The Holy Post

Steve Bezner, a pastor in Houston, had a troubling realization—his people were being shaped more by social media, YouTube, and cable news than by the Bible, and their views of money, sex, and power looked more American than Christian. He talks with Kaitlyn about his new book, “Your Jesus Is Too American,” and how being more relational than organizational may be the first step toward healing our churches. Also this week, are American evangelicals going through the five stages of grief? If so, what does it mean to accept our loss of cultural influence? For the first time, new data says Gen Z men are more religious than Gen Z women. Why are young women leaving the church and why are young men coming? Plus, now even gorillas are addicted to smartphones.   0:00 - Intro   1:46 - Show Starts   2:52 - Theme Song   3:14 - Sponsor - Zondervan - The NIV, Upside-Down Kingdom Bible helps you flip earthly wisdom on its head - Go to https://www.upsidedownkingdombible.com   4:20 - Sponsor - BioLogos - Go to https://biologos.org/podcast/language-of-god/ and check out the Language of God podcast!   5:20 - Kohl’s Makes Decisions Easier   6:28 - Gorillas Getting Too Much Screentime at the Zoo!   11:42 - Accepting Lost Evangelical Influence   18:07 - Collaborating as Political Minorities   31:42 - Are Young Men Taking Over the Church?   51:39 - Sponsor - The National Association of Evangelicals - Listen to the Difficult to explore how Christians can become peacemakers. Go to https://www.nae.org/introduction-difficult-conversations-podcast-series/ to check it out!   53:37- Interview   59:10 - How We’ve Failed to Disciple People About Sex   1:06:48 - Prophetic Politics   1:13:50 - Church Pain   1:19:36 - Community Service in the Church   1:28:38 - End Credits     Links Mentioned in the News Segment: Gorillas and Screen Time https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/zoos-gorillas-screen-time-phones-videos-e88531a7   The Acceptance Stage of Lost Evangelical Influence https://www.christianitytoday.com/2024/09/the-acceptance-stage-lost-influence-evangelicals-diverse-democracy/   America’s Young Men Are Falling Even Further Behind https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/young-american-men-lost-c1d799f7   Other resources:   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   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.

In a military operation straight out of a spy novel, Israel infiltrated Hezbollah’s communication networks and detonated pager bombs and walkie talkies. David French and Skye discuss the operation and the long term ramifications. Then, they break down Pope Francis’ controversial comments on salvation that have sparked backlash among conservative Catholics. Finally, they unpack a surprising trend: why are young men returning to church in greater numbers than women? Is it a sign of hope for the church, or something more complicated?   0:00 - Theme Song   0:17 - Episode Starts, Update on Israel   13:19 - David French on the Pope Francis   18:50 - The Pope and Existential Humility   27:56 - Sponsor - Faithful Counseling - This episode is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. Give online therapy a try at https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off   29:04 - Sponsor - Hiya Health - Go to https://www.hiyahealth.com/HOLYPOST to receive 50% off your first order   30:35 - MAGA’s Delight in Outrage   44:48 - Young Men Are Now More Religious Than Young Women   49:40 - Are Economic Shifts Drawing Men Towards the Church?   54:57 - How Secular Marketing Strategies are Changing the Church   57:46 - End Credits   Links Mentioned in the News Segment: David French on Pope Francis: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/19/opinion/pope-francis-god-election.html Men Are Now More Religious Than Women: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/23/us/young-men-religion-gen-z.html MAGA Will Fall for Anything: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/12/opinion/maga-debate-cats-dogs-haiti-trump.html   Other resources:   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   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.

With both the election and polls getting closer, new research from Lifeway says a record number of pastors are refusing to say who they’re voting for—even on an anonymous survey. Mike Erre says he wouldn’t answer the survey either. His reason may surprise you. Phil explores how Pat Buchanan’s 1992 presidential campaign was a harbinger of today’s politics. And diversity experts featured in Matt Walsh’s new documentary claim he lied to get them to participate in the film. Walsh says it’s okay to lie for the greater good of winning the culture war. Is he right? Then, Kaitlyn interviews America’s Government Teacher and social media sensation, Sharon McMahon, about her new book “The Small and the Mighty.” McMahon says history can give us hope and resilience to live faithfully in our divided times. Also this week—Be careful, that’s not an Oreo on the ground.   0:00 - BioLogos - Go to https://biologos.org/podcast/language-of-god/ and check out the Language of God podcast!   1:05 - Intro   2:24 -  Preview of The Esau McCaulley Podcast   5:36 - Show Starts   6:58 - Theme Song   7:19 - Sponsor - The National Association of Evangelicals - Listen to the Difficult to explore how Christians can become peacemakers. Go to https://www.nae.org/introduction-difficult-conversations-podcast-series/ to check it out!   8:26 - Skye’s New Hat   13:24 - News of the Oreo Butt   18:27 - LifeWay’s Research on Pastors’ Voting Polls   27:42 - Mike’s Church Navigating the Political Divide   30:58 - The GOP’s Slow Turn from Evangelicalism   42:41 - Has Anti-Immigration Sentiment Become Mainstream in Christianity?   51:00 - Matt Walsh’s “Am I a Racist?”   57:38 - Sponsor- Brooklyn Bedding - Brooklyn Bedding is offering up to 25% off sitewide for our listeners! Go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com/holypost to get yours now!   58:40 - Sponsor - World Relief - Visit https://worldrelief.org/holypost/ to learn more about refugee resettlement!   59:48 - Interview   1:01:34 - How Did McMahon Get Into Teaching History on the Internet?   1:06:55 - How Do You Engage Online Without Falling Into Outrage?   1:10:30 - What Is Your Most Important Work?   1:16:09 - What Is Your Capacity?   1:27:17 - Septima Clark   1:33:27 - Loving Your Enemies   1:39:16 - End Credits     Links Mentioned in the News Segment: Oreo Spider Butts https://boingboing.net/2024/09/14/trapdoor-ravine-spiders-butt-easily-mistaken-for-oreo-cookie.html   The GOP’s Slow Turn from American Evangelicalism https://religionnews.com/2024/09/18/the-declining-significance-of-religion-in-the-gop/?utm_medium=social   Half of Pastors Plan to Vote for Trump, Nearly a Quarter Wouldn’t Say https://www.christianitytoday.com/2024/09/trump-vote-pastors-evangelical-election-lifeway-survey/   How Far is Too Far? https://wng.org/opinions/how-far-is-too-far-1726567683 Other resources: Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   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.

During last week’s presidential debate, Donald Trump amplified a false rumor about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio. Since then the community, which was already facing significant challenges, has been shaken by deepening divisions, racism, and even bomb threats. We look at how church leaders in Springfield are responding, what’s really behind the pet-eating lie, and why some of Trump’s Christian supporters are embracing the demonstrably false story. Then, Skye talks with Robi Damelin, an 80-year-old peace activist he met during his recent trip to Israel. Robi’s son was killed by a Palestinian sniper in 2002, and since then she’s been partnering with grieving parents in both Israel and Palestine to advocate for peace despite growing resistance from leadership in both communities. Also this week—magic Dorito dust makes mice disappear.   0:00 - Intro   1:56 - Show Starts   4:40 - Theme Song   5:02 - Sponsor - Sundays Dog Food - Get 35% off your first order of Sundays. Go to https://www.SundaysForDogs.com/HOLYPOST or use code HOLYPOST at checkout.   6:05 - Sponsor - Blueland - Get up to 15% off your first order by going to https://www.Blueland.com/HOLYPOST   7:15 - Invisible Dorito Mice   15:15 - The Presidential Debate   22:57 - Why We’ve Accepted Lying   30:51 - Christians Repairing Divides in Ohio   48:21 -  Sponsor - Faithful Counseling - This episode is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. Give online therapy a try at https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off   49:29 - Interview   53:20 - Robi’s First Act of Social Justice   1:01:28 - Vengeance and the Cycle of Violence   1:12:36 - Freed from Victimhood   1:19:17 - Where Are Things Now?   1:24:03 - End Credits   Links Mentioned in the News Segment: The Dye in Doritos Can Make Mice Transparent: https://www.popsci.com/science/dye-mice-transparent/   Trump’s Lie is Another Test for Christian America: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/09/trump-haitian-immigrants-lies/679886/   Ohio Haitians Feel Panic, Local Christians Try to Repair Divides: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2024/09/haitian-immigrants-ohio-trump-vance-churches/   Other resources:   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   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.

Today’s show is all about perspective. First, Phil offers his perspective on the news stories fans send him on social media about Icelandic cucumbers and water buffalos, and how they compare to articles he actually likes about robotic mushrooms and avoiding gluteal amnesia. Then, a recent article explores our culture’s focus on products, practices, and apps designed to increase our happiness, and why focusing on happiness is a sure way to miss it. And Christine Emba’s latest article in The Atlantic looks at why government support and financial incentives have failed to reverse declining birthrates in many countries. She argues the decision to have children isn’t about money but meaning. Then Amy Low shares about her memoir “The Brave In-Between” and the perspective she’s gained by living with a terminal cancer diagnosis for five years. Plus, Skye and Mike Erre have different perspectives about holiday decorations.   Holy Post Plus: Bonus Interview with Amy Low: https://www.patreon.com/posts/111819242/    0:00 - Intro   1:52 - Show Starts   2:52 - Theme Song   3:14  - Sponsor - Hiya Health - Go to https://www.hiyahealth.com/HOLYPOST to receive 50% off your first order   4:19 - Sponsor - Go to https://www.fromourplace.com and use code HOLYPOST to get 10% off site wide on beautiful cookware!   5:28 - Holiday Decor Disagreements   11:56 - Wounded Water Buffalo   15:11 - Tiktok Blamed for Cucumber Shortage   18:22 - Mushrooms Piloting Robot Hands   22:25 - Dead Butt Syndrome   28:09 - Does Tracking Happiness Make Us Miserable?   41:07 - Is the Decline of Birth Rates Really Economic?   58:45 -  Sponsor - Faithful Counseling - This episode is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. Give online therapy a try at https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off   59:52 - Sponsor - World Relief - Visit https://worldrelief.org/holypost/ to find out how to get two FREE e-learning courses and celebrate World Refugee Day with World Relief!   1:01:06 - Interview   1:06:01 - Why Did Amy Low Write The Brave In-Between?   1:10:10 - What Are the “Rooms” We Go Through in Life?   1:17:00 - The Honesty That Comes Out Near Death   1:23:10 - Where is the Meaning in Pain?   1:31:10 - End Credits   Links Mentioned in the News Segment: Water Buffalo That Was on the Loose in Iowa Captured: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/water-buffalo-on-loose-injured-aggressive-iowa/   Viral TikTok Video Creates Cucumber Shortage in Iceland: https://www.forbes.com/sites/sap/2024/09/06/viral-tiktok-video-creates-cucumber-shortage-in-iceland/   Robot controlled by a king oyster mushroom blends living organisms and machines:  https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/04/science/fungus-robot-mushroom-biohybrid/index.html   Sitting All Day Can Cause Dead Butt Syndrome: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/04/well/move/dead-butt-syndrome-gluteal-amnesia.html   Are We Happy Yet?: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/08/opinion/happiness-tracking-america.html   The Real Reason People Aren’t Having Kids: https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2024/08/fertility-crisis/679319/   Other resources: The Brave In-Between: Notes from the Last Room by Amy Low: https://a.co/d/5Hm69Ic   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   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.

A very old trend is making a big comeback among Catholic women—veils. Is the turn toward head coverings rooted in Scripture, a desire for sacred symbols, a longing for traditional womanhood, or is it just a nostalgic fashion trend field by TikTok? A new study says what separates conservatives and liberals is how hierarchically they view the world and the importance of maintaining strict boundaries. And why are very conservative political personalities starting to talk more about Christian theology? Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn each offer their explanations. Then, Jemar Tisby is back to talk about his new book, “The Spirit of Justice,” and the remarkable stories of heroic, but largely forgotten, Christians in American history. Also this week—hurricanes are blowing cocaine. 0:00 - Intro 2:15 - Show Starts 4:08 - Theme Song 4:30 - Sponsor - Sundays Dog Food - Get 40% off your first order of Sundays. Go to https://www.SundaysForDogs.com/HOLYPOST or use code HOLYPOST at checkout. 5:32 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/holypost 7:05 - The Cocaine Hurricane Strikes 11:40 - Young Catholics Wearing Veils  21:13 - Do Difference between Liberal and Conservative Come Down to Boundary Lines? 26:03 - Chesterton’s Fence and Wisdom 36:31 - Why Are Right-Wing Political Pundits Invested in Looking for Heresy? 51:31 - Threats to Conservatism Treated as Threats to Christianity 58:37 - Sponsor - Go to https://www.fromourplace.com and use code HOLYPOST to get 10% off site wide on beautiful cookware! 59:42 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Go to https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST 1:01:02 - Interview 1:03:12 - Why Did Jemar Tisby Write The Spirit of Justice? 1:09:04 - How Jamar Tisby Gathered Theological Resources  1:16:38 - How To Be Aware of Injustice 1:20:57 - Women of the Civil Rights Movement 1:27:47 - How to Seek Justice in Your Life 1:33:09 - End Credits Links Mentioned in the News Segment: The Young Catholic Women Bringing Back Veils: https://www.thefp.com/p/the-young-catholic-women-bringing Many Difference between Liberals and Conservatives May Boil Down to One Belief:  https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/many-differences-between-liberals-and-conservatives-may-boil-down-to-one-belief/ Other resources: The Spirit of Justice: True Stories of Faith, Race, and Resistance: https://a.co/d/dZG7UAb Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost  Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop 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.

For the first time in decades, the Republican Party has removed all pro-life language from the party platform. Trump has also called for less free-trade, more government regulation, and he is indifferent about Russian aggression in Europe. At the same time, the Democratic Party is embracing patriotism, law and order, tax cuts, and retreating from its more progressive social and environmental policies. What's happening? David French and Skye Jethani discuss the realignment of the parties and whether this is a permanent change or just temporary rhetoric. Plus, French explains why he decided to endorse Kamala Harris after voting for write-in candidates in 2016 and 2020. 0:00 - Theme Song 0:17 - Episode Starts 2:20 - Would French Voting Third Party Be Just as Controversial as Voting Kamala? 14:00 - Trump Betraying Pro-Choice is No Surprise 19:50 - Are The Parties Flipping Sides? 33:45 - What Happens to the GOP When Trump Leaves? 40:50 - Is the DNC Actually Changing? 59:08 - End Credits Other resources: David French on Voting for Harris to Save Conservatism: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/11/opinion/harris-trump-conservatives-abortion.html David French's Pro-Life Case for Harris: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/19/opinion/harris-trump-conservatives.html Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Plus: https://www.holypost.com/plus Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop 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.

As we start a new academic year, school districts throughout the country are increasingly banning smartphones. No one is more responsible for this trend than Dr. Jonathan Haidt. He talks to Skye about his latest book, “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness,” and how smartphones are also interfering with our spiritual lives, and what Christian communities can do about it. Also this week—Donald Trump has completely abandoned the pro-life movement, sending some conservative evangelicals into a political crisis. Chick-Fil-A is launching its own streaming network, but will you be able to watch content on Sundays? And scientists discover Phil’s new favorite deep sea worm.   0:00 - Intro   1:42 - Show Starts   5:08 - Theme Song   5:29  - Sponsor - Hiya Health - Go to https://www.hiyahealth.com/HOLYPOST to receive 50% off your first order   6:35 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - Brooklyn Bedding is offering up to 25% off sitewide for our listeners! Go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com/holypost   8:06 - News of the Butt - The Pigbutt Worm   16:40 - Chick-Fil-A’s Streaming Service   22:55 - How Pro-Life Groups Are Responding to Trump Dropping Pro-Life Platform   26:12 - Are the Democrats and Republicans Telling the Same Story About the World?   35:46 - Does the Lack of a Pro-Life Candidate Mean Conversations About Other Issues?   43:47 - Not Into Pep Rallies   47:00 -  Sponsor - Faithful Counseling - This episode is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. Give online therapy a try at https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off   48:05 - Interview   50:21 - Responses to The Anxious Generation   55:29 - The Collective Action Problem   1:04:08 - Why the Partial Phone Ban in Schools Doesn’t Work   1:10:45 - How the Medium of Phones Create Loneliness   1:19:58 - How Religion Combats the Negative Effect of Phones   1:24:34 - End Credits   Links Mentioned in the News Segment: Pigbutt Worm: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaetopterus_pugaporcinus   Chick-Fil-A Hatches a Streaming Service: https://deadline.com/2024/08/chick-fil-a-hatches-streaming-service-1236044196/   Other resources: The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness: https://a.co/d/55eg7t5   The Anxious Generation: anxiousgeneration.com   On The Degrading Effects of Life Online: https://www.afterbabel.com/p/degrading-effects-of-life-online   After Babel: afterbabel.com   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   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.

In the last two presidential elections about 8 in 10 evangelicals voted for Donald Trump, but can Kamala Harris steal some of those votes in 2024? We discuss the recent “Evangelicals for Harris” call and why it’s so difficult to get Christians to think more theologically about politics. Ed Stetzer argues that abortion should still be a top priority when voting, and Tyler Huckabee says we should be uncomfortable endorsing any candidate. Then, Skye talks to New Testament professor, Dr. Gary Burge, about the ongoing Israeli/Palestinian conflict, and what the Bible really says about Israel’s claim on the Holy Land.   0:00 - Intro   1:30 - Show Starts and Kaitlyn’s Opinion on Vacations   4:53 - Theme Song   5:16 - Sponsor - Go to https://www.fromourplace.com and use code HOLYPOST to get 10% off site wide on beautiful cookware!    6:21 - Sponsor - Blueland - Get up to 15% off your first order by going to https://www.BlueBlueland.com/HOLYPOST   12:21 - Discussing the Evangelicals for Harris Call   21:08 - Jemar Tisby and Thick vs Thin Theology   29:03 - Ed Stetzer and the Umpire Analogy   33:30 - Which Party is Better for the Pro-Life Movement?   43:40 - Phil’s TwiXter on Watching Political Conventions as a Nonpartisan   48:14 -  Sponsor - Faithful Counseling - This episode is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. Give online therapy a try at https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off   49:21  - Sponsor -  Sundays Dog Food - Get 35% off your first order of Sundays. Go to https://www.SundaysForDogs.com/HOLYPOST or use code HOLYPOST at checkout.   50:34 - Interview   53:22 - What Got Gary Burge Involved with the Middle East Conflict   1:00:46 - Genesis Chapter 12 and the Prosperity Gospel   1:08:28 - The Ancient Understanding of Land Ownership   1:18:22 - Orthodox Jews and Modern Israel   1:25:38 - End Credits   Links Mentioned in the News Segment:   Ed Stetzer on What’s a Pro-Life Christian to Do in This Election: https://churchleaders.com/voices/491672-whats-a-pro-life-christian-to-do-in-this-election.html   Tyler Huckabee on Why He’s Not a Christian for Kamala: https://religionnews.com/2024/08/14/why-im-a-christian-for-kamala-but-not-a-christian-for-kamala/   Other resources: Whose Land? Whose Promise?: What Christians Are Not Being Told About Israel and the Palestinians by Gary Burge: https://a.co/d/aDwflA9   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   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.

We all hear stories of people walking away from faith because of cultural challenges and hypocrisy in the church. That’s what makes Dave Gibbons' new memoir, “The Shape of My Eyes,” so powerful. He joins Skye to talk about growing up within American fundamentalism as a mixed-race kid, and how he encountered God despite deep family trauma and church dysfunction. Also this week—Mike Erre joins the crew to talk about the ongoing fallout from Megan Basham’s new book, David French’s decision to endorse Kamala Harris, and the rise of the post-religious right. Plus, cannibal frog sermon illustrations.   0:00 - Intro   1:03 - Show Starts   3:41 - Theme Song   4:02 - Sponsor - Hiya Health - Go to https://www.hiyahealth.com/HOLYPOST to receive 50% off your first order   5:06 - Sponsor - World Relief - Visit https://worldrelief.org/holypost/ to find out how to get two FREE e-learning courses and celebrate World Refugee Day with World Relief!   10:07 - Frog Cannibalism Sermon Illustrators   14:56 - Phil Accused by Megan Basham of Being a Sellout   22:08 - Do the Facts Matter?   28:48 - Conflating Christianity and Republican Party Issues   34:57 - David French Voting for Harris??? And Mike the Anabaptist   46:09 - The Post-Religious Right   52:14 - Sponsor - The Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club - To get a Full-Size artisanal olive oil for just $1 shipping, go to https://www.GetFreshHOLYPOST.com   53:22 - Sponsor - Faithful Counseling - This episode is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. Give online therapy a try at https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off   54:28 - Interview   56:10 - Why Did Dave Gibbons Write “The Shape of My Eyes?”   1:02:32 - How Did His Trauma Impact His Faith?   1:10:44 - Encountering God   1:22:10 - On the Verge of Renaissance   1:25:53 - End Credits   Links Mentioned in the News Segment:   Cannibal Frogs: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/16/science/cannibal-female-frog.html   Phil’s Article about Shepherds for Sale: https://www.holypost.com/post/i-ve-read-basham-s-book-and-i-have-some-thoughts   David French on Why He’s Voting for Harris: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/11/opinion/harris-trump-conservatives-abortion.html   Ross Douthat Tweet: https://x.com/DouthatNYT/status/704462319074594816   Other resources: The Shape of My Eyes: A Memoir of Race, Faith, and Finding Myself by Dave Gibbons: https://a.co/d/gKBmRja   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   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.

Donald Trump made headlines last week when he questioned Kamala Harris’s racial identity. Phil, Skye, and Esau McCaulley discuss his comments and how the politics of division often cause us to categorize people into a single box. Then, should Christians embrace the spiritual uses of psychedelic drugs? Megan Basham's new book claims progressive powerbrokers have corrupted evangelical leaders with money, praise, and prestige, but many of her citations are being called into question. Which evangelical leaders are really being seduced by money? Then former Congressman, Adam Kinzinger, sits down with Skye to talk about the relationship between Christianity and the Republican Party, what comes after Trump, and the outsized role of fear in our politics 0:00 - Intro   1:40 - Show Starts   4:06 - Theme Song   4:26  - Sponsor - Sundays Dog Food - Get 40% off your first order of Sundays. Go to https://www.SundaysForDogs.com/HOLYPOST or use code HOLYPOST at checkout.   5:38 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Go to https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST   8:36 - Esau’s Article, “Turning Black”   14:08 - Race’s Loaded Categories   21:55 - Psychedelics in Worship?   29:23 - Do We Try to Control God’s Presence?   35:00 - Shepherds for Sale   50:45 - Conforming to Agenda   54:36 - Sponsor - Pro Grace - Go to https://www.prograce.org/holypost to get resources on representing God well on divisive issues   55:49 - Sponsor - The Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club - To get a Full-Size artisanal olive oil for just $1 shipping, go to https://www.GetFreshHOLYPOST.com   56:55 - Interview   1:00:32 - When Did Kinzinger Decide to Stand Against Trump?   1:10:15 - How Powerful Political Fear Controls People   1:25:13 - The Religious Fervor Around Donald Trump   1:29:22 - End Credits   Links Mentioned in the News Segment:   On Turning Black: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/01/opinion/trump-harris-black-indian.html Christian Psychedelic Festival: https://religionnews.com/2024/07/16/at-a-progressive-christian-festival-in-the-woods-of-north-carolina-psychedelics-top-of-mind/   Other resources:   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   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.

David French joins to discuss J.D. Vance's comments about "childless sociopaths," pro-natalist government policy, the Olympics's Last Supper-esque display, and Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU. Are anti-immigration policies actually even "preserving our culture?" And why are fundamentalists so eager to consider themselves persecuted?   0:00 - Theme Song   0:17 - Episode Starts   2:36 - J. D. Vance's "Sociopathic Childless Cat Ladies"   6:31 - Having Children and Selfishness   12:48 - Making Personal Experiences Universal   25:00 - Government's Attempts at Pro-Natalism   29:55 - The Devaluation of Immigration   37:52 - Sponsor - World Relief - Visit https://worldrelief.org/holypost/ and join The Path to help vulnerable people around the world!   38:56 - The Boredom of the Paris Olympics' Last Supper   42:54 - Does Our Peaceful Posture Affect the Discourse?   53:36 - Advice Skye Got About Criticism   1:09:27 - End Credits   Other resources:   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   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.

The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics sparked outrage when drag queens assembled into a scene reminiscent of the Last Supper. Are Christians right to be offended? Oklahoma is requiring public schools to teach the Bible, but some teachers are resisting. Is this really about education or indoctrination? And Kaitlyn’s latest article explains why this election is important, but maybe not an “existential threat.” New Testament scholars, Esau McCaulley and Amy Peeler, discuss their new multi-ethnic Bible commentary “The New Testament in Color” and why we should read Scripture with friends from diverse backgrounds. Plus, a flip-flop fail in Death Valley.   0:00 - Intro   1:30 - Show Starts   2:50 - Theme Song   3:10 - Sponsor - The Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club - To get a Full-Size artisanal olive oil for just $1 shipping, go to https://www.GetFreshHOLYPOST.com   4:17  - Sponsor - Faithful Counseling - This episode is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. Give online therapy a try at https://www.faithfulcounseling.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off   6:10 - Flip Flops in Death Valley   8:58 - Olympic Drag Queen Last Supper   23:38 - Oklahoma Bible-Education Mandate   36:53 - France vs Oklahoma   42:31 - Why Turn Down the Rhetoric on Political Panic?   48:06 -  Sponsor - World Relief - Visit https://worldrelief.org/holypost/ and join The Path to help vulnerable people around the world!   48:58 - Sponsor - Go to https://www.fromourplace.com and use code HOLYPOST to get 10% off site wide on beautiful cookware!    50:05 - Interview   51:45 - Where Did “The New Testament in Color” Start?   1:00:38 - Will Cultures Continue into Heaven?   1:11:23 - Why Face Hard Questions?   1:18:48 - What Are the Biblical Reasons to Study How Cultures and Ethnicities Understand Things?   1:25:15 - End Credits   Links Mentioned in the News Segment:   Man Who Lost Flip Flops Death Valley Hospitalization Burned Feet: https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2024/07/24/man-who-lost-flip-flops-death-valley-hospitalized-burned-feet/   Paris Olympics Organisers Apologize to Christians for Last Supper Parody: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jul/28/paris-olympics-organisers-apologise-to-christians-for-last-supper-parody   Oklahoma Superintendent Vows to Force Schools to Teach Bible, Issuing Guidance: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/25/us/oklahoma-superintendent-school-bible-mandate.html   Kaitlyn’s Article About Existential Political Rhetoric: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2024/july-web-only/schiess-most-important-election-of-our-lifetime.html   Other resources:   The New Testament in Color: A Multiethnic Bible Commentary: https://www.ivpress.com/the-new-testament-in-color   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   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.

We're sharing a SKYEpod episode that was previously exclusively for Holy Post Plus subscribers—this one's a "SkyeDive," meaning it's just Skye digging deep into a topic. If you like this episode, consider becoming a Holy Post Plus subcriber to get weekly SKYEpod episodes, merchandise, bonus interviews, and more! Skye talks about how our certainty often conflicts with humility—with disastrous results, like declining churchgoing rates, alien doomsday cults, and dead bellringers.   Holy Post Plus: https://www.patreon.com/posts/skyepod-skyedive-101705148   Other resources: Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   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.

Following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, some are saying that God saved his life for a divine purpose. Phil, Kaitlyn, and Skye discuss the selective use of Christian rhetoric surrounding the former President. Then, multiple speakers at the Republican convention used anti-immigrant language associated with the “heritage Americans” movement. We examine the movement and its link to the isolationist and racist policies of the 1920s. And Skye welcome Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac, the pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, to talk about the Palestinian Christian community in the Holy Land and the impact of the war in Gaza on the church.   0:00 - Go to https://biologos.org/integrate and use code SUMMER50 to get 50% off your order. This code expires August 31st, so head there now!   0:36 - Intro   1:52 - Show Starts   3:14 - Theme Song   3:38 - Sponsor - Hiya Health - Go to https://www.hiyahealth.com/HOLYPOST to receive 50% off your first order   4:42 - Sponsor - The Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club - To get a Full-Size artisanal olive oil for just $1 shipping, go to https://www.GetFreshHOLYPOST.com   5:54 - Update on Lisa Vischer   6:55 - RNC, Biden Dropout—The Apple Cart is Upset!   9:52 - Messianic Interpretations of the Trump Assassination Attempt   18:26 - What Events Do We Assume Are Divine Intervention?   25:50 - Why is Trump Still Winning?   31:45 - The Politically Unengaged, Patriotic, and Exhausted   37:00 - Heritage Americans   45:38 - Reputational Challenges Facing Harris   50:42 - Sponsor - Better Help - Get 10% off your first month at https://www.betterhelp.com/holypost   51:50 - Interview   53:16 - The Christian Palestinian Community   1:04:47 - Palestinian Christian Reactions to October 7th   1:10:20 - The American Church’s Effect on the War   1:16:52 - The Positive Impact of Palestinian Christians   1:22:47 - End Credits   Links Mentioned in the News Segment:   Kaitlyn’s Appearance on NPR: https://www.npr.org/2024/07/15/nx-s1-5040606/trumps-assassination-shooting-god-religion   Skye Jethani’s Racism and Immigration Video: https://youtu.be/cgfp5ngxqBI   Other resources: The Other Side of the Wall: A Palestinian Christian Narrative of Lament and Hope: https://a.co/d/aFLu0I9 Christ at the Checkpoint https://christatthecheckpoint.bethbc.edu/munthers-blog/   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   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.

On Saturday, Donald Trump narrowly survived an assassin’s bullet. Will this begin to turn down the dehumanizing and apocalyptic rhetoric in our politics, or will it only add fuel for conspiracy theories and extremists? Rich Villodas is back to talk about his new book on the Sermon on the Mount—“The Narrow Path.” He says obeying the sermon “is not how we achieve salvation; it's how we demonstrate it.” And the fact that so few Christians seem to take Jesus’ commands seriously calls their salvation into question. Also this week, Phil reports from “Med City” and Kaitlyn introduces us to Persian ice cream.   Holy Post Plus Bonus Interview https://www.patreon.com/posts/108262421/   0:00 - Go to https://biologos.org/integrate and use code SUMMER50 to get 50% off your order. This code expires August 31st, so head there now!   0:35 - Intro   1:49 - Show Starts   3:26 - Theme Song   3:47 - Sponsor -  Sundays Dog Food - Get 35% off your first order of Sundays. Go to https://www.SundaysForDogs.com/HOLYPOST or use code HOLYPOST at checkout.   5:00 - Sponsor - Blueland - Get up to 25% off your first order by going to https://www.Blueland.com/HOLYPOST   6:10 - Phil’s Adventure in Med City   10:40 - Club 33   15:33 - Where the Holy Post Crew Was When They Heard About Trump’s Assassination Attempt   19:11 - The Aftermath of the Shooting   34:15 - Catastrophizing, Social Media, and Violence   53:15 - Sponsor - Faithful Counseling - Get 10% off your first month at www.faithfulcounseling.com/HOLYPOST   54:23 - Interview   58:55 - The Sermon on the Mount and Building House on Rock   53:57 - Why did Campbell write about Christian Nationalism?   1:04:06 - Moralism, Successism, and Individualism   1:08:03 - Does the American Church Lack Salvation?   1:16:53 - Prayer is the Secret to Walking the Narrow Path   1:28:05 - End Credits   Other resources: The Narrow Path: How the Subversive Way of Jesus Satisfies Our Souls by Rich Villodas: https://a.co/d/6jhamVm   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop 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.

It’s one thing to fight against a heresy, but what about the people caught in its grasp? Caleb Campbell’s new book, “Disarming Leviathan,” argues Christian Nationalism is an idolatrous, anti-Christian movement, but that we ought to take a gentle, loving, and missional posture toward our friends and neighbors following it. Also this week, Ronald Reagan often said America was a shining “city upon a hill.” Derwin Gray joins Skye and Kaitlyn to discuss the phrase, its original context in the Sermon on the Mount, and how Puritan colonists used it very differently than modern politicians. Plus, what’s behind all of the hot A.I. images of Jesus?   Holy Post Plus Discussion of Project 2025 https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-news-2025-107830107   0:00 - Intro   1:18 - Show Starts   3:18 - Theme Song   3:40 - Sponsor - Hiya Health - Go to www.hiyahealth.com/HOLYPOST to receive 50% off your first order   4:44  - Sponsor - Faithful Counseling - Get 10% off your first month at www.faithfulcounseling.com/HOLYPOST   5:52 - Responding to Feedback on Debate Coverage   12:26 - Shining City on a Hill   19:42 - Guiding People Away from Idolatry   30:36 - Perfect Love Casts Out Fear   34:41 - Hot A.I. Jesus   49:30 - Sponsor - Go to https://www.songfinch.com/HOLYPOST and start your song – after you purchase, you’ll be prompted to add Spotify Streaming for your original song for FREE - a $50 value!    50:49 - Sponsor - Wheaton Graduate School - Learn in a rich, rigorous Christian environment - www.wheaton.edu/holypost   51:49 - Interview   53:57 - Why did Campbell write about Christian Nationalism?   1:15:15 - Practical Advice   1:23:53 - What About Flipping Tables?   1:33:14 - End Credits   Links Mentioned in the News Segment: Is America a City on a Hill or a Nation on the Precipice? https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/02/opinion/american-exceptionalism-reagan-biden-trump.html   Hot AI Jesus is Huge on Facebook https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2024/06/hot-jesus-ai/678814/   Other resources:   Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor by Caleb Campbell: https://www.ivpress.com/disarming-leviathan   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop 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.

In this special episode, Kaitlyn and Skye are joined by the co-hosts of the Church Politics podcast, Justin Giboney and Chris Butler, to discuss the fallout from last week’s presidential debate. Will President Biden drop out? What does the Supreme Court’s ruling about presidential immunity mean for a possible second Trump term? And why have both political parties nominated candidates who are demonstrably incapable of fulfilling the presidential oath of office? It’s a wide-ranging conversation about the broken state of American politics and where Christians can find hope. 0.00 - Sponsor - Faithful Counseling - “This episode is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. Give online therapy a try at faithfulcounseling.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off   1:08 - Intro   2:26 - Theme Song   2:47 - Show starts   4:35 - Recapping the Presidential Debate   10:00 - Fallout from Biden’s Debate Performance   22:00 - Our Broken Political System   40:10 - Sponsor -  AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Go to https://www.athleticgreens.com/HOLYPOST   41:35 - Sponsor -  Sundays Dog Food - Get 35% off your first order of Sundays. Go to www.SundaysForDogs.com/HOLYPOST or use code HOLYPOST at checkout.   42:41 - Predictions for the rest of the election season   1:05:10 - Trump Immunity Case Ruling   1:19:00 - End Credits   Links Mentioned in the News Segment: Register for the Holy Post Hangout in Wheaton, IL - https://plan.getpie.app/plans/1a338f00-330e-11ef-aca7-1b680c8b5376?inviter=1a6a0850-330e-11ef-aca7-1b680c8b5376 Check out The Church Politics Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-church-politics-podcast/id1289898626 Other resources:   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop 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.

As the Supreme Court releases a slate of new rulings the justices appear to be sending a message: "Congress, do your job!" David French explains to Skye Jethani why congressional leaders are increasingly reluctant to take votes or pass laws, how this is making the presidency dangerously powerful, and why the courts are saying it's unconstitutional and harmful to democracy. Then, David tells why his former denomination canceled him—with some members even calling him a "heretic"—despite his full agreement with all of their doctrine and positions. Why are so many churches being driven by fear and non-essential beliefs?   0:00 - Theme Song   0:17 - Episode Starts   1:17 - Garland V. Cargill   5:34 - Trump Changing Statutes   9:20 - Obama Changing Statutes   13:50 - Congress Refusing to Pass Laws   20:33 - Why Congress Doesn’t Want to Pass Laws   29:51 - How Low-Information Voters Feed Into This Ecosystem   32:06 - The Right Thing to Do vs Appeasing the Mobs   42:05 - When Every Issue is Considered a Fundamental   49:16 - When Every Issue is a Foreground Decision   58:16 - What a Partisan Fears   1:01:20 - Capitulation is Not Peace, the Center Does Not Hold   1:07:23 - End Credits   Other resources:   Advisory Opinions on Recent Supreme Court Decisions: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-anachronism/id1490993194?i=1000659362706   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   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.

Louisiana has passed a law requiring the Ten Commandments be posted in every public school classroom. Supporters say it’s about respecting history, law, and the country’s religious heritage. Critics argue it’s completely unconstitutional. What’s really behind the new law? John Dickson says secularism in Australia is ten years ahead of the U.S., and there are valuable lessons the American church can learn from his country about how to thrive in a post-Christian society. Also this week—after two more megachurch pastor scandals we have to ask what’s wrong with our ministry culture. And whales display a dirty new defense against predators.   0.00- Intro   1:41- Show Starts   2:34 - Theme Song   2:56 - Sponsor - Hiya Health - Go to www.hiyahealth.com/HOLYPOST to receive 50% off your first order   4:02 - Sponsor - World Relief - Visit https://worldrelief.org/holypost/ to download your family refugee guide and learn more about the Path Community   5:08 - News of the Butt   10:30 - Tony Evans and Robert Morris Step Down from Senior Pastor Roles   25:25 - 10 Commandments Must Be Displayed in Louisiana Classrooms   46:50 - Lisa Vischer Update   51:50 - Sponsor - Faithful Counseling - This episode is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. Give online therapy a try at faithfulcounseling.com/HOLYPOST and get on your way to being your best self.   52:58 - Sponsor - Go to https://www.withgoddaily.com/ to sign up for Skye Jethani’s devotional, With God Daily   54:35 - Interview   1:31:23 - End Credits   Links Mentioned in the News Segment:   Sperm Whale Poop Cloud https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/marine-animals/sperm-whales-defensive-defecation-on-orcas Louisiana’s Ten Commandments Mandate https://religionnews.com/2024/06/21/louisiana-mandates-the-ten-commandments/?utm_medium=social David French on the Ten Commandments https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/18/opinion/ten-commandments-classroom-louisiana.html   Other resources: The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism by Tim Alberta: https://a.co/d/0cE3A6CW   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   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.