Socialism appears to be having a moment with a recent CNN poll finding that one-third of Democratic voters now consider themselves "democratic socialists." But what does socialism believe, and is it compatible with Christianity? Kaitlyn interviews Matthew Loftus about pop psychology and how the spread of therapy culture can distort the Christian life. Also this week: After shutting down U.S.A.I.D., why is the Trump administration now increasing funding to Christian relief agencies? Why do conservatives have more children than liberals? And would you like cake in your shake?

Holy Post Plus:

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

https://holypost.substack.com/p/735-is-socialism-christian-plus-matthew?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

0:00 - Show Starts

0:44 - Theme Song

1:07 - Sponsor - Curiously, Kaitlyn - Got questions about faith that only a kid would have the courage to ask? https://pod.link/1739169925

2:00 - Sponsor - AG1 - Use the discount code BACK2ROUTINE for 20% off of your first order at: https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST

4:13 - Taste-Testing a Dr. Pepper Milkshake

8:33 - Trump Sends Money to Christian Orgs

18:09 - Socialism: what even is it?

29:50 - DSA's Weird Platform

44:40 - Dogs Vs. Babies (Dogs are Winning)

52:09 - Interview

56:33 - Examples of Therapy Culture

1:04:54 - Clinical Therapy vs Therapy Culture

1:27:13 - End Credits

Links Mentioned in News Segment:

After Aid Cuts, Trump Sends Money to Christian Orgs:

https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/08/world-vision-usaid-cuts-christian-ngos-trump-hiv/

Jesuits on Democratic Socialism:

https://www.americamagazine.org/short-take/2026/08/18/democratic-socialists-america-catholic-social-teaching/

Liberals vs Conservatives on Having Kids:

https://www.theatlantic.com/family/2026/08/fertility-gap-conservative-liberal/688334/

Other Resources:

Resisting Therapy Culture: The Dangers of Pop Psychology and How the Church Can Respond by Matthew Loftus:

https://amzn.to/4iscEqn

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.

Dating apps were supposed to make romance easier, but have they actually made men and women worse at dating? Kaitlyn Schiess takes over the host chair with Skye Jethani and Mike Erre to talk about Bumble's decision to let men make the first move and why modern dating culture seems to be leaving everyone frustrated. Then they turn to AI and ask what happens when people start outsourcing friendship, advice, and intimacy to chatbots, and why churchgoing Christians may be especially eager to trust the technology. Later, Kaitlyn talks with musicologist Kelsey McGinnis about the resurgence of contemporary Christian music and artists like Forrest Frank and Brandon Lake who are introducing CCM to a new generation. What makes Christian music "Christian," and can worship, celebrity, money, and the music industry coexist without corrupting one another?

Holy Post Plus:

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

https://holypost.substack.com/p/734-the-problem-with-modern-dating?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

0:00 - Show Starts

1:42 - Theme Song

2:12 - Sponsor - PolicyGenius - 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

3:08 - 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!

5:05 - Bumble's Controversial Change

23:29 - Sponsor - Tyndale - The Life Application Study Bible is here to give you resources to help you understand why scripture matters and how it applies today! Check it out now at:

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24:24 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST

25:30 - AI Will Affect Your Social Life

37:02 - Evangelicals Are AI-Pilled

48:19 - Interview

55:25 - What is CCM?

1:00:06 - Forest Frank

1:20:06 - End Credits

Links Mentioned in News Segment:

Bumble's Big Change:

https://www.theatlantic.com/family/2026/08/bumble-dating-app-men-message-first/688298/

Evangelicals and the Machine God: https://mereorthodoxy.com/american-evangelicals-long-for-the-embrace-of-the-machine-god/

Christian Co-Living:

https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/08/christian-co-living-housing-crisis/

Other Resources:

Kelsey Kramer McGinnis Website: https://www.kkramermcginnis.com/

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.

Since the 1980s, the Republican Party has increasingly been associated with Christianity, while the Democratic Party has distanced itself from religious rhetoric to be more inclusive. But is that changing? This year, a surprising number of pastors are running for Congress as Democrats, and they are not shy about infusing their campaigns with faith. Republicans eager to protect their brand are fighting back by calling these progressive clergy candidates "PINOs"—Pastors in Name Only. In related news, Ryan Burge reveals surprising data about the political views of mainline ministers. Kaitlyn interviews counterterrorism expert Elizabeth Neumann about the rise of political violence, how the threats in the U.S. are changing, and how churches can be part of the solution. Also this week—the world's slowest concert reaches a milestone.

Holy Post Plus:

Getting Schooled - Aliens 101:

https://holypost.substack.com/p/getting-schooled-aliens-101?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

0:00 - Show Starts

1:30 - Theme Song

1:52 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Get the AG1 $76 Welcome Pack for free when you order from https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST

3:23 - Sponsor - Our Place - Go to https://www.fromourplace.com and use code HOLYPOST to get 10% off site wide on beautiful cookware!

5:12- 600-Year-Long Organ Song!

14:44 - "Pastors in Name Only?"

31:37 - World Relief Update with Matthew Soerens - In this update, Matthew Soerens shares five things you need to know about deportation. If you want to partner with World Relief in walking alongside families in crisis, visit worldrelief.org/holypost

56:12 - 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!

57:16 - Interview

59:05 - Non-Idealogical Violence

1:08:20 - Definition of Political Violence

1:14:20 - How People Get Radicalized

1:27:07 - How Should We Respond?

1:36:24 - End Credits

Links Mentioned in News Segment:

600-Year Long Organ Piece

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68209691

PINO Pastors? https://religionnews.com/2026/08/04/pastors-name-only-republican-attacks-democrat-pastors/

How Liberal are Mainline Clergy?

https://www.graphsaboutreligion.com/p/mainline-clergy-are-different-and

Other Resources:

Elizabeth Neumann's Website: https://elizabethneumann.org/

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.

The age of generic, non-denominational Christianity may be coming to an end. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss why Christians are increasingly drawn to narrower theological identities, and whether the internet is turning legitimate doctrinal differences into purity tests and church fights. Then, the crew opens the mailbag to answer whether prenuptial agreements are compatible with Christian marriage and if praying in public is an authentic expression of faith or an uncomfortable performance. They also consider what Christians should read to better understand the end times and why Jesus supplied wine to an already-drunk wedding party. Also this week, why the VeggieTales have nothing to fear from the cyclosporiasis outbreak.

Holy Post Live!

https://www.holypost.com/events

Holy Post Plus:

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

https://holypost.substack.com/p/732-mailbag-prenups-mere-christianity?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true

0:00 - Show Starts

0:33 - Theme Song

0:55 - Sponsor - Ridge - The Ridge 5-in-1 Power Bank, power on-the-go without compromise! Get 40% off Ridge by going to https://www.ridge.com/HOLYPOST

2:23 - 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.

3:25 - Is Mere Christianity Over?

22:33 - Christian Prenups?

29:41 - Did Cyclospora get Bob and Larry?

31:03 - Sponsor - If you want your generosity to make a real, lasting difference for refugee students and their families, start your monthly partnership today at https://worldrelief.org/holypost

32:23 - Sponsor - 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!

33:33 - Did Jesus Get People Drunk?

46:05 - Praying in Front of Non-Christians?

52:07 - What Liquid Would You Dispense from Your Fingers?

55:43 - End Credits

Links Mentioned in News Segment:

Is Mere Christianity Over? https://mereorthodoxy.com/is-the-era-of-mere-christianity-over/

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.

"Big Eva" may be fading, but a new generation of online Christian influencers is taking its place. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss the rise of "Gig Eva," how digital platforms are reshaping Christian authority, and why accountability to real churches and communities still matters. Then, the number of words people speak each day is dropping as more of everyday life moves online. The crew considers what we lose when convenience replaces even the smallest human interactions. Then, Skye talks with behavioral scientist Nicholas Epley about why conversations with strangers usually go better than we expect. They discuss how small choices to connect with others can make us happier, healthier, and less divided. Also this week, a new explosive ocean discovery.

Holy Post Plus:

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

https://holypost.substack.com/p/731-why-you-should-talk-to-strangers?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true

0:00 - Show Starts

0:44 - Theme Song

1:06 - Sponsor - Access Forge - Go to https://www.accessible.faith/ to unlock the first two Belonging by Design lessons and use promo code HOLYPOST to get $200 off the full program

2:10 - Sponsor - Feeding America - Your support puts healthy food within reach, fueling the future for kids and their families. Give now at https://FeedingAmerica.org/SummerHunger

2:52 - Orcas Exploding Sunfish!

9:40 - Big Eva is now Gig Eva

29:43 - Sponsor - World Relief - Update with Matthew Sorens! Help today at http://worldrelief.org/holypostadvocates

34:08 - Humans are talking less!

45:46 - Interview

52:07 - The "Quiet Car" on the Train

59:17 - The Power of Reciprocity

1:08:51 - Testing for Yourself

1:17:07 - Technology's Role in This

1:31:52 - End Credits

Links Mentioned in News Segment:

Orcas Raming Into Sunfish:

https://www.npr.org/2026/07/24/nx-s1-5905327/orcas-ram-sunfish-hard-explodes

From Big Eva to Gig Eva:

https://firstthings.com/goodbye-big-eva-hello-gig-eva/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Humans Speaking Fewer Words:

https://www.theatlantic.com/family/2026/07/talking-less-reasons/688074/

Other Resources:

A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Unexpected Happiness, Health, and Connection: https://amzn.to/3RIeF6K

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.

Why was there almost no emphasis on "church growth" before the 1970s, and how does the fixation on it for the last 40 years correspond with the American economy? Skye talks with Andrew Root about his new book, "Baal and the Gods of More," about the link between the modern church growth movement and ancient pagan fertility gods. A new report by Ryan Burge says that for decades those who left the church were turned off by partisan politics and the religious right, but that trend might be changing. Also this week, Brazil blames its poor performance in the World Cup on evangelicals, European evangelicals issue a statement, and an old theory about early Christianity and psychedelic mushrooms is back.

Holy Post Plus:

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

https://holypost.substack.com/p/730-the-idolatry-of-church-growth?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true

Bonus Interview with Andrew Root:

https://holypost.substack.com/p/why-churches-cant-stop-chasing-growth?r=35kf51&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true

0:00 - Show Starts

4:07 - Theme Song

4:30 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Get the AG1 $76 Welcome Pack for free when you order from https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST

6:01 - 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!

7:03 - Was Jesus a Mushroom?

12:52 - Brazil Blames Evangelicals for Soccer Failure?

21:40 - Sponsor - Tyndale - To celebrate the NLT's 30th anniversary, Use code HOLY30 to receive 30% off any NLT Bible! https://tyndale.com

22:44 - Sponsor - Access Forge - Go to https://www.accessible.faith/ to unlock the first two Belonging by Design lessons and use promo code HOLYPOST to get $200 off the full program

23:47 - Sponsor - Feeding America - Feeding America, led by neighbors! Give now to end hunger at https://www.feedingamerica.org

24:20 - European Evangelicals

49:38 - Interview

54:32- Fertility Gods

1:02:09 - Capitalism and False Gods

1:18:26 - The Rise and Fall of American Growth

1:31:52 - End Credits

Links Mentioned in News Segment:

Popular Science Posits Jesus was a Psychedelic Mushroom:

https://www.popularmechanics.com/culture/a69061008/god-sacred-mushroom-christianity-debate/

Did Evangelicals Ruin Brazil's Soccer Performance?

https://religionnews.com/2026/07/17/some-world-cup-fans-are-blaming-brazils-loss-on-evangelicals/?utm_medium=social

European Evangelicals Differentiate from American Evangelicals:

https://religionunplugged.com/news/european-evangelicals-draw-a-clear-distinction-from-their-american-counterparts?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=topic/christianity

Other Resources:

Baal and the Gods of More: Rescuing Church Growth from Idolatry (A Theological Critique of Modern Ministry Metrics and Success-Driven Strategies) by Andrew Root:

https://a.co/d/0c0ijKLw

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.

Some of the Apostle Paul's letters in the Bible can be defensive, sarcastic, and even mean. New Testament scholar Scot McKnight says his nasty tone may stem from deep pain. But Paul's trauma wasn't caused by the persecution of nonbelievers but by fellow Christians. He offers Skye an illuminating look into what the apostle can teach us about church trauma today. Mike Erre joins the podcast crew to discuss the declining support for Israel among American Christians, the weird work of VR missionaries, a theory about aliveness that challenges introverts, and a robot that responds when nature calls.

Holy Post Plus:

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

http://holypost.substack.com/p/729-church-trauma-and-the-apostle

0:00 - Show Starts

0:40 - Kaitlyn Was Summoned Away

3:04 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST

4:08- 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!

5:17 - Self-Driving Toilets!

11:54 - VR Missionaries

20:21 - Sponsor - Feeding America - Your support puts healthy food within reach, fueling the future for kids and their families. Give now at https://FeedingAmerica.org/SummerHunger

20:54 - Sponsor - PolicyGenius - 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

22:00 - Sponsor - Access Forge - Go to https://www.accessible.faith/ to unlock the first two Belonging by Design lessons and use promo code HOLYPOST to get $200 off the full program

23:04 - Americans Less Supportive of Israel

28:56 - Prosperity Gospel and Israel

36:10 - Aliveness and Where to Find it

50:19 - Interview

52:30 - Damaged Leaders

1:03:25 - Paul and Trauma

1:15:44 - Prescriptive vs Descriptive

1:27:54 - End Credits

Links Mentioned in News Segment:

Aliveness:

https://benbyfax.substack.com/p/aliveness

Christian Support for Israel Plummets:

https://religionnews.com/2026/07/09/new-polls-show-plummeting-support-among-faith-groups-for-israeli-government-netanyahu/

Other Resources:

Traumatized Church: What Paul's Relationship with the Corinthian Church Teaches Us About Helping Those Who are Hurting by Scot McKnight: https://amzn.to/4pltGYx

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.

Two members of Congress, one Republican and one Democrat, had a meeting recently where they fundamentally disagreed about the meaning of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25. Their disagreement has now spilled into the media. Why has this chapter of the Bible become the new dividing line between Christians in the public square? Kaityn interviews Tish Harrison Warren about her new book about Christian resilience and what disillusioned believers can learn from the desert mothers and fathers. And fifty years ago, the media declared 1976 the "Year of the Evangelicals." The Holy Post crew discusses one historian's look back at that year and debates whether it was really the turning point for American evangelicalism.

Holy Post Plus:

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

https://holypost.substack.com/p/728-the-political-divide-over-matthew

0:00 - Show Starts

1:50 - Theme Song

4:20 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - Use code HOLYPOST for 30% off sitewide for a great night's sleep! Go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com/HOLYPOST

5:23 - Sponsor - Our Place - Go to https://www.fromourplace.com and use code CURIOUSLY to get 10% off site wide on beautiful cookware!

6:23 - America 250 Celebration

12:44 - The Turning Point of Evangelicalism

28:04 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Get the AG1 $76 Welcome Pack for free when you order from https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST

29:34 - 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!

30:37 - Does Matthew 25 Apply to Nations?

46:20 - Interview

49:42 - Weariness

56:30 - Desert Mothers and Fathers

1:04:00 - What is Acedia?

1:19:13 - Become All Flame

1:29:17 - End Credits

Links Mentioned in News Segment:

Growing Divide Over Matthew 25:

https://religionnews.com/2026/07/01/in-congress-a-growing-divide-over-matthew-25/?utm_medium=social

Christianity Today on the Turning Point for Evangelicalism:

https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/06/1976-was-a-turning-point-for-evangelicalism-george-marsden-history/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=topic/christianity

Other Resources:

What Grows in Weary Lands: On Christian Resilience by Tish Harrison Warren:

https://a.co/d/0bJc9P34

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.

The United States is turning 250 this week, but the country is divided about the anniversary. Should the country celebrate or lament? Historian Robert Tracy McKenzie joins Skye to talk about the ongoing fight over how to tell America's story, why we reject nuance, and what he saw at the Rededicate 250 event in Washington, D.C. that made him concerned. Kaitlyn offers her take on a New York Times interview with Louise Perry about rethinking the sexual revolution. Perry argues, as a non-believer, for the recovery of sexual ethics that seem very Christian. What does that say about our culture's fatigue with secularism? Also this week—AI finds proof that your parents were right about the music you listen to, and the World Cup is revealing the decency of average Americans.

Holy Post Plus:

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

https://holypost.substack.com/p/727-rethinking-the-sexual-revolution

Getting Schooled - Weddings 101: https://holypost.substack.com/p/getting-schooled-weddings-101

0:00 - Show Starts

1:50 - Theme Song

2:12 - 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.

3:24 - Rededicate

5:12 - World Cup Brings World Together

11:24 - Pop Music's Moral Slide

20:39 - Sponsor - World Challenge - Want to help people around the world? Get involved today at https://worldchallenge.org/HOLYPOST

21:42 - Sponsor - World Relief - Help families overseas and refugees in crisis! When you give now before Easter Sunday, your donation will be doubled! Start your partnership today at https://www.worldrelief.org/holypost

23:08 - New Sexual Revolution?

54:09 - Interview

58:10 - Unblemished America

1:03:15 - Credal or Racial Nation?

1:11:40 - Founding Father's Private Faith

1:19:53 - Wanting a Positive Vision

1:28:08 - End Credits

Links Mentioned in News Segment:

Louise Perry on the Sexual Revolution:

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/25/opinion/gender-sexual-revolution-men-women.html

Pop Music has Become Less Moral:

https://www.newsweek.com/music-has-got-nastier-since-60s-study-says-12119675

Other Resources:

How America Gave Up on Its Own History:

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/07/american-history-common-narrative/687301/

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.

Over the last decade, white evangelicals in the U.S. have lost their moral credibility. In response, Peter Wehner says the church should embrace a form of "Christian humanism." The Holy Post crew discusses his article, what he gets right, and why that label may be a barrier for some. Kaitlyn interviews biblical scholar Michael Rhodes about his book,"Reimagining Biblical Politics: What Scripture Says About Public Life and Why It Matters." Rather than looking to specific verses to define our political positions, Rhodes says we must allow all of Scripture to shape our imaginations and then use discernment as we engage our unique political context. Also this week—controversy over the design of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, how faith-based apps are gamifying Christianity, and the benefits of talking to dogs.

Holy Post Plus:

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

https://holypost.substack.com/p/726-reimagining-biblical-politics

Bonus Interview:

https://holypost.substack.com/p/how-christians-can-live-faithfully

0:00 - Show Starts

2:44 - Theme Song

3:08 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Get the AG1 $76 Welcome Pack for free when you order from https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST

4:29 - Sponsor - Hiya Health - Go to https://www.hiyahealth.com/HOLYPOST to receive 50% off your first order

5:57 - Talking to Dogs Makes Ya Smart?

11:41 - Obama Presidential Center

23:56 - World Relief Update with Matthew Soerens - In this immigration update, Matthew Soerens shares insights on the global displacement crisis. Start a new monthly gift to World Relief by June 30 and receive a copy of his book, Seeking Refuge, as a thank-you gift. Begin your monthly partnership today at worldrelief.org/holypost.

29:13 - Sponsor - Feeding America - Feeding America, led by neighbors! Give now to end hunger at https://www.feedingamerica.org

29:45 - Sponsor - World Challenge - Want to help people around the world? Get involved today at https://worldchallenge.org/HOLYPOST

30:57 - Turning Prayer into an App

57:22 - Interview

1:04:42 - What Do We Mean by "Politics?"

1:15:40 - The Ambiguity of Esther

1:23:30 - Scripture Transforms Politics

1:34:26 - End Credits

Links Mentioned in News Segment:

The Commodification of Christianity:

https://www.freyaindia.co.uk/p/the-commodification-of-christianity

American Christians Face a Choice:

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/06/christian-humanism-trump-choice/687475/

Other Resources:

crossRhodes: Reimagining Biblical Politics:

https://pod.link/1888014284?view=apps&sort=popularity

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.

Last year, the President celebrated his birthday with a military parade. This year, he hosted a UFC cage match on the South Lawn of the White House. It's easy to compare it to the gladiator games honoring the Roman emperor, but Phil asks whether it's a sign that America would rather emulate pre-Christian Roman values than biblical ones. Americans can no longer agree on how to teach American history, so we're not teaching it much at all. Is it possible to recover a shared national story? Nijay Gupta is back to discuss his latest book, "Paul for the World," and why the Apostle would not recognize a modern Christianity that's focused on heaven rather than earth. Also this week—the science behind dad jokes.

Holy Post Plus:

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

https://holypost.substack.com/p/725-the-cage-match-for-americas-story

Bonus Interview:

https://holypost.substack.com/p/should-the-church-preserve-ethnic

0:00 - Show Starts

3:12 - Theme Song

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5:38 - Science Supports Dad Jokes

14:49 - UFC Fight at the White House

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32:17 - "American Dream" Finding Cuts

35:02 - What Story is America Telling?

52:16 - Interview

57:46 - Is Social Justice Christian?

1:06:20 - Epicureans and Stoics

1:14:33 - Bonhauffer and the Incarnate Church

1:28:15 - End Credits

Links Mentioned in News Segment:

Sciences Supports Dad Jokes:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2026/06/15/science-suggests-cringe-worthy-dad-jokes-may-serve-an-actual-purpose/

No Common American Narrative:

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/07/american-history-common-narrative/687301/

Other Resources:

Paul for the World: A Grounded Vision for Finding Meaning in This Life—Not Just the Next (What Paul's Letters Say about Work, Friendship, Money, Wellness, Justice, and More) by Nijay Gupta:

https://amzn.to/3RZR8ON

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