In this seventh episode of the special eight-episode series called ‘Politics discerned differently,’ Dr. Mark Turman discusses the sanctity of life and the issue of abortion with Dr. Katie Fruge and Dr. Ryan Denison. The conversation explores the cultural and political landscape surrounding abortion and the challenges faced by the pro-life movement. They emphasize the importance of approaching the conversation with a biblical perspective and a recognition of the innate dignity and worth of every human being. They also discuss the need for a holistic pro-life approach that not only focuses on the pre-born but also supports families and creates a culture of life. 

The conversation explores the complex and nuanced topic of the sanctity of life, particularly in relation to abortion and IVF. The speakers discuss the different perspectives on when life begins and the sacredness of every stage of life. They emphasize the importance of understanding and respecting differing viewpoints, as well as the need for better conversations around the topic. 

They also address the role of politics and political parties in addressing the sanctity of life, highlighting the need for a holistic approach and the dangers of oversimplification. The speakers conclude by urging churches to take a comprehensive approach to promoting a culture of life and addressing the various causes of abortion.

• (03:11): Approaching the Sanctity of Life with a Biblical Perspective
• (05:04): A Holistic Pro-Life Approach: Supporting Families and Creating a Culture of Life
• (09:31): Challenges Faced by the Pro-Life Movement in the Cultural and Political Landscape
• (25:14): Theological Perspectives on Personhood and When Life Begins
• (30:52): Understanding the Complexities of the Sanctity of Life
• (37:01): Exploring the Role of Politics and Political Parties
• (45:15): The Impact of IVF on the Sanctity of Life
• (48:59): The Reality of Chemical Abortions
• (55:23): The Role of Churches in Promoting the Sanctity of Life

Episode Transcript (PDF)

• Faith in the public square: A conversation with David French
• Why we must choose life
• Who determines the value of life?
• When politics get extreme, what should Christians do? A conversation with Tim Alberta

• Respectfully, I Disagree by Dr. Jim Denison - Audiobook - Audible.com
• The sanctity of life from conception to natural death
• What does the Bible say about abortion? • Denison Forum
• Alabama Supreme Court rules that frozen embryos are “unborn children”: When does life begin? What does this decision mean for abortion and the sanctity of life?
• How can so many Americans be so wrong on abortion?
• What does it truly mean to be pro-life today?
• The Coming Tsunami
• Election 2024: Discern politics differently
• How Does God See America? 
• How should Christians vote?
• Did the Republican party abandon the pro-life movement?
• Trump campaign states he would veto a national abortion ban
• When does life begin? Frozen embryos, IVF, and the sanctity of life
• How can God redeem America’s declining birth rates?

• My Faith Votes
• Divided We Fall: America’s Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation
• Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America: Moore, Russell
• The After Party: Toward Better Christian Politics – Redeeming Babel
• Truth Over Tribe: Pledging Allegiance to the Lamb, Not the Donkey or the Elephant
• Speak the Truth: How to Bring God Back into Every Conversation
• Joyful Outsiders: Six Ways to Live Like Jesus in a Disorienting Culture
• Truth Over Tribe
• Your Party Will Not Win This Election – Christianity Today
• Kingdom of Rage by Elizabeth Neumann
• The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism

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.

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 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.