Why is COVID19 disproportionately harming communities of color? Why are we willing to criticize certain things about America but not others? And what about black voices who say systemic racism isn’t real? Friend of the show, Dr. Theon Hill, is back to discuss all of this and more with Phil and Skye. Also this week: why horror movie fans are more prepared than others for the pandemic, and how “Disney princess theology” has shaped the way you read the Bible.

Some people spend years learning theology and studying the Bible, but experience little or no transformation in their lives. What have we gotten wrong? Dr. Jim Wilder is a neurotheologian—that means he studies theology and brain science—who says we’ve mistakingly made the gospel about knowledge when it’s actually about attachment. You don’t want to miss what he has to say about the importance of food, joy, and gratitude in spiritual formation. Also this week, how does having power—or not having it—influence our beliefs? David French says America is experiencing a religious fundamentalist revival, but it’s not Christian. And is the Holy Post guilty of being an echo chamber?

President of the Barna Group, David Kinnaman, is back to talk about the latest research on race and racism in the American church. Is the divide between black and white Christians shrinking, and is 2020 a true turning point or just an emotional release before a return to old ways of operating? Also this week, how can constellations help us understand the hysteria about Antifa? And does the evangelical emphasis on individual salvation contribute to racial resentment? Plus, an undersea bowel movement two years in the making.

Where do we go from here?

With the world being rocked by a pandemic and protests, many are seeing signs of the end times predicted by the Bible. Are they right? Some say they are misreading the signs. Others argue they’re misreading the Bible itself. Biblical scholar, Dr. Juan Hernandez, is back to discuss the right way—and the wrong way—to engage one of the most mysterious, and misread, book in the Bible. Also this week, what does “white privilege” actually mean and why do so many people react to the term? Evangelicals are upset about “cancel culture” but did they actually invent it? And learn how to avoid paying a farting fine in Austria. (Hint—it’s all about intestinal intent.)

Can a tweet really change anyone’s mind? Do hashtags and slogans help engagement or shut it down? The Holy Post crew discuss what they’re learning about effective communication following the publication of Skye’s op-ed in USA Today and the release of Phil’s viral video on the history of racism. Also this week, the Supreme Court protects LGBT citizens from employment discrimination. What does it mean for religious organizations? Is there a difference between saying “Black Lives Matter” and supporting the organization with that name? Plus, why is Jerry Falwell Jr. apologizing?

If you would like a special opportunity to see Christian’s upcoming film, The Girl Who Wore Freedom, please donate a minimum of $25 here: www.thegirlwhoworefreedom.com/donate, and send your receipt to normandystories@gmail.com. You will then receive further instructions. 

As the country is rocked by protests following the murder of George Floyd, the podcast crew discusses the meaning of it all. Phil explains how being a part of a multiethnic church has opened his eyes to the challenges people of color still face. Christian reflects on her southern, segregated upbringing. And Skye shares about the racism he’s experienced in the church and the suburbs. Also this week, theologian Matthew Bates explains the ongoing, sometimes bitter debate over the definition of the Gospel. Is it really about personal salvation or something much, much bigger?

Some Christian communities are uncomfortable with challenging questions, doubts, and even curiosity. They prefer to keep life and faith in a neatly wrapped package. Jen Hatmaker came from such a community, but growing in her faith required more space to explore. Her spiritual curiosity came at a heavy price. This week the podcast crew talks with Hatmaker about her story, what she’s learned, and what it might mean for the future of Christians in our pluralist culture.

Show Notes:

https://www.holypost.com/post/257-race-in-america-the-history-of-post-civil-war-racism-re-post

https://www.holypost.com/post/how-racial-injustice-has-benefited-me

https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/may/george-floyd-ministry-houston-third-ward-church.html

Did Bill Gates create the pandemic? Are Democrats running a child-trafficking cartel? Is Trump a secret genius sending coded messages in his tweets? Conspiracy theories are spreading among evangelicals faster than Covid-19. The Holy Post crew discusses The Atlantic’s cover story about QAnon, why it’s so appealing to Christians, and why it’s a dangerous heresy. Then, Skye talks with Chicago pastor David Swanson about his new book “Rediscipling the White Church,” and what would change if pastors began to see racism as a discipleship problem and not merely a social one. Plus—is God against face masks? And a rockstar is hospitalized after an “over-enthusiastic gardening accident.”

The podcast crew responds to listener feedback and questions posted on HolyPost.com like, is it ok for Christians to be concerned about the mark of the beast if we avoid nutty conspiracy theories? New research finds white evangelicals consider Donald Trump the most trustworthy source for COVID-19 news and generally distrust public health officials and journalists.

This leads Phil to explain the tactics of demagogues and why today’s evangelicals are drawn to them. Also this week, Drew Dyck is back with his latest book and media recommendations to engage while you’re sheltering at home.

GOP Lawmaker Opposes Coronavirus Face Masks Because They Cover ‘The Image Of God’ - HuffPost
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ohio-masks-likeness-of-god-nino-vitale_n_5eb0c6d6c5b62b850f90eb42Where Do White Evangelicals Get Their Coronavirus News? The White House - Christianity Today
https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/may/evangelicals-trump-media-public-health-response-coronavirus.htmlOpinion | Trump Is Staking Out His Own Universe of ‘Alternative Facts’ - The New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/13/opinion/trump-digital-campaign.html

The culture in many Christian communities and organizations is toxic for leaders, their families, and their faith. This is especially true for female leaders. Jo Saxton is back to talk about her new book, “Ready to Rise,” and how churches neglect God’s gifts when they ignore women’s voices and abilities, and why women suppress their gifts to be seen as “humble.” And don’t miss Jo’s important interpretation of the Mary and Martha story from the gospels—Wow. Also this week: Skye shares his family’s quarantine rules. Scholars are redefining the meaning of “evangelical” away from any shared theology and toward shared politics and media figures. Half of Americans aren’t wearing pants while working at home. Self-cleaning underwear has just arrived and you’ll need it when you see 2020’s latest plague—Murder Hornets.