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

Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman discuss the state of moral and legal authority in America, why God is our ultimate spiritual and moral authority, different ways of knowing God’s truth by interpreting the Bible, where Baptists and Catholics disagree, and how Christians should view authority.    Show notes:    Dr. Jim Denison begins by discussing how Americans view authority and why we regard the rule of law as higher than even the president’s power and the difference between legal, moral, and spiritual authority (0:59).  They cover why religion was important to America’s founders and how Americans are sorting our views on morality through the judicial courts and legislation at a state, and even city, level (12:07).  They comment on the conflict between religious liberty and the civil rights of the LGBTQ+ community (16:01). Dr. Denison considers the differences of spirituality and morality from an “epistemological” perspective for Christians: the intuitive, rational and practical (28:09). This is relevant for Christians to how we pray, read the Bible, and ultimately our view of authority (34:14).  They close by tying everything together, discussing the priesthood of all believers, community, church leadership, and the Bible’s grounding authority for our lives (42:43).   Resources and further reading:   “The power of living biblically” Sermon by Dr. Jim Denison “The rise of a post-truth culture” Podcast with Dr. Turman and Dr. Denison “How we should think”  Podcast with Dr. Turman and Dr. Denison   About the hosts    Jim Denison, Ph.D., is an author, speaker, and the CEO of Denison Ministries, which is transforming 6.8 million lives through meaningful digital content.    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.  

Phil Boone, Director of Generosity for the He Gets Us campaign, discusses their research of America’s modern culture and their strategy to showcase Jesus’ humanity, love, and story to get spiritual explorers interested in Jesus and connect seekers to local churches to become deeply rooted disciples.  Show notes:  Phil Boone begins by talking about how He Gets Us started, why he became passionate about its mission, and their in-depth research behind the media strategies of He Gets Us (2:49).  He describes the way local churches and ministries get involved and make connections with spiritual “explorers” that He Gets Us hopes to make curious and eventually win over to Christ (17:33).  They talk about why Jesus used stories and met us as a human incarnate and how their ministry showcases Jesus’ relatability and love to get deeper into theology and right living (31:43).  Boone closes by explaining their unique strategy to make disciples and deep connections through mass media and how you can get involved (39:57).  Resources and further reading: He Gets Us He Gets Us Partners  He Gets Us: Who are they and why are they spending $20 million for 90 seconds of Super Bowl airtime? About the hosts  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  Phil Boone is the Director of Generosity for He Gets Us. He has experience in sales, consulting, executive leadership, and capital fundraising. He sits on several widely-ranging boards of directors. He graduated from Abilene Christian University.  

Jackson McNeece and Dr. Mark Turman discuss the bioethics of euthanasia, why our culture has begun to accept physician-assisted suicide, and what the Bible says about “pulling the plug” on people on life support.    Show notes:    Jackson McNeece begins by explaining biomedical ethics, giving the state of the modern debate and culture’s view on euthanasia, and how Christians should react (2:52).  They move to define terms like physician-assisted suicide, active and passive euthanasia, and “letting die” (10:10). They talk about why people are choosing physician-assisted suicide in such large numbers (20:44).  Then, they discuss “brain death” and persistent vegetative states, comas, heroic measures, life support, and how to treat people with these conditions (26:45).  They talk about biblical dualistic versus holistic views on the soul and body, and why it's important to talk to loved ones about death and dying (36:43). If the holistic view is correct, how should we treat comatose patients? Can Christians ever “pull the plug” on a dying loved one (41:42)?  They end by considering why the disabled community is so against physician-assisted suicide and why Christians should never take their own lives (56:39).    Resources and further reading:   “What does the Bible say about euthanasia?” Dr. Jim Denison “What does the Bible say about suicide?” Dr. Jim Denison “6 topics in biomedical ethics every Christian should be concerned about” Jackson McNeece “No Other Options: Newly revealed documents depict a Canadian euthanasia regime that efficiently ushers the vulnerable to a “beautiful” death.” Alexander Raikin “Will Euthanasia Be Secular or Sacred?” Ross Douthat “What Euthanasia Has Done to Canada” Ross Douthat “Having suicidal thoughts? Call or text 988” Mark Legg   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    Jackson McNeece is a Master of Divinity student from Oklahoma City, OK. In May of 2021, Jackson graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Medical Humanities. Throughout his studies at Baylor, he developed an intense curiosity for medical ethics, particularly within a healthcare setting. While studying at Duke Divinity, Jackson hopes to continue to cultivate his fascination with medical ethics, learn to ground medical ethics within a theological context, and develop an understanding of what it means to serve in a pastoral capacity in medicine.

Erick Goss and Dr. Mark Turman discuss the importance of discipling young children and teens, why he founded Minno, a Christian streaming service for kids, challenging how churches neglect children’s programming, and ideas for how Christians should handle screen time with their kids.   Show notes:    Erick Goss begins by sharing his testimony, his time in Naval Academy, his struggle against legalism, and how he rose in the ranks at Amazon (2:01). He moves on to tell the story of how he co-founded Minno, a Christ-centered streaming service for children, how the Lord called him to complete dependence, and why gospel-centered media tailored for kids is so critical (15:53). Goss and Dr. Turman discuss why imagination is so important to Christian faith, what to expect on Minno, and why they include devotionals in addition to cartoons (29:14). Lastly, they turn to a crucial issue for parents: screen time. Instead of authoritarian, fearful rules, Goss recommends discussing media with kids and tailoring screen time to each kid for each age (41:47).   Resources and further reading:   Minno’s website Minno - Kids Bible Videos - App “Social media, screens, and the overindulgence of information” Dr. Mark Mayfield Christian Parenting  “Why are teens sadder, lonelier, and more depressed than ever before?” Mark Legg   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    Erick Goss holds an MBA from the University of Michigan and an M.A. in international relations from Troy University. He was a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Navy and a spokesperson to the Pentagon. He held senior management positions at Amazon until he moved into the world of Christian media as the Co-CEO of Creative Trust Ventures. In 2018, he became the CEO and co-founder of Minno, a subscription digital media platform with a focus on supporting Christian kids and families. He and his wife Lisa live in Nashville with their three daughters.

David French sits down with Dr. Mark Turman to discuss how Christians should view power, the rise of radicalization and alienation, how to read the news well, and how to be informed without being alarmist.     Show notes:    David French and Dr. Mark Turman begin by discussing the nature of power, why the “will to power” leads to all kinds of sin, whether Christians should pursue influence, and Micah 6:8 (1:06). They discuss apocalyptic language in political commentary, the deepening divide that media encourages, and rising radicalization and alienation (17:24). French worries that the reasonable majority are starting to stay silent and considers why we should start thinking smaller in our communities (30:00). They consider how to be well informed without being alarmist (41:42). Then, they talk about good news outlets, the difference between reporting and opinion, and the value of a free press (49:22). Finally, French closes by commenting on the difference between Christian cultural warriors and cultural missionaries (57:43).     Resources and further reading:   Divided We Fall: America’s Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation, David French The Dispatch’s “French Press”, David French  “Faith in the public square: A conversation with David French,” Podcast Good Faith, Podcast with David French and Curtis Chang Respectfully, I Disagree – Jim Denison   About the hosts    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    David French was senior editor for The Dispatch and before that, a senior writer for National Review. He recently accepted a position to write full-time as an opinion columnist for the New York Times. He has written for The Atlantic, as well as many other notable publications. French is a New York Times bestselling author and graduate of Harvard Law School, the past president of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, and a former lecturer at Cornell Law School.  He has served as a senior counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice and the Alliance Defending Freedom. David is a former major in the United States Army Reserve. In 2007, he deployed to Iraq, where he was awarded the Bronze Star. 

Bruce Miller, Dr. Mark Turman, and Mark Legg discuss Bruce Miller’s book, The Seven Big Questions, our doubts and questions about faith, life’s purpose, and apologetics.    Show notes:    Bruce discusses why he wrote The Seven Big Questions, and it’s important to ask the deepest questions of life (2:02). They discuss the way the Bible asks dark, honest questions in Ecclesiastes (7:52). Miller talks about the mystery that often persists when we pursue these questions and why we need “epistemic humility” (20:06). Miller delves more deeply into postmodernism and why it’s unsatisfying to our biggest questions of life (32:32). They talk about scientism, and the renewed interest in spirituality shown by the youngest generation (42:45). Miller closes by talking about why ending on the idea of a personal relationship with Jesus is so important (48:23).   Resources and further reading:   The Seven Big Questions, Bruce B. Miller Brucebmiller.com The Coming Tsunami, Dr. Jim Denison.    About the hosts    Jim Denison, Ph.D., is an author, speaker, and the CEO of Denison Ministries, which is transforming 6.8 million lives through meaningful digital content.  Mark Turman, D.Min., 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    Bruce is the pastor of Christ Fellowship, a consultant, and an author. He’s written ten books ranging from apologetics to church leadership. He founded The Centers for Church Based Training, and served as a mentor with Leadership Network to equip next-generation and mid-career pastors. He has recently directed his thinking toward LGTBQ+ consulting for Christian leaders to whom he brings a fresh approach full of both grace and truth in full measure.

Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman discuss the “Respect for Marriage Act,” the tension between politics, state’s rights, and the church, religious liberty updates, and whether Christians should try to legislate morality.    Show notes:    First, they discuss the recently passed, so-called, “Respect For Marriage Act,” and its connection to Obergefell, Congress, and the Supreme Court (6:46). They then consider the cultural events that led up to our present time and why we strayed from biblical marriage (12:00). Dr. Denison explains Constitutional law, and why it’s relevant to the conversation of religious liberty, State’s rights, and whether Christians should defend biblical marriage in the legal arena (20:00). They hone in on the separation of the Church and State, and what the Bible says about Christian’s involvement in politics in the New Testament (33:00). They then discuss whether the Respect For Marriage Act impedes religious liberty (48:00). Dr. Denison closes by explaining the difference between the civil rights protecting LBGTQ people and the civil rights of ethnic minorities, and why we can’t make the legal comparison (56:05)   Resources and further reading:   “Does the so-called “Respect For Marriage Act” threaten our religious liberty?” - Dr. Jim Denison “Why the Equality Act is the greatest threat to religious liberty today” - Dr. Jim Denison and Greg Baylor “Respect For Marriage Act: An Imprudent Compromise” - David French  “The Equality Act: What Christians need to know” - Dr. Jim Denison “What does the Bible say about homosexuality?” - Dr. Jim Denison “What does the Bible say about abortion?” - Dr. Jim Denison    About the hosts  Jim Denison, Ph.D., is an author, speaker, and the CEO of Denison Ministries, which is transforming 6.8 million lives through meaningful digital content.  Dr. Mark Turman is the executive director of Denison Forum. He received his DMin from Truett at Baylor and previously served as lead pastor of Crosspoint Church.

In this bonus episode, Jack Countryman joins Dr. Mark Turman to discuss the miracle of peace, how to give over your anxiety to Jesus, Christian publishing, and to give his Christmas blessings to the Denison Forum Podcast audience.    Resources and further reading:   Jack Countryman’s Amazon author page The Miracle of Peace: You Can Find Peace in Every Challenge You Face - Jack Countryman   About the hosts    Dr. Mark Turman 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    Jack Countryman is the founder of JCountryman Gift Books, a division of Thomas Nelson, and the recipient of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association Jordan Lifetime Achievement Award. Over the past 30 years, he has developed bestselling gift books such as God's Promises for Your Every Need, God's Promises for Men, God's Promises for Women, God Listens, and Red Letter Words of Jesus. Countryman's books have sold more than 20 million units.

Joshua S. Porter (stage name Josh Dies) joins Mark Legg to discuss deconstruction, offensive Christian art, orthodoxy, objective truth and relativism, and how Jesus’ ministry was like a rebellion.  Show notes:  Josh Porter begins by defining deconstruction, and why we can’t neglect the emotional, personal side of the issue (1:20). They talk about why Death to Deconstruction feels dark and provocative, and the place of offensive, Christian art, and literature in church tradition (9:30). They move on to discuss how faithfulness is an act of rebellion, and how Jesus was radical (16:13). Porter discusses the book’s unique, but orthodox, perspectives and his own belief in pacificism (28:41).  They talk about why Porter personally arrived at orthodoxy and the process of his deconstruction (33:24). Although intellectual arguments are important, they consider the personal, emotional side of the deconstruction movement (44:59). The end by reflecting on truth itself, relativism, worldview, and apologetics (52:06). Resources and further reading: Death to Deconstruction: Reclaiming Faithfulness as an Act of Rebellion - Joshua S. Porter Joshuasporter.com “Deconstructing your faith? Feeling deeply hurt by the church? Read Death to Deconstruction by Joshua S. Porter” - Mark Legg “Digging into doubts and how to minister to Gen Z: A conversation with Barnabas Piper” - Podcast ‘“Where the Light Fell”: A conversation with Philip Yancey’ - Podcast Showbread - Spotify About the hosts  Mark Legg is an Associate Editor for Denison Forum. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2021 with a degree in Philosophy and Biblical Studies. About the guest  Joshua S. Porter (Josh Dies) is the lead singer of the American Christian hardcore punk rock band, Showbread. Though the band disbanded, he continues to take on alternative musical side projects. He is a prolific fiction writer, and pastor of teaching and creative vision at Van City Church. 

Craig Denison and Dr. Mark Turman share how to cultivate a personal relationship with God through daily devotionals, prayer, and worship, how the First15 devotional was created, and how to hear God’s voice in your life.  Show notes:  Craig Denison opens by talking about being Dr. Denison’s son, how he made his faith his own, and his early career as a musician and worship leader (3:22). Then they talk about his heart behind writing First15, the daily devotional available for free (7:31). They discuss the idea of personal, devotional time with the Lord (11:00), and how to discern the voice and will of God in prayer (16:36). Then they consider how God wants us to both rely on him and grow to make our own decisions, guided by the wisdom that he’s taught us (22:07). They talk about why Craig Denison crafted First15 the way he did, and how to worship God with your whole being (24:16). They discuss how to cultivate a personal relationship with God, and how it can differ from person to person (35:10) Craig Denison closes by encouraging listeners to start now in alone time with God and start somewhere, regardless of your life circumstances (41:47). Resources and further reading: First15, daily devotionals by Craig Denison First15 app About the hosts  Dr. Mark Turman 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  Craig Denison, son of Dr. Jim Denison, is a speaker, songwriter, worship leader, and the author of First15 daily devotional – helping almost 2 million believers a month in more than 200 countries connect with God in daily worship, reading, and prayer. Craig also serves as the Chief Innovation Officer of Denison Ministries.