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

This episode of the Faith & Clarity Podcast features Thomas West and Trevin Wax in a conversation about an ancient but timely tool for discipleship—the catechism. Their new resource, The Gospel Way Catechism: 50 Truths That Take On the Word, is designed to help Christians push back against the secular and individualistic stories of our age with the truth of God’s word.

The discussion explores how catechisms can guide both new and mature believers, shape family life and community, and build a deep and resilient Christian identity. Listeners will also hear practical ways to bring this practice into daily discipleship and spiritual formation.

At its heart, this is a conversation about grounding faith, strengthening hearts, and learning to live with confidence in God’s story—more by faith, and less by fear.

• (00:23): Understanding the catechism
• (01:39): Meet the guests: Thomas West and Trevin Wax
• (04:05): Cultural narratives and their impact
• (08:12): Defining individualism and secularism
• (13:04): The role and history of catechisms
• (19:25): Creating The Gospel Way Catechism
• (22:21): Addressing identity in today's world
• (27:54): Practical Christianity in Ephesians
• (30:34): The power of catechisms
• (38:32): Evangelical and liturgical tools
• (43:05): Guarding against mere knowledge
• (48:07): Confronting secular narratives
• (51:02): Conclusion and final thoughts

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• The Gospel Way Catechism
• The Gospel Way Catechism: 50 Truths That Take On the Word
• Trevin Wax Social Media
• Blog
• X: @trevinwax
• Instagram: @trevinwax
• Facebook: @trevinwax
• Thomas West Social Media
• Substack: @westswords
• https://x.com/tweetingthomas_
• Instagram: @thomaswest 
• Facebook: @thomasandrewwest

Trevin Wax is vice president of research and resource development at the North American Mission Board and a visiting professor at Cedarville University. A former missionary to Romania, Trevin is a regular columnist at The Gospel Coalition and has lectured on Christianity and culture at Oxford University. His new book is The Gospel Way Catechism. 

Thomas West is the pastor of Nashville First Baptist Church and the founder and former pastor of Redeemer Queen’s Park in London, England. A two-time graduate of Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, Thomas’s ministry and research are driven by exploring the intersection of theology, culture, and mission in Western culture. His new book is The Gospel Way Catechism.

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 former Ohio Governor John Kasich to talk about his new book, Heaven Help Us: How Faith Communities Inspire, Hope, Strengthen Neighborhoods, and Build the Future. Together, they explore how local churches and faith communities can be catalysts for hope, healing, and renewal in our world.

Governor Kasich reflects on lessons from his years in public service, shares personal stories that shaped his journey, and explains why seeing every person as made in the image of God is essential for lasting change. The conversation also highlights practical ways faith can shape everyday life and inspire us to build stronger neighborhoods and more compassionate communities.

• (00:37): Introducing Governor John Kasich
• (04:27): The inspiration behind Heaven Help Us
• (05:39): The role of faith communities in society
• (10:05): Challenges and opportunities for faith communities
• (16:24): Encouraging stories from Heaven Help Us
• (17:53): Embracing compassion and community
• (21:39): Forgiveness in the face of tragedy
• (24:48): Starting community initiatives
• (26:48): Political polarization and redistricting
• (32:24): Religious liberty and political leadership
• (34:16): Conclusion and final thoughts

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Heaven Help Us: How Faith Communities Inspire, Hope, Strengthen Neighborhoods, and Build the Future
• Zondervan: Heaven Help Us
• John Kasich (@johnkasich) • Instagram photos and videos
• John Kasich: Facebook
• John Kasich (@JohnKasich) / X
• The Kasich Company

John Kasich is a national leader who has spent a lifetime bringing people together to solve big problems and leave the world around them just a little bit better than they found it. Kasich served as the 69th governor of Ohio and ran for President during the 2016 GOP primary. His message focused on unifying Americans rather than dividing them, championing the great potential of our citizens to make positive impacts in their own communities, a strong national defense, and the importance of our international alliances. 

Today, he runs the Kasich Company and serves as a political analyst for NBC, CNBC, and MSNBC. He is the author of four New York Times bestsellers: Courage Is Contagious; Stand for Something; Every Other Monday; Two Paths; and It’s Up to Us. His most recent book, Heaven Help Us, is now available. He is married to Karen Kasich and is the proud father of adult twin daughters.

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, Dr. Mark Turman, executive director of Denison Forum, talks with Dr. Byron Johnson, distinguished professor at Baylor University, about the Global Flourishing Study—a landmark research project following more than 200,000 people around the world. Together they explore how faith, relationships, and community shape human well-being, why this research matters, and what it can teach us about living lives of true flourishing. Dr. Johnson also shares his own story and the vision behind this ambitious project.

This conversation highlights the vital connection between faith and research and offers a hopeful look at what it means to thrive as people created in God’s image.

• (01:36): Introducing Dr. Byron Johnson
• (06:58): The role of religion in society
• (11:13): Challenges and opportunities in higher education
• (18:08): The Global Flourishing Study
• (30:39): Exploring the concept of the abundant life
• (33:32): Challenges in survey participation
• (35:03): Retrospective questions and early findings
• (36:14): The impact of early relationships on adult flourishing
• (38:16): Current status and future of the Global Flourishing Study
• (45:52): Global and local implications of the study
• (47:40): Faith and flourishing: Universal findings
• (53:39): The role of participation in faith communities
• (55:19): Conclusion and future directions

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Global Flourishing Study
• Global Flourishing Study – Wave I
• Religion's Relationship to Happiness, Civic Engagement and Health | Pew Research Center
• Faith & Human Flourishing with Byron Johnson
• Can religion make you happy? Scientists may soon find out.
• Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion
• The Human Flourishing Program
• Center for Faith and the Common Good | Pepperdine University
• Center for Open Science
• Religious Freedom Institute

Dr. Byron Johnson is Distinguished Professor of the Social Sciences at Baylor University and is the founding director of the Institute for Studies of Religion and the Institute for Global Human Flourishing. Johnson is a faculty affiliate of the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University and is co-executive director of the Center for Faith and the Common Good as well as Visiting Distinguished Professor in the School of Public Policy at Pepperdine University. He is a senior scientist at the Gallup Organization, and in 2016, co-founded of the Religious Freedom Institute, based in Washington, DC. 

Johnson is a former member of the Coordinating Council for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (Presidential Appointment). He has been the principal investigator on grants from private foundations as well as the Department of Justice, Department of Labor, Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health, and the United States Institute for Peace, totaling more than $100 million. He is the author of more than 300 journal articles, monographs, and books. He is recognized as a leading authority on the scientific study of religion, the efficacy of faith-based organizations, and criminal justice. Recent publications have examined the impact of faith-based programs on offender treatment, drug addiction, recidivism reduction and prisoner reentry. These topics are the focus of his book More God, Less Crime: Why Faith Matters and How It Could (2011).

Johnson’s work examines the ways in which religion impacts key behaviors like volunteerism, generosity, and purpose. These topics are covered in four books, The Angola Prison Seminary (2016), which evaluates the influence of a Bible College and inmate-led congregations on prisoners serving life sentences; The Quest for Purpose: The Collegiate Search for a Meaningful Life (2017), which examines the link between religion and finding purpose and meaning, and the subsequent link to academic integrity; The Restorative Prison: Essays on Inmate Peer Ministry and Prosocial Corrections (2021), which looks at the empirical evidence in support of the link between religion and the emerging subfield of positive criminology; and Objective Religion Volume 1,2, 3 (2023, 2024, 2025), which examine factors related to the importance and resilience of religion. His forthcoming book The Faith Factor and Social Welfare: Rethinking Evidence, Practice, and Polity (2025), examines evidence for the important role of religion and faith-based organizations in addressing social problems including drug/alcohol addiction, crime and delinquency, homelessness, offender rehabilitation, prison reform, and prisoner reentry. A Compendium of Global Flourishing Study Translations (2025), provides details on the elaborate process of translating the questionnaire from the Global Flourishing Study into 37 different languages. His forthcoming book The Death of Religion?: Nones, Others, and the Global Renaissance of Faith (2026), provides an empirical as well as historical argument countering the claim that religion in the United States and around the world is in decline.

He is the project co-director (with Tyler J. VanderWeele) of the Global Flourishing Study (GFS) a five-year longitudinal data collection and research collaboration between researchers at Baylor University and Harvard University, in partnership with Gallup and the Center for Open Science (COS), and with the support of a consortium of funders. This initiative includes data collection for approximately 200,000 participants from 22 geographically and culturally diverse countries. As part of this project, COS is making the data from the study an open access resource so researchers, journalists, policymakers, and educators worldwide can access detailed information about what makes for a flourishing life.

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.

On this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman talks with Dr. Ryan Denison and Steph Thurling of Christian Parenting about one of the most important decisions parents face: choosing the right schooling path for their children. They explore public, private, online, and homeschooling options, especially in light of the post-COVID education landscape. 

Drawing from personal experiences and Steph’s recent parenting podcast series, they offer biblical wisdom and practical guidance to help families make decisions rooted in faith rather than fear. Whether you’re weighing options for the first time or rethinking your current choice, this conversation will help you approach the process with clarity, confidence, and a Christ-centered perspective.

• (00:25): Discussing school options for Christian parents
• (02:10): Personal stories and experiences with school choices
• (11:10): Biblical principles in education choices
• (16:16): Exploring the Christian Parenting podcast series
• (21:21): Choosing the right school district
• (27:41): Challenges and changes in public schools
• (32:23): Concerns and misconceptions about public schools
• (34:41): Transitioning from public to private schools
• (36:23): Homeschooling during COVID-19
• (38:48): Challenges and realities of homeschooling
• (46:06): Online schooling as an emerging option
• (47:43): Building community in different school settings
• (52:17): Avoiding judgment in school choices
• (56:10): Resources and final thoughts

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Christian Parenting Education Series Playlist
• School Simplified Digital Guide
• A Great Cloud of Witnesses: Prayer Journal 
• Christian Parenting Podcast
• Should I send my kid to private school? - Christian Parenting
• Why I chose to put my kids in public school - Christian Parenting
• Why should I homeschool? - Christian Parenting 
• Schooling options: Preferences rather than requirements- Christian Parenting
• How the body of Christ can help local school districts

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.

Steph Thurling is the Executive Director of Christian Parenting and host of The Christian Parenting Podcast. She has a master’s in youth, family, and culture from Fuller Theological Seminary and a background in youth and children’s ministry. 

She is the co-author of Raising Prayerful Kids, a book that shares easy, life-giving, and fun ways to teach kids to pray. She loves helping families grow closer to each other and to God through meaningful experiences and conversations. 

Steph is a frequent speaker at churches and mom groups and is known for her relatable stories, practical ideas, and gentle encouragement. Steph lives in Minnesota with her husband and three amazing and hilarious kids. When she is not hanging out with her family, you can probably find her on a walk with a friend, organizing things that won’t stay organized, or somewhere cozy reading a 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.

In the debut episode of the newly rebranded Faith & Clarity Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Josh Miller, Conner Jones, and Dr. Ryan Denison for a thoughtful roundtable conversation. Together, they tackle timely issues including climate change, the mandated display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, and the growing presence of AI companions, examining each through a biblical lens.

Throughout the discussion, the team emphasizes how Christians can respond to cultural challenges with both conviction and compassion. The episode concludes with practical insight on how to engage in meaningful conversations with loved ones, especially when navigating moral or ethical disagreements, while staying rooted in truth and guided by love.

• (00:13): Introducing the Faith & Clarity Podcast 
• (00:47): Round table discussion Topics
• (02:49): Climate change: A nuanced perspective
• (15:14): The Ten Commandments in schools debate
• (30:04): Understanding different perspectives on religious displays
• (32:40): Reflecting on the impact of religious policies
• (35:05): Exploring the concept of AI companions
• (37:07): Discussing the ethical implications of AI
• (47:00): Navigating relationships with LGBTQ+ individuals
• (55:15): Concluding thoughts and reflections

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• A Cold, Hard Truth About Climate - The Dispatch
• Texas will require public school classrooms to display Ten Commandments under bill signed by governor
• Texas Republicans are trying to force public schools to display the Ten Commandments 
• Republicans passed the bill on the Sabbath… breaking the 4th Commandment
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• #2352 - James Talarico - The Joe Rogan Experience
• Replika
• AI friendships claim to cure loneliness. Some are ending in suicide.
• Should I attend a same-sex wedding?
• What does the Bible say about homosexuality? • Denison Forum

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.

Josh Miller is the Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at Denison Ministries. He is also a disciple of Jesus, husband, and father. A Christian leader, author, and songwriter, Josh brings over 20 years of ministry experience—from global worship tours to pastoral leadership. He lives in Plano, Texas, with his wife and two sons, fueled by faith, craft coffee, and a love for tacos.

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 "Ask Us Anything" episode of the Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Ryan Denison for a thoughtful roundtable conversation. Together, they explore the purpose of affliction in the Christian life, what it truly means that David was “a man after God’s own heart,” and whether pastors should endorse political candidates. The conversation also touches on how Christians can love those living in sinful lifestyles, how to reconcile the violence of the Old Testament with a God of love, and whether miracles are still relevant today.

As the podcast prepares to relaunch under a new name—Faith and Clarity with Dr. Mark Turman—this episode offers a preview of what’s to come: biblical wisdom, honest dialogue, and clarity for navigating the complexities of our culture through the lens of faith.

• (02:35): Discussing affliction and suffering
• (10:46): Understanding David as a man after God's own heart
• (15:37): Navigating political endorsements as Christian leaders
• (23:17): Balancing love and truth in relationships with LGBTQ individuals
• (28:52): Addressing Old Testament questions
• (30:21): Understanding God's wrath and love
• (31:34): Cultural context of biblical commands
• (37:21): Normalizing sin in modern culture
• (43:50): Miracles and the Holy Spirit today
• (49:51): Biblical perspective on divorce and remarriage
• (57:12): Upcoming changes and new resources

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Subscribe to The Daily Article by Dr. Jim Denison
• Reconciling the “Gods” of the Old and New Testaments: Part 1
• Reconciling the “Gods” of the Old and New Testaments: Part 2
• What does the Bible say about homosexuality? • Denison Forum
• What Are My Spiritual Gifts?
• Power for Spirit-filled living in today’s world
• What does the Bible say about divorce?
• The impact of divorce on future generations
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• Epstein backlash, Christianity is growing, Chip and Joanna Gaines controversy & Scottie Scheffler's introspection | Ep. 28
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• The intersection of faith, politics, and a culture of life

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 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 Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this episode of the Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Dr. Ryan Denison, Conner Jones, and Micah Tomasella for a thoughtful roundtable conversation exploring the intersection of faith, sports, and culture. Together, they discuss the spiritual implications of sports gambling, the complexities of compensating college athletes, and what it means to follow Christ in the world of competitive athletics.

They also reflect on the example of professional golfer Scottie Scheffler, whose quiet faith continues to speak louder than his success. Finally, the group offers biblical wisdom for families navigating youth sports and the challenge of keeping Christ at the center.

Whether you're deeply invested in the sports world or simply curious about its cultural impact, this conversation offers helpful, faith-first perspectives on one of the most influential forces in American life today.

• (00:24): Meet the hosts
• (02:17): Culture Brief podcast insights
• (05:33): The slowest sports day of the year
• (08:18): The ESPYs and sports media
• (11:22): Personal sports fandom
• (17:20): Scottie Scheffler's perspective on golf and life
• (23:32): Biblical perspectives on sports
• (27:57): The evolution of college sports compensation
• (33:34): Exploitation of families in NIL deals
• (35:34): Spiritual reflections on NIL inequities
• (41:12): The rise of sports gambling
• (46:10): The impact of gambling on athletes and fans
• (55:45): Balancing faith and sports in family life
• (01:05:07): Final thoughts and reflections

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Sports betting culture negatively impacts mental health; NCAA works to support student-athletes
• Scottie Scheffler before winning The Open: “This is not a fulfilling life”
• Why March Madness can be both a joy and a danger
• What watching sports says about our souls
• What Travis Hunter’s Heisman win says about our culture
• MLB’s Faith and Family events can expand our view of evangelism
• March Madness tips off today: How the NCAA tournament became a cultural phenomenon
• Babe Ruth, the curse of the Bambino, and seeking truth over perception

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.

About Micah Tomasella

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 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 Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

On this episode of the Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Mike Brickley, CEO of Families Set Free—a ministry working to rescue Christian families trapped in bonded labor in Pakistan’s brick kilns. Mike shares how God led him from the world of Silicon Valley business to a calling that now brings freedom to thousands.

Together, they unpack the realities of modern-day slavery, the spiritual and systemic forces behind it, and how the gospel is making a tangible difference. You’ll hear stories of hope, transformation, and the power of ordinary people stepping into extraordinary obedience.

To learn more or to join this redemptive work, visit FamiliesSetFree.org.

• (00:29): Reflecting on service and sacrifice
• (03:03): Introducing Mike Brickley
• (03:58): Mike's background and faith journey
• (06:56): The plight of brick kiln workers in Pakistan
• (09:36): Rescue efforts and success stories
• (14:48): Daily life in the brick kilns
• (22:21): Modernizing brick kilns to end slavery
• (25:56): Rehabilitation and support for freed families
• (28:34): Challenges and future plans
• (30:56): Success stories of freed families
• (36:26): How to get involved and support

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Families Set Free
• What is biblical righteousness?
• Is the church serious about justice?
• What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness?

Michael Brickley is the CEO of Families Set Free, a ministry dedicated to rescuing Christians trapped in brick-making slave camps in Pakistan. Over the last three years, the organization has rescued more than 7,000 individuals and started over 1,400 small businesses to help freed families achieve independence.

Through faith-filled determination and innovative strategies, Mike has helped eliminate over 90,000 years of combined slavery, restoring hope and dignity to countless families.

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 Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

Is the world a meaningless churning of random intersecting events or a beautiful place of genius that reveals the reality of God as the ultimate Genius? 

Dr. Jonathan Witt joins The Denison Forum Podcast to discuss this central question of his book, A Meaningful World: How the Arts and Sciences Reveal the Genius of Nature

When we encounter, discover, or help to create things in our world that express the unmistakable qualities of depth, harmony, clarity, and elegance, how do we explain them? What are they pointing us to? 

From great literature to music, to mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics, the majestic fingerprints of an all-powerful, good and majestic creator are all around us—if we have the eyes, ears, and heart to receive them. 

It just may be that breathtaking beauty and order will lead us to the greatest discovery of all.

• (01:57): Guest introduction: Dr. Jonathan Witt
• (04:52): Dr. Witt's journey of faith and intellectual exploration
• (08:05): Critique of Evolutionary Theory
• (10:13): The intersection of science, art, and faith
• (15:44): The influence of Christianity on modern science
• (21:10): The philosophy of Scientism vs. True Science
• (24:57): Exploring the book: A Meaningful World
• (33:27): The Periodic Table and the search for order
• (37:52): The genius in nature and art
• (45:30): Mathematics: The language of genius
• (52:06): Theological reflections on suffering and genius
• (57:31): Conclusion and further resources

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• Read the prologue to A Meaningful World.
• A Meaningful World: How the Arts and Sciences Reveal the Genius of Nature, Dr. Jonathan Witt
• The Discovery Institute Center for Science & Culture
• Your Designed Body, Steve Laufmann and Howard Glicksman
• The Wonder of Water, Michael Denton
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Subscribe to The Daily Article by Dr. Jim Denison
• Stand. Engage. Transform. summer campaign.

Jonathan Witt, PhD, is Executive Editor of Discovery Institute Press and a senior fellow and senior project manager with Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture. His latest book is Heretic: One Scientist’s Journey from Darwin to Design (DI Press, 2018) written with Finnish bioengineer Matti Leisola. Witt also authored Intelligent Design Uncensored (IVP, 2010) with William Dembski, and A Meaningful World: How the Arts and Sciences Reveal the Genius of Nature (IVP, 2006) with Benjamin Wiker.

He is also the author of The Hobbit Party: The Vision of Freedom That Tolkien Got, and the West Forgot (Ignatius, 2014), written with Jay Richards.

Witt is also the lead writer and associate producer for Poverty, Inc., winner of the $100,000 Templeton Freedom Award and recipient of over 50 international film festival honors.

He also scripted three other documentaries that aired widely on PBS and were translated into multiple languages for airing in countries around the globe: The Privileged Planet (written with Lad Allen), The Birth of Freedom, and The Call of the Entrepreneur.

Additionally, he scripted two Acton Media DVD curricula carried by Zondervan, including Effective Stewardship, and he served as the lead writer for The PovertyCure DVD Series and the PovertyCure initiative, which includes a content-rich website, more than a million Facebook followers, and a network of 400+ poverty-fighting organizations from around the world.

Witt also has provided editing or deep editing work for several successful books, including three New York Times bestsellers.

Before returning to work full time again with Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture, Witt served as the managing editor for the news and commentary site The Stream, and as a research fellow for the Acton Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Witt’s academic essays have appeared in various periodicals and he has been interviewed by numerous regional and national radio programs. He is a regular annual speaker for Discovery Institute’s summer seminar on science and culture and has spoken at universities on a range of topics connected to political and economic freedom, cultural renewal, and the arts.

Witt previously served as a tenured professor of literature and writing at Lubbock Christian University. He has a Ph.D., with honors, in English and Literary Theory from the University of Kansas.

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 Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.

In this special episode of The Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman respond to the devastating floods in Kerrville, Texas, and the surrounding area. Offering both pastoral wisdom and biblical insight, they wrestle with the hard questions that arise in moments of suffering: Why does God allow disasters like this? How can we respond with faith, compassion, and hope?

Whether you’re grieving personally or looking for ways to support others, this conversation offers clarity, comfort, and encouragement rooted in God’s word. Join us as we reflect, pray, and consider how to be the presence of Christ in the midst of crisis.

• (03:00): Personal reflections and theological questions
• (03:55): Stories of heroism and personal loss
• (09:35): The challenge of compassion fatigue
• (11:20): Spiritual guidance and coping mechanisms
• (17:52): The mystery of sharing in Christ's sufferings
• (22:02): Biblical stories for comfort and understanding
• (29:23): Reconciling tragedy and heroic salvation
• (31:46): The mystery of God's will
• (35:51): Faith amidst suffering
• (44:49): Loving God and others in times of grief
• (49:50): Concluding thoughts and encouragement

• Ask Us Anything: [email protected]
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Stand. Engage. Transform. summer campaign.
• Subscribe to The Daily Article by Dr. Jim Denison
• Texas Flood Hero, Camp Mystic Director Makes Ultimate Sacrifice: 'Just Who He Was'
• Camp Mystic director dies trying to save kids during flood
• Why does God allow innocent suffering? • Denison Forum
• Making Sense of Suffering
• An honest approach to the mystery of suffering • Denison Forum
• Why a good God must allow even innocent suffering to exist
• What does the Bible say about suffering? • Denison Forum
• When you’re disappointed by God
• How to talk to your kids about the flooding at Camp Mystic

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 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 Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.