The Denison Forum Podcast - Christian perspective on current events, Christian news and culture, Biblical wisdom

In this episode of the Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Dr. Ryan Denison, Conner Jones, and Micah Tomasella for a thoughtful roundtable conversation exploring the intersection of faith, sports, and culture. Together, they discuss the spiritual implications of sports gambling, the complexities of compensating college athletes, and what it means to follow Christ in the world of competitive athletics.

They also ref...

On this episode of the Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Mike Brickley, CEO of Families Set Free—a ministry working to rescue Christian families trapped in bonded labor in Pakistan’s brick kilns. Mike shares how God led him from the world of Silicon Valley business to a calling that now brings freedom to thousands.

Together, they unpack the realities of modern-day slav...

Is the world a meaningless churning of random intersecting events or a beautiful place of genius that reveals the reality of God as the ultimate Genius? 

Dr. Jonathan Witt joins The Denison Forum Podcast to discuss this central question of his book, A Meaningful World: How the Arts and Sciences Reveal the Genius of Nature

When we encounter, discover, or help to create things in our world t...

In this special episode of The Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Mark Turman respond to the devastating floods in Kerrville, Texas, and the surrounding area. Offering both pastoral wisdom and biblical insight, they wrestle with the hard questions that arise in moments of suffering: Why does God allow disasters like this? How can we respond with faith, compassion, and hope?

Whether you’re grieving personally or looking f...

On this episode of the Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman welcomes theologian and scientist Dr. Alister McGrath for a thought-provoking conversation on the relationship between science, faith, and the rise of New Atheism. Together, they examine the influence of voices like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens, and how their arguments have ironically led some to consider the Christian faith more seriously. 

Dr. Tom Rudelius shares his remarkable journey from scientific skepticism to Christianity, guided by his twin brother, challenged by a polygraph test, and ultimately compelled by the story of Jesus. In this thoughtful conversation, he explores how science and faith are not at odds but offer complementary ways of understanding reality.

In this conversation with Denison Forum Executive Director Dr. Mark Turman, Dr. ...

Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Dr. Stephen Meyer, director of the Center for Science and Culture at Discovery Institute and author of Return of the God Hypothesis, Darwin’s Doubt, and Signature in the Cell. Together, they explore how recent scientific discoveries—from the origin of the universe to the fine-tuning of the cosmos and the digital code found in DNA—point to the reality of an intelligent designer. Dr. Meyer also reflects...

In this special Father's Day episode, Mark Turman, executive director of Denison Forum, sits down with Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Ryan Denison to explore the meaning and calling of fatherhood through a biblical lens. They discuss why Scripture’s view of fathers matters, the surprising history behind Father’s Day, and what it means that Christians call God “Father.” With personal stories and theological reflection, the conversation...

Join Mark Turman, Executive Director of Denison Forum, as he sits down with Jason Pieratt, President of Children's Relief International (CRI). In this episode, they discuss the mission and work of CRI, which focuses on meeting both physical and spiritual needs in some of the world's poorest regions. Learn about Jason's personal journey from reluctant teacher to dedicated missionary, and the incredible impact of CR...

On this special Q&A episode of the Denison Forum Podcast, host Mark Turman is joined by Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Ryan Denison to answer your questions on some of today’s most pressing faith topics. They explore the role of the Pope, Christian nationalism, and the popular Chosen TV series and offer practical insights on what it means to live redemptively in today’s world. 

You’ll also hear thoughtful discussion on the government’s...

On this episode of the Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Dr. Hormoz Shariat for a thought-provoking conversation at the crossroads of artificial intelligence and Christian faith. With a PhD in AI and a heart for gospel ministry in Iran, Dr. Shariat brings a rare and insightful perspective to the digital revolution shaping our world.

Together, they explore how AI has developed over time, what it means for the futu...

On this episode of the Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman welcomes Leigh Scarborough, founder and CEO of Shield of the Children, for a sobering yet vital conversation about the global crisis of child sex trafficking. Drawing from his firsthand work in Southeast Asia and beyond, Leigh shares the harsh realities of trafficking, including the distinction between “soft” and “hard” rescues, the long-term harm caus...

In this episode of the Denison Forum Podcast, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Ryan Denison for a thoughtful conversation on the history and diversity within the Christian faith. Together, they explore the key moments that shaped the church, including the Great Schism, the Protestant Reformation, and Vatican II. They also discuss the rise of non-denominational churches and what it looks like t...

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 t...

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 convict...

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 t...

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 abou...

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 insecu...

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 tod...