Older episodes
- 433Episode 433: Ending the War on Drugs with Bonnie KristianIn November, seven states (both red and blue) had initiatives on their ballots to either decriminalize or legalize some drugs including marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and LSD. Every measure passed. As the U.S. continues to rapidly abandon its war on drugs, how should Christians respond? And if these addictive and dangerous substances are legalized, what happens next? Bonnie Kristian is back to talk about her recent op-ed arguing for an end to the drug war from an evangelical perspective. Also this week, another celebrity pastor has been removed from ministry causing Katelyn Beaty to ask, do we have a hot pastor problem? The crew debate why we want our church leaders to be attractive performers rather than spiritual leaders. A new study finds the U.S. is becoming more secular AND more religious at the same time. How do we bridge the divide? Plus, the Chinese pay $2 million for a Belgian pigeon. https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2020/november-web-only/christians-believe-we-end-drug-war-to-win-it.html
- 434Episode 434: Critical Theory & the Christian with David FitchConservatives have recently found a new boogeyman—Critical Theory. Even Mr. Trump has issued an executive order declaring Critical Theory to be "anti-American," and last week the presidents of six Southern Baptist seminaries said critical theory is incompatible with Christianity. Their statement, however, never defined what Critical Theory is nor what makes it unchristian. Theologian David Fitch is back to talk about the controversy and offers a more thoughtful way to assess which aspects of Critical Theory are useful, and not so useful, for Christians. Kaitlyn Schiess is also back with Phil and Skye to talk about the SBC's response, and why white evangelicals see some evils as personal (racism) and others as systemic (abortion)? Are there similar inconsistencies on the political left as well? Also this week: Portland pastor Rick McKinley says nationalism with Jesus' face is the religion of white Christians. That's not too risky to say in Portland, but what if you're a pastor in Dallas? Plus, can we please stop sharing "unspoken" prayer requests? https://religionnews.com/2020/12/01/southern-baptist-seminary-presidents-nix-critical-race-theory/ https://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/2020/12/the-new-religion-of-white-christians-steve-duin-column.html
- 435Episode 435: Enhanced Humans & the New Eugenics with Calum MacKellarAdvances in medical technology have produced a Covid-19 vaccine in record time, but some of these advances have a dark side. Gene editing technology may end some diseases, but should we interfere with the conception and birth of those who carry certain genes? And what about creating enhanced humans? Bioethicist Calum MacKellar joins Skye for an important, and somewhat disturbing conversation about the new era of eugenics we are entering. Also this week, the Holy Post crew discusses a new book about Millennials and burnout. What makes Millennials different from the Greatest Generation that endured the Great Depression and WWII? Are they struggling because of a breakdown in family and faith, or because of U.S. economic and political failures? Plus, is there still a place for public shaming? And, hand sanitizer + dog = chaos.
- 436Episode 436: The Jericho March, SBC vs. CRT (Cont.), & Evangelical ElitesTrump supporters who believe the election was stolen, including Eric Metaxas and the My Pillow Guy, marched on Washington D.C. to blow their horns and sell their merch. Notable was the absence of many of the President's evangelical allies. Why didn't they show? Influential black pastors are leaving the Southern Baptist Convention over their blanket opposition to Critical Race Theory. Given the SBC's racist heritage, have they chosen the wrong battle? Sociologist Ryan Burge reports on the widening gap between evangelical elites and those in the pews. It's becoming clear that the real leaders of evangelicalism aren't found in churches, seminaries, or denominations, but in conservative media. Also this week—Vietnamese honey bees outsmart murder hornets with chicken poop.
- 437Episode 437: Ham on Phil - A Brief History of Young Earth CreationismRecently, Young Earth Creation (YEC) champion Ken Ham took exception to Phil's statement that Ham "rejects mainstream science." In the flurry of social media activity that followed, a number of YEC experts took Phil to task, claiming he was wrong on several facts. Phil dug deeper and realized he WAS in fact wrong on a couple of things, but right on a bunch more. So this week Phil lays out what he got wrong and what he got right as we take a deep dive into the fascinating history of the movement called "Creation Science," or Ken Ham-style "Young Earth Creationism." Buckle up! It's a fun one!
- 438Episode 438: The Year that Unveiled Evangelicalism with John FeaWe're starting the new year with a look back. John Fea, history professor from Messiah College, author of "Believe Me: The Evangelical Road to Donald Trump," and the official historian of the Holy Post podcast, says 2020 was a year that "unveiled" the truth about American evangelicalism. He also explores how different court evangelicals have responded to Trump's loss, and what may happen next. Fea also looks at Phil's recent video about the history of evangelicalism, and how the Second Great Awakening shaped so much of what we're seeing today. Also this week—Skye goes skiing and Phil replaces Plinky Pete.
- 439Episode 439: Was the Capitol Attack a Christian Insurrection?Everyone is trying to make sense of the attack on the Capitol last week by a violent pro-Trump mob displaying Christian symbols—including us! Kaitlyn Schiess joins Phil, Skye, and Christian to talk through the madness. Skye explains why this attack is fundamentally different from political violence in America's past. Phil worries about the loss of objective truth and why responses on Facebook are so much worse than Twitter. The discuss why so many Christians and Christian leaders still support Donald Trump, and the crew unpacks articles from three evangelicals—Ed Stetzer, Michael Gerson, and David French—who say white evangelicalism must face a reckoning. But will it? https://www.holypost.com/post/america-has-seen-political-violence-before-why-the-maga-attack-is-different-more-dangerous https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/trumps-evangelicals-were-complicit-in-the-desecration-of-our-democracy/2021/01/07/69a51402-5110-11eb-83e3-322644d82356_story.html https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2021/01/10/after-donald-trump-evangelical-christians-face-reckoning-column/6601393002/ https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/only-the-church-can-truly-defeat
- 440Episode 440: Southern Shame Culture & How to Fight Racism w/Jemar TisbyJemar Tisby (The Color of Compromise) rejoins Phil to discuss his new book, How to Fight Racism. Actual, real steps to be part of the solution, not part of the problem! Plus David French posits that the American church has been infected with something called "Southern shame culture," which sends Phil on a journey into the "Lost Cause" narrative, confederate monuments, revisionist history and the overwhelming desire to "defend our tribe" and punch back at enemies, real and imagined. It's a wild, historical journey from the Civil War to Franklin Graham! (And if you don't like it, it's David French's fault.) Bonus for Patreon Subscribers: Phil asks Jemar some tough questions: What's his take on the CRT controversy in the Southern Baptist Convention? And what about abortion? Since white Christians are more likely to vote for pro-life candidates than Black Christians, does that mean Black Christians don't care about abortion? It's a fascinating conversation available to everyone who supports the podcast at any level! https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/january-web-only/martin-luther-king-jr-racism-racial-justice-policy-change.html https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/where-does-the-south-end-and-christianity
- 441Episode 441: Biden's Inauguration & the Future of the Republican Party with Peter WehnerWas Donald Trump good or bad for the Republican Party? The GOP lost the presidency and the Senate, but in 2020 the party gain seats in the House and Trump also got more votes than any Republican candidate ever! Conservative columnist and veteran of three Republican administrations, Peter Wehner, joins Skye to talk about the future of the party after Trump, and why evangelicals are the group most easily seduced by political power. Also this week, Kaitlyn Schiess joins Phil and Skye to discuss Biden's inauguration, and to answer listener questions like—Why do so many conservative Christians oppose environmentalism? Why is there a split between older and younger Christians regarding Christian nationalism? And, why do the same leaders who say "We should be courageous enough to die for our faith" exhibit so much fear over cultural and political change? PATREON BONUS INTERVIEW Kaitlyn's Twitter Thread
- 442Episode 442: Christian Nationalism & the Good Life with Derwin GrayEvangelicals used to believe the way to transform America was through revivalism. Increasingly, they now believe it's through revolution. Why are so many buying into Christian nationalism? What is it? And what can we do about those caught in this heretical gospel of political domination? Phil, Skye, and Christian discuss the issue. Also this week, Dr. Derwin Gray—former NFL player and lead pastor of a multiethnic church in North Carolina—joins Skye to talk about his new book on the Beatitudes, "The Good Life," and why Jesus was the happiest person ever. Gray also unpacks why so many pastors are afraid to talk about race and politics. Plus—nano chameleons and scientists teach vegetables to send emails. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/28/opinion/christian-nationalists-capitol-attack.html https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/discerning-the-difference-between
- 443Episode 443: False Prophets, Judgment, & Gen Z with Joshua PackardBefore the 2020 election, many self-identified "prophets" within the charismatic movement decalred God had revealed to them that Donald Trump would win. Millions of followers believed them. How are they now reconciling their divine revelations with reality? The Holy Post crew looks at another failed prophecy in the 1840s that changed American Christianity. Also this week, Phil deputizes Mike Erre as his pastor to determine whether his sarcastic response to a Twitter critic violated Jesus' command against judging others. And sociologist Joshua Packard talks with Skye about a comprehensive new study on the faith of Generation Z, and why few churches are prepared to engage them. Plus, forced monkey labor. https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/26/business/target-drops-chaokoh-coconut-milk-trnd/index.html https://thewayofimprovement.com/2021/01/15/charismatic-prophets-at-war/ https://www.patreon.com/posts/47376089
- 444Episode 444: The Ravi Zacharias Revelations & Leaving the SBC with Charlie DatesHere we go again. The evangelical world is shocked by another leadership scandal. This time it's the report that famed apologist Ravi Zacharias sexually abused women for years before his death in 2020. Kaitlyn Schiess joins Phil and Skye to discuss the story, and why so many ministries fail to investigate their famous leaders or take abuse allegations seriously. Then, Skye talks with Charlie Dates, senior pastor of Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago, about his decision to leave the Southern Baptist Convention in December. Believing the SBC's desire to overcome its racist past was genuine, Dates had to convince his historically black church to align with the SBC in the first place. He explains why he was wrong and what it means for the future of evangelicalism in America. This week's Bonus segment: https://www.patreon.com/posts/47673135
- 445Episode 445: You Might Be a Christian Nationalist If... & Transgender Identities with Preston SprinkleHow do you know if you're a Christian nationalist? Kaitlyn Schiess is back with Phil and Skye to unpack Samuel Perry's top 10 indicators of Christian nationalism and they add a few of their own. They also discuss why there's so much overlap between Christian nationalism and Christian fundamentalism. Plus, Phil explains how the evolution of contemporary Christian music reveals what's happened to the American church. Then, Skye talks with Preston Sprinkle about his new book "Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say." They discuss what extremists on the Right and Left get wrong about the transgender conversation, and what a pastoral, not just a theological, response looks like. Also this week, a more accurate covid test is being used in China—but there's a downside. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/anal-swab-china-coronavirus/2021/01/27/cc284f56-6054-11eb-a177-7765f29a9524_story.html https://twitter.com/socofthesacred/status/1358834106356948996
- 446Episode 446: "Too Black"... Hip Hop Superstar Lecrae on His Relationship With White EvangelicalismFilling his songs with faith and the theology of respected white leaders like John Piper and Tim Keller, Lecrae became a darling of white evangelicalism. When he spoke out against racial injustice in 2017, all that began to change. Grammy-winning singer/songwriter, record producer and Christian activist Lecrae sits down with Phil to talk about being called "too Black," Fallkirk Center co-founder Charlie Kirk's recent attempt to "cancel" him, and, in the midst of it all, why he still has hope for the church. Plus - was that really a golden statue at CPAC?? Seriously?? https://www.huffpost.com/entry/donald-trump-gold-statue-cpac_n_6038eac7c5b60f03d9b3dec5
- 447Episode 447: The Danger of Useful Christianity with Russell MooreWhat is the greatest threat facing Christianity in the U.S. today? Socialism? Cancel culture? Wokeness? Not according to Dr. Russell Moore. He says it's "means-to-an-end-Christianity" which seeks to use Christ to achieve some other goal. This, he argues, is what's fueling everything from Christian nationalism to the cover up of sexual abuse in churches and ministries. Don't miss his wide-ranging conversation with Skye. Also this week, the podcast crew discusses the "Seven Mountain Mandate" behind so many of the cultural and political wars Christians are fighting today, and why it's more about seizing power than serving Christ. How do we convince evangelicals to abandon conspiracy theories and get the Covid vaccine? Plus, Phil's tired of hard butter. Patreon Bonus: https://www.patreon.com/posts/48587588 https://www.npr.org/2021/02/24/971018428/baffled-canadians-spread-reports-of-hard-butter https://www.kentuckytoday.com/stories/greear-decries-division-repudiates-pharisaical-spirit-in-sbc-ec-address,30736 https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2021/02/24/evangelicals-covid-vaccine-russell-moore-walter-kim/ https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/how-a-rising-religious-movement-rationalizes https://religionnews.com/2021/02/25/the-creeping-radicalization-of-white-evangelicals/
- 448Episode 448: Beth Moore's Exit & the Problem of "Impoverished Imaginations" with Karen Swallow PriorRecently author/professor Karen Swallow Prior was asked what she considered the biggest problem facing the church today, and answered, "an impoverished imagination." So Phil sat down with Karen to talk through what she means by that, and her belief that a lack of imagination-forming reading results in, among other things, our propensity to believe conspiracy theories and our extreme discomfort with uncertainty. Karen also convinces Phil he really, really needs to read Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. PLUS, Kaitlyn Schiess joins Skye and Phil to talk through Beth Moore's departure from the SBC, and whether the death of evangelist Luis Palau represents the end of the era of large-scale evangelism. Oh... and if you're using the story of Jesus flipping tables to justify bad behavior on social media, you're probably misusing that story. This week on the podcast! https://religionnews.com/2021/03/09/bible-teacher-beth-moore-ends-partnership-with-lifeway-i-am-no-longer-a-southern-baptist/ https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/cruelty-is-apostasy https://www.relevantmagazine.com/faith/jesus-flipping-tables-isnt-excuse-your-online-rants/
- 449Episode 449: The Atlanta Shootings & Courageous Leadership with Richard StearnsIs evangelical purity culture to blame for the murder of eight people at spas in Atlanta? Or is anti-Asian racism the cause? What about America's gun culture or mental illness? Phil, Skye, and Christian discuss the many facets of the tragedy and get vulnerable about their own history with evangelicalism's obsession with sex. Then, Skye talks with Richard Stearns, president emeritus of World Vision, about his new book on leadership. Stearns recalls his own battle with purity culture when he tried to convince evangelicals to fight the AIDS epidemic 20 years ago, and he discusses the lack of courageous leadership in many parts of the church today. Also this week—a News of the Butter update. https://religionnews.com/2021/03/17/atlanta-massage-parlor-murder-suspect-big-into-religion/ https://religiondispatches.org/dont-discount-evangelicalism-as-a-factor-in-racist-murder-of-asian-spa-workers-in-georgia/ https://www.relevantmagazine.com/current/nation/wrestling-with-misogyny-racism-and-toxic-purity-culture-in-the-wake-of-the-atlanta-shootings/ Podcast Phil references: https://bethebridge.com/episode-12-transition-in-proximity-to-whiteness-with-dante-stewart/
- 450Episode 450: The Evangelical Industrial Complex with Love Thy NeighborhoodHave you wondered why so many megachurch leaders have been embroiled in scandals, or why there are so many Christian celebrities today? It's not accidental. It's the predictable outcome of the systems behind much of popular consumer Christianity. In this special episode co-produced with the Love Thy Neighborhood podcast, Jesse Eubanks joins Skye to explore the way business interests and economics have replaced Christian values to drive many parts of American evangelicalism. Featuring multiple interviews, investigative reporting, and commentary, this episode will pull back the curtain on the evangelical industrial complex.
- 451Episode 451: The Apocalypse Now with Dr. John WaltonOur favorite Old Testament scholar is back to talk about the Book of Daniel. Dr. John Walton says the apocalyptic passages of Daniel—which deeply influenced those End Times charts popular among evangelicals—aren't really predictive of the future in the way we think. And the story of Daniel isn't necessarily a manual for how Christians ought to live in a post-Christian society. Prepare to have your mind blown as you learn what apocalyptic visions in the Bible are really about. Also this week—how should Christians think about social welfare programs, slavery reparations, and guaranteed minimum income? Esau McCaulley brilliantly reframes the Easter story in light of the Black church's experience. Plus, the excellence and etymology of Peeps. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/02/opinion/easter-celebration.html https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-aud-nw-jesuits-racial-reconciliation-20210316-elgsyj3mlbbbvgkaoedktzlavi-story.html https://www.amazon.com/Sum-Us-Everyone-Prosper-Together/dp/0525509569 https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/evanston-illinois-becomes-first-u-s-city-pay-reparations-blacks-n1261791 https://www.npr.org/2021/03/04/973653719/california-program-giving-500-no-strings-attached-stipends-pays-off-study-finds https://www.npr.org/2021/04/01/983405521/new-guaranteed-income-for-families-with-children-is-stunning-poverty-expert-says
- 452Episode 452: The Messy Call to Christian Unity with Francis ChanFrancis Chan says it's time for Christians to take Jesus' command about unity seriously. His new book, "Until Unity," outlines the biblical call to be one, and why we struggle to achieve it. Skye talks with Chan about what Christian unity looks like practically, the role of racism in keeping us apart, how a focus on church growth distracted Chan from seeking unity, and how to know when disunity is the only option. Also this week, a new study finds less than 50% of Americans are now members of a church for the first time in a century. Should secularists be rejoicing? Not necessarily, as some experts fear religious zeal is now shifting into politics. Plus, smuggling baby tortoises, Phil's worried about a 3,000-year-old knife-wielding spider god, and a fecal fight between Godzilla and King Kong. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/644356/godzilla-king-kong-whose-poops-would-be-bigger https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/30/world/galapagos-airport-tortoises-trnd/index.html https://www.insider.com/japan-early-cherry-blossom-bloom-climate-change-2021-4 https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mural-knife-wielding-spider-god-found-peru-180977360/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2021/03/29/church-membership-fallen-below-majority/
- 453Episode 453: Table-Flipping Jesus & Improvising Faith with Dr. Timothy GombisThere's a popular cliche among evangelicals—"The Bible says it. I believe it. That settles it." But is it really that simple? Not according to New Testament scholar, Dr. Timothy Gombis. Because we're not ancient Near Eastern people living in a desert, he says it's not possible to literally apply the Bible. Instead, any faithful Christian needs to learn how to improvise. Dr. Gombis talks with Skye about faithful improvisation, what cross-shaped cultural engagement looks like, and how idolatry destroys bodies. Also this week, Phil's tweet about angry Christians using "table-flipping Jesus" to justify their bad behavior causes an uproar. Does the story mean it's sometimes ok to be nasty and insult our enemies? Plus, Pat Robertson is "woke" on police violence, and a French pastry in a tree terrorizes Poland. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56757956 https://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/tv/famed-broken-clock-pat-robertson-says-police-need-to-open-their-eyes-to-the-reality-of-police-brutality/ https://mirrorofjustice.blogs.com/mirrorofjustice/2021/04/bearing-witness-to-the-pain.html https://twitter.com/philvischer/status/1381709523849773064 https://podcast.thedispatch.com/p/jesus-and-evangelical-politics/comments https://www.amazon.com/Mark-Story-God-Bible-Commentary/dp/0310327156
- 454Episode 454: Dangers, Doubts, & Deconstruction with A.J. SwobodaIn a recent editorial, David French asked whether the primary threat to the church comes from within or without? Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss the question and whether the church is primarily for or against the world. Plus, why are so many Christian ministries focused on protecting kids? Is it related to our fixation on the danger of hell? Then, Skye talks with A.J. Swoboda about his new book "After Doubt: How to Question Your Faith without Losing it." He says a lot of people aren't really deconstructing Christianity, but a false form of the faith that should be abandoned. And Swoboda explains the danger of a culture in which everything new is seen as superior. Also this week—the Colorado baker refuses to make a transgender cake, coyote pups, and screaming foxes. https://www.denverpost.com/2021/03/23/colorado-baker-lawsuit-gender-transition-birthday-cake/ https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/the-question-that-dictates-how-christians https://dandarling.substack.com/p/in-here-out-there-on-assessing-spiritual https://www.amazon.com/People-Truth-Worshipping-Community-Modern/dp/1579105602 https://www.amazon.com/After-Doubt-Question-without-Losing/dp/1587434512 https://www.patreon.com/posts/50587974
- 455Episode 455: Is Your Church Toxic or Tov? with Scot McKnightRene Padilla died last week at 88, and you're probably thinking "Who's Rene Padilla?" Phil, Skye, and Christian discuss the huge influence he had on the global church and its mission, and why so many American Christians still feel a divide between saving souls and reforming society. Then, Skye talks to Scot McKnight about his new book, "A Church Called Tov," which he co-wrote with his daughter Laura Barringer in the aftermath of the Willow Creek controversy and Bill Hybles' abuse. McKnight defines what makes a church culture toxic, and why so many pastors are on the narcissism disorder spectrum. It's an eye-opening conversation. Also this week—a Kickstarter campaign for a new Christian dating service, a church in an unexpected location launches "Drag Queen Sunday," and the terrifying story of a man, a portable toilet, and a tree. https://thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/festivals/ https://apnews.com/article/pennsylvania-gettysburg-69f03d57db0cb1e4b912b59ddce396dd https://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/tech-gaming/dominion-dating-is-the-christian-dating-site-for-men-who-think-a-womans-place-is-at-home-1/ https://religionnews.com/2021/04/15/first-drag-queen-certified-as-a-candidate-for-united-methodist-ministry-speaking-in-a-new-way-to-new-people/ https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2021/april/rene-padilla-died-integral-mission-latin-american-theology.html https://lausanne.org/content/covenant/lausanne-covenant https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Mission-Modern-World-Classics/dp/0830834117
- 456Episode 456: Why We're Divided & Positive Pluralism with Bob RobertsIt's increasingly difficult to have conversations with other Christians. Our families and congregations can't seem to agree even about basic facts, let alone the news or how we ought to respond to what's happening. So, we avoid talking about anything that might be controversial—which is pretty much everything today. What happened? How did we become so divided? The Holy Post crew talks about CT president Tim Dalrymple's recent article, "The Splintering of the Evangelical Soul," and what is necessary to heal our divisions. Then, Bob Roberts—the most interesting evangelical in the world—joins Skye for a conversation about why it's critical to have deep relationships with people of other faiths. Roberts says it's transformed his own understanding of Christianity, and isolating our kids from the world will only guarantee they join it. Also this week, Joshes battle for supremacy in Nebraska. https://thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/festivals/ https://news.yahoo.com/hundreds-people-named-josh-met-005228139.html https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/april-web-only/splintering-of-evangelical-soul.html
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