638: Keep Christianity Weird & Lessons from the Church Abuse Scandal with Kristen Kobes Du Mez
The Holy Post
Being a cultural Christian used to be an insult, but more people are embracing the label with pride. The Holy Post crew unpacks what’s behind the growing affection for cultural Christianity, and they explain why it’s more important than ever to embrace the weird, supernatural beliefs of the faith. Historian Kristen Kobes Du Mez is back to discuss her new documentary, “For Our Daughters,” about the sexual abuse scandals that have shaken the faith of many in the church. She sees a link between the theology and culture that created and covered-up sexual abuse in the church, and the rise...
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637: Your Church is Too American with Steve Bezner
The Holy Post
Steve Bezner, a pastor in Houston, had a troubling realization—his people were being shaped more by social media, YouTube, and cable news than by the Bible, and their views of money, sex, and power looked more American than Christian. He talks with Kaitlyn about his new book, “Your Jesus Is Too American,” and how being more relational than organizational may be the first step toward healing our churches. Also this week, are American evangelicals going through the five stages of grief? If so, what does it mean to accept our loss of cultural influence? For the first time, new data says Gen...
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French Friday: The Pope’s Humility & the Joy of MAGA
The Holy Post
In a military operation straight out of a spy novel, Israel infiltrated Hezbollah’s communication networks and detonated pager bombs and walkie talkies. David French and Skye discuss the operation and the long term ramifications. Then, they break down Pope Francis’ controversial comments on salvation that have sparked backlash among conservative Catholics. Finally, they unpack a surprising trend: why are young men returning to church in greater numbers than women? Is it a sign of hope for the church, or something more complicated? 0:00 - Theme Song 0:17 - Episode Starts,...
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636: America’s Government Teacher on Hope & Resilience with Sharon McMahon
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With both the election and polls getting closer, new research from Lifeway says a record number of pastors are refusing to say who they’re voting for—even on an anonymous survey. Mike Erre says he wouldn’t answer the survey either. His reason may surprise you. Phil explores how Pat Buchanan’s 1992 presidential campaign was a harbinger of today’s politics. And diversity experts featured in Matt Walsh’s new documentary claim he lied to get them to participate in the film. Walsh says it’s okay to lie for the greater good of winning the culture war. Is he right? Then, Kaitlyn...
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635: Slandering Haitians & Parents for Peace in Israel/Palestine with Robi Damelin
The Holy Post
During last week’s presidential debate, Donald Trump amplified a false rumor about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio. Since then the community, which was already facing significant challenges, has been shaken by deepening divisions, racism, and even bomb threats. We look at how church leaders in Springfield are responding, what’s really behind the pet-eating lie, and why some of Trump’s Christian supporters are embracing the demonstrably false story. Then, Skye talks with Robi Damelin, an 80-year-old peace activist he met during his recent trip to Israel. Robi’s son...
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634: The Happiness Paradox & Lessons from Life’s Last Room with Amy Low
The Holy Post
Today’s show is all about perspective. First, Phil offers his perspective on the news stories fans send him on social media about Icelandic cucumbers and water buffalos, and how they compare to articles he actually likes about robotic mushrooms and avoiding gluteal amnesia. Then, a recent article explores our culture’s focus on products, practices, and apps designed to increase our happiness, and why focusing on happiness is a sure way to miss it. And Christine Emba’s latest article in The Atlantic looks at why government support and financial incentives have failed to reverse declining...
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633: The Head Covering Comeback & Unsung Heroes with Jemar Tisby
The Holy Post
A very old trend is making a big comeback among Catholic women—veils. Is the turn toward head coverings rooted in Scripture, a desire for sacred symbols, a longing for traditional womanhood, or is it just a nostalgic fashion trend field by TikTok? A new study says what separates conservatives and liberals is how hierarchically they view the world and the importance of maintaining strict boundaries. And why are very conservative political personalities starting to talk more about Christian theology? Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn each offer their explanations. Then, Jemar Tisby is back to talk about...
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French Friday: Are the Political Parties Trading Places?
The Holy Post
For the first time in decades, the Republican Party has removed all pro-life language from the party platform. Trump has also called for less free-trade, more government regulation, and he is indifferent about Russian aggression in Europe. At the same time, the Democratic Party is embracing patriotism, law and order, tax cuts, and retreating from its more progressive social and environmental policies. What's happening? David French and Skye Jethani discuss the realignment of the parties and whether this is a permanent change or just temporary rhetoric. Plus, French explains why he decided to...
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632: Smartphones & Spiritual Formation with Jonathan Haidt
The Holy Post
As we start a new academic year, school districts throughout the country are increasingly banning smartphones. No one is more responsible for this trend than Dr. Jonathan Haidt. He talks to Skye about his latest book, “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness,” and how smartphones are also interfering with our spiritual lives, and what Christian communities can do about it. Also this week—Donald Trump has completely abandoned the pro-life movement, sending some conservative evangelicals into a political crisis. Chick-Fil-A is...
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631: Evangelicals for Harris & Holy Land Theology with Gary Burge
The Holy Post
In the last two presidential elections about 8 in 10 evangelicals voted for Donald Trump, but can Kamala Harris steal some of those votes in 2024? We discuss the recent “Evangelicals for Harris” call and why it’s so difficult to get Christians to think more theologically about politics. Ed Stetzer argues that abortion should still be a top priority when voting, and Tyler Huckabee says we should be uncomfortable endorsing any candidate. Then, Skye talks to New Testament professor, Dr. Gary Burge, about the ongoing Israeli/Palestinian conflict, and what the Bible really says about...
info_outlineMany Christians in America simply assume that Jesus could return at any moment, that believers will be raptured in the twinkling of an eye, that the state of Israel has a special role in the End Times, and that the church should just save souls and stay out of politics. In Part 1 of an interview about this new book, historian Daniel G. Hummel explains to Phil how this rapture theology isn’t rooted in church history, but was invented by a British layman less than 200 years ago. And why it was embraced by American pastors during the Civil War who wanted to avoid talking about slavery, race, and reconstruction. Also this week—paganism is on the rise. Who is really killing public schools? And women will win the battle of the sexes in 4.6 million years.
Patreon Bonus: Christian Asks - What Happens to Non-Christians When They Die?
https://www.patreon.com/posts/82415424/
Defined Terms to Know for This Week’s Interview
Millennium - The thousand year reign of Christ described in Revelation 20:1-8. There are basically three understandings of this:
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Premillennialism - (Think Left Behind book series) Christians will be raptured, leaving behind everyone else. There will be a tribulation period with the rise of the Antichrist, mark of the beast, war, famine, earthquakes, etc. before Christ eventually comes and rules on earth for 1,000 years during which peace will reign. After one final rebellion, God will crush evil forever, offer a final judgment, and establish heaven and hell for eternity.
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Postmillennialism - The millennium will come from the spiritual and moral influence of the Church through preaching and teaching. Conversions will increase and evil will diminish. In other words, Christians will make the world a better and better place and after that, Christ will come back, the dead will be resurrected, and there will be a final judgment
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Amillennialism - The 1000 year period mentioned in Revelation does not refer to a specific period of time, but to the heavenly reign of Christ. Rev. 20 means the return of Christ will occur at the end of history. Sees Revelation as more symbolic than literal.
Eschatology - The study of the end times - how history will end and Christ will come back to establish his eternal kingdom
Ecclesiology - the study of the church - its mission and structure as well as its place in God’s overall plan for the world
0:00 - Intro
3:11 - Theme Song
3:33 - Sponsor: Hiya Health
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4:41 - The end of men?
13:48 - Dawn of the new pagans
32:52 - Public vs Private vs Homeschool Debate
Sponsors
53:50 - Sponsor: Faithful Counseling
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55:46 - Interview Intro
Daniel Hummel - https://www.danielghummel.com/
1:03:50 - Who is John Darby?
1:14:21- Dispensationalism advanced by the Civil War and Dwight Moody
1:35:21 - End Credits
Links mentioned in news segment:
Scientists divided over what will happen to men as Y chromosome is disappearing
https://www.unilad.com/news/is-the-y-chromosome-disappearing-077677-20230429
Dawn of the new pagans: ‘Everybody’s welcome – as long as you keep your clothes on!’
How school choice drives America’s people of faith apart
https://religionnews.com/2023/04/19/how-school-choice-drives-americas-people-of-faith-apart/
Other resources:
The Rise and Fall of Dispensationalism: How the Evangelical Battle over the End Times Shaped a Nation by Daniel Hummel
Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/
Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost
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