The Holy Post

Carmen Joy Imes, an Old Testament scholar and professor at Biola University, shares insights from her book, "Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters." She discusses the vital role of church membership and community amid current societal changes. Carmen argues that genuine church relationships can counteract the isolating effects of social media, fostering deeper connections. She reflects on the importance of embodying faith through local churches, especially in light of the pandemic, emphasizing the richness of shared vulnerability and service.

David French, a conservative columnist and attorney, joins to tackle the alarming rise of Nazi rhetoric on the right. He explores how conservative institutions respond inconsistently to this trend. The discussion covers ICE's aggressive 'Kavanaugh stops' and the potential threats to election integrity posed by the intertwining of extremism and state authority. French also emphasizes the need for judicial checks on executive overreach, proposing legal doctrines to curb this troubling expansion of power.

Renowned New Testament scholar N.T. Wright, former Bishop of Durham and author of "The Vision of Ephesians," joins to discuss urgent themes in modern Christianity. He critiques the church's focus on individual salvation over genuine church unity, asserting that true gospel witness lies in ethnic reconciliation. Wright emphasizes that Paul’s vision encompasses a multiethnic church reflecting God's diverse wisdom. The conversation touches on the modern church’s mission, the importance of community ethics, and the barriers to achieving true inclusion.

In a lively Halloween special, the hosts dive into why society seems less afraid of demons and monsters nowadays. They explore the moral ambiguity of pop culture heroes and villains, questioning the shift towards nuanced characters. The discussion evolves into whether communal living could alleviate loneliness, with differing opinions among the hosts. A fun 'True Confessions' game reveals amusing personal stories, while the audience joins in with questions about joy, ambition, and cultural engagement with magic in media.

In this engaging conversation, Jamin Goggin, a pastor and theology professor, delves into the often-overlooked practice of confession in church life. He discusses how the decline of public confession in Protestantism has affected accountability and healing. Jamin emphasizes the importance of pastors leading the way in confession and suggests that the act fosters genuine vulnerability. He also examines Augustine's confessions and why addressing pastoral insecurities can revitalize this essential spiritual practice.

Elizabeth Neumann, a former U.S. counterterrorism official and author, delves into the unsettling rise of political violence among Gen Z. She highlights how younger generations are increasingly drawn to conservative Christianity, driven by social media dynamics and polarizing beliefs. Discussing Peter Thiel's provocative views on technology and the Antichrist, Neumann emphasizes the need for reform to combat these dangerous trends. The conversation reveals startling polls showing a growing acceptance of violence for political goals among young adults.

Join A.J. Swoboda, an author and professor dedicated to Christian formation, and Nijay Gupta, a New Testament scholar, as they explore the concept of Slow Theology. They discuss how society's craving for quick answers fuels spiritual disillusionment and the importance of deliberate theological reflection. Nijay shares an insightful metaphor comparing deconstruction to chemotherapy, highlighting its potential for healing when done thoughtfully. They emphasize the need for churches to embrace lament, engage hard questions, and practice theology communally for deeper spiritual formation.

In this engaging discussion, Grace Hamman, an independent scholar of late medieval poetry, dives into her book on medieval virtues and vices. She argues that ancient wisdom can shape a modern understanding of the good life. Topics include how virtues can lead to character formation and the significance of pairing vices with remedial virtues. She redefines sloth as a neglect of vocation rather than simple laziness and emphasizes the connection between wholeness and holiness. Prepare for insightful takeaways on communal formation and living faithfully.

Dr. Terence Lester, founder of Love Beyond Walls and author of "From Dropout to Doctorate," shares his powerful journey from poverty to educational reform. He discusses how trauma from systemic issues like redlining impacts student wellbeing and highlights the crucial role mentors played in his life. Emphasizing the need for both personal grit and policy changes, Lester calls for educational equity and community engagement. His insights blend personal narrative with a passionate plea for reform, aiming to inspire others facing similar challenges.

The assassination of a prominent figure sparks a fiery debate around political violence and social media's role in polarization. Reactions vary widely, with some celebrating the death while others call for retribution, exemplifying the growing divide. Discussions highlight the importance of responsible leadership and faith in reconciliation amidst toxic political rhetoric. The hosts urge for hope and redemption, advocating for Christian values to combat radicalization and foster understanding in a fragmented society.