The Holy Post
Join VeggieTales and What's in the Bible? creator Phil Vischer and co-host Skye Jethani (author, speaker, pastor) for a fast-paced and often funny conversation about pop culture, media, theology, and the fun, fun, fun of living a thoughtful Christian life in an increasingly post-Christian culture.
Episodes
742: The Problem with Public Executions & Why We Fear Silence with John Mark Comer
Following last week's episode about the death penalty and a Southern Baptist leader calling for public executions, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the execution by firing squad of the man who killed 13 soldiers at Fort Hood in 2009 would be livestreamed. Skye is back with his take on what the Bible says about the death penalty, and why the brutality of public execution would make Ame
741: Celebrity Pope, Christian Bloodlust & Is Israel Losing America with Todd Deatherage
Why is Pope Leo drawing massive crowds in one of the most secular countries in Europe? Phil, Kaitlyn, and Mike Erre talk about the Pope's surprising celebrity in France and whether people are becoming more open to Christianity when they see it lived with sincerity and conviction. Then, after a botched execution in Tennessee, some Christian leaders are calling for a return to public hangings and fi
740: Is Empathy Killing the West & What Makes a Soul Secure with Alison Cook
Is empathy becoming a liability in American Christianity? Phil, Kaitlyn, and Mike Erre discuss the growing backlash against empathy and why some conservatives argue that too much compassion can lead to bad politics, bad theology, and even the decline of Western civilization. They also look at Russell Moore's warning about the "fear-driven church" and how anxiety about God, outsiders, and our own c
739: Debriefing the Debate over Evangelicalism
Podcast hosts, ASSEMBLE! Phil, Skye, Kaitlyn, and Esau come together to debrief the new books by Kristen Kobes Du Mez, Bonnie Kristian, and Charlie Dates, as well as their recent interviews on The Holy Post. They each critique or defend evangelicalism, but who's right? Is evangelicalism worth fixing? Does the current debate unknowingly center only white experiences of evangelicalism? And is evange
738: Are Evangelicalism's Failures Bugs or a Feature? with Bonnie Kristian
Following the 9/11 terrorist attack 25 years ago, Americans began using more "good versus evil" rhetoric, but have we taken it too far? Many of the tech bros developing AI were fans of sci-fi novels and movies in middle school, but completely missed the point of those stories. We may all pay the price. Bonnie Kristian, the deputy editor at Christianity Today, returns to discuss her new book "In De
737: The Surprising Origin of Evangelical Femininity with Kristin Kobes Du Mez
Historian Kristin Kobes Du Mez, author of the best-selling "Jesus and John Wayne," is back with another look at the forces that shaped modern American evangelicalism. This time she explores the backstory of evangelical femininity in her new book, "Live Laugh Love: The Secret History of White Christian Women and the World They Made." Also this week: Phil wants to know what links three recent celebr
736: Reuniting Justice & Righteousness with Charlie Dates
Why are the Christians who profess right doctrine about God often the most opposed to social justice in his name? That contradiction is at the heart of Charlie Dates' new book. He talks with Skye about how separating justice and righteousness is damaging both white evangelicalism and young black activists. Also this week: Reflections on the wisdom of Dolly Parton, why religious tolerance isn't eno
735: Is Socialism Christian? plus Matthew Loftus
Socialism appears to be having a moment with a recent CNN poll finding that one-third of Democratic voters now consider themselves "democratic socialists." But what does socialism believe, and is it compatible with Christianity? Kaitlyn interviews Matthew Loftus about pop psychology and how the spread of therapy culture can distort the Christian life. Also this week: After shutting down U.S.A.I.D.
734: The Problem With Modern Dating Culture and the Resurgence of Christian Music with Kelsey McGinnis
Dating apps were supposed to make romance easier, but have they actually made men and women worse at dating? Kaitlyn Schiess takes over the host chair with Skye Jethani and Mike Erre to talk about Bumble's decision to let men make the first move and why modern dating culture seems to be leaving everyone frustrated. Then they turn to AI and ask what happens when people start outsourcing friendship,
733: Will Progressive Pastors Close the Political "God Gap"? and Elizabeth Neumann
Since the 1980s, the Republican Party has increasingly been associated with Christianity, while the Democratic Party has distanced itself from religious rhetoric to be more inclusive. But is that changing? This year, a surprising number of pastors are running for Congress as Democrats, and they are not shy about infusing their campaigns with faith. Republicans eager to protect their brand are figh
732: Mailbag! Prenups, "Mere Christianity," and Did Jesus Help People Get Drunk?
The age of generic, non-denominational Christianity may be coming to an end. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss why Christians are increasingly drawn to narrower theological identities, and whether the internet is turning legitimate doctrinal differences into purity tests and church fights. Then, the crew opens the mailbag to answer whether prenuptial agreements are compatible with Christian marriage
731: Why You Should Talk to Strangers with Nicholas Epley
"Big Eva" may be fading, but a new generation of online Christian influencers is taking its place. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss the rise of "Gig Eva," how digital platforms are reshaping Christian authority, and why accountability to real churches and communities still matters. Then, the number of words people speak each day is dropping as more of everyday life moves online. The crew considers
730: The Idolatry of Church Growth with Andrew Root
Why was there almost no emphasis on "church growth" before the 1970s, and how does the fixation on it for the last 40 years correspond with the American economy? Skye talks with Andrew Root about his new book, "Baal and the Gods of More," about the link between the modern church growth movement and ancient pagan fertility gods. A new report by Ryan Burge says that for decades those who left the ch
729: Church Trauma & the Apostle Paul with Scot McKnight
Some of the Apostle Paul's letters in the Bible can be defensive, sarcastic, and even mean. New Testament scholar Scot McKnight says his nasty tone may stem from deep pain. But Paul's trauma wasn't caused by the persecution of nonbelievers but by fellow Christians. He offers Skye an illuminating look into what the apostle can teach us about church trauma today. Mike Erre joins the podcast crew to
728: The Political Divide over Matthew 25 plus Tish Harrison Warren
Two members of Congress, one Republican and one Democrat, had a meeting recently where they fundamentally disagreed about the meaning of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25. Their disagreement has now spilled into the media. Why has this chapter of the Bible become the new dividing line between Christians in the public square? Kaityn interviews Tish Harrison Warren about her new book about Chris
727: Rethinking the Sexual Revolution & America Turns 250 with Robert Tracy McKenzie
The United States is turning 250 this week, but the country is divided about the anniversary. Should the country celebrate or lament? Historian Robert Tracy McKenzie joins Skye to talk about the ongoing fight over how to tell America's story, why we reject nuance, and what he saw at the Rededicate 250 event in Washington, D.C. that made him concerned. Kaitlyn offers her take on a New York Times in
726: Reimagining Biblical Politics with Michael Rhodes
Over the last decade, white evangelicals in the U.S. have lost their moral credibility. In response, Peter Wehner says the church should embrace a form of "Christian humanism." The Holy Post crew discusses his article, what he gets right, and why that label may be a barrier for some. Kaitlyn interviews biblical scholar Michael Rhodes about his book,"Reimagining Biblical Politics: What Scripture Sa
725: The Cage Match for America's Story plus Nijay Gupta
Last year, the President celebrated his birthday with a military parade. This year, he hosted a UFC cage match on the South Lawn of the White House. It's easy to compare it to the gladiator games honoring the Roman emperor, but Phil asks whether it's a sign that America would rather emulate pre-Christian Roman values than biblical ones. Americans can no longer agree on how to teach American histor
724: The Problem with Pagan Masculinity with Zach Wagner
While secular journalists, scholars, and even the Pope are wrestling with big questions about Artificial Intelligence, the war in the Middle East, and what it means to be truly human, the Southern Baptists have decided the most urgent problem in 2026 is banning women from preaching. Phil asks why evangelicals are still fixated on issues from 50 years ago, while other Christian traditions are leadi
723: Pope Leo, A.I., & the Intimacy Economy plus a Guided Tour of HP+
The Pope's first encyclical about the importance of human dignity and the threat posed by A.I. is causing a stir. Some secular journalists are celebrating Leo's moral clarity, while Trump administration officials are saying the Pope should stay in his lane. Historian Yuval Noah Harari has his own warning about A.I. and explains how we are moving from an "attention economy" into an "intimacy econom
722: Colbert & the Problem of Public Faith plus Karen Swallow Prior
Last week, Stephen Colbert ended his tenure as the host of The Late Show on CBS. Along with witty political commentary and comedy, Colbert was also open about his Catholicism at a time when many were growing skeptical of faith. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss Colbert, the criticism public Christians receive, and how to discern which examples of public faith to emulate. It's graduation season, and
721: Easy Optimism vs Durable Hope with Sharon McMahon
MAGA politicians, pastors, and influencers gathered on the National Mall this weekend to rededicate America to God. Unlike biblical ceremonies of rededication, however, this one included no repentance or lament. Elon Musk is upset that a black woman was cast as Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan's upcoming film "The Odyssey." Sharon McMahon is back to explain how political backlash and violent thr
720: The Casino-fication of the Church and Mark DeYmaz
Online gambling is changing the way we watch sports. Rather than cheering for a team together, more people now focus on their individual prop bets. Russell Moore says the same thing is happening in the church as individual interests and personal goals are overshadowing our collective calling as Christ's people. Mark DeYmaz talks with Skye about how the prayer of St. Francis has helped his church n
719: King Charles' Christian Message plus Alan Noble
King Charles III addressed Congress last week, citing his Christian faith as a foundation for pluralism and peace. President Trump, in contrast, gave a speech welcoming the King that referenced Christianity as a cultural identity requiring exclusion and protection. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn unpack the two very different visions of faith. Alan Noble is back to discuss his new book, "To Live Well," an
718: HOLY POST LIVE from Atlanta with Lecrae
Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn hosted a live podcast recording in Atlanta on April 22. They were joined by Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Lecrae to discuss his journey through doubt and deconstruction toward a renewed faith in Christ. He shared what helped him through the dark season, and why he felt the need to abandon the "fraud" but not the "faith." They also discussed the tenets of Just War Theory, in
717: The Parenting Prosperity Gospel with Kelsey Kramer McGinnis
Anthropic has sought the help of Christian theologians to make Claude, their A.I. model, more ethical, but they are also meeting with representatives from other religious and philosophical traditions. Should this make us more optimistic about tech companies controlling the future? The Atlantic has a story about the popularity of John Mark Comer even among non-religious young adults. Is his advocac
716: The President vs. The Pope and Bri Stensrud
It's been another week of deranged comments and posts from the President. This time he has targeted Pope Leo by accusing him of being weak on crime and catering to the radical left. Mr. Trump followed up by posting an A.I. image of himself as Jesus. The outrage was swift, including from his own MAGA supporters, but are they actually to blame for his messianic self-image? On Palm Sunday, the Pope s
715: How MAGA Rewired Evangelical Morality with Peter Wehner
We have a roundup of extravagant Easter celebrations, including helicopter egg drops, holy week drone shows, and skydiving bunnies. But what do these spectacles really achieve, and what do they communicate about the way of Jesus? Bible sales are breaking records. Is Donald Trump the reason? Conservative writer Peter Wehner, who worked for three Republican administrations, is back to explain how MA
714: What's Driving the Surge of Catholic Converts? plus Gabriel Salguero
Catholic bishops around the U.S. are reporting a dramatic increase in applications for church membership and a surge of new converts as Easter approaches. What's driving this new interest in the Catholic Church, and why aren't evangelical churches seeing a similar boom? Mike Erre joins Phil and Kaitlyn to discuss the trend. Gabriel Salguero is back to update Skye on the impact of immigration enfor
713: Is "Christian Nationalism" Overused? plus Amar Peterman
A recent article in The Atlantic argues that we should stop using the label "Christian nationalism" to criticize the religious right because both conservatives and progressives throughout American history have been motivated by Christian faith. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss what the article gets right and why we need to keep talking about the danger of Christian nationalism. Phil wonders why Cat
712: A New Kind of Christian Fundamentalism plus Bob Goff
In the past, Christian fundamentalism was defined by a literal reading of the Bible and conservative social values. They believed in things like a seven-day creation, the rapture, prophecies about the return of Jesus, and supporting the state of Israel. But data shows that fewer evangelicals hold these beliefs, but that doesn't mean fundamentalism is going away. Skye and Kaitlyn are joined by Mike
711: Donald and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad War plus Preston Sprinkle
Do you remember the children's book, "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day"? That title also sums up what most Americans think about Trump's new war with Iran. Kaitlyn explains why the war is immoral based on Christian theology, Phil channels Ezra Klein to define America's new "heads on pikes" foreign policy, and Skye says the war fits Donald Trump's long pattern of laziness
710: Iran, Immigration, & the Trouble with Certainty with Carrie McKean
The U.S. launched a military strike on Iran and President Trump is framing it in moral terms. Phil, Kaitlyn, and Katelyn Beaty discuss the administration's shifting justifications for war, and why Christians should be cautious of language that makes it easier to dehumanize enemies. Then, they turn to the mass shooting in Austin and the predictable scramble to turn tragedy into political leverage.
709: A Rabbi and a Priest Walk into a Podcast with Father James Martin
Many of our political leaders invoke the Bible, but Rabbi Shai Held says many don't understand one of its most important commands. Rabbi Held argues that Scripture's call to love immigrants was a "moral revolution" and says the mistreatment of immigrants is an abomination in God's eyes. Skye interviews Father James Martin about his new memoir, "Work in Progress," about his journey from the busines
708: Mistaking Certainty for Maturity with Joshua Harris
Thirty years ago, Joshua Harris became the cheerleader for purity culture with his book "I Kissed Dating Goodbye." Since then, he's apologized for the book, exited from ministry and his marriage, and announced he's no longer a Christian. He talks to Skye about his journey from fundamentalism to deconstructionism, and back toward curiosity about Jesus. Also this week, how the Trump administration i
707: Halftime Hullabaloo and Tyler Johnson
The big game was on Sunday, and for most of the country, it was a big letdown unless you're heavily invested in the culture war. Phil, Kaitlyn, and Skye start by breaking down Bad Bunny's halftime show (en español) and Turning Point USA's alternative with Kid Rock. Then they discuss how Jesus became such a big part of football culture. Is it good that so many players start their media interviews w
706: The Second Slap plus Leah Libresco Sargeant
We've all heard the stories of people raised within American evangelicalism who became disillusioned because of abuse, scandals, or political idolatry. Some migrated to more progressive church traditions while others deconstructed their faith entirely. Joshua Harris, made famous for his seminal purity culture book "I Kissed Dating Goodbye," was in the latter category. Harris now says he is emergin
705: Minnesota, Civil Rights, & Contagious Courage with Justin Giboney
The country is on edge after another protester was killed by ICE officers in Minneapolis. Phil, Kaitlyn, and Skye look at how different Christian journalists and media outlets are covering, or not covering, the story, and what protests against ICE share in common with the Civil Rights movement, and how they're different. Speaking of the Civil Rights era, Justin Giboney is back to discuss his new b
704: Love is All We Need + Moderate Churches with Ryan Burge
Over the last 30 years, the number of Americans who say they highly value patriotism, religion, community, and family has dropped dramatically. At the same time, the number of Americans who care about making more money has gone up. Phil, Kaitlyn, and Skye discuss David Brooks' new article about the culture's shift toward autonomy and away from loving attachments, and how Christians can begin rebui
703: Hobbes vs Locke & Faith vs Politics with Senator Raphael Warnock
Tensions have flared around the country after the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, and the Department of Homeland Security has rolled out a new slogan as it defends the lethal action: "One of Ours, All of Yours." Is the Trump administration declaring civil war on Americans? Then, two seventeenth-century philosophers, Hobbes and Locke, help us understand the divide in ou
702: Venezuela, Vanilla Ice, & the Church's Anxious Nerves with Sara Billups
The new year began with a successful U.S. military operation to capture Venezuela's president. But the mission killed approximately 80 people and is being condemned by some American and international leaders as illegal. Esau McCaulley joins Phil and Skye this week to discuss the fallout from the operation. Was it legal? Was it moral? And what does it reveal about Trump's vision of America? Kaitlyn
Bothsidesism Isn't What You Think
Holy Post Media is no stranger to accusations of both-sidesism. Skye and Kaitlyn talk about why they believe pointing it out on both sides isn't simple equivocation or conflict-avoidance, but instead a responsibility… depending on the context. Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/147007166/ 0:00 - Intro 0:58 - Theme Song 1:18 - Defining Both-Sidesi
701: Mailbag! Decompressing, Demonology, & Dreams for 2026
We've reached the end of 2025, so we thought it's a good time to answer questions from the Holy Post community. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn cover a wide assortment of issues, from how they decompress after a difficult podcast, and how they pick which politicians to interview, to their favorite movies, and who is best at changing a tire. They also tackle theological questions about the nature of grace,
700: What Every Christian Can Learn from A.A. with John Ortberg
Last weekend was filled with terrible news, including a mass shooting in Australia, another at Brown University, and the murder of Rob Reiner and his wife. Mike Erre joins Phil and Skye to discuss these events and why rediscovering the biblical practice of lament is better than just "thoughts and prayers." The Catholic Church has taken a nuanced and principled position on the deportation of immigr
699: The Limits of Liberalism & Punishing Immigrants with Matthew Soerens
Two writers from the New York Times say the liberal values that have flooded our culture with online gambling, pornography, and cannabis have backfired, but secular progressives, like Ezra Klein, admit that they don't have a framework for explaining why. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss the benefits and limitations of liberalism as a political and social philosophy, and why those on the left are in
698: De-Christianizing America & Re-Christianizing Advent with Rich Villodas
The government of Israel has been criticized for building fences in Gaza and the West Bank, but now it's geofencing American churches. Will its plan reverse the decline of evangelical support for the Jewish state? Donald Trump says he's making the country more Christian, but data shows his immigration policy favors secular immigrants and rejects Christians. Rich Villodas is back to talk about his
What Does the Magi Story Really Tell Us About Jesus? (From this week's Curiously Kaitlyn)
We're popping a Curiously Kaitlyn episode into your feed this week because we're starting a brand-new Advent series, and—let's be honest—the nativity story gets weird. Kids notice all the odd details we learned to ignore, and suddenly you're fielding questions you did not prepare for in Sunday School.So instead of scrambling for answers all by yourself, you can join us all month as we explore the
697: Cancelling "Judeo-Christian," Defending Slavery, & Rethinking Gaza with J. Ross Wagner
The term "Judeo-Christian" has been used by the Religious Right for decades as a positive shorthand for biblical values in the culture, so why are conservative Christians now rejecting the label? And why are Christian defenses of slavery and the Confederacy gaining popularity 160 years after the Civil War? Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn explain how the rising influence of Christian nationalism drives bot
696: Transcending Our Political Divisions & Labels with Andy Beshear
Mike Erre joins Phil and Skye to discuss a New York Times column by David Brooks. He says America's divisions will only heal when we abandon shallow labels and war metaphors, and instead see one another as fellow pilgrims on a journey. America's Catholic bishops issue a stern rebuke of the Trump administration's dehumanizing rhetoric and policies, which makes Phil wonder why evangelical leaders ca
695: Analyzing the Blue Wave & Why the Church Still Matters with Carmen Joy Imes
The Democratic Party swept the off-cycle elections last week, but this isn't the first blue wave we've seen in the Trump era. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss what it means and the significance of New York City electing a Muslim, democratic socialist as mayor. Does Mamdani represent the death of New York, and possibly America, as one Baptist leader claims? Old Testament scholar Carmen Imes is back
French Friday: The Nazi Rot on the Right
Open Nazi rhetoric is gaining traction on the right, and the response from conservative institutions has been inconsistent at best. Skye and David trace the roots of the problem, the incentives that fueled it, and the late-breaking backlash that may signal a tipping point. They also look at ICE's increasingly aggressive "Kavanaugh stops," the risks of expanding executive power, and why election in
694: Why Don't We Take Church Unity Seriously? with N.T. Wright
A new survey finds that moderately religious Americans are the most likely to say that they see dead people. Which raises a question—why are the non-religious and the very religious less likely to report encounters with the departed? New York Times columnist Ezra Klein says that by over-emphasizing inclusivity, the Democratic Party has ironically become less inclusive. And Ryan Burge looks at the
693: Holy Post LIVE from Chicago 2025
This week is Halloween, and on this special episode recorded with a live audience, the Holy Post hosts discuss why our culture isn't afraid of monsters and demons anymore. How did all of our pop culture heroes and villains become morally ambiguous? Also, would communal living solve our loneliness epidemic? Kaitlyn is all for it, but Skye isn't so sure. Also this week—audience Q&A, Phil, Skye, Kait
692: Vertical vs. Horizontal Morality & Rediscovering Confession with Jamin Goggin
A recent article tries to explain why so many politically active Christians behave unchristianly in the public square by differentiating "vertical" and "horizontal" sources of morality. The Holy Post crew examines the argument and finds it weak. Has MAGA ignited a revival in the U.S.? David French says we may be confusing a political revolution for a spiritual revival. Jamin Goggin joins Skye to d
691: The Antichrist, Illiberalism, & Why Gen Z Accepts Political Violence with Elizabeth Neumann
In a series of invitation-only, off-the-record lectures about Christianity, technology billionaire Peter Thiel said the antichrist is trying to regulate technology and billionaires. Which raises the question—Why do we always remake Christ in our image and the antichrist in our enemies'? Gen Z is making conservative Christianity more angry, intolerant, and illiberal. What's fueling the younger gene
690: Flying Bishops, Evangelical Ignorance, & Slow Theology with A.J. Swoboda & Nijay Gupta
For the first time ever, the U.K. has appointed a woman as the Archbishop of Canterbury to lead the global Anglican Communion. Kaitlyn, Skye, and Mike Erre discuss the implications of appointment and how Anglicans use "flying bishops" to maintain unity over divisive theological issues. Are there lessons here for other divided Christian communities? The latest "State of Theology" report shows a sho
689: The Rapture, Repentance, & Redefining the Good Life with Grace Hamman
After a South African pastor claimed that Christ would come for his church on September 23, TikTok became rapture obsessed. Mike Erre joins Skye and Kaitlyn to discuss our ongoing fixation with this bad theology, why people get caught up in rapture predictions, and how it damages the credibility of the faith. Kaitlyn talks to Medieval scholar, Grace Hamman, about her new book, "Asks of Old Paths."
688: The MAGA Contradiction & Educational Injustice with Terence Lester
The memorial service for Charlie Kirk revealed a deep contradiction with the MAGA movement. Kirk's widow was cheered when she forgave his assassin and modeled Jesus' command to love your enemies. But the crowd also cheered when Stephen Miller and President Trump dehumanized their opponents and expressed hatred for their enemies. Esau McCaulley joins Phil and Skye to discuss the tension between Chr
687: Charlie Kirk & the Conflict Entrepreneurs
Last week, a gunman in Utah killed Charlie Kirk on a college campus. Rather than uniting the country against political violence, Kirk's assassination has only made divisions wider. Some on the left celebrated his death, saying he reaped what he sowed, while some on the right, including the President, are calling for retribution against all leftists. One of the few voices trying to lower the temper
686: Shootings, Single Fathers, & the Shadow Side of Ambition with Miroslav Volf
Following the school shooting in Minneapolis, The Christian Post has offered a definitive answer for why these massacres keep happening and why gun restrictions won't work—people are evil. But why don't politically conservative Christians apply this logic to any other issues? Surprising new data show that more young men than women want to be parents one day, and there's a growing trend of single m
685: Finding Unity in a Divided Church with Beth Moore
Is unity in the church still possible when everyone is so divided? At the Legacy Conference in Chicago, Beth Moore joins Esau, Kaitlyn, and Skye to wrestle with what it means to remain in community with believers we deeply disagree with. Together they explore why purity tests are dividing Christians online, how cynicism masquerades as wisdom, and why endless outrage is not a productive way to go t
684: Dobson Died, Cracker Barrel Cancelled, & Flipping Christian Politics with James Talarico
James Dobson, the founder of Focus on the Family, died this week. Critics are saying Dobson was the "godfather of child abuse," while his fans are saying he belongs on the Mount Rushmore of evangelicalism. Who's right? Phil, Skye, and Mike Erre discuss Dobson's legacy and why the controversial conservative is secretly responsible for the creation of VeggieTales. Rising political social media star
683: The Meaning of the Scopes Monkey Trial 100yrs Later with Chris Staron
New data shows the nations with the highest standards of living are seeing the sharpest declines in wellbeing, while people in poorer countries are reporting more happiness. What's going on? David Brooks' recent article looked at data from 142 countries, and he concludes that spirituality and social connection, not just wealth, are critical to human flourishing. In related news, since legalizing e
682: Why We Still Need the Institutional Church with Brad Edwards
The Holy Post crew is suspicious of a new study that finds MAGA supporters score higher in authoritarianism, social dominance, and malevolent personality traits, while liberals score higher in compassion and empathy. Church planter, Brad Edwards, says many of us hold beliefs, language, and values that sabotage our ability to benefit from participation in a church. He talks to Kaitlyn about his ne
681: Strategically Small Churches with Brandon O'Brien
A whites-only community has launched in Arkansas under the legal guise of a "private membership association." The founders claim it's about preserving culture, but Skye and Phil aren't buying it. Then, Brent Leatherwood, head of the Southern Baptist Convention's public policy arm, has resigned after years of pressure from hardline conservatives. What does his departure reveal about the denominati
680: Cancelling Colbert, Starving Gaza, & American Charisma with Molly Worthen
CBS has cancelled the top-rated late-night talk show. Was it really a financial decision, or was it done to get the Trump administration to approve a corporate merger? And will Stephen Colbert now come on the Holy Post? Horrific images of starvation are coming out of Gaza as pressure builds on the Israeli government to end the war, but when does pro-Palestinian activism cross the line into antisem
679: Individualism, Transhumanism, & Learning from Abolitionists with Daniel Lee Hill
Why is our society so fractured and angry? David Brooks' recent article draws from the work of moral philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre to explain how we got here, but what is the solution? With the growth of A.I., some Christians think technology may be how God redeems humanity and gives us eternal life. But is this still Christianity or a strange new Silicon Valley heresy? Kaitlyn talks to Daniel Le
678: Is Gen Z Having a Religious Revival? with Ryan Burge
The IRS has decided churches are no longer prohibited from endorsing political candidates. Is this a win for free speech or a reason for some churches to become even more partisan? The Department of Homeland Security has released a creepy new promotional video that uses the Bible to frame border security as a mission from God. The Christian who gave George W. Bush the idea of "compassionate conser
677: Ending PEPFAR & Why the Self-Esteem Movement Failed with Sharon Hodde Miller
When George W. Bush created the PEPFAR program in 2003, it was celebrated by evangelical leaders and has saved more than 26 million lives in Africa from HIV/AIDS. So why weren't evangelicals outraged when Donald Trump killed PEPFAR, which has already resulted in over 75,000 deaths since January? Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn unpack the arguments for and against PEPFAR, and how evangelical support for "s
676: Classroom Culture Wars & the Spirituality of Secular America with Rachel Martin
With Phil on vacation, Kaitlyn and Esau join Skye to talk about the Supreme Court's ruling that public schools must allow students to opt out of gender or sexuality content that may contradict the religious beliefs of their families. At the same time, more Americans say public schools should hire chaplains to offer spiritual guidance to students. With schools increasingly becoming the front line i
675: Iran, End Times, & the Political God Gap with Senator Chris Coons
Nothing fires up the End Times industry faster than America dropping bombs in the Middle East. After President Trump decided to attack Iran's nuclear facilities this weekend, YouTube was flooded with convoluted and contradictory videos on the biblical implications of the war. But if this really is a prelude to Christ's return, as many online end timers claim, why are they stoking panic and fear? S
674: Parades, Protests, and Habeas Corpus with Michael Bird
It was a wild weekend. Donald Trump presided over a military parade on his birthday while an estimated 5 million Americans protested around the country. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss the optics of both events and ask, with America's divided politics and media silos, is protesting still effective? They also unpack a new article by Abby McCloskey in CT that argues evangelicalism's focus on a priva
673: The L.A. Protests & Becoming a Priest and Podcaster with Esau McCaulley
Protests in Los Angeles against the Trump administration's immigration policies have turned violent, but will the images of vandalism and attacks on police actually help the President? And Phil asks if there is any way to prevent necessary mass protests from becoming violent. One of the most respected Bible scholars of the last century has passed away. Old Testament professor Walter Bruggemann con
672: Gender Worship Wars & the Joy of Being Cultural Outsiders with Patrick Miller
In the past, debates over worship styles were often marked by generational differences; however, a new article suggests that this is changing. For Gen Z, worship preferences may be dividing along gender lines instead. For younger Christians, is CCM from Venus and liturgy from Mars? Drew Dyck joins Skye and Kaitlyn to discuss the evidence, the implications, and the solution for the worship gender d
671: Mailbag! God's Pronouns, Project 2025, & Asking Jesus Into Your Heart
Phil, Kaitlyn, and Skye respond to questions from the listeners, including whether lay people should go to seminary, how important is attending a church after being hurt by one, and whether Christians should make violent video games. They also venture into theological topics like what pronouns are appropriate for God, what doctrines do we emphasize too much, and why they all think telling kids to
670: The Nicene Creed is Cool Again & Reading the Bible like Dallas Willard with Dave Ripper
Why are more churches rediscovering and reciting the Nicene Creed? And what can the ancient articulation of Christian belief offer the church in these divided times? Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss the 1700th anniversary of the creed and its place in the modern church. The Bible is critical to our faith, but have we been taught to worship the Bible rather than the God of the Bible? Dave Ripper, th
669: From Common Good to Culture War—Lessons from the Q Conference with Katelyn Beaty
We have a pope and he's American! Cardinal Robert Prevost from Chicago is now Pope Leo XIV, and his connection to The Holy Post is closer than anyone imagined. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss reactions to the new Pope and the significance of his name. Katelyn Beaty is back to discuss the evolution of the Q Conference, led by Gabe and Rebekah Lyons. Why has an event that started almost 20 years ago
668: Pope Donald, Human Flourishing, & the Pastor's Wife with Beth Allison Barr
The White House is facing backlash for posting an AI image of Donald Trump as the Pope. Was it a careless joke or a calculated distraction? The most extensive study of its kind finds that the world's largest Muslim country far outranks the United States in human flourishing, and also explains why secular elites are discovering a new respect for religion. But is there more than a practical purpose
667: The Future of Faith in America with John Kasich
A slate of new articles analyzes Pope Francis through America's progressive-conservative polarization, but are they confusing political categories with theological ones? Surprising data show that Gen Z is returning to religion, and belief in an afterlife is on the rise, but what's the explanation? Are young people returning to the church to rebel against their secular parents? Former Ohio Governor
666: Lessons from the Satanic Panic with Mike Cosper
Pope Francis died on Monday. Will the Catholic Church continue to move in the direction of inclusion and reform, or will it elect a more traditional leader in reaction to the last papacy? Mike Cosper is back to talk about his new podcast from Christianity Today about the Satanic Panic, "Devil and the Deep Blue Sea." In the 1980s and 90s, the FBI investigated 11,000 reports of satanic ritual abuse,
Recommended
Medicine with Meaning
Yours Truly Johnny Dollar Collection
Take Back Your Health®
CBS Radio Mystery Theater | Old Time Radio
Solved Murders - True Crime Stories
紐約鳥｜New York Aperture
The Swerve Podcast: Obscure Topics | Conspiracy Theories
The Bread and Banter Podcast
The Church of What's Happening Now: The New Testament
Busted Open
Deadline: White House
Crickets Corner
