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

“I know people who are better apologists for the Dallas Cowboys than they are for their own beliefs as a Christian.” J. Warner Wallace’s enduringly popular book on apologetics, Cold-Case Christianity, has been thoroughly updated and expanded for its tenth-anniversary edition. He joins The Denison Forum Podcast to discuss the book, how to read the gospels as an investigator, how conspiracy thinking works, why the church should be overflowing with apologists, why we’re addicted to crime shows, and more. Topics Updating Cold-Case Christianity | 02:03 Reading the gospels as an investigator | 05:54 How the gospels’ differences show reliability | 13:02 Subjective truth vs. objective truth | 18:31 Proving Christianity | 26:02 If Christianity is true, then what? | 30:42 The necessity of humility | 35:34 Understanding evidence | 41:41 How conspiracy thinking works | 43:53 Determining reliability | 45:32 Employing common sense | 48:15 Cold-Case Christianity 10 years later | 53:09 The problem of being an abbreviated Christian | 58:43 Why are we addicted to crime shows? | 1:03:22 Resources Unedited transcript (PDF) ColdCaseChristianity.com Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospel The Truth in True Crime: What Investigating Death Teaches Us About the Meaning of Life (May 2024) Person of Interest: Why Jesus Still Matters in a World that Rejects the Bible Forensic Faith: A Homicide Detective Makes the Case for a More Reasonable, Evidential Christian Faith Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony, Richard Bauckham About J. Warner Wallace With a master’s degree in theological studies, J. Warner Wallace is an award-winning detective who has been featured on Dateline more than any other homicide investigator.  A popular national speaker and podcast host, he is the bestselling author of numerous books including Cold-Case Christianity, Person of Interest, Forensic Faith and God’s Crime Scene.  An adjunct professor of apologetics at Biola University, a senior fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, and a faculty member at Summit Ministries, Jim and his wife live in Southern California. About Dr. Mark Turman Dr. 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 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 Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

When is enough enough? Art Rainer is the founder of Christian Money Solutions and the author of Money in the Light of Eternity. He joined The Denison Forum Podcast to discuss our collective money problems (and their solutions), seeking contentment in our finances and in our lives, the importance of giving to the church, and more. Topics Art Rainer’s testimony | 01:42 Why do Christians struggle to honor God with their money? | 06:00 Why the rich young ruler walked away from Jesus | 11:22 Is enough ever enough? | 17:12 Art’s foundational Bible passages | 26:43 What common money problems do Christians often face? | 36:00 Building financial confidence | 47:00 The importance of generosity in the church | 48:57 How the “great wealth transfer” could reach every tribe with the gospel | 55:21 Resources Designed for generosity: An excerpt from Money in the Light of Eternity Unedited transcript Free resources at Christian Money Solutions Money in the Light of Eternity: What the Bible Says about Your Financial Purpose The Money Challenge: 30 Days of Discovering God's Design for You and Your Money ArtRainer.com About Art Rainer Art Rainer is the founder of Christian Money Solutions. He writes and speaks widely about issues related to finance, wealth, and generosity. He is the author of The Money Challenge: 30 Days of Discovering God's Design for You and Your Money. You can read and hear more from Art at ArtRainer.com. About Dr. Mark Turman Dr. 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 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 Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

Christian, how now shall you vote? America is more divided and hostile along political lines and tribes than ever before. For some, politics may have become their substitute religion in place of a true faith in Christ Jesus as King of kings.  So how can Christians understand and engage in our political processes as culture-changing Christians who use their influence in redemptive ways for the glory of God and the good of others?  Dr. Jim Denison joins Dr. Mark Turman to discuss the presidential political season and the intersection of faith, hope, and love with politics, government, and power. Topics How did Denison Ministries start? | 03:01 “Use new words to communicate the same truth” | 8:26 Dr. Denison’s greatest hope in this political season | 12:03 Dr. Denison’s greatest fear in this political season | 18:58 How are AI, social media, and tech affecting politics? | 19:51 How can Christians prepare themselves well for voting? | 22:15 When politics is exhausting | 27:33 4 anchoring biblical truths for political engagement | 30:15 Billionaire political influence | 36:05 Are humans fundamentally good or as fundamentally flawed? | 39:44 What does it mean to be made in the image of God? | 43:56 Is politics our new national religion? | 46:49 The rise of secular religion | 57:16 Should Christians protest? | 1:01:08 Resources Download the unedited transcript Denison Ministries Denison Forum First15 Christian Parenting Foundations with Janet Podcast episodes How can doubt and disbelief become transforming faith? A conversation with Alister McGrath How the arts and sciences reveal God’s genius: Dr. Jonathan Witt discusses “A Meaningful World” What happens when a theoretical physicist meets God? A conversation with Dr. Tom Rudelius Books The Coming Tsunami Respectfully, I Disagree How Does God See America? Articles How do you spot a deepfake video? What does the Bible say about politics? What does the Bible say about religious liberty? “The highest obligation and privilege of citizenship” Citizens of two countries A majority of Americans aren’t proud to be American: Why the difference between pride and patriotism matters About Dr. Jim Denison Jim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. Jim 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 Turman Dr. 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 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 Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

“Gen Z will be suicide free” That’s Stay Here’s opening line on their website. As a "mental health organization and movement dedicated to ending suicide and healing the broken hearted,” Stay Here aims to lower the tragic suicide rate of one person every 40 seconds through “equipping millions of individuals in hope-filled suicide prevention training and awareness.” Founder Jacob Coyne joins The Denison Forum Podcast to discuss how you can help prevent suicides by watching the Giants–Cowboys NFL game on September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day. He also shares how to talk with others considering suicide, the training resources that Stay Here offers, as well as a prayer on behalf of those who are struggling with this issue. NOTE: If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please get help immediately. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. Topics ●      Jacob Coyne’s testimony | 02:39 ●      How suicide has affected Coyne | 08:37 ●      When to talk to others who are wrestling with suicidal thoughts | 11:30 ●      What does Stay Here do? | 14:47 ●      When someone admits to suicidal thoughts | 22:35 ●      Why the church needs to speak up about suicide | 27:06 ●      Why is Gen Z struggling so much? | 35:59 ●      Why 57 NFL QBs are uniting on Sept. 10 | 47:21 ●      Jacob’s prayer for those considering suicide | 55:25 Resources ●     StayHere.live ●     QBUnited.org ●     988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ●     Episode transcript (PDF) ●     What does the Bible say about suicide? About Jacob Coyne and Stayhere.live Jacob Coyne is a preacher, a Christian content creator, and the founder of Stay Here, a mental health organization that raises awareness through bold and encouraging messaging and equips others to save lives from suicide. With more than 1.4 million social media followers, Jacob is known for offering tangible hope and help for the brokenhearted and hurting. He and his wife, Mariah, have three daughters and live in east Tennessee. Learn more at stayhere.live. About Dr. Mark Turman Dr. 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 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 Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.  

Is the world a meaningless churning of random intersecting events or a beautiful place of genius that reveals the reality of God as the ultimate Genius?  Dr. Jonathan Witt joins The Denison Forum Podcast to discuss this central question of his book, A Meaningful World: How the Arts and Sciences Reveal the Genius of Nature When we encounter, discover, or help to create things in our world that express the unmistakable qualities of depth, harmony, clarity, and elegance, how do we explain them? What are they pointing us to?  From great literature to music, to mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics, the majestic fingerprints of an all-powerful, good and majestic creator are all around us—if we have the eyes, ears, and heart to receive them.  It just may be that breathtaking beauty and order will lead us to the greatest discovery of all. Topics Introducing Dr. Jonathan Witt | 00:00 Dr. Witt’s journey of faith | 03:42 Why do the beliefs of Darwin, Dawkins, and similar thinkers hold so much sway in our culture? | 10:03 How did Christianity influence the rise of modern science? | 15:19 What’s the difference between science and scientism? | 21:11 Post-pandemic, should we “trust the science”? | 22:04 Why Dr. Witt wrote A Meaningful World | 25:19 How Hamlet reveals God (The four characteristics of genius) | 28:58 What does genius mean? | 38:16 How does human genius reflect God’s genius? | 39:38 How does elegance reveal God’s genius? | 43:33 How does mathematics reveal God’s genius? | 50:48 How can a loving, genius God allow pain? | 54:49 Where can listeners learn more about Dr. Witt? | 1:00:43 Resources Read the prologue to A Meaningful World. Download the unedited transcript (PDF). Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. A Meaningful World: How the Arts and Sciences Reveal the Genius of Nature, Dr. Jonathan Witt The Discovery Institute Center for Science & Culture Return of the God Hypothesis: A conversation with Dr. Stephen Meyer, The Denison Forum Podcast Your Designed Body, Steve Laufmann and Howard Glicksman The Wonder of Water, Michael Denton About Dr. Jonathan Witt Jonathan Witt, PhD, is Executive Editor of Discovery Institute Press and a senior fellow and senior project manager with Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture. His latest book is Heretic: One Scientist’s Journey from Darwin to Design (DI Press, 2018) written with Finnish bioengineer Matti Leisola. Witt also authored Intelligent Design Uncensored (IVP, 2010) with William Dembski, and A Meaningful World: How the Arts and Sciences Reveal the Genius of Nature (IVP, 2006) with Benjamin Wiker. He is also the author of The Hobbit Party: The Vision of Freedom That Tolkien Got, and the West Forgot (Ignatius, 2014), written with Jay Richards. Witt is also the lead writer and associate producer for Poverty, Inc., winner of the $100,000 Templeton Freedom Award and recipient of over 50 international film festival honors. He also scripted three other documentaries that aired widely on PBS and were translated into multiple languages for airing in countries around the globe: The Privileged Planet (written with Lad Allen), The Birth of Freedom, and The Call of the Entrepreneur. Additionally, he scripted two Acton Media DVD curricula carried by Zondervan, including Effective Stewardship, and he served as the lead writer for The PovertyCure DVD Series and the PovertyCure initiative, which includes a content-rich website, more than a million Facebook followers, and a network of 400+ poverty-fighting organizations from around the world. Witt also has provided editing or deep editing work for several successful books, including three New York Times bestsellers. Before returning to work full time again with Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture, Witt served as the managing editor for the news and commentary site The Stream, and as a research fellow for the Acton Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Witt’s academic essays have appeared in various periodicals and he has been interviewed by numerous regional and national radio programs. He is a regular annual speaker for Discovery Institute’s summer seminar on science and culture and has spoken at universities on a range of topics connected to political and economic freedom, cultural renewal, and the arts. Witt previously served as a tenured professor of literature and writing at Lubbock Christian University. He has a Ph.D., with honors, in English and Literary Theory from the University of Kansas. About Dr. Mark Turman Dr. 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 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 Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.  

How the atheist writings of Richard Dawkins led Alister McGrath—and many other intellectuals—to the Christian faith Dr. Alister McGrath was an atheist when he entered Oxford University to study natural sciences. Through a series of influences he switched to theology and became a Christian. In his new book, Coming to Faith through Dawkins, coauthored with Denis Alexander, McGrath compiled twelve essays from fellow scientists, an engineer, a graphic designer, a journalist, and others who were led to question their atheism by reading the work of atheist Dr. Richard Dawkins. In our conversation, McGrath explains how he and others from around the world admire much of the scientific work of Dawkins. But Dawkins’ sometimes-scathing attacks on religion led them to discover the credibility of Christ and Christianity—and eventually to their personal conversions to faith. Download the unedited transcript here (PDF). Summary Introduction 0:01 Coming to faith through atheism 2:42 The current state of faith in the UK 5:00 The motivation of the New Atheists 11:53 Johanna Erasmus and the journey of faith 18:13 The most transformative essays in Coming to Faith through Dawkins 26:58 The myth of a conflict between science and faith 32:58 The story of a young atheist turned Christian 37:41 Open about faith lead to job loss? 44:00 The role of science and faith 49:07 The power of intellectual pursuit and personal story 52:22 Download the unedited transcript here. About Dr. Alister McGrath Dr. Alister E. McGrath is a former atheist who studied natural sciences at Oxford before switching to theology and becoming an Anglican priest. He served as the Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion at the University of Oxford from 2014 to 2022. He holds three doctorates from Oxford in molecular biophysics, theology, and intellectual history. McGrath is also the author of the international bestseller The Dawkins Delusion?, as well as C. S. Lewis: A Life and his latest book, Coming to Faith Through Dawkins: 12 Essays on the Pathway from New Atheism to Christianity. About Dr. Mark Turman Dr. 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 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 Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In Chasing Proof, Finding Faith, Dr. Tom Rudelius shares his story of doubt and faith. Dr. Tom Rudelius is a postdoctoral researcher in theoretical physics at UC–Berkeley and the author of  Chasing Proof, Finding Faith. In that book, he chronicles his conversion to Christianity while still wrestling with the doubt that science often bears upon faith. An excerpt from his book is available here. In this conversation with Denison Forum Executive Director Dr. Mark Turman, Dr. Rudelius discusses:  How his twin brother led him to Christ (1:51) The myth of the incompatibility between science and faith (5:37) How story and science diverge (9:15) His preconceptions and misconceptions about Christianity (15:07) The turning point in his conversion (19:38) String theory (25:12) How faith and science can coexist (29:42) How he came to have confidence in the Bible (37:13) Why doubt is a gift from God (41:24) Download the unedited transcript (PDF). About Dr. Tom Rudelius Tom Rudelius completed his undergraduate work at Cornell, earned a doctorate in physics at Harvard, and has conducted postdoctoral research at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey. Currently a postdoctoral researcher in theoretical physics at the University of California, Berkeley, Tom will begin a faculty position at Durham University (UK) in the fall of 2023. His research focuses on string theory, quantum field theory, and early universe cosmology. A man of faith and an avid sports fan, he is frequently requested to speak on topics related to science and faith. He is also on the board of the Mamelodi Initiative, a tutoring organization based in Mamelodi, South Africa. Tom's newest book, Chasing Proof, Finding Faith, released on August 8, 2023, from Tyndale. About Dr. Mark Turman Dr. 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 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 Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.  

What does science tell us about God? Dr. Stephen Meyer is a renowned philosopher of science and the author of "Return of the God Hypothesis." He joins The Denison Forum Podcast to discuss his latest book and insights on how scientific discoveries point to the reality of God as the creator of all things. From the Big Bang theory to the intricate code of DNA, Dr. Meyer presents a compelling case for the compatibility of faith and science. Download the unedited transcript (PDF). About Stephen Meyer  Stephen C. Meyer received his Ph.D. in the philosophy of science from the University of Cambridge. A former geophysicist and college professor, he now directs Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture in Seattle. He is the author of multiple books including his latest release, Return of the God Hypothesis. Meyer has been published in many national newspapers like The Wall Street Journal and has been featured on national television and radio shows such as The Jim Lehrer News Hour, NBC Nightly News, and more. Resources and further reading ReturnOfTheGodHypothesis.com Return of the God Hypothesis by Dr. Stephen Meyer Darwin's Doubt by Dr. Stephen Meyer Signature in the Cell by Dr. Stephen Meyer God and the Astronomers by Robert Jastrow The Mystery of Life's Origin by Charles Thaxton For the Glory of God by Rodney Stark The Language of God by Francis Collins First Three Minutes by Steven Weinberg About Dr. Mark Turman Dr. 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 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 Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

Dr. Preston Sprinkle joins Dr. Mark Turman to discuss his book Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage, how to have uplifting conversations about controversial issues, the Bible’s view of marriage, and common objections to the “historical” interpretation of marriage.    Show notes:    Dr. Preston Sprinkle covers his reasons for writing Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage, how to have a loving, respectful conversation about tough issues, and how he became an author and speaker in this field (2:42). He talks about the need for graciousness, humility, and genuine curiosity, how Gen Xers and Boomers can easily fail at this (12:40). They speculate as to why Christians, and everyone else, seem so bad as having hard conversations (21:17). Dr. Sprinkle defends his using secular psychology and why he uses the term “historical Christian view” (24:19). They turn to discuss singleness, and why life without sex or marriage is still fulfilling in the Christian worldview (34:59). Dr. Sprinkle reflects on the foundational chapters, how to have a healthy disagreement and the foundation for the Bible’s view of marriage (40:06). They hone in on two conversations: could Paul have known about sexual orientation and why some people think the evangelical view is dangerous (48:19).    NOTE: We’ve launched our summer campaign. As a 100-percent donor-supported ministry nonprofit, we rely on believers like you to give toward our calling “to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Eph. 4:12). If our work has encouraged or inspired you, please give today.   Resources and further reading:   Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage?: 21 Conversations from a Historically Christian View, Dr. Preston Sprinkle (available August 1st) Center for Faith Sexuality and Gender Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say, Dr. Preston Sprinkle People to be Loved: Why Homosexuality is Not Just an Issue, Dr. Preston Sprinkle “What does the Bible say about homosexuality?” Dr. Jim Denison “Sex, singleness, LGBTQ+, and marriage idolatry: A conversation with Lou Phillips” Podcast  Theology in the Raw, Podcast   About the host    Mark Turman, DMin, is the executive director of Denison Forum. He received his DMin from Truett at Baylor and previously served as lead pastor of Crosspoint Church.    About the guest    Dr. Preston Sprinkle is a biblical scholar, speaker, podcaster, a New York Times bestselling author, and the co-founder and president of The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender. He earned a Ph.D. in New Testament from Aberdeen University in Scotland (2007) and has taught theology at Cedarville University (OH), Nottingham University (UK), and Eternity Bible College (CA). Preston has written a dozen books, including Erasing Hell (with Francis Chan), Nonviolence, Scandalous Grace, People to Be Loved, Living in a Gray World, and Embodied. Preston also hosts a popular bi-weekly podcast titled Theology in the Raw, where he engages in honest conversations with interesting people.   

Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman respond to popular reader questions, discussing the spectrum of positions on abortion, how to have honoring conversations about controversial subjects, homosexual attraction versus activity, and healthy church discipline.   Show notes:    Dr. Jim Denison unpacks the various positions on abortion and the spectrum between extreme positions (3:14). They consider the importance of avoiding self-righteousness and heatedness in conversations while preserving ethical consistency (10:14). Dr. Denison reflects on the “post-Dobbs world,” and how we can get involved in pro-life initiatives (19:19). They discuss “side B” gay Christians and how homosexual attraction is not sinful (24:06). They unpack the philosophical framework of various “identities,” how postmodernism infects our language about identity, and why God provides our true foundation (31:41). Dr. Denison continues by addressing how churches should interact with gay visitors, how to treat them with love, and how to navigate church discipline (38:59). Dr. Denison closes by giving thoughts on accountability and Paul’s “handing over to Satan” and how we change our approach to sin when handling non-believers (50:53).  NOTE: We’ve launched our summer campaign. As a 100-percent donor-supported ministry nonprofit, we rely on believers like you to give toward our calling “to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Eph. 4:12). If our work has encouraged or inspired you, please give today.   Resources and further reading:   Denison Forum’s curated collection of our most-visited LGBTQ resources “Number of abortions in Texas dropped 99 percent,” Dr. Jim Denison “The Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade: Dr. Jim Denison weighs in on abortion,” Podcast “What does the Bible say about abortion?” Dr. Jim Denison Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender “What does the Bible say about homosexuality?” Dr. Jim Denison The Coming Tsunami, Dr. Jim Denison   About the host   Mark Turman, DMin, is the executive director of Denison Forum. He received his DMin from Truett at Baylor and previously served as lead pastor of Crosspoint Church.    About the guest    Jim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. Denison Ministries includes DenisonForum.org, First15.org, ChristianParenting.org, and FoundationsWithJanet.org. Jim 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.