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

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Avoiding the idol of politics with a biblical approach - Part 5 Aug 29, 2024

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In this fifth episode of the special eight-episode series called ‘Politics discerned differently,’ Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Micah Tomasella to discuss the complex relationship between faith and politics, particularly in the context of families, churches, and society at large. They explore how political issues have become increasingly divisive within families and church communities, especially over the past decade.

The conversation touches on historical and cultural factors that have contributed to the rise of Christian nationalism and the blending of faith with politics. They emphasize the importance of keeping politics in its proper place, not allowing it to overshadow one's faith or become an idol.

The discussion also covers the role of the church in guiding believers through political engagement, encouraging them to prioritize their faith and witness for Christ over political affiliations.

Topics

(02:57): Personal Experiences with Politics
(07:52): The Rise of Identity Politics
(12:24): Historical and Cultural Factors
(20:11): The Impact of Social Media
(25:09): Patriotism vs. Nationalism
(30:25): Historical Parallels: Founding Fathers and Modern Politics
(32:46): The Nature of American Politics: Tension and Unity
(36:20): Faith and Politics: Finding Balance
(40:03): Political Idolatry: A Call for Reflection
(50:28): The Role of the Church in Political Discourse
(55:00): Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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About Micah Tomasella

Micah Tomasella is the Advancement Officer at Denison Ministries. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are proud parents of two young daughters, Olivia and Joanna. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry.

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.

Is America a Christian nation? - Part 4 Aug 22, 2024

Show notes

In this fourth episode of the special eight-episode series called ‘Politics discerned differently,’ Dr. Mark Turman, Dr. Jim Denison, and Dr. Ryan Denison explore the intersection of faith and politics as America approaches the presidential election. They discuss the concept of America as a Christian nation, the role of biblical perspectives in civic life, and the implications of Christian nationalism.

The conversation extends to historical and theological insights from the American and French revolutions and emphasizes humility, prayer, and living according to biblical teachings to navigate the political landscape.

Topics

(03:25): Foundational Questions on God's Perspective

(06:06): The Role of Prophecy in Modern Times

(10:49): Replacement Theology and Its Implications

(14:50): American Pride and Patriotism

(18:15): Defining a Christian Nation

(27:10): Challenges of Legislating Morality

(36:31): America as a City on a Hill: Historical Context and Implications

(45:27): Christian Nationalism: Definitions and Debates

(52:19): Theological Foundations: Human Nature and Democracy

(56:51): Comparing the American and French Revolutions

(01:05:41): Practical Advice for Christians in Politics

Resources

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About Dr. Jim Denison

Jim 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. Ryan Denison

Ryan Denison, PhD, is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum. Ryan writes The Daily Article every Friday and contributes writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from BH Carroll Theological Institute after having earned his MDiv at Truett Seminary. He’s authored The Path to Purpose, What Are My Spiritual Gifts?, How to Bless God by Blessing Others, 7 Deadly Sins, and has contributed writing or research to every Denison Forum book.

About Dr. Mark Turman

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Should Christians be involved in politics? - Part 3 Aug 15, 2024

Show notes

In this third episode of the special eight-episode series called 'Politics discerned differently,' Dr. Mark Turman and Kaitlyn Schiess explore the intersection of faith and politics. Kaitlyn, an author and doctoral student in political theology, shares her insights on how Christians can live biblically, engage in political discussions redemptively, and navigate the complexities of elections.

They discuss the role of political theology and the impact of extreme rhetoric and offer practical ways to integrate faith into political life. Discover the deeper meaning of Christian engagement in the public sphere and learn how to maintain a balanced and thoughtful approach to politics.

Topics

(01:53): Kaitlyn's Background and Passion for Theology
(03:03): The Role of Political Theology in Christian Life
(05:52): Defining Political Theology
(09:28): Kaitlyn's Journey into Political Theology
(12:57): The Intersection of Faith and Politics
(17:33): The Impact of Extreme Political Rhetoric
(23:27): The Psychological Effects of Political Fear
(26:38): Living Faithfully Through Elections
(30:33): Spiritual Formation and Political Engagement
(34:56): Humility and Making Faithful Judgments
(40:34): Praying for Leaders and Political Idolatry
(47:30): Hope and Unity in the Church

Resources

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About Kaitlyn Schiess

Kaitlyn Schiess is an author, speaker, and perpetual theology student. She is the author of The Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture has been Used and Abused in American Politics and Where We Go from Here (Brazos, 2023) and The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Formation for the Sake of Our Neighbor (IVP, 2020). Her writing has appeared at Christianity Today, The New York Times, Christ and Pop Culture, RELEVANT, and Sojourner. She has a Masters in systematic theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and is currently a doctoral student in political theology at Duke Divinity School. She lives in Durham, North Carolina.

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Understanding the role of media in politics and faith - Part 2 Aug 08, 2024

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In this second episode of a special eight-episode series called “Politics discerned differently,” Dr. Turman and Conner Jones, Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries, explore the complex world of news, journalism, and media in the context of today's political climate. They discuss the importance of seeking truth in politics, the evolving nature of journalism and media, and the role of truth from a Christian perspective.

They also touch on the influence of social media, independent journalism, conspiracy theories, censorship, and the emerging impact of artificial intelligence on the information landscape. This episode will help you navigate this political season thoughtfully and redemptively.

Topics

(02:51): The Role of Performance Marketing
(04:32): The Importance of Truth in Politics
(09:38): Navigating Media and Journalism
(12:45): The Rise of Independent Journalism
(14:41): Understanding Misinformation and Disinformation
(18:52): Accountability in Modern Media
(24:25): The Role of Fact Checkers
(28:31): The Importance of a Free Press
(30:19): Propaganda in Authoritarian Regimes
(33:07): Challenges of Modern Journalism
(35:28): Spotting Conspiracy Theories
(43:02): Censorship and Free Speech
(50:35): The Role of AI in Politics

Resources

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About Conner Jones

Conner is the Director of Performance Marketing here at Denison Ministries. After graduating from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management, he worked in the PAC-3 Missile program at Lockheed-Martin as a contracts negotiator before coming to Denison Ministries. His role is to leverage many digital platforms to increase the reach of our content and grow the audience of Denison Forum and our three other brands. He passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife Raigan, and together they will soon be welcoming a baby boy into the world.

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Navigating Christianity and politics - Part 1 Aug 01, 2024

Show notes

In this first episode of a special eight-episode series called “Politics discerned differently,” Dr. Turman and Dr. Denison discuss the importance of understanding and engaging in politics from a biblical perspective, the role of Christians in political discourse, and how to maintain faith and civil responsibility during this unprecedented political season.

They also talk about the historical context of democracy, the moral foundations of politics, and practical ways to balance political engagement with spiritual growth. This conversation is designed to equip and encourage Christians in navigating today's political landscape.

Topics

(01:13): Historical Context and Personal Reflections
(05:09): Denison Forum's Mission and Vision
(06:22): Discerning Politics Biblically
(11:30): Christianity and Democracy: A Complex Relationship
(22:08): Principles for Christian Political Engagement
(28:35): Politics as a Reflection of Culture
(35:09): Political Denominationalism and Partisanship
(39:45): Balancing Political Engagement and Spiritual Life
(42:46): The Impact of Media and Social Consumption
(45:27): Healthy Political Engagement for Christians
(51:51): Understanding Winning in a Democratic Republic
(57:15): The Stakes of the Upcoming Election

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About Dr. Jim Denison

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Why wisdom matters with Janet Denison Jul 25, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to the Denison Forum podcast! This episode features Dr. Mark Turman, executive director of Denison Forum, in conversation with Janet Denison about her ministry and her evening devotional book, Wisdom Matters. They discuss the importance of biblical wisdom, the differences between knowledge and wisdom, and how wisdom can help us navigate life's challenges. Janet shares personal stories and insights from her journey of faith, including early experiences in ministry and how desperation led her to a deeper understanding of scripture. They highlight the role of the Holy Spirit in ministry and the tendency to misuse Bible knowledge.

Janet emphasizes the need to lean on God's understanding and not our own, especially in difficult times. They also explain how the devotional book is structured to provide daily wisdom and how it can be accessed both as a hardcover and through the Foundations with Janet app, where users can hear Janet read each devotional. Discover practical ways to end your day with God's wisdom and explore the powerful impact it can have on your life.

Topics

(00:46): Introducing Janet Denison and Foundations Ministry
(02:01): The Importance of Wisdom
(05:01): Biblical Foundation of Wisdom
(14:33): Personal Stories and Experiences
(20:43): The Role of the Holy Spirit in Ministry
(30:29): Challenges and Hardships in Ministry
(36:33): Wisdom Matters: An Evening Devotional
(44:16): Conclusion and Resources

Resources

About Janet Denison

Janet Denison has been writing and teaching Bible study for almost forty years and speaks with a voice that has experienced the truth of God’s word. She often says the reason she gets out of bed each day is to help others understand and apply the truth of God’s word to their daily lives. Teaching the Bible is her great privilege, and her goal is to help people live a life that God is able to bless. She is the primary author of the Bible studies at Foundations with Janet.

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What does it mean to be friends with Jesus? Jul 18, 2024

Show notes

In this enlightening podcast episode, Jared Wilson joins Dr. Mark Turman on the Denison Forum podcast to discuss his latest book Friendship with the Friend of Sinners: The Remarkable Possibility of Closeness with Christ. Jared shares his personal faith journey, his roles in ministry, and the inspiration behind his new book. The conversation explores themes of loneliness, the true meaning of a relationship with Christ, and the importance of community and church in one's spiritual life. Jared also examines the tangible friendship believers can have with Jesus, emphasizing the significance of both personal and communal aspects of faith.

Topics

(00:25): Jared Wilson's Backstory

(03:23): Journey to Midwestern Seminary

(04:18): Current Roles and Responsibilities

(06:24): Discussing the Book: Friendship with the Friend of Sinners

(09:58): The Concept of Friendship with God

(12:24): The Role of Religion and Relationship

(17:16): The Reality of Jesus as a Person

(28:04): The Importance of the Local Church

(38:43): Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources

About Jared Wilson

Jared is assistant professor of pastoral ministry and author in residence at Midwestern Seminary and director of the Pastoral Training Center at Liberty Baptist Church, all in Kansas City, Missouri. He is the author of numerous books, including The Imperfect Disciple,Love Me Anyway,The Prodigal Church, and The Gospel According to Satan. He is the host of the For The Church podcast and co-host of Christianity Today's The Art of Pastoring podcast. Jared also blogs regularly at the For The Church website, and he speaks at numerous churches and conferences around the world.

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Addressing moral failures in the church Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Denison Forum podcast, Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Jim Denison address the complex and sensitive issue of moral failures among church leaders. They examine the implications of such failures, differentiate between moral and legal mistakes, and discuss the appropriate processes for handling these situations. The conversation covers potential disqualification from ministry, biblical examples, and measures for restoration. Additionally, they discuss recent news about the Ten Commandments being posted in schools, considering both historical and religious implications.

Topics

(01:39): Understanding Moral Failures in Church Leadership

(06:56): Distinguishing Moral Failures from Capacity Issues

(10:22): Exploring the Concept of Disqualification in Ministry

(19:30): Navigating the Restoration Process

(25:54): The Devil's Strategy and the Importance of Confession

(30:56): Failures Among Religious Leaders

(32:27): The Impact of Pornography on Ministry

(34:32): Unique Temptations for Spiritual Leaders

(38:05): Handling Moral Failures in the Church

(43:22): The Debate Over Displaying the Ten Commandments

(46:13): Historical vs. Religious Expression

(54:11): Balancing Church and State

Resources

About Dr. Jim Denison

About Dr. Mark Turman

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Investigating Christianity: A conversation with J. Warner Wallace Jul 11, 2024

Show notes

Join Dr. Mark Turman, executive director of Denison Forum, in a profound discussion with J. Warner Wallace on the latest episode of the Denison Forum podcast. Wallace, a celebrated cold case homicide detective and best-selling author, discusses the themes of his new book, The Truth in True Crime: What Investigating Death Teaches Us About the Meaning of Life.

They explore humanity's obsession with drama, the nature of truth and grace, and the deep implications of holding justice and mercy in balance within the Christian faith. This episode offers rich insights into cultural and spiritual identity, humility, and provides practical tools to help listeners think biblically, live holy, and serve redemptively.

Topics

(00:57): Society's Obsession with Drama

(02:39): Interview with Jim Wallace: True Crime and Christianity

(04:29): Jim Wallace's Journey to Faith

(11:00): The Human Condition and Need for a Savior

(17:59): Identity and Trauma

(32:21): Exploring Hope and Mortality

(34:47): Christian Worldview and Hope

(38:46): Humility: The Secret to Flourishing

(45:02): The Dangers of Celebrity Culture

(51:18): Balancing Justice and Mercy

(01:00:18): Concluding Thoughts and Recommendations

Resources

Episode Transcript (PDF)

Cold Case Christianity

The Truth in True Crime

Proving Christianity: Homicide detective J. Warner Wallace discusses updated, expanded “Cold-Case Christianity”

Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels

'The Truth in True Crime: What Investigating Death Teaches Us About the Meaning of Life

About J. Warner Wallace

J. Warner Wallace is Dateline-featured cold-case homicide detective, popular national speaker, and best-selling author. Relying on more than two decades of investigative experience, Wallace provides the tools needed to investigate the claims of Christianity and make a convincing case for the truth of the Christian worldview.

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Parenting with purpose: Insight and tools from Courtney DeFeo Jul 04, 2024

Show notes

Join Dr. Mark Turman, executive director of Denison Forum, as he speaks with Courtney DeFeo, host of the 'Pardon the Mess' podcast. They discuss the importance of integrating faith into family life and resources available through Christian Parenting such as the valuable prayer journal, 'A Life of Faith: Knowing, Loving, Following, and Sharing Jesus.' They also discuss the challenges of managing technology and social media, the apologizing to children, and the power of prayer. Through open, honest dialogue, they aim to provide practical, faith-based support for families navigating today's world.

Topics

(02:06): The Story of Timothy and Christian Parenting

(03:31): Introducing Courtney DeFeo

(04:30): Courtney's Background and Passion for Parenting

(06:56): Navigating Parenting Challenges and College Choices

(10:19): Courtney's Faith Journey and Ministry Work

(14:58): The Impact of Working at Chick-fil-A

(17:34): Pardon the Mess Podcast and Prayer Journal

(22:53): The Power of Prayer in Parenting

(23:49): Challenges and Realizations in Parenting

(26:57): The Importance of Apologizing and Personal Growth

(29:00): Journaling as a Tool for Spiritual Growth

(36:06): Resources for Christian Parenting

(38:24): Navigating Technology and Social Media

(44:29): Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Resources

Episode Transcript (PDF)

A Parent’s Prayer Journal: A Life of Faith: Knowing, Loving, Following, and Sharing Jesus

Christian Parenting

Pardon the Mess Podcast

Courtney’s Website

About Courtney DeFeo

Courtney is the host of Pardon the Mess! She is the author of In This House, We Will Giggle and Treasured. She is also the creator of ABC Scripture Cards and the kindness movement, Light ‘Em Up Acts. She loves to encourage parents and women through speaking, writing, and podcasting. She also serves on the board of Lighthouse Family Retreat.

Her deepest desire is to encourage others and give generously in a way that draws people to God. Her most honorable mention is her husband Ron and their two wildly fun girls (Ella, 17 and Larson, 15). Courtney is passionate about Jesus, coffee, Auburn football, Coca-Cola classic, her dog Mazie, spending time with friends and family, and finding deals at TJ Maxx.

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

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About Micah Tomasella

About Dr. Mark Turman

About Denison Forum

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Resources

About Dr. Jim Denison

About Dr. Ryan Denison

About Dr. Mark Turman

About Denison Forum

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About Kaitlyn Schiess

About Dr. Mark Turman

About Denison Forum

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About Conner Jones

About Dr. Mark Turman

About Denison Forum

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About Dr. Jim Denison

About Dr. Mark Turman

About Denison Forum

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About Janet Denison

About Dr. Mark Turman

About Denison Forum

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About Jared Wilson

About Dr. Mark Turman

About Denison Forum

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About Dr. Jim Denison

About Dr. Mark Turman

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About J. Warner Wallace

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