In this wide-spanning conversation on current events and the Christmas season, Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman discuss what’s happening in the Israel–Hamas war, Pope Francis' recent declaration concerning the blessing of irregular relationships, and the incarnational miracle of Jesus' birth as the Savior of the world.

(00:24): Why are the Houthis disrupting commerce on the Red Sea?

(09:39): How should Israel handle its Hamas hostage crisis?

(16:37): What does the Bible say about relating to people who don’t act in good faith?

(24:16): Why did Pope Francis allow priests to bless same-sex couples?

(32:50): How does the world define “blessing”? Should we seek blessings?

(41:54): What’s your favorite rendition of A Christmas Carol?

(43:56): The incredible reality of the Christmas story

• Why are the Houthis a threat to us? A reflection on the path to encouraging peace
• Colorado Supreme Court bars former President Trump from 2024 ballot: An explanation and three biblical responses
• How should Israel respond to Hamas?
• “Pope Francis allows priests to bless same-sex couples”
• Why we love holiday movies: A reflection on the source of true joy
• Transcript (PDF)

Jim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening.

Guest bio

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.