Libsyn Directory

564: How Rapture Theology Shaped America (Part 2)

Release Date: 05/10/2023

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...

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,...

636: America’s Government Teacher on Hope & Resilience with Sharon McMahon

The Holy Post

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

630: Pain & God’s Presence with Dave Gibbons

The Holy Post

We all hear stories of people walking away from faith because of cultural challenges and hypocrisy in the church. That’s what makes Dave Gibbons' new memoir, “The Shape of My Eyes,” so powerful. He joins Skye to talk about growing up within American fundamentalism as a mixed-race kid, and how he encountered God despite deep family trauma and church dysfunction. Also this week—Mike Erre joins the crew to talk about the ongoing fallout from Megan Basham’s new book, David French’s decision to endorse Kamala Harris, and the rise of the post-religious right. Plus, cannibal frog sermon...

More Episodes

How did a theological system that rejected Christian participation in politics eventually give birth to the Religious Right? Phil talks to historian Daniel Hummel about the spread of rapture theology in the 20th century, why it spawned so many conspiracies, the legacy of the Left Behind books, and why rapture theology remains so popular despite being rejected by nearly every evangelical seminary. Also this week, why did controversial author, Joshua Butler, resign from his church? The embrace of Tucker Carlson and Donald Trump by the Religious Right is proof that the movement is now entirely post-Christian. And reflections on the coronation of King Charles III.

Patreon Bonus: Bonus Interview with Daniel Hummel

https://www.patreon.com/posts/82764208

Patreon Bonus: Getting Schooled: Feminism 101

https://www.patreon.com/posts/82763553/

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0.50 - Intro

3:15 - Theme Song

3:36 - Sponsor: Blueland

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4:44 - Coronation of King Charles III

14:24 - News of the Good