Older episodes
- 337Episode 337: Theology Mailbag & the Death of Plinky PeteDoes using medicine mean we distrust God? Are all sins really the same? Don't annihilationists and atheists believe the same thing? You asked and we answer in this week's special mailbag show. Plus, a Canadian denomination allows an atheist to be a pastor. Can we solve the abortion battle by going for the Democrat's "Green New Deal? New data says most Christian millennials think evangelism is wrong. Plus, Phil and Skye react to the Super Bowl half-time show and debate who murdered Phil's ukulele.
- 338Ep 338: Bogus Bible Diets, LGBs Rethink Ts, and Bob Jones U.Bob Jones University didn't admit black students until the 1970s and didn't permit interracial dating until 2000. For decades the school was a symbol of white Christian racism, so why did Theon Hill, an African-American who grew up near Chicago, choose to attend BJU? Hill is now a professor at Wheaton College and shares what he learned about faith and racism from his undergraduate years at Bob Jones. Also this week, Phil and Skye discuss the rising popularity of Bible-based diets like the Daniel Plan and why they're more American than Christian. Some feminist and gay leaders are becoming concerned that the transgender movement is eroding the intellectual foundations of feminism and homosexuality. Plus, new research finds millennials are too lazy to eat cereal.
- 339Episode 339: Politics & the Crisis of Discipleship with Michael WearMichael Wear has seen the intersection of faith and politics from the inside. Having worked in the White House and for political campaigns, Wear says the current state of politics reveals a crisis of discipleship in the American church. He talks with Skye about the way politics is shaping our faith when it ought to be the other way around. They also discuss the 2020 presidential candidates & their mixed messages about faith. Also this week, Phil and Skye discuss why the Swiss gave up on their plan to send reality TV stars to Mars, cow vigilantes unleash violence in India, and new research indicates religious kids may be nice but dumb.
- 340Ep 340: Spineless Morons & Fragile SnowflakesWhat causes "Trump-fever"? According to Baptist pastor and Trump cheerleader, Robert Jeffress, it's all about abortion. He calls never-Trump evangelicals "spineless morons" because they won't admit that Trump has been an effective pro-life president. Is he right? Not according to a new book called "Alienated America" by Timothy Carney. His data says cultural pessimism explains why some Republican towns embraced Trump in the primaries while other rejected him. Could that also explain his evangelical support? And Drew Dyck is back to discuss a new book on how we've made a generation of Americans into fragile snowflakes.
- 341Episode 341: Adolescence Isn't What It Used to Be w/ Kara Powell & Steven ArgueIn the past, the transition from childhood to adulthood was just a few awkward years. New research says the transition is now much, much longer. According to Kara Powell and Steve Argue from the Fuller Youth Institute, childhood is ending earlier with 14-year-olds encountering very adult issues, while many 28-year-olds continue to live like teenagers. How do we respond as parents and faith communities to this prolonged adolescence? Powell and Argue are here to discuss their new book, "Growing With," and their insightful research on the topic. Also this week: Professional female athletes in the UK are accused of bigotry for objecting to transgender women in sports, and Phil gets excited about glitter-farting trolls.
- 342Episode 342: Rethinking Christian Leadership with Dr. Eugene HabeckerOur culture talks a lot about leadership—both inside and outside the church. With so many conferences and resources dedicated to making Christian leaders, why are we seeing so many scandals? Gene Habecker has given a lot of thought to this problem after leading numerous organizations. You'll find his perspective illuminating and surprising. Also this week, researchers discover bees can learn math leaving reality TV as the final thing separating humans from animals. Plus, Phil asks why women are more religious than men, and why African-Americans engage the Bible more than any other Americans.
- 343Episode 343: Politics Panel at Taylor UniversitySkye's in Hong Kong, Christian is interviewing French senior citizens, and Phil is writing scripts and playing with puppets—so, we have a special episode this week. Last month, Skye was part of a panel discussion on politics at Taylor University. We captured the audio to share with you. The other speakers include Nina Barnes (Vice President of Student Life, University of Northwestern), Alan Noble (Co-founder of Christ & Pop-Culture), and Michael Wear (Chief Strategist for the AND Campaign). We'll be back next week with a regular episode.
- 344Episode 344: Outrage, Evangelicals, & Anuses with Ed StetzerBack in 2009, a widely read article predicted "the coming evangelical collapse" would occur within ten years. Well, it's 2019 and evangelicals are still here, but where are they heading? Pastor, professor, author, and researcher, Ed Stetzer is back on the show to discuss new data about evangelicalism, the rise of Christian nationalism, and why the growth of secularism may be a good thing for the church. Phil and Skye also talk to him about his book, "Christians in the Age of Outrage," and what exactly is the difference between Fundamentalists and Evangelicals? Also this week—Azusa Pacific's LGBT stance confuses everyone, Lifeway bookstores are disappearing, and so are jellyfish anuses.
- 345Episode 345: Torah! Torah! Torah! with Dr. John WaltonOld Testament professor and friend of the show, Dr. John Walton is back with his latest book in the "Lost World" series. This time he's tackling common misunderstandings about the Old Testament Law. Walton says modern people incorrectly see the Torah as legislation—laws to be obeyed, but that's not how Ancient Near Eastern cultures saw it. And the traditional division of OT laws into civil, moral, and ceremonial categories is also misguided. So what does that mean for us? Phil and Skye pepper the prof with questions. Also this week—archeologists find King Josiah under a parking lot (maybe), and herpes in space!
- 346Ep 346: Confronting the Evangelical Industrial Complex with Julie RoysChristian's finally back! The podcast trio give updates on their recent travels and projects. Phil's making a new VeggieTales show, Christian's making a WWII documentary, and Skye missed his ship and ate a frog. They also discuss new research that says cultivating awe makes us into better people. So why does modern Christianity work so hard to make God understandable and the world controllable? Then Skye interviews journalist Julie Roys about her reporting that led to James McDonald's firing from Harvest Bible Chapel, and the broader challenges facing an evangelicalism driven by money, celebrity, and poor accountability. And are online whistleblowers really helping, or are they becoming a new expression of the same problem—powerful voices with no accountability?
- 347Ep 347: The Inexpressible Lovingkindness of God with Michael CardIt's been five years since the conservative Christian revenge fantasy film, God's Not Dead, hit theaters. The Holy Post crew reflects on its impact and implications. Historian Mark Noll looks at the new shape of world Christianity (hint: it's a lot less white than it used to be). And Skye talks with songwriter, author, and theologian Michael Card about the inexpressible lovingkindness of God. Oh, and Phil is fascinated by the connection between Earth's magnetic field and dog poop.
- 348Ep 348: Preachers, Sneakers, & Post-Church BelieversIs it okay for a pastor to wear $5,000 shoes? How about $500 sneakers? What if they were a gift? What if the pastor serves an affluent, brand-savvy community? Phil and Skye engage the "PreachersNSneakers" debate and unpack the cultural nuances. A new survey finds most people believe in God, but church involvement is rapidly declining. The reasons are complex, but Skye says the preaching-focused structure of most churches needs to be rethought in the Internet Age. Also this week, a Florida "saint" wants to destroy the world with his turtle army.
- 349Episode 349: Brain Damaged Fundamentalists & the Failure of LiberalismIt's a potpourri week on the podcast. Phil sees evidence of God in self-sacrificing insects. Former congresswoman Michelle Bachman calls Trump "highly biblical" and "godly." Skye would like to reverse engineer what Bible she's reading. Scientists find a link between fundamentalism and brain damage. Plus, Drew Dyck is back to discuss why democracy is failing everywhere and the magical thinking behind multi-level marketing.
- 350Episode 350: The Christian Wisdom of Cognitive DissonanceJesus told us to "not judge," but what does that really mean? In a special segment called "Christian Asks..." normally only available to Holy Post's Patreon supporters, Skye and Christian discuss what it means to live with discernment but not judgment in a pluralistic culture. While talking about capital punishment, gay marriage, and immigration, they unpack why fundamentalism on both the right and left is so appealing, and why we must avoid both. Also this week—a new parody movie called "Faith-Based" has the crew asking what makes something "faith-based"? And does overlooking Trump's immorality while condemning Bill Clinton's make white evangelicals hypocritical Christians or faithful Republicans?
- 351Episode 351: The Opposite of Poverty Isn't the American DreamSkye often tries to bring economics into the show's theological discussions. This week his dream comes true with guests Brian Fikkert (an economist) and Kelly Kapic (a theologian), co-authors of "Becoming Whole." They say our ideas about God's mission are too entangled with Western materialism on the one hand, and not material enough on the other. This conversation will really challenge your assumptions. Also this week, the IRS says the Satanic Temple is a legitimate religion, The Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue now has a model in a burka and hijab, and should we be happy or worried about Kanye West talking a lot about Jesus and leading "Sunday Service" concerts?
- 352Episode 352: Athleisure, Abortion, and Ancient Squirrels with Mike NawrockiAre yoga pants causing an increase in liposuction? Phil links the popularity of tight-fitting "athleisure" clothing to rising insecurity about one's physical appearance. Televangelists are selling gold Trump prayer coins featuring the President and King Cyrus. And the crew talks about the new strict abortion laws in Alabama and Georgia. Skye explains why overturning Roe v. Wade won't solve the issue. And has tribal politics made a common-sense compromise on the issue impossible? Plus, Phil's VeggieTales partner and voice of Larry the Cucumber, Mike Nawrocki, talks about his newest project. `
- 353Episode 353: Beating Guns into Garden Tools with Shane ClaiborneGuns kill an average of 105 Americans every day. Shane Claiborne is on a mission to change that with a converted school bus and a forge. He is literally beating guns into gardening tools & challenging our culture's addiction to violence in the process. He talks with Skye about the legal and spiritual problem we're facing. Also this week... Experts warned Netflix its series "13 Reasons Why" would cause an increase in teen suicide. That's exactly what happened but Netflix doesn't seem to care. Have the Harry Potter books replaced the Bible as Millennials' foundational text? And why are more Americans impervious to facts?
- 354Episode 354: Persecution, Privilege, & Identity Politics with John FeaIn a number of recent commencement speeches at Christian colleges, Vice President Mike Pence has been warning graduates about the hostility of our culture toward Christians. Historian John Fea is back to talk about what Pence gets right, and what he gets wrong, about the persecution of evangelicals in the U.S. Plus, Fea shares his theory about why regular church attendees are the most likely to still support Trump. Also this week, an evangelical activist is guilty of "astroturfing" Muslims. Airports try to ban Chick-Fil-A and Hollywood studios boycott states passing abortion restrictions. And is conservative politics killing white churches?
- 355Episode 355: The Future of the Church with Mike Erre (Part 1)Friend of the show, Mike Erre (aka, the bald Buckeye with a brain), celebrated the 200th episode of his show—the Vox Podcast—by inviting Skye to join him for a conversation about the future of the church in America. Will we lose tax-exempt status? Will progressive social and sexual views win? And how did the Cold War give us modern evangelicalism? Also this week, is Bill Gates flushing away his fortune by trying to reinvent the toilet? An 80-year Harvard study has finally discovered the key to happiness, but a "happiness expert" in the U.K. disagrees and says we should all stop having children. Plus, why are religious couples more sexually satisfied?
- 356Episode 356: The Future of the Church with Mike Erre (Part 2)Mike Erre is back for the second part of his conversation with Skye on the future of the church in America. This time they talk about the difference between "Cold War" Christianity and "Game of Thrones" Christianity. Plus, why does it feel like everything in the culture—including faith and politics—is being pushed to the extremes? What happened to the middle ground and can it be recovered? Also this week, the Ark Encounter amusement park is suing its insurance provider for not covering flood damage. Gay characters are becoming more common on children's television which causes Phil to revisit Jerry Falwell's crusade against Tinky Winky—the ambiguously gay Telletubbie. Plus, Beth Moore is on a mission to shine a light on the sexism and misogyny within the Southern Baptist Convention, but is there more than complementarian theology behind the criticism she's now receiving?
- 357Episode 357: Nones Love Nuns & Us Versus Them with David FitchAccording to David Fitch, the contemporary church has become an "enemy-making machine" that thrives by identifying and amplifying threats. He talks with Skye about his new book, "The Church of Us vs Them," how anger has come to dominate our communities, and the practices that can help us break this pattern. Also this week, Phil shares the unlikely movement of non-religious millennials moving into convents with nuns. That leads to a discussion about Disney-themed gay weddings, babies and bath water, and new research that says millennials are more "spiritual" than older Americans. Plus, scientists use stem cells to grow a nose on a woman's spine.
- 358Episode 358: Christians vs. Satanist in Offensive Prayer Showdown with John InazuPrepare to be offended. Phil has written a new Bible and Skye's offended at what passes as a "Bible" these days. Jerry Falwell Jr. is offended that Russell Moore has the audacity to comment about moral issues without being a business owner. Everyone else is offended by Falwell. A Christian lawmaker offended non-Christians with her prayer in the Pennsylvania state legislature, and Christians are offended when a Satanist offers the opening prayer at a government meeting in Alaska. Skye discusses these cases with law and religion professor, John Inazu, as well as other recent rulings by the Supreme Court.
- 359Episode 359: Declining Marriage, Mammal Brains, & Turkey MurderWhy are fewer people getting married? One study says it's because weddings have become too expensive. Skye isn't buying it. Phil explains why dads are responsible for our large brains, and gives ammo to social conservatives in the process. And Christian's back! (Sort of.) In a special segment of "Christian Asks," she talks with Skye about his recent devotional series about idols. That leads to a conversation about the right and wrong way to read the Bible, the concept of narrative fallacy, and slaughtering turkeys.
- 360Episode 360: The Christian Case for Reparations with Theon HillShould the United States compensate the descendants of African slaves? If so, what should that compensation look like? And what does Christian faith have to say about repentance and reparation for wrongs committed by prior generations? Dr. Theon Hill is back on the show to talk about recent congressional hearings on the matter, and his conversation with Skye might surprise you. Also this week, a church in Indiana is paying off medical debts. For the first time ever, Canada has surpassed the U.S. as the most welcoming country to refugees. That launches Phil and Skye into a history of U.S. immigration policies. Christian singer Nichole Nordeman wrote an open letter to Franklin Graham asking him to send "Operation Christmas Child" shoeboxes to kids in detention centers at the Southern border. Is Graham's silence a result of his support for Trump and his border policies? And "love" for Donald Trump is causing a rift among evangelicals.
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