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

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(01:28): Introducing Dr. James Tour(09:40): Daily devotion and Scripture engagement(10:51): Faith on college campuses(13:21): The power of Christian hospitality(15:10): Dr. Tour's scientific work and achievements(16:20): The wonders of photosynthesis(19:29): Exciting scientific discoveries(22:55): Medical innovations with nano machines(25:25): Exploring the origin of life(28:16): Challenges in evolutionary theory(29:52): The role of AI in scientific research(33:03): Impact of AI on education and employment(39:38): Choosing the right university for Christian students(46:12): Dr. Tour's online resources(47:50): Closing remarks and prayerResourcesAsk Us Anything: info@denisonforum.orgHow has Denison Forum impacted your faith?https://jesusandscience.orgPersonal 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 newsletterAbout 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 TurmanMark 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 ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

On this episode of the Faith & Clarity podcast, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Adrien Lewis, founder of CarePortal. This platform connects people and resources to meet the real-time needs of children and families in crisis. Adrien shares how a single mission trip shifted his path from business to a life of serving vulnerable kids and how that moment of clarity sparked what would become CarePortal.Since its launch in 2015, CarePortal has been addressing a hidden foster care crisis in the US, where millions of children are referred to child protection agencies each year. By leveraging technology, CarePortal enables local communities to respond quickly, connecting caseworkers, churches, individuals, and businesses to meet urgent needs in real-time. Adrien explains how the platform empowers people to share responsibility for care, turning moments of crisis into opportunities for transformational connection.You’ll also hear about the role of the church in this mission—how helping children and families unites communities, provides common ground in a divided world, and gives believers a tangible way to follow God’s call to love their neighbors. Adrien walks through how CarePortal works, how it’s funded, and the impact it’s had on communities nationwide.If you’ve ever wondered how faith and innovation can come together to change lives, this conversation will inspire you.Topics(01:11): Introducing CarePortal and Adrien Lewis(03:06): Adrien's faith journey(07:21): The pivotal mission trip(12:00): Understanding foster care(14:53): Adrien's personal foster care experience(18:43): Community and foster care(25:36): Understanding the impact of poverty on children(27:38): Introducing CarePortal: A technological solution(28:04): How CarePortal works: Connecting needs with helpers(30:52): The role of the church and community in CarePortal(43:24): CarePortal's growth and vision for the future(47:05): How to get involved with CarePortalResourcesAsk Us Anything: info@denisonforum.orgHow has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Facebook: Adrien Lewis CarePortal Website: CarePortal CarePortal Facebook: CarePortal | Kansas City MO CarePortal Instagram: CarePortal (@careportal) • Instagram photos and videos CarePortal X: CarePortal (@_careportal) / X CarePortal YouTube: CarePortal - YouTube CarePortal app connects charities to families in need | Fox News VideoAdoption and foster care isn’t a have to—it’s a get to - Christian ParentingOur ordinary family’s extraordinary foster care journey - Christian ParentingWhat Every Christian Parent Needs to Know About Foster CareFoster Care & Adoption: "Lies, Truths, and Horror Stories" - Christian ParentingAbout Adrien LewisAdrien Lewis began his career as a business development professional, spending a decade working in healthcare, technology, and education. In 2007, a mission trip to Haiti with his wife, Cynthia, transformed his perspective and deepened his calling. Over the next three years, he volunteered with The Global Orphan Project, where he witnessed firsthand the power of connection in caring for vulnerable children.In 2010, Adrien felt a clear call from God to leave the business world and fully dedicate himself to advocating for orphaned and abandoned children. This journey led him to become a foster and adoptive parent and, ultimately, to develop CarePortal—a Care-Sharing technology that mobilizes communities to take action for children and families in crisis, creating meaningful connections that change lives.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark 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 ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman, Dr. Jim Denison, and Dr. Ryan Denison sit down to tackle some of the big questions on our listeners’ minds. Together, they explore how to seek God’s will in life’s major decisions, why “manifesting” has become popular among teenagers and how it differs from a biblical worldview, and what it means to deconstruct faith. They also talk through topics like the age of accountability, the reality of hell, polyamorous relationships, and how God’s unconditional love relates to his conditional blessings. This conversation offers honest, biblical insight and practical wisdom to help you live out your faith with clarity and confidence.Topics(01:32): Discerning God's will for major life decisions(06:57): The concept of manifesting vs. biblical teachings(13:16): Deconstructing and reconstructing faith(17:52): Understanding the age of accountability(27:13): Understanding the nature of hell(29:39): The urgency of sharing the gospel(34:29): The importance of choices and faith(36:43): Defining God's agape love(40:22): God's conditional blessings and unconditional love(42:07): Biblical perspective on polyamorous relationships(46:44): Advocating for equal rights as Christians(51:22): ConclusionResourcesAsk Us Anything: info@denisonforum.orgHow has Denison Forum impacted your faith?The lost art of civility • Denison Forum"Couple to Throuple" normalizes polyamory: Responding with secular evidence for biblical moralityMassachusetts city legalizes polyamory: J. I. Packer and the privilege of standing for biblical truthPolyamorous “weddings” and the claim that affairs can “strengthen a marriage”'I have a fiancé, a girlfriend and two boyfriends'What is God's design for sex and relationships?Ariana Grande, "manifesting," and the path to a transformational ThanksgivingWhat is the New Thought movement?Dining with pandas: Reframing isolation as an opportunity to manifest the life of JesusIs hell real? How could a loving God send anyone there? • Denison ForumDid Jesus go to hell? • Denison ForumAsk Jim: Jesus in hell, salvation after death, and “God made me this way”Pastor responds to columnist on reality of hellAn Unconditional Love | First15What does the Bible say about love? • Denison ForumAbout 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. Ryan DenisonRyan 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 coauthored Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters and has contributed writing or research to every Denison Forum book.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark 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 ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

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(00:30): 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): Final thoughts and takeawaysResourcesAsk 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 ScriptureAlso 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 TurmanMark 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 ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

Dr. Jim Denison, a cultural theologian and founder of Denison Ministries, joins to discuss the implications of Charlie Kirk's assassination and rising violence in society. They tackle hard questions about grief, the role of media in shaping perceptions of violence, and how Christians can respond with compassion and truth. Denison emphasizes the importance of spiritual warfare and living as light-bearers in dark times, urging believers to balance love and truth while navigating cultural challenges.

On this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman and Micah Tomasella sit down with Daron Babcock, Executive Director of Bonton Farms in Dallas. Daron shares his remarkable journey from brokenness to purpose, and how God led him to help rebuild a community long overlooked.Bonton Farms is more than an urban farm; it’s a place where lives are restored, jobs are created, and hope takes root. Daron explains the seven barriers that often hold people back and how this ministry is addressing them in practical, faith-filled ways.You’ll hear stories of redemption and resilience, and discover how God’s work in one neighborhood can point the way for communities everywhere.Topics(01:38): Introducing Bonton Farms and Daron Babcock(02:56): Daron's journey: From tragedy to transformation(08:30): A new beginning in Bonton(10:06): Challenges and barriers in Bonton(14:10): The birth of Bonton Farms(17:32): Bonton Farms' mission and impact(26:16): Stories of transformation(30:55): The value of work at Bonton Farms(33:26): Creating opportunities for flourishing(35:15): Darius' journey and miracles(44:04): Rules and realities of living in Bonton(51:15): The four factors influencing life trajectories(54:04): Final thoughts and prayersResourcesAsk Us Anything: info@denisonforum.orgHow has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Denison Forum | North Texas Giving DayBonton FarmsD Magazine Feature on Bonton FarmsDallas TX - Bonton FarmsBonton Farms (@bontonfarms) · Dallas, TXHarvesting Hope: Bonton Farms in South Dallas opens a new Wellness CenterFounder of South Dallas farm working to get Bonton Bill passed to help formerly incarcerated peopleAbout Daron BabcockDisrupter. Social Justice Advocate. Sower of Seeds. Moved by his personal beliefs, Daron Babcock couldn’t sit idly by as he witnessed his brothers and sisters in South Dallas be ravaged by institutional inequities. In 2012, he left a successful corporate career and moved from his home in North Dallas to serve inner-city residents of Bonton with his wife, Theda. Known for crime, violence, and extreme poverty, Bonton needed an intervention at the macrolevel – something Daron knew was not only necessary, but possible. Daron is referred to as a “social entrepreneur,” having started multiple successful social ventures; Bonton Honey Company, The Market at Bonton Farms, a Coffee House, a Farmers Market, and CityBuild Housing. Of all his ventures, the most notable, though, is Bonton Farms, one of the largest urban farms in the United States nestled in a once-forgotten neighborhood in South Dallas. Daron is not only the Founder and CEO, but he is also the perpetual visionary and re-inventor of what’s possible. Bonton Farms is so much more than a farm, it is the catalyst that is helping to level the playing field; creating systemic change necessary so the residents of Bonton and others from marginalized neighborhoods all over the country can achieve the “American Dream” that was promised 200 years ago. “Our goal is not to simply grow food because we’re in a food desert, but to address WHY Bonton is a food desert. We’re not here to fix broken people, but to be the hands and feet to fix broken systems.”About Micah TomasellaMicah Tomasella is the Senior Advancement Officer at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark 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 ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this engaging discussion, John Stonestreet, the President of the Colson Center, shares his insights on faith and culture. He explores the need for courage in today’s rapidly shifting moral landscape, highlighting stories of individuals like Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Jack Phillips who stand firm in their faith. Stonestreet discusses the documentary 'Truth Rising,' which emphasizes the importance of truth and identity in a chaotic world. He also reflects on how young people are increasingly seeking faith amidst societal pressures, encouraging listeners to engage thoughtfully with cultural challenges.

This episode of the Faith & Clarity Podcast features Thomas West and Trevin Wax in a conversation about an ancient but timely tool for discipleship—the catechism. Their new resource, The Gospel Way Catechism: 50 Truths That Take On the Word, is designed to help Christians push back against the secular and individualistic stories of our age with the truth of God’s word.The discussion explores how catechisms can guide both new and mature believers, shape family life and community, and build a deep and resilient Christian identity. Listeners will also hear practical ways to bring this practice into daily discipleship and spiritual formation.At its heart, this is a conversation about grounding faith, strengthening hearts, and learning to live with confidence in God’s story—more by faith, and less by fear.Topics(00:23): Understanding the catechism(01:39): Meet the guests: Thomas West and Trevin Wax(04:05): Cultural narratives and their impact(08:12): Defining individualism and secularism(13:04): The role and history of catechisms(19:25): Creating The Gospel Way Catechism(22:21): Addressing identity in today's world(27:54): Practical Christianity in Ephesians(30:34): The power of catechisms(38:32): Evangelical and liturgical tools(43:05): Guarding against mere knowledge(48:07): Confronting secular narratives(51:02): Conclusion and final thoughtsResourcesAsk Us Anything: info@denisonforum.orgHow has Denison Forum impacted your faith?The Gospel Way CatechismThe Gospel Way Catechism: 50 Truths That Take On the WordTrevin Wax Social MediaBlogX: @trevinwaxInstagram: @trevinwaxFacebook: @trevinwaxThomas West Social MediaSubstack: @westswordshttps://x.com/tweetingthomas_Instagram: @thomaswest Facebook: @thomasandrewwestAbout Trevin WaxTrevin Wax is vice president of research and resource development at the North American Mission Board and a visiting professor at Cedarville University. A former missionary to Romania, Trevin is a regular columnist at The Gospel Coalition and has lectured on Christianity and culture at Oxford University. His new book is The Gospel Way Catechism. About Thomas WestThomas West is the pastor of Nashville First Baptist Church and the founder and former pastor of Redeemer Queen’s Park in London, England. A two-time graduate of Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, Thomas’s ministry and research are driven by exploring the intersection of theology, culture, and mission in Western culture. His new book is The Gospel Way Catechism.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark 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 ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

On this episode of the Faith & Clarity Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with former Ohio Governor John Kasich to talk about his new book, Heaven Help Us: How Faith Communities Inspire, Hope, Strengthen Neighborhoods, and Build the Future. Together, they explore how local churches and faith communities can be catalysts for hope, healing, and renewal in our world.Governor Kasich reflects on lessons from his years in public service, shares personal stories that shaped his journey, and explains why seeing every person as made in the image of God is essential for lasting change. The conversation also highlights practical ways faith can shape everyday life and inspire us to build stronger neighborhoods and more compassionate communities.Topics(00:37): Introducing Governor John Kasich(04:27): The inspiration behind Heaven Help Us(05:39): The role of faith communities in society(10:05): Challenges and opportunities for faith communities(16:24): Encouraging stories from Heaven Help Us(17:53): Embracing compassion and community(21:39): Forgiveness in the face of tragedy(24:48): Starting community initiatives(26:48): Political polarization and redistricting(32:24): Religious liberty and political leadership(34:16): Conclusion and final thoughtsResourcesAsk Us Anything: info@denisonforum.orgHow has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Heaven Help Us: How Faith Communities Inspire, Hope, Strengthen Neighborhoods, and Build the FutureZondervan: Heaven Help UsJohn Kasich (@johnkasich) • Instagram photos and videosJohn Kasich: FacebookJohn Kasich (@JohnKasich) / XThe Kasich CompanyAbout Governor John KasichJohn Kasich is a national leader who has spent a lifetime bringing people together to solve big problems and leave the world around them just a little bit better than they found it. Kasich served as the 69th governor of Ohio and ran for President during the 2016 GOP primary. His message focused on unifying Americans rather than dividing them, championing the great potential of our citizens to make positive impacts in their own communities, a strong national defense, and the importance of our international alliances. Today, he runs the Kasich Company and serves as a political analyst for NBC, CNBC, and MSNBC. He is the author of four New York Times bestsellers: Courage Is Contagious; Stand for Something; Every Other Monday; Two Paths; and It’s Up to Us. His most recent book, Heaven Help Us, is now available. He is married to Karen Kasich and is the proud father of adult twin daughters.About Dr. Mark TurmanMark 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 ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Faith & Clarity Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode, Dr. Mark Turman, executive director of Denison Forum, talks with Dr. Byron Johnson, distinguished professor at Baylor University, about the Global Flourishing Study—a landmark research project following more than 200,000 people around the world. Together they explore how faith, relationships, and community shape human well-being, why this research matters, and what it can teach us about living lives of true flourishing. Dr. Johnson also shares his own story and the vision behind this ambitious project.This conversation highlights the vital connection between faith and research and offers a hopeful look at what it means to thrive as people created in God’s image.Topics(01:36): Introducing Dr. Byron Johnson(06:58): The role of religion in society(11:13): Challenges and opportunities in higher education(18:08): The Global Flourishing Study(30:39): Exploring the concept of the abundant life(33:32): Challenges in survey participation(35:03): Retrospective questions and early findings(36:14): The impact of early relationships on adult flourishing(38:16): Current status and future of the Global Flourishing Study(45:52): Global and local implications of the study(47:40): Faith and flourishing: Universal findings(53:39): The role of participation in faith communities(55:19): Conclusion and future directionsResourcesAsk Us Anything: info@denisonforum.orgHow has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Global Flourishing StudyGlobal Flourishing Study – Wave IReligion's Relationship to Happiness, Civic Engagement and Health | Pew Research CenterFaith & Human Flourishing with Byron JohnsonCan religion make you happy? Scientists may soon find out.Baylor Institute for Studies of ReligionThe Human Flourishing ProgramCenter for Faith and the Common Good | Pepperdine UniversityCenter for Open ScienceReligious Freedom InstituteAbout Dr. Byron JohnsonDr. Byron Johnson is Distinguished Professor of the Social Sciences at Baylor University and is the founding director of the Institute for Studies of Religion and the Institute for Global Human Flourishing. Johnson is a faculty affiliate of the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University and is co-executive director of the Center for Faith and the Common Good as well as Visiting Distinguished Professor in the School of Public Policy at Pepperdine University. He is a senior scientist at the Gallup Organization, and in 2016, co-founded of the Religious Freedom Institute, based in Washington, DC. Johnson is a former member of the Coordinating Council for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (Presidential Appointment). He has been the principal investigator on grants from private foundations as well as the Department of Justice, Department of Labor, Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health, and the United States Institute for Peace, totaling more than $100 million. He is the author of more than 300 journal articles, monographs, and books. He is recognized as a leading authority on the scientific study of religion, the efficacy of faith-based organizations, and criminal justice. Recent publications have examined the impact of faith-based programs on offender treatment, drug addiction, recidivism reduction and prisoner reentry. These topics are the focus of his book More God, Less Crime: Why Faith Matters and How It Could (2011).Johnson’s work examines the ways in which religion impacts key behaviors like volunteerism, generosity, and purpose. These topics are covered in four books, The Angola Prison Seminary (2016), which evaluates the influence of a Bible College and inmate-led congregations on prisoners serving life sentences; The Quest for Purpose: The Collegiate Search for a Meaningful Life (2017), which examines the link between religion and finding purpose and meaning, and the subsequent link to academic integrity; The Restorative Prison: Essays on Inmate Peer Ministry and Prosocial Corrections (2021), which looks at the empirical evidence in support of the link between religion and the emerging subfield of positive criminology; and Objective Religion Volume 1,2, 3 (2023, 2024, 2025), which examine factors related to the importance and resilience of religion. His forthcoming book The Faith Factor and Social Welfare: Rethinking Evidence, Practice, and Polity (2025), examines evidence for the important role of religion and faith-based organizations in addressing social problems including drug/alcohol addiction, crime and delinquency, homelessness, offender rehabilitation, prison reform, and prisoner reentry. A Compendium of Global Flourishing Study Translations (2025), provides details on the elaborate process of translating the questionnaire from the Global Flourishing Study into 37 different languages. His forthcoming book The Death of Religion?: Nones, Others, and the Global Renaissance of Faith (2026), provides an empirical as well as historical argument countering the claim that religion in the United States and around the world is in decline.He is the project co-director (with Tyler J. VanderWeele) of the Global Flourishing Study (GFS) a five-year longitudinal data collection and research collaboration between researchers at Baylor University and Harvard University, in partnership with Gallup and the Center for Open Science (COS), and with the support of a consortium of funders. This initiative includes data collection for approximately 200,000 participants from 22 geographically and culturally diverse countries. As part of this project, COS is making the data from the study an open access resource so researchers, journalists, policymakers, and educators worldwide can access detailed information about what makes for a flourishing life.About Dr. Ryan DenisonRyan 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 TurmanMark 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 ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Faith & Clarity Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.