The American church talks a lot about the family. Some might say we’re focused on it, but is that right? The podcast crew discusses a provocative new article by conservative columnist, David Brooks, about our society’s focus on the small nuclear family (mom, dad, and kids), why they’re unsustainable, and why extended family groups have always been the norm in human societies. World Relief’s Matthew Soerens is back for the second part of his interview about the state of refugees, and Skye talks about the racial history of America’s immigration policy. Also this week: Phil’s animal stories—car-sized turtles, the real-life Disney baboon, lazy salamanders, and talking penguins.

The podcast crew responds to listener reactions to their Super Bowl halftime show episode which leads to a conversation about the physical difference between men and women. Is there any, and if so does it matter? The bad behavior of a TSA agent would suggest so. Phil explains why he can’t wear a speedo to McDonald's. Christian reacts to a calendar featuring topless Canadian firefighters. And Skye doesn’t like the new Billie Eilish song. Plus, part one of a conversation with Matthew Soerens from World Relief about the drastically reduced number of refugees being admitted to the U.S. and why the policy is bad for both the church and the economy.

Rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among teens have skyrocketed in recent years which has put new strains on both parents and youth ministers. Dr. Kara Powell, director of the Fuller Youth Institute, is back to talk about new research and a curriculum to help families and churches navigate faith in an increasingly anxious world. Also this week: Some Christians want to be liberated from the “barbaric, totalitarian, and corrupt regime” that is Virginia. Is Franklin Graham being persecuted in the U.K., or is the culture warrior reaping what he’s sown? And a 15-year-old is expelled from a Christian school for wearing a rainbow sweater.

The Super Bowl halftime show featuring Jennifer Lopez and Shakira has some Christians upset. Was it a case of objectifying women’s bodies or an important validation of Latin culture and female liberation? Phil & Skye unpack the debate. Also this week, Drew Dyck is back with his latest book and TV picks. He offers his take about the Trinity, secularism, and a controversial Netflix series about a modern-day messiah.

The Apostle Paul says that Christ has given leaders to the church to “equip” the saints not to “serve” the saints. So why do we treat pastors like entertainers, CEOs, or suppliers of religious goods and services? Micah Fries talks about his new book, “Leveling the Church,” and how healing the clergy-laity divide is more important than ever. Also this week: a study finds Christians are more likely to own dogs while atheists own cats—but there’s a twist. The end has come for TV eschatologist Jack Van Impe. And Ethical Veganism has become a recognized religion in the UK launching the podcast crew into a wider discussion about ethics and animals.

Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove was a zealous supporter of the religious Right, but after seeing the movement up close he began to question how a faith that affirms the dignity of all people had become one of division, fear, and dehumanizing enemies. He shares his journey and how a proper reading of the Bible will change the questions we ask. Also this week: Phil, Skye, and Christian discuss what they’ve learned a month after the Christianity Today / Christian Post / Donald Trump kerfuffle. Plus, a popular theologian defends Trump because of his “good fruit,” but are lower taxes and federal judges what Jesus meant?

On December 23, the politics editor at The Christian Post, Napp Nazworth, abruptly announced his resignation after 8 years with CP. The online news site decided to publish an editorial throwing its full support behind Donald Trump, and Nazworth wasn’t on board. He shares about the transformation he observed as evangelical leaders went from opposing Trump, to reluctantly supporting him, to absolute loyalty, and what it means for the future of Christian journalism. Also this week, Christian gets rebuked on a French train, the Hallmark Channel angers a million moms, the Salvation Army says it’s not anti-LGBT, and a youth pastor running a marathon gets in deep trouble.

What keeps Phil, Christian, and Skye committed to their faith? Is there anything the church is doing really well today? What’s up with Christian’s WWII documentary and Phil’s new TV show? Where are the Christian “Yoda’s” today? Is it wrong to not vote? And do pets go to heaven? The Holy Post crew is kicking off the 2020s with listener questions. Buckle up, the conversation goes to some unexpected places.

Christians Believe we were made for community, but what happens when pixels replace people? Stories about how social media has changed us and what some people are doing about it.

This episode is in partnership with the Love Thy Neighborhood Podcast.

Merry Christmas! While the Holy Post crew is away for the holidays, we didn’t want to leave you without an episode of your favorite podcast. To fill the gap, here’s an Advent sermon Skye preached back in 2017 that relates to some themes we’ve been covering on recent shows.