politics within the church.  They discuss the dangers of misplaced priorities, the justification of corrupt leaders, and the need for humility and skepticism in leadership. The metaphor of the shoe and the hammer illustrates how Christians often misapply their faith in political contexts. They also discuss the search for meaning in modern society, emphasizing the importance of rooting individuals in the gospel for lasting purpose. The discussion culminates in a reflection on the current geopolitical situation in Israel, highlighting the challenges and implications of ongoing conflicts. Topics(02:33): Mike Cosper's Background and Journey(04:15): Faith and Early Influences(06:30): The Mars Hill Podcast: Origins and Impact(11:47): Reflections on Ministry and Journalism(12:04): The Church in Dark Times: Overview(16:11): Understanding Ideology and Its Impact(25:31): The Banality of Evil and Church Dynamics(34:55): The Iron Logic of Leadership(36:19): The Shoe and the Hammer: Misplaced Priorities(39:12): God's Providence in Political Turmoil(41:35): Skepticism and Sensitivity in Leadership(44:44): Loneliness and the Search for Meaning(48:31): Rooting in the Gospel: A Lasting Purpose(53:32): Authority vs. Power in Leadership(59:56): Current Events: Israel and the Ongoing ConflictResourcesEpisode Transcript (PDF)The Church in Dark Times: Understanding and Resisting the Evil That Seduced the Evangelical MovementThe Rise and Fall of Mars HillThe Bulletin PodcastChristianity Today About Mike CosperMike Cosper has been creating music, radio shows, and podcasts for more than 20 years. He produced and hosted The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast and is director of podcasts at Christianity Today. He now cohosts a weekly podcast called The Bulletin. Cosper also leads cohorts for church leaders and is the author of four books, including Recapturing the Wonder. He and his family live in Louisville, Kentucky. About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture. 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 Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

    1h 8m
  8. Parenting in the digital age and the dangers of social media for youth

    OCT 31

    Parenting in the digital age and the dangers of social media for youth

    In this episode of the Denison Forum podcast, Dr. Mark Turman and Steph Thurling discuss Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation, examining the impact of technology on parenting and childhood development. They cover the shift from play-based childhoods to phone-centered experiences, the mental health crisis among youth, and the role of community in addressing these challenges. The conversation highlights the need for intentional parenting in a technology-driven world, balancing the benefits of technology with efforts to protect children from its potential harms.  Mark and Steph also discuss the significant impact of social media on youth, especially its negative effects on girls. They address the link between technology use and mental health struggles, stressing the importance of setting boundaries and engaging in open conversations with children about technology. Additionally, they offer strategies for managing technology use, such as delaying smartphone access and encouraging unsupervised play, while recognizing the unique challenges parents face in the digital age. Topics(07:46): Understanding Technology's Impact on Parenting(18:26): The Shift from Play-Based to Phone-Based Childhood(27:14): The Global Mental Health Crisis and Community Solutions(35:44): The Impact of Social Media on Youth(42:59): Understanding the Causation of Mental Health Issues(45:51): Strategies for Managing Technology Use(57:14): Implementing Boundaries and Open ConversationsResourcesEpisode Transcript (PDF)The Anxious Generation by Johnathon HaidtChristian Parenting WebsiteThe Christian Parenting Podcast NetworkChristian Parenting Gift Guide About Steph ThurlingSteph Thurling is executive director of Christian Parenting, host of The Christian Parenting Podcast, and a mom of three amazing kids! 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. About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture. 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 Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

    1h 4m
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About

On The Denison Forum Podcast, host Dr. Mark Turman interviews knowledgeable guests on timely news and relevant spiritual topics. Each week an author, commentator, pastor, theologian, or a topical expert joins the show to bring biblical insight and practical applications to help Christians further develop a biblical worldview on current events.

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