The Holy Post

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.

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.

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.

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!

The hosts dive into listener questions, tackling the role of seminary for laypeople and addressing the harm in simplistic faith phrases like 'asking Jesus into your heart.' They discuss the appropriateness of God's pronouns, exploring the blend of tradition and modernity. Ethical concerns in Christian video game development take center stage, sparking a conversation about morality and community. Plus, navigating church trauma and rebuilding trust in faith communities is examined, emphasizing healing and connection. A surprise announcement adds excitement to the mix!

Dave Ripper, lead pastor of Crossway Christian Church and author, discusses the rising popularity of the Nicene Creed, marking its 1700th anniversary. He explores how this ancient statement can unify churches in today's divided world. Ripper also emphasizes a transformative way to engage with Scripture, inspired by Dallas Willard, urging believers to deepen their relationship with God instead of just collecting information. The conversation touches on modern issues like anti-Christian behavior and the plight of refugees, making for a thought-provoking discussion.

Katelyn Beaty, a journalist and cultural observer, returns to discuss the evolution of the Q Conference. She highlights its shift from promoting the common good to embracing culture war themes, revealing deeper changes within American evangelicalism. The conversation also touches on the new American Pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost, and the reactions to his leadership. With a mix of humor and thoughtful reflection, they explore broader societal issues, including refugee policies and the challenges faced by Christians in today's cultural landscape.

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.

A slate of new articles analyzes Pope Francis through America’s progressive-conservative polarization, but are they confusing political categories with theological ones? Surprising data show that Gen Z is returning to religion, and belief in an afterlife is on the rise, but what's the explanation? Are young people returning to the church to rebel against their secular parents? Former Ohio Governor John Kasich believes America is on the cusp of a spiritual revival, and his new book, “Heaven Help Us,” explores how religious institutions are leading the way. He talks to Skye about how God used tragedy to awaken his own faith, and why he thinks this present era of greed and cowardice will pass. Also this week—a bunny, a Boeing, and a Bible illustration.   Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/127757278/   0:00 - Show Starts   2:40 - Theme Song   3:00 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month   4:10 - 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.   6:22 - Rare Rabbit Strike!   14:10 - Progressive Christians and the Pope   21:50 - What Even is Progressive Christianity?   32:44 - Is Gen Z Becoming Religious?   51:42 - Sponsor - Timeless designs, great fabrics. Perfect swimwear for your kids this summer! Check out Minnow at https://www.shopminnow.com enter SHOPMINNOW15 for 15% off your first order.   52:50 - Sponsor - Fabric by Gerber Life - Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to protect their family. Apply today in just minutes at https://www.meetfabric.com/HOLYPOST   53:50 - Interview   56:15 - Kasich’s Testimony   1:03:15 - Institutions to Help the Individual   1:11:30 - Religious Division   1:22:00 - What Will Kasich Do Next?    1:28:45 - End Credits   Links from News Segment: Rabbit in a Jet Engine! https://people.com/rabbit-causes-fire-on-united-airlines-flight-after-animal-is-sucked-into-engine-11716879   The Atlantic Article on Progressive Christianity Post-Pope: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/04/pope-francis-future-church/682543/?utm_medium=offsite&utm_source=flipboard&utm_campaign=ideas   The New York Times Article on Progressive Christianity Post-Pope:  https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/24/us/pope-christians.html?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=newyorktimes/magazine/U.S   Belief in an Afterlife is Increasing: https://www.graphsaboutreligion.com/p/belief-in-an-afterlife-is-increasing   Other Resources: Heaven Help Us: How Faith Communities Inspire Hope, Strengthen Neighborhoods, and Build the Future by John Kasich: https://a.co/d/dKAgkBj   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.  

Mike Cosper, Senior Director of CT Media and author, unpacks the bizarre phenomenon of the Satanic Panic from the 1980s and 90s. He explains how unfounded fears about cults escalated into mass hysteria, as accusations spiraled around music, games, and popular culture. The conversation draws connections to today's misinformation, inviting listeners to reflect on contemporary cultural anxieties. Cosper also discusses the legacy of Pope Francis and the evolving dynamics within the Catholic Church, underscoring the relevance of these historical insights.