On this episode of the Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Dr. Glenn Packiam for a timely and thoughtful conversation about the enduring significance of the Nicene Creed. In a cultural moment marked by confusion and instability, they explore how this ancient declaration of faith offers clarity, grounding, and hope.

Dr. Packiam—a pastor, theologian, and author—unpacks the creed’s rich theology, the role of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives, and why the communal nature of belief matters more than ever. Their discussion also reflects on the themes of Easter, pointing us toward the resurrection of Christ and the unity of the global church.

If you’re looking for deeper understanding and encouragement in your walk with Christ, this conversation is a meaningful place to start.

• (00:41): Introducing Dr. Glenn Packiam
• (01:24): Cultural reflections and the need for clarity
• (05:45): The role of the Nicene Creed in modern faith
• (09:05): Historical context and significance of the Nicene Creed
• (20:23): The communal aspect of faith
• (25:47): Understanding the Trinity and the supremacy of the Father
• (30:10): Jesus' kingship and our allegiance
• (33:49): Declining awareness of sin
• (37:49): The nature of Jesus
• (41:29): The Holy Spirit: The giver of life
• (48:54): The church: One, holy, catholic, and apostolic
• (58:03): The resurrection and our future hope

• What's a Christian, Anyway? by Glenn Packiam
• Glenn Packiam
• The Intentional Year by Holly & Glenn Packiam
• The Resilient Pastor: Leading Your Church in a Rapidly Changing World
• Blessed Broken Given: How Your Story Becomes Sacred in the Hands of Jesus: Packiam, Glenn
• Glenn Packiam (@gpackiam) / X
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• 2025 04 Who Am I? Identity • Denison Forum
• Subscribe to The Daily Article by Dr. Jim Denison

Glenn Packiam, ThD is the Lead Pastor of Rockharbor Church in Costa Mesa, California. Glenn is the author of several books, including The Resilient Pastor, Blessed Broken Given, and the most recent title, co-authored with his wife, Holly, The Intentional Year. He earned a Doctorate in Theology and Ministry from Durham University, and is a Senior Fellow at Barna Group, a Visiting Fellow at St. John’s College at Durham University, and an ordained priest with the Anglican Church of North America. Glenn has written over 65 worship songs published with Integrity Music, including “Your Name", co-written with Paul Baloche. Glenn and Holly have four children and live in Orange County, California. 

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, host Dr. Mark Turman and cultural theologian Dr. Jim Denison reflect on the passing of Pope Francis and what it means for the future of the Catholic Church. Together, they consider the leadership legacy Pope Francis leaves behind and the lessons all Christians can draw from his example.

Their conversation touches on the theological and cultural influence of his papacy, the shared convictions and key differences between Catholic and Protestant traditions, and the broader call to unity within the body of Christ. With thoughtful insights and personal reflections, Dr. Turman and Dr. Denison guide us through the spiritual and cultural implications of this historic moment—seeking to understand how faith shapes leadership, legacy, and the global church.

• (00:32): Discussing the passing of Pope Francis
• (03:22): Appreciation for Catholic beliefs and practices
• (08:50): Navigating controversial issues in Catholicism
• (13:50): Religious freedom and Catholic contributions
• (19:57): Influential Catholic figures and personal stories
• (23:39): Differences between Catholic and Protestant beliefs
• (33:59): Honoring church tradition and Scripture
• (35:04): The Autonomy of the local church
• (36:52): Scriptural differences: The Apocrypha
• (38:25): Catholic vs. Christian: A common misunderstanding
• (40:08): Vatican II and its impact
• (45:05) Unity in diversity: Embracing differences
• (53:08): Pope Francis: A model of servant leadership
• (57:12): Reflecting on leadership and unity
• (01:03:36): A prayer for unity and guidance

• Pope Francis dies at the age of eighty-eight
• The life and legacy of Pope Francis
• What is the Synod on Synodality?
• Why are there so many denominations in Christianity? • DF
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Who Am I? Identity • Denison Forum
• Subscribe to The Daily Article by Dr. Jim Denison

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.

In this special Easter episode of the Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Jim Denison reflect on the profound mystery of Jesus’ dual nature—fully God and fully man. Drawing from a unique Easter devotional by Dr. Denison, they explore how Jesus’ humanity invites us into deeper empathy, and how his divinity calls us to deeper faith. From Maundy Thursday to Good Friday and beyond, this conversation considers what it means to follow a Savior who knows our suffering and redeems it. Join us for a meaningful and timely conversation designed to help you experience Easter with renewed depth and clarity.

• (01:18): The humanity of Jesus: A deep dive
• (03:44): Historical struggles with Jesus' humanity
• (10:29): Jesus' choices and their significance
• (16:27): Relating to Jesus in success and temptation
• (20:30): The Profound relevance of Jesus' humanity
• (30:45): Conclusion: Embracing Jesus' love and humanity

• The God Who Feels Your Pain | Denison Ministries
• Was the cross really necessary? What does the Bible say about Easter? • Denison Forum
• How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
• Subscribe to The Daily Article by Dr. Jim Denison

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.

In this special Easter episode of the Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman joins Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Ryan Denison to explore the powerful themes of identity, redemption, and the depth of God’s love.

Rooted in Colossians 4, their conversation weaves together biblical insight with historical reflection—from the stories of Mary and Pontius Pilate to the legacy of Winston Churchill. Together, they consider what Easter reveals about who God is and who we are in light of his grace.

They also introduce Denison Forum’s newest resource, Who Am I?, diving into how our true identity is found not in cultural affirmation, but in Christ alone. If you’ve ever wrestled with questions of self-worth or purpose, this conversation offers clarity, hope, and a call to live with courage and compassion.

• (01:59): Exploring identity through Easter
• (03:14): Winston Churchill and defining moments
• (04:15): The cultural buzzword: Identity
• (09:04): Geopolitical implications of identity
• (10:43): Historical perspectives on identity
• (15:11): Biblical insights on identity
• (21:43): The gift of God-given identity
• (26:36): Easter's revelation of God's identity
• (31:44): Easter's message on human identity
• (34:04): Jesus' sacrifice in the Garden of Gethsemane
• (36:18): The depth of human sinfulness and need for redemption
• (40:29): The Nicene Creed and its significance
• (46:17): Understanding God's identity beyond 'God is love'
• (54:37): Living out our Christian identity

• Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters
• What does the Bible say about identity? - Part 1
• What does the Bible say about identity? - Part 2
• Identity Simplified Resource from Christian Parenting 
• A book review of Mark Turman and Ryan Denison’s “Who Am I?”
• Was the cross really necessary? What does the Bible say about Easter? • Denison Forum
• Easter Resource from Dr. Jim Denison
• https://www.denisonforum.org/testimony/
• Subscribe to The Daily Article by Dr. Jim Denison

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 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!