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.