
Faith & Clarity - Biblical Perspectives and Biblical Wisdom on News & Cultural Issues
byDenison Forum
CommentaryNewsChristianityReligionSpirituality
Faith & Clarity goes beyond the headlines, helping you think biblically about the news and cultural issues shaping our world. Join Dr. Mark Turman and his guests for insightful conversations that combine intellectual depth with real-world application, equipping you to respond to current events and trends with wisdom and faith. Drawing from his nearly forty years of leading churches, Mark makes theology practical for everyday life, empowering you to engage culture with clarity, compassion, and conviction.
Episodes(40 episodes)

S5E3 - Faith and politics, yoga and Christian practice, salvation, and hope in a divided culture
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...
Published: Jan 21, 2026Duration: 1:06:55

S5E2 - How do I study the Bible when it feels boring?
In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Faith Womack, founder of Bible Nerd Ministries, for a thoughtful conversation about how we approach Scripture and why it matters. Faith shares how her own experiences with the misuse of the Bible shaped her desire to help others engage God’s word with humility, care, and genuine curiosity.Together, they explore what it looks like to move beyond treating the Bible as a task to be completed and instead encounter it as a living story that forms our faith. Faith offers practical insight into reading Sc...
Published: Jan 14, 2026Duration: 1:04:02

S5E1 - How do Christians stay human in an age of AI, anxiety, and division?
Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Dr. Ryan Denison, Jen Abohosh, and Alex Kondratev to open season five of Faith and Clarity with a thoughtful roundtable centered on what it means to remain fully human in an age of cultural confusion. Together, they reflect on Scripture, fear, hope, and the often-overlooked spiritual discipline of waiting on God, especially when the world feels loud, divided, and uncertain.The conversation moves across timely and challenging terrain, including the influence of media narratives, the growing role of AI, and the weight of political polarization. Rather than reacting to headlines, the...
Published: Jan 7, 2026Duration: 1:10:03

S4E55 - Do miracles still happen?
In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with bestselling author and apologist Lee Strobel for a thoughtful conversation about miracles and why they still matter, especially during the Christmas season. Lee reflects on his own journey from atheism to faith, sharing how evidence, honest questions, and personal transformation reshaped the way he understood God and the world.Together, they explore what miracles are, how to think about them with intellectual integrity, and why stories of God’s work, both dramatic and quiet, can open meaningful conversations about faith today. Drawing from his latest wo...
Published: Dec 16, 2025Duration: 51:10

S4E54 - How can Christians face anxiety without losing faith?
In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with author and cultural commentator Sara Billups to talk about anxiety and how it shows up in our bodies, our churches, and our culture, and how we can respond with faith and wisdom. Sara shares from her own life: caring for aging parents, navigating personal and family health concerns, and learning to live well amid persistent worry.They explore how anxiety shapes our daily lives, influences our relationships, and even colors the way we engage with the world around us. Drawing on her new book, Nervous...
Published: Dec 10, 2025Duration: 1:04:02

S4E53 - Managing holiday loneliness, controversial cloning, and the spiritual revival of Millennials and Gen Z
Dr. Mark Turman gathers with Josh Miller and Conner Jones for a heartfelt roundtable on some of the cultural and spiritual tensions many of us feel this time of year. Together, they reflect on the quiet ache of holiday loneliness, the pressure that often shadows our celebrations, and why intentional, grace-filled connection matters more than ever.The conversation also widens to consider the ethical questions surrounding cloning—what it means for human dignity, and how Christians can respond with both conviction and compassion. And in a hopeful turn, they look at the surprising spiritual momentum among younger ge...
Published: Dec 3, 2025Duration: 59:36

S4E52 - Navigating faith and political discussions with Gen Z
Dr. Mark Turman discusses the dynamics of intergenerational discussions with Mark Jones, Micah Tomasella, and Conner Jones, focusing on topics such as politics and faith. They share insights on meaningfully engaging younger generations, especially Gen Z, who are characterized by their spiritual curiosity and unique perspectives shaped by technology and social media. Their discussion emphasizes the importance of relationship-building over political debates, encouraging listeners to approach family gatherings with openness, prayerfulness, and a focus on understanding rather than confrontation.Topics(03:05): Understanding generational differences(06:00): The role of technology in shaping generations(08:52): Engaging college students in spiritual conversations(11:47...
Published: Nov 26, 2025Duration: 1:03:58

S4E51 - Why are so many young people struggling to find hope—and how can we help?
In this episode of Faith & Clarity, host Mark Turman welcomes Tim Altman, President and CEO of TheHopeLine, for a heartfelt and timely conversation about the growing need for hope among today’s young people—especially during the holiday season.Tim shares how TheHopeLine, a 24/7 online ministry, is meeting students and young adults right where they are—offering free, compassionate support through live chat to those struggling with loneliness, anxiety, and crisis. He and Mark talk about the realities facing this generation, from the isolating effects of social media to the rise in mental health challenges that leave many s...
Published: Nov 19, 2025Duration: 43:52

S4E50 - What can we learn from Africa’s growing church amid trial and persecution?
In this episode of Faith & Clarity, host Mark Turman sits down with Dr. Louis Blom, president of Judea Harvest, for an inspiring conversation about how God is moving across the continent of Africa.Dr. Blom shares his remarkable journey of faith—from growing up under apartheid in South Africa to leading a movement that has planted thousands of churches and trained countless pastors and evangelists. Through creative ministry tools, such as tent churches and solar-powered audio Bibles, Judea Harvest is helping to bring the gospel to some of the most remote and unreached communities in the world....
Published: Nov 12, 2025Duration: 47:33

S4E49 - How can Christians respond to persecution and defend religious freedom?
In this episode of Faith & Clarity, host Mark Turman welcomes Wissam al-Saliby, president of 21Wilberforce, for a rich conversation about God’s heart for religious freedom and the hope that drives advocacy around the world.Wissam shares his story of faith and calling, shaped by his years in Lebanon and his work at the United Nations in Geneva with the World Evangelical Alliance, where he championed the cause of 600 million evangelical Christians. From training national alliances in religious freedom to equipping leaders across the Middle East in human rights and humanitarian law, Wissam has seen firsthand both th...
Published: Nov 5, 2025Duration: 51:21

S4E48 - How can Christians navigate anxiety and negative thoughts?
In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Mark Turman sits down with author Chris Morris for an honest and deeply hopeful conversation about mental health and faith. Chris shares his personal story of walking through mental illness—and how God met him in the midst of despair after a suicide attempt. Together, they unpack common misconceptions Christians often have about mental health, the value of therapy and medication, and practical ways to quiet anxious thoughts. They also reflect on the gift of humor, community, and long-term relationships rooted in grace and truth. Whether you’re navigating your own struggles or supp...
Published: Oct 29, 2025Duration: 59:31

S4E47 - What is cultural apologetics and why is it critical for today’s culture?
In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Mark Turman sits down with Skyler Flowers, Program Director for The Carson Center for Theological Renewal, to talk about what it really means to practice cultural apologetics. Skyler, who also serves as an elder at Grace Bible Church and is pursuing his PhD in Systematic Theology, shares how faith and culture intersect in the everyday questions people are asking about identity, technology, politics, and more.Together, they reflect on voices like Augustine, C.S. Lewis, and Tim Keller, exploring how story, imagination, and truth work together to help people see the...
Published: Oct 22, 2025Duration: 55:04

S4E46 - Understanding the AI Bible, assisted suicide, congressional term limits & free speech
Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Conner Jones and Micah Tomasella from the Culture Brief podcast, as well as Dr. Ryan Denison, for a thoughtful roundtable on some of today’s most pressing cultural issues.Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the way we encounter Scripture—including the rise of an AI Bible—and what it means for people of faith seeking truth in a digital world. They also wrestle with the complex topic of assisted suicide, comparing global approaches while reflecting on the biblical call to uphold life and compassion in suffering.From t...
Published: Oct 15, 2025Duration: 1:04:45

S4E45 - Faith, science, and the call to hospitality with Dr. James Tour
Dr. Mark Turman sits down with world-renowned scientist Dr. James Tour for a conversation that bridges faith and science in remarkable ways. Dr. Tour shares his story of coming to faith in Jesus—how a secular Jewish student became a passionate follower of Christ—and what that journey has taught him about truth, reason, and grace.Together, they talk about the mysteries of life’s origin, the promises and pitfalls of artificial intelligence, and how Christian hospitality can open hearts to the gospel. Dr. Tour also reflects on his pioneering work in nanotechnology at Rice University and offers...
Published: Oct 8, 2025Duration: 51:17

S4E44 - How you can support kids and families in crisis in your community
On this episode of the Faith & Clarity podcast, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Adrien Lewis, founder of CarePortal. This platform connects people and resources to meet the real-time needs of children and families in crisis. Adrien shares how a single mission trip shifted his path from business to a life of serving vulnerable kids and how that moment of clarity sparked what would become CarePortal.Since its launch in 2015, CarePortal has been addressing a hidden foster care crisis in the US, where millions of children are referred to child protection agencies each year. By leveraging technology...
Published: Oct 1, 2025Duration: 53:11

S4E43 - How to discern God's will, manifesting vs biblical faith, the reality of hell, and God's unconditional love
In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman, Dr. Jim Denison, and Dr. Ryan Denison sit down to tackle some of the big questions on our listeners’ minds. Together, they explore how to seek God’s will in life’s major decisions, why “manifesting” has become popular among teenagers and how it differs from a biblical worldview, and what it means to deconstruct faith. They also talk through topics like the age of accountability, the reality of hell, polyamorous relationships, and how God’s unconditional love relates to his conditional blessings. This conversation offers honest, biblical insight and p...
Published: Sep 24, 2025Duration: 55:14

S4E42 - How can understanding the mind-body-spirit connection improve mental health struggles?
On this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman welcomes health coach and mental health advocate Erin Kerry for an honest conversation about the labels we carry and how to live beyond them. One in four Americans struggles with a diagnosable mental illness every year, and for many, those diagnoses come wrapped in stigma, shame, and judgment. Erin knows this firsthand. By age eighteen, she had been labeled with PTSD, depression, and bipolar disorder. Today, she’s living symptom-free and helping others find the same freedom.Drawing from her new book, Live Beyond Your Label: A Holistic Ap...
Published: Sep 17, 2025Duration: 1:04:59

S1E41 - How should Christians respond to the assassination of Charlie Kirk and rising violence in our culture?
In this special edition episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Dr. Jim Denison to discuss the somber implications of recent violent events, including the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk. Together they wrestle with hard questions—where is Jesus when tragedy strikes, and how should Christians respond in times of grief and fear? They talk about the rise of violence, the role of media, and the ways our culture is losing its ability to grieve well. Dr. Denison shares how Scripture anchors us in the reality of spiritual warfare while pointing us to the...
Published: Sep 11, 2025Duration: 49:05

S4E40 - Can Bonton Farms show us a better way to restore hope to struggling communities?
On this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman and Micah Tomasella sit down with Daron Babcock, Executive Director of Bonton Farms in Dallas. Daron shares his remarkable journey from brokenness to purpose, and how God led him to help rebuild a community long overlooked.Bonton Farms is more than an urban farm; it’s a place where lives are restored, jobs are created, and hope takes root. Daron explains the seven barriers that often hold people back and how this ministry is addressing them in practical, faith-filled ways.You’ll hear stories of redemption and...
Published: Sep 10, 2025Duration: 1:05:48

S4E39 - John Stonestreet on "Truth Rising" and courage in today’s culture
In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman and Dr. Ryan Denison are joined by John Stonestreet, President of the Colson Center, to talk about the new documentary Truth Rising. More than a film, Truth Rising is a call to courage in a time when faith, identity, and morality are being redefined. Through stories of ordinary people making an extraordinary impact, the documentary points us back to the unchanging truth of Christ. Listen in as Mark and Ryan explore why this cultural moment matters, how you can access the film and study guide, and what it looks like...
Published: Sep 5, 2025Duration: 43:20