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

Tommy Woodard and Eddie James (the Skit Guys) join Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman to discuss why humor is so important to faith, why we should pursue excellence in the arts, and their new film: Family Camp.    Show notes:    Tommy Woodard and Eddie James begin by sharing their testimonies with Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman; how God called them to comedy, how church media picked up in the ‘90s, and what they do in their ministry (0:49). They discuss how Christian media doesn’t need to be bad, why laughter is important to the Christian faith, and how Jesus used humor (6:41). They dive into how God can use humor to redeem hurt (15:31). Woodard and James then go through the backstory of their first full-length movie: “Family Camp,” and how God was involved throughout the process (20:02). They talk about why they wanted to make an excellent, faith-based, family-friendly movie that defies expectations (26:16). Dr. Denison then discusses the history of why the arts have become less important to many modern Christians, and why we should change that (31:25). In fact, God used “secular” media to reach Dr. Turman and James before they became Christians (39:26). They also discuss the idea of a “faith-based comedy” and the preconceptions of Christian movies (43:30). In closing, they consider how this movie will uniquely speak to our culture and give a hopeful picture of family (48:00).   P.S. We highly encourage our audience to go see Family Camp on its opening weekend, in theaters on May 13th. You can buy individual tickets or take a group. You can visit their website: https://familycampmovie.com/   Resources and further reading: Get tickets to see Family Camp, in theaters on May 13th Review of Family Camp – Blake Atwood The Skit Guys website “How a little-known Reformation-era painter calls us to excellence today” (Lucas Cranach) – Dr. Ryan Denison  Review of The Chosen– Mark Legg Review of Art and Faith by Makoto Fujimura – Mark Legg Review of Everything Everywhere All at Once, and why Christians need to rethink art – 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.    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    Tommy Woodard and Eddie James are the “Skit Guys,” and have traveled the world performing for families at events, churches, and conferences. Their SkitGuys.com website has grown into a treasured media resource for families, pastors, and churches. Their numerous short films, skits, and scripts are used to reach families all over the world. On YouTube alone, their channel has collectively reached over 33 million views. 

David French, Dr. Jim Denison, and Dr. Mark Turman consider partisan hostility, why Trump divides Christian Americans, the persecution complex of many conservatives, why making abortion illegal won’t solve the problem of abortion, why we need to invest with love in communities, and ultimately how Christians should act in the public square.    Show notes:    Commentator David French joins Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman to discuss the leaked Supreme Court ruling that could overturn Roe v. Wade and why the partisan divide threatens our country.    They discuss the overreactions of conservatives and liberals, how Christians can go beyond hateful political exchanges, and why we should not be cultural warriors (3:12). French points out how good we have it in America and the persecution complex that Christian conservatives often have. He also talks specifically about Donald Trump and how evangelicals have a worrying tendency to defend Trump’s problems (8:36).    They then look to the Civil Rights movement as a model for real cultural change through peaceful means under actual persecution (12:58). French explains why he isn’t worried about the Equality Act under the current Senate (17:14).    They address the “all-or-nothing” trap that politics puts us in and how we subconsciously become lawyers for blue or red instead of the jury or judge (19:10). French points out that God is on the throne, so Christians cannot lose, whether Biden or Trump is president (27:11).    They discuss how making abortion illegal won’t solve the problem of abortion. Rather, it will take a cultural heart change, and there is hopeful news there (31:17). They consider how we need to make change through small institutions and communities, like through Little League, church, and making friends, not through politics.    They also consider how and why fewer and fewer abortions are being done and the current cultural backlash against the sexual revolution (45:47). Lastly, they reflect on Jesus’ teaching to love your enemy with no qualifications and why we need to be Christians in every area of our lives, not just on Sunday (50:16).   Resources and further reading:   The Dispatch - David French  Divided We Fall: America's Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation - David French “What does the Bible say about abortion?” - Jim Denison  Respectfully, I Disagree - Jim Denison “The latest on the Supreme Court leak and “the one and only pro-life argument””- Jim Denison - 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.    About the guest    David French is a senior editor for The Dispatch and was formerly a senior writer for National Review. David is a New York Times bestselling author. He is a 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. He has written for The Atlantic, as well as other notable publications.

Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Jim Denison discuss the breaking news that suggests the Supreme Court will overturn Roe v. Wade, taking this special episode to consider the implications, as well as the arguments for and against abortion from a biblical perspective.    Show notes: Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Jim Denison discuss the morally defining issue of our age: abortion. They address the breaking news that a draft of the Supreme Court’s majority opinion shows the judge’s plan to overturn Roe v. Wade in an upcoming decision. They discuss the details of this breaking news (0:23). They talk about the history of abortion becoming legal, how this decision affects America, and where this initial report came from (10:05). They discuss in-depth arguments for pro-life and for pro-choice positions, which are often complex. Dr. Denison considers all of the strongest arguments for abortion and responds to them (13:33). He considers all spectrums of positions, and how some, like Peter Singer, are even advocating for the utilitarian killing of some infants after pregnancy (29:28). They then discuss the Bible’s position, why the Bible doesn’t ever say: “thou shalt not abort a pregnancy,” and what the Bible does say (43:41). Then, Dr. Denison discusses the practical implications of these ideas in the States, about how you may be able to help, how you can pray, and how you can love people who have had abortions, who are thinking about getting one, and what the government’s role should be (48:02).    “This is not a war on women. This is actually as you said earlier, a spiritual war for the abundant life that the flourishing God intends for every human being.” - Dr. Jim Denison   Resources and further reading:   “What does the Bible say about abortion?” - Jim Denison “Leaked draft reveals that the Supreme Court has voted to overturn Roe v. Wade” - Jim Denison “The Supreme Court and Roe v. Wade” - Jim Denison   About the hosts  Dr. Jim Denison is CEO and co-founder of Denison Forum and a cultural scholar. He received his Ph.D. in philosophy and Master’s in Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.     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.  

Kerby Anderson, Dr. Jim Denison, and Dr. Mark Turman discuss the state of culture post-pandemic, the economic realities, freedom of speech and religion, how to be involved in politics, and how God is redeeming the darkness overshadowing our culture.   Show notes: Kerby Anderson, Dr. Jim Denison, and Dr. Mark Turman discuss several trends of decline in American culture. They begin by considering the pandemic, and the effects it has had on our culture, inflation, and sociological trends (6:55). They discuss how mRNA vaccines could revolutionize medicine, but how we can’t put our entire trust in scientists (17:23). They look into some positive news in the midst of what feels like lots of bad news, how God is redeeming technology and how we can be a light in the dark world right now (19:13). They consider the sanctions against Russia and their repercussions (24:23). Dr. Denison talks more about the “post-truth” state of our culture, and they consider why religious liberty cases are so important in the face of LGBTQ issues (31:00). They then delve into how Christians should be involved in politics, how we can do good in it, how to handle Trump, and how we shouldn’t allow our involvement with politics to interfere with the gospel (42:23).   Resources and further reading:   Probe ministries Point of View  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.  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    Kerby Anderson is a cultural apologist and serves as host of “Point of View” (USA Radio Network) and president of Probe Ministries. He holds a master's degree from Yale and Georgetown University. He is also the author of twenty-five books.

Dr. Lee Bratcher and Dr. Mark Turman dive into the world of cryptocurrency, why Bitcoin is uncensorable, how refugees use it to flee oppression, why Bitcoin will likely rival gold, and why blockchain technology is already being used by banks and governments.    Show notes: Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Lee Bratcher discuss the Institute for Global Engagement at Dallas Baptist University and the Texas Blockchain Counsel, the nonprofit run by Dr. Bratcher. They reflect on what money is, the basics of economics, and the history of Bitcoin (8:16). They discuss the power of Bitcoin to be uncensorable, how even the US government cannot track it, and how it’s already helping refugees escape from authoritarian regimes (16:41). They discuss online “wallets,” how Bitcoin gained value, where it comes from, and how it uses the internet to be decentralized (19:50). Dr. Bratcher goes in depth into why Bitcoin is so secure and why Bitcoin has a market cap of around one trillion dollars right now (28:06). They consider why so many use Bitcoin and how it can be an asset like a stock (even though they are technically not) (38:25). Interestingly enough, they consider how this blockchain technology can make banking as a whole much more efficient and how China is using it already (45:35). Finally, they discuss why religious freedom and Bitcoin are connected, and why Bitcoin is fair according to biblical standards (51:25).    Resources and further reading:   Thank God for Bitcoin - Jimmy Song, Gabe Higgins “Why did an online image sell for $69 million?” - Mark Legg Texas Blockchain Council  Texas Blockchain Council YouTube Channel Institute for Global Engagement - Dallas Baptist University   About the host   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    Lee Bratcher serves as the Chair for the Politics, Philosophy, and Economics major at Dallas Baptist University as well as the Executive Director for the Institute for Global Engagement, a DBU affiliated think tank. He is a Captain in the US Army reserves working as an instructor for ROTC cadets at DBU and UT Dallas.   Lee received a master's in International Relations from St. Mary's University and is in his sixth year as a Ph.D. candidate at UT Dallas writing a dissertation on the implications of blockchain technology on property rights and real estate. Prior to his transition to academia, Lee served in the military and as a police officer in the DFW area. Lee has been married to Becca Bratcher for 6 years and they have two daughters, Kenzie and Ivy.

Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Jim Denison discuss how to understand modern Israel through a theological lens, the current political climate, the history of the Jewish people, how to pray for Israel, and how Christian and Jewish beliefs differ.    Show notes: Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Jim Denison begin by giving a brief description of Israel’s geography and its demographics as of today (5:37). Then, Dr. Denison provides a summation of the history of Israel and of the Old Testament (12:05). They discuss how going to Israel makes the Bible 3D and tangible (15:42). He then goes on to fit the story of Jesus into the context in a vivid description in the historical context and discusses why most modern Jews today reject Jesus as the “suffering servant” Messiah (21:43). Dr. Denison then explains differing views on the fulfillment of God’s purpose for Israel and Judaism, including Dispensationalism and “replacement theology.” (27:49) Dr. Denison relates his own view that, while the Jewish people are not chosen by God in fulfillment of prophecy, they have a special quality about their culture that is blessed by God. While God loves all people, Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims, and Jews, he seems to particularly bless the Jewish culture, even in the modern day (31:04). Dr. Turman presses in, asking more about how we can uniquely evangelize to Jews, recognizing that Jesus, his disciples, and the earliest churches were all Jewish (34:41). Within that, they discuss the evident spiritual warfare going on in the hearts of the Jewish people and in Israel right now, which is manifesting as violence. They discuss the current political climate of Israel and how to pray urgently for them (45:45).    P.S. Jim’s most pivotal book to date, The Coming Tsunami, is now available on Kindle, hardcover, and Audible.   Resources and further reading:   "To Follow in His Footsteps" - Dr. Ryan Denison “Why do so many Americans condemn Israel?” - Dr. Jim Denison “I was reminded in Israel that religion doesn’t work” -Dr. Jim Denison  "How to go on a trip led by 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. 

Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Jim Denison discuss the differences between patriotism and nationalism, why Christians should be good citizens, what role nationalism plays in the war in Ukraine, and how to avoid echo chambers.    Show notes: Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Jim Denison discuss Jesus’ trial at the crucifixion and how politics played into the crucifixion (0:39). Dr. Denison then helps the audience understand the difference between patriotism and nationalism and why their definitions are so important (6:03). They discuss how Christians should be good citizens while still giving their ultimate allegiance to Christ and why modern expressions of nationalism over patriotism are misplaced. They then consider how nationalism might play a role in the Russian and Ukrainian war (14:07). Social media plays a massive role in the discussion about patriotism in today’s America. Dr. Denison and Dr. Turman give practical advice on how to get a wide range of sources to avoid echo chambers, reflecting on long-gone journalistic standards (20:20). They close by reflecting on taxes and the biblical idea that Christians can be good citizens and patriots without being nationalists (39:02).     P.S. Jim’s most pivotal book to date, The Coming Tsunami, is now available on Kindle, hardcover, and Audible.   Resources and further reading:   "Should I be on social media?" - Christian Englert "Do you need a social media fast?" - Steve Yount "How to seek the truth when it comes to fake news" - Steve Yount "What does the Bible say about Easter?" - Jim Denison "It’s not all bad news" - Mark Legg "Why I am a Christian patriot but not a Christian nationalist" - Jim Denison "What is QAnon?" - Jim Denison Thomas L. Friedman with the New York Times David Brooks with the New York Times   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. 

Dr. Randel Everett joins Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Jim Denison to discuss religious freedom, the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative, and why the state shouldn’t be run by religion.    Show notes:  After giving his personal story, Dr. Randel Everett discusses the surprising role of a Baptist in religious freedom in the US’s founding (7:22). He then talks about the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative, how they got started, and how they defend religious freedom and challenge persecution and oppression (10:39). Dr. Everett relates what this mission currently looks like internationally, such as in Myanmar, Burma, and Bangladesh (20:18). They discuss the unique aspect of the Judeo-Christian ethic that allows for freedom of belief (28:10). Dr. Jim Denison considers the negatives of when the church tries to control the state (32:25). Finally, Dr. Everett ends by encouraging us to strive for virtue to make society a better place from the ground up, and how listeners can get involved in 21 Wilberforce (35:21).   P.S. Jim’s most pivotal book to date, The Coming Tsunami, is now available on Kindle, hardcover, and Audible.   Resources and further reading: 21 Wilberforce - defending freedom “What does the Bible say about religious liberty?” - Dr. Jim Denison  “What does the Bible say about freedom?” - Dr. Jim Denison Religious Liberty in Crisis - Ken Starr Liberty for All - Andrew T. Walker   About the Guest  Dr. Randel Everett founded 21Wilberforce in 2014 to focus attention on religious persecution abroad and the enduring importance of religious liberty in the United States.   As President, Randel leads the 21Wilberforce team, often on the front lines internationally. He spent four decades pastoring churches in Florida, Virginia, Arkansas, and Texas. He founded the John Leland Center for Theological Studies, led the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and currently serves in leadership for the Baptist World Alliance. Throughout his career, Randel has traveled to nearly 40 countries and witnessed persecution first-hand.   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 week’s episode, Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman respond to the audience's questions, including how to be salt and light, is baptism necessary for salvation, how to handle evolution, and how to deal with feelings of hopelessness when a family member doesn’t believe in God.     Show notes: First, Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Jim Denison discuss the Benedict Option by Rod Dreher, as people are asking Jim: What do we tell our children about the issues brought up in culture (3:21)? How do we prepare for the coming cultural tsunami which already affects our lives and our family’s lives?  Dr. Denison believes in a balanced approach, saying that we must have retreats to spend time with God, to spend quality time with other believers, and make sure we “get away” from the world. However, at the same time, we are salt and light to the world, and we shouldn't hide that from people who desperately need to hear the gospel (16:04). We must engage with the culture in a biblical, loving way.    Next, they discuss a question about how to engage with non-believers. Dr. Denison gives some practical tips, and they consider the value of presence (9:23). Sometimes, we don’t have to say anything; we just need to be there for people. The Holy Spirit will give us the words to say, and he works in ways we don’t often expect. They also discuss how vocational ministry fits into this need for rhythms of rest and regeneration.    Next, they answer the question: Is baptism necessary for salvation? Dr. Denison relates a short history of the theology of baptism, why baptism is important, which option, in his view, most aligns with the Bible, and application for our listener who asked the question (21:04).    Another listener, in the context of sharing their faith, asks how we as believers should handle evolution and the intersection of faith and science (31:18). Dr. Denison believes that these issues are not essential for salvation. It shouldn’t be an issue that divides us. Dr. Denison says it shouldn’t prevent anyone from coming to faith since Christians interpret the Bible differently in this respect. Dr. Denison relates his own view about evolution. He believes in microevolution but not macroevolution, and he explains these views further.    Dr. Denison weighs in on another heavy question: How does the Bible deal with the salvation of close friends or family (44:13)? How do we, as our listener put it, sleep at night? What if one of our children or close relatives doesn’t believe in Jesus? Dr. Denison gives a hopeful message in response and discusses how we can give that weight over to Jesus, knowing that he loves them more than we ever could. He also says to never give up; it’s never too late. Continually pray for them, but know that their salvation is not ultimately your responsibility—it’s between them and God.    P.S. Jim’s most pivotal book to date, The Coming Tsunami, is now available on Kindle, hardcover, and Audible.   Resources and further reading: What should we believe about creation and evolution? - Jim Denison Does evolution prove God? - 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.    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. 

Summary: Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Jim Denison discuss how societies are driven by metanarratives, the Western and Eastern differences between them, religious metanarratives, Putin’s metanarrative for Russia, and how they all match up against the Bible.    Show notes: Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Jim Denison begin by covering the basics of metanarratives. Every culture and country has a north on its compass, a “larger story we find ourselves in.” Dr. Denison provides the history of the Western metanarrative, that the government exists to serve the individual. The West believes, “I, the individual, am the center of my existence.”    He contrasts this view with the Eastern perspective, which holds generally that the individual is not the center. He considers Greek philosophers, Hinduism, Islam, radical Islam, Marxism, snd then the current imperialist Russian perspective held by Putin. Each of these reflects a unique metanarrative. In particular, Dr. Denison reflects on the massive clashes between Russia against the West (in the cold war and now in Ukraine) and radical Islam against the West (terrorism, 9/11, etc.).   The source of recent conflict becomes clearer when we consider Putin’s view that NATO is encroaching on their borders and the radical Islamic perspective that the West has been the aggressor against them since the Crusades. Both of these play into the divide in metanarratives that set countries against each other. In the case of Russia, Dr. Denison shares the history of Russia over the past centuries as context for Putin’s mindset. Putin’s mindset, while not Communist, is one that values the collective greatness of Russia over the individual.    Dr. Turman and Dr. Denison then turn to America to consider our country’s narratives through the centuries, the cultural shifts, and the consistent metanarrative that the individual is the highest consideration. Then they reflect on how the “American dream” holds up when compared to Scripture. The American (and Western) individualistic mindset, while not all bad, does not match with God’s ultimate metanarrative revealed in the Bible. Neither does the Eastern mindset that values the collective above all else.    This is because the collective of God’s kingdom, the church, is most important. Within this, however, each person must respond to the call as an individual before being adopted into the Father’s kingdom.    We exist to serve God’s kingdom with other believers, in a community. The Bible, then, provides its own metanarrative for us to live by. Dr. Turman and Dr. Denison close by reflecting on this one, true metanarrative for Christians to live by.    P.S. Jim’s most pivotal book to date, The Coming Tsunami, is now available on Kindle, hardcover, and Audible.   Resources and further reading:   The Coming Tsunami - Jim Denison Updates on Ukraine - Denison Forum Team “The inevitability of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: How Putin’s history reveals his destiny” - Ryan Denison “Why does Russia want Ukraine? A timeline of Russian aggression against Ukraine” - Mark Legg The Next 100 Years: A Forecast for the 21st Century - George Friedman    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.