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

Janet Denison talks with Dr. Mark Turman about her Advent devotional series, The Songs Tell the Story, why she wrote it, and shares her favorite hymn and how to make Christmas about Jesus.    Show notes:    Janet Denison and Dr. Mark Turman discuss Janet Denison’s book, The Songs Tell the Story (along with the kid’s version), a Christmas devotional that explores the meaning and origin of our favorite holiday songs. They talk about how Janet wrote the devotional study and the history of Advent (1:02). Janet especially loves O Holy Night, and was surprised to discover its origins (6:10). They discuss why hymns were so important in history for the layperson to understand theology, and their own most profound experiences with hymns (14:42). They give insiders perspective on Christmas in the lives of ministers (20:58). They close by talking about how to use The Songs Tell the Story, and how to make the busy season focused on Jesus (28:47).    Resources and further reading:   Foundations with Janet - brand of Denison Ministries The Songs Tell the Story - Janet Denison The Songs Tell the Story (kid edition) - Janet Denison Content to Be Good, Called to Be Godly - Janet 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    Janet Denison teaches others to live an authentic faith through her writing, speaking, and teaching ministry. She blogs weekly at FoundationsWithJanet.org and leads virtual and in-person Bible studies. She is also the author of The Songs Tell the Story and Content to Be Good, Called to Be Godly, among other books. Janet and her husband, Dr. Jim Denison, live in Dallas, Texas. When they’re not writing or ministering to others, they enjoy spending time with their grown children and their four still-growing grandchildren.

Mark Sayers, Mark Turman, and Mark Legg discuss the great shift the world is going through, the lingering effects of Covid, how the “gray zone” affects ministry, and how to remain a “non-anxious presence.”   Show notes:    Mark Sayers talks about his faith journey and how he started writing (2:14). The three Marks talk about the significance of our culture’s ongoing shift, and the anxiety that comes from it (8:08). Sayers discusses the role of the internet in that shift, and the “hardware” change our culture is going through, focusing on the effects of Covid (12:50). They turn to discuss the culture’s widespread sense of false security, and how abundance leads to us trusting God less (27:16). Sayers digs further into the idea of the “gray zone,” and why confusion leads to anxiety and fear, and how the Bible applies to those struggles (32:14). Sayers ends by discussing the importance of leadership, and why God’s presence is critical in times of transition (43:19).   Resources and further reading:   A Non-Anxious Presence: How a Changing and Complex World will Create a Remnant of Renewed Christian Leaders - Mark Sayers “How to lead in an unstable culture: Mark Sayers points to the true stronghold in “A Non-anxious Presence” - Mark Legg “Exhausted by the news? You may be ‘doomscrolling’”- Mark Legg The Coming Tsunami - Jim Denison, Ph.D.  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.    Mark Legg is the Associate Editor for Denison Forum. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2021 with a degree in Philosophy and Biblical Studies.   About the guest    Mark Sayers is the senior leader of Red Church in Melbourne, Australia. He is passionate about spiritual renewal and the future of the church. Mark is the author of a number of books including Strange Days and Reappearing Church.  Mark lives in Melbourne with his wife, Trudi, his daughter, Grace, and twin boys, Hudson and Billy.

Patrick Miller joins to talk about why Christians should value truth over their tribe, how to talk about politics with family and friends, why Jesus was “political,” and how to avoid fear in our post-truth culture.    Show notes:     Patrick Miller begins by discussing his podcast, Truth Over Tribe, why it was started, and how it’s become so successful (1:47). Then, he talks about writing the book, and how he learned how tribalism can be a good thing in its proper place, in addition to why it’s so dangerous (7:45). They turn to consider the loss of common ground and truth in our culture (16:47). They explore the importance of love in a post-truth culture, how to talk about politics, and how the left and right can be relativistic (21:00). Miller moves to talk about why Jesus was “political” (33:13). He then turns to focus on how Christian the state should be, and why we don’t need to worry (41:29). They close by talking about the way we should use social media redemptively (50:48).   Resources and further reading:   Truth Over Tribe - Podcast Truth Over Tribe - Patrick Miller, Keith Simon “What does the Bible say about politics” - Jim Denison “Peace in Politics: How to reduce anxiety during the 2022 midterms: A conversation with Josh Miller” - Podcast “In ‘post-truth’ politics, how can we distinguish truth from falsehood?” - Steve Yount How tribal are you? - Quiz   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.    Mark Legg is the Associate Editor for Denison Forum. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2021 with a degree in Philosophy and Biblical Studies.   About the guest    Pastor, Co-Director of Digital Relationships. Patrick Miller has called Columbia home since 2006. He met his wife, Emily, at Mizzou, where they both completed their undergrads. Together they have two children. Patrick started following Jesus his Freshman year of college after getting connected to The Crossing. He joined the Veritas college ministry staff team in 2010, helped co-direct the ministry in 2015, and became the Director of Crossing Twenties in 2017. He graduated from Covenant Theological Seminary in 2018 and was ordained as pastor shortly after. Patrick leads the Digital Relationships Team, co-hosts Truth Over Tribe, Ten Minute Bible Talks, leads two Covenant Seminary cohorts, and teaches Men's and Women's Bible studies.

Curtis Chang joins Dr. Mark Turman to discuss our failing trust in institutions and how to redeem them, the role of Christians in politics and the workplace, election integrity, and how to combat anxiety.    Show notes:    Curtis Chang begins by talking about his ministry Redeeming Babel, which trains Christians to engage redemptively in different kinds of communities (2:19). Chang talks about the rising distrust of institutions, and how we can help redeem them, specifically pointing to Colossians 1:15–17 (9:47). In particular, Chang and Dr. Turman talk about work and the role of jobs in Christianity (20:27). They talk about the Trinity and how it helps us understand community (29:14). Chang delves more into how we can trust broken institutions, and how throwing them away will probably lead to greater destruction (38:00). They turn to converse about idolatry, politics, election integrity, and the boundaries of governments (48:53). Chang concludes by touching on anxiety and fear (58:37).   Resources and further reading:   Redeemingbabel.org  Good Faith - Podcast with David French and Curtis Chang “Are US elections always fair?” - Denison Forum   About the hosts    Mark Turman, DMin, is the executive director of Denison Forum. He received his degree from Truett at Baylor and previously served as lead pastor of Crosspoint Church.    About the guest    Curtis Chang is consulting professor in innovation and organization at Duke Divinity School. He has won an Obama White House award for social innovation as the founder and head of Consulting Within Reach, a firm serving nonprofits and government.  He graduated from Harvard Summa Cum Laude. He holds a faculty appointment at American University and is also a senior fellow at Fuller Theological Seminary.  He is the author of Engaging Unbelief: A Captivating Strategy from Augustine and Aquinas (IVP) and is a former Rockefeller Fellow.

Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman discuss how God sees America, our culture’s individualism, midterm politics, whether God is judging America, and whether people can be moral without God.    Show notes:    Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Jim Denison discuss the Bible’s understanding of the nations, as well as the difference between individualism and collectivism (1:36). They talk about the unity of the individual and community in the Bible (9:37). Dr. Turman asks about the different political issues to consider in the 2022 midterm elections (16:36). They talk about God’s passive and active punishment of cultures, then consider if America is in that process of judgment (23:09). They talk to what extent Christians should isolate themselves from the culture (39:18). They talk about whether we can be moral without God (50:38). They end by challenging whether a nation can be “Christian” at all (54:41).    Resources and further reading:   “Let’s be civil” bundle: How Does God See America and Respectfully I Disagree - Dr. Jim Denison How Does God See America? - Dr. Jim Denison "Are US elections always fair?" - Denison Forum team “What does the Bible say about politics?” Dr. Jim Denison “Peace in Politics: How to reduce anxiety during the 2022 midterms: A conversation with Josh Miller” Podcast    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.

Josh Miller, Dr. Mark Turman, and Mark Legg discuss partisanship bias, Christian hypocrisy, dealing with anger and anxiety, and how to maintain peace during political uncertainty.    Show notes:    Mark Turman begins by asking about the top five issues for the 2022 midterms, and they discuss how the different politicized news sources will cover the topics (1:45). They turn to discuss the role fear plays in politics now, and how to try to get both sides of the perspective (7:31). Josh speaks about why he wrote Peace in Politics, and the hypocrisy of many Christians when they talk about politics, especially the prevalence of anger and anxiety (20:50). They turn to humility as a crucial part of wrestling with politics for the Christian (32:52). We must not dehumanize political “opponents”, instead we show compassion first and foremost (43:08). They discuss the technology behind social media and how that contributes to our division, and how to practically deal with the intrusion of bias, anger, and anxiety in this political season (47:42).   Resources and further reading:   Peace in Politics - Josh Miller, offered as a free e-book. Allsides.com  Groundnews.com  “What does the Bible say about politics?” - Jim Denison, PhD.  Kingdom Politics - Tony Evans. (Read an excerpt: “Whose side are you on?”) Dailyarticle.org   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.    Mark Legg is the Associate Editor for Denison Forum. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2021 with a degree in Philosophy and Biblical Studies.   About the guest    Josh Miller is the Creative Director of Denison Ministries and author of First15's free e-book: "Peace in Politics." He’s also a musician, writer, and teacher for a local church in the Dallas area.

Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman discuss Halloween, the rise of the occult, what happens when we die, spiritual warfare, Satan and demon possession, and how to rely on God to fight against temptation.  Show notes:  Dr. Jim Denison begins by giving the background of Halloween and why we should celebrate heroes of the faith (2:15). They move on to practical advice for parenting and why we must be careful of the occult and witchcraft (10:30).  Dr. Denison discusses death and what happens when we die (13:50). They consider Satan and demons and what power they have today (23:37).  They turn to talk about spiritual warfare and why David prays for the destruction of his enemies when Christ says to love them (30:23).  Dr. Turman returns the conversation to talking about demon possession, and Dr. Denison relates a story where he helped perform an exorcism (40:20). They hone in on how the Devil strategically tempts us and how to fight it (47:15).    Resources and further reading:   “Why do so many Americans believe in ghosts?” - Jim Denison, Ph.D. “Disney’s FXX Network airs new animated series “Little Demon”” - Jim Denison, Ph.D.  “Russian troops surprised by Ukrainian robotic vacuums: A lesson in warfare, both physical and spiritual” - Mark Legg   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.

Dr. John Mark Caton and Dr. Mark Turman discuss Dr. Caton’s personal experience with the tragic suicide of his older brother, lingering survivor’s guilt, the importance of community, and how to talk to people contemplating suicide.    Show notes:    Dr. John Mark Caton and Dr. Mark Turman begin this difficult discussion by talking about Caton’s tragic story and the suicide of his older brother (3:27). They talk about guilt, the lingering cloud of sorrow, and the importance of stories (11:15). They summarize how the Bible talks about suicide and whether it’s the unpardonable sin (17:01).    Dr. Caton discusses the importance of community and the church, how to talk to people considering suicide, and why calling 911 is of strong importance (24:46). Dr. Turman and Dr. Caton consider the state of our culture’s relationship to suicide and why it’s gotten worse in young people (40:21).    Dr. Caton brings up the impact of intergenerational relationships as a way to combat rising rates of isolation (48:18). He also gives closing thoughts on next steps in approaching someone in your life whom you’re worried about (56:04). They end by reflecting on the way Dr. Caton has been changed by the death of his brother (1:03:12).   Resources and further reading:   Last Call, Suicide: An Unfinished Life - John Mark Caton Hope Always - Dr. Matthew Sleeth  “How to talk to your kids about depression and suicide” – Dr. Matthew Sleeth “What does the Bible say about suicide?” – Dr. Jim Denison 988 Lifeline   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.    About the guest    John Mark Caton, Ph.D., is the Senior Pastor Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church for twenty-seven years and the author of several books. He received a Master of Theology from Criswell College, and a Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He earned his Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2001.

Barnabas Piper joins Dr. Mark Turman and Mark Legg to discuss being a pastor’s kid, talking to teens and Gen Z about doubts, the importance of humor, and depending on Christ in all things.    Show notes:   Barnabas Piper begins by reflecting on his own life’s story and how the Lord refreshed the idea of the church to him (2:32). They discuss the hypocrisy of some Christian leaders and how to move forward with grace (12:31). Piper talks about the restoration of Christian leaders, how to talk to kids openly about your own doubts, and how to raise children who ask deep questions (18:09). They turn to converse about the openness and authenticity of Gen Z (30:56). With everything being in Christ’s hands, they discuss how we can live without fear, and how The Happy Rant podcast came from that sentiment (39:09). They look at the importance of humor, honesty, and self-depreciation in ministry (43:19). Barnabas ends by talking about political idolatry and faithful churches (52:11).   Resources and further reading:   The Happy Rant Podcast The Happy Rant - Co-authored by Barnabas Piper The Pastor’s Kid - Barnabas Piper “4 surprising ways Gen Z behaves” - Mark Legg Biblical Insights Into Tough Questions, series - Dr. Jim Denison. “Matt Chandler placed on leave from The Village Church” - Dr. Jim Denison   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.   Mark Legg is the Associate Editor for Denison Forum. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2021 with a degree in Philosophy and Biblical Studies   About the guest   Barnabas Piper is an author, a speaker, and an assistant pastor at Immanuel Church of Nashville. He’s also the co-host of the Happy Rant podcast and co-author of the new book, The Happy Rant. Visit barnabaspiper.com.  He has authored four other books: The Pastor’s Kid, Help My Unbelief, The Curious Christian, and Hoping for Happiness.

Jeff and Terra Mattson join Dr. Mark Turman to discuss the suicide epidemic, how to talk to children and teens about self-harm, suicide, and emotions, and how to navigate parenting through depression and anxiety.    Show notes:    Jeff and Terra Mattson begin by framing the suicide epidemic and mental health crisis (4:02). They discuss how to start early in parenting by putting language to different emotions, and why it’s so important to put words to feelings (10:30). They specifically look at suicide and suicidal ideation, and when to have that conversation with kids (19:15). The Mattson’s talk about the importance of vulnerability and relationships in parenting, and how technology can get in the way of healthy relationships (26:43). They consider when parents should be concerned about their child’s emotional wellbeing (34:14). Dr. Turman asks directly about how to deal with teens who struggle with self-harm (45:15). To close, they discuss the problem of bullying and how to draw healthy boundaries with immature people (52:25).   Resources and further reading:   Dear Mattsons with Christian Parenting  “How do I protect my kids from school bullies?” - Dear Mattsons “How to talk to your kids about depression and suicide” - Dr. Matthew Sleeth “What does the Bible say about suicide?” - Dr. Jim Denison Shrinking the Integrity Gap - Jeff and Terra Mattson Courageous: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace - Terra Mattson 988 Lifeline   P.S. What are my Spiritual Gifts? by Ryan Denison Ph.D. is available now at Denison Forum. The book includes biblical examples of each gifting in action. We’ve also refreshed our free spiritual gifts test at whataremyspiritualgifts.org. If you don’t know your spiritual gifts or are unsure how to use them, we encourage you to take the test and pick up a copy of What are my Spiritual Gifts? today.   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 guests    Jeff holds a master's degree in organizational leadership and has decades of experience as a leader in startup companies, family businesses, and nonprofit organizations, which includes universities and ministry settings. Since 2011, he has worked with business and organizational leaders to develop their potential and solve people issues. Terra holds a master's degree in marriage and family therapy from George Fox University in Portland. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor, and now works as an executive coach. For the last 15 years, she has run a thriving private practice while speaking to women, couples, and leaders, including at the American Association of Christian Counselors conference. She is the founder and clinical director of Living Wholehearted counseling and has served as an adjunct professor at George Fox University's Graduate counseling department. She is the author of Courageous: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace.  Together, Jeff and Terra co-authored Shrinking the Integrity Gap: Between What Leaders Preach and Live. They founded a global movement called Courageous Girls, an online resource to help moms navigate the needs of their daughters through every season of their lives. They co-host the Living Wholehearted podcast and run the living wholehearted lodge and retreat, and co-host the Dear Mattsons podcast. They currently live just outside of Portland, Oregon, as they raise their two teenage daughters.