The Holy Post

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.

The podcast crew responds to listener reactions to their Super Bowl halftime show episode which leads to a conversation about the physical difference between men and women. Is there any, and if so does it matter? The bad behavior of a TSA agent would suggest so. Phil explains why he can't wear a speedo to McDonald's. Christian reacts to a calendar featuring topless Canadian firefighters. And Skye doesn't like the new Billie Eilish song. Plus, part one of a conversation with Matthew Soerens from World Relief about the drastically reduced number of refugees being admitted to the U.S. and why the policy is bad for both the church and the economy.

Rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among teens have skyrocketed in recent years which has put new strains on both parents and youth ministers. Dr. Kara Powell, director of the Fuller Youth Institute, is back to talk about new research and a curriculum to help families and churches navigate faith in an increasingly anxious world. Also this week: Some Christians want to be liberated from the "barbaric, totalitarian, and corrupt regime" that is Virginia. Is Franklin Graham being persecuted in the U.K., or is the culture warrior reaping what he's sown? And a 15-year-old is expelled from a Christian school for wearing a rainbow sweater.

The Super Bowl halftime show featuring Jennifer Lopez and Shakira has some Christians upset. Was it a case of objectifying women's bodies or an important validation of Latin culture and female liberation? Phil & Skye unpack the debate. Also this week, Drew Dyck is back with his latest book and TV picks. He offers his take about the Trinity, secularism, and a controversial Netflix series about a modern-day messiah.

The Apostle Paul says that Christ has given leaders to the church to "equip" the saints not to "serve" the saints. So why do we treat pastors like entertainers, CEOs, or suppliers of religious goods and services? Micah Fries talks about his new book, "Leveling the Church," and how healing the clergy-laity divide is more important than ever. Also this week: a study finds Christians are more likely to own dogs while atheists own cats—but there's a twist. The end has come for TV eschatologist Jack Van Impe. And Ethical Veganism has become a recognized religion in the UK launching the podcast crew into a wider discussion about ethics and animals.