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

    5 DAYS AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Navigating faith and political discussions with Gen Z

    OCT 24

    Navigating faith and political discussions with Gen Z

    In this episode of the Denison Forum podcast, Dr. Mark Turman talks with Mark Jones, Micah Tomasella, and Conner Jones about the dynamics of intergenerational discussions, particularly around controversial topics like politics and faith. They share insights on meaningfully engaging younger generations, especially Gen Z, who are characterized by their spiritual curiosity and unique perspectives shaped by technology and social media. Their discussion emphasizes the importance of relationship-building over political debates, encouraging listeners to approach family gatherings with openness, prayerfulness, and a focus on understanding rather than confrontation. Topics(03:05): Understanding Generational Differences(06:00): The Role of Technology in Shaping Generations(08:52): Engaging College Students in Spiritual Conversations(11:47): The Importance of Evangelism on College Campuses(15:08): Navigating Political Discussions at Family Gatherings(17:58): Trends in Spiritual Curiosity Among Gen Z(20:54): The Impact of Social Media on Beliefs(23:59): Preparing for Thanksgiving Conversations(27:01): The Need for Evangelism in Christian Colleges(30:04): Addressing Skepticism and Cynicism in Young Adults(32:58): Advice for College Students at Family Gatherings(36:04): Choosing Relationships Over Politics(38:57): Navigating Complex Conversations with Family(42:03): The Role of Faith in Political Discussions(45:05): Finding Hope Amidst Cultural Challenges(48:0):5 Final Thoughts on Generational EngagementResourcesEpisode Transcript (PDF)Preparing for your first voteElection 2024: Discern politics differentlyFirst15 Guided PrayersPeace in Politics PodcastPeace in Politics E-Book“What does the Bible say about politics?”The After Party: Toward Better Christian Politics - Redeeming BabelMy Faith VotesAbout Conner JonesConner is the Director of Performance Marketing here at Denison Ministries. After graduating from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management, he worked in the PAC-3 Missile program at Lockheed-Martin as a contracts negotiator before coming to Denison Ministries. His role is to leverage many digital platforms to increase the reach of our content and grow the audience of Denison Forum and our three other brands. He passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, going to movies, and traveling the world with his wife, Raigan, and son, Nolan. About Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Advancement Officer at Denison Ministries. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two young daughters, Olivia and Joanna. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry. About Mark JonesMark is the State Director for Texas Baptist Student Ministry (BSM). He has served with BSM for 27 years, including 21 years in Tyler, working with Tyler Junior College and UT Tyler. Mark grew up in San Antonio and came to Christ through a campus-based high school ministry (Youth for Christ / Campus Life). He attended Baylor University (BA in English & Religion) and sensed a call to full time ministry. Mark continued his education at both Southwestern Seminary (M.Div) and Samford University / Beeson Divinity School (D.Min). It was at Baylor that he met his wife, Becky. They have three boys: T.J. (Heather), Mason (Michaela), and Grant (Annie). He also has three grandchildren: Savvy (4.5 years), Miles (2 years), Margot (6 months). He and Becky enjoy time with family, all Baylor sports, and finding great pizza places in Dallas. 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 leader

    1h 3m
  5. Voting with conviction and the mission of My Faith Votes

    OCT 17

    Voting with conviction and the mission of My Faith Votes

    In this episode of the Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman engages in a clarifying conversation with Chris Sadler, acting CEO of My Faith Votes. They discuss the importance of Christian participation in the democratic process, the origins of My Faith Votes, and the barriers that prevent many Christians from voting. Chris shares his personal faith journey and emphasizes the need for Christians to be informed and engaged in political matters.  The conversation also touches on the spiritual implications of voting and the responsibility of Christians to protect their freedoms. Chris outlines the fivefold approach of My Faith Votes and encourages listeners to pray and act in their communities. Topics(02:58): Understanding Democratic Participation (06:10): Chris Sadler's Faith Journey (08:51): The Origins of My Faith Votes (11:53): Barriers to Christian Voting (14:53): The Importance of Engagement (18:05): Voting Dilemmas and Spiritual Perspectives (20:52): The Role of Citizens in Democracy (23:55): My Faith Votes' Fivefold Approach (27:00): Equipping Christians to Pray ResourcesEpisode Transcript (PDF)MyFaithVotes.orgThink Biblically SeriesHow to vote for imperfect political parties: A conversation with Jason YatesWhat does the Bible say about politics? Discern politics differently: Election 2024 contentRespectfully, I Disagree Audiobook About Chris Sadler Chris Sadler is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience in building and expanding companies in the US service and manufacturing sectors worldwide. His expertise spans education, real estate, oil and gas, technology innovation, healthcare, and private equity mergers and acquisitions. Chris is a sought-after speaker for college students and a mentor to emerging Christian entrepreneurs. His dedication to integrating faith and business led to his invitation to join the Board of Directors for My Faith Votes in 2017. After years of serving in this capacity, Chris now also serves as Acting CEO of My Faith Votes. He also is a drummer and an ordained deacon at his home church. In addition to his role at My Faith Votes, he serves on the Board for the Center for Occupational Research and Development (CORD). Chris is the proud father of two children and three grandchildren. He lives in Waco, Texas, with his wife, Susan. About My Faith VotesMy Faith Votes is a non-partisan movement that motivates, equips and activates Christians in America to vote in every election, transforming our communities and influencing our nation with biblical truth. We desire to see an America where God is honored in the public square and biblical truth is advanced in our culture. We exist because a battle is raging for the heart of this nation. It’s a battle over truth—and how you and I will live out our faith in the public square. My Faith Votes calls Christians to “Pray, Think and Vote” in order to protect four core pillars of faith which are religious freedom, the sanctity of life, strong families and marriages, and compassion and support for those in need. We reach Christians to stand boldly for these values in every election and in every community and city across our nation. 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.

    40 min
  6. Faith over fear in politics and life

    OCT 10

    Faith over fear in politics and life

    In this episode of the Denison Forum podcast, Dr. Mark Turman and Josh Miller discuss the intersection of peace and politics, emphasizing the importance of faith over fear. They explore the role of fear in our lives, the significance of community, and the current political landscape. The conversation highlights the need for vulnerability and honesty in addressing cynicism in politics and the church, while also providing practical resources for navigating political anxiety and fostering peace. Topics(03:03): Exploring the Intersection of Peace and Politics (06:12): Faith Over Fear: A Core Principle (09:06): The Role of Fear in Our Lives (12:03): Navigating Fear and Anxiety (15:01): The Importance of Community and Vulnerability (17:49): Political Landscape: A Reflection on Change (20:56): Cynicism in Politics and the Church (23:54): Practical Steps for Peace in Politics (27:08): Resources for Navigating Political Anxiety ResourcesEpisode Transcript (PDF)First15 Guided PrayersPeace in Politics PodcastPeace in Politics E-BookAllsides.com Groundnews.com“What does the Bible say about politics?” – Jim Denison, Ph.D.Kingdom Politics – Tony Evans. (Read an excerpt: “Whose side are you on?”) About Josh Miller Josh Miller is the Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at Denison Ministries. He is also a disciple of Jesus, husband, and father. He has been a musician, filmmaker, restaurant manager, songwriter, barista, worship leader, pastor and is still trying to figure out who the heck he is. He and his wife Deven live in Plano, TX with their two young boys. 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.

    1 hr
  7. Learning to disagree

    OCT 3

    Learning to disagree

    In this episode of the Denison Forum podcast, host Dr. Mark Turman converses with Dr. John Inazu, the Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion at Washington University in St. Louis. They discuss his new book Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect. Dr. Inazu emphasizes the need for Christians to engage in nuanced disagreement and to approach difficult conversations with relational trust.  The conversation explores the challenges of disagreement in today's culture, the role of empathy in understanding others' perspectives, and the intersection of law and religion, emphasizing the importance of civil liberties for all, not just for Christians. It explores the distinction between wrongness and evil, highlighting the need to separate people from their beliefs and actions. The conversation also touches on the power of forgiveness and the challenge of speaking the truth in love. It concludes with the importance of rest and Sabbath as a strategy for disagreeing better. Topics(11:24): The Challenges of Disagreement in Today's Culture(13:55): The Complexity and Nuance of Issues in Disagreements(16:41): The Intersection of Law and Faith in Navigating Differences(19:14): A Year in the Life of a Law Teacher: Exploring Difficult Conversations(21:24): The Limitations of Social Media in Navigating Disagreements(23:28): The Importance of Relational Trust and Discernment in Difficult Conversations(25:12): Navigating Differences in a Diverse Democracy(27:17): The Intersection of Law and Religion(31:41): Distinguishing Wrongness from Evil(35:35): The Power of Forgiveness(44:16): The Importance of Rest and Sabbath ResourcesEpisode Transcript (PDF)John Inazu’s WebsiteJohn Inazu SubstackX: John InazuLearning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and RespectLiberty’s Refuge: The Forgotten Freedom of AssemblyConfident Pluralism: Surviving and Thriving Through Deep DifferenceUncommon Ground: Living Faithfully in a World of Difference (with Tim Keller) About John InazuJohn Inazu is the Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion at Washington University in St. Louis. He teaches criminal law, law and religion, and various First Amendment courses. He writes and speaks frequently about pluralism, assembly, free speech, religious freedom, and other issues. John has written three books and published opinion pieces in the Washington Post, Atlantic, Chicago Tribune, LA Times, USA Today, Newsweek, and CNN. He is also the founder of the Carver Project and the Legal Vocation Fellowship and is a senior fellow with Interfaith America and the Trinity Forum. He holds a B.S.E. and J.D. from Duke University and a Ph.D. in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 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.

    51 min
  8. How to tell the truth

    SEP 26

    How to tell the truth

    In this conversation, Dr. Mark Turman interviews Preston Perry, a poet, performance artist, teacher, and apologist, about his new book, How to Tell the Truth. They discuss the importance of sharing the truth with gentleness and respect, the role of Christians as witnesses, apologists, and evangelists, and the significance of authenticity and boldness in sharing one's faith.  They also explore the challenges and opportunities of living and sharing one's faith with family and friends. Preston emphasizes the need for dependence on the Holy Spirit and the power of beauty and the arts in communicating the message of the gospel. Topics(03:09): Sharing the Truth with Gentleness and Respect(05:48): The Roles of Witnesses, Apologists, and Evangelists(09:44): The Importance of Authenticity and Boldness(19:32): Living and Sharing Faith with Family and Friends(23:06): Dependence on the Holy Spirit(31:02): The Power of Beauty and the Arts in Communication(42:26): Conclusion ResourcesEpisode Transcript (PDF)Preston’s WebsiteApologetics with PP YouTubeWith the Perrys PodcastPreston’s InstagramPreston’s XNew Book: How to Tell the Truth  About Preston PerryPreston Perry is a poet, performance artist, teacher, and apologist from Chicago. Preston’s writing and teaching have been featured on ministry platforms such as The Gospel Coalition, the Poets in Autumn Tour, and Legacy Disciple. Preston is cohost of the popular podcast With the Perrys. He created Bold Apparel and the YouTube channel Apologetics with Preston Perry in order to engage the public in theological discourse. Preston and his wife, Jackie, reside in Atlanta with their four children: Eden, Autumn, Sage, and August.   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
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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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