Faith & Clarity - Biblical Perspectives and Biblical Wisdom on News & Cultural Issues

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman sits down with Brett McCracken, senior editor at The Gospel Coalition, to discuss his book The Wisdom of Sleep and why sleep and rest are biblically significant, countercultural practices in a chaotic, achievement-driven world. Brett shares what drew him to a theology of sleep, the balance between work and rest, and how prioritizing sleep can be an act of trust in God and a witness to others. Together, they discuss research linking poor sleep to major health risks, the importance of good sleep "stewardship," and the role of limits in Christian maturity. The conversation explores sleep as a daily reminder of mortality and resurrection hope, the science and theology of dreams, and practical approaches to Sabbath as communal worship and grateful enjoyment of God's gifts. Topics (0:00) Introduction (1:30) Why write about sleep (5:30) Work rest balance (8:12) Culture sleep myths (11:21) Sleep crisis stats (18:08) Bible on sleep (19:56) Sleep versus rest (22:06) Sleep as trust (38:59) Dreams in Scripture (40:08) Science of dreaming (43:24) Spiritual warfare at night (46:33) Remembering dreams (48:06) Sabbath as trust (52:12) Communal Sabbath savoring (55:54) Where to find The Wisdom of Sleep book (57:03) Conclusion Resources The Gospel Coalition website Brett McCracken’s website Ask Us Anything: [email protected] Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe About Brett McCracken Brett McCracken is a senior editor for The Gospel Coalition and a leading voice at the intersection of faith, culture, and the arts. For two decades he has written articles and books that have helped Christians love the church, understand cultural trends, and engage the arts with thoughtful appreciation and biblical discernment. In recent years his focus has been on how the digital age shapes souls and erodes wisdom. This emphasis began with his influential 2021 book, The Wisdom Pyramid, followed by a co-edited project in 2025, Scrolling Ourselves to Death. His newest book, The Wisdom of Sleep(Zondervan Reflective, 2026), doubles as a theological reflection on rest and a critique of our optimization-obsessed technological moment. Born and raised in Tulsa and Kansas City, Brett attended Wheaton College (IL) before venturing west to California, where he received an M.A. at UCLA (Cinema & Media Studies). He’s called Southern California home ever since. From 2008 to 2017 he worked at Biola University, where he met and married his wife Kira. The week he met Kira was also the week Brett’s first book, Hipster Christianity, was released. He invited her to the book-release party and she came. The rest is history! Brett and Kira now live in Orange County, where they are raising four delightful young children and attend church at Southlands Church Santa Ana. About Dr. Mark Turman Dr. Mark Turman 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 Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake 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 degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco. Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five 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. About Denison Forum Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org. All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Ryan Denison to discuss finding "hope beyond the headlines" in the wake of 9/11's 25-year milestone and an uncertain future. Jim distinguishes hope from optimism, describing hope as a better future paired with a plan grounded in faith and love. Together, they outline a "meta-crisis" of threats including terrorism, AI, genomics, and geopolitical tensions with China, and explore how younger generations have grown up amid constant crises and a relentless news cycle. Jim traces the historical roots of jihadist ideology, clarifies that radicalized Muslims represent a small minority, and unpacks the complexities around "political Islam" and Sharia, while Ryan defines the phrase "from the river to the sea" and Jim explains the Twelver Shia expectation of the Mahdi. The conversation closes with biblical perspectives on suffering, God's sovereignty and redemption, and the need for a personal, Spirit-empowered trust in Christ. Topics (0:00) Introduction (2:25) Faith hope love framework (3:03) Hope versus optimism (5:45) Certain hope series (7:04) Meta crisis threats (10:07) Generational anxiety (19:52) News cycle pressure (20:58) 9/11 and jihadist roots (24:48) Political Islam and Sharia (34:19) Sharia compared to Bible (41:10) Iran apocalyptic politics (47:10) Suffering and God's sovereignty (54:53) Romans 8 and realistic hope (1:12:07) Conclusion Resources Ask Us Anything: [email protected] Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe About Dr. Jim Denison Jim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening. 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 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. About Dr. Mark Turman Dr. Mark Turman 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 Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake 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 degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco. Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five 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. About Denison Forum Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org. All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman welcomes former U.S. Secret Service agent and 9/11 survivor Darin Kinder, who was stationed at 7 World Trade Center that day. Darin describes evacuating the complex, rendering first aid, helping people inside the North Tower, and narrowly surviving both tower collapses. He explains why he stayed silent for ten years, how mentors encouraged him to finally share his story, and how speaking and writing his book, Bury Me in a Dirty Suit, brought healing and a renewed mission to minister to men. Darin unpacks lessons from 9/11 on perseverance ("do the next thing"), being equipped, and finding "your guys" for strength and effectiveness, along with biblical courage grounded in God's presence and love and the difference between civilians and citizens, including the story of the 9/11 boatlift. He also shares the lasting impact on his wife after their brief phone call just before the collapse. Topics (0:00) Introduction (0:44) Meet Darin Kinder (3:17) Secret Service in NYC (4:09) Morning of 9/11 (5:08) From agent to responder (6:38) Writing for healing (8:51) “Do the next thing” motto (15:30) Untold 9/11 details (25:28) Biblical courage defined (30:12) Civilian versus citizen (33:59) Citizens of heaven (39:36) Marking 25 years (40:58) Finding purpose after (43:40) Bury Me Dirty Suit book (47:45) Where to connect (48:30) Conclusion Resources Darin Kinder’s website Bury Me in a Dirty Suit: Discovering Man's Valiant Purpose in the Aftermath of 9/11 Ask Us Anything: [email protected] Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe About Darin Kinder Darin Kinder is a former Special Agent of the United States Secret Service, where he spent 25 years protecting five US Presidents, other world leaders, and navigating high-stakes environments in 43 different countries. On September 11, 2001, he was on the ground in New York City when the World Trade Center was attacked, an experience that earned him the Secret Service Medal of Valor and forever shaped his faith and perspective on living with purpose. Darin delivers an unforgettable message forged in crisis, rooted in faith, and made relevant for churches and organizations today. Leaving behind a career tested at the highest levels of government protection, Darin has entered a new chapter as a sought-after keynote speaker. Darin is the author of the hard-hitting book, Bury Me in a Dirty Suit: Discovering Man’s Valiant Purpose in the Aftermath of 9/11. It’s a compelling memoir that explores what it means to lead with courage, live as citizens of heaven, and step into the mess when it matters most to fulfill your God-given purpose. Darin is a devoted husband and father to four sons and founder of Fierce Faith, an organization dedicated to inspiring and equipping the next generation with unwavering faith and teaching them to live with Valiant Purpose. Darin is a graduate of James Madison University and a former high school history teacher and coach. He loves the mountains, baseball, and any adventure that requires fortitude and grit. About Dr. Mark Turman Dr. Mark Turman 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 Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake 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 degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco. Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five 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. About Denison Forum Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org. All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

In this episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman welcomes Keith and Dee Ann Boyd to discuss the ongoing impact of 9/11 as the 25th anniversary approaches. The Boyds share how they moved from Texas to New York City in 1992, served for 25 years at Trinity Baptist Church in Manhattan, and raised three children in a diverse, multiethnic environment. Keith recounts walking to a pastors' prayer meeting at the Empire State Building, learning of the first crash, watching the North Tower fall from an office window, and later handing out water to people walking home when transportation shut down. Dee Ann describes being isolated in a salon during a magazine photo shoot, scrambling to find her children, and the city's sacred, non-casual way of remembering. Together, they reflect on communal grief, chaplain ministry at Ground Zero, the USS Comfort's departure, and moments of compassion, along with missed opportunities for lasting spiritual renewal, closing with a prayer for hope in Christ. Topics (0:00) Introduction (0:28) Why 9/11 still matters (1:07) Meet Keith and Dee Ann Boyd (7:13) Raising kids in Manhattan (10:49) Ministry in a diverse city (14:48) Keith remembers 9/11 (20:54) Dee Ann's 9/11 morning (23:32) Church response and aftermath (26:08) Communal grief in NYC (29:08) Red Cross chaplain at Ground Zero (31:13) USS Comfort silent tribute (43:19) Faith tensions after 9/11 (46:25) Church surge and missed moment (49:16) Marking the anniversary of 9/11 (54:03) Conclusion Resources Ask Us Anything: [email protected] Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe About Keith & Dee Ann Boyd Keith and Dee Ann Boyd lived in New York City for 26 years. Keith served as Lead Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church and Dee Ann served as Director of Leadership Development at The New York City Leadership Center. Keith and Dee Ann were in Manhattan on 9/11, as well as their children, who were in school, ages 9, 5 and 5 at the time. The Boyds now reside in Austin, TX where they enjoy their involvement with church, Young Life and 5 rambunctious grandchildren. About Dr. Mark Turman Dr. Mark Turman 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 Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake 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 degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco. Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five 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. About Denison Forum Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org. All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

In this "Ask Us Anything" episode of Faith & Clarity, Dr. Mark Turman is joined by Dr. Jim Denison and Dr. Ryan Denison for a relaxed conversation on navigating cultural chaos with biblical truth. Jim and Ryan unpack meta-narratives and meta-crisis, including how a nation's "cultural DNA" shapes current events and why overlapping crises can heighten anxiety, offering prayer and redemptive engagement as a faithful response. The conversation explores whether a cultural "vibe shift" is increasing openness to hope and spirituality, addresses concerns about Sharia law and religious freedom in American civic life, and reviews worsening conditions in Cuba amid U.S. pressure and CIA activity, with practical ways to pray for and support Cuban believers. They also touch on the post-Dobbs abortion landscape and the debate over transgender athletes in women's sports, closing with some light personal reflections on summer. Topics (0:00) Introduction (1:38) Meta narrative explained (4:15) America's cultural DNA (10:18) Cultural vibe shift (14:51) How history will judge us (19:20) Sharia law basics (24:11) Religious freedom and civic action (29:27) Cuba crisis update (33:29) Cuba's uncertain future (35:39) Praying and helping Cuba (37:33) Cuban church revival (43:16) God's sovereignty in exile (49:01) Post-Dobbs pro-life strategy (53:27) Trans athletes in the WNBA (59:01) Summer reflections (1:02:26) Conclusion Resources What does Democratic Socialism say about America’s future? Engelbert: WNBA to continue talks about transgender athletes next week Ask Us Anything: [email protected] Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe About Dr. Jim Denison Jim Denison, PhD, is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. He speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at Denison Forum. He is the chief author of The Daily Article and has written more than 30 books, including The Coming Tsunami, the Biblical Insight to Tough Questions series, and The Fifth Great Awakening. 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 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. About Dr. Mark Turman Dr. Mark Turman 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 Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Lake 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 degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco. Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for thirty-five years, including twenty-five 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. About Denison Forum Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of our day from a biblical perspective, helping believers discern today’s news and culture through the lens of faith. Led by Dr. Jim Denison and a team of contributing writers, we offer trusted insight through The Daily Article, a daily email newsletter and podcast, along with articles, podcasts, interviews, books, and other resources. Together, these form a growing ecosystem of Christ-centered content that equips readers to respond to current events not with fear or partisanship, but with clarity, conviction, and hope. To learn more visit DenisonForum.org. All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.