The Holy Post

The crazy Christian uncles are out in force declaring that the pandemic is God’s judgment on America for our sin and secularism. Are they right? Skye and Christian talk about it in a new edition of “Christian Asks....” Some theologians are arguing the opposite by declaring “God is not in control” of the current crisis. What?! The podcast crew also discusses conservative churches defying the government’s social distancing orders, and why are some Christians valuing the economy more than lives? Plus, scientists say farts can spread the virus, but there’s a solution. And Phil’s ukulele returns!

William Wilberforce is celebrated as a model of Christian cultural engagement for ending the British slave trade, but most Christian biographies of Wilberforce ignore the fact that he was addicted to opium for most of his life. Timothy McMahan King, author of “Addiction Nation,” explains why. He shares his own story of overcoming opioid addiction which kills over 70,000 Americans every year, and how equating addiction with moral failure hurts far more than it helps. Also this week, Hulk Hogan says God is judging our idolatry with COVID19. Is he right? Skye explains why the eschatological nuts are probably wrong about this being the end of the world. And Phil tries to cut his hair with horse clippers.

Phil, Skye, and Christian are celebrating their 400th episode like everyone else—quarantined in their homes. But they invited their Patreon supporters to join them for a live Q and A session via Zoom. The crew discusses their favorite podcast guests, interviews that managed to change their minds, and a bucket list of future guests. Youl’ll hear about Phil’s inability to “find my Roy,”  their Enneagram numbers, lessons for churches from the pandemic, and hear Skye’s dog barfing in the background. It’s an audio delight for the whole family.

The quarantined gang is back again, with better audio quality this time. (Sorry about last week!) Phil shares an experience with preschool-via-Zoom, then the group discusses two proposed theories for America’s vulnerability to the coronavirus… A) We’re compromised by the anti-science rhetoric of fundamentalist Christianity, or B) We’re all too selfish and individualistic. Skye wonders if the real answer is… C) All of the above? Plus, Phil (yes, Phil!) sits down for a chat with Erin Weidemann, an author, speaker and cancer survivor who has launched Truth Becomes Her - a ministry helping girls resist society's destructive messages about beauty and worth. The U.S. has the Most Covid-19 Cases Worldwide. Why? Because we're selfish. From the San Diego Union-Tribune The Religious Right is Crippling our Coronavirus Response from the New York Times  

Phil, Skye, and Christian talk via Zoom as they “shelter at home” during the coronavirus pandemic (sorry for the audio quality), but there is some good news. Clothing sales are up—but only for tops. Churches experiment with ‘drive-in’ worship. Phil shares N.T. Wright’s honest thoughts about the pandemic and why the best Christian response is lament, while Skye responds to fundamentalists who are certain that homosexuality and environmentalism are to blame for the virus. Plus, Mars Hill’s teaching pastor, Ashlee Eiland, talks about her new book and the power of radical kindness in a world of fear.

Are machines going to take over the world? What happens to our jobs once everything is automated? And if computers can think, learn, and feel, do we need to redefine what it means to be human? Jason Thacker joins Skye for a conversation about his provocative new book, “The Age of A.I.” Also this week, Smurfs congregate in France in defiance of the coronavirus. Creators of “The Bum” allow you to wear celebrity posteriors. And with everyone migrating to streaming worship services during the pandemic, how legitimate is virtual church? Plus, Phil alienates the country of Belgium.

The world is upside down because of the coronavirus pandemic, but fear not! Phil is here to save us from being locked in our homes with our children without entertaining and informative Bible content. Learn all about Mr. Phil TV and how to sign up. Also, if you didn’t make it to Costco for toilet paper, we’ve got you covered with natural alternatives for bathroom tissue. Finally, journalist and The Week columnist, Bonnie Kristian, talks to Skye about foreign policy and why it should be the most important factor when voting for a president. (FYI, their conversation was recorded before the COVID-19 outbreak.) Checkout Phil’s new kids streaming service - Mr. Phil TV - at www.MrPhil.tv and start a free trial!

No, we’re not talking about the global coronavirus pandemic. Phil is worried about a record-breaking locust swarm, an army of 100,000 Chinese ducks, and a new line of “self-care” Barbies complete with a meditation app—because America isn’t self-focused enough. Also this week, screen use and a decline in exposure to sunshine are elongating human eyeballs. The Southern Baptists appear determined to eliminate anyone respected by outsiders from their ranks. Christian updates us on her WWII documentary project, and why does a French tire company rank restaurants.

Eugene Cho is a passionate pastor, author, and activist who has learned how to maintain his convictions without condemning those who do not share them. Sometimes that learning has come through failure, and other times it’s been discovered at a dinner table with those he disagrees with. Cho has compiled his lessons into a new book, “Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk: A Christian’s Guide to Engaging Politics.” Also this week: Will the coronavirus force churches to think outside the box? A court says Christian college students must be allowed to evangelize in Chicago’s most popular park. And a poll by Christian politicians backfires spectacularly. Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk by Eugene Cho https://www.amazon.com/Thou-Shalt-Not-Jerk-Christians/dp/0781411157 Sign the Evangelical Immigration Table’s Restitution petition: http://evangelicalimmigrationtable.com/restitution/

The American church talks a lot about the family. Some might say we’re focused on it, but is that right? The podcast crew discusses a provocative new article by conservative columnist, David Brooks, about our society’s focus on the small nuclear family (mom, dad, and kids), why they’re unsustainable, and why extended family groups have always been the norm in human societies. World Relief’s Matthew Soerens is back for the second part of his interview about the state of refugees, and Skye talks about the racial history of America’s immigration policy. Also this week: Phil’s animal stories—car-sized turtles, the real-life Disney baboon, lazy salamanders, and talking penguins.