Culture Brief - Christian perspectives on the week's biggest news, sports & pop-culture stories

In this week's Brief: Conner is joined by Jonathan Becker, a Denison Forum contributing writer and student minister to dive into his recent article on the viral rise of self-proclaimed apostle Kathryn Krick and the New Apostolic Reformation and why Jonathan says this movement is a real danger to evangelicalism. It's a conversation about discernment, false teaching, and why we bow to Christ alone.
From there, Jonathan breaks down his research on Gen Z and worship to offer answers to the question: why are a growing number of young Christians drawn to old-school, liturgical churches over flashy contemporary services? 
Plus, the guys remember actress Hayden Panettiere, break down the stunning $12.5 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, and preview this weekend's IndyCar race around the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Topics
(0:00) Introduction
(2:47) Meet Jonathan Becker
(3:52) Katherine Krick explained
(6:23) Viral Katherine Krick deliverance videos
(11:02) Seven Mountain Mandate
(14:05) Why NAR is dangerous
(17:00) We bow only to Christ
(19:15) Discernment on deliverance
(22:06) Gen Z worship trends
(28:03) Advice for church leaders
(31:46) Check-in: celebrity loss
(34:19) Lakers billion-dollar sale
(37:03) Tune in: DC Grand Prix
(38:45) Conclusion

Resources
Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
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Articles on this week’s top headlines:
The Dangers of Kathryn Krick and the New Apostolic Reformation
What Gen-Z is telling the contemporary church

About Conner Jones
Conner Jones is the Managing Editor at Denison Forum 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-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.
About Jonathan Becker
Jonathan Becker is a student of Scripture and a lover of ecumenism. His greatest passion is theology and helping others unpack the Bible in the ways they can understand and apply it. He currently serves as the Student Minister at Marvin Methodist Church (GMC) in Tyler, TX and as Adjunct Faculty in Biblical Studies & Christian Ministry at Heritage Bible College (NC). He holds an MA in Biblical Literature from Wesley Biblical Seminary and plans to begin his PhD in Theology in 2027 after completion of his DMin from Truett Seminary.
About Denison Forum
Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.
All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

In this week's Brief: the U.S. has burned through a staggering share of its missile stockpile in the war with Iran — Patriot interceptors down over 50%, THAAD missiles depleted by 80%. Conner and Micah break down why replenishing these stockpiles takes years, and what it means for U.S. readiness. But they land on the reminder that while we can't control geopolitics, we can cast our anxieties on the God who holds it all.
From there, they dig into Tucker Carlson's rumored third-party ambitions and why there may actually be an appetite among Americans for a new political party with record-high frustration with both parties. Conner and Micah discuss whether this movement could actually reshape American politics, or if it's more style than substance.
Plus, Trump's secret Air Force One switcheroo over a credible assassination threat, two former NBA players filing for the WNBA draft to force a reckoning on eligibility, and Ella Langley's "Choosin’ Texas" closing in on the all-time Billboard record. Micah also says (see you later) as he steps back from his regular seat behind the mic.
Topics
(0:00) Introduction
(1:58) Iran war context
(5:50) Missile stockpile crisis
(15:44) Geopolitical risks ahead
(17:10) Faith over anxiety
(22:29) Tucker and Greene fallout
(25:41) Polling fuels realignment
(27:16) Can third parties win
(34:38) Micah steps back
(38:17) A New Kind of News
(41:18) Air Force One switcheroo
(44:06) WNBA eligibility debate
(45:42) Song of the summer
(48:52) Conclusion

Resources
Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
Culture Brief Instagram
Watch on Youtube 
Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Articles on this week’s top headlines:
U.S. has used nearly all its stockpile of long-range missiles in Iran war, sources say
Renewed Iran War Would Test Diminished Interceptor Inventories
Replacing an SM-3 Interceptor Takes Up to 64 Months. The US Military Just Spent Half Its Stock on Iran.
America’s depleted weapons stockpiles undermine Trump’s leverage with Iran
Pentagon pushing defense contractors to speed up weapons production
Ukraine May Be Just the Ally America Needs

About Conner Jones
Conner Jones is the Managing Editor for Denison Forum 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-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.
About Micah Tomasella
Micah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry.
About Denison Forum
Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.
All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

In this week's Brief: Conner is joined by Denison Forum writer Parker Jones to unpack the WNBA's summer of controversy, as Sophie Cunningham's stand for biological reality in women's sports proves that common sense still wins out.
From there, they break down the chaos on the Spanish-Moroccan border, where 72,000 migrants rushed into the enclave of Ceuta in a single day, driven largely by rumors on social media, and more than 80 people died crossing. Conner and Parker land on a call to pray for the gospel in a region that badly needs it.
Plus, Trump calls off a major strike on Iran, movie theaters post their biggest weekend ever behind "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" and "The Odyssey," and the Dodgers add ace Tarik Skubal amid MLB lockout fears — all pointing back to one truth: God's Word shows us what's best.
Topics
(0:00) Introduction
(1:09) WNBA controversy setup
(3:26) Sophie Cunningham spotlight
(11:07) Common sense and faith lens
(17:19) Spain Morocco border crisis
(27:13) Human cost of migration
(30:04) Politics and EU backlash
(34:31) Mailbag and hot takes
(35:30) Iran strike called off
(38:29) Odyssey and Spider-Man
(41:31) MLB trades and lockout
(44:32) Conclusion

Resources
Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
Culture Brief Instagram
Watch on Youtube 
Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Articles on this week’s top headlines:
Sophie Cunningham and the transgender sports controversy
Love her or hate her, Sophie Cunningham won't be ignored
Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton suspended by league for 5 games after interaction with fans
Sophie Cunningham’s Common Sense
Transwoman Elite Athletes: Their Extra Percentage Relative to Female Physiology
EU commends Spain's 'swift response' to Ceuta migrant crisis
What Really Happened in Ceuta
Runaway online rumors sparked frantic rush by migrants to the Spanish territory of Ceuta
The fallout from the Ceuta border rush shows extreme, populist views are now mainstream

About Parker Jones
Parker is the Groups Pastor at Midway Church in Pilot Point, TX. He received a Bachelor's degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Dallas Baptist University and recently completed a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Southern Seminary. Parker's main interests include baseball, football, history, and current events. He loves fishing, attending Texas Rangers games, and spending time with his wife and two daughters.

About Conner Jones
Conner Jones is the Managing Editor for Denison Forum 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-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.
About Denison Forum
Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.
All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

In this week's Brief: Conner's out, so Micah and Josh take the reins for a deep dive on two questions everyone's asking. First: Should we be worried about data centers? They break down what one actually is, why North Texas is suddenly full of them, and the real pros and cons behind the fights breaking out over land, water, and power, landing on whether this technology is being built with integrity.
From there, they tackle why everything feels so expensive, running real numbers on gas, beef, electricity, and coffee since Culture Brief launched, and unpacking the causes: oil instability, a shrinking cattle herd, data centers straining the grid, and tariffs. They flag a striking Gallup stat showing that Americans feel worse about their finances now than in 2008 or during the pandemic.
Plus, a challenge from Scripture: when money's tight for everyone, it's a chance to be generous, not silent.
Topics
(0:00) Introduction
(1:37) Why data centers everywhere
(5:35) What is a data center
(8:30) The case for data centers
(15:26) The case against data centers
(20:43) Christian wisdom and integrity
(24:42) Why everything so expensive
(25:07) Price check since launch
(27:56) Everyday costs spike
(29:48) Polls show anxiety
(30:51) Stock market disconnect
(35:04) Why prices rise
(37:35) Electricity and data centers
(39:18) Tariffs and politics
(45:37) Church steps up
(48:26) Radical generosity
(49:57) Conclusion 

Resources
Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
Culture Brief Instagram
Watch on Youtube 
Sign-up for a Denison Forum newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Articles on this week’s top headlines:
A Peace Plan for the Data Center Wars
Why Mark Cuban says many AI data centers could wind up as 'pickleball courts'
AI revolution arrives in North Texas: Nvidia and Wistron launch manufacturing plant in Fort Worth
Consumer Price Index Summary
Americans’ evaluations of the economy remain negative
Americans feel worse off financially than at any point in 25 years, Gallup finds
The AI boom’s hidden electricity bill — and why you’re paying it
Beef prices hit record highs as nationwide cattle inventory drops to lowest level in 70 years
Tracking the Impact of the Trump Tariffs & Trade War
NAR Existing-Home Sales Report Shows 2.4% Decrease in June

About Josh Miller
Josh Miller is the Chief Executive Officer at Denison Ministries. He is also a disciple of Jesus, husband, and father. A Christian leader, author, and songwriter, Josh brings over 20 years of ministry experience—from global worship tours to pastoral leadership. He lives in Plano, Texas with his wife and two sons, fueled by faith, craft coffee, and a love for tacos.
About Micah Tomasella
Micah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry.
About Denison Forum
Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.
All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.

In this week's Brief: We look back at a World Cup that exceeded every expectation. It brought millions together, introduced Americans to the world's biggest sport, and reminded us that shared joy is still possible in an increasingly divided culture. Why did this tournament resonate so deeply, and what can Christians learn from it? We dive in!
From there, Conner offers a hot (warm?) take on commercials. Then we unpack President Trump's address on election integrity, discuss the latest developments in the Middle East, the arrests of Andrew and Tristan Tate, Ryan Fox's surprise Open Championship victory, Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" dominating the box office, and why Christians should resist cynicism by letting Scripture—not the headlines—shape how we see the world.
Topics
(0:00) Introduction
(1:17) Spain wins it all
(3:03) World Cup halftime show reactions
(6:09) World Cup unites America
(8:06) New stars and Messi tribute
(16:49) DFW World Cup encounters
(20:30) Scripture over headlines
(21:55) Denison Forum mission
(25:57) Trump election speech recap
(28:14) Iran conflict update
(29:51) Tate brothers arrested
(31:17) British Open highlights
(32:18) Masters lottery heartbreak
(33:02) Nolan Odyssey box office
(34:32) Conclusion

Resources
Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
Culture Brief Instagram
Watch on Youtube 
Sign-up for Denison Forum newsletters: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Articles on this week’s top headlines:
Spain wasn’t the only World Cup winner
‘I Never Want It to End’: The Surprise Economic Boost for World Cup Host Cities
America Is Going to Really, Really Miss the World Cup
The Gooooooool of the 2026 World Cup, according to Telemundo
The Death Toll of U.S. Service Members Rises to 17 Over the Weekend

About Conner Jones
Conner Jones is the Managing Editor at Denison Forum 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-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.
About Micah Tomasella
Micah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry.
About Denison Forum
Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.
All episodes are produced by Sound of a Rose. For more information, you can visit soundofarose.com.