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

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Mark Turman sits down with author Chris Morris for an honest and deeply hopeful conversation about mental health and faith. Chris shares his personal story of walking through mental illness—and how God met him in the midst of despair after a suicide attempt. Together, they unpack common misconceptions Christians often have about mental health, the value of therapy and medication, and practical ways to quiet anxious thoughts. They also reflect on the gift of humor, community, and long-term relationships rooted in grace and truth. Whether you’re navigating your own struggles or supporting someone you love, this conversation offers gentle wisdom and a reminder that God’s presence meets us even in the darkest places.

• (01:27): Introducing Chris Morris
• (04:58): Understanding mental health myths
• (06:56): Holistic approach to mental health
• (10:22): The role of medication
• (17:16): Chris Morris' faith journey
• (23:08): Taking every thought captive
• (30:40): Self-reflection and preparation
• (31:42): The role of humor in mental health
• (34:53): Mental health and sin: Untangling the connection
• (35:58): Understanding anxiety in biblical context
• (44:08): Finding the right counselor
• (50:27): Supporting long-term mental health struggles
• (55:23): Encouragement for those struggling

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Chris Morris Speaks
• Chris Morris (@chrismorriswrites) • Instagram photos and videos
• Chris Morris Writes
• Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons about Suicidality and Depression from the Psych Ward
• Trekking Toward Tenacity: Your Family’s Roadmap to Stronger Mental Health
• By Faith: Strength and Hope for Life’s Challenges
• Perfectly Abnormal: Uncovering the Image of God in Chronic Illness
• Whispers in the Pews: Voices on Mental Health Illness in the Church

In 2020, Chris Morris experienced a life-changing encounter with God that transformed his struggle with mental health. After a suicide attempt, Chris heard God’s radical message: “I still love you,” which gave him the strength to rebuild his life. Today, Chris is a passionate author, speaker, and ministry leader, helping others navigate mental health challenges through faith and therapeutic tools. He leads a mental health ministry at his church, which launched with 70 attendees on its first night— reflecting the deep need for safe spaces to discuss mental health and spirituality. Chris has authored three books on the intersection of faith and mental health, sharing his personal journey and spiritual insights. 

As a graduate of Northern Seminary, Chris is able to process deep theological concerns with creativity and faith. A sought-after speaker, he regularly presents at national conferences, including the Disability and the Church conference. With humor and authenticity, Chris makes tough conversations easier, encouraging others on their own paths to healing and hope. One thing Chris has learned along the way? It’s important to laugh at yourself. He’s a six-foot-seven guy who’s terrified of heights (ridiculous, right?), so he doesn't take himself too seriously. Life’s tough enough as it is, and bringing humor and authenticity to hard conversations always makes them a little bit easier to navigate.

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Mark Turman sits down with Skyler Flowers, Program Director for The Carson Center for Theological Renewal, to talk about what it really means to practice cultural apologetics. Skyler, who also serves as an elder at Grace Bible Church and is pursuing his PhD in Systematic Theology, shares how faith and culture intersect in the everyday questions people are asking about identity, technology, politics, and more.

Together, they reflect on voices like Augustine, C.S. Lewis, and Tim Keller, exploring how story, imagination, and truth work together to help people see the beauty and reasonableness of Christianity in our modern world. It’s a thoughtful, hopeful conversation about helping others understand—not just what Christians believe—but why those beliefs make sense and bring life in a shifting culture.

• (01:44): Introducing Skyler Flowers
• (03:04): Skyler's journey of faith
• (06:58): The Gospel After Christendom
• (12:56): Defining cultural apologetics
• (19:44): Tim Keller's influence and legacy
• (26:03): Paul's approach in Athens
• (30:37): The role of the Holy Spirit
• (33:13): Good, true, and beautiful
• (37:34): Historical anchoring of cultural apologetics
• (43:52): The power of storytelling
• (46:19): Current cultural shifts and opportunities
• (50:51): Conclusion and resources

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics
• The Gospel Coalition
• The Gospel After Christendom: An Introduction to Cultural Apologetics
• The rise of a post-truth culture - Denison Forum
• Apologetics for Gen Z: A conversation with Dark Room’s Mary Jo Sharp
• Why are some atheists becoming Christians? - Denison Forum

Skyler Flowers (MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary) is the Program Director for The Carson Center for Theological Renewal and cohort director for all TGC cohorts. He serves as an elder at Grace Bible Church in Oxford, Mississippi, and is working toward his PhD in systematic theology at the University of Aberdeen. Skyler served as an editor for The Gospel After Christendom. He is married to Brianna, and they have two kids.

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella from the Culture Brief podcast, as well as Dr. Ryan Denison, for a thoughtful roundtable on some of today’s most pressing cultural issues.

Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the way we encounter Scripture—including the rise of an AI Bible—and what it means for people of faith seeking truth in a digital world. They also wrestle with the complex topic of assisted suicide, comparing global approaches while reflecting on the biblical call to uphold life and compassion in suffering.

From there, the conversation turns to questions of leadership and governance, like whether congressional term limits could help restore trust in American politics, and the ongoing tension between protecting free speech and practicing biblical wisdom in public life.

It’s an honest, wide-ranging dialogue that helps listeners think clearly, live faithfully, and engage today’s culture with both courage and grace.

• (01:29): Introducing the AI Bible
• (04:22): Debating the impact of AI Bible
• (13:43): Assisted suicide: A complex issue
• (17:57): Personal reflections on assisted suicide
• (30:37): The role of term limits in politics
• (33:15): Arguments for term limits
• (37:23): Challenges in implementing term limits
• (39:33): Local politics and term limits
• (44:39): Free speech in America
• (50:01): Biblical perspective on speech
• (59:03): Conclusion and final thoughts

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Biblical Insight to Tough Questions, Volume 8
• The AI Bible: ‘We Call It Edutainment’ - Christianity Today
• Fantasy or faith? One company's AI-generated Bible content stirs controversy
• The AI Bible - YouTube
• The AI Bible (@theaibibleofficial) • Instagram photos and videos
• Canadian writer Robert Munsch approved for assisted dying
• Euthanasia is now the fifth leading cause of death in Canada - Denison Forum
• First Amendment | The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression

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.

Conner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.

Micah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry.

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

Dr. Mark Turman sits down with world-renowned scientist Dr. James Tour for a conversation that bridges faith and science in remarkable ways. Dr. Tour shares his story of coming to faith in Jesus—how a secular Jewish student became a passionate follower of Christ—and what that journey has taught him about truth, reason, and grace.

Together, they talk about the mysteries of life’s origin, the promises and pitfalls of artificial intelligence, and how Christian hospitality can open hearts to the gospel. Dr. Tour also reflects on his pioneering work in nanotechnology at Rice University and offers wisdom for students and parents seeking to hold onto faith in the world of higher education.

It’s a thoughtful, hope-filled dialogue about what it means to follow Jesus with both mind and heart.

• (01:28): Introducing Dr. James Tour
• (09:40): Daily devotion and Scripture engagement
• (10:51): Faith on college campuses
• (13:21): The power of Christian hospitality
• (15:10): Dr. Tour's scientific work and achievements
• (16:20): The wonders of photosynthesis
• (19:29): Exciting scientific discoveries
• (22:55): Medical innovations with nano machines
• (25:25): Exploring the origin of life
• (28:16): Challenges in evolutionary theory
• (29:52): The role of AI in scientific research
• (33:03): Impact of AI on education and employment
• (39:38): Choosing the right university for Christian students
• (46:12): Dr. Tour's online resources
• (47:50): Closing remarks and prayer

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• https://jesusandscience.org
• Personal Website: https://jmtour.com 
• Dr. James Tour - YouTube
• Dr James Tour- Facebook
• Dr James Tour (@drjamestour) • Instagram photos and videos
• Dr James Tour (@DrJamesTour) / X
• Dr James Tour : Discord
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Dr. Tour's weekly email newsletter

Professor James Tour is the T. T. and W. F. Chao Professor of Chemistry, Professor of Computer Science, and Professor of Materials Science and NanoEngineering at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Professor Tour has over 800 research publications, over 140 granted patents, and over 100 pending patents. His h-index is 178, with total citations over 150,000. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry. His research group works in materials science, energy, medicine, electronics, and single-molecule nanomachines. He founded 17 companies based on his academic research, three of which are now public companies.

In addition to this, he has an active social media presence, @drjamestour, spanning YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Rumble, Facebook, and X. In 2024, on YouTube alone, there were 24 million views of his content for over 2 million viewed hours, which spans topics on science, faith, and the origin of life. For 10 years, Professor Tour led weekly Bible studies in the living units of maximum-security prisons. 

He has been teaching a weekly Bible study to college students for the past 26 years, and he and his wife, Shireen, have served about 75 meals to students per week in their home for that entire time. They also distribute dozens of weekly meals to local cancer patients residing in church facilities and elderly shut-ins in Houston.

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

On this episode of the Faith & Clarity podcast, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Adrien Lewis, founder of CarePortal. This platform connects people and resources to meet the real-time needs of children and families in crisis. Adrien shares how a single mission trip shifted his path from business to a life of serving vulnerable kids and how that moment of clarity sparked what would become CarePortal.

Since its launch in 2015, CarePortal has been addressing a hidden foster care crisis in the US, where millions of children are referred to child protection agencies each year. By leveraging technology, CarePortal enables local communities to respond quickly, connecting caseworkers, churches, individuals, and businesses to meet urgent needs in real-time. Adrien explains how the platform empowers people to share responsibility for care, turning moments of crisis into opportunities for transformational connection.

You’ll also hear about the role of the church in this mission—how helping children and families unites communities, provides common ground in a divided world, and gives believers a tangible way to follow God’s call to love their neighbors. Adrien walks through how CarePortal works, how it’s funded, and the impact it’s had on communities nationwide.

If you’ve ever wondered how faith and innovation can come together to change lives, this conversation will inspire you.

• (01:11): Introducing CarePortal and Adrien Lewis
• (03:06): Adrien's faith journey
• (07:21): The pivotal mission trip
• (12:00): Understanding foster care
• (14:53): Adrien's personal foster care experience
• (18:43): Community and foster care
• (25:36): Understanding the impact of poverty on children
• (27:38): Introducing CarePortal: A technological solution
• (28:04): How CarePortal works: Connecting needs with helpers
• (30:52): The role of the church and community in CarePortal
• (43:24): CarePortal's growth and vision for the future
• (47:05): How to get involved with CarePortal

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Facebook: Adrien Lewis 
• CarePortal Website: CarePortal 
• CarePortal Facebook: CarePortal | Kansas City MO 
• CarePortal Instagram: CarePortal (@careportal) • Instagram photos and videos 
• CarePortal X: CarePortal (@_careportal) / X 
• CarePortal YouTube: CarePortal - YouTube 
• CarePortal app connects charities to families in need | Fox News Video
• Adoption and foster care isn’t a have to—it’s a get to - Christian Parenting
• Our ordinary family’s extraordinary foster care journey - Christian Parenting
• What Every Christian Parent Needs to Know About Foster Care
• Foster Care & Adoption: "Lies, Truths, and Horror Stories" - Christian Parenting

Adrien Lewis began his career as a business development professional, spending a decade working in healthcare, technology, and education. In 2007, a mission trip to Haiti with his wife, Cynthia, transformed his perspective and deepened his calling. Over the next three years, he volunteered with The Global Orphan Project, where he witnessed firsthand the power of connection in caring for vulnerable children.

In 2010, Adrien felt a clear call from God to leave the business world and fully dedicate himself to advocating for orphaned and abandoned children. This journey led him to become a foster and adoptive parent and, ultimately, to develop CarePortal—a Care-Sharing technology that mobilizes communities to take action for children and families in crisis, creating meaningful connections that change lives.

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman, Dr. Jim Denison, and Dr. Ryan Denison sit down to tackle some of the big questions on our listeners’ minds. Together, they explore how to seek God’s will in life’s major decisions, why “manifesting” has become popular among teenagers and how it differs from a biblical worldview, and what it means to deconstruct faith. 

They also talk through topics like the age of accountability, the reality of hell, polyamorous relationships, and how God’s unconditional love relates to his conditional blessings. This conversation offers honest, biblical insight and practical wisdom to help you live out your faith with clarity and confidence.

• (01:32): Discerning God's will for major life decisions
• (06:57): The concept of manifesting vs. biblical teachings
• (13:16): Deconstructing and reconstructing faith
• (17:52): Understanding the age of accountability
• (27:13): Understanding the nature of hell
• (29:39): The urgency of sharing the gospel
• (34:29): The importance of choices and faith
• (36:43): Defining God's agape love
• (40:22): God's conditional blessings and unconditional love
• (42:07): Biblical perspective on polyamorous relationships
• (46:44): Advocating for equal rights as Christians
• (51:22): Conclusion

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• The lost art of civility • Denison Forum
• "Couple to Throuple" normalizes polyamory: Responding with secular evidence for biblical morality
• Massachusetts city legalizes polyamory: J. I. Packer and the privilege of standing for biblical truth
• Polyamorous “weddings” and the claim that affairs can “strengthen a marriage”
• 'I have a fiancé, a girlfriend and two boyfriends'
• What is God's design for sex and relationships?
• Ariana Grande, "manifesting," and the path to a transformational Thanksgiving
• What is the New Thought movement?
• Dining with pandas: Reframing isolation as an opportunity to manifest the life of Jesus
• Is hell real? How could a loving God send anyone there? • Denison Forum
• Did Jesus go to hell? • Denison Forum
• Ask Jim: Jesus in hell, salvation after death, and “God made me this way”
• Pastor responds to columnist on reality of hell
• An Unconditional Love | First15
• What does the Bible say about love? • Denison Forum

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.

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 coauthored Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters and has contributed writing or research to every Denison Forum book.

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

On this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman welcomes health coach and mental health advocate Erin Kerry for an honest conversation about the labels we carry and how to live beyond them. One in four Americans struggles with a diagnosable mental illness every year, and for many, those diagnoses come wrapped in stigma, shame, and judgment. Erin knows this firsthand. By age eighteen, she had been labeled with PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder. Today, she’s living symptom-free and helping others find the same freedom.

Drawing from her new book, Live Beyond Your Label: A Holistic Approach to Breaking Old Patterns and Rediscovering a Healthier You in Mind, Body, and Spirit, Erin shares how faith, functional nutrition, and self-advocacy work together to bring healing and wholeness. She introduces her LIVE process: addressing stress, uncovering root issues, nourishing the body, exercising the body and brain, and living in wholeness, offering a roadmap to integrated health.

If you’ve ever felt defined by a diagnosis or trapped by a label, this conversation will encourage you to see yourself as God does, discover practical ways to care for your whole self, and take your next step toward freedom and hope.

• (00:30): Addressing the mental health crisis
• (01:39): Meet Erin Kerry: Health coach and advocate
• (02:57): Erin's personal journey with mental health
• (07:44): Understanding functional medicine
• (19:47): The importance of labels and identity
• (26:19): Biblical perspectives on labels
• (32:22): Advocating for yourself beyond labels
• (38:09): The impact of trauma and adverse experiences
• (43:00): Faith and mental health: A holistic approach
• (53:55): The role of nutrition in mental and physical health
• (59:52): Final thoughts and takeaways

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Denison Forum | North Texas Giving Day
• Live Beyond Your Label: A Holistic Approach to Breaking Old Patterns and Rediscovering a Healthier You in Mind, Body, and Spirit
• Erin's Website
• Sparking Wholeness Podcast
• Erin’s Instagram
• Erin’s Facebook
• Check out Erin’s free Bible app devotional, Reset Your Stress Response with Scripture
• Also available on the Life Bible app
• What is Christian self-care? A conversation with Erin Kerry
• How can a Christian deal with anxiety?
• How to practice biblical self-care
• Why the church doesn’t want to talk about trauma
• The truth about triggers: What the church needs to know about trauma
• Should I take meds for my depression? A Christian approach to the mental illness epidemic
• Are you SAD? How to fight against the winter blues
• Does the Bible say being anxious is bad?

Erin Kerry is a health coach and mental health advocate. She encourages people to live beyond their labels, sparking hope and wholeness each week through her podcast, Sparking Wholeness. Erin knows how suffering from a chronic illness can infiltrate every area of life. By the age of 18, she was given the labels PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder. Today, she is living symptom-free. She empowers people to be their own health advocates so they don’t have to be limited by a label or diagnosis. She and her husband, Richard, live in Tyler, Texas, with their three kids: Isabel, Roman, and Rhett.

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this special edition episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Dr. Jim Denison to discuss the somber implications of recent violent events, including the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk. Together they wrestle with hard questions—where is Jesus when tragedy strikes, and how should Christians respond in times of grief and fear? 

They talk about the rise of violence, the role of media, and the ways our culture is losing its ability to grieve well. Dr. Denison shares how Scripture anchors us in the reality of spiritual warfare while pointing us to the hope we have in Christ. 

Mark and Jim close with Isaiah 61, urging believers to step forward with compassion, truth, and prayer, living as light-bearers in the midst of deep darkness.

• (00:00): Introduction and somber reflections on 9/11
• (00:56): Discussing recent acts of violence
• (02:19): The role of media and technology in the perception of violence
• (04:10): Grieving with the heart of Christ
• (06:05): Secularization and its impact on grief
• (08:30): Remembering Charlie Kirk
• (14:01): The importance of speaking the truth in love
• (19:00): Speculating on the motives behind the assassination
• (24:59): The age of violence and darkness
• (27:21): Spiritual awakening and Satan's response
• (30:21): Balancing sovereignty and free will
• (35:02): Living in light of eternity
• (39:04): Praying and serving in times of crisis
• (43:46): Closing reflections and prayer

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Charlie Kirk fatally shot at speaking event in Utah
• “If not forgotten, they are not gone”

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.

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

On this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman and Micah Tomasella sit down with Daron Babcock, Executive Director of Bonton Farms in Dallas. Daron shares his remarkable journey from brokenness to purpose, and how God led him to help rebuild a community long overlooked.

Bonton Farms is more than an urban farm; it’s a place where lives are restored, jobs are created, and hope takes root. Daron explains the seven barriers that often hold people back and how this ministry is addressing them in practical, faith-filled ways.

You’ll hear stories of redemption and resilience, and discover how God’s work in one neighborhood can point the way for communities everywhere.

• (01:38): Introducing Bonton Farms and Daron Babcock
• (02:56): Daron's journey: From tragedy to transformation
• (08:30): A new beginning in Bonton
• (10:06): Challenges and barriers in Bonton
• (14:10): The birth of Bonton Farms
• (17:32): Bonton Farms' mission and impact
• (26:16): Stories of transformation
• (30:55): The value of work at Bonton Farms
• (33:26): Creating opportunities for flourishing
• (35:15): Darius' journey and miracles
• (44:04): Rules and realities of living in Bonton
• (51:15): The four factors influencing life trajectories
• (54:04): Final thoughts and prayers

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• Denison Forum | North Texas Giving Day
• Bonton Farms
• D Magazine Feature on Bonton Farms
• Dallas TX - Bonton Farms
• Bonton Farms (@bontonfarms) · Dallas, TX
• Harvesting Hope: Bonton Farms in South Dallas opens a new Wellness Center
• Founder of South Dallas farm working to get Bonton Bill passed to help formerly incarcerated people

Disrupter. Social Justice Advocate. Sower of Seeds. Moved by his personal beliefs, Daron Babcock couldn’t sit idly by as he witnessed his brothers and sisters in South Dallas be ravaged by institutional inequities. In 2012, he left a successful corporate career and moved from his home in North Dallas to serve inner-city residents of Bonton with his wife, Theda. Known for crime, violence, and extreme poverty, Bonton needed an intervention at the macrolevel – something Daron knew was not only necessary, but possible. 

Daron is referred to as a “social entrepreneur,” having started multiple successful social ventures; Bonton Honey Company, The Market at Bonton Farms, a Coffee House, a Farmers Market, and CityBuild Housing. Of all his ventures, the most notable, though, is Bonton Farms, one of the largest urban farms in the United States nestled in a once-forgotten neighborhood in South Dallas. 

Daron is not only the Founder and CEO, but he is also the perpetual visionary and re-inventor of what’s possible. Bonton Farms is so much more than a farm, it is the catalyst that is helping to level the playing field; creating systemic change necessary so the residents of Bonton and others from marginalized neighborhoods all over the country can achieve the “American Dream” that was promised 200 years ago. 

“Our goal is not to simply grow food because we’re in a food desert, but to address WHY Bonton is a food desert. We’re not here to fix broken people, but to be the hands and feet to fix broken systems.”

Micah Tomasella is the Senior Advancement Officer at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry.

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Ryan Denison are joined by John Stonestreet, President of the Colson Center, to talk about the new documentary Truth Rising. More than a film, Truth Rising is a call to courage in a time when faith, identity, and morality are being redefined. Through stories of ordinary people making an extraordinary impact, the documentary points us back to the unchanging truth of Christ. Listen in as Mark and Ryan explore why this cultural moment matters, how you can access the film and study guide, and what it looks like to stand with clarity and conviction today.

• (02:27): John Stonestreet's faith journey
• (05:19): The Colson Center's mission
• (09:53): Truth Rising documentary overview
• (12:02): The cultural moment and Christian response
• (14:48): Os Guinness and his influence
• (18:32): Existential crisis and revival
• (22:47): Stories of courage and truth
• (24:37): Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s journey
• (27:12): Chloe Cole and the power of truth
• (28:51): Jack Phillips: A stand for truth
• (36:22): The role of comedians and musicians in culture
• (40:28): Accessing the documentary and final thoughts

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Website: Truth Rising
• YouTube: Truth Rising
• Truth Rising: The Study
• ​​Truth Rising Film (@truthrisingfilm) • Instagram photos and videos
• Colson Center
• A Practical Guide to Culture 
• Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters

John Stonestreet serves as president of the Colson Center. He’s a sought-after speaker and author on areas of faith and culture, theology, worldview, education and apologetics.  

John is the daily voice of Breakpoint, the nationally syndicated commentary on the culture founded by the late Chuck Colson. He has co-authored five books including A Practical Guide to Culture and Restoring All Things.  

Before coming to the Colson Center in 2010, John served in various leadership capacities with Summit Ministries and was on the biblical studies faculty at Bryan College (TN). John is an ordained deacon in the Anglican Diocese of All Nations (Anglican Church of North America). He and his wife, Sarah, have four children and live in Colorado Springs, CO.  

In addition to hosting the Truth Rising documentary, he also serves as the instructor for the small-group curriculum to be released after the film.

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.

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.