The Holy Post

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.

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.