In this episode of The Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Ryan Denison continue their conversation around their new book, Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. Together, they examine the deep cultural confusion surrounding identity and the consequences of building our sense of self on shifting foundations.

From race and gender to worldview and insecurity, they explore the powerful influences shaping how people define themselves—and why those definitions often leave us feeling unmoored. What happens when we reject the biblical view of who we are? And what hope is found in rediscovering our God-given identity?

This timely and thought-provoking conversation reveals how embracing the truth of Scripture leads to a more rooted, resilient, and purpose-filled life.

• (01:12): The predominance of identity questions
• (03:46): Foundations of identity: Immutable characteristics
• (12:08): Worldview and identity formation
• (20:12): Insecurities and identity
• (22:27): The role of fear and faith in identity
• (24:20): Self-identifying and the quest for true identity
• (31:24): Conclusion and resources

• Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters
• What does the Bible say about identity? - Part 1
• Identity Simplified Resource from Christian Parenting 

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, Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum and co-author of their new resource, Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. Together, they explore what Scripture teaches about identity, how sin distorts our understanding of ourselves, and why recognizing both personal and collective identity in Christ is vital in today’s culture. In a world that prioritizes individualism, they offer biblical insight to help us live as salt and light, reflecting God’s truth in a culture searching for meaning.

• (03:06): Defining identity from a biblical perspective
• (05:49): The biblical foundation of identity
• (13:04): The impact of sin on identity
• (20:42): The collective nature of sin and identity
• (39:42): The role of the church and community in shaping identity
• (50:17): Conclusion and next steps

• Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters
• Identity Simplified Resource from Christian Parenting 
• What does the Bible say about identity? - Part 2

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.

Join the Denison Forum podcast with host Mark as he discusses the complexities of Artificial Intelligence with Dr. Katie Frugé, the director of the Center for Cultural Engagement with Texas Baptist. This episode examines AI’s potential as both a tool and a risk in our daily lives, the ethical concerns it raises, and its possible benefits in ministry and Bible translation. Explore how AI has evolved, its current applications, and how Christians can thoughtfully integrate and regulate this technology in society.

• (00:17): Exploring Artificial Intelligence: Tool or terrorist?
• (00:48): Meet Dr. Katie Frugé: AI enthusiast
• (02:23): The evolution of AI: From hypothetical to everyday use
• (06:41): AI in our daily lives: Integration and impact
• (19:41): Generative AI: Creating new content
• (22:08): Ethical concerns and human bias in AI
• (27:58): Human intelligence vs. AI
• (30:20): The Tower of Babel analogy
• (33:32): Regulating AI development
• (37:14): Global AI race
• (39:10): AI in ministry
• (50:46): Learning about AI
• (55:47): The impact of AI on society
• (59:17): Concluding thoughts

• The Artifice of Intelligence: Divine and Human Relationships in a Robotic Age
• AI and Faith Website
• Hard Fork Podcast
• The Center for Cultural Engagement | Texas Baptists
• The Washington Post Tech Brief
• The peril of AI and the path to transcendent hope
• Winners of the Nobel Prize in physics warn of AI dangers
• “I have the power to manipulate, monitor, and destroy anything I want”: The threat of autonomous AI and the unique response of biblical faith
• Is DeepSeek AI a “Sputnik Moment?”
• Google AI makes breakthrough in biology

Katie Frugé, Ph.D., earned her Master of Divinity degree and Ph.D. in systematic theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Katie Frugé has been named director of Texas Baptists’ Center for Cultural Engagement and the Christian Life Commission. Frugé began her service with the Baptist General Convention of Texas in 2019 as the hunger and human care specialist with the CLC. She later took on the role of associate director of the CLC.

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.

Join Mark as he hosts an insightful discussion on the Denison Forum podcast about living a faith-guided life amidst the tragedies of our world. This episode features Laura Hughes and Arica Henry, who share their compelling journeys of recovery and restoration after abortion through God's grace. They introduce their new resource, Redemptive Love, A Journey of Restoration after Abortion, which combines biblical truth and therapeutic tools to help post-abortive women and men find healing. Hear inspiring stories from participants, learn about the impact of unaddressed abortion grief in the church, and discover how churches can better support those affected. This conversation offers hope, encouragement, and practical steps toward a reclaimed life filled with God's love and grace.

• (00:28): The impact of abortion and God's grace
• (01:21): Introducing Laura Hughes and Arica Henry
• (02:09): A Movement of Love Ministry
• (05:04): The prevalence of abortion in the Church
• (08:30): Arica's personal story of abortion and recovery
• (12:25): The healing process and group support
• (38:03): The role of men in abortion stories
• (41:41): Encouragement for pastors and church leaders
• (49:20): Closing thoughts and words of hope

• Redemptive Love, A Journey of Restoration after Abortion
• Choose Zoe, A Story of UnPlanned Parenthood
• The Case for Life
• What does the Bible say about abortion?
• Abortions have increased in states with rigid bans
• Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade: My immediate response
• ¿Qué dice la Biblia sobre el aborto? • Denison Forum
• Six vital questions about abortion • Denison Forum
• Why the pro-life movement seems to be losing
• The role of politics in protecting the sanctity of life
• Why we must choose life

​​Arica Henry is the author of Redemptive Love, A Journey of Restoration after Abortion. She is a dedicated Child Welfare Social Worker in Solano County with a BA in Psychology. She brings her personal experiences and professional knowledge of trauma and mental health to her role in supporting women’s restoration after abortion. Arica's commitment to Celebrate Recovery and her integration of faith and therapeutic tools lead to a comprehensive approach to wellness and recovery. As a speaker and advocate for Celebrate Recovery Meetings, charitable events, church and community fairs, she passionately seeks to facilitate healing and recovery. Arica is a mother of four and a loving grandmother, residing in sunny Northern California.

​​Laura Lynn Hughes is a Sanctity of Human Life advocate, speaker, and author. She is a board member and volunteer at Alpha Clinic and CURE USA, and co-founder of A Movement of Love ministry. Represented by Ambassador Speakers, she teaches nationally and internationally at PRCs, churches, schools and conferences on topics related to pregnancy, human trafficking, on-line sexual exploitation of children, and post-abortion recovery.  A mother of five, Grammie of twelve, and Gigi to one great-grandchild, she owns a photography studio, Images by Hughes, in northern California. Laura is the author of Choose Zoe, A Story of UnPlanned Parenthood and The Case for Life, and Redemptive Love, A Journey of Restoration after Abortion. She has appeared on the Eric Metaxas show, Focus on the Family and the 700 Club.

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.

Join Mark Turman on the Denison Forum Podcast as he sits down with theologian, apologist, and author Melissa Dougherty to examine the rise of counterfeit Christianity. Melissa shares her insights on the New Thought movement, revealing its deceptive influence on Christian theology and culture. They explore her personal journey from New Thought beliefs to authentic Christianity, the impact of prosperity gospel teachings, and the importance of critical thinking in faith. Explore how New Thought misrepresents Christian terminology and leads believers astray, underscoring the vital role of discernment in today’s church.

• (01:06): Introducing Melissa Dougherty and her book Happy Lies
• (01:58): Understanding the New Thought movement
• (05:02): The influence of New Thought on self-help and society
• (07:21): The core beliefs of New Thought
• (20:23): Historical figures and modern influences of New Thought
• (28:56): Cockroach Christians vs. Elite: Early Church battles
• (29:42): Gnosticism in the Early Church
• (30:44): New Thought and its core beliefs
• (34:50): Defining New Age and New Thought
• (38:45): The Prosperity Gospel and New Thought
• (41:25): Theological reflections on suffering and prosperity
• (46:10): Cynicism and anti-intellectualism in Christianity
• (53:09): Final thoughts and reflections

• https://www.denisonforum.org/subscribe/
• Melissa Dougherty’s Website
• Happy Lies: How a Movement You (Probably) Never Heard Of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World
• facebook.com/NewAgeToChristianity
• Melissa Dougherty - YouTube
• The Melissa Dougherty Podcast | Podcast on Spotify
• https://www.instagram.com/MelissaLDougherty
• A review of Happy Lies by Chris Elkins

Melissa Dougherty is a Christian apologist best known for her YouTube channel with over 285,000 subscribers and counting. Her videos, which primarily cover New Age and New Thought, have been viewed over 18 million times. Melissa is highly regarded and connected in the apologetics community. She has had numerous influential guests on her YouTube channel and is a frequent guest on the YouTube videos and podcasts of popular thinkers as well.

Melissa has a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from Southern Evangelical Seminary, where she’s also pursuing her master’s degree in religious studies. Melissa is married with two daughters and lives in New Mexico.

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.

Denison Forum is excited to introduce you to our newest podcast, Culture Brief! Join Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella as they unpack the week’s biggest cultural stories, briefing you on trending stories in entertainment, politics, sports, technology, and other topics dominating our culture—all from a Christian perspective. 

Episodes release every Thursday. Make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode!

On this episode of the Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with author and speaker Mary DeMuth to talk about what it means to feel overlooked—both in Scripture and in daily life. They explore the challenges of being unnoticed, the biblical truth of Imago Dei, and how these experiences shape our relationships. Mary shares her own story of wrestling with being overlooked and offers practical wisdom on finding healing through community, prayer, and hospitality. They also look at how Jesus himself was overlooked and what that means for us today. The conversation touches on church hurt and how Christians can respond with grace and awareness. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion filled with biblical insight and real-life encouragement.

• (01:19): Introducing Mary Demuth
• (02:07): The Problem of Being Overlooked
• (03:42): Biblical Perspectives on Overlooking
• (09:03): The Role of Women in the Bible
• (16:36): Jesus and the Overlooked
• (21:27): Church Hurt and Healing
• (36:32): Practical Steps to Notice Others
• (40:17): Conclusion and Resources

• The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible
• The Most Overlooked Women of the Bible
• Pray Every Day Podcast
• Mary DeMuth’s Website
• Mary DeMuth Literary
• Mary DeMuth Art
• Mary DeMuth’s Latest Books

Mary DeMuth is a literary agent, daily podcaster at the Pray Every Day Show, Scripture artist, speaker, and the author of more than fifty books, including The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible. She lives in Texas with her husband and is the mom to three adult children. Find out more at marydemuth.com.

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.

Join Dr. Mark Turman, Executive Director of Denison Forum, for a dynamic roundtable discussion with Dr. Ryan Denison and Josh Miller. Together, they explore a range of timely topics, from the impact of the Gather25 Conference and the growing unity among Christians worldwide to the groundbreaking possibilities of quantum computing.

The conversation also highlights the rise in Bible sales, innovative ministries like the ACTS 17 Collective, and movements such as the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship, which seek to bring hope and righteousness to society. Don’t miss this insightful discussion that weaves together current events and a biblical perspective to inspire faith and action.

• (01:56): Discussing the Gather 25 Conference
• (15:06): Exploring Quantum Computing
• (18:41): The Role of Technology and Faith
• (29:40): Encouraging Signs of Faith and Hope
• (47:39): Final Thoughts and Conclusion

• Subscribe to The Daily Article by Dr. Jim Denison
• Gather25 Conference
• Gather25 FAQ
• Microsoft Claims Quantum Computing Breakthrough by Creating New State of Matter - WSJ
• The ACTS 17 Collective is introducing tech leaders to Jesus
• The Alliance for Responsible Citizenship
• The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• ACTS 17 Collective
• Joe Rogan interviews Wesley Huff, a Christian apologist
• Denison Forum (@DenisonForum) / X
• Denison Forum (@denisonforum) • Instagram photos and videos
• Denison Ministries

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.

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.

Josh Miller is the Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at Denison Ministries. He is also a disciple of Jesus, husband, and father. He has been a musician, filmmaker, restaurant manager, songwriter, barista, worship leader, pastor and is still trying to figure out who the heck he is. He and his wife Deven live in Plano, TX with their two young boys. 

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.

Join Denison Forum’s podcast host, Dr. Mark Turman, as he engages with Dr. Steve Bezner, pastor of Houston Northwest Church, in an insightful conversation on how Christians can faithfully navigate modern culture. They discuss the tension between biblical and cultural values, the importance of community and racial reconciliation, and what it means to maintain a distinctly Christian identity. Drawing from his ministry experience and his book Your Jesus Is Too American, Dr. Bezner challenges believers to prioritize kingdom values over the American dream. The conversation also covers practical topics like financial generosity, biblical sexuality, and deepening relationships within the church and beyond. 

• (01:06): Meet Dr. Steve Bezner
• (01:37): The Unique Challenges and Opportunities in Houston
• (05:01): Promoting Unity and Collaboration Among Churches
• (07:17): Building Relationships Across Faith Lines
• (09:39): Responding to Community Needs During Disasters
• (13:45): The Role of Identity in Modern Christianity
• (17:35): The Influence of Technology and Media
• (20:04): American Individualism and Its Impact on Faith
• (22:52): Hospitality and Community Building
• (28:08): Financial Stewardship and Generosity
• (32:58): Biblical Sexuality and Cultural Challenges
• (39:50): Success, Suffering, and the Christian Life
• (46:20): Hope for the American Church
• (47:58): Upcoming Event: Christian Life Commission Advocacy Day
• (50:25): Conclusion and Final Thoughts

• Your Jesus Is Too American: Calling the Church to Reclaim Kingdom Values over the American Dream
• Christian Life Commission Advocacy Day 
• Houston Northwest Church
• Steve Bezner’s Website
• Steve Bezner on Instagram
• Steve Bezner on X
• Steve Bezner on Facebook

Steve Bezner has been the Senior Pastor of Houston Northwest Church since January 2013. His passion is to see Houston—and the world—become more like Heaven as people become more like Jesus. 

Steve loves to preach, teach, write, and speak about the Bible in a way that is easy to understand but also challenges people to live the life that God has designed for each of them.

In Houston, Steve works to foster collaboration between local churches, serving on the board of the Houston Church Planting Network (to start new churches locally) and Houston Pastors United We Stand (to foster racial reconciliation). He also works through GlocalNet to build bridges with other faiths in the city, particularly Jews and Muslims.

Steve is passionate about training other pastors. He works with World Hope Ministries International to train pastors in remote global locations, coaches planters and pastors, and teaches seminary occasionally. 

He is married to Joy and has two sons—Ben and Andrew. He holds his B.A. and M.A. from Hardin-Simmons University and his Ph.D. from Baylor University.

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.

Join Denison Forum’s podcast host, Mark Turman, as he engages with author, pastor, and speaker Skye Jethani in a profound discussion about justice, faith, and the teachings of Jesus. They explore the theme of taking Jesus seriously, particularly in the context of the Sermon on the Mount. Skye shares insights from his book, What If Jesus Was Serious About Justice?, highlighting the biblical principles of justice and righteousness. 

The conversation covers the historical and cultural influences on American Christianity, the intersection of God's wrath and love, and the role of justice in God's plan. The episode aims to equip listeners to think biblically, live beautifully, and serve eagerly in their communities.

• (00:32): Introducing Skye Jethani and the Topic of Justice
• (01:41): Exploring the Sermon on the Mount
• (04:18): The American Church and the Concept of Justice
• (06:00): Historical Context: Revivalism and Social Justice
• (08:04): The Role of Slavery in Dividing the Church
• (12:59): Justice and Righteousness: A Biblical Perspective
• (16:50): The Interplay of Justice and Mercy
• (20:14): Personal and Social Dimensions of Faith
• (24:42): The Parable of the Prodigal Son: Cultural Perspectives
• (28:02): Understanding the Judgment of Nations
• (30:48): Disney Princess Theology
• (34:12): The Subtle Nature of Revenge
• (37:50): Active and Passive Wrath of God
• (44:58): The Intersection of God's Wrath and Love
• (49:14): Making Theology Accessible
• (50:53): Conclusion and Final Thoughts

• What If Jesus Was Serious about Justice? By Skye Jethani
• What If Jesus Was Serious about Heaven? By Skye Jethani
• If Jesus was serious . . . then our view of heaven must match his: An excerpt from "What If Jesus Was Serious about Heaven?" by Skye Jethani
• The Holy Post podcast
• More about Skye Jethani
• What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness?
• What is biblical righteousness?
• 
  

Skye Jethani (MDiv, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is an award-winning author, former pastor, and speaker. He is cohost of the popular Holy Post podcast. Jethani has written numerous books, including the What If Jesus Was Serious? series, and served for more than a decade in numerous editorial and executive roles at Christianity Today. He also writes a daily devotional called With God Daily. He and his wife live in Wheaton, Illinois, with their three children.

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.