Engaging with Truth: The Call for Courage in Culture

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

• (02:27): John Stonestreet's faith journey
• (05:19): The Colson Center's mission
• (09:53): Truth Rising documentary overview
• (12:02): The cultural moment and Christian response
• (14:48): Os Guinness and his influence
• (18:32): Existential crisis and revival
• (22:47): Stories of courage and truth
• (24:37): Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s journey
• (27:12): Chloe Cole and the power of truth
• (28:51): Jack Phillips: A stand for truth
• (36:22): The role of comedians and musicians in culture
• (40:28): Accessing the documentary and final thoughts

Resources

• Ask Us Anything: info@denisonforum.org
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Website: Truth Rising
• YouTube: Truth Rising
• Truth Rising: The Study
• ​​Truth Rising Film (@truthrisingfilm) • Instagram photos and videos
• Colson Center
• A Practical Guide to Culture 
• Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters

About John Stonestreet

John 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 Denison

Ryan Denison, PhD, is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum. Ryan writes The Daily Article every Friday and contributes writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from BH Carroll Theological Institute after having earned his MDiv at Truett Seminary. He’s authored The Path to Purpose, What Are My Spiritual Gifts?, How to Bless God by Blessing Others, 7 Deadly Sins, and has contributed writing or research to every Denison Forum book.

About Dr. Mark Turman

Mark Turman, DMin, 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 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 from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 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 Forum

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.