This week on Culture Brief, we’re looking at the deployment of federal troops in U.S. cities and what it means for crime, local authority, and national precedent. We’ll also dig into the rapid rise of sports betting across the country, how it’s reshaping culture, and its dangerous possibilities.

Plus, a roundup of politics, world news, college football updates, some NFL predictions, and our favorite NFL theme songs.

It’s the week’s top stories in culture, sports, and faith—all with a Christian perspective to help you think clearly and respond faithfully.

Topics

• (00:40): Troops in American cities: Background & legal debate
• (13:09): Spiritual application: Navigating gray areas
• (14:49): Sports betting epidemic in America
• (20:45): Dangers & consequences of sports betting
• (26:46): Christian perspective on gambling
• (29:27): Weekly check-in: World & U.S. headlines
• (33:24): College football recap & upsets
• (36:01): NFL returns: Trades, predictions & rivalries
• (40:22): How to connect & closing thoughts

Resources

• Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: [email protected]
• Culture Brief Instagram
• Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Links mentioned in this episode:

• The dangerous rise of sports gambling- Denison Forum
• Following Christ in a sports-obsessed world - Denison Forum

Other articles on this week’s top headlines:

• Reuters: US judge blocks Trump from using troops to fight crime in California
• Crime in Washington, DC: What You Need to Know - Council on Criminal Justice
• D.C. mayor praises federal surge, angering residents and pleasing Trump - The Washington Post
• What Americans think about Trump's handling of crime, according to a new poll
• Why March Madness can be both a joy and a danger - Denison Forum
• Young gamblers place sports bets while showering, wager away student loan money, addiction therapist warns
• For a new generation of kids, sports and gambling now go hand in glove
• Sports Betting Activities Survey April 2023 Key Findings
• MLB gambling investigation raises game integrity concerns
• Jontay Porter pleads guilty in case tied to NBA betting scandal - ESPN

About Conner Jones

Conner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.

About Micah Tomasella

Micah Tomasella is the Senior Advancement Officer at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry.

About Denison Forum

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.