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 reflect on the example of professional golfer Scottie Scheffler, whose quiet faith continues to speak louder than his success. Finally, the group offers biblical wisdom for families navigating youth sports and the challenge of keeping Christ at the center.
Whether you're deeply invested in the sports world or simply curious about its cultural impact, this conversation offers helpful, faith-first perspectives on one of the most influential forces in American life today.
Topics
- (00:24): Meet the hosts
- (02:17): Culture Brief podcast insights
- (05:33): The slowest sports day of the year
- (08:18): The ESPYs and sports media
- (11:22): Personal sports fandom
- (17:20): Scottie Scheffler's perspective on golf and life
- (23:32): Biblical perspectives on sports
- (27:57): The evolution of college sports compensation
- (33:34): Exploitation of families in NIL deals
- (35:34): Spiritual reflections on NIL inequities
- (41:12): The rise of sports gambling
- (46:10): The impact of gambling on athletes and fans
- (55:45): Balancing faith and sports in family life
- (01:05:07): Final thoughts and reflections
Resources
- Ask Us Anything: info@denisonforum.org
- How has Denison Forum impacted your faith?
- Sports betting culture negatively impacts mental health; NCAA works to support student-athletes
- Scottie Scheffler before winning The Open: “This is not a fulfilling life”
- Why March Madness can be both a joy and a danger
- What watching sports says about our souls
- What Travis Hunter’s Heisman win says about our culture
- MLB’s Faith and Family events can expand our view of evangelism
- March Madness tips off today: How the NCAA tournament became a cultural phenomenon
- Babe Ruth, the curse of the Bambino, and seeking truth over perception
About Dr. Ryan Denison
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.
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-cultu
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