The Holy Post

Senator Raphael Warnock is the United States senator from Georgia and senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. He discusses viewing the U.S. economic situation as a spiritual crisis and emphasizes the moral implications of inflation and corporate influence. Warnock stresses the importance of faith in public life, balancing his pastoral and legislative roles. He shares insights on bipartisan relationships in the Senate and encourages resisting cynicism while advocating for accountability in leadership.

The podcast features Esau McCauley, a theologian and public commentator, who discusses the controversial U.S. operation in Venezuela, raising questions about legality, morality, and American identity. Sara Billups, an author and cultural commentator, explores anxiety in both personal and church contexts, tying it to broader cultural issues in her book, 'Nervous System.' She offers insights into calming practices for individuals and leaders, emphasizing the importance of a non-anxious presence in politics and community life.

The hosts explore the complexities of both-sidesism, arguing it's not merely about false equivalence but a responsibility when context matters. They discuss the risks of criticizing one side too leniently and highlight the rise of extremism on both political ends. The conversation touches on the dangers of mutual hypocrisy in politics and how good intentions can lead to corruption. Listeners are encouraged to embrace nuance and maintain allegiance to values over partisan identities.

As 2025 wraps up, the hosts dive into listener questions, sharing their unique ways to decompress after intense discussions. They tackle the intriguing notion that demons might not be fallen angels and debate whether ethics can exist outside Christianity. Personal reflections reveal Skye's mood transformation and predictions for 2026, along with a light-hearted discussion on who on the team is best at changing a tire. Expect quirky habits, favorite faith-inspired films, and a surprise engagement announcement!

John Ortberg, an influential author and ministry leader specializing in spiritual formation, joins the discussion to delve into his book, which merges the 12-step recovery principles with Christian discipleship. He highlights the importance of honesty in acknowledging personal struggles and applying the concept of 'step zero'—recognizing when we’re not okay. Ortberg emphasizes that genuine faith involves trust in God's goodness rather than rigid certainty and warns against viewing spiritual practices as mere checkboxes, advocating for their role in fostering authentic love and growth.

Matthew Soerens, Vice President of Advocacy and Policy at World Relief, joins to shed light on the shifting landscape of U.S. immigration. He discusses the Trump administration's evolving policies, particularly the punitive approach towards immigrants and the chaos of conflicting rhetoric. Soerens passionately argues against collective punishment, citing biblical principles of dignity. He also highlights the need for humane alternatives to detention and the challenges facing various refugee populations. The conversation reveals the complex intersection of policy, morality, and Christian advocacy in today's immigration debate.

Rich Villodas, a pastor and author of "Waiting for Jesus: An Advent Invitation to Prayer and Renewal," shares insights on how Advent can combat consumerism and cultural distractions. He emphasizes the importance of communal waiting and traditional practices during this season. Villodas contrasts the fear-driven actions of historical figures with the call for love and peacemaking in today’s fractured world. He encourages listeners to slow down and reflect, offering practical tips for spiritual contemplation. This conversation sparks vital discussions on faith and cultural resilience.

Exploring the nativity story reveals many intriguing questions, especially about the enigmatic wise men. Who were they and why do they matter? The hosts dive into theories about the mysterious star that guided them and discuss the significance of their visit, linking it to Jesus's royal status. They challenge perceptions of the Magi as foreign dignitaries, hinting at a deeper narrative about kingship and humility. Plus, they connect biblical patterns of unexpected revelations, reminding us that greatness often comes in small packages.

J. Ross Wagner, an Associate Professor at Duke Divinity School and Anglican priest, dives into thought-provoking discussions about faith and politics. He explores why conservative Christians are moving away from the term 'Judeo-Christian' and the unsettling rise of defenses for slavery among some Christian circles. Wagner also urges a reexamination of evangelical support for Israel, emphasizing the importance of understanding civilian suffering in Gaza and advocating for nonviolent witness from Palestinian Christians. It's a compelling call to prioritize Jesus' teachings over nationalism.

Andy Beshear, the Governor of Kentucky and a practicing Christian, shares insights on navigating politics in a predominantly Republican state. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on everyday issues like jobs and health, while using plain language to connect with voters. Beshear advocates for Democrats to speak authentically about faith and to bridge the 'God gap' with voters. Alongside him, Mike Erre discusses the need for compassion in Christianity, critiquing dehumanizing rhetoric and promoting a narrative of shared humanity over divisive labels.