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

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.

(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 Faith

Was 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 Journey

Podcast episode transcript

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.

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.

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.

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.

(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 World

Life in the Negative World: Confronting Challenges in an Anti-Christian Culture by Aaron Renn

Aaron Renn’s newsletter

Podcast episode transcript

Aaron 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.

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.

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. 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.

(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 Gratitude

What does the Bible say about accountability?

Are there rewards in heaven?

The line between judgment and accountability

Matthew: A Guide to Genuine Discipleship

Podcast episode transcript

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.

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.

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 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.

(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 Lens

Exiles: The Church in the Shadow of Empire

Preston M. Sprinkle

Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender

🎧 “Does the Bible Support Same-Sex Marriage?” A conversation with Preston Sprinkle

Podcast episode transcript

New 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.

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.

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.

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.

(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 Docuseries

Unshakable Moxie: Growing a Resilient Faith, A 6-Session Women's Bible Study with Video access

Unshakable Moxie trailer

Toni Collier

Broken Crayons Still Color

Episode transcript

Toni 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.

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.

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.

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.

Topics

00:05 Introduction and Guest Presentation

00:35 The Intersection of Politics and Religion

01:36 Introducing Tim Alberta and His Work

02:54 Discussion on Sports and Personal Experiences

04:02 Tim Alberta's Journey and Motivation for His Book

12:43 The Evolution of Evangelical Christians in Politics

22:49 The Concept of Good vs Evil in Politics

32:19 The Art of Fundraising and Political Strategy

33:06 The Power of Speaking Biblical Truth

33:47 The Importance of Loving Our Neighbors

34:35 The Role of Evangelicals in Politics

37:10 The Influence of Abortion on Political Alignment

43:17 The Danger of Stereotyping Evangelicals

45:42 The Challenge of Making Decisions as Christians

50:21 The Impact of Personal Morality on Leadership

55:24 The Dilemma of Choosing Between Two Evils

01:02:13 The Importance of Viewing Politics Through Faith

• The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism by Tim Alberta
• In 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. Miller
• Episode transcript (PDF)

Tim 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.

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.

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.

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 this wide-ranging discussion, Jim and Janet Denison open by sharing their surprising Valentine’s Day tradition.

Next, Janet shares why she wrote her book A Great Calm and how it can help those who are suffering.

Then, along with cohost Dr. Mark Turman, they talk about why Christians observe the season of Lent.

And they conclude with a discussion on the historical value of observing Women's History Month and the important roles of women in the Bible and society.

(00:00) Introduction and Welcome

(00:38) Valentine's Day Traditions and Marriage Stories

(03:02) The Importance of Celebrating Valentine's Day

(05:14) Introducing 'A Great Calm' - A Resource for Difficult Times

(09:22) The Power of God's Word in Difficult Times

(10:41) The Role of Women in Society and the Church

(15:44) Understanding the Season of Lent

(28:08) The Significance of Women's History Month

(49:08) Conclusion and Gratitude

📘 A Great Calm: Finding God’s Peace When You Need It Most by Janet Denison

Wisdom Matters

Foundations with Janet

📙 Awaken My Heart: A 47-Day Lenten Journey by Dr. Jim Denison

🎧 Women in ministry and leadership: A conversation with Alex Kondratev and Steph Thurling

Should women be pastors? Or church leaders, deacons, or teachers? Dr. Jim Denison

Can a woman be a pastor? “40 Questions About Women in Ministry” offers many answers

Episode transcript (PDF)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Aaron Pierce, the International Mission Director for Steiger International, answers with an emphatic no in his latest book, Not Beyond Reach: How To Share Jesus with the Young, the Deconstructed, and the Non-Religious.

But that’s not to say significant obstacles still remain, especially in our post-Christian and hyper-wired yet lonely culture.

In this episode of The Denison Forum Podcast, Pierce and Dr. Mark Turman dive deep into the challenges and opportunities of Christian outreach with the emerging, global, digitally native generation.

They talk about how Christians can effectively engage with Gen Z by striking a balance between being immersed in the world and holding onto biblical principles.

They also touch on the idea of deconstruction, the role of technology, and dealing with a post-Christian culture.

Pierce also stresses the importance of starting spiritual conversations and intentionally pursuing relationships with nonbelievers, guided by an understanding of the gospel and a love for people.

• 00:58 Aaron's Childhood in Amsterdam
• 01:44 Discussing Aaron's New Book: Not Beyond Reach
• 02:09 The Role of Steiger International
• 02:48 Aaron's Personal Experience and Perspective on Amsterdam
• 03:06 Aaron's Unique Childhood Experiences in Amsterdam
• 05:56 Aaron's Testimony and Passion for Missions
• 16:02 Understanding the Global Youth Culture
• 17:42 The Influence of Technology on the Global Youth Culture
• 19:52 The Impact of Secular Humanism on the Global Youth Culture
• 25:43 Understanding the Concept of Digital Natives
• 28:07 Understanding the Young and Nonreligious
• 28:48 Deconstruction of Faith: A Cultural Shift
• 31:53 The Struggle of Loneliness and the Search for Love
• 32:17 The Role of Love and Affirmation in Modern Society
• 33:08 The Challenge of Loving Without Affirming
• 34:30 The Missionary Mindset: Engaging with the Secular World
• 41:33 The Importance of Intentionality in Building Relationships
• 48:49 The Power of Spiritual Conversations
• 50:20 Understanding the Gospel and Sharing Your Story
• 51:20 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

• Not Beyond Reach: How To Share Jesus with the Young, the Deconconstructed and the Non-Religious by Aaron Pierce
• Steiger International
• How to Know a Person by David Brooks
• Podcast episode transcript (PDF)

Aaron Pierce serves as the International Mission Director of Steiger International, a global mission organization dedicated to mobilizing followers of Jesus to reach young people who would not walk into a church.

Growing up as a missionary kid in the heart of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Aaron witnessed the life-changing impact of the Gospel through his parents' ministry, who founded Steiger as a missionary movement. This experience ignited a deep love for Jesus and a strong desire to live a life fully dedicated to following Him.

Aaron is deeply passionate about inspiring and equipping followers of Jesus to live lives of radical faith and to courageously share the message of Jesus in our increasingly secularized culture. His prayer is that God would raise up a radical missionary movement that will transform the Global Youth Culture for Jesus.

Aaron’s most important role is his role as husband to Jennifer and dad to Asher, Selah, Hudson, and Wesley. Aaron and his family live in Minneapolis, MN (USA).

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.

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.

Introduction

Dr. Mark Turman introduces guest Tyrone Johnson, a Dallas-area pastor and worship leader who’s also a friend of both Dr. Turman and Dr. Denison. They set the stage for a conversation on biblical equality and racism in the context of Black History Month.

Racial equality and biblical teachings

Johnson discusses the origins of Black History Month, emphasizing its importance in recognizing the contributions of African Americans and addressing racial inequalities in the context of biblical teachings.

Historical perspectives

Dr. Jim Denison joins the conversation, offering insights into how the Bible addresses both good and bad events and how this relates to acknowledging the full scope of American history, including its darker aspects like slavery and racism.

The role of the church and believers

The podcast explores the responsibility of the church and believers in addressing racism, promoting equality, and fostering reconciliation, drawing parallels with biblical principles.

Current social dynamics

Johnson and Dr. Denison delve into contemporary social issues, including voting rights, economic disparities, and systemic racism, and how these issues are intertwined with historical contexts and Christian values.

Personal reflections and experiences

Johnson shares personal anecdotes and reflections, illustrating how historical events and personal experiences shape our understanding of race and equality.

Call to action for believers

The conversation emphasizes the need for Christians to be actively involved in understanding and addressing racial injustices, encouraging listeners to engage with Black History Month and to reflect on their roles as agents of change.

Concluding thoughts

The podcast ends with a discussion on the potential for societal change, the importance of historical awareness, and the role of faith in driving positive transformations in society.

• What does the Bible say about racism?
• Why Christians should celebrate Black history every month
• Transcript (PDF)

Tyrone Johnson is Pastor at the One Faith Community Church in Plano, TX. His music is rooted and grounded in a deep and sincere desire to worship God with his whole heart.

A gifted worship leader and choir director, Tyrone has been blessed to lead people of many ethnicities and nationalities in praise to the God he serves and adores. His ministry has taken him all over the U.S., as well as internationally to such countries as Cuba, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Ethiopia, Kenya, Brazil and Romania. Tyrone's high-energy worship is infectious, glorifying God and edifying the Body of Christ through encouragement, instruction, and inspiration.

Tyrone began singing at the age of 7 in his native Louisiana. A graduate of Dillard University of New Orleans, he performed classical, spiritual and gospel music as a featured soloist in the university's Concert Choir and Male Quartet during his college years.

Since moving to the Dallas area, Tyrone has served as a choir director and worship leader in a number of area churches. A highly sought-after performer, studio vocalist, producer and arranger, he has also taken the stage in concert venues throughout the Dallas Metroplex and worked on various Jazz, Gospel and Contemporary Christian Music recordings in addition to his own "Smooth Jazz"-flavored projects: Never Alone, which contains original sacred music and new arrangements of favorite hymns, Heaven and Nature Sing, a collection of popular Christmas carols and holiday songs, and After Sunset, a compilation of jazz standards and classic R&B tunes delivered in Tyrone's inimitable silky style.

Tyrone followed a calling to plant a church in Plano, TX. He and his wife are looking forward to spreading the good news of Christ to all people.

Tyrone and his wife, Angela, are the proud parents of college twins, Faith and Mark.

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.

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.

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.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is January 27, and we must remember its victims and understand its significance in today's world.

In this episode of The Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Jim Denison, Dr. Ryan Denison, and Dr. Mark Turman discuss the relevance of remembrance, both for events like the Shoah and in our own lives.

The conversation begins with International Holocaust Remembrance Day, an essential day marking the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. This largest concentration camp witnessed the merciless killing of over a million victims during the Holocaust, serving as a stark reminder of humanity's potential for brutality.

While many call this horrific occurrence a "Holocaust," our Jewish friends often refer to it as the "Shoah," a Hebrew word meaning catastrophe. This preference arises from the fact that "holocaust" refers to a willing sacrificial offering; its victims were not willing.

Witnessing history, we’re reminded that anything that has transpired can still happen, and any atrocity we've committed, we can still commit. This understanding propels us to be more mindful of our actions and strive not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

The discussion led to an exploration of the collective sense of guilt and shame that accompanies remembrance. Often, nations implement memorials and monuments to serve as a silent apology and continuous expression of regret and repentance. These become tangible reminders of the past, ensuring we don't forget, and more importantly, don't repeat past atrocities.

But what role does guilt and shame play in this context? Guilt can often bind us to our past, trapping us in a cycle of sin and confession. However, collective guilt or shame can be valuable, acting as a vital reminder of our collective past mistakes and urging us to learn and evolve.

Understanding history goes beyond reciting dates or facts—it’s about learning from the past, commemorating our growth, and understanding our potential for both good and evil.

Applying this concept to our personal lives becomes more nuanced. Guilt or shame regarding personal sins only serve to repress and bind us. However, the Holy Spirit has a precise objective—to convict us of our specific sins, not generically. The purpose here isn't to condemn but to identify malignancies so they can be treated and removed.

While it is necessary to remember our past sins—to learn from them—it is also crucial to understand that God forgives, forgets, and bears no resentment. Even in collective forms, our guilt and shame should be a channel for redemption and positive change, not a means of torment.

Reflecting on our past—both individual and collective—is a necessary and pivotal aspect of growth. Days of remembrance like the International Holocaust Remembrance Day serve as bridges between the past and the present, reminding us of humanity’s capacity for brutality. By appropriately remembering and honoring these events, we can ensure that history doesn't repeat itself and strive for a better collective future.

Ultimately, it's crucial to remember that anything God has done he can still do today. Thus, we should always aim to be faithful to the teachings of God and remain enthusiastically open to the new lessons the Lord bestows upon us each day.

Why the “Holocaust” was not a holocaust: A reflection on the gravest crime in human history

Yad Vashem

On the ground in Israel: An Israeli’s perspective on the war (Podcast)

Woman in Gold (Film)

Transcript (PDF)

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.

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.

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.