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

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

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

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

(10:49): Replacement Theology and Its Implications

(14:50): American Pride and Patriotism

(18:15): Defining a Christian Nation

(27:10): Challenges of Legislating Morality

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

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

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

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

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

Episode Transcript (PDF)

Related Denison Forum podcasts:

• How God sees America in 2022
• Can America be moral without God?
• How political should Christians be? Preston Sprinkle discusses his new book, “Exiles”
• When politics get extreme, what should Christians do? A conversation with Tim Alberta
• How does the Bible apply to today’s politics? With Kaitlyn Schiess

Related Denison Forum articles and resources: 

• Respectfully, I Disagree by Dr. Jim Denison - Audiobook 
• How Does God See America?
• Do Americans have to be Christians? An excerpt from "The Religion of American Greatness" by Paul D. Miller
• Election 2024: Discern politics differently
• The Coming Tsunami
• Will democracy in America survive?
• A majority of Americans aren't proud to be American: Why the difference between pride and patriotism matters
• Politics Simplified - Christian Parenting
• Peace in Politics- First15

Other trusted resources: 

• Exiles: The Church in the Shadow of Empire
• The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism
• Ballot and the Bible: How Scripture Has Been Used and Abused in American Politics and Where We Go from Here
• Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America: Moore, Russell
• Your Party Will Not Win This Election | Christianity Today
• The After Party: Toward Better Christian Politics - Redeeming Babel
• My Faith Votes

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 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.