The Holy Post

It seems like everyone is talking about the new podcast from Christianity Today, “The Rise & Fall of Mars Hill” about the famed Seattle megachurch and its controversial pastor, Mark Driscoll. The creator of the podcast, Mike Cosper, talks to Skye about the complicated reality of Mars Hill, and what the rest of the evangelical church can learn from its story. Also this week, scientists discover a parasite that could make you live for 200 years, keep you perpetually young, and make you popular. But there’s a catch. A woman lets God take the wheel, literally. The Creation Museum in Kentucky thinks rebuilding the Tower of Babel in the key to racial harmony. And Phil’s confused about an Olympic team’s decision to wear shorts rather than the mandated bikini bottoms. Is it a victory for conservative or progressive values? https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2021/05/ant-tapeworm/618919/ https://jalopnik.com/woman-crashes-into-multiple-cars-and-a-house-at-120-mph-1847319454 https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-extract-15000-year-old-viruses-tibetan-glacier-180978287/ https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2021/july/tower-of-babel-ark-encounter-ky-ken-ham-answers-genesis.html https://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/sports/norways-handball-team-has-been-fined-because-they-didnt-want-to-play-in-bikinis/ The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill/ Patreon Bonus Segment: https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-interview-54513169

Earlier this year, Gregory Thompson and Duke Kwon released their book “Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair,” in which they make a biblical argument for the American church’s responsibility to repay the debts inflicted upon black communities by systemic racism and white supremacy. In this moment of political division and evangelical panic over Critical Race Theory, it’s not surprising that responses to the book have been polarized. One of the most negative and widely read reviews came from theologian Kevin DeYoung who said “Reparations” is “clearly not shaped by the gospel.” Thompson and Kwon then wrote a lengthy and detailed response to DeYoung’s review. (Links to both are posted below.) In this episode, Thompson talks to Skye about the debate, criticism of his book, and what the white evangelical response to racism reveals about its theology, mission, and blind spots. Phil and Christian then join Skye to discuss Thompson’s interview, and Christian shares a personal story to remind us all that change is possible. “Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair” - https://amzn.to/3jUMMov  Kevin DeYoung Review - https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/reparations-a-critical-theological-review/ Review Response 1 - https://thefrontporch.org/2021/07/sanctifying-the-status-quo-a-response-to-reverend-kevin-deyoung/ Review Response 2 - https://thefrontporch.org/2021/07/distinctively-christian-an-additional-response-to-reverend-kevin-deyoung/ Other resources referenced: "The Sum of Us" - https://amzn.to/3tqEY0V  https://religionnews.com/2021/07/12/dont-believe-in-systemic-racism-lets-talk-about-the-sexual-revolution-charlottesville-robert-e-lee/ (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.)

When news broke that the new president of the SBC lifted portions of his message from the previous SBC president’s sermon without attribution, #Sermongate erupted. The Holy Post crew unpacks the controversy, why so many pastors either outsource their sermon prep or plagiarize, and why the pressure to preach may be harming the church. Then, in a dramatic reversal, new data from Pew says mainline churches are growing while evangelical churches are shrinking. Have evangelicals been burned by their own critique that mainline churches don’t take the Bible seriously? Then, author and advocate Mary DeMuth explains the history of sexual abuse in the church, why cover ups are now so common, how we can respond more redemptively, and the best ways to prevent abuse in the first place. Plus—good news! Scientists say we have a back-up breathing option if our lungs fail. https://www.cnet.com/news/scientists-say-mammals-can-breathe-through-their-butts-in-emergencies/ https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/06/us/sermongate-plagiarism-litton-greear.html https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill/ https://religionnews.com/2021/07/08/survey-white-mainline-protestants-outnumber-white-evangelicals/ https://www.prri.org/research/2020-census-of-american-religion/ https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2021/06/30/behind-bidens-2020-victory/ https://twitter.com/SkyeJethani/status/1410335364116627465 Resources from Mary DeMuth: "We Too: How the Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis": https://amzn.to/3tugZOv   https://www.wetoo.org/resources/ https://www.wetoo.org/survivors/21days/ https://www.netgrace.org/ A Church Called Tov: https://amzn.to/38Q55F4 (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.)

Calvin University history professor Kristin Kobes Du Mez discusses 'Jesus & John Wayne' with Skye Jethani, exploring white evangelicals' support for Trump, reactions to the Capitol attack, scandals in church leadership, and the role of evangelical media. They address criticism of the book, reflect on the future of American evangelicalism, and the need to reframe narratives of Christian nationalism, patriarchy, and militancy.

This 4th of July, Hobby Lobby took out a controversial full page newspaper ad featuring quotes, or mis-quotes, from America’s founders about being a Christian nation. An editorial from Robert P. Jones says July 4th is a time to decide what we believe more—the Declaration of Independence that says all people are created equal, or the European doctrine of discovery which enshrined white supremacy? And David French asks what it really means to be a patriot and love our country well as Christians. Then, Karen Swallow Prior is back on the show to talk about a recent address she gave to the Evangelical Press Association about Christian publishing’s addiction to celebrity and lack of integrity. But who’s really to blame—Christian book publishers, or Christian book consumers? All of that, plus is Spiderman & the Pope the best MCU team up yet? https://news.yahoo.com/pope-francis-meets-spider-man-130000577.html https://www.hobbylobby.com/about-us/holiday-messages?modal=one+nation+under+god https://www.scarymommy.com/stop-shopping-hobby-lobby-now/ https://religionnews.com/2021/07/02/lets-celebrate-this-fourth-of-july-without-the-myth-of-white-christian-innocence/ https://www.relevantmagazine.com/faith/church/the-american-conservative-does-the-unthinkable-and-defends-the-unmarked-indigenous-graves-as-good-actually/ https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/how-do-christian-patriots-love-their Patreon Bonus: https://www.patreon.com/posts/53681162

Calvin University professor Kristin Kobes Du Mez discusses the evolution of white evangelicalism's view on masculinity post the Cold War, exploring Promise Keepers, fragile masculinity, and the impact of 9/11 on Christian leadership. The podcast delves into racial reconciliation challenges, therapeutic Christianity, and the return to aggressive masculinity in evangelical circles.

Phil, Christian, and Skye do a deep dive into George Packer’s recent article in the Atlantic called “How America Fractured into 4 Parts.” Packer argues that Americans no longer agree on the country’s purpose, values, history, or meaning. Is he right? And how do Packer’s 4 Americas map onto the church? Then, Skye interviews Kyle Strobel about his new book “Where Prayer Becomes Real.” Obviously, the book is about prayer but it’s also about something even deeper and more foundational to our faith—honesty. It’s vital for our transformation but in short supply in many churches. Plus, scientists say the earth has a pulse. Did God design the earth to destroy life every 27.5 million years? That sets the Holy Post crew down a path into theology, the problem of evil, and why ferrets are bad pets. Where Prayer Becomes Real: https://amzn.to/3njNRs2  (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.)  

Calvin University history professor Kristin Kobes Du Mez discusses how evangelicalism upheld traditional authority structures while also aligning with political interests, leading to the rise of the Religious Right. They explore feminism, reconstructionism, and the influence of Rush Duny on societal ideologies and politics.

Tyler Huckabee, senior editor for Relevant, joins the Holy Post crew to defend his recent article about VeggieTales. Did Phil’s mom trick him into creating vegetable characters who are beyond God’s salvation? Then, over 1,000 Cru staff members say the parachurch ministry’s focus on diversity and racism has resulted in mission drift. Are they right or is it another example of paranoia over CRT? Then, Christian college president D. Michael Lindsay shares about his new book “Hinge Moments: Making the Most of Life’s Transitions,” and the unexpected changes in his own life. Have we misunderstood what it means to follow God’s will, and what can we learn from the best leaders about how to change directions? All that, plus Skye’s cramped cross-country road trip. https://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/never-forget-that-veggietales-werent-allowed-to-show-jesus-as-a-vegetable/ https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2021/june/cru-divided-over-emphasis-on-race.html https://www.amazon.com/Hinge-Moments-Making-Lifes-Transitions/dp/0830841792

Calvin University history professor Kristin Kobes Du Mez and Skye Jethani discuss how the Cold War influenced American evangelicalism, Billy Graham's impact, and the lingering effects on white evangelicals today. They explore the connection between Cold War values, political ideologies, and cultural attitudes, highlighting the shift from military ambivalence to viewing it as a mission field. The podcast delves into moral clarity and nostalgia for the Cold War era, and how these mindsets continue to shape modern evangelical perspectives on culture wars and political loyalty.