The Holy Post

Phil Vischer
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28 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 1h 21min

681: Strategically Small Churches with Brandon O'Brien

Brandon O'Brien, author of The Strategically Small Church, discusses the vital role of small congregations in today's American Christianity. He argues that as larger churches face declining attendance, smaller ones can thrive by prioritizing community and authenticity. The conversation also touches on the Southern Baptist Convention's internal struggles and the controversial emergence of a whites-only community in Arkansas. Personal anecdotes blend with insightful observations, making a compelling case for reevaluating success in church life.
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37 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 24min

680: Cancelling Colbert, Starving Gaza, & American Charisma with Molly Worthen

Molly Worthen, a history professor and freelance journalist, dives into fascinating topics on charisma and American history. She discusses the recent cancellation of a top late-night show and the political implications behind it. The conversation shifts to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exploring the thin line between activism and antisemitism. Worthen also shares insights from her book on how charismatic movements—driven by compelling narratives—shape society more than individual leaders. Amidst this, Phil recounts humorous travel tales filled with schnitzels.
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64 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 28min

679: Individualism, Transhumanism, & Learning from Abolitionists with Daniel Lee Hill

Daniel Lee Hill, Assistant Professor of Christian Theology and author of 'Bearing Witness', discusses the fractures in society and how technology intersects with faith. He explores the implications of AI and transhumanism on Christian beliefs, examining whether these advancements are divine or heretical. The conversation also delves into lessons from early abolitionists, emphasizing the church's role in seeking justice. Hill reflects on the moral evolution in America, urging a return to shared moral frameworks to address today's challenges.
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48 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 30min

678: Is Gen Z Having a Religious Revival? with Ryan Burge

Ryan Burge, a professor and pastor, dives into the pivotal shifts in religious beliefs among Gen Z, presenting data that challenges the notion of a revival. He discusses the IRS ruling on churches endorsing candidates, sparking debates on free speech versus partisanship. The controversial use of biblical themes in a DHS recruitment video raises ethical questions about faith in politics. Burge also critiques the blending of scripture with governmental agendas, emphasizing the need for authenticity in today's religious landscape.
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60 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 1h 26min

677: Ending PEPFAR & Why the Self-Esteem Movement Failed with Sharon Hodde Miller

Sharon Hodde Miller, co-pastor of Bright City Church and author of 'Free of Me', dives into the failures of the self-esteem movement and its impact on insecurity and community. She argues for a return to Christian virtues of humility and service over self-centeredness. The conversation also critiques the evangelical response to the termination of PEPFAR, highlighting its devastating consequences in Africa and questioning the inconsistency in political beliefs within the faith community. A humorous interlude on invasive ants rounds out the discussion.
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70 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 28min

676: Classroom Culture Wars & the Spirituality of Secular America with Rachel Martin

Rachel Martin, co-creator of NPR’s Wild Card podcast, shares her insights on the spirituality landscape of secular America. She discusses the implications of a recent Supreme Court ruling on parental rights in education and the growing calls for chaplains in public schools. Martin explores how modern media is adapting to diverse spiritual needs amid cultural divisions. Additionally, the conversation critiques the trend of labeling relationships as 'toxic', urging for a more nuanced understanding and dialogue amongst individuals.
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69 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 1h 9min

675: Iran, End Times, & the Political God Gap with Senator Chris Coons

Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, who holds a divinity degree, discusses the perplexing intersection of faith and politics in today's world. He analyzes the evangelical reactions to military actions in Iran, questioning why some Christians foster fear instead of hope. Coons shares insights on how his faith shapes his political choices and the importance of the Democratic Party bridging the 'God gap' to connect with believers. The conversation also touches on recent legal disputes over the display of the Ten Commandments in schools.
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90 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 27min

674: Parades, Protests, and Habeas Corpus with Michael Bird

Joining the conversation is Michael Bird, a theology lecturer at Ridley College and host of the Ask NT Wright Anything podcast. He offers insights on recent military parades and the massive protests across America, questioning their effectiveness in a divided political landscape. Bird highlights the alarming suspension of habeas corpus, urging Christians to be more engaged in societal issues. The discussion also ventures into how evangelicalism's emphasis on personal faith impacts intellectual curiosity and the need for deeper engagement with complex societal challenges.
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106 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 20min

673: The L.A. Protests & Becoming a Priest and Podcaster with Esau McCaulley

Esau McCaulley, an Anglican priest, New Testament professor, and New York Times columnist, shares his insights on navigating faith and culture. He reflects on the potential violence in protests against immigration policies and discusses how leadership can shape peaceful activism. The legacy of theologian Walter Brueggemann is explored, particularly his themes of abundance in contrast to societal scarcity. McCaulley also touches on his journey from academia to podcasting, emphasizing the importance of making theological discussions accessible and relevant.
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52 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 32min

672: Gender Worship Wars & the Joy of Being Cultural Outsiders with Patrick Miller

Join Patrick Miller, pastor and co-author of "Joyful Outsiders," as he discusses the surprising gender divide shaping Gen Z's worship preferences, contrasting emotional expression with structured doctrine. Filling in for Phil, Drew Dyck dives into the implications of these trends on church engagement, while Patrick shares insights on navigating the loss of Christian cultural power joyfully. They also tackle the humorous side of air travel with pigeons and offer thoughtful critiques on the phrase 'asking Jesus into your heart.' A lively exploration awaits!

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