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

In this sixth episode of our special eight-episode series called “Being Christian in today’s culture,” Dr. Denison discusses biblical sexuality. He explores the history of sexual ethics, the impact of cultural shifts on biblical truths regarding sexuality, and the need for clear teaching and reliance on the Holy Spirit to live out God's design for sex and relationships.The conversation also touches on topics such as cohabitation, same-sex attraction, transgenderism, and pornography, emphasizing the importance of community, biblical teaching, and the transformative power of God's love and redemption. For more, read this episode’s accompanying article, “Is biblical sexuality outdated and irrelevant? ”Topics(01:22):  Inspirations from CS Lewis and Tolkien: Seeking Clarity in Today's Culture(03:20): The Pillars of Being Christian in Today's Culture: A Series Overview(04:46): Diving Deep into Biblical Sexuality: A Critical Pillar for Believers(10:53): The Historical Journey: From Biblical Authority to the Sexual Revolution(18:41): The Consequences of the Sexual Revolution: Legal Battles and Cultural Shifts(21:55): The Future of Marriage and Family: Declining Birth Rates and Societal Impacts(26:26): Addressing the Spiritual Battle: Satan's Role in Undermining Biblical Values(29:32): The Enduring Relevance of Biblical Marriage and Family(32:41): Pop Culture's Reflection on Relationship Dynamics(35:03): The Societal and Psychological Impacts of Polygamy and Polyamory(39:44): Transitioning to New Testament Teachings on Marriage(46:26): The Challenge of Living Out Biblical Sexual Ethics Today(49:59): The Role of the Holy Spirit in Overcoming Sexual Temptation(55:56): Concluding Thoughts on God's Love and RedemptionResourcesEpisode Transcript (PDF)Is biblical sexuality outdated and irrelevant? Sacred Sexuality:Reclaiming God's DesignA pathway for becoming culture-changing Christians - Part 1Live by biblical truth and authority- Part 2The power of Christ to change the culture - Part 3Who determines the value of life? - Part 4What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness? - Part 5About Dr. Jim DenisonJim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this fifth episode of our special eight-episode series called “Being Christian in today’s culture,” Dr. Denison discusses biblical righteousness. He answers questions such as: What is the difference between righteousness and biblical righteousness? Is righteousness the same thing as justice? What does it look like to be righteous in today’s society?The conversation with Dr. Denison also addresses topics such as racism, gender inequality, economic disparities, immigration, and environmental stewardship. Their conversation seeks to encourage Christians to think biblically, live holy lives, and act redemptively in order to foster a world that flourishes by God's design.For more, read this episode’s accompanying article, “What is biblical righteousness?”Topics(01:55): Diving Deep into Biblical Righteousness(08:12): The Challenge of Hypocrisy in Pursuing Righteousness(14:05): Hungering and Thirsting for Righteousness: A Biblical Perspective(22:28): Navigating Complex Cultural Issues with a Biblical Lens(31:40): The Role of Social Media and Celebrity Culture in Shaping Public Values(33:09): Addressing Racism: From Historical Context to Personal Experiences(38:03): The Complex Landscape of Progress and Challenges in Combating Racism(45:35): Exploring Gender Equality and the Biblical Perspective on Women's Roles(50:5): Immigration, Borders, and the Biblical Call for Compassion(57:53): Confronting Simplification and Polarization in Societal DebatesResourcesEpisode Transcript (PDF)What is biblical righteousness?A pathway for becoming culture-changing Christians - Part 1Live by biblical truth and authority- Part 2The power of Christ to change the culture - Part 3Who determines the value of life - Part 4About Dr. Jim DenisonJim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this fourth episode of our special eight-episode series called “Being Christian in today’s culture,” Dr. Denison discusses the sanctity of life as a pillar for biblical flourishing. He answers questions such as: Is life intrinsically sacred? Who determines the value of life? Is euthanasia a sin?The conversation with Dr. Denison highlights the intrinsic value of life from a biblical standpoint, spanning from issues like abortion to broader considerations of human dignity and societal values. He also tackles ethical dilemmas related to human life, euthanasia, and the impact of evolutionary and psychoanalytic theories on society, emphasizing the significance of recognizing the value of every human life.For more, read this episode’s accompanying article, “The sanctity of life from conception to natural death.”Topics(01:04): Introducing the Series: Being Christian in Today's Culture(02:31): Exploring the Sanctity of Life: A Deep Dive(08:11): The Impact of Christianity on Society and Culture(15:01): Christianity's Role in Advancing Women's Status and Addressing Immigration(22:13): Ontology and the Sacredness of Life: A Philosophical Examination(30:14): The Ethical Dilemmas in Modern Conflicts and Surveillance Societies(35:43): The Slippery Slope of Utilitarian Ethics in Euthanasia and Abortion(45:11): Marxism, Capitalism, and the Sanctity of Life(55:04): The Importance of a Biblical Worldview on Identity and ValueResourcesEpisode Transcript (PDF)The sanctity of life from conception to natural deathA pathway for becoming culture-changing Christians - Part 1Live by biblical truth and authority- Part 2The power of Christ to change the culture - Part 3About Dr. Jim DenisonJim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this third episode of our special eight-episode series called “Being Christian in today’s culture,” Dr. Denison discusses the necessity of faith in Christ as a pillar for biblical flourishing. He answers questions such as: What is faith? How can a life transformed by faith in Christ transform the culture? What is the difference between religion and morality?The conversation with Dr. Denison also covers the significance of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to live out their faith, the challenge of maintaining Christian beliefs in an increasingly secular culture, and the practical ways Christians can influence society positively.For more, read this episode’s accompanying article, “The necessity of personal faith in Christ.”Topics(00:31): Introducing the Series: Being Christian in Today's Culture(02:09): Defining Terms: Equipped vs. Armed(03:24): The Cultural Warrior vs. Cultural Missionary Debate(07:28): Exploring Worldviews and Metanarratives(11:10): The Impact of Technology on Storytelling and Worldviews(18:02): The Necessity of Faith in Christ for Personal and Corporate Flourishing(22:06): Understanding Biblical Flourishing in Marriage and Society(31:08): Exploring the Necessity of Faith in Christ(34:23): The Role of the Holy Spirit in Empowering Believers(39:34): The Impact of Faith on Morality and Democracy(43:52): Christianity's Unique Contribution to Moral Society(47:19): Navigating Faith in a Pluralistic Society(53:02): Living Out Faith in Today's World(01:01:24): Concluding Thoughts on Being Christian in Today's CultureResourcesEpisode Transcript (PDF)The necessity of personal faith in of ChristA pathway for becoming culture-changing Christians - Part 1Live by biblical truth and authority- Part 2About Dr. Jim DenisonJim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In part two of our special eight-episode series called “Being Christian in today’s culture,” Dr. Jim Denison explores the intersection of biblical truth, authority, and cultural relevance for Christians today answering questions such as:What does it mean to embrace biblical truth and authority in the modern world? What does it mean to love God with all your mind? What is truth? The conversation highlights the significance of understanding and adhering to biblical principles, not as mere beliefs but as authoritative guides for life's decisions. It emphasizes the transformative power of submitting to biblical authority and striving to live out one's faith authentically in society. Dr. Denison also discusses the role of education and critical thinking in faith, underscoring the need for discernment and engagement with culture without compromising biblical integrity. For more, read this episode’s accompanying article, “Why we should live by biblical truth and authority.”Topics(00:31): Introducing the Seven Pillars of Biblical Flourishing(08:21): The Importance of Loving God and Loving Others: A Deep Dive(11:26): Embracing Biblical Truth and Authority: A Rational Approach to Faith(12:12): Understanding the Mind in Faith: Rational, Practical, and Intuitive Knowledge(18:22): The Journey Between Head and Heart: Integrating Rational and Emotional Faith(26:16): Leveraging Our Minds for Faith: The Role of Thoughts in Spiritual Growth(29:47): Harnessing the Power of a Trained Mind(31:03): The Quest for Truth: A Philosophical Journey(32:34): Objective vs. Subjective Truth: Navigating Modern Challenges(45:09): The Impact of Academic Institutions on Cultural Perceptions of Truth(55:10): Embracing Biblical Authority: The Path to FlourishingResourcesEpisode Transcript (PDF)Why we should live by biblical truth and authorityHow to become a culture-changing Christian The Greatest Commandment CourseAbout Dr. Jim DenisonJim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

Exploring the seven pillars of biblical flourishing, the challenges of sharing the gospel in today's world, the inclusiveness of Christianity, and the importance of cultural engagement. Encouraging Christians to use their gifts to serve God and influence others for positive change.

What does “Easter” mean? How did Easter begin? Why is Easter essential to Christianity? Join Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman as they discuss the deep importance of Easter, why every Sunday should be an Easter celebration, and why Jesus’ death and resurrection matters to your life right now.Topics(00:25): Exploring the Origins and Cultural Impact of Easter(01:14): The Etymology of Easter: From Pagan Roots to Christian Celebration(01:42): Easter Celebrations in American Culture: Statistics and Reflections(04:17): The Challenge of Separating Biblical Facts from Cultural Traditions(05:52): Engaging with Culture: From Easter Eggs to the Resurrection Story(24:26): The Power of the Easter Story: Transformative Insights from Scripture(30:27): Revisiting Easter: The Importance of Recurring Celebrations in Faith(34:04): Exploring the Power of Repetition in Faith(35:24): The Importance of Visual Theology(36:52): Discovering New Insights in Familiar Stories(44:11): The Profound Impact of Jesus' Crucifixion(51:24): Understanding the Resurrection's Significance(58:51): The Personal Journey of FaithResourcesWas the cross really necessary? What does the Bible say about Easter?Why did Jesus rise from the grave?Awaken My Heart: A 47-day Lenten JourneyPodcast episode transcript About Dr. Jim DenisonJim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

Aaron Renn’s latest book is Life in the Negative World: Confronting Challenges in an Anti-Christian Culture.As Renn writes in his book, this “negative world poses a profound challenge to American evangelicals and their churches, and it also helps to explain why there’s been so much turmoil and conflict within the evangelical world.”Renn sat down with Denison Forum Podcast host Dr. Mark Turman to discuss his latest book. They delve into the historical transition of Christianity's societal perception from positive to neutral to negative, the impact of societal changes on evangelical adaptability, and strategies for Christians to engage meaningfully in a skeptical society.Key topics include the importance of trustworthiness in Christian institutions, the state of marriage and family, and the need for Christians to cultivate excellence and adaptability while staying biblically grounded.You will be both challenged and inspired by this interview with author Aaron Renn.Topics(00:33): Introducing Aaron Renn(01:09): Exploring Life in the Negative World(01:46): Understanding the Shift: From Positive to Negative World(02:38): The Evolution of American Christianity: A Historical Perspective(05:33): Navigating the Negative World: Strategies and Expectations for Christians(09:18): Adapting to Change: The Evolution of Evangelical Strategies(17:41): The Future of Christianity: Challenges and Opportunities(19:37): The Political Landscape and Its Impact on Evangelicalism(27:36): The Church's Response to a Changing Culture(29:00): Navigating the Intersection of Christianity and Politics(29:49): The Future of Christian Institutions Amidst Societal Shifts(30:51): Embracing Exploration and Adaptability in Uncertain Times(31:33): The Call to Personal Excellence, Obedience, and Resilience(32:30): The Importance of Excellence in Christian Life(46:25): Addressing the Crisis of Competence and Trust in Institutions(52:21): Confronting Challenges in Gender and Sexuality(56:05): Finding Hope and Opportunity in a Negative WorldResourcesLife in the Negative World: Confronting Challenges in an Anti-Christian Culture by Aaron RennAaron Renn’s newsletterPodcast episode transcriptAbout Aaron RennAaron M. Renn is a consultant and writer in Indianapolis. He is a Senior Fellow at American Reformer, a former Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Public Research and former partner at Accenture. He has written extensively on cities, culture, the future of the evangelical church, and men's issues.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

What does it mean to be accountable to God? Dr. Jim Denison, cultural apologist and founder of Denison Ministries, joins Denison Forum Executive Director Dr. Mark Turman to discuss biblical accountability and judgment, emphasizing the importance for Christians to comprehend and think about their accountability to God. Dr. Denison clarifies misconceptions around guilt, shame, and God's judgment and explains how understanding and embracing divine accountability can lead to holy and redemptive living. Additionally, they touch on the significance of Jesus' teachings and his pronouncements of woe on certain communities, examining the implications of personal and corporate sin and judgment. Their conversation also addresses the practical aspect of living out one's faith in today's cultural context, making meaningful connections between biblical times and contemporary society.And they close with a discussion centered on Denison Forum’s latest book, a cultural commentary on the gospel of Matthew simply titled Matthew: A Guide to Genuine Discipleship.Topics(01:50): The Doctrine of Accountability(03:04): The Practical Consequences of Biblical Teachings(04:02): The Role of Accountability in Human Nature(05:57): The Balance Between God's Love and Righteousness(09:59): The Consequences of Moses' Actions(10:39): Understanding God's Judgement(15:21): The Duality of God's Love and Righteousness(25:55): Understanding Boundaries and Rules(26:31): The Importance of Social Interactions(27:27): The Desire for a Right Relationship with God(29:12): Denison Ministries and Its Resources(30:12): The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives(32:53): The Impact of Guilt and Shame(39:10): Understanding Corporate Accountability(43:55): Introducing a New Resource: A Cultural Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew(50:51): Closing Remarks and GratitudeResourcesWhat does the Bible say about accountability?Are there rewards in heaven?The line between judgment and accountabilityMatthew: A Guide to Genuine DiscipleshipPodcast episode transcriptAbout Dr. Jim DenisonJim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

Dr. Preston M. Sprinkle joined The Denison Forum Podcast to talk about his latest book, Exiles: The Church in the Shadow of the Empire. Along with host Dr. Mark Turman, they delve into biblical history as a guide for today’s Christians navigating the political arena. They warn against intertwining your religious and political identity, and they advocate for a stronger biblical lens when forming political perspectives. They also explore what “exile” and “empire” meant to the first-century church, providing a thought-provoking perspective on how Christians should engage with today’s contentious political atmosphere.Topics(00:21) The Role of Christians in Politics(02:35) The Impact of Politics on Church Unity(05:25) The Shift in News Consumption and its Impact on Politics(11:15) The Role of Identity in Politics(12:26) The Influence of Christianity on Politics(16:01) The Dangers of Christians Seeking Political Power(21:41) Historical Examples of Christian Influence in Politics(26:15) Jesus as a Political Figure(27:32) The Subversive Nature of Jesus's Teachings(28:38) Understanding the Eternal Context(29:15) Christianity and Slavery(30:28) The Power of Sacrifice(32:27) The Metaphor of Exile(38:06) Political Involvement as Christians(47:45) Practical Implications: Pledge of Allegiance(51:36) Conclusion: Faith as the Primary LensResourcesExiles: The Church in the Shadow of EmpirePreston M. SprinkleCenter for Faith, Sexuality & Gender🎧 “Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage?” A conversation with Preston SprinklePodcast episode transcriptAbout Dr. Preston SprinkleNew York Times bestselling author Dr. Preston M. Sprinkle has written more than a dozen books. He serves as the president of the Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender and the host of the Theology in the Raw podcast. His most recent book is Exiles: The Church in the Shadow of Empire.About Dr. Mark TurmanDr. Mark Turman is the Executive Director of Denison Forum and Vice President of Denison Ministries. Among his many duties, Turman is most notably the host of The Denison Forum Podcast. He is also the chief strategist for DF Pastors, which equips pastors and church leaders to understand and transform today’s culture.About Denison ForumDenison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.