668: Pope Donald, Human Flourishing, & the Pastor’s Wife with Beth Allison Barr
The White House is facing backlash for posting an AI image of Donald Trump as the Pope. Was it a careless joke or a calculated distraction? The most extensive study of its kind finds that the world’s largest Muslim country far outranks the United States in human flourishing, and also explains why secular elites are discovering a new respect for religion. But is there more than a practical purpose behind faith? Historian Beth Allison Barr is back to discuss her latest book, “Becoming the Pastor’s Wife.” She says expectations for ministry spouses aren’t rooted in Scripture but in a reaction to feminism in the late 20th century, and Barr explains how marriage replaced ordination as the way for women to serve the church. Also this week—listener questions, and a whole new look for Holy Post Media. Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/128303247/ Bonus Interview with Beth Allison Barr: https://www.patreon.com/posts/127935443/ 0:00 - Show Starts 2:40 - Theme Song 3:00 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Go to https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST 4:10 - Sponsor - Our Place - Go to https://www.fromourplace.com and use code HOLYPOST to get 10% off site wide on beautiful cookware! 15:10 - Comparing two recent interviews: Gillibrand and Kasich 28:10 - Pope Donald? 34:24 - Human Flourishing Study in Indonesia! 54:53 - Sponsor - Blueland - Get up to 25% off your first order by going to https://www.Blueland.com/HOLYPOST 56:00 - Sponsor - Glorify - Sign up for the #1 Christian Daily Devotional App to help you stay focused on God. Go to https://glorify-app.com/en/HOLYPOST to download the app today! 56:50 - Interview 1:02:24 - Danver’s Statement 1:09:09 - Rooted in America, not Scripture 1:19:19 - Honoring Responsibility 1:32:55 - End Credits Links from News Segment: Religion and Happiness in Indonesia: https://providencemag.com/2025/05/largest-longitudinal-study-of-human-flourishing-ever-shows-religions-importance/ Young People and Unhappiness: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/05/young-people-global-unhappiness/682632/ Tiktok Trend “Jesus Glow:” https://www.salon.com/2025/05/05/tiktoks-jesus-glow-trend-exposes-the-emptiness-of-social-media-religion/ Other Resources: Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman’s Path to Ministry by Beth Allison Barr: https://a.co/d/7kDNo1I Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop 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.
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1:33:30
667: The Future of Faith in America with John Kasich
A slate of new articles analyzes Pope Francis through America’s progressive-conservative polarization, but are they confusing political categories with theological ones? Surprising data show that Gen Z is returning to religion, and belief in an afterlife is on the rise, but what's the explanation? Are young people returning to the church to rebel against their secular parents? Former Ohio Governor John Kasich believes America is on the cusp of a spiritual revival, and his new book, “Heaven Help Us,” explores how religious institutions are leading the way. He talks to Skye about how God used tragedy to awaken his own faith, and why he thinks this present era of greed and cowardice will pass. Also this week—a bunny, a Boeing, and a Bible illustration. Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/127757278/ 0:00 - Show Starts 2:40 - Theme Song 3:00 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month 4:10 - Sponsor - Sundays Dog Food - Get 40% off your first order of Sundays. Go to https://www.SundaysForDogs.com/HOLYPOST or use code HOLYPOST at checkout. 6:22 - Rare Rabbit Strike! 14:10 - Progressive Christians and the Pope 21:50 - What Even is Progressive Christianity? 32:44 - Is Gen Z Becoming Religious? 51:42 - Sponsor - Timeless designs, great fabrics. Perfect swimwear for your kids this summer! Check out Minnow at https://www.shopminnow.com enter SHOPMINNOW15 for 15% off your first order. 52:50 - Sponsor - Fabric by Gerber Life - Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to protect their family. Apply today in just minutes at https://www.meetfabric.com/HOLYPOST 53:50 - Interview 56:15 - Kasich’s Testimony 1:03:15 - Institutions to Help the Individual 1:11:30 - Religious Division 1:22:00 - What Will Kasich Do Next? 1:28:45 - End Credits Links from News Segment: Rabbit in a Jet Engine! https://people.com/rabbit-causes-fire-on-united-airlines-flight-after-animal-is-sucked-into-engine-11716879 The Atlantic Article on Progressive Christianity Post-Pope: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/04/pope-francis-future-church/682543/?utm_medium=offsite&utm_source=flipboard&utm_campaign=ideas The New York Times Article on Progressive Christianity Post-Pope: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/24/us/pope-christians.html?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=newyorktimes/magazine/U.S Belief in an Afterlife is Increasing: https://www.graphsaboutreligion.com/p/belief-in-an-afterlife-is-increasing Other Resources: Heaven Help Us: How Faith Communities Inspire Hope, Strengthen Neighborhoods, and Build the Future by John Kasich: https://a.co/d/dKAgkBj Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop 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.
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1:27:18
666: Lessons from the Satanic Panic with Mike Cosper
Pope Francis died on Monday. Will the Catholic Church continue to move in the direction of inclusion and reform, or will it elect a more traditional leader in reaction to the last papacy? Mike Cosper is back to talk about his new podcast from Christianity Today about the Satanic Panic, “Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.” In the 1980s and 90s, the FBI investigated 11,000 reports of satanic ritual abuse, but did not uncover a single credible story. So, why were parents throughout the country worried that heavy metal music, board games, and the Smurfs would lead their kids into devil-worshipping cults? Cosper explains how hucksters leveraged fears over cultural change to create mass hysteria, and why lessons from the Satanic Panic are still relevant today. Also this week, Medieval art reveals the sounds and smells of hell. Holy Post Plus: Bonus Interview with Mike Cosper: https://www.patreon.com/posts/127227607/ Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/127232165/ 0:00 - Show Starts 3:50 - Theme Song 4:12 - Sponsor - Our Place - Go to https://www.fromourplace.com and use code HOLYPOST to get 10% off site wide on beautiful cookware! 5:22 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST 12:12 - News of the Butt, Medieval Art Edition 18:46 - Bosch Painting Translated into Music 24:24 - The Legacy of the Pope 32:35 - America vs. The Pope 41:42 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month 42:50 - Sponsor - Policy Genius - Secure your family’s tomorrow so you have peace of mind today. Go to https://www.policygenius.com/HOLYPOST to find the right life insurance for you 42:00 - Interview 46:23 - Why’s the Satanic Panic Relevant? 53:00 - What is the Satanic Panic? 1:01:03 - Hucksters Behind It 1:11:09 - Did People Want it to Be True? 1:28:45 - End Credits Links from News Segment: Reddit Discusses Medieval Face-Butts: https://www.reddit.com/r/Medievalart/comments/rly22w/can_someone_please_explain_why_medieval_artwork/ Bosch Painting Translated to Music https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/periods-genres/renaissance/hieronymus-bosch-painting-naked-bum-music/ Other Resources: Devil and the Deep Blue Sea from Christianity Today: https://pod.link/1778512810 Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop 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.
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1:25:19
665: Can Democrats Win Back Religious Voters? with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
It’s Holy Week, and an article in the New York Times argues that Palm Sunday wasn’t a worship procession; it was a protest march. With that theme in mind, Christians held peaceful rallies over the weekend in Philadelphia and San Diego to protest inhumane immigration enforcement policies, including the order allowing government agents into churches during worship gatherings to arrest people. Skye talks to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) about how her faith informs her politics, what lessons the Democrats have learned from their losses in 2024, and why more religious Americans view her party’s brand as “toxic.” Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn then debrief the interview and discuss whether the Democrats’ struggle is just messaging or something deeper. Also this week: the problem with purple. Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/126742149/ 0:00 - Show Starts 3:35 - Theme Song 3:55 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Go to https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST 5:15 - Sponsor - Sundays Dog Food - Get 40% off your first order of Sundays. Go to https://www.SundaysForDogs.com/HOLYPOST or use code HOLYPOST at checkout. 7:15 - Purple Isn't Real? 17:40 - Christians Protesting ICE 25:05 - Was Palm Sunday a Protest? 34:50 - Why’re We Interviewing a Senator? 36:00 - Sponsor - Public Good Generation - One week immersive program for high school students to https://www.ccpubliclife.org/high-school 37:00 - Sponsor - World Relief: The Path - Join a monthly giving community to help people all around the world! Go to https://www.worldrelief.org/stand 38:05 - Interview 43:50 - Is the Republican Party Faith-Driven? 53:05 - Is the Democratic Brand Toxic? 1:10:30 - Debrief 1:16:20 - Trump Administration Holy Week Statement 1:28:45 - End Credits Links from News Segment: World Relief: https://www.worldrelief.com/advocate Purple Isn’t Real! https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a64393667/purple-is-fake/ Faith Groups Protest Ice: https://religionnews.com/2025/04/07/pennsylvania-faith-groups-build-altar-at-ice-office-in-protest-of-immigration-arrests/?utm_medium=social Palm Sunday was a Protest, Not a Procession: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/13/opinion/palm-sunday-protest.html?searchResultPosition=5 White House Presidential Holy Week Message https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/04/presidential-message-on-holy-week-2025/ Other Resources: Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop 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.
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1:29:16
664: An Atheist Says America Needs Jesus with Jonathan Rauch
Donald Trump launched a global trade war because he thinks America’s trade deficit makes us “losers,” but does he even understand what a trade deficit is? Phil introduces a new segment full of statistics that make Kaitlyn and Skye groan. And they discuss David Brooks’ new article in The Atlantic, which compares this moment in U.S. history to the era of Andrew Jackson, and offers hope for what may come after MAGA. Skye interviews Jonathan Rauch about his new book, “Cross Purposes.” Rauch, an atheist, says his antagonism toward Christianity changed when he came to see how vital it is to American democracy and why evangelicals’ failure to follow Jesus is putting the whole country at risk. Holy Post Plus: Bonus Interview with Jonathan Rauch https://www.patreon.com/posts/125941930/ Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/126225451/ 0:00 - Show Starts 3:05 - Theme Song 3:30 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month 4:35 - Sponsor - Blueland - Get up to 25% off your first order by going to https://www.Blueland.com/HOLYPOST 7:12 - Stock Market Crash! 15:49 - How Idols Steal from Us 20:36 - DEI Removal 27:50 - Nihilism 41:20 - How Do Things Get Better? 48:18 - Sponsor - Hiya Health - Go to https://www.hiyahealth.com/HOLYPOST to receive 50% off your first order 49:22 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST 50:30 - Interview 55:04 - Secularization’s Consequences 1:06:22 - Christianity as an Exilic Religion 1:15:20 - Evangelism as Market-Driven Religion 1:26:52 - End Credits Links from News Segment: David Brooks Article: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/05/trumpism-maga-populism-power-pursuit/682116/ Other Resources: Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy by Jonathan Rauch: https://a.co/d/8Zl4bvs Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/ Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop 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.
Join VeggieTales and What's in the Bible? creator Phil Vischer and co-host Skye Jethani (author, speaker, pastor) for a fast-paced and often funny conversation about pop culture, media, theology, and the fun, fun, fun of living a thoughtful Christian life in an increasingly post-Christian culture.
UK