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The Holy Post

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The Holy Post

Phil Vischer
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  1. 481French Friday - "Buckets of Evangelicals"Senior editor of The Dispatch and constitutional attorney, David French, and Holy Post co-host, Skye Jethani, discuss why the executive committee of the Southern Baptist Convention should waive their attorney-client privilege in the ongoing abuse investigation. Then, French explains why the increase in self-identified evangelicals between 2016 and 2020 isn't good news, and why he now puts "evangelicals" in three different buckets. Finally, they examine claims from some neo-fundamentalists that empathy is a sin. French says the problem in America isn't too much empathy, but selective empathy. SBC Executive Committee review [1:17] https://religionnews.com/2021/09/21/sbc-executive-committee-agrees-to-pay-for-abuse-review-stalls-on-waiving-privilege/ Defining "evangelical" [15:28] https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/did-donald-trump-make-the-church "The American Crisis of Selective Empathy" [33:26] https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/the-american-crisis-of-selective59 min
  2. 482Episode 476: Suffering & Grace with Philip YanceyPhilip Yancey is one of the best-selling contemporary Christian authors, and his books helped millions find a more authentic faith long before "deconstruction" was a hashtag. His new memoir, "Where the Light Fell," tells how he escaped the racist, fundamentalist Christianity of his youth, and his lifelong quest to find God's grace in a world of suffering. Yancey also sympathizes with the ex-vangelical movement, and shares his concerns for the direction of the faith in America. Also this week, reactions to Josh McDowell's decision to step back from ministry for a season of listening. Could llama spit end the pandemic? Everyone is spinning the new Pew research about evangelicals to fit their own agenda. Phil doubles down in his footwear battle with the Dutch. And, your butt is a snowflake. News Segment: Where in the world is Christian? [3:06] News of the Butt [9:03] https://futurism.com/neoscope/scientists-toilet-identifies-butthole Llama antibodies treat hamsters' COVID-19 [14:21] https://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/llama-antibodies-treat-hamsters-covid-19-could-lead-to-nasal-spray/ Josh McDowell update [20:47] Pew research: "Evangelical" label [30:19] https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/09/15/more-white-americans-adopted-than-she[…]al-label-during-trump-presidency-especially-his-supporters/ https://www.holypost.com/post/french-friday-buckets-of-evangelicals https://www.christianpost.com/news/whites-identifying-as-evangelical-grew-during-trump-administration-pew.html https://religiondispatches.org/pew-finds-trump-era-increase-in-the-evangelical-label-and-yes-theyre-real-evangelicals/ https://www.holypost.com/post/episode-475-mammoths-mcdowell-making-sense-of-white-supremacy-with-robert-p-jones Interview with Philip Yancey: Pre-order "Where the Light Fell" (releasing 10/5/21) - https://amzn.to/39Ia7nz "Soul Survivor" - https://amzn.to/39LdolZ Interview start [49:25] A memoir 40 years in the making [51:18] Impact of family and church on faith formation [55:36] The gift of pain [1:13:16] https://amzn.to/3zQpdBK The state of the American church [1:17:08] Encouragement for ex-vangelicals [1:23:05] The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.1 hr 32 min
  3. 483Episode 477: Rethinking the Lord's Prayer with Derwin GrayFriend of the show Derwin Gray has a new book! When did he have time to write it? We don't know! But he also found time to sit down with Skye and talk about it. Derwin says the Lord's Prayer isn't just a prayer, but an entire catechism of faith, a lesson in communing with God, and a call for the people of God to engage in issues of justice. He unpacks it all with Skye. And did scientists find the biblical city of Sodom? Have psychologists found the number one predictor of atheism? And a new study finds that young Brits are twice as likely to pray regularly than their elders! What's up with that?? Mike Erre joins Kaitlyn and Phil to parse the news of the day on this week's Holy Post! Did scientists find the biblical city of Sodom? [6:47] https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2021/september/sodom-meteor-biblical-archaeology-tall-el-hammam-airburst.html Predicting atheism in adulthood [20:50] https://www.psypost.org/2021/10/new-psychology-research-identifies-a-robust-predictor-of-atheism-in-adulthood-61921 Young people in the UK are twice as likely as older people to pray regularly [35:27] https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-58681075 Other links: Mike Erre's podcast - https://voxologypodcast.com Interview with Derwin Gray "God, Do You Hear Me?" Lifeway: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/god-do-you-hear-me-P005822396 Amazon: https://amzn.to/3my2Ooy Interview Start [50:12] Pastoral vision for prayer [54:54] The Lord's Prayer as a mini catechism [1:00:28] The kingdom & loving our neighbor [1:09:21] Christ as the treasure [1:16:42] The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.1 hr 22 min
  4. 484Episode 478: Foreign Policy, Adoption, & Race with Esau McCaulley & Jamie IveyThis week is a special a double feature! First, Phil talks to Esau McCaulley about his recent NY Times editorial about President Biden's vengeance against terrorists in Afghanistan. McCaulley asks why so few Christian politicians seem to have Christian instincts, and what role should forgiveness have in American foreign policy. Then, Skye interviews author and podcaster Jamie Ivey about her experience as a white mom raising black kids, how it's changed her understanding of race, and why she no longer believes love can solve every problem. Also this week—new polling indicates a frightening number of people on both the right and left want to disunite the country. Are we on a path toward civil war, and is social media to blame? News Segment Trump voters are worried about anti-white discrimination and think Christianity is under attack [4:00] https://news.yahoo.com/84-trump-voters-worry-discrimination-143538052.html https://twitter.com/robertpjones/status/1447601670595223557 People on the right and left wanting to disunite the country [15:10] https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10050039/More-HALF-Trump-voters-want-red-states-secede-union.html Interview w/ Esau McCaulley Interview Start: [25:41] "The Dangerous Politics of 'We Will Not Forgive'" https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/19/opinion/revenge-forgiveness-terrorism-biden.html "Reading While Black" https://amzn.to/3lxPtx5 Interview with Jamie Ivey: The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey: https://www.jamieivey.com/podcast-2/ "God Made You to Be You" https://amzn.to/3BEHmnX Ivey Family Interview with Emmanuel Acho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONTXrsvenUY Interview Start: [54:14] The decision to adopt [58:48] Jamie's background [1:00:54] Parenting differently and the church's response [1:08:54] Connecting kids with black heritage [1:19:50] Frustration and hope with the church [1:28:12] The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.1 hr 35 min
  5. 485Episode 479: Everything Doesn't Happen For a Reason with Kate BowlerThe prosperity gospel isn't just about health and wealth. Historian Kate Bowler says pragmatic values, simple solutions, and the endless quest for self-improvement, have infected most of the church in subtle ways. Kaitlyn Schiess talks to Dr. Bowler about her own battle with cancer, and how it's helped her move beyond cliches like "Everything happens for a reason," to embrace the larger mystery of faith. Also this week, have elite evangelicals sold out to the mainstream media, or have populist evangelicals sold out to Trump voters? Everyone seems to be talking about the divide within evangelicalism, but is it really something new? The Holy Post crew looks at the arguments and how we could be seeing the latest version of a very old divide. Plus, Phil is fascinated by left-handed ghost squirrels. News Segment: Traveling with moss [1:38] Animal Facts [5:34] The divide within evangelicalism [14:40] https://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/church-state-and-the-future-of-evangelicalism/ https://markgalli.substack.com/p/the-galli-report-100821 https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/evangelical-elites-fighting-each https://www.firstthings.com/article/2021/11/the-failure-of-evangelical-elites Interview with Kate Bowler: Interview Start [52:19] "Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved" - https://amzn.to/3FYKLRj "No Cure for Being Human: (And Other Truths I Need to Hear)" - https://amzn.to/3C1jyuS Kate's Story [55:57] "Blessed - A History of the American Prosperity Gospel" - https://amzn.to/2Z1aBD2" No Cure for Being Human" Title [1:00:14] http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/14/opinion/sunday/death-the-prosperity-gospel-and-me.html?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur&_r=0 Certainty vs. faith[1:05:31] American pragmatism and "useful pain" [1:07:32] Understanding fear and living after crisis [1:11:24] Response and engagement with these books [1:18:57] https://katebowler.com/podcasts/ The miracle of moments [1:23:35] The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.1 hr 29 min
  6. 486Episode 480: The Myth of the Religious Right with Randall BalmerConservative evangelicals organized into a political movement in the 1970s in response to the Supreme Court's decision to legalize abortion. Or did they? Historian Randall Balmer argues this origin story for the Religious Right is a myth. He talks to Skye about the real origins of the movement and how it explains the current state of white evangelicalism. Also this week, we unpack Peter Wehner's article in The Atlantic about the breaking apart of evangelicalism. Is the church a victim of media manipulation, or is evangelicalism reaping its own rotten fruit? Plus, lawsuits between believers, training Christians for hand-to-hand combat in vehicles, and Phil's massive magical mushroom. News Segment: Phil's mushroom [2:47] Christians training in hand-to-hand combat [8:39] https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article255162407.html Mike Stone suing Russell Moore [13:14] https://religionnews.com/2021/10/20/mike-stone-files-lawsuit-sbc-rival-russell-moore-defamation-erlc-trump-abuse/ https://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/church-state-and-the-future-of-evangelicalism/ "The Evangelical Church is Breaking Apart" [28:01] https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/10/evangelical-trump-christians-politics/620469/ https://www.holypost.com/post/episode-441-biden-s-inauguration-the-future-of-the-republican-party-with-peter-wehner Interview with Randall Balmer: PATREON BONUS: https://www.patreon.com/posts/57900540 "Bad Faith: Race and the Rise of the Religious Right" - https://amzn.to/3btjt7D Interview Start [52:40] Context for approaching this study [54:23] What is the myth? [59:59] Effects of dispensational premillennialism on social engagement [1:11:37] Emergence of Religious Right in the North/Midwest [1:19:35] Why do these origins matter? [1:25:22] The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.1 hr 33 min
  7. 487FRENCH FRIDAY: The Great American DivorceRecent polling has found that a majority of Trump voters (52%) and a significant number of Biden voters (41%) support breaking up the country. Has our animosity and disgust for each other made reconciliation impossible? Are we heading toward a national divorce? Skye Jethani and David French discuss his recent articles about the rise of malice in our political divisions and within the church. Why have so many evangelicals embraced anger as a virtue, and how has our pragmatic theology contributed to the problem? Then, they debate the role of social media in the breakdown of national unity and the recent leak of the "Facebook Papers." French is reluctant to blame social media companies for what is ultimately a problem with human hearts, while Skye says the tech giants must take more responsibility for the damage their platforms are inflicting. Malice and anger in political division [00:28] https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/personal-harassment-is-spiraling https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/jd-vance-and-the-great-challenge https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10050039/More-HALF-Trump-voters-want-red-states-secede-union.html Malice and anger in the church [20:34 ]Social media and the "Facebook Papers" [38:11] https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/10/facebook-papers-democracy-election-zuckerberg/620478/ https://www.wsj.com/articles/facebook-algorithm-change-zuckerberg-116316542151 hr 9 min
  8. 488Episode 481: Admitting the Skeletons in Christianity's Closet with John DicksonWhat is Christianity's contribution to history and has it been positive or negative? John Dickson says Christians should obey Jesus' command to remove the plank from our own eye and admit the many ugly truths about church history. Only then will we be able to see clearly the parts of church history that conform to the way of Jesus. Skye talks to Dickson about his new book, "Bullies & Saints: An Honest Look at the Good and Evil of Christian History." Also this week, a conspiracy filled speech by the actor who played Jesus in "The Passion of the Christ" has gone viral. Why are evangelicals more susceptible than others to such nonsense? And was Bonhoeffer right that stupidity is more dangerous than malice? Plus, why does the Bible forbid witchcraft? (Hint: it has nothing to do with patriarchy.) And, PETA is trying to change our language to protect the feelings of cows and chickens News Segment: Celebrating Halloween? [3:32] PETA urges MLB to change 'bullpen' term [8:10 ]https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/white-sox/peta-urges-mlb-change-bullpen-term-over-insensitivity-cows 'Jewitches' embracing both Judaism and witchcraft [12:20] https://religionnews.com/2021/10/25/how-some-jewitches-are-embracing-both-judaism-and-witchcraft/ Jim Caviezel quoting Bravehart at a QAnon conference [19:25] https://www.relevantmagazine.com/current/jim-caviezel-quoting-braveheart-at-a-qanon-conference-is-a-metaphor-for-american-christianity-if-there-ever-was-one-1/ https://www.technologyreview.com/2021/09/16/1035851/facebook-troll-farms-report-us-2020-election/ https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/8616320-stupidity-is-a-more-dangerous-enemy-of-the-good-than https://sproutsschools.com/bonhoeffers-theory-of-stupidity/ Interview with John Dickson: Bullies and Saints: An Honest Look at the Good and Evil of Christian History - https://amzn.to/2ZLgOE4 Centre for Public Christianity - https://www.publicchristianity.org Interview Start [48:06] Why church history? [49:31] Tribalism and the plank in our own eye [53:05] How do we explain Christians doing terrible things throughout history? [58:27] How to talk with people about church history [1:13:00] Is Christianity really still needed? [1:18:36] https://undeceptions.com/podcast/christian-revolution/ The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.1 hr 24 min
  9. 489Episode 482: Truth, Lies, and Spiritual Imagination with John Mark ComerWhy do we expect the Christian life to be easy when the Bible clearly says it will be a struggle? Starting with the wrong expectation, says John Mark Comer, makes us spiritually neurotic and causes more suffering than necessary. He talks with Skye about his new book, "Live No Lies," why spiritual warfare isn't what you've been taught, why information alone doesn't change us, and what it means to really be people committed to the truth. Also this week, artificial intelligence is now offering very questionable ethical advice. Phil wonders what it means for self-driving cars. Two seminaries are suing the government over the Covid vaccine mandate, but is it really a question of religious liberty? New data says white evangelicals are those most likely to use violence to defend America, and those most likely to reject America's founding ideal of pluralism. Does anyone else see a contradiction? Plus, skull-crushing wombat bums. News Segment: Deadly wombat butts [5:14] https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/nov/04/wombats-deadly-bums-how-they-use-their-skull-crushing-rumps-to-fight-play-and-flirt Ethical AI trained on Reddit [13:57] https://www.vice.com/en/article/v7dg8m/ethical-ai-trained-on-reddit-posts-said-genocide-is-okay-if-it-makes-people-happy "Drive Recklessly" short film - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9S75Rfva9O8 Two evangelical seminaries sue to block vaccine mandates [27:32] https://religionnews.com/2021/11/05/two-prominent-evangelical-seminaries-sue-to-block-vaccine-mandates-southern-baptist-seminary-asbury/ Study: Most white evangelicals don't want to live in a religiously diverse country [38:06]https://religionnews.com/2021/11/01/study-most-white-evangelicals-dont-want-to-live-in-a-religiously-diverse-country/ Holy Post Updates [48:40] Interview with John Mark Comer:"Live No Lies: Recognize and Resist the Three Enemies That Sabotage Your Peace"- https://amzn.to/3oh724y PATREON BONUS: https://www.patreon.com/posts/58518164/ Interview Start [51:05] Spiritual warfare and the spirituality of struggle [53:14] Truth and lies; desert fathers and mothers [1:00:09] Information alone vs. embodied spiritual formation [1:05:41] Mental maps and spiritual imagination [1:13:36] Conservative and progressive fundamentalism [1:24:14] Other books mentioned: "Water from a Deep Well" by Gerald L. Sittser - https://amzn.to/3kpBMPJ "The Road Less Traveled" by M. Scott Peck - https://amzn.to/3D5t4h4 "Where the Light Fell" by Philip Yancey - https://amzn.to/3mZAzjS The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.1 hr 31 min
  10. 490Episode 483: Faith, Science, and the Covid Vaccines with Francis CollinsAre faith and science irreconcilable belief systems? Not according to Dr. Francis Collins, the Director of the National Institutes of Health and founder of BioLogos. He talks with Phil about his journey from atheism to faith, his role in overseeing the country's response to Covid-19, and why America's culture war is literally killing people. Collins also explains why the Covid vaccines are safe and should be embraced by Christians as an answer to prayer. Then, The Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood's attack on a small Texas church backfires, leading to a conversation about God and gendered language. The editor of World Magazine leaves in protest as yet another evangelical institution takes a sharp turn to the right. Are we witnessing the final fury of a dying religious right? Plus, Phil was unknowingly on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. And, a meaningless archeological discovery in Michigan. News Segment: November livestream details [3:41] http://patreon.com/holypost Archaeological discovery in Michigan [5:21] https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/32486160/the-remarkable-story-man-found-162-bowling-balls-house Phil on the Late Show [12:24] Beth Allison Barr and our language for God [14:04] "The Making of Biblical Womanhood" - https://amzn.to/3oSOVm3 https://www.holypost.com/post/episode-457-paul-power-patriarchy-with-beth-allison-barr https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/how-gods-pronouns-and-the-cbmw-might-save-beth-allison-barrs-church/2021/11/11/07320aae-4337-11ec-9404-50a28a88b9cd_story.html Marvin Olasky and the struggle between evangelicals and fundamentalists [28:52] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/14/business/world-magazine-marvin-olasky-trump.html https://twitter.com/drantbradley/status/1460273263590916099 Interview with Francis Collins: Interview Start [49:28] "Language of God" book [52:20] https://amzn.to/3qGHG2P Response to objections after NIH nomination [55:19] Science and faith conflicts [57:20] COVID-19 responses and vaccines [1:00:05] Legacy as a visible scientist of faith [1:07:23] Culture wars and the pandemic [1:15:21] Other resources mentioned: Biologos: https://biologos.org The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.1 hr 23 min
  11. 491Episode 484: Why to Leave Evangelicalism & How to Stay with Dan StringerIn case you haven't noticed, the evangelical movement in America is a mess. Some say we should let it all burn down. Others fiercely defend the historic and theological richness of the tradition. Dan Stringer says there's a third option that is honest about evangelicalism's failures, while also valuing its strengths. Kaitlyn interviews Stringer about his new book "Struggling with Evangelicalism: Why I Want to Leave and What It Takes to Stay."  Also this week, former Trump national security advisor Michael Flynn says the U.S. should only allow one religion. Skye explains why the Pilgrims did not come to America for religious freedom, and Christian explores healthy and toxic patriotism. Then, what should we conclude from the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict? Plus, orcas are attacking yachts and Phil celebrates World Toilet Day. Thanks to the Grow Center for sponsoring this episode. More information about The Ray Bakke Certificate of Biblical and Entrepreneurial Thinking is available here: https://www.thegrowcenter.com News Segment 0:00 - Intro 04:07 - World Toilet Day12:28 Animal News: Orcas attacking yachts https://www.yachtingworld.com/cruising/orca-attacks-rudder-losses-and-damage-as-incidents-escalate-133968 18:43 - Michael Flynn says U.S. should mandate one religion https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnists/2021/11/20/michael-flynn-john-hagee-ed-stetzer-one-religion/8649034002/?gnt-cfr=1 42:45 - Kyle Rittenhouse verdict https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/11/kyle-rittenhouse-right-self-defense-role-model/620715/https://robertpjones.substack.com/p/free-as-f-kyle-rittenhouse-whiteness Interview w/ Dan Stringer "Struggling with Evangelicalism: Why I Want to Leave and What It Takes to Stay" - https://amzn.to/3FIPkyc 54:43 - Interview Start & Guest Background 59:55 - Shifting perspective on evangelicalism 01:04:13 - Importance of remembering our history/tradition 01:12:46 - Communal repentance https://urbana.org/message/litany 01:16:46 - Learning from each other 01:22:37 - Is this the moment for renewal? 01:27:06 - What next? Responding after pain The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.1 hr 34 min
  12. 492French Friday - "Nerdfest 2021"French Friday leaves the world of politics and theology behind to join David French and fellow nerd Skye Jethani for a journey through the pop-culture countryside of geekdom in a special episode. They begin with a breakdown of Dune, the film adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic sci-fi novel. Was it too faithful to the book? The dorky duo then debate why the Disney-era Star Wars sequel trilogy was a failure, but The Mandalorian series works brilliantly. They discuss the best movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and whether the future of the MCU is doomed. Then things heat up when French and Jethani cross streams as French argues that DC's recent movies—including Justice League—are masterpieces, and Jethani disagrees. Which nerd will triumph? Listen to find out. PATREON BONUS: https://www.patreon.com/posts/58871092 0:00 Intro 1:21 Dune 12:54 Star Wars 28:32 Marvel 43:17 DC52 min
  13. 493Episode 485: The Biblical Case for Redemptive Privilege with Dominique DuBois GilliardToday, privilege has become a dirty word that is automatically associated with sinfulness, but Dominique Gilliard, author of "Subversive Witness: Scripture's Call to Leverage Privilege," says it doesn't have to be. He explores the many biblical characters who used their privilege redemptively rather than selfishly, and challenges us to rethink our assumptions about who is really privileged in our society.  Also this week, a new study reveals how our preferred news source shapes our political and cultural beliefs—especially for those on the more conservative end of the spectrum. As the Supreme Court hears arguments about Mississippi's new abortion law, Tish Harrison Warren says we need to rethink our definition of feminism to include women who are pro-life. Plus, Phil goes to an indoor waterpark, and the Japanese have an innovative new energy source. News Segment: 0:00 - Intro/Thanksgiving highlights 12:41 - News of the Butt 20:50 - PRRI media study https://www.prri.org/spotlight/why-we-divide-republicans-by-media-trust-the-oan-newsmax-effect/ 36:29 - Feminism and pro-life https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/28/opinion/feminism-abortion-pro-life.html 50:11 - MyPillow ads 52:17 - Holy Post merch https://www.holypost.com/shop Interview with Dominique DuBois Gilliard: "Subversive Witness: Scripture's Call to Leverage Privilege" - https://amzn.to/3Dm9igF 53:32 - Introduction 57:31 - Defining privilege 1:04:45 - How stories in Scripture help us 1:08:20 - Accountability in leveraging privilege 1:21:08 - Interpreting the rich young ruler 1:26:49 - Fruit in ongoing repentance Other resources mentioned: "Rethinking Incarceration: Advocating for Justice That Restores" - https://amzn.to/3E9n8nK The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.1 hr 36 min
  14. 494Episode 486: The Gospel and Fake News with Love Thy NeighborhoodA recent survey found that 49 percent of pastors reported conspiracy theories were spreading within their congregations. This is especially prevalent within evangelical communities. Although evangelicals are supposed to be known as people of the "good news"—which is what the word "evangelical" literally means—in many places they've become the largest consumers and spreaders of "fake news." In this special episode co-produced with the Love Thy Neighborhood podcast, Skye Jethani and Jesse Eubanks take a closer look at the origins and impact of fake news. How we should define what's "fake", why it's become such a problem, and what can Christians do about it. Love Thy Neighborhood podcast: https://lovethyneighborhood.org/ltnpodcast/ Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com 0:00 - Intro 2:04 - War of the Worlds 7:40 - What is fake news? https://www.newsguardtech.com/special-reports/special-report-2020-engagement-analysis/ https://lifewayresearch.com/2021/01/26/half-of-u-s-protestant-pastors-hear-conspiracy-theories-in-their-churches/ https://guides.lib.umich.edu/fakenews 10:25 - Fake news in the church https://www.businessinsider.com/pastors-quit-after-qanon-radicalize-congregation-2021-3 12:01 - Follow the money https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/american-political-science-review/article/abs/partisan-polarization-is-the-primary-psychological-motivation-behind-political-fake-news-sharing-on-twitter/3F7D2098CD87AE5501F7AD4A7FA83602 23:17 - Episode sponsors With God Daily: http://withgoddaily.com The Movie Proposal: https://www.themovieproposal.com 25:35 - Technology Jason Thacker: https://jasonthacker.com https://news.mit.edu/2018/study-twitter-false-news-travels-faster-true-stories-0308 31:03 - Reclaiming truth https://www.allsides.com https://www.businessinsider.com/christians-are-often-victims-of-conspiracy-theories-health-falsehoods-2021-447 min
  15. 495Episode 487: Why Gen Z is "Unbundling" Faith with Josh PackardEveryone seems to be talking about "deconstructing" faith, but researcher Josh Packard says it's better to describe young people as "unbundling" faith. He joins Skye for a conversation about Springtide Research Institute's new report on the State of Religion and Young People, and why Gen Z has such a negative perception of the church and such an inflated view of themselves. Also this week, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case that could overturn Roe v. Wade. With some pro-life activists ecstatic, and pro-choice activists apoplectic, the Holy Post crew discusses what a post-Roe country could look like, how the pro-life movement could evolve, and what lessons we can learn from the era of Prohibition. Plus, the word "sorcery" was the fastest-growing search term on Bible Gateway in 2021. Should it have been "asininity"? News Segment 0:00 - Intro 3:26 - Fastest-growing search term on Bible Gateway https://religionnews.com/2021/12/02/why-sorcery-was-the-fastest-growing-search-term-on-bible-gateway-in-2021/ 14:23 - Supreme Court and Roe v. Wade https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/how-southern-baptists-became-pro-life/ 48:31 - Sponsors This episode is sponsored by Abide: http://abide.co/holypost Interview with Josh Packard Springtide Research Institute report: https://www.springtideresearch.org/research/the-state-of-religion-2021 49:36 - Intro 51:12 - Major findings from report 55:06 - Implications of unbundling 1:05:55 - Values gap 1:18:41 - Impact of religious communities on flourishing Other resources: www.wsj.com/articles/young-people-say-disconnect-keeps-them-from-church-116351632001 hr 26 min
  16. 496Episode 488: How Trump Stole Christmas & Paul and Gender with Cynthia Long WestfallLast Sunday, the former president attended an advent service at First Baptist Church in Dallas. Some have called what unfolded an example of evangelicalism's syncretism with conservative politics. Why aren't more people bothered by it? Then, Don Jr. said if Christians want to take back America they need to ignore Jesus' commands like "Turn the other cheek." Kaitlyn says he's right. Skye responds to listener feedback to his interview about Gen Z, and Phil reads listener comments about abortion. Then, Kaitlyn speaks with New Testament professor Dr. Cynthia Long Westfall about Paul and gender. Dr. Westfall says we need to apply the same interpretive framework to what the Bible says about men as we do for women. Based on the weight of biblical evidence, she argues that the burden of proof isn't on those who say women should lead and teach, but on those who say they shouldn't. Plus, why are do so many Christmas cards this year fear assault weapons? One historian says you can blame the YMCA. PATREON BONUS: https://www.patreon.com/posts/60193055(This bonus segment is available to the public - no Patreon membership required. Click through to listen or watch!) News Segment 0:00 - Intro 2:43 - Mailbag: Gen Z 14:18 - Mailbag: Abortion 23:55 "How Trump Stole Christmas" https://time.com/6130228/donald-trump-christmas-evangelicals/33:29 - Donald Trump Jr. on turning the other cheek https://www.rawstory.com/turning-point-usa-and-donald-trump-jr/41:27 - Guns on Christmas cards https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2021/12/14/guns-christmas-thomas-massie-lauren-boebert/53:18 -Sponsor This episode is sponsored by FaithfulCounseling: faithfulcounseling.com/holypost Interview with Cynthia Long Westfall "Discovering Biblical Equality: Biblical, Theological, Cultural, and Practical Perspectives" - https://amzn.to/3egJok0 54:41 - Interview Start 56:46 - About the book - purpose and new edition 56:07 - Cynthia Long Westfall background 1:07:05 - Galatians 3:28 and differences between genders 1:19:53 - Advice for women in ministry Other resources mentioned: "Paul and Gender: Reclaiming the Apostle's Vision for Men and Women in Christ" - https://amzn.to/3phN7nN The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.1 hr 25 min
  17. 497Episode 489: The Evangelical Empire Strikes Back & Barna Briefs with David KinnamanAfter the mess that was 2020, we had such high hopes for 2021. Were our expectations met? Phil and Skye look back on the year when the evangelical empire dug in its heels. Those opposed to #MeToo and Black Lives Matter responded by labeling empathy a sin. Voices advocating for women and people of color within the SBC left the denomination. The Salvation Army reversed course on racial sensitivity, and female scholars faced a backlash for exposing Christian nationalism and patriarchy. Will 2022 be any different, or will the sorting of the entire culture into Red and Blue tribes continue? And how wide will the rift between classical and cultural evangelicals get? Then, the president of Barna Group, David Kinnaman, joins Skye to launch a new reoccurring segment—Barna Briefs. Kinnaman reveals brand new data about the state of the church and how the pandemic has revealed wide discontent among churchgoers with their congregations. He also says popular church structures are clearly insufficient for forming mature disciples and new church models are desperately needed. Kinnaman also reveals an alarming number of pastors are ready to leave ministry. Is there a silver lining to all of the troubling data? News Segment: 0:00 - Intro 4:34 - Looking back and looking ahead https://www.holypost.com/post/438-the-year-that-unveiled-evangelicalism-with-john-fea 9:10 - Stories from 2021: The "sin of empathy" conversation Holy Post episode 472 - https://youtu.be/D_NHhmdss5w?t=2000 12:28 - Was 2021 "The Empire Strikes Back"? 15:47 - Russell Moore and the ERLC Painting Phil references - https://www.metrotimes.com/the-scene/archives/2021/12/12/detroit-artist-jonathan-harris-strikes-a-nerve-around-the-world-with-critical-race-theory-painting26:02 - Salvation Army and "wokeness" 32:18 - Books from this year "Jesus and John Wayne" by Kristin Kobes Du Mez - https://amzn.to/3mHdVMx "The Making of Biblical Womanhood" by Beth Allison Barr - https://amzn.to/3ECopmL 42:01 - The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill/ "Church Refugees" by Josh Packard - https://amzn.to/3pzky5m "A Church Called Tov " by Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer - https://amzn.to/3z4DJr7 53:06 - Looking toward 2022 Movie Phil references - "Don't Look Up" (2021) Barna Brief with David Kinnaman: Free download for Holy Post listeners: https://www.barna.com/holypost/ 1:02:37 - Interview Start 1:04:12 - Project intro: State of the Church https://www.barna.com/stateofthechurch/ 1:05:31 - Digital church and effects of the pandemic 1:17:06 - Growing crisis among pastors 1:22:53 - Mental and emotional impact of pandemic The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.1 hr 28 min
  18. 498French Friday: Jeremiads & DronesIn a recent editorial, Kevin DeYoung took aim at Christian commentators, including David French, for criticizing the social and political hypocrisies within white evangelicalism. DeYoung says these necessary corrections are better left to pastors rather than "professional writers, academics, and full-time commentators." David and Skye respond to DeYoung's editorial by explaining the good, and bad, reasons so few pastors are speaking prophetically in America today. Then, they turn their attention to the remarkable NY Times report about the U.S. military underreporting civilian casualties from drone attacks in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. French explains why legally the terrorists, not the U.S. military, carry responsibility for these deaths, which leads to a wider discussion about the ethics of war in general, the way drones may change Americans' view of war in the future, and whether the invasion of Iraq was justifiable to begin with. 0:00 - Intro 2:40 - Kevin DeYoung editorial on Christian commentators https://wng.org/opinions/deyoung-on-white-evangelicalism-1639659990 29:54 - Drone attacks, civilian casualties, and ethics of war https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/12/18/us/airstrikes-pentagon-records-civilian-deaths.html1 hr 7 min
  19. 499Episode 490: Lessons from the Global Church with Christine CainePhil experienced a Twitter typhoon last week when he suggested "love your country" is not a Biblical command. The Holy Post crew unpacks the reactions and asks what separates godly and ungodly patriotism. Then, Skye talks to Christine Caine, founder of The A21 Campaign, about her experience of American evangelicalism as an Australian Pentecostal. With decades of experience in ministry around the world, and working against human trafficking in 14 countries, Caine says she was shocked by what she found in the American church, and advocates for more listening and cooperation with Christians in other traditions and cultures. Also this week, a Japanese professor invents a TV you can taste, and a town in the UK is terrorized by a bloodthirsty squirrel. News Segment: 0:00 - Intro and updates 4:29 - Squirrel rampage https://nypost.com/2021/12/29/squirrel-from-hell-injures-18-during-48-hour-biting-spree/ 8:36 - Lickable TV https://www.reuters.com/technology/lick-it-up-japan-professor-creates-tele-taste-tv-screen-2021-12-23/ 15:16 - ERLC clarification 17:38 - Critiquing our own team and purpose of the Holy Post 27:59 - Phil's Twitter discussions on love of country 46:10 Sponsors Thanks to the sponsors of this week's episode: Faithful Counseling: faithfulcounseling.com/holypost Abide: abide.co/holypost Interview with Christine Caine:A21 organization: https://www.a21.org48:36 - Interview Start 49:49 - Experience in Pentecostal church 55:28 - Church celebrity culture 1:05:02 - Healthy skepticism 1:09:12 - Cross-tradition interaction & the global church 1:25:17 - Ending1 hr 26 min
  20. 500Episode 491: American Democracy & American Inerrancy with Michael F. BirdLast week, the country commemorated the one-year anniversary of the January 6th attack on the Capitol. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn examine what's changed, and what hasn't, since the attack and what impact it's had on both Christians and our culture. They also respond to Samuel Perry's article about the way Christian Nationalism threatens democracy. Then, Skye talks to Australian theologian Michael Bird about the doctrine of biblical inerrancy. While Christians throughout the world affirm the Bible's inerrancy, Bird says American Evangelicals uniquely see the doctrine as "the one ring to rule them all." He documents many cases where inerrancy isn't used to defend the Bible, but a particular interpretation of the Bible. Also this week—goldfish chauffeurs and the Japanese invent a finger-nibbling robot to "free all humanity." News Segment 0:00 - Intro 3:05 - Scientists teach goldfish how to drive https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2022/01/07/goldfish-drive/9131026002/ 9:13 - Finger-nibbling robots https://www.ubergizmo.com/2022/01/yakai-engineering-amagami-ham-ham/ 12:48 - Anniversary of January 6th Capitol attacks https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/06/opinion/jan-6-christian-nationalism.html https://religionnews.com/2022/01/05/violence-isnt-the-only-way-christian-nationalism-endangers-democracy/ Interview with Michael F. Bird "Saving Inerrancy from the Americans?" article - https://michaelfbird.substack.com/p/saving-inerrancy-from-the-americans "Seven Things I Wish People Knew About the Bible" book - https://amzn.to/33pYLV6 47:40 - Intro/Interview Start 50:44 - Inerrancy vs. infallibility 57:21 - American evangelicalism and inerrancy 1:07:46 - Global church and inerrancy 1:11:26 - Authorities of scripture, interpretation, and historic church doctrine 1:20:42 - Perspectives from the global church on other issues 1:27:21 - Interview End The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.1 hr 28 min
  21. 501Episode 492: After School Satan Clubs, MLK Day, & Disturbing Bible Stories with Esau McCaulley & David T. LambTo commemorate MLK Day, Phil asks Esau McCaulley if we're making progress on race or if we've gone backwards in the last few years. His answer might surprise you. Skye then interviews Old Testament professor, David T. Lamb, about the updated version of his book, "God Behaving Badly: Is the God of the Old Testament Angry, Sexist and Racist?" Lamb argues that if read correctly, we'd discover the Old Testament is surprisingly progressive rather than barbaric. Also this week, controversy erupts as after school Satan clubs sponsored by The Satanic Temple pop up in elementary schools with Good News clubs. And, a country music star withdraws his support from a Christian school that teaches racism is a reality. Plus, scientists discover sea slugs have an interesting party trick.   News Segment0:00 - Start 2:41 - News of the Butt https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/this-sea-slug-can-chop-off-its-head-and-grow-an-entire-new-body-twice1/ 14:25 - After School Satan Club https://www.ourquadcities.com/news/local-news/debate-continues-over-satanic-club-set-to-meet-thursday-at-qc-elementary-school/ 22:19 - John Rich angry about school materials discussing racism https://www.nashvillescene.com/news/pithinthewind/john-rich-is-angry-about-lipscomb-academys-dean-of-intercultural-development/article_d0e7797a-9a3c-5f86-8e8c-fba6dba38951.html Interview with Esau McCaulley Website: https://esaumccaulley.com "Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope" - https://amzn.to/3FA3H7m 35:05 - Interview Start 36:14 - Reflecting on the last 18 months 41:51 - Where the white evangelical church is now 51:04 - Being part of the solution Sponsor 1:00:16 - Faithful Counseling Thanks to Faithful Counseling for sponsoring this episode: faithfulcounseling.com/holypost Announcement 1:01:29 - Livestream with Josh Packard: https://www.patreon.com/holypost Interview with David T. Lamb Website: https://davidtlamb.com/ "God Behaving Badly: Is the God of the Old Testament Angry, Sexist and Racist?" (Expanded Edition) - https://amzn.to/3GH5s49 1:02:52 - Intro/Interview start 1:04:37 - Understanding the Old Testament as progressive 1:15:49 - The issue of collective justice BONUS INTERVIEW (Polygamy in the Old Testament): https://www.patreon.com/posts/61346792/ The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.1 hr 26 min
  22. 502Episode 493: Fundy Fashion & Native American Christianity with Matthew MillinerA new study finds evangelicals see most thing in society in categories of good and evil while nonbelievers see more nuance. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss the implications. Bob Jones University has a fashion design department. What could possibly go wrong? Pretty much everything when a student discovered his androgynous Jesus coat was a fundamentalist fashion faux pas. Then, art historian Matthew Milliner talks about his new book "The Everlasting People: G.K. Chesterton and the First Nations." Milliner explains the arrogance and injustice of progressivism, and the surprising story of Christianity among indigenous North Americans that rarely gets told. Plus, 100 monkeys on a truck and drunks on a plane. News Segment 0:00 - Intro 3:29 - Animal News https://apnews.com/article/oddities-pennsylvania-monkeys-animals-52100c02527985f7dde4674724bb3332 8:16 - News of the Butt https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/22/us/covid-flight-passenger-violent.html 16:34 - Fundamentalist fashion faux pas https://baptistnews.com/article/how-a-students-fashion-design-project-upset-the-created-order-at-bob-jones-university/#.Ye7fBS1h1B0 39:50 - Can society be split into good and evil? https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/12/21/christians-religiously-unaffiliated-differ-on-whether-most-things-in-society-can-be-divided-into-good-evil/https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2019/03/the-yuck-factor/580465/ Sponsor 51:40 - This episode is sponsored by Abide: http://abide.co/holypost Interview with Matthew Milliner "The Everlasting People: G.K. Chesterton and the First Nations" - https://amzn.to/3tY6PYx 52:44 - Interview Start/Intro 54:45 - Why this book? 1:01:27 - Chesterton's worldview 1:08:00 - Progressivism then and now 1:15:08 - Christianity in native cultures 1:22:18 - Indigenous symbols 1:30:29 - EndOther resources mentioned: "Orthodoxy" by G.K. Chesterton - https://amzn.to/3G1TYGY"Dream Catchers" by Philip Jenkins - https://amzn.to/3FZJJDm "One Church, Many Tribes" by Richard Twiss - https://amzn.to/3AuRksc "Mixed Blessings" edited by Tolly Bradford & Chelsea Horton - https://amzn.to/35oZgjq The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.1 hr 31 min
  23. 503French Friday: Falwell & the Fruit of Evangelical LeadershipHe was the president of the largest Christian university and an influential political voice for millions of evangelicals. In a lengthy new Vanity Fair profile, however, Jerry Falwell Jr. now says he has contempt for "organized religion" and "religious elites." David French and Skye Jethani discuss the shocking claims Falwell makes about Liberty University, how he lived a double life, and what his downfall says about American evangelicalism. Do Falwell and other disgraced leaders represent a bug or a feature of evangelicalism, and are ministries protecting bad or abusive leaders because they're focused on the wrong fruit? Then, what's the Electoral Count Act of 1887, and why is reforming it essential to protect American democracy?   0:00 - Start 0:21 - STORY 1: Vanity Fair profile of Jerry Falwell Jr. https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2022/01/inside-jerry-falwell-jr-unlikely-rise-and-precipitous-fall 4:17 - Falwell in context 8:16 - Victim or villain? 13:16 - Broader institutional implications 21:05 - Bug or feature? 27:14 - Measuring the wrong fruit 47:19 - An antidote: Being known 53:22 - STORY 2: Electoral Count Act reform https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/stop-screwing-around-and-reform-the 1:06:33 - End1 hr 7 min
  24. 504Episode 494: Falwell Fallout & How Not to Read the Bible with Dan KimballJerry Falwell Jr. is doing damage control following his profile in Vanity Fair (discussed at length in last month's French Friday episode). He's even posted a statement of faith affirming his Christian beliefs. But does that make his behavior better or worse? And how does populism explain his criticism of "religious elites" while enjoying all the benefits of being a religious elite? Is Falwell the victim of nepotism, and should ministry be a family business? Then, a researcher argues that a toxic reaction to the Religious Right can explain a bunch of cultural, political, and religious trends—including the rise of the "nones" and unchecked conspiracy theories. And data suggests Democrats project their moral belief onto their candidates, while Republicans adopt the moral beliefs of their candidates. Then, Skye talks to Dan Kimball about his book and video series, How Not to Read the Bible, about why it's critical for churches to welcome questions and doubts, and how the biblical ignorance of leaders is driving young people to find answers outside the church. News Segment 0:00 - Intro and updates from the crew 8:22 - Falwell fallout https://twitter.com/JerryFalwellJr/status/1486903286556938241?s=20&t=XaamDWl84N8x0qY4wbtRtwhttps://www.vanityfair.com/news/2022/01/inside-jerry-falwell-jr-unlikely-rise-and-precipitous-fall January French Friday episode: https://www.holypost.com/post/french-friday-falwell-the-fruit-of-evangelical-leadership 25:39 - Article: "The backlash against rightwing evangelicals is reshaping American politics and faith" https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jan/25/the-backlash-against-rightwing-evangelicals-is-reshaping-american-politics-and-faith 44:10 - Study on political candidates and moral beliefs https://www.psypost.org/2022/01/new-study-indicates-republicans-revised-their-moral-beliefs-to-be-more-in-alignment-with-donald-trump-62439 Sponsor 51:40 - Faithful Counseling: faithfulcounseling.com/holypost Interview with Dan Kimball 52:53 - Interview start and intro 55:41 - Personal stories that led to the book/series 1:02:04 - Church as a factor 1:05:02 - Broader culture as a factor 1:15:24 - Personal conversion story 1:21:16 - Exclusivity issue 1:31:19 - End Resources mentioned: hownottoreadthebible.com "How (Not) to Read the Bible: Making Sense of the Anti-women, Anti-science, Pro-violence, Pro-slavery and Other Crazy-Sounding Parts of Scripture" - https://amzn.to/3HmHviQ "How (Not) to Read the Bible" Study Guide plus Streaming Video - https://amzn.to/3ujSIwT The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.1 hr 32 min
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