The Holy Post

Based on a decade of research with the Barna Group, David Kinnaman says we're not in Kansas anymore. We now occupy digital Babylon—a new world where people are discipled by their screens, don't know how to have meaningful relationships, and distrust organizations. What does this all mean for the church? He talks with Skye about everything from rethinking preaching, the diminishing value of youth ministry, and a backlash against "professional" worship. Also this week, Phil reads from his new Bible and has a dream/nightmare about Donald Trump. Christian asks where we should get our news from. NFL quarterback Drew Brees gets in trouble for appearing in a Focus on the Family video. And research says the church, like politics, is losing moderates.

According to years of research from the Barna Group, only about 10% of young adults raised in the church have a resilient faith. Some may see that as bad news, but not David Kinnaman. He dug deeper to see what was different about these 4 million Millennials and Gen Zers, and he came away deeply encouraged. He talks with Skye about the 5 traits of "resilient disciples" and what it means for the future of the church. Also this week, Phil, Christian, and Skye talk about the wave of Christian leaders abandoning the faith and what it means for labels like "evangelical," "ex-evangelical," "fundamentalist," and "progressive." Plus, plague-infected prairie dogs and pooping Legos.

Buckle your seatbelts. While promoting his new VeggieTales show, Phil was asked about LGBTs in kids' media. Now everyone from Ben Shapiro to The Advocate is responding. Phil's off the cuff remarks have made him a hero to some and a villain to others. This week he explains why he's neither, and how both sides of the culture war twist things to fit their biases. Then Skye interviews official Holy Post historian, John Fea, about the new Netflix documentary series "The Family." Is there really a secret society of evangelicals inflitrating world governments? Fea offers both history and perspective on the shadowy group behind the National Prayer Breakfast and explains what the Netflix show gets right and wrong about Christians in politics.

Another celebrity couple's marriage has ended, but don't worry—they're still committed to their pet pigs. New data finds Americans have lost faith in technology to the point that churches are now viewed more favorably than big tech firms. Another survey finds conservative Christians use less porn than other Americans, but they feel way worse about it. Should we continue to stigmatize the sinfulness of pornography? The gang has a lively discussion about it. Also this week, Drew Dyck is back with his latest book recommendations, and he talks with Skye about the flurry of Christian leaders announcing their renunciation of the faith via social media. Plus, Phil wants to know why web algorithms are telling him to buy a cereal called Poop Like a Campion.

American Christianity is fixated on celebrity pastors, spectacular worship, and doing big things for God. But most of our lives aren't that extraordinary. That's good news, according to Glenn Packiam. He's been a megachurch worship leader and pastor, but now he finds God in the most ordinary things. He talks with Skye about his new book, "Blessed, Broken, Given." Also this week, Phil and Skye reflect on the recent shootings in El Paso and Dayton. Should the Billy Graham Rule apply to police officers? And a German study involving dropping oranges at train stations reveals surprising things about immigrants and discrimination.

Many Christians are lamenting or panicking as the culture becomes increasingly post-Christian, but not Mark Sayers. The Australian church leader and author believes the rise of secularism is good news for the church and its mission. He talks with Skye about his new book and explains how the church has historically found new life amid global crises. Also this week, a new study finds religious children are meaner than secular kids. Archeologists uncover an ancient biblical city. Democrats and Republicans both suffer from "bubblism." Skye compares pastors to stand-up comics. Phil explains why HBO is evil. And the gang talks about donkey dung, tiny Hindu children, and why time travel is great for white people.

With the implosion of evangelical purity culture, and news that its poster child is getting divorced, many are reevaluating the legacy of the movement that dominated youth ministries in the 80s and 90s. Katelyn Beaty is back to talk about her recent article about the problems with the sexual ethics of both evangelical and secular cultures. Also this week, a Catholic school in Indiana is getting heat for firing a teacher in a gay marriage, and the Evangelical Covenant Church banished a 134-year-old congregation for its LGBT policy. These stories provoke the question: Is it still ok for Christian organizations to enforce Christian beliefs? And what does the future look like when nearly half of millennial evangelicals support same-sex marriage?

Christian is back! She updates us on her travels to France and the status of her new film, "The Girl Who Wore Freedom." A review of the new documentary "American Heretics" reveals that liberals in Hollywood are begging Christians to follow Jesus. Tim Dalrymple, the new president of Christianity Today, says white Christians need to confront Donald Trump when he takes aim at people of color. Has CT rediscovered its prophetic voice? A former missionary asks why white evangelicals are so eager to help the poor and suffering overseas but are the least likely group to welcome or help them at home? Skye says it's because the latter makes us feel righteous, while the former requires repentance. And Phil worries that tweeting Christian values will spark a backlash—among Christians!

Should the United States compensate the descendants of African slaves? If so, what should that compensation look like? And what does Christian faith have to say about repentance and reparation for wrongs committed by prior generations? Dr. Theon Hill is back on the show to talk about recent congressional hearings on the matter, and his conversation with Skye might surprise you. Also this week, a church in Indiana is paying off medical debts. For the first time ever, Canada has surpassed the U.S. as the most welcoming country to refugees. That launches Phil and Skye into a history of U.S. immigration policies. Christian singer Nichole Nordeman wrote an open letter to Franklin Graham asking him to send "Operation Christmas Child" shoeboxes to kids in detention centers at the Southern border. Is Graham's silence a result of his support for Trump and his border policies? And "love" for Donald Trump is causing a rift among evangelicals.

Why are fewer people getting married? One study says it's because weddings have become too expensive. Skye isn't buying it. Phil explains why dads are responsible for our large brains, and gives ammo to social conservatives in the process. And Christian's back! (Sort of.) In a special segment of "Christian Asks," she talks with Skye about his recent devotional series about idols. That leads to a conversation about the right and wrong way to read the Bible, the concept of narrative fallacy, and slaughtering turkeys.