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.

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.

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 LeggAbout 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.

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 PrivilegeResourcesEpisode 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.

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.

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 TodayAbout 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.

In this engaging discussion, Steph Thurling, Executive Director of Christian Parenting and mother of three, shares her insights on technology's impact on youth. They explore the shift from play-based activities to a phone-centric lifestyle, addressing the concerning mental health trends among adolescents. Steph emphasizes the importance of open conversations about social media's risks, particularly for girls. Practical strategies for managing technology use, such as delaying smartphone access and encouraging unsupervised play, are also highlighted.

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 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.

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 PrayResourcesEpisode 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 AudiobookAbout 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.

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 AnxietyResourcesEpisode 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.