686: Shootings, Single Fathers, & the Shadow Side of Ambition with Miroslav Volf
Following the school shooting in Minneapolis, The Christian Post has offered a definitive answer for why these massacres keep happening and why gun restrictions won’t work—people are evil. But why don’t politically conservative Christians apply this logic to any other issues? Surprising new data show that more young men than women want to be parents one day, and there’s a growing trend of single men becoming fathers by choice. What does this reveal about our society and the breakdown of dating and marriage? Theologian and best-selling author, Miroslav Volf, discusses his new book, “The Cost of Ambition.” He says our culture of competition is damaging, and too many Christians ignore what the Bible says about the dangers of ambition. Also this week, Phil brings us news from the glowing future. Holy Post Plus: Hills to Die On: https://www.patreon.com/posts/138522925/ Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/138531923/ 0:00 - Show Starts 2:05 - Theme Song 2:30 - 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! 3:35 - 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. 5:12 - News of the Glowing Future 11:58 - Mass Shootings and the Evils of Man 20:28- Is This an Argument for Antinomianism? 33:34 - Single Fathers by Choice? 50:35 - Sponsor - Student Life Application Study Bible - A study guide, using the New Living Translation, made specifically to bring the Bible to life for students! Go to https://www.SLASB.com 51:40 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST 52:52 - 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! 54:00 - Interview 57:06 - America and Competition 1:01:23 - Superiority vs. Excellence 1:13:28 - Nothing Out of Selfish Ambition 1:23:25 - End Credits Links Mentioned in News Segment: Glowing succulent plants! https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/researchers-create-rechargeable-glow-in-the-dark-succulents-180987265/ Christian Post’s Take on Minneapolis Shooting: https://www.christianpost.com/voices/an-answer-to-why-minneapolis-catholic-school-shooting-happened.html Single Fathers by Choice: https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2025/08/single-fathers-by-choice-america/683885/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=the-atlantic-am&utm_term=The+Atlantic+AM Other Resources: The Cost of Ambition: How Striving to Be Better Than Others Makes us Worse (Why Ambition Is at Odds with the Christian Faith) (Theology for the Life of the World) by Miroslav Volf: https://a.co/d/gZnFRX7 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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685: Finding Unity in a Divided Church with Beth Moore
Is unity in the church still possible when everyone is so divided? At the Legacy Conference in Chicago, Beth Moore joins Esau, Kaitlyn, and Skye to wrestle with what it means to remain in community with believers we deeply disagree with. Together they explore why purity tests are dividing Christians online, how cynicism masquerades as wisdom, and why endless outrage is not a productive way to go through life. Plus, some Q and A with the audience, and humpback whales may be the key to solving the empathy debate. Holy Post Plus: Bonus Q&A Question: https://www.patreon.com/posts/137970653/ Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/137970645/ 1:03 - Theme Song 2:28 - Empathetic Humpback Whales! 10:30 - Sponsor - Blueland - Get up to 25% off your first order by going to https://www.Blueland.com/HOLYPOST 11:35 - 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! 12:45 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Go to https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST 14:21 - Purity and Unity 28:07 - Sponsor - Blueland - Get up to 25% off your first order by going to https://www.Blueland.com/HOLYPOST 29:11 - Sponsor - For the Good of the Public Summit - CCPL’s annual summit in Washington, DC to act on important public issues. Go to https://www.ccpubliclife.org/summit and use code HOLYPOST for 20% off! 30:20 - Tired of Anger 43:30 - Is it Worth Engaging Twitter? 47:13 - Do We Just Believe What We Want? 57:37 - When Do You Look for a new Church? 1:00:59 - When is Something a Heresy? 1:12:28 - How to Love Those Who Are Against You? 1:15:35 - End Credits 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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684: Dobson Died, Cracker Barrel Cancelled, & Flipping Christian Politics with James Talarico
James Dobson, the founder of Focus on the Family, died this week. Critics are saying Dobson was the “godfather of child abuse,” while his fans are saying he belongs on the Mount Rushmore of evangelicalism. Who’s right? Phil, Skye, and Mike Erre discuss Dobson’s legacy and why the controversial conservative is secretly responsible for the creation of VeggieTales. Rising political social media star and Texas state representative, James Talarico, joins Skye to talk about his faith and what makes his frequent references to Christianity in his progressive politics different from the approach of Christian nationalists. Also this week—Cracker Barrel apologizes for changing its logo after being accused of stripping away America’s heritage and culture. Holy Post Plus: Getting Schooled - Did the Father Forsake the Son on the Cross? https://www.patreon.com/posts/137415183/ Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/137414267/ 0:00 - Show Starts 2:03 - Theme Song 2:09 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - Brooklyn Bedding is offering up to 25% off sitewide for our listeners! Go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com/HOLYPOST 3:18 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST 4:48 - Cracker Barrel Logo Gone Woke? 23:36 - James Dobson Passed Away 38:45 - No Dobson Means No Veggietales? 55:32 - 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! 56:30 - 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. 57:36 - Interview 1:01:15 - Telerico’s Faith Background 1:09:54 - Does the Democratic Party Align with Christianity? 1:20:37 - Flipping Tables 1:28:25 - Christianity and Welcoming the Stranger 1:35:30 - End Credits Links from News Segment: Cracker Barrel logo change! https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/26/cracker-barrel-logo-apology Dobson’s Passing: https://www.christianpost.com/voices/jim-dobson-a-giant-of-the-faith.html 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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683: The Meaning of the Scopes Monkey Trial 100yrs Later with Chris Staron
New data shows the nations with the highest standards of living are seeing the sharpest declines in wellbeing, while people in poorer countries are reporting more happiness. What’s going on? David Brooks’ recent article looked at data from 142 countries, and he concludes that spirituality and social connection, not just wealth, are critical to human flourishing. In related news, since legalizing euthanasia in 2016 and expanding access to it, Canada has seen an alarming trend. Then, it’s been 100 years since the Scopes Monkey Trial. Phil talks to Chris Staron, creator of the Truce podcast, about what really happened at the trial and how fictional retellings of the event are still impacting American culture. Also this week—a fox with a footwear fetish. Ad-Free Version of this Episode https://www.patreon.com/posts/136881579/ 0:00 - Show Starts 2:03 - Theme Song 2:26- Sponsor - AG1 - Get the AG1 welcome kit worth $76 for FREE when you order from https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST 3:52 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST 5:00 - French Friday Theme Played for Chris Christie? 6:48 - Foxes Swiping Shoes? 13:15 - Why Are We So Hopeless? 30:40 - Canada is killing itself 48:08 - 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! 49:25 - 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 50:24 - Sponsor - World Relief - Nearly half of all refugee children won’t attend school this year. Learn about how you can partner monthly with World Relief to provide safety, stability and hope for children and families in crisis at https://www.worldrelief.org/holypost 52:00 - Interview - Listen to Chris Staron’s Truce Podcast episode on the Scopes Monkey Trials! https://trucepodcast.com/the-scopes-monkey-trial-dayton-tennessee-william-jennings-bryan-clarence-darrow/ 54:00 - Scopes Monkey Trials—Who Cares? 1:10:16 - How We Misremembered 1:18:27 - What’d the Trails Change? 1:28:46 - End Credits Links from News Segment: Foxes Swiping Shoes! https://www.backpacker.com/news-and-events/news/fox-shoe-theft-grand-teton/ Why More People in the World Are Feeling Hopeful by Arthur Brooks: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/07/opinion/happiness-community-wealth.html Less Religion, less babies! https://www.newsweek.com/less-religion-less-babies-declining-birth-rate-2110254 Canada is Killing Itself: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2025/09/canada-euthanasia-demand-maid-policy/683562/ 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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682: Why We Still Need the Institutional Church with Brad Edwards
The Holy Post crew is suspicious of a new study that finds MAGA supporters score higher in authoritarianism, social dominance, and malevolent personality traits, while liberals score higher in compassion and empathy. Church planter, Brad Edwards, says many of us hold beliefs, language, and values that sabotage our ability to benefit from participation in a church. He talks to Kaitlyn about his new book, “The Reason for Church,” and why our anti-institutional instincts are self-defeating. Also this week, the Secretary of Defense reposted comments from his pastor that women shouldn’t be allowed to vote. The Catholic Church says ICE detainees are being denied their religious rights. And robo-bunnies of death. Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/136333510/ Bonus Interview with Brad Edwards: https://www.patreon.com/posts/136265237/ 0:00 - Show Starts 3:25 - Theme Song Updated! 3:48 - Sponsor - Poncho - If you’ve been looking for the perfect shirt—something breathable, fits great, feels even better, and stands out in a good way—give Poncho a try. Get $10 off your first order by using this link: https://www.ponchooutdoors.com/holypost 5:27 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Go to https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST 7:06 - Okoboji! 12:53 - Robo-Rabbits vs Snakes! 18:53 - Hegseth Opposes Women’s Suffrage? 22:42 - Priests Alligator Alcatraz 28:22 - Conservative/Liberal Empathy Study 48:50 - 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 50:00 - Sponsor - Our Place - Go to https://www.fromourplace.com and use code HOLYPOST to get 10% off site wide on beautiful cookware! 51:11 - Interview - The Reason for Church: Why the Body of Christ Still Matters in an Age of Anxiety, Division, and Radical Individualism by Brad Edwards: https://amzn.to/45y9zNz 53:48 - Where’s the Church at? 1:01:33 - Institution vs Therapy Speak 1:14:00 - Compassion as Moral Framework 1:26:15 - End Credits Links from News Segment: Robot Bunnies in Florida: https://www.popsci.com/environment/robot-bunnies-florida-invasive-pythons/ Priests going to Alligator Alcatraz: https://religionnews.com/2025/08/07/archbishops-win-at-alligator-alcatraz-exposes-gop-religious-freedom-hypocrisy/ Women’s Suffrage in question? https://www.thebulwark.com/p/pete-hegseth-shares-video-about-ending?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=user%2FTheBulwark Conservative vs Liberal Empathy Study: https://scottbarrykaufman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Neumann-Ngo-2025-Malevolent-vs.-benevolent-dispositions-and-conservative-political-ideology-in-the-Trump-era.pdf 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.
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.
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