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 CURIOUS30 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:

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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

3:35 - 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

4:38 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST

5:38 - Science Supports Dad Jokes

14:49 - UFC Fight at the White House

30:45 - Sponsor - Feeding America - Feeding America, led by neighbors! Give now to end hunger at https://www.feedingamerica.org

31:15 - 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!

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

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.

While secular journalists, scholars, and even the Pope are wrestling with big questions about Artificial Intelligence, the war in the Middle East, and what it means to be truly human, the Southern Baptists have decided the most urgent problem in 2026 is banning women from preaching. Phil asks why evangelicals are still fixated on issues from 50 years ago, while other Christian traditions are leading the culture in tackling modern questions. Zachary Wagner, author of "Men of Virtue," joins Skye and Kaitlyn for a roundup of masculine news. Wagner says the excesses of some expressions of feminism have fueled a subculture of male grievance, and that a pagan vision of masculinity is now masquerading as Christian throughout the manosphere. Also this week, nuns are challenging the tech giants, and Google wants permission to "debug" Florida.

Holy Post Plus:

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

https://holypost.substack.com/p/724-the-problem-with-pagan-masculinity

Looksmaxing, Beauty, and Masculinity - Bonus Interview with Zachary Wagner:

https://holypost.substack.com/p/looksmaxing-beauty-and-masculinity

0:00 - Intro

2:58 - Theme Song

3:20 - Sponsor - Our Place - Go to https://www.fromourplace.com and use code HOLYPOST to get 10% off site wide on beautiful cookware!

4:22 - 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

5:48 - Google Mosquitos!

11:27 - Nuns Pressuring A.I.!

14:48 - A.I. Misconduct and Sin

20:15 - Sponsor - Feeding America - Feeding America, led by neighbors! Give now to end hunger at https://www.feedingamerica.org

20:46 - - Sponsor - World Challenge - Get your 30-day devotional free from World Challenge at https://worldchallenge.org/HOLYPOST

21:50 - 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!

22:49 - Frozen in the Cold War

46:22 - Interview

48:40 - Aspirational Masculinity

59:13 - Are the Fruit of the Spirit Gendered?

1:10:28 - Unified by Antifeminism

1:26:50 - End Credits

Links Mentioned in News Segment:

Google's Literal Debugging: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/jun/01/google-permission-release-mosquitoes-california-florida

Catholic Nuns and Palantir A.I.

https://religionnews.com/2026/06/03/catholic-sisters-push-palantir-on-human-rights-as-faith-leaders-rally-in-new-york/

A.I. and Sin

https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/2026/06/pope-leo-ai-christian/687388/

Other Resources:

Men of Virtue: How the Fruit of the Spirit Forms Male Character in the Modern World (A Guide for Men Seeking Biblical Masculinity, Perfect Father's Day Gift) by Zachary Wagner: https://amzn.to/4uZRL9o

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 Pope's first encyclical about the importance of human dignity and the threat posed by A.I. is causing a stir. Some secular journalists are celebrating Leo's moral clarity, while Trump administration officials are saying the Pope should stay in his lane. Historian Yuval Noah Harari has his own warning about A.I. and explains how we are moving from an "attention economy" into an "intimacy economy." With the launch of Holy Post Media on Substack, Kaitlyn and Skye take you behind the paywall to sample everything offered by Holy Post Plus, including a daily devotional for people who hate devotionals. Also this week, a dog in Nebraska stands his ground.

Holy Post Plus:

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

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Getting Schooled - Matchmaking 201:

https://holypost.substack.com/p/getting-schooled-matchmaking-201

0:00 - Show Starts

1:49 - Theme Song

2:12 - 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 and free shipping your first order by using this link: https://www.ponchooutdoors.com/holypost

3:23 - 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.

4:28 - With God Daily is Here!

8:27 - Dog Shoots Woman!

10:55 - The Pope's Encyclical on A.I.

24:50 - How A.I. Hacks Brains

34:21 - Sponsor - Feeding America - Feeding America, led by neighbors! Give now to end hunger at https://www.feedingamerica.org

34:55 - Sponsor - World Relief - Multiply your impact today! Start your monthly partnership with World Relief to walk alongside refugees and others on the move. Give today at http://worldrelief.org/holypost

36:00 - 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!

37:05 - Narcissism and A.I.

53:07 - Tour of HP+

56:28 - With God Daily

1:03:46 - My Hill to Die On

1:11:34 - Getting Schooled

1:18:37 - 66 Verses

1:26:25 - Advice-ish

1:33:58 - End Credits

Links Mentioned in News Segment:

Dog Shoots Woman at 7-Eleven!

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/26/dog-shotgun-nebraska-convenience-store

Slate on the Pope's A.I. Encyclical:

https://slate.com/technology/2026/05/artificial-intelligence-pope-leo-encyclical.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.

Last week, Stephen Colbert ended his tenure as the host of The Late Show on CBS. Along with witty political commentary and comedy, Colbert was also open about his Catholicism at a time when many were growing skeptical of faith. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss Colbert, the criticism public Christians receive, and how to discern which examples of public faith to emulate. It's graduation season, and Karen Swallow Prior is back to discuss her new book, "You Have a Calling." She says our culture has narrowed our understanding of calling to paid work, but finding our calling is not a matter of following a formula. Also this week, new data on what the cutting of USAID is doing to the most vulnerable parts of the world, more reflections on Rededicate 250, and remora fish take brown-nosing to new depths.

Holy Post Plus:

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/159315601/

0:00 - Show Starts

1:25 - Theme Song

1:45 - 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

3:06 - Sponsor - Hiya Health - Go to https://www.hiyahealth.com/HOLYPOST to receive 50% off your first order

4:12 - 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

6:44 - Sucker Fish and Manta Butts!

10:45 - Is the Nation Rededicated to God?

15:56 - Is Association Endorsement?

19:24 - USAID Cuts Consequences

34:26 - Sponsor - Brooklyn Bedding - Use code HOLYPOST for 30% off sitewide for a great night's sleep! Go to https://www.brooklynbedding.com/HOLYPOST

35:30 - Sponsor - Feeding America - Feeding America, led by neighbors! Give now to end hunger at https://www.feedingamerica.org

36:17 - Colbert's Public Christianity

53:07 - Interview

55:33 - What's a "Calling?"

1:06:50 - "Author" as Unpredictable Calling

1:12:44 - Children and Vocation

1:25:14 - End Credits

Links Mentioned in News Segment:

The National Catholic Reporter on Rededicate 250:

https://www.ncronline.org/opinion/religion-display-trumps-dc-rally-was-not-gospel-jesus-christ

Sucker Fish Hiding in Manta Ray Butts!

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/sucker-fish-are-hiding-in-manta-rays-buttholes-new-study-reveals/

Effects of Defunding USAID:

https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(25)01186-9/fulltext

New York Times on the USAID cuts:

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/09/opinion/foreign-aid-cuts.html

Other Resources:

You Have a Calling: Finding Your Vocation in the True, Good and Beautiful (The Perfect High School or College Graduation Gift for 2026) by Karen Swallow Prior: https://a.co/d/07W6Tn7P

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.

MAGA politicians, pastors, and influencers gathered on the National Mall this weekend to rededicate America to God. Unlike biblical ceremonies of rededication, however, this one included no repentance or lament. Elon Musk is upset that a black woman was cast as Helen of Troy in Christopher Nolan's upcoming film "The Odyssey." Sharon McMahon is back to explain how political backlash and violent threats canceled her commencement speech at Utah Valley University, and why the message she planned to deliver is more relevant than ever. Also this week—religious skeptics used to ask, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" So, why is Gen Z asking a different question, "Why don't bad things happen to bad people?"

Holy Post Plus:

Ad-Free Version of this Episode:

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Bonus Interview with Sharon McMahon:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/158708712/

0:00 - Theme Song

3:14 - 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

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5:58 - Rededication of America

21:06 - Sponsor - Rocket Money - Find and cancel your old subscriptions with Rocket Money at https://www.rocketmoney.com/HOLYPOST

22:06 - Sponsor - Feeding America - Feeding America, led by neighbors! Give now to end hunger at https://www.feedingamerica.org

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50:06 - Interview

52:11 - Commencement Speech Cancellation

1:12:14 - Durable Hope

1:25:14 - End Credit

Links Mentioned in News Segment:

Gen Z Asks Why Bad Things Don't Happen to Bad People:

https://www.christianitytoday.com/2026/05/gen-z-why-bad-things-happen-to-good-people-theodicy-evil-suffering/

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