The Holy Post

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.

With Skye out of town, Phil invites "hardest working man in evangelicalism" Ed Stetzer to sit in and discuss what went down in Nashville last week when 17,000 Southern Baptists all got in one room. What does it mean for Southern Baptists? What does it mean for evangelicalism? And does the mainstream media know the difference between the two? There were also two very interesting court rulings that came down last week with implications for religious liberty in America. So conservative columnist and civil liberties attorney David French stops by to talk through free-speech cake baking and foster care, and to answer the question - what do we do when defending our own rights pits us against the neighbors we are called to love? Plus... a farmer settles a property line dispute with a neighbor in a, shall we say, odorous way. https://www.christianpost.com/news/judge-rules-against-christian-baker-in-transgender-cake-case.html https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2021/06/17/supreme-court-catholic-foster-care-agency-may-turn-away-gay-couples/4155263001/ https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/under-attack-from-fundamentalist

Violent crime, including mass shootings, are way up. On average over 300 people are shot everyday in America. In 2013, one of them was Taylor Schumann. She talks with Kaitlyn Schiess about her new book, "When Thoughts and Prayers Aren't Enough," and the side of gun violence most of us forget—the survivors. Also this week, the Southern Baptists are meeting in Nashville where, according to the mainstream media, the entire fate of evangelicalism will be decided. Are they right? Plus, Relevant Magazine wonders if Phil's mom gave him sound advice about VeggieTales, or was she playing 3-dimensional chess to mess with her son's theology. And, why a lobster diver will be the illustration in every sermon this Sunday. https://www.capecodtimes.com/story/news/2021/06/11/humpback-whale-catches-michael-packard-lobster-driver-mouth-proviencetown-cape-cod/7653838002/ https://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/never-forget-that-veggietales-werent-allowed-to-show-jesus-as-a-vegetable/ https://mobile.twitter.com/ryanburge/status/1403353463354974234 https://twitter.com/BethMooreLPM/status/1404426835199500296 https://www.amazon.com/When-Thoughts-Prayers-Arent-Enough/dp/0830831703

We are bombarded by more news than ever before, and many of us can no longer differentiate what's real from what's fake, or what's important from what's trivial. Jeffrey Bilbro, author of "Reading the Times: A Literary and Theological Inquiry into the News," offers wisdom about what it means to engage the media as a Christian, why the first step may be a deeper engagement with our local church, and the value of cultivating a "holy apathy" about current events. Also this week, Phil, Skye, and Christian respond to listener emails. Did Skye contradict one of his own sermons on a recent podcast? And what happened to the pipeline that used to carry kids in the church from birth all the way through college? Phil says it has completely blown up, but is that good or bad? And what does it mean for Christian parents? Plus, Jason is addicted to cinnamon rolls, and the magical musical armor of fireflies. Fireflies Story: https://www.iflscience.com/plants-and-animals/fireflies-wear-musical-armor-to-avoid-getting-eaten-by-bats/ Jeffrey Bilbro's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Reading-Times-Literary-Theological-Inquiry/dp/0830841857/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3ANNJ5BNEV8RW&dchild=1&keywords=reading+the+times+jeffrey+bilbro&qid=1623251775&sprefix=reading+the+times%2Caps%2C239&sr=8-3

The hosts discuss the Tulsa Massacre, controversies at Wheaton College, and evangelical attitudes towards change. They also talk about lonely Japanese eels seeking attention online. Other topics include resistance against woke ideas, approaching interactions with love, redefining prayer as communion, and recognizing the capacity for communion with God.

Our society is more diverse than ever before yet ninety percent of churches in the U.S. remain mono-cultural. Derwin Gray says this isn't just a problem for the mission of the church, it's also a betrayal of the gospel itself. He talks with Skye about why he planted a multiethnic church, why so many church leaders resist this calling, and how a fundamental misunderstanding of the gospel is to blame. Also this week, the military has admitted that UFOs are real but doesn't say if they're extraterrestrial. If there are aliens, what are the implications for Christian theology? Plus, a new study finds that in countries where Christianity enjoys political power more people abandon the faith. So why do evangelicals want to take back Washington? And Phil wonders if psychedelic cicadas prove the existence of God. Book launch: https://www.facebook.com/groups/whatifjesuswasseriousaboutprayerlaunch/ UFOs: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ufo-military-intelligence-60-minutes-2021-05-16/ https://www.amazon.com/Liturgy-Politics-Spiritual-Formation-Neighbor/dp/0830848304/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+liturgy+of+politics&qid=1622046538&sr=8-1 https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/cicadas-fall-prey-drug-producing-fungus-makes-their-butts-fall-180977776/ https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/may-web-only/christian-persecution-political-privilege-growth-decline.html?utm_medium=widgetsocia lhttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08NCWHC1Q/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP7CFMIttGQ

Mike Erre, guest host and expert on evangelicalism, joins Kaitlyn Schiess to tackle the scandals and misogyny within the church. They explore the balance of loving evangelicals while critiquing the system. Baylor historian Beth Allison Barr discusses her book, revealing how Paul's writings on women have been misinterpreted and how historical views of womanhood shaped today's church. The conversation invites a reassessment of gender roles, uncovering women's crucial contributions throughout church history, challenging traditional patriarchy.