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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman respond to popular reader questions, discussing the spectrum of positions on abortion, how to have honoring conversations about controversial subjects, homosexual attraction versus activity, and healthy church discipline.   Show notes:    Dr. Jim Denison unpacks the various positions on abortion and the spectrum between extreme positions (3:14). They consider the importance of avoiding self-righteousness and heatedness in conversations while preserving ethical consistency (10:14). Dr. Denison reflects on the “post-Dobbs world,” and how we can get involved in pro-life initiatives (19:19). They discuss “side B” gay Christians and how homosexual attraction is not sinful (24:06). They unpack the philosophical framework of various “identities,” how postmodernism infects our language about identity, and why God provides our true foundation (31:41). Dr. Denison continues by addressing how churches should interact with gay visitors, how to treat them with love, and how to navigate church discipline (38:59). Dr. Denison closes by giving thoughts on accountability and Paul’s “handing over to Satan” and how we change our approach to sin when handling non-believers (50:53).  NOTE: We’ve launched our summer campaign. As a 100-percent donor-supported ministry nonprofit, we rely on believers like you to give toward our calling “to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Eph. 4:12). If our work has encouraged or inspired you, please give today.   Resources and further reading:   Denison Forum’s curated collection of our most-visited LGBTQ resources “Number of abortions in Texas dropped 99 percent,” Dr. Jim Denison “The Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade: Dr. Jim Denison weighs in on abortion,” Podcast “What does the Bible say about abortion?” Dr. Jim Denison Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender “What does the Bible say about homosexuality?” Dr. Jim Denison The Coming Tsunami, Dr. Jim Denison   About the host   Mark Turman, DMin, is the executive director of Denison Forum. He received his DMin from Truett at Baylor and previously served as lead pastor of Crosspoint Church.    About the guest    Jim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. Denison Ministries includes DenisonForum.org, First15.org, ChristianParenting.org, and FoundationsWithJanet.org. Jim speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening.  

Jodie Berndt joins Dr. Mark Turman to discuss why praying the Scripture helps draw us closer to God, uplifts our marriages, helps us get started talking to God in creative ways, and why Christians should pray with our spouses.  Show notes:  Jodie Berndt shares her testimony, how she met her husband, and how she became an author of the acclaimed series on praying the Scriptures (3:32). She reflects on why she prays with the Bible, how to share your heart with God, and heroes of the faith who’ve inspired her (14:06). Berndt discusses why it's so encouraging to pray the Scriptures over your marriage and how her new book leads couples (20:28). She shares why it's so hard for spouses to pray together and how Praying the Scriptures for Your Marriage can uplift marriages into new spiritual depths, including how it has helped her marriage (30:04). Berndet closes by talking about her chapter on kindness, encouraging people in difficult marriages, and explaining why her book is not just for wives (46:21).  Resources and further reading: Praying the Scriptures for Your Marriage: Trusting God with Your Most Important Relationship, Jodie Berndt JodieBerndt.com “What does the Bible say about spiritual health?” Dr. Jim Denison About the host  Mark Turman, DMin, is the executive director of Denison Forum. He received his DMin from Truett at Baylor and previously served as lead pastor of Crosspoint Church.  About the guest  Jodie Berndt is bestselling author of the Praying the Scriptures book series, which includes volumes for Children, Teens, Adult Children, and Life, plus the brand new Praying the Scriptures for Your Marriage. Jodie has been a trusted speaker, Bible teacher, and prayer warrior for over thirty years. She and her husband, Robbie, have four married children, and they live in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Nancy Pearcey joins Dr. Mark Turman to discuss the rise of secular masculinity, what makes a “good” man versus a “real” man, how Christianity makes men less misogynistic, not more, why young men are struggling, and how Christians can reclaim manhood.    Show notes:  Nancy Pearcey discusses why she wanted to write on masculinity, sharing her story of meeting Francis and Edith Schaeffer, converting from agnosticism, and her experience with an abusive father (3:01). She reflects on the history of masculinity, the growth of toxic masculinity during the Industrial Revolution, and why modern women seem to hate men (11:26). Pearcey talks about why she wrote the Toxic War on Masculinity, which delves into the ideas of Christ-like and secular masculinity (19:61). They reflect on the dangers of nominal Christianity, why dedicated evangelical men have the best marriages, but Christian-in-name-only men create the worst marriages (36:44). She says, “nominal Christian men can take the secular script and then sort of baptize it, and the end of actually living worse than secular men.” She provides a multitude of research demonstrating that men becoming evangelical Christians makes them less misogynistic (52:31). She closes by reflecting on the current landscape, how men are falling behind women in all areas, and how true Christians can reclaim masculinity in a healthy way (56:09).    NOTE: We’ve launched our summer campaign. As a 100-percent donor-supported ministry nonprofit, we rely on believers like you to give toward our calling “to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Eph. 4:12). If our work has encouraged or inspired you, please give today.   Resources and further reading:   The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes, Nancy Pearcey “What is the “death movement”? Nancy R. Pearcey defends a biblical view of the body in Love Thy Body” Mark Legg Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, Nicholas D. Kristof, Sheryl WuDunn  Soft Patriarchs, New Men: How Christianity Shapes Fathers and Husbands, Brad Wilcox   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    Nancy R. Pearcey is a bestselling author and speaker. A former agnostic, she was hailed in The Economist as “America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual.” Her work has appeared in the Washington Post, Washington Times, First Things, Human Events, American Thinker, Daily Caller, The Federalist, CNS News, and Fox News. She has appeared on NPR, C-SPAN, and Fox & Friends.  She is currently a professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. Pearcey's books have been translated into 18 languages and include Total Truth, The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and Love Thy Body.  

Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman discuss Psalm 42, how we get the idea of the “soul” wrong, evangelicalism’s weak spot, why we should yearn for God, and how to start hungering for a relationship with Jesus.    Show notes:    Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman discuss the image of a deer panting after water in Psalm 42 (2:12). They talk about how evangelicalism can unhealthily swing the pendulum away from spiritual discipline to praying “the prayer” of salvation (7:50). They consider in-depth how the Hebrew authors thought of the “soul” and how it differs from the modern notion (17:36). Dr. Denison talks about C.S. Lewis, why we can only find peace in God, and the difference between knowing “about” God versus knowing God personally (27:45). They point listeners to where they should start if they want to yearn for God and consider how to grow that true, intimate longing to be with God (32:50).   NOTE: We’ve launched our summer campaign. As a 100-percent donor-supported ministry nonprofit, we rely on believers like you to give toward our calling “to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Eph. 4:12). If our work has encouraged or inspired you, please give today.   Resources and further reading: First15.org You Are the Beloved, Henri Nouwen  Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster   About the host    Mark Turman, DMin, is the executive director of Denison Forum. He received his DMin from Truett at Baylor and previously served as lead pastor of Crosspoint Church.    About the guest  Jim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries, which is transforming 6.8 million lives through meaningful digital content. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Dallas Baptist University. Dr. Denison is the Theologian in Residence for the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Prior to launching Denison Forum in 2009, he pastored churches in Texas and Georgia.  

Scot McKnight, PhD, Cody Matchett, and Dr. Mark Truman discuss the flaws of dispensationalism, Revelation’s message for discipleship, the Christian life as a peaceful political dissident, how to read Revelation generally, and what this means for Christian worship today.    Show notes:    New Testament scholars Scot McKnight, PhD, and Cody Matchett explain their background with the book of Revelation and why they wrote Revelation for the Rest of Us (2:41). Dr. McKnight explains dispensationalism, its history and ideas, why it fails, and why their reading of Revelation leads to hope rather than paranoia (10:04). They explain what it means to be a dissident disciple, the importance of politics in Revelation, and John’s constant allusions to Rome (24:52). They talk about why this more biblical interpretation makes Revelation apply so fervently to modern Christians. They consider the drama in Revelation’s colorful language and how to interpret John’s vision (30:01). They discuss why John was exiled to Patmos and how Christianity was deemed threatening to the political order (38:19). Revelation compares and contrasts the woman of Babylon and the woman of Jerusalem, revealing to modern churches how to worship more powerfully (47:31).    NOTE: We’ve launched our summer campaign. As a 100-percent donor-supported ministry nonprofit, we rely on believers like you to give toward our calling “to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Eph. 4:12). If our work has encouraged or inspired you, please give today.   Resources and further reading:   “Revelation for Too Many: An excerpt from Revelation for the Rest of Us”  Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple, Dr. Scot McKnight, Cody Matchett Pivot: The Priorities, Practices, and Powers That Can Transform Your Church into a Tov Culture, Dr. Scot McKnight, Laura Barringer Reading Revelation Responsibly, Dr. Michael J. Gorman The Rise and Fall of Dispensationalism, Dr. Daniel G. Hummel   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 guests    Scot McKnight (PhD, University of Nottingham) is a world-renowned speaker, writer, professor, and equipper of the Church. He is a recognized authority on the historical Jesus, early Christianity, and the New Testament. His books have been translated into Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Portuguese. He is the author of The Jesus Creed, The Blue Parakeet, The King Jesus Gospel, Revelation for the Rest of Us, numerous commentaries, and is now writing a sixteen-volume series of reflections called The Everyday Bible Study.   Cody Matchett is the Scholar in Residence at First Assembly Church in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Cody holds a bachelor’s degree in biblical Studies (Briercrest College) and a Master of Arts in New Testament (Northern Seminary). He is pursuing his PhD at Ridley College, Melbourne. He lives in Calgary with his wife Brianna and his daughter Aleitheia Theodora.