The Holy Post

Christian's back from France! Her report from Normandy raises a question: should old Nazi veterans be included in D-Day commemorations? The gang discusses the future of Roe v. Wade, and Phil (finally) offers his take on NFL players kneeling during the anthem. Plus, Drew Dyck is back with his review of Jordan Peterson's best-seller, "12 Rules for Life."

What would (cartoon) Jesus do? Europe doesn't have a great track record with cartoon depictions of religious leaders. Will an animated Jesus TV show for adults change that? The Miss America pageant announced it's ending the swimsuit competition, so Phil explores how Christians went from denouncing the pageant in the 1920s to celebrating it by the 1960s. Finally, Skye responds to listener questions about worship and how he thinks about women in ministry.

Phil offers an impromptu history of European banking while insulting the French. Skye reports back from Disneyland and the #MeToo renovation of Pirates of the Caribbean. Dr. David Fitch says evangelicals have gotten church leadership all wrong. Rather than a hierarchy or democracy he says we need a pneumatocracy. (You'll have to listen to find out what that means.) Plus, Phil ponders new research that says your "butt brain" may help with memory.

What's so special about January 10, 2013? That's the day Skye believes Christianity ceased to be viewed as a moral belief system in the U.S. Based on his new article, he talks about the three factors that conspired to fundamentally shift the way nonbelievers see the faith, and why it requires a new approach to ministry. Plus, research says American atheists are more religious than European Christians, the opioid epidemic has reached mollusks, & Phil discovers we have a second brain—you'll never guess where.

Our friend from across the pond and host of "Unbelievable," Justin Brierley, is back. He discusses why Christians are infatuated with Jordan Peterson, and why even secular Brits have given up on the New Atheists. Phil and Skye dissect the Supreme Court's decision in the Colorado wedding cake case, and debate whether they'd rather be Mr. Rogers or Clint Eastwood after new research says testosterone is a barrier to faith.

Some Christians are rethinking the "purity culture" of their youths, but are they going too far? Katelyn Beaty is back to talk about what's good, and what's not so good, about progressive Christians building a sexual ethic on consent alone. Plus, youth pastors don't want to talk about science, Christians don't want to talk about faith, and Phil wants to talk about frozen frog urine.

How do we define success in the Christian life? Jon Tyson is back to talk about his new book, The Burden is Light, and how we've let American ideas of success warp our vision of faith and ministry. Plus, Swedes are stealing owls, Trump is making women into witches, and Phil and Skye talk about the Democrats' "God Gap."

Phil, Skye, and Christian celebrate the big 3-0-0 by reminiscing about the launch of the podcast six years ago, recalling their favorite guests, and sharing how the world has changed since the show began. They also reveal the show's new name, new theme song, and plans for the future. Don't miss this episode!

Christian's back! And she helps Phil and Skye unpack new research on what Americans really believe about God, and you may be surprised to learn which Americans' beliefs align closest to the Bible. Drew Dyck returns for his latest must-read book recommendations, Disney World cancels its annual Christian music concert, and Phil exposes New Jersey's "pooperintendent" of schools.

Let's be honest, our culture's understanding of sexuality and gender is a hot mess. The moment you feel like you've got a grasp of the issues, everything changes again. Dr. Preston Sprinkle is back to help us make sense of the conversation and prepare us for what's next. Plus, Skye reports on the meeting of evangelical leaders at Wheaton College, and Phil defends the legal rights of creative monkeys.

It's become a very contentious issue, but few Christians know the surprising origins of religious liberty in the U.S. Author and church historian Brandon O'Brien is back to talk about a little known Baptist leader who shaped the First Amendment. Plus, why are so many atheists joining the Alt-Right movement, and what should we do about sexist 1980's movies in the era of #MeToo?

This week Skye answers theology questions from our Patreon supporters like, is social justice biblical? And, when did the "gospel" become about my salvation rather than the kingdom of God? Phil and Skye discuss the fragility of megachurches and whether some celebrity pastors have become too big to fail. Plus, Phil takes a journey through the digestive system of the African elephant.

Jon Ward is the senior political correspondent for Yahoo News. He joins Skye for a conversation about what's broken with our politics, how to fix it, and the role of faith in Washington. Phil also unpacks new research on Christian nationalism, why is atheist Richard Dawkins worried about the decline of Christianity, and iguanas!

Our favorite Old Testament professor is back! Dr. John Walton has written a new book about Noah's flood, and he comes to some surprising conclusions. Was there really a worldwide deluge, or was it a smaller, local event? Plus, Phil and Skye ask why Christmas is so much bigger than Easter? Did the Pope deny the existence of hell? And did Jesus break into a Pizza Hut?

Phil's busy writing and Skye's on vacation, so for Holy Week we're posting a special episode featuring a sermon Skye preached on March 11, 2018. (Please don't tell Read Schuchardt.) Skye looks at a dimension of the cross we often overlook and why the cross, not culture, is what unites the church.

Communications professor, Dr. Theon Hill, is back for a fascinating conversation about our post-truth, fake news culture. Hill believes for Christians to survive the deterioration of truth they should adopt the rhetorical strategies historically used by persecuted minorities including the black church. Plus, the gang discusses Evangelicalism. What is it? What was it? And what is the future of the Evangelical movement.

The country music industry lost its mind when conservative Mike Huckabee was appointed to the CMA Foundation board. Is it a sign that even red states are becoming blue? Christian campus ministries are being accused of discrimination because they want their leaders to be Christians. Plus, Drew Dyck is back with his best book picks, and the gang tackles mental health and lizard brains.

Communications professor Read Schuchard is back to tell us how podcasting is replacing, and hurting, the church. Why should we bother to show up on Sunday if we can get the sermon anytime/anywhere? Plus, the gang discusses a meeting of evangelical and Muslim leaders in D.C., and why are strippers so popular Chinese funerals.

The passing of Billy Graham has triggered an avalanche of articles about the famed evangelist. Many are tributes but some are rebukes. Phil, Skye, and Christian try to make sense of it all and discuss why Graham was most often attacked by conservatives during his life but liberals after his death. And what will be the future of the evangelical movement he helped create?

Is the passing of Billy Graham symbolic of the passing of American evangelicalism? Skye discusses that with Drew Dyck along with a new book about how social media does more harm than good. Plus, Phil and the gang talk about Christians giving a pass to Donald Trump, and why are so many more teens identifying as LGBT.

If you don't believe in hell are you guaranteed to go there? Which view of the atonement is right? And can pastors who behave really badly be restored? Skye answers your theology questions this week, plus the gang discusses deadly Amish buggies, lady Doritos, and the latest ridiculous claims made by evangelicalism's crazy uncles (and aunts).

Is heaven really the goal of the Christian life? Did Jesus really come to rescue us from an earth doomed to destruction? Skye and Christian discuss how many popular ideas about heaven are rooted in false beliefs from Greek and medieval mythologies rather than the New Testament. Also, Phil's back to talk about beavers, monkeys, and religious liberty for Satanists. Patreon.com/philvischer https://youtu.be/Zy2AQlK6C5k

Headlines erupted when an evangelical megachurch gave a standing ovation to a pastor who confessed to sexual misconduct with a teenager. Are evangelicals really that out of touch with the #MeToo movement? Guest Katelyn Beaty brings clarity and wisdom to the conversation. Plus, Botox for camels, the spread of Islam, and a brief history of chain migration.

Should cannabis churches that claim marijuana is a sacrament be protected by the law? Why are megachurches so white, almost all led by men, and very unclear about their stance on LGBTs? Phil, Skye, and Christian unpack new research. Plus, Skye discusses what the "wall of separation" between church and state really means.

Christian is back with Phil and Skye to discuss new research that says evangelicals aren't as anti-science as we've been led to believe. Plus, Phil discovers something disturbing about avocados. Skye then interviews journalist Jonathan Merritt about the biggest stories of 2017—including the growing number of evangelical leaders now affirming same-sex marriage and the split between elite and populist Christians over Trump. Will these trends continue in 2018?

Too much artistic expression in America lives at the extremes - either completely secular or overwhelmingly, explicitly Christian. What about stories from the middle? Stories iIlluminated by the Christian narrative without being so, you know, "Christiany?" Singer/songwriter/author Andrew Peterson and his producing partner Chris Wall join Phil and Skye to talk about Peterson's Wingfeather Saga fantasy books and the effort to bring them to the screen as an animated series. Plus… Phil and Skye discuss nostalgia for Christian pop culture, and a secret message from the past hidden in a very strange place. (No video this week - listen to it with your ears!)

What exactly are "vampire churches," and why does Skye believe they're sucking the life out of American Christianity? How can "effectiveness" and "ambition" be the enemies of ministry? And why can't Phil stop talking about turtles?? Phil and Skye discuss Skye's new book, Immeasurable. And turtles. This week on the podcast! (Due to a technical glitch, there is no video on YouTube this week. Terribly sorry. Picture us in your minds. Phil is wearing dark purple. Skye is bald. Christian is missing. Go.)

It's a pre-Thanksgiving mailbag podcast, as the gang sits down to answer your questions. From favorite Thanksgiving foods to thoughts about guns in church and the "Mike Pence Rule." Plus… is Phil ready to give up on the label "evangelical," or is he still holding onto hope?? Grab a turkey leg and listen in!

Irish composer Keith Getty has been writing modern hymns like "In Christ Alone" for two decades, and now he's written - wait for it - a BOOK! About singing! Keith joins Phil and Skye on the podcast to talk worship music, singing together, and how to stay focused on God when everyone around you wants another HIT worship song. PLUS - Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, Louis C.K. Hollywood has been behaving very badly, and Phil and Skye ponder if it's a new thing, or a very, very old thing made visible in a new way. Come on along for the ride!

We've all heard the stats about kids leaving the faith when they head for college - but why? And what would have made their faith more "sticky?" Has anyone done any actual research on this? Kara Powell has! Fuller Youth Institute Executive Director Kara Powell joins the gang to discuss her research and her book - Sticky Faith!

10 kids, no TV, no cell phone, no internet. Life with the Amish? A zombie apocalypse? Nope - just another day in the life of Read Schuchardt, a professor of media ecology who definitely practices what he preaches! Plus, Phil and Skye discuss a new "giant sucking sound" in American demographics and Phil, yet again, attempts to convince us we really, REALLY don't want to live on Mars. This week on the podcast!

So… Phil and a Croatian Protestant theologian walk into a bar…. Oh, you've heard that one? Author/theologian/Yale professor Miroslav Volf sits down with Phil to talk about Christians in culture and his new book Public Faith in Action: How to Engage with Commitment, Conviction, and Courage. What follows is a fascinating conversation about Volf's arguments for religion in a globalized world, plus what discourages and encourages him about the North American church today. And how his fountain pen explains his view of God and Creation. He's a bright guy and it's a lot of fun! This week on the podcast!

Phil and Skye sit down with N.T. Wright for a fun and fascinating conversation with the world-renowned author and theologian. What does Wright think of the North American church? Why do modern gender issues remind him of ancient Gnosticism? Why is Phil singing show tunes to a famous theologian? What would Wright put on a billboard if he could require everyone to read one message? What is it he think kids Bibles get wrong that makes him want to write his own? All this and more! Plus… Bladerunner 2049 makes Phil think deep thoughts. And dogs are people too. Or maybe not.

Phil interviews film producer Todd Komarnicki of acclaimed Elf fame about his experience as a Christian in Hollywood. This week on the podcast!

Liz Dong is two things that usually don't go together - an undocumented immigrant AND an evangelical Christian. She's also a immigrant advocate with World Relief, as well as a member of the Evangelical Immigration Table. Having read a piece she wrote for Time Magazine, we invited Liz to stop by the studio and talk about her life story and the issues involving DACA, immigration and the church. Plus, we pause for a moment to remember Hugh Hefner. Okay - that was long enough.

It's a potluck podcast! Christians predict the world will end… last Saturday? Plus, the story of two committed Christians in the NFL, both philanthropically active, both known for taking a knee on the field. Yet one is a hero and the other a villain. We're talking about Tim Tebow and Colin Kaepernick, and it's a fascinating study of what the American Church values today. Oh yeah… and the Swiss's toilets are full of money. No really. Money. This week on the podcast!

Do we spend too much time trying to know about God, and too little time actually getting to know God? Author, pastor and spiritual director Jared Patrick Boyd joins the show to talk about experiencing God through the practice of "Imaginative Prayer." Plus, Christian is back from France and Phil's got a bone to pick with an Emmy award-winning show. This week on the podcast!

Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God? What are our differences? What do we have in common? Author Carl Medearis has been working and living among Muslims in some of the most dangerous places on earth for the last 25 years, and joins the podcast to tell us what he's learned. Plus… white Christians are now a minority in America, and Phil and Skye discuss "The Nashville Statement." This week on the podcast!

Raising healthy, happy, godly kids isn't easy. This week we asked you for your parenting questions, and invited family ministry expert Elizabeth Smith to join Phil to come up with answers!

Slavery ended in America with the stroke of a pen in 1865, but the 13th Amendment didn't end institutional racism. Not even close. Phil and his law professor brother Rob recently taught a class that touched on the Black Lives Matter movement, asking and attempting to answer the question, "Why so angry? Isn't racism over?" Sure, the 19th century was tough. But what's happened since then? Phil mentioned the class on a recent podcast, and numerous listeners wanted to hear more. So… here we go! From Reconstruction to Black Lives Matter, we take a look at the last 125 years of race relations in America!

Are movies a form of prayer? Josh Larsen, film critic and host of NPR's Filmspotting radio show and podcast, joins the gang to talk movies and his new book, Movies Are Prayers, where he looks at movies and finds in them classic forms of Christian prayer. Also - thoughts about Charlottesville, race, and in the words of one social critic, "What's wrong with white Christians?" This week on the podcast!

Do you know how to see? Really? And how does "seeing" affect our faith? Best-selling author James Gilmore (The Experience Economy) swings by to talk about his new book, Look: A Practical Guide to Improving Your Observational Skills. Plus, the wedding of the future probably won't be in a church, and may involve more than two people. And science disproves the Bible yet again! Or not. This week on the podcast!

What do you mean my church can't raise my kids for me?? Family ministry expert Rob Rienow joins Phil and Skye to talk about the importance of discipling kids at home, and gives practical advice for doing just that. Plus, what do Richard Dawkins and The Bible Answer Man have in common? They've been DE-PLATFORMED! And a new theory suggests our increasing political extremism may be caused - at least partly - by the decline of mainline Protestantism?? Crazy!!

Enjoy this throwback episode of the crew spending the afternoon with the NY Times bestselling author Eric Metaxas, author of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet Spy.

Is technology making it harder for kids to grow into healthy adults? Is there anything we can do about it? Author, thinker Andy Crouch stops by to talk about his new book, The Tech-Wise Family, detailing the impact technology is having on American families and what we as parents can do about it. PLUS - Social media messes up Eugene Peterson's week, and, it's finally happened! Video games are more satisfying than real life! This week on the podcast!

It's a potluck podcast! A new religion is born in Louisville! Grizzly bears may be saved by… religious liberty laws?? Hobby Lobby makes an Indiana Jones-style mess, and, in a world where robots and automation are reducing the economic value and employability of millions of regular people, how should the church respond??

The Luis Palau Association has shared the good news with a billion people around the world, mostly through Billy Graham-style crusades. Starting in 2008, association president Kevin Palau set out to reimagine the traditional crusade for a new generation, dubbing it "Festival 2.0," and focusing on innovative citywide service initiatives that bring churches together with municipal governments to solve problems that affect whole cities. Kevin joins the gang in studio to talk evangelism, social engagement, Christian witness in a post-Christian city, and life as the son of one of the world's most famous evangelists.

Can Christians swear? Can Christians swear on a podcast? Can Christians swear on a podcast and find a big audience? Joey Svendsen, co-host of the "Bad Christian Podcast" joins the show to talk Christian cussing, evil Dungeons & Dragons toys and a life spent recovering from an overly legalistic past. Plus - Harry Potter turns 20, and overly legalistic Christians rue the day..

Our favorite Nigerian-British-Minnesotan author/speaker/thinker Jo Saxton returns to the show to talk about church and discipleship in an increasingly post-church world. If you're in a community that doesn't want church services at all, maybe tweaking your church service isn't the right answer. But what is?? Jo describes experiments from Sheffield, England that she and others are now applying to the US. Plus, how denomination accurately predicts a pastor's political affiliation, and Phil finds a story about space worms and can't stop talking about it. Seriously. He can't stop. This week on the podcast!

Engaging with the world's leading atheists and skeptics can have an impact on your own beliefs. How so? Let's ask Justin Brierley! Back from across the pond, our favorite British radio host and atheist whisperer describes how repeated run-ins with Richard Dawkins and other prominent skeptics have affected his faith. Plus Christians indulge in fake news and Orthodox Jews indulge in chicken swinging. Which is worse? We can't say. On the podcast!