Best Of: John Stonestreet on "Truth Rising" and courage in today’s culture

Note: This episode was originally published on September 5, 2025 and was one of our most popular conversations over the last 12 months. We're currently taking a summer break for the month of July, but we will be back with new episodes starting on August 5th.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 to stand with clarity and conviction today.Topics(0:00) Introduction(1:06) Podcast mission and scripture(2:25) Meet John Stonestreet(6:30) Colson Center mission(10:55) Truth Rising documentary overview(15:38) Os Guinness and his influence(19:22) Existential crisis and revival(25:14) Stories of courage and truth(29:44) Ayaan Hirsi Ali's journey(33:00) Chloe Cole and the power of truth(34:40) Jack Phillips: A stand for truth(37:36) The role of comedians and musicians in culture(41:13) Accessing the documentary and final thoughts(43:24) ConclusionResourcesHow has Denison Forum impacted your faith?Truth RisingTruth Rising YouTubeTruth Rising: The Study​​Truth Rising Film Instagram (@truthrisingfilm)Colson CenterA Practical Guide to Culture Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it MattersAsk Us Anything: info@denisonforum.orgSign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribeAbout John StonestreetJohn Stonestreet serves as president of the Colson Center. He’s a sought-after speaker and author on areas of faith and culture, theology, worldview, education and apologetics. John is the daily voice of Breakpoint, the nationally syndicated commentary on the culture founded by the late Chuck Colson. He has co-authored five books including A Practical Guide to Culture and Restoring All Things.  Before coming to the Colson Center in 2010, John served in various leadership capacities with Summit Ministries and was on the biblical studies faculty at Bryan College (TN). John is an ordained deacon in the Anglican Diocese of All Nations (Anglican Church of North America). He and his wife, Sarah, have four children and live in Colorado Springs, CO.  In addition to hosting the Truth Rising documentary, he also serves as the instructor for the small-group curriculum to be released after the film.About Dr. Ryan DenisonDr. Ryan Denison is the Senior Editor for Theology at Denison Forum and the author of The Focus newsletter, contributing writing and research to many of the ministry’s productions. He holds a PhD in church history from B. H. Carroll Theological Institute and an MDiv from Truett Seminary. Ryan has also taught at B. H. Carroll and Dallas Baptist University.He and his wife, Candice, l