The Holy Post 668: Pope Donald, Human Flourishing, & the Pastor’s Wife with Beth Allison Barr
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May 7, 2025 
Beth Allison Barr, a historian and professor at Baylor University, discusses the controversial AI image of Donald Trump as the Pope, examining its impact. She dives into a significant study revealing that Indonesia leads the world in human flourishing and the growing respect for religious practices among secular elites. Barr also unpacks her book, ‘Becoming the Pastor’s Wife,’ challenging the traditional expectations for women in ministry that arose in response to feminism, suggesting they stem from historical rather than scriptural roots.
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Religion Boosts Human Flourishing
- The largest human flourishing study across 22 countries shows religious attendance boosts flourishing globally.
- Indonesia, the largest Muslim country, ranks highest in flourishing despite lower material wealth.
Communal Values Foster Flourishing
- Human flourishing relies on communities that affirm a shared vision of the good life, beyond individual choice.
- Deep tradition and communal values provide motivation to resist harmful cultural trends like excessive tech use.
Build Relationships and Meaning
- Prioritize close relationships with family and friends with face-to-face contact over digital interactions.
- Develop your inner life and seek meaning beyond material comforts for true happiness.