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

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.

International women’s minister Toni Collier joins The Denison Forum Podcast to discuss her life journey and her pivotal role in the Unshakable Moxie docu-series from Our Daily Bread. Collier opens up about her own experiences of hardship, brokenness, and redemption, shining a light on how she uses her story in her ministry called Broken Crayons Still Color. She also provides insights into Unshakable Moxie, explaining its aim to help women channel their strength and resilience through faith, even in times of darkness. Toni touches upon the important role of community for healing, growth, and accountability, encouraging listeners to rekindle connections. The episode ends with a discussion about Women's History Month and the ongoing battle for fairness and equality.Topics(00:00) Introduction and Guest Presentation(01:56) Toni Collier's Personal Journey(04:45) What is Unshakable Moxie?(07:22) The Essence of True Moxie(15:36) The Importance of Community in Faith(21:05) The Power of Connection and the Enemy's Tactics(21:23) Women of Moxie in the Bible(25:45) Avoiding the Comparison Trap(27:56) Celebrating Women's History Month(31:18) The Importance of Women's Voices(34:45) Unshakable Moxie: A DocuseriesResourcesUnshakable Moxie: Growing a Resilient Faith, A 6-Session Women's Bible Study with Video accessUnshakable Moxie trailerToni CollierBroken Crayons Still ColorEpisode transcriptAbout Toni CollierToni Collier is the founder of an international women’s ministry called Broken Crayons Still Color, which helps women process through brokenness and get to hope. She is a speaker, host, author of Brave Enough to Be Broken, and consultant who has helped organizations with creative marketing, leadership, student ministry, and strategic planning. She has spoken and worked with organizations such as North Point Community Church, TBN, Chick-fil-A, IF:Gathering, Orange Conference, MOPS International, and more.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.

Tim Alberta, author of The Kingdom, The Power, and The Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism, joins The Denison Forum Podcast to discuss his book and the shift in attitude among evangelicals toward accepting extreme political viewpoints, as well as how their faith has influenced their politics. Alberta shares his experience and research as he explores the historical and contemporary landscape of American evangelicalism, its intersection with politics, and the challenges it faces today.Along with Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman, the conversation offers insights into where evangelicalism is today and its continuing effect on national politics.Topics00:05 Introduction and Guest Presentation00:35 The Intersection of Politics and Religion01:36 Introducing Tim Alberta and His Work02:54 Discussion on Sports and Personal Experiences04:02 Tim Alberta's Journey and Motivation for His Book12:43 The Evolution of Evangelical Christians in Politics22:49 The Concept of Good vs Evil in Politics32:19 The Art of Fundraising and Political Strategy33:06 The Power of Speaking Biblical Truth33:47 The Importance of Loving Our Neighbors34:35 The Role of Evangelicals in Politics37:10 The Influence of Abortion on Political Alignment43:17 The Danger of Stereotyping Evangelicals45:42 The Challenge of Making Decisions as Christians50:21 The Impact of Personal Morality on Leadership55:24 The Dilemma of Choosing Between Two Evils01:02:13 The Importance of Viewing Politics Through FaithResourcesThe Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism by Tim AlbertaIn The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, Tim Alberta recounts the infiltration of political extremism into American Christianity🎧 American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church: A conversation with Andrew L. Whitehead🎧 What does it mean to be a Christian patriot?What the controversial God & Country documentary gets right and wrong: Should you watch?Do Americans have to be Christians? An excerpt from “The Religion of American Greatness” by Paul D. MillerEpisode transcript (PDF)About Tim AlbertaTim Alberta is an award-winning journalist, best-selling author, and staff writer for The Atlantic magazine. He formerly served as chief political correspondent for POLITICO. His most recent book is The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism.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.