The Holy Post

David French is in studio with Skye Jethani and Phil Vischer for a special edition of French Friday. First, they discuss new survey results showing most evangelicals hold shockingly heretical beliefs about the nature of Jesus, but they are absolutely clear about sexual ethics. What does it mean for evangelicalism to make doctrine optional and sexual purity essential?

Then, comments from leading conservative voices appear to contradict core conservative values. Can conservatism still be defined, or has it deteriorated into a reactionary movement to “own the libs” and nothing more? Plus, David and Skye nerd-out about the new Amazon series, “The Rings of Power.”

0:00 - Intro

1:55 - Is evangelicalism about Jesus or sexual ethics?

26:24 - Can conservatism be defined?

57:57 - Nerd corner

Links and resources mentioned: The Dispatch - https://thedispatch.com

“Evangelicals Decenter Jesus” by David French (The Atlantic Newsletter) - https://newsletters.theatlantic.com/the-third-rail/632df352c5c055002255fa9f/us-evangelical-christian-republican/

“The American right’s future involves waging a ‘religious battle’ against the left, leaders say at a conservative conference” (NBC) - https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2022-election/american-rights-future-involves-waging-religious-battle-left-leaders-s-rcna48961

Fuller Youth Institute - https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/stickyfaith

“The Evangelical Question in the History of American Religion” by Kirsten Sanders (The Hedgehog Review) - https://hedgehogreview.com/issues/the-use-and-abuse-of-history/articles/the-evangelical-question-in-the-history-of-american-religion

Holy Post episode 526 (includes discussion of above article) - https://www.holypost.com/post/episode-526-was-the-constitution-divinely-inspired-with-kaitlyn-schiess

National Conservatism: A Statement of Principles - https://nationalconservatism.org/national-conservatism-a-statement-of-principles/

“How Do Christians Fit Into the Two-Party System? They Don’t” by Tim Keller, 2018 (NYT) - https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/29/opinion/sunday/christians-politics-belief.html

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

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

Direct download: FF13.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CDT

The death of Queen Elizabeth has many wondering about the future of Christianity in the UK. The Queen was outspoken about her faith in Jesus Christ, but how will King Charles change what it means for the monarch to be the “Defender of the Faith”? We all know evangelicals are divided by politics, but a new report by Catholic bishops says Roman Catholics are too. What can we learn from one another? Poverty among kids in the U.S. has declined dramatically in recent decades. Liberals say it’s the result of government programs. Conservative credit economic growth. Who is right?
 
Then, Anglican pastor Aaron Damiani talks with Skye about his journey from megachurch burnout to life-giving liturgy. His new book, “Earth Filled with Heaven,” is written to Christians skeptical about tradition, rituals, and sacraments, but they might be the key to saving evangelicalism from itself. Plus, why you shouldn’t drink coffee before shopping or trust ads featuring dogs.
 
Bonus Patreon Interview with Aaron Damiani - Https://www.patreon.com/posts/72516965/
 
News Segment
0:00 - Intro
03:06 - Dog and cat marketing
9:42 - Drinking coffee before shopping
11:13- The Queen’s faith and Christianity in the UK
21:46 - Catholic church split by politics
30:36 - Child poverty has declined
 
Interview with Aaron Damiani
“Earth Filled with Heaven: Finding Life in Liturgy, Sacraments, and other Ancient Practices of the Church” - https://amzn.to/3Szeaqy
43:55 - Background
47:47 - Megachurch burnout
52:14 - Liturgy and sacrament overview
59:38 - Misperceptions about liturgy
1:08:21 - Mitigating celebrity dynamics in the church
1:11:48 - Is this just another novelty?
1:15:08 - Credits
 
Articles from news segment:“Dog owners take more risks, cat owners are more cautious, research finds” by Lei Jia (Salon) - https://www.salon.com/2022/09/04/dog-owners-take-more-risks-cat-owners-are-more-cautious-research-finds_partner/
 
“Drinking coffee before shopping could make you spend more” by Adam Barnes (The Hill) - https://thehill.com/changing-america/enrichment/arts-culture/3567346-drinking-coffee-before-shopping-could-make-you-spend-more/
 
“US Catholic bishops’ report to the Vatican shows a church split by politics” by Claire Giangravé (Religion News Service) - https://religionnews.com/2022/09/23/u-s-catholic-bishops-report-to-the-vatican-shows-a-church-split-by-politics/
 
“Expanded Safety Net Drives Sharp Drop in Child Poverty” by Jason DeParle (NYT) - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/11/us/politics/child-poverty-analysis-safety-net.html
 
Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/
 
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.
Direct download: HP528_F.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CDT

A court has ruled that a Christian-owned business is not required to pay for health insurance that includes drugs to prevent HIV. Is the ruling a victory for religious liberty, or a case of Christians unfairly imposing their beliefs on others? In an effort to “bring God back into public schools" Taxes now requires schools to display “In God We Trust” signs. But what happens when the sign is in Arabic? Southern governors are shipping undocumented immigrants North. But is their goal to actually solve the immigration crisis, or are they using vulnerable people for a partisan stunt? Then, pastor and culture-watcher Mark Sayers is back to talk about his new book, “A Non-Anxious Presence.” He says we’ve entered a new cultural era riddled with anxiety and uncertainty that Christian leaders relying on the previous era’s models are not equipped to handle. Drawing from Friedman’s family-systems theory, Sayers argues we must learn to patiently resist the unhealthy people in our communities, endure sabotage, and fundamentally rethink our definitions of success. Plus, annual awards for hilarious scientific achievements.

Patreon Bonus: Christian Asks...Do we actually know what happens the moment we die? https://www.patreon.com/posts/72258893/


News Segment
0:00 - Intro
2:52 - Bizarre scientific awards
11:04 - Religious freedom and health insurance coverage
23:13 - Public Christian symbols
38:39 - Southern governors sending migrants north

Sponsor
58:23 - Sponsor: Abide


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Interview with Mark Sayers
“A Non-Anxious Presence: How a Changing and Complex World Will Create a Remnant of Renewed Christian Leaders” - https://amzn.to/3f3wRnO

Mark Sayers - https://www.marksayers.co

1:00:18 - Mark Sayers intro
1:02:49 - Anxiety in a gray zone
1:06:26 - Friedman’s systems theory and culture
1:08:35 - How leaders can bring health
1:15:39 - Comfort and escapism
1:22:22 - Leading with God’s presence
1:27:42 - Credits


Articles referenced in news segment:
Ig Nobel prize winners - https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/constipation-s-effect-on-scorpion-sex-garners-biology-ig-nobel-70504


“A Texas Judge Just Took Religious ‘Freedom’ Too Far” (Bloomberg) - https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2022-09-14/texas-prep-drug-ruling-in-braidwood-case-should-be-overturned?

 

“Southern governor sending migrants north face a crisis of faith” by Jonathan Merritt (Religion News Service) - https://religionnews.com/2022/09/16/southern-governors-sending-migrants-north-face-a-crisis-of-faith/


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.

Direct download: HP527.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CDT

The water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi, was foreseeable and preventable. Did white evangelicalism's anti-government attitude contribute to the catastrophe? Washington Post columnist Michael Gerson has yet another take on the evangelical infatuation with Trump. Do we need any more? And a recent article by theologian Kirsten Sanders says we’ve entered a new era of evangelicalism where online influencers are shaping the movement more than pastors or institutions. Then, Skye and Kaitlyn discuss the belief held by some American Christians that the Constitution was inspired by God. Where did this view come from? Why is it dangerous? And why is it finding new popularity today? Plus, Phil plops a headline.

News Segment
0:00 - Intro
4:54 - News of the Butt headline
6:10 - Jackson water crisis
17:52 - Another article on evangelicalism and Trump?

Sponsor
54:22 - Sponsor: Abide
Get 25% off a premium Abide subscription by texting “holypost” to 22433

Getting Schooled by Kaitlyn Schiess
55:40 Getting Schooled intro
57:57 - Divine inspiration of the Constitution - overview
1:15:24 - Dangers of holding this view
1:22:54 - Resources

Resources from Getting Schooled:
“We the Fallen People” by Robert Tracy McKenzie - https://amzn.to/3qzgkuf

“The Bible in Politics” by Richard Bauckham - https://amzn.to/3U1zQgF

“Every Leaf, Line, and Letter” edited by Timothy Larsen - https://amzn.to/3U9M7ja

Articles mentioned:
“Jackson water crisis deepens as state deploys National Guard” - https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/09/01/jackson-mississippi-water-crisis/

“Trump should fill Christians with rage. How come he doesn’t?” by Michael Gerson (The Washington Post) -
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/09/01/michael-gerson-evangelical-christian-maga-democracy/

“The Evangelical Question in the History of American Religion” by Kirsten Sanders (The Hedgehog Review) - https://hedgehogreview.com/issues/the-use-and-abuse-of-history/articles/the-evangelical-question-in-the-history-of-american-religion

Join us on Patreon for more episodes of Getting Schooled by Kaitlyn Schiess and other great bonus content!

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.

Direct download: HP526_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CDT

The Bible is one of God’s most important gifts to his people. Through it we discover who he is and become equipped to follow him in the world. But rather than a source of unity, for many Christians the Bible is a point of conflict and division—especially when we fail to recognize the difference between the Bible and our cultural interpretation of the Bible. My guest today, Lanre Williams-Ayedun, says one of best ways to overcome this danger is by engaging our sisters and brothers from other parts of the global church. When we listen to how they read the Scriptures, it can both illuminate things we’ve never seen before and make us more humble about our own grasp of God’s word

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

Interview with Lanre Williams-Ayedun

0:00 - Intro
2:32 - Engaging Scripture globally
11:47 - Learning from the global church
18:50 - Celebrity pastors outside U.S.
22:31 - Engaging outside your context
26:58 - Scripture and cultural lenses
30:57 - Scripture and justice

Sponsor
35:09 - Sponsor - World Relief
Join the Path: https://worldrelief.org/holypost/

Debrief with Matthew Soerens
37:06 - Diverse voices speaking into Scripture
45:17 - Healthy skepticism of cultural lenses
48:33 - Other resources

53:21 - Credits

Resources mentioned:
“Brown Church: Five Centuries of Latina/o Social Justice, Theology, and Identity” by Robert Chao Romero - https://amzn.to/3x4D0WR
“Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope” by Esau McCaulley - https://amzn.to/3QsZVSC

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.

Direct download: WITW_EP3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CDT

Historically, evangelicals have been the group of Americans most resistant to taking action against climate change. The National Association of Evangelicals hopes to change that. Phil, Christian and Skye discuss the NAE’s new report and their attempt to ground environmental care in the biblical call to love your neighbor. Will it work?

Then, the Most Interesting Evangelical in the World, Bob Roberts Jr., is back to talk about extremism. For over 20 years he has been a trailblazer in the peacemaking and international religious freedom arenas, and has studied how extremism takes root. That’s why Roberts says what’s happening in America right now is terrifying, and warns the church that remaining silent about conspiracy theories, political hate speech, and Christian Nationalism is not an option. Plus, a pumpkin regatta and tomatoes hit the road.

News Segment

00:00 - Intro
5:00 - Phil's mistakes
10:41 - Tomatoes hit the road
17:37 - Evangelicals and climate change

Sponsor

45:13 - Sponsor: Abide
Get 25% off a premium Abide subscription by texting “holypost” to 22433


Interview with Bob Roberts Jr.


Bob Roberts Jr. - https://bobrobertsjr.com/

Bold Love Podcast - boldlovepodcast.com
GlocalNet - glocal.net

46:37 - Bob Roberts Jr. interview intro
48:51 - Extremism in America
56:01 - Defining Christian nationalism
1:00:21 - The church's call
1:22:10 - Hope in this moment
1:26:31 - Credits

Other resources and links mentioned:


"Evangelical group releases climate change report, urges a biblical mandate for action" (Religion News Service) - https://religionnews.com/2022/08/29/evangelical-group-releases-climate-change-report-urges-a-biblical-mandate-for-action/


"Dobson, Others Seek Ouster of NAE Vice President" (Christianity Today, March 2007) - https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/marchweb-only/109-53.0.html


Megan Basham tweet - https://twitter.com/megbasham/status/1564749306866851843?cxt=HHwWhoCz5YjNjbcrAAAA

Holy Post Episode 456: Why We're Divided & Positive Pluralism with Bob Roberts - https://www.holypost.com/post/episode-456-why-we-re-divided-positive-pluralism-with-bob-roberts


Holy Post Episode 172: Dude Ranches in Texas with Guest Bob Roberts - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxa8pE83WD4&t=2s


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


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

Direct download: HP525.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CDT

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