What does it mean to see others as image-bearers of God? How is this warped by American individualism? And what happens to justice when we abandon God for idols—false images of God? Based on the book Inalienable by Eric Costanzo, Daniel Yang, and Matthew Soerens, in this episode Skye Jethani (co-host of The Holy Post) talks to Sri Lankan Christian leader Vinoth Ramachandra about the intersection of idolatry and mission. He explains how what we worship shapes us and our work in the world in unexpected ways, and that he believes the American church needs to admit to and repent of its idols.

“Inalienable: How Marginalized Kingdom Voices Can Help Save the American Church” by Eric Costanzo, Daniel Yang, and Matthew Soerens - https://amzn.to/3RyObjc

0:00 - Theme song and intro
Interview with Vinoth Ramachandra
2:19 - Idolatry
5:35 - Idol of individualism
12:42 - Idolatry and injustice
18:25 - Idolatry’s appeal and antidote
24:45 - Confronting idolatry faithfully
29:49 - Sponsor - World Relief
Join the Path: https://worldrelief.org/holypost/

Debrief with Eric Costanzo and Daniel Yang
31:45 - Debrief start and recognizing our idols
36:58 - Moving beyond fear of pushback
41:13 - Engaging outside of our contexts
46:45 - The idol of Christian nationalism
54:42 - Credits

Other resources mentioned:
International Fellowship of Evangelical Students - https://ifesworld.org“Gods That Fail: Modern Idolatry and Christian Mission” by Vinoth Ramachandra - https://amzn.to/3dssPV2

Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/

Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost

The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

For centuries Americans have valued their liberty, but a growing number of conservatives are now saying cherished values like the freedom of speech, religion, and the press have allowed progressive beliefs to destroy the culture. In response, some Republicans and conservative Christian thinkers argue it’s time to abandon these failed American ideals and copy the fascist, illiberal strategies of leaders like Hungary’s Victor Orban to stop immigration, fight wokism, and to ensure the government supports Christian beliefs.

Then, a new article about the separation of families at the Southern border brings Phil to tears, and he pleads with evangelicals to not allow Trump near the presidency again. Skye interviews Dr. Richard Mouw about his new book, “How to Be a Patriotic Christian: Love of Country as Love of Neighbor.” They discuss godly versus idolatrous forms of patriotism, what the Bible says about the proper role of government, and debate whether churches should display flags and sing patriotic hymns. 

Bonus Patreon news story - https://www.patreon.com/posts/70304989

News Segment
0:00 - Intro
3:38 - "How the American Right Fell in Love with Hungary"
39:22 - Trump administration's family separation policy

54:24 - With God Daily
https://withgoddaily.com/

Interview with Richard Mouw
"How to Be a Patriotic Christian: Love of Country as Love of Neighbor" - https://amzn.to/3QdVR9E

55:48 - Interview intro
57:10 - Talking with evangelicals about patriotism
59:27 - Defining Christian nationalism
01:01:07 - Healthy patriotism and familial language
1:04:26 - Romans 13 and governmental authority
1:17:49 - Patriotic symbols in worship services
1:30:59 - Credits

Other articles/resources mentioned:"How the American Right Fell in Love with Hungary" (The NYT Magazine)-https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/19/magazine/viktor-orban-rod-dreher.html"

The Secret History of Family Separation" (The Atlantic) - https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/09/trump-administration-family-separation-policy-immigration/670604/

Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/
Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost

The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.