The Holy Post

In a recent editorial, Kevin DeYoung took aim at Christian commentators, including David French, for criticizing the social and political hypocrisies within white evangelicalism. DeYoung says these necessary corrections are better left to pastors rather than "professional writers, academics, and full-time commentators." David and Skye respond to DeYoung's editorial by explaining the good, and bad, reasons so few pastors are speaking prophetically in America today. Then, they turn their attention to the remarkable NY Times report about the U.S. military underreporting civilian casualties from drone attacks in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. French explains why legally the terrorists, not the U.S. military, carry responsibility for these deaths, which leads to a wider discussion about the ethics of war in general, the way drones may change Americans' view of war in the future, and whether the invasion of Iraq was justifiable to begin with. 0:00 - Intro 2:40 - Kevin DeYoung editorial on Christian commentators https://wng.org/opinions/deyoung-on-white-evangelicalism-1639659990 29:54 - Drone attacks, civilian casualties, and ethics of war https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/12/18/us/airstrikes-pentagon-records-civilian-deaths.html

After the mess that was 2020, we had such high hopes for 2021. Were our expectations met? Phil and Skye look back on the year when the evangelical empire dug in its heels. Those opposed to #MeToo and Black Lives Matter responded by labeling empathy a sin. Voices advocating for women and people of color within the SBC left the denomination. The Salvation Army reversed course on racial sensitivity, and female scholars faced a backlash for exposing Christian nationalism and patriarchy. Will 2022 be any different, or will the sorting of the entire culture into Red and Blue tribes continue? And how wide will the rift between classical and cultural evangelicals get? Then, the president of Barna Group, David Kinnaman, joins Skye to launch a new reoccurring segment—Barna Briefs. Kinnaman reveals brand new data about the state of the church and how the pandemic has revealed wide discontent among churchgoers with their congregations. He also says popular church structures are clearly insufficient for forming mature disciples and new church models are desperately needed. Kinnaman also reveals an alarming number of pastors are ready to leave ministry. Is there a silver lining to all of the troubling data? News Segment: 0:00 - Intro 4:34 - Looking back and looking ahead https://www.holypost.com/post/438-the-year-that-unveiled-evangelicalism-with-john-fea 9:10 - Stories from 2021: The "sin of empathy" conversation Holy Post episode 472 - https://youtu.be/D_NHhmdss5w?t=2000 12:28 - Was 2021 "The Empire Strikes Back"? 15:47 - Russell Moore and the ERLC Painting Phil references - https://www.metrotimes.com/the-scene/archives/2021/12/12/detroit-artist-jonathan-harris-strikes-a-nerve-around-the-world-with-critical-race-theory-painting26:02 - Salvation Army and "wokeness" 32:18 - Books from this year "Jesus and John Wayne" by Kristin Kobes Du Mez - https://amzn.to/3mHdVMx "The Making of Biblical Womanhood" by Beth Allison Barr - https://amzn.to/3ECopmL 42:01 - The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill podcast https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill/ "Church Refugees" by Josh Packard - https://amzn.to/3pzky5m "A Church Called Tov " by Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer - https://amzn.to/3z4DJr7 53:06 - Looking toward 2022 Movie Phil references - "Don't Look Up" (2021) Barna Brief with David Kinnaman: Free download for Holy Post listeners: https://www.barna.com/holypost/ 1:02:37 - Interview Start 1:04:12 - Project intro: State of the Church https://www.barna.com/stateofthechurch/ 1:05:31 - Digital church and effects of the pandemic 1:17:06 - Growing crisis among pastors 1:22:53 - Mental and emotional impact of pandemic 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.

Last Sunday, the former president attended an advent service at First Baptist Church in Dallas. Some have called what unfolded an example of evangelicalism's syncretism with conservative politics. Why aren't more people bothered by it? Then, Don Jr. said if Christians want to take back America they need to ignore Jesus' commands like "Turn the other cheek." Kaitlyn says he's right. Skye responds to listener feedback to his interview about Gen Z, and Phil reads listener comments about abortion. Then, Kaitlyn speaks with New Testament professor Dr. Cynthia Long Westfall about Paul and gender. Dr. Westfall says we need to apply the same interpretive framework to what the Bible says about men as we do for women. Based on the weight of biblical evidence, she argues that the burden of proof isn't on those who say women should lead and teach, but on those who say they shouldn't. Plus, why are do so many Christmas cards this year fear assault weapons? One historian says you can blame the YMCA. PATREON BONUS: https://www.patreon.com/posts/60193055(This bonus segment is available to the public - no Patreon membership required. Click through to listen or watch!) News Segment 0:00 - Intro 2:43 - Mailbag: Gen Z 14:18 - Mailbag: Abortion 23:55 "How Trump Stole Christmas" https://time.com/6130228/donald-trump-christmas-evangelicals/33:29 - Donald Trump Jr. on turning the other cheek https://www.rawstory.com/turning-point-usa-and-donald-trump-jr/41:27 - Guns on Christmas cards https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2021/12/14/guns-christmas-thomas-massie-lauren-boebert/53:18 -Sponsor This episode is sponsored by FaithfulCounseling: faithfulcounseling.com/holypost Interview with Cynthia Long Westfall "Discovering Biblical Equality: Biblical, Theological, Cultural, and Practical Perspectives" - https://amzn.to/3egJok0 54:41 - Interview Start 56:46 - About the book - purpose and new edition 56:07 - Cynthia Long Westfall background 1:07:05 - Galatians 3:28 and differences between genders 1:19:53 - Advice for women in ministry Other resources mentioned: "Paul and Gender: Reclaiming the Apostle's Vision for Men and Women in Christ" - https://amzn.to/3phN7nN 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.

Everyone seems to be talking about "deconstructing" faith, but researcher Josh Packard says it's better to describe young people as "unbundling" faith. He joins Skye for a conversation about Springtide Research Institute's new report on the State of Religion and Young People, and why Gen Z has such a negative perception of the church and such an inflated view of themselves. Also this week, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case that could overturn Roe v. Wade. With some pro-life activists ecstatic, and pro-choice activists apoplectic, the Holy Post crew discusses what a post-Roe country could look like, how the pro-life movement could evolve, and what lessons we can learn from the era of Prohibition. Plus, the word "sorcery" was the fastest-growing search term on Bible Gateway in 2021. Should it have been "asininity"? News Segment 0:00 - Intro 3:26 - Fastest-growing search term on Bible Gateway https://religionnews.com/2021/12/02/why-sorcery-was-the-fastest-growing-search-term-on-bible-gateway-in-2021/ 14:23 - Supreme Court and Roe v. Wade https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/how-southern-baptists-became-pro-life/ 48:31 - Sponsors This episode is sponsored by Abide: http://abide.co/holypost Interview with Josh Packard Springtide Research Institute report: https://www.springtideresearch.org/research/the-state-of-religion-2021 49:36 - Intro 51:12 - Major findings from report 55:06 - Implications of unbundling 1:05:55 - Values gap 1:18:41 - Impact of religious communities on flourishing Other resources: www.wsj.com/articles/young-people-say-disconnect-keeps-them-from-church-11635163200

A recent survey found that 49 percent of pastors reported conspiracy theories were spreading within their congregations. This is especially prevalent within evangelical communities. Although evangelicals are supposed to be known as people of the "good news"—which is what the word "evangelical" literally means—in many places they've become the largest consumers and spreaders of "fake news." In this special episode co-produced with the Love Thy Neighborhood podcast, Skye Jethani and Jesse Eubanks take a closer look at the origins and impact of fake news. How we should define what's "fake", why it's become such a problem, and what can Christians do about it. Love Thy Neighborhood podcast: https://lovethyneighborhood.org/ltnpodcast/ Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com 0:00 - Intro 2:04 - War of the Worlds 7:40 - What is fake news? https://www.newsguardtech.com/special-reports/special-report-2020-engagement-analysis/ https://lifewayresearch.com/2021/01/26/half-of-u-s-protestant-pastors-hear-conspiracy-theories-in-their-churches/ https://guides.lib.umich.edu/fakenews 10:25 - Fake news in the church https://www.businessinsider.com/pastors-quit-after-qanon-radicalize-congregation-2021-3 12:01 - Follow the money https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/american-political-science-review/article/abs/partisan-polarization-is-the-primary-psychological-motivation-behind-political-fake-news-sharing-on-twitter/3F7D2098CD87AE5501F7AD4A7FA83602 23:17 - Episode sponsors With God Daily: http://withgoddaily.com The Movie Proposal: https://www.themovieproposal.com 25:35 - Technology Jason Thacker: https://jasonthacker.com https://news.mit.edu/2018/study-twitter-false-news-travels-faster-true-stories-0308 31:03 - Reclaiming truth https://www.allsides.com https://www.businessinsider.com/christians-are-often-victims-of-conspiracy-theories-health-falsehoods-2021-4

Today, privilege has become a dirty word that is automatically associated with sinfulness, but Dominique Gilliard, author of "Subversive Witness: Scripture's Call to Leverage Privilege," says it doesn't have to be. He explores the many biblical characters who used their privilege redemptively rather than selfishly, and challenges us to rethink our assumptions about who is really privileged in our society. Also this week, a new study reveals how our preferred news source shapes our political and cultural beliefs—especially for those on the more conservative end of the spectrum. As the Supreme Court hears arguments about Mississippi's new abortion law, Tish Harrison Warren says we need to rethink our definition of feminism to include women who are pro-life. Plus, Phil goes to an indoor waterpark, and the Japanese have an innovative new energy source. News Segment: 0:00 - Intro/Thanksgiving highlights 12:41 - News of the Butt 20:50 - PRRI media study https://www.prri.org/spotlight/why-we-divide-republicans-by-media-trust-the-oan-newsmax-effect/ 36:29 - Feminism and pro-life https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/28/opinion/feminism-abortion-pro-life.html 50:11 - MyPillow ads 52:17 - Holy Post merch https://www.holypost.com/shop Interview with Dominique DuBois Gilliard: "Subversive Witness: Scripture's Call to Leverage Privilege" - https://amzn.to/3Dm9igF 53:32 - Introduction 57:31 - Defining privilege 1:04:45 - How stories in Scripture help us 1:08:20 - Accountability in leveraging privilege 1:21:08 - Interpreting the rich young ruler 1:26:49 - Fruit in ongoing repentance Other resources mentioned: "Rethinking Incarceration: Advocating for Justice That Restores" - https://amzn.to/3E9n8nK 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.

French Friday leaves the world of politics and theology behind to join David French and fellow nerd Skye Jethani for a journey through the pop-culture countryside of geekdom in a special episode. They begin with a breakdown of Dune, the film adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic sci-fi novel. Was it too faithful to the book? The dorky duo then debate why the Disney-era Star Wars sequel trilogy was a failure, but The Mandalorian series works brilliantly. They discuss the best movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and whether the future of the MCU is doomed. Then things heat up when French and Jethani cross streams as French argues that DC's recent movies—including Justice League—are masterpieces, and Jethani disagrees. Which nerd will triumph? Listen to find out. PATREON BONUS: https://www.patreon.com/posts/58871092 0:00 Intro 1:21 Dune 12:54 Star Wars 28:32 Marvel 43:17 DC

In case you haven't noticed, the evangelical movement in America is a mess. Some say we should let it all burn down. Others fiercely defend the historic and theological richness of the tradition. Dan Stringer says there's a third option that is honest about evangelicalism's failures, while also valuing its strengths. Kaitlyn interviews Stringer about his new book "Struggling with Evangelicalism: Why I Want to Leave and What It Takes to Stay." Also this week, former Trump national security advisor Michael Flynn says the U.S. should only allow one religion. Skye explains why the Pilgrims did not come to America for religious freedom, and Christian explores healthy and toxic patriotism. Then, what should we conclude from the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict? Plus, orcas are attacking yachts and Phil celebrates World Toilet Day. Thanks to the Grow Center for sponsoring this episode. More information about The Ray Bakke Certificate of Biblical and Entrepreneurial Thinking is available here: https://www.thegrowcenter.com News Segment 0:00 - Intro 04:07 - World Toilet Day12:28 Animal News: Orcas attacking yachts https://www.yachtingworld.com/cruising/orca-attacks-rudder-losses-and-damage-as-incidents-escalate-133968 18:43 - Michael Flynn says U.S. should mandate one religion https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnists/2021/11/20/michael-flynn-john-hagee-ed-stetzer-one-religion/8649034002/?gnt-cfr=1 42:45 - Kyle Rittenhouse verdict https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/11/kyle-rittenhouse-right-self-defense-role-model/620715/https://robertpjones.substack.com/p/free-as-f-kyle-rittenhouse-whiteness Interview w/ Dan Stringer "Struggling with Evangelicalism: Why I Want to Leave and What It Takes to Stay" - https://amzn.to/3FIPkyc 54:43 - Interview Start & Guest Background 59:55 - Shifting perspective on evangelicalism 01:04:13 - Importance of remembering our history/tradition 01:12:46 - Communal repentance https://urbana.org/message/litany 01:16:46 - Learning from each other 01:22:37 - Is this the moment for renewal? 01:27:06 - What next? Responding after pain 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.

Are faith and science irreconcilable belief systems? Not according to Dr. Francis Collins, the Director of the National Institutes of Health and founder of BioLogos. He talks with Phil about his journey from atheism to faith, his role in overseeing the country's response to Covid-19, and why America's culture war is literally killing people. Collins also explains why the Covid vaccines are safe and should be embraced by Christians as an answer to prayer. Then, The Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood's attack on a small Texas church backfires, leading to a conversation about God and gendered language. The editor of World Magazine leaves in protest as yet another evangelical institution takes a sharp turn to the right. Are we witnessing the final fury of a dying religious right? Plus, Phil was unknowingly on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. And, a meaningless archeological discovery in Michigan. News Segment: November livestream details [3:41] http://patreon.com/holypost Archaeological discovery in Michigan [5:21] https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/32486160/the-remarkable-story-man-found-162-bowling-balls-house Phil on the Late Show [12:24] Beth Allison Barr and our language for God [14:04] "The Making of Biblical Womanhood" - https://amzn.to/3oSOVm3 https://www.holypost.com/post/episode-457-paul-power-patriarchy-with-beth-allison-barr https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/how-gods-pronouns-and-the-cbmw-might-save-beth-allison-barrs-church/2021/11/11/07320aae-4337-11ec-9404-50a28a88b9cd_story.html Marvin Olasky and the struggle between evangelicals and fundamentalists [28:52] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/14/business/world-magazine-marvin-olasky-trump.html https://twitter.com/drantbradley/status/1460273263590916099 Interview with Francis Collins: Interview Start [49:28] "Language of God" book [52:20] https://amzn.to/3qGHG2P Response to objections after NIH nomination [55:19] Science and faith conflicts [57:20] COVID-19 responses and vaccines [1:00:05] Legacy as a visible scientist of faith [1:07:23] Culture wars and the pandemic [1:15:21] Other resources mentioned: Biologos: https://biologos.org 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.

Why do we expect the Christian life to be easy when the Bible clearly says it will be a struggle? Starting with the wrong expectation, says John Mark Comer, makes us spiritually neurotic and causes more suffering than necessary. He talks with Skye about his new book, "Live No Lies," why spiritual warfare isn't what you've been taught, why information alone doesn't change us, and what it means to really be people committed to the truth. Also this week, artificial intelligence is now offering very questionable ethical advice. Phil wonders what it means for self-driving cars. Two seminaries are suing the government over the Covid vaccine mandate, but is it really a question of religious liberty? New data says white evangelicals are those most likely to use violence to defend America, and those most likely to reject America's founding ideal of pluralism. Does anyone else see a contradiction? Plus, skull-crushing wombat bums. News Segment: Deadly wombat butts [5:14] https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/nov/04/wombats-deadly-bums-how-they-use-their-skull-crushing-rumps-to-fight-play-and-flirt Ethical AI trained on Reddit [13:57] https://www.vice.com/en/article/v7dg8m/ethical-ai-trained-on-reddit-posts-said-genocide-is-okay-if-it-makes-people-happy "Drive Recklessly" short film - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9S75Rfva9O8 Two evangelical seminaries sue to block vaccine mandates [27:32] https://religionnews.com/2021/11/05/two-prominent-evangelical-seminaries-sue-to-block-vaccine-mandates-southern-baptist-seminary-asbury/ Study: Most white evangelicals don't want to live in a religiously diverse country [38:06]https://religionnews.com/2021/11/01/study-most-white-evangelicals-dont-want-to-live-in-a-religiously-diverse-country/ Holy Post Updates [48:40] Interview with John Mark Comer:"Live No Lies: Recognize and Resist the Three Enemies That Sabotage Your Peace"- https://amzn.to/3oh724y PATREON BONUS: https://www.patreon.com/posts/58518164/ Interview Start [51:05] Spiritual warfare and the spirituality of struggle [53:14] Truth and lies; desert fathers and mothers [1:00:09] Information alone vs. embodied spiritual formation [1:05:41] Mental maps and spiritual imagination [1:13:36] Conservative and progressive fundamentalism [1:24:14] Other books mentioned: "Water from a Deep Well" by Gerald L. Sittser - https://amzn.to/3kpBMPJ "The Road Less Traveled" by M. Scott Peck - https://amzn.to/3D5t4h4 "Where the Light Fell" by Philip Yancey - https://amzn.to/3mZAzjS 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.