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Faith and politics, yoga and Christian practice, salvation, and hope in a divided culture
Description
In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Ryan Denison for a thoughtful conversation about following Jesus faithfully in a confusing cultural moment. Together, they explore how Christians can seek wisdom, clarity, and hope when the questions feel complex and the headlines feel overwhelming.
The discussion touches on faith and leadership, the role of personal character, and how a biblical worldview shapes our engagement with culture and global issues. Mark and Jim also share writers and spiritual voices that have shaped their own journeys, offering meaningful recommendations for continued growth.
Ryan joins the conversation to respond to listener questions on everyday discipleship, including spiritual practices, relational boundaries, assurance of salvation, and what it means to live as a practicing Christian. The episode concludes with reflections on Gen Z and how believers can engage culture and politics with conviction, humility, and faith rather than fear.
Topics
- (0:00): Welcome to Faith & Clarity
- (2:29): Biblical expectations from government
- (7:31): Foreign policy and Christian perspective
- (13:34): Spiritual heroes: Henri Nouwen and C.S. Lewis
- (25:20): Discussing yoga in Christian context
- (30:31): Relational boundaries and forgiveness
- (37:39): Defining a practicing Christian
- (43:12): Judgment and rewards in heaven
- (46:34): Can a person lose their salvation?
- (51:15): Expository sermons and pastors in politics
- (58:37): Gen Z and the future of the church
Resources
- Ask Us Anything: info@denisonforum.org
- Gen Z Archives
- CS Lewis Foundation
- Henri Nouwen Society
- New Barna Data: Young Adults Lead a Resurgence in Church Attendance
About Dr. Jim Denison
Dr. Jim Denison is a Cultural Theologian and the Founder of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues through The Daily Article at DenisonForum.org. He is the author of over thirty books, including The Coming Tsunami: Why Christians Are Labeled Intolerant, Irrelevant, Oppressive, and Dangerous—and How We Can Turn the Tide; Respectfully, I Disagree: How to Be a Civil Person in an Uncivil Time; and the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series.
He has taught the philosophy of religion and apologetics at several seminaries. Dr. Denison serves as Resident Scholar for Ethics with Baylor Scott & White Health, where he addresses issues such as genetic medicine and reproductive science. He is also a senior fellow with CEO Forum, the International Alliance of Christian Education, and Dallas Baptist University’s Institute for Global Engagement.
He holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Dallas Baptist University. Dr. Denison is the Theologian in Residence for the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Prior to launching Denison Forum in 2009, he pastored churches in Texas and Georgia. Jim and his wife, Janet, have two married sons and four grandchildren.