The Holy Post

Were you an evangelical kid in the 1970s, 80s, or 90s? Then you may be suffering from the lingering affects of “rapture anxiety.” Why did rapture theology feature so prominently in the American church, where did it come from, and why does it seem so bizarre to Christians today? Then, Russell Moore has a new article on the heresy of Christian Nationalism accusing it of doing to conservatives what the Social Gospel did to progressives a century ago. Skye then talks to Silicon Valley pastor, Jay Y. Kim, about his book “Analog Christian: Cultivating Contentment, Resilience, and Wisdom in the Digital Age.” Kim says social media is designed to produce the opposite of the Fruit of the Spirit in us, and argues we need to “linger longer” in non-digital, incarnate spaces and relationships to combat its affects. Plus, don’t take a raccoon into a bar, and one tough Turkish toddler. Bonus Patreon Interview with Jay Y. Kim - https://www.patreon.com/posts/72887200 News Segment 00:00 - Intro 2:08- Animal news 9:39 - Rapture anxiety 25:08 - Russell Moore on Christian nationalism Interview with Jay Y. Kim “Analog Christian: Cultivating Contentment, Resilience, and Wisdom in the Digital Age” - https://amzn.to/3e3vaXk 39:51 - Interview intro 43:04 - Technology and cigarette analogy 46:41 - Spiritual formation in Silicon Valley 51:18 - Are mediums really neutral? 56:20 - Love vs. self-centric despair 1:06:04 - Lingering longer Links from news segment: “Woman who brought raccoon to North Dakota bar is charged” (ABC News) - https://abcnews.go.com/Weird/wireStory/woman-brought-raccoon-north-dakota-bar-charged-90326390 “Toddler Bites Snake to Death after It Sunk Its Fangs into Her Lip” (Newsweek) - https://www.newsweek.com/toddler-snake-bite-kills-snake-1733553 “For some Christians, ‘rapture anxiety’ can take a lifetime to heal” (CNN) - https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/27/us/rapture-anxiety-evangelical-exvangelical-christianity-cec/index.html “Christian Nationalism Cannot Save the World” by Russell Moore (Moore to the Point newsletter) - https://christianitytoday.activehosted.com/index.php?action=social&chash=0224cd598e48c5041c7947fd5cb20d53.10884&s=c0745eb8366dc94946b6b980d936ad22 Resources from interview: “Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid” by Jonathan Haidt (The Atlantic) - https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/05/social-media-democracy-trust-babel/629369/ “When Church Became Theatre: The Transformation of Evangelical Architecture and Worship in Nineteenth-Century America” by Jeanne Halgren Kilde - https://amzn.to/3Rzr9Yn “Analog Church: Why We Need Real People, Places, and Things in the Digital Age” by Jay Y. Kim - https://amzn.to/3SAqHu9 Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost 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.

David French is in studio with Skye Jethani and Phil Vischer for a special edition of French Friday. First, they discuss new survey results showing most evangelicals hold shockingly heretical beliefs about the nature of Jesus, but they are absolutely clear about sexual ethics. What does it mean for evangelicalism to make doctrine optional and sexual purity essential? Then, comments from leading conservative voices appear to contradict core conservative values. Can conservatism still be defined, or has it deteriorated into a reactionary movement to “own the libs” and nothing more? Plus, David and Skye nerd-out about the new Amazon series, “The Rings of Power.” 0:00 - Intro 1:55 - Is evangelicalism about Jesus or sexual ethics? 26:24 - Can conservatism be defined? 57:57 - Nerd corner Links and resources mentioned: The Dispatch - https://thedispatch.com “Evangelicals Decenter Jesus” by David French (The Atlantic Newsletter) - https://newsletters.theatlantic.com/the-third-rail/632df352c5c055002255fa9f/us-evangelical-christian-republican/ “The American right’s future involves waging a ‘religious battle’ against the left, leaders say at a conservative conference” (NBC) - https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2022-election/american-rights-future-involves-waging-religious-battle-left-leaders-s-rcna48961 Fuller Youth Institute - https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/stickyfaith “The Evangelical Question in the History of American Religion” by Kirsten Sanders (The Hedgehog Review) - https://hedgehogreview.com/issues/the-use-and-abuse-of-history/articles/the-evangelical-question-in-the-history-of-american-religion Holy Post episode 526 (includes discussion of above article) - https://www.holypost.com/post/episode-526-was-the-constitution-divinely-inspired-with-kaitlyn-schiess National Conservatism: A Statement of Principles - https://nationalconservatism.org/national-conservatism-a-statement-of-principles/ “How Do Christians Fit Into the Two-Party System? They Don’t” by Tim Keller, 2018 (NYT) - https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/29/opinion/sunday/christians-politics-belief.html Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost

The death of Queen Elizabeth has many wondering about the future of Christianity in the UK. The Queen was outspoken about her faith in Jesus Christ, but how will King Charles change what it means for the monarch to be the “Defender of the Faith”? We all know evangelicals are divided by politics, but a new report by Catholic bishops says Roman Catholics are too. What can we learn from one another? Poverty among kids in the U.S. has declined dramatically in recent decades. Liberals say it’s the result of government programs. Conservative credit economic growth. Who is right?   Then, Anglican pastor Aaron Damiani talks with Skye about his journey from megachurch burnout to life-giving liturgy. His new book, “Earth Filled with Heaven,” is written to Christians skeptical about tradition, rituals, and sacraments, but they might be the key to saving evangelicalism from itself. Plus, why you shouldn’t drink coffee before shopping or trust ads featuring dogs.   Bonus Patreon Interview with Aaron Damiani - Https://www.patreon.com/posts/72516965/   News Segment 0:00 - Intro 03:06 - Dog and cat marketing 9:42 - Drinking coffee before shopping 11:13- The Queen’s faith and Christianity in the UK 21:46 - Catholic church split by politics 30:36 - Child poverty has declined   Interview with Aaron Damiani “Earth Filled with Heaven: Finding Life in Liturgy, Sacraments, and other Ancient Practices of the Church” - https://amzn.to/3Szeaqy Aaron Damiani - https://twitter.com/aarondamiani 43:55 - Background 47:47 - Megachurch burnout 52:14 - Liturgy and sacrament overview 59:38 - Misperceptions about liturgy 1:08:21 - Mitigating celebrity dynamics in the church 1:11:48 - Is this just another novelty? 1:15:08 - Credits   Articles from news segment:“Dog owners take more risks, cat owners are more cautious, research finds” by Lei Jia (Salon) - https://www.salon.com/2022/09/04/dog-owners-take-more-risks-cat-owners-are-more-cautious-research-finds_partner/   “Drinking coffee before shopping could make you spend more” by Adam Barnes (The Hill) - https://thehill.com/changing-america/enrichment/arts-culture/3567346-drinking-coffee-before-shopping-could-make-you-spend-more/   “US Catholic bishops’ report to the Vatican shows a church split by politics” by Claire Giangravé (Religion News Service) - https://religionnews.com/2022/09/23/u-s-catholic-bishops-report-to-the-vatican-shows-a-church-split-by-politics/   “Expanded Safety Net Drives Sharp Drop in Child Poverty” by Jason DeParle (NYT) - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/11/us/politics/child-poverty-analysis-safety-net.html   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   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.

A court has ruled that a Christian-owned business is not required to pay for health insurance that includes drugs to prevent HIV. Is the ruling a victory for religious liberty, or a case of Christians unfairly imposing their beliefs on others? In an effort to “bring God back into public schools" Taxes now requires schools to display “In God We Trust” signs. But what happens when the sign is in Arabic? Southern governors are shipping undocumented immigrants North. But is their goal to actually solve the immigration crisis, or are they using vulnerable people for a partisan stunt? Then, pastor and culture-watcher Mark Sayers is back to talk about his new book, “A Non-Anxious Presence.” He says we’ve entered a new cultural era riddled with anxiety and uncertainty that Christian leaders relying on the previous era’s models are not equipped to handle. Drawing from Friedman’s family-systems theory, Sayers argues we must learn to patiently resist the unhealthy people in our communities, endure sabotage, and fundamentally rethink our definitions of success. Plus, annual awards for hilarious scientific achievements. Patreon Bonus: Christian Asks...Do we actually know what happens the moment we die? https://www.patreon.com/posts/72258893/ News Segment 0:00 - Intro 2:52 - Bizarre scientific awards 11:04 - Religious freedom and health insurance coverage 23:13 - Public Christian symbols 38:39 - Southern governors sending migrants north Sponsor 58:23 - Sponsor: Abide Get 25% off a premium Abide subscription by texting “holypost” to 22433 Interview with Mark Sayers “A Non-Anxious Presence: How a Changing and Complex World Will Create a Remnant of Renewed Christian Leaders” - https://amzn.to/3f3wRnO Mark Sayers - https://www.marksayers.co 1:00:18 - Mark Sayers intro 1:02:49 - Anxiety in a gray zone 1:06:26 - Friedman’s systems theory and culture 1:08:35 - How leaders can bring health 1:15:39 - Comfort and escapism 1:22:22 - Leading with God’s presence 1:27:42 - Credits Articles referenced in news segment: Ig Nobel prize winners - https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/constipation-s-effect-on-scorpion-sex-garners-biology-ig-nobel-70504 “A Texas Judge Just Took Religious ‘Freedom’ Too Far” (Bloomberg) - https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2022-09-14/texas-prep-drug-ruling-in-braidwood-case-should-be-overturned?   “Southern governor sending migrants north face a crisis of faith” by Jonathan Merritt (Religion News Service) - https://religionnews.com/2022/09/16/southern-governors-sending-migrants-north-face-a-crisis-of-faith/ Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost 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.

The water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi, was foreseeable and preventable. Did white evangelicalism's anti-government attitude contribute to the catastrophe? Washington Post columnist Michael Gerson has yet another take on the evangelical infatuation with Trump. Do we need any more? And a recent article by theologian Kirsten Sanders says we’ve entered a new era of evangelicalism where online influencers are shaping the movement more than pastors or institutions. Then, Skye and Kaitlyn discuss the belief held by some American Christians that the Constitution was inspired by God. Where did this view come from? Why is it dangerous? And why is it finding new popularity today? Plus, Phil plops a headline. News Segment 0:00 - Intro 4:54 - News of the Butt headline 6:10 - Jackson water crisis 17:52 - Another article on evangelicalism and Trump? Sponsor 54:22 - Sponsor: Abide Get 25% off a premium Abide subscription by texting “holypost” to 22433 Getting Schooled by Kaitlyn Schiess 55:40 - Getting Schooled intro 57:57 - Divine inspiration of the Constitution - overview 1:15:24 - Dangers of holding this view 1:22:54 - Resources Resources from Getting Schooled: “We the Fallen People” by Robert Tracy McKenzie - https://amzn.to/3qzgkuf “The Bible in Politics” by Richard Bauckham - https://amzn.to/3U1zQgF “Every Leaf, Line, and Letter” edited by Timothy Larsen - https://amzn.to/3U9M7ja Articles mentioned: “Jackson water crisis deepens as state deploys National Guard” - https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/09/01/jackson-mississippi-water-crisis/ “Trump should fill Christians with rage. How come he doesn’t?” by Michael Gerson (The Washington Post) - https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/09/01/michael-gerson-evangelical-christian-maga-democracy/ “The Evangelical Question in the History of American Religion” by Kirsten Sanders (The Hedgehog Review) - https://hedgehogreview.com/issues/the-use-and-abuse-of-history/articles/the-evangelical-question-in-the-history-of-american-religion Join us on Patreon for more episodes of Getting Schooled by Kaitlyn Schiess and other great bonus content! Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost 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.

The Bible is one of God’s most important gifts to his people. Through it we discover who he is and become equipped to follow him in the world. But rather than a source of unity, for many Christians the Bible is a point of conflict and division—especially when we fail to recognize the difference between the Bible and our cultural interpretation of the Bible. My guest today, Lanre Williams-Ayedun, says one of best ways to overcome this danger is by engaging our sisters and brothers from other parts of the global church. When we listen to how they read the Scriptures, it can both illuminate things we’ve never seen before and make us more humble about our own grasp of God’s word “Inalienable: How Marginalized Kingdom Voices Can Help Save the American Church” by Eric Costanzo, Daniel Yang, and Matthew Soerens - https://amzn.to/3RyObjc Interview with Lanre Williams-Ayedun 0:00 - Intro 2:32 - Engaging Scripture globally 11:47 - Learning from the global church 18:50 - Celebrity pastors outside U.S. 22:31 - Engaging outside your context 26:58 - Scripture and cultural lenses 30:57 - Scripture and justice Sponsor 35:09 - Sponsor - World Relief Join the Path: https://worldrelief.org/holypost/ Debrief with Matthew Soerens 37:06 - Diverse voices speaking into Scripture 45:17 - Healthy skepticism of cultural lenses 48:33 - Other resources 53:21 - Credits Resources mentioned: “Brown Church: Five Centuries of Latina/o Social Justice, Theology, and Identity” by Robert Chao Romero - https://amzn.to/3x4D0WR “Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope” by Esau McCaulley - https://amzn.to/3QsZVSC Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost 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.

Historically, evangelicals have been the group of Americans most resistant to taking action against climate change. The National Association of Evangelicals hopes to change that. Phil, Christian and Skye discuss the NAE’s new report and their attempt to ground environmental care in the biblical call to love your neighbor. Will it work? Then, the Most Interesting Evangelical in the World, Bob Roberts Jr., is back to talk about extremism. For over 20 years he has been a trailblazer in the peacemaking and international religious freedom arenas, and has studied how extremism takes root. That’s why Roberts says what’s happening in America right now is terrifying, and warns the church that remaining silent about conspiracy theories, political hate speech, and Christian Nationalism is not an option. Plus, a pumpkin regatta and tomatoes hit the road. News Segment 00:00 - Intro 5:00 - Phil's mistakes 10:41 - Tomatoes hit the road 17:37 - Evangelicals and climate change Sponsor 45:13 - Sponsor: Abide Get 25% off a premium Abide subscription by texting “holypost” to 22433 Interview with Bob Roberts Jr. Bob Roberts Jr. - https://bobrobertsjr.com/ Bold Love Podcast - boldlovepodcast.com GlocalNet - glocal.net 46:37 - Bob Roberts Jr. interview intro 48:51 - Extremism in America 56:01 - Defining Christian nationalism 1:00:21 - The church's call 1:22:10 - Hope in this moment 1:26:31 - Credits Other resources and links mentioned: "Evangelical group releases climate change report, urges a biblical mandate for action" (Religion News Service) - https://religionnews.com/2022/08/29/evangelical-group-releases-climate-change-report-urges-a-biblical-mandate-for-action/ "Dobson, Others Seek Ouster of NAE Vice President" (Christianity Today, March 2007) - https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/marchweb-only/109-53.0.html Megan Basham tweet - https://twitter.com/megbasham/status/1564749306866851843?cxt=HHwWhoCz5YjNjbcrAAAA Holy Post Episode 456: Why We're Divided & Positive Pluralism with Bob Roberts - https://www.holypost.com/post/episode-456-why-we-re-divided-positive-pluralism-with-bob-roberts Holy Post Episode 172: Dude Ranches in Texas with Guest Bob Roberts - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxa8pE83WD4&t=2s Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost

Immediately after President Biden announced his college loan forgiveness plan Christians started debating it. Some are arguing that debt forgiveness is deeply biblical, while others say it’s completely immoral. Who’s right? Or, are both sides missing the point? Then, Phil is still processing the last French Friday episode about why so many politically active evangelicals see policy goals as absolute and Christian virtues as flexible. He offers his theories. Skye then talks to pastor Rich Villodas about his conversion, his early spiritual formation, and how he’s avoided the pitfalls of pastoral ministry. His new book is “Good and Beautiful and Kind: Becoming Whole in a Fractured World.” Plus: Row, row, row…your pumpkin? News Segment 0:00 - Intro 2:48 - Pumpkin boat recording 13:36 - French Friday follow-up 29:27 - Debt forgiveness Interview with Rich Villodas “Good and Beautiful and Kind: Becoming Whole in a Fractured World” - https://amzn.to/3AWPT7Y 48:11 - Rich Villodas interview intro 49:54 - Rich’s background and early spiritual formation 1:03:59 - Mentors 1:11:11 - The church today 1:13:38 - Self-differentiation 1:18:27 - Coaching pastors and leaders 1:23:42 - Advice for church leaders 1:27:43 - Credits “‘Gourdspeed.’ 60-year-old paddles 38 miles in huge pumpkin to set record, photos show” - https://amp.heraldonline.com/news/nation-world/national/article265015734.html French Friday: De-Radicalizing the Church & Learning from Atheists - https://www.holypost.com/post/french-friday-de-radicalizing-the-church-learning-from-atheists “Christian Political Ethics are Upside-Down” by David French (The Dispatch) - https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/christian-political-ethics-are-upside Tony Perkins interview that Phil references - https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/01/23/tony-perkins-evangelicals-donald-trump-stormy-daniels-216498/ “Republicans Opposing Student-Loan Relief Are Forgetting the Biblical Tradition of Debt Forgiveness” by William J. Barber II and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove (Time) - https://time.com/6208577/student-loan-forgiveness-republicans-christianity-bible/ “Is There a Christian Case for Biden’s Debt Relief Plan?” by David French (The Dispatch) - https://time.com/6208577/student-loan-forgiveness-republicans-christianity-bible/ “Best of: Cancel America’s Student Loan Debt! But How?” podcast episode (The Argument, NYT) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/best-of-cancel-americas-student-loan-debt-but-how/id1438024613?i=1000577188963 Rich Villodas: richvillodas.com https://youtube.com/c/NewLifeFellowshipChurchNewYorkCity Newlife.nyc Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost 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.

In a recent article, Russell Moore lamented the captivity of evangelicals to conspiracy theories and political radicalization, but he argued “the problem is not in the pulpit” and “the problem isn’t primarily in the pews either.” Instead, he believes the radicalization is happening outside the church. David French and Skye Jethani agree that radicalization is happing outside the church, but say there is also a real problem in the pews. What role do churches and pastors have in de-radicalizing evangelicals, and what’s preventing them from speaking up and doing more? Then, French shares about a pro-life atheist who positively influenced his own values. That leads to a wider discussion about the importance of forming relationships with and engaging the ideas of those we disagree with. Rather than seeking the safety of never being challenged, welcoming the discomfort of divergent voices will provoke us toward growth and maturity. 0:00 - Intro 00:50 - De-radicalizing the church 38:11 - Learning from atheists 1:05:14 - Credits "Christian Political Ethics are Upside-Down" by David French (The Dispatch) - https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/christian-political-ethics-are-upside "When the South Loosens Its Bible Belt" by Russell Moore (Christianity Today) - https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/august-web-only/russell-moore-white-evangelicals-bible-belt-south-church.html "There Is a Secular Case for Life" by David French (The Dispatch) - https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/there-is-a-secular-case-for-life "The Gift of Pain" by Paul Brand and Philip Yancey - https://amzn.to/3ArfV1w "What in the World?" Holy Post miniseries - https://www.holypost.com/articles/categories/what-in-the-world Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost David French - https://twitter.com/DavidAFrench 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.

Two things are simultaneously true about America: More Americans than ever before are abandoning religion, and America remains the most devoutly Christian industrialized country in the world. Today's episode navigates this tension. First, a recent article by Helen Lewis says non-believers still have religious impulses that are now being expressed through political activism. Is Christian faith being replaced by Wokism on the left and Nationalism on the right? Then, David French asks why our politics are so toxic and hateful if both parties are still dependent on devoutly Christian voters. What will it take for believers on both sides to put Christian virtue ahead of just winning elections? And Kaitlyn Schiess talks to Lore Ferguson Wilbert about her new book, “A Curious Faith: The Questions God Asks, We Ask, and We Wish Someone Would Ask Us.” She says too many Christian communities discourage curiosity while the Bible is “a permission slip to ask questions.” Plus, scientists are growing animals in artificial wombs without eggs or sperm. What could possibly go wrong?   Patreon Bonus - Getting Schooled by Kaitlyn Schiess: The Harrowing of Hell 101 - patreon.com/posts/70936439/   News Segment 0:00 - Intro 4:07 - What could possibly go wrong? 15:20 - Is social justice a new religion? 30:46 - Christian political ethics   Interview with Lore Ferguson Wilbert "A Curious Faith: The Questions God Asks, We Ask, and We Wish Someone Would Ask Us" - https://amzn.to/3cngHVc 48:37 - Lore Ferguson Wilbert intro 50:02 - Why we struggle with questions 57:27 - Joy in questions 1:03:54 - Questions in Scripture 1:13:47 - Facing life's questions 1:20:09 - Jesus' humanity 1:25:50 - Credits   Other articles and resources mentioned:   "Synthetic embryos grown from stem cells don't need sperm or eggs" - https://newatlas.com/biology/synthetic-embryos-stem-cells   "How Social Justice Became a New Religion" by Helen Lewis (The Atlantic) - https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/08/social-justice-new-religion/671172/   "Christian Political Ethics Are Upside Down" by David French (The Dispatch) - https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/christian-political-ethics-are-upside   Holy Post episode 522 (last week's episode) - https://www.holypost.com/post/episode-522-the-new-secular-south-celebrities-for-jesus-with-katelyn-beaty   "Overland to the Islands" poem by Denise Levertov - https://3quarksdaily.com/3quarksdaily/2011/03/saturday-poem-1-73.html   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   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.