The IRS has decided churches are no longer prohibited from endorsing political candidates. Is this a win for free speech or a reason for some churches to become even more partisan? The Department of Homeland Security has released a creepy new promotional video that uses the Bible to frame border security as a mission from God. The Christian who gave George W. Bush the idea of “compassionate conservatism” says the passing of the Big Beautiful Bill marks the end of an era for the GOP. Professor Ryan Burge is back with data about the religious outlook of Gen Z. Some see evidence of a revival, but Burge says it’s probably wishful thinking. Also this week, animal fashion news: chimp drip edition.

World Relief:

https://worldrelief.org/advocate/

Holy Post Plus:

Bonus Interview with Ryan Burge:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/134198348/

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/134204161/

0:00 - Show Starts

3:22 - Theme Song

3:44 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST

4:48 - Sponsor - Hiya Health - Go to https://www.hiyahealth.com/HOLYPOST to receive 50% off your first order

5:55 - Chimp Fashion!

12:56 - Christian in Government with PEPFAR

16:07 - The Johnson Amendment

29:24 - Bible Verse in an ICE Recruitment Ad

40:59 - Why Is the Church So Libertarian?

55:33 - 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

56:42 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Go to https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST

58:00 - Interview

1:00:45 - Why Are They Saying It’s a “Revival?”

1:09:05 - Can Revival Be Predicted?

1:16:50 - Church and Loneliness

1:29:46 - End Credits

Links from News Segment:

Chimps and Grassy Fashion!

https://www.iflscience.com/chimps-are-sticking-grass-in-their-ears-and-rears-as-they-embrace-pointless-fad-79910

Other Resources:

Ryan Burge’s Article on Gen Z Revival:

https://www.graphsaboutreligion.com/p/is-there-a-religious-revival-occurring

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

Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus

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

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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.

When George W. Bush created the PEPFAR program in 2003, it was celebrated by evangelical leaders and has saved more than 26 million lives in Africa from HIV/AIDS. So why weren’t evangelicals outraged when Donald Trump killed PEPFAR, which has already resulted in over 75,000 deaths since January? Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn unpack the arguments for and against PEPFAR, and how evangelical support for “small government” only applies to some programs. Then, Katilyn talks to Sharon Hodde Miller about what the self-esteem movement gets wrong about insecurity, and how we can recover the Christian virtue of service and self-forgetfulness. Also this week, rotten butter ants invade Europe.

Holy Post Plus:

Bonus Interview with Rachel Martin:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/133604080/

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/133671224/

0:00 - Show Starts

3:22 - Theme Song

3:45 - Sponsor - Blueland - Get up to 25% off your first order by going to https://www.Blueland.com/HOLYPOST

4:50 - 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.

5:58 - Stinky Ants in Europe!

11:41 - PEPFAR and Evangelicals

21:00 - Spiritual Formation of Small Government Politics

25:35 - Addressing Anti-PEPFAR arguments

48:55 - 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

50:12 - Interview

55:54 - Insecurity and Ministry

1:08:20 - The Emptiness of Self-Esteem

1:14:30 - Transactional Relationships

1:25:14 - End Credits

Links from News Segment:

Super Ants Invade!

https://www.thetimes.com/world/europe/article/super-ants-germany-8wp8n83zm

Why Evangelicals Turned Their Back on PEPFAR:

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/07/pepfar-evangelical/683418/

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.

With Phil on vacation, Kaitlyn and Esau join Skye to talk about the Supreme Court’s ruling that public schools must allow students to opt out of gender or sexuality content that may contradict the religious beliefs of their families. At the same time, more Americans say public schools should hire chaplains to offer spiritual guidance to students. With schools increasingly becoming the front line in the culture war, can public education survive? Then, Skye talks to Rachel Martin, the co-creator of NPR’s Wild Card podcast and former host of Morning Edition, about what she’s learned from interviewing artists, actors, and activists about their beliefs. She offers an intriguing glimpse into the spirituality of secular America. Also this week—the internet is full of bad advice about “toxic” relationships.

Use Promo Code “Book” to get 20% off your first subscription to Holy Post Plus!

Holy Post Plus:

Bonus Interview with Rachel Martin:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/133035879/

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/133029177/

0:00 - Show Starts

2:30 - Theme Song

2:50 - 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!

3:55 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST

5:02 - LGBTQ Schoolbook Opt-Outs

27:12 - Who’s Toxic?

35:18 - Did We Jettison Forgiveness?

47:16 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Go to https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST

48:35 - 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

49:45 - Interview

55:00 - Staying Informed without Burnout

59:30 - Rachel’s Spiritual Background

1:13:52 - The Wild Card podcast and Spirituality

1:27:32 - End Credits

Links from News Segment:

Court’s Ruling on Parents Opting Out of LGBTQ books in Schools:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/27/us/politics/supreme-court-lgbtq-books.html

Majority of Americans Support Chaplains in Schools:

https://www.foxnews.com/media/majority-adults-support-religious-chaplains-public-schools-new-report-shows

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.

Nothing fires up the End Times industry faster than America dropping bombs in the Middle East. After President Trump decided to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities this weekend, YouTube was flooded with convoluted and contradictory videos on the biblical implications of the war. But if this really is a prelude to Christ’s return, as many online end timers claim, why are they stoking panic and fear? Shouldn’t Christians welcome this news? Skye talks to Senator Chris Coons about how his faith informs his politics, why he went to divinity school, and what the Democrats can do to close the “God gap” in politics. Also this week—courts struck down the Louisiana law requiring the 10 Commandments to be posted in every public school classroom, and the real origin of “honky dory.”

Holy Post Plus:

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

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0:00 - Show Starts

3:16 - Theme Song

3:40 - 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

4:53 - 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.

7:11 - Protesting While in Red States

16:07 - End Times Prophecies and Iran

22:30 - Mark Driscoll and the Manosphere

26:26 - Louisiana and the 10 Commandments

37:44 - 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

38:52 - Sponsor - Our Place - Go to https://www.fromourplace.com and use code HOLYPOST to get 10% off site wide on beautiful cookware!

40:02 - Interview

42:36 - US Involvement in the Middle East

50:20 - Divinity School and Public Service

57:37 - The God Gap

1:08:35 - End Credits

Links from News Segment:

Russell Moore on Why We Shouldn’t Look for End Time Implications:

https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/06/bible-prophecy-war-iran-apocalypse-russell-moore/?utm_medium=widgetsocial

Louisiana Ten Commandments Law:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/20/us/politics/louisianas-ten-commandments-law-appeals-court-unconstitutional.html?searchResultPosition=17

Vox’s Article on the “New Religious Right”

https://www.vox.com/politics/416042/religion-politics-trump-christian-nationalism-liberty-maga

Other Resources:

Read the Introduction to Skye’s new book and sign up to Holy Post Plus to follow along as the book is written: holypost.com/book

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.

It was a wild weekend. Donald Trump presided over a military parade on his birthday while an estimated 5 million Americans protested around the country. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss the optics of both events and ask, with America’s divided politics and media silos, is protesting still effective? They also unpack a new article by Abby McCloskey in CT that argues evangelicalism’s focus on a private, personalized faith undermines learning, curiosity, and exercising the mind. Then, theologian and Holy Post Pundit, Michael Bird, is back. He offers an outsider’s perspective on Trump’s military parade, the “No Kings” protests, and why he thinks more Christians should be concerned about the suspension of habeas corpus. Also this week: More ’50s slang and an update on Ed the zebra.

Holy Post Plus:

Getting Schooled - Ethics of Exile 101:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/130879694/

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/131691890/

0:00 - Show Starts

3:25 - Theme Song

3:50 - 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.

4:57 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Go to https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST

6:18 - 50’s Slang

9:44 - Ed the Zebra’s Return!

14:35 - Military Parade

23:48 - What Does Protest Do?

32:05 - The Christian Mind Out of Practice

47:30 - Teaching Essentials of the Faith

50:21 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST

51:28- Sponsor - World Relief - Join The Path as a monthly partner with World Relief! https://www.worldrelief.org/stand

52:24 - Interview

59:30 - Polarization of the Military

1:10:05 - Right to Protest

1:19:45 - End Credits

Links from News Segment:

A Christian Mind Out of Practice by Abby McCloskey:

https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/06/christian-mind-out-of-practice-mark-noll-discipleship/

Other Resources:

Read the Introduction to Skye’s new book and sign up to Holy Post Plus to follow along as the book is written: holypost.com/book

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.

Protests in Los Angeles against the Trump administration’s immigration policies have turned violent, but will the images of vandalism and attacks on police actually help the President? And Phil asks if there is any way to prevent necessary mass protests from becoming violent. One of the most respected Bible scholars of the last century has passed away. Old Testament professor Walter Bruggemann contrasted the world’s vision of scarcity with God’s kingdom of abundance, but Kaitlyn thinks his understanding of exile is over-applied today. Skye talks with his Holy Post Media colleague, Esau McCaulley, about his vocation as a priest, professor, and podcaster, and his desire to see Christianity applied to both the beauty and brokenness of the culture. Also this week—flying zebras and burning Waymos.

Holy Post Plus:

My Hill to Die On - Bidets:

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Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

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0:00 - Show Starts

4:30 - Theme Song

5:00 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - Brooklyn Bedding is offering up to 25% off sitewide for our listeners! Go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com/HOLYPOST

6:05 - 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.

7:20 - Runaway Ed the Zebra!

14:33 - LA Protests, Self-Driving Cars

20:30 - Is Violent Protest Inevitable?

30:38 - Walter Brueggemann’s Passing

34:22 - Kaitlyn’s Disagreement with Brueggemann

43:11 - Sponsor - Hiya Health - Go to https://www.hiyahealth.com/HOLYPOST to receive 50% off your first order

44:15 - 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

45:25 - Interview

47:32 - Why Esau’s an Anglican Priest

54:30 - Why Esau’s a Podcaster

1:04:20 - How Does Esau’s Brain Work?

1:12:38 - White Evangelicals Centering

1:19:45 - End Credits

Links from News Segment:

Pet Zebra Escaped!

https://apnews.com/article/runaway-pet-zebra-captured-tennessee-54669b2fc2c1dffb87a09f4081d6c135

Other Resources:

Check out The Esau McCaulley Podcast: https://pod.link/1770229436

Read the Introduction to Skye’s new book and sign up to Holy Post Plus to follow along as the book is written: holypost.com/book

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.

In the past, debates over worship styles were often marked by generational differences; however, a new article suggests that this is changing. For Gen Z, worship preferences may be dividing along gender lines instead. For younger Christians, is CCM from Venus and liturgy from Mars? Drew Dyck joins Skye and Kaitlyn to discuss the evidence, the implications, and the solution for the worship gender divide. Then, Kaitlyn interviews Patrick Miller about his new book with co-author Keith Simon, “Joyful Outsiders.” He says there are six different ways we can respond to the loss of Christian cultural power, but all of them should be marked with joy rather than fear or anger. Also this week—listeners react to our criticism of “asking Jesus into your heart,” and pigeons on a plane.

Holy Post Plus:

Bonus Segment:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/130626611/

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/130628699/

0:00 - Show Starts

2:55 - Theme Song

3:18 - 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

4:25 - Sponsor - Blueland - Get up to 25% off your first order by going to https://www.Blueland.com/HOLYPOST

5:36 - Animal News

13:07 - Jesus in Your Heart Response

25:27 - The Gen Z Worship War

36:23 - Low Church to High Church

51:50 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Go to https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST

53:06 - Sponsor - World Relief: The Path - Get your FREE prayer guide: Prayers for Such a Time as This. If you want to go beyond prayer, you can also learn more about joining The Path as a monthly partner with World Relief! https://www.worldrelief.org/holypost

54:15 - Interview

55:55- What Does it Mean to Be Joyful Outsiders?

1:00:20 - Are Christians Always Outsiders?

1:14:20 - Prophets and Hope

1:20:08 - Approaching Joyful Living

1:31:00 - End Credits

Links from News Segment:

Pigeons on a Plane!

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/delta-flight-erupts-chaos-pigeons-fly-main-cabin-rcna209400

Gen Z Gender Worship War:

https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/05/gen-z-worship-war-men-women-ccm-liturgy-tradition/

Other Resources:

Joyful Outsiders: Six Ways to Live Like Jesus in a Disorienting Culture: https://a.co/d/9ouoDCT

Read the Introduction to Skye’s new book and sign up to Holy Post Plus to follow along as the book is written: holypost.com/book

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.

Phil, Kaitlyn, and Skye respond to questions from the listeners, including whether lay people should go to seminary, how important is attending a church after being hurt by one, and whether Christians should make violent video games. They also venture into theological topics like what pronouns are appropriate for God, what doctrines do we emphasize too much, and why they all think telling kids to “ask Jesus into your heart” is a bad idea. The crew also revisits the topic of Project 2025 and whether they regret their dismissive opinions about it from before the election. Also this week—Skye reveals plans for his new project with Holy Post Media, and one listener's question prompts Kaitlyn to make a big announcement.

Holy Post Plus:

Hill to Die On (Phil on Swearing):

https://www.patreon.com/posts/130018518/

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/130022144/

0:00 - Sponsor - World Relief - Learn more about what life is like for refugees. Hear real stories to better understand what refugees are facing every day! https://www.worldrelief.org/whatisarefugee

1:09 - Show Starts

2:30 - Theme Song

2:51 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Go to https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST

3:56 - 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

5:04 - Is Protesting in Rotunda Illegal?

7:04 - Skye’s Next Book?

11:35 - Should Laypeople Go Into Seminary?

16:00 - What Do We Mean “Jesus in My Heart?”

24:00 - Project 2025

32:00 - Clarifying vs Changing Scripture

39:00 - Christians Making Video Games?

49:00 - What Theological Issues Do We Overrate?

55:00 - Church Community

59:33 - Special Question

1:06:01 - End Credits

Other Resources:

Read the Introduction to Skye’s new book and sign up to Holy Post Plus to follow along as the book is written: holypost.com/book

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.