Best Dave Ripper Podcasts (2025)

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Understanding Relational Spirituality with Dr. Todd Hall - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 13 1:04:52

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5d ago1:04:52

1:04:52

What do our emotions have to do with our relationship with God and others? Host Dave invites Dr. Todd Hall, a psychology professor at Rosemead School of Psychology and a faculty affiliate at Harvard's Human Flourishing Program, to discuss relational spirituality. They explore Dr. Hall’s journey of overcoming childhood disconnection, developing the …

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697: Cancelling "Judeo-Christian," Defending Slavery, & Rethinking Gaza with J. Ross Wagner 1:22:34

5d ago1:22:34

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The term "Judeo-Christian" has been used by the Religious Right for decades as a positive shorthand for biblical values in the culture, so why are conservative Christians now rejecting the label? And why are Christian defenses of slavery and the Confederacy gaining popularity 160 years after the Civil War? Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn explain how the ri…

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696: Transcending Our Political Divisions & Labels with Andy Beshear 1:25:31

1d ago1:25:31

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Mike Erre joins Phil and Skye to discuss a New York Times column by David Brooks. He says America's divisions will only heal when we abandon shallow labels and war metaphors, and instead see one another as fellow pilgrims on a journey. America's Catholic bishops issue a stern rebuke of the Trump administration's dehumanizing rhetoric and policies, …

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Great Awakenings: Lessons from George Whitefield with Chris Goeppner - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 12 38:20

19d ago38:20

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How does looking back at the past help us understand our present and future relationship with God? In this episode of "Deeper Experiences with God" host Dave delves into the history of the Great Awakening in New England with fellow pastor, Chris Goeppner of Riverbank Church in White River Junctions, VT. Their discussion explores the importance of s…

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695: Analyzing the Blue Wave & Why the Church Still Matters with Carmen Joy Imes 1:27:41

19d ago1:27:41

1:27:41

The Democratic Party swept the off-cycle elections last week, but this isn't the first blue wave we've seen in the Trump era. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss what it means and the significance of New York City electing a Muslim, democratic socialist as mayor. Does Mamdani represent the death of New York, and possibly America, as one Baptist leader …

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French Friday: The Nazi Rot on the Right 27:43

23d ago27:43

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Open Nazi rhetoric is gaining traction on the right, and the response from conservative institutions has been inconsistent at best. Skye and David trace the roots of the problem, the incentives that fueled it, and the late-breaking backlash that may signal a tipping point. They also look at ICE's increasingly aggressive "Kavanaugh stops," the risks…

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694: Why Don't We Take Church Unity Seriously? with N.T. Wright 1:29:02

26d ago1:29:02

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A new survey finds that moderately religious Americans are the most likely to say that they see dead people. Which raises a question—why are the non-religious and the very religious less likely to report encounters with the departed? New York Times columnist Ezra Klein says that by over-emphasizing inclusivity, the Democratic Party has ironically b…

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693: Holy Post LIVE from Chicago 2025 1:22:11

1M ago1:22:11

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This week is Halloween, and on this special episode recorded with a live audience, the Holy Post hosts discuss why our culture isn't afraid of monsters and demons anymore. How did all of our pop culture heroes and villains become morally ambiguous? Also, would communal living solve our loneliness epidemic? Kaitlyn is all for it, but Skye isn't so s…

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Dim Sum and Faith: Exploring Our Spiritual Stories with Jenn Suen Chen - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 11 43:41

1M ago43:41

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What stories are we each born into and how do they shape our experience of God in ways we may not even realize? In this week’s episode of Deeper Experiences with God, host Dave is joined by Jenn Suen Chen, spiritual director, co-director of Summit Clear, and author of the new book 'Dim Sum and Faith'. The discussion revolves around the intertwining…

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692: Vertical vs. Horizontal Morality & Rediscovering Confession with Jamin Goggin 1:26:25

1M ago1:26:25

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A recent article tries to explain why so many politically active Christians behave unchristianly in the public square by differentiating "vertical" and "horizontal" sources of morality. The Holy Post crew examines the argument and finds it weak. Has MAGA ignited a revival in the U.S.? David French says we may be confusing a political revolution for…

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Kingdom Stories & Spiritual Readiness: Wisdom from Steve Macchia - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 10 50:12

2M ago50:12

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Have you considered why Jesus shared so many teachings through stories, or parables? In this episode of Deeper Experiences with God, host Dave Ripper speaks with Dr. Steve Macchia, president of Leadership Transformations and author of Praying the Parables of Jesus. Together they explore how Jesus’ parables awaken spiritual readiness, creativity, an…

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691: The Antichrist, Illiberalism, & Why Gen Z Accepts Political Violence with Elizabeth Neumann 1:26:37

2M ago1:26:37

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In a series of invitation-only, off-the-record lectures about Christianity, technology billionaire Peter Thiel said the antichrist is trying to regulate technology and billionaires. Which raises the question—Why do we always remake Christ in our image and the antichrist in our enemies'? Gen Z is making conservative Christianity more angry, intolera…

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690: Flying Bishops, Evangelical Ignorance, & Slow Theology with A.J. Swoboda & Nijay Gupta 1:29:40

2M ago1:29:40

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For the first time ever, the U.K. has appointed a woman as the Archbishop of Canterbury to lead the global Anglican Communion. Kaitlyn, Skye, and Mike Erre discuss the implications of appointment and how Anglicans use "flying bishops" to maintain unity over divisive theological issues. Are there lessons here for other divided Christian communities?…

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Embracing the Discipline of Play: Insights with John Carroll - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 9 38:48

2M ago38:48

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Have you ever thought that one of the best ways to connect with God might be through play? Join Dave for this week’s episode where he speaks with John Carroll, Executive Director of Dallas Willard Ministries’ School for Kingdom Living, about the surprising spiritual discipline of play and its role in experiencing life with God. Together, they explo…

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689: The Rapture, Repentance, & Redefining the Good Life with Grace Hamman 1:27:37

2M ago1:27:37

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After a South African pastor claimed that Christ would come for his church on September 23, TikTok became rapture obsessed. Mike Erre joins Skye and Kaitlyn to discuss our ongoing fixation with this bad theology, why people get caught up in rapture predictions, and how it damages the credibility of the faith. Kaitlyn talks to Medieval scholar, Grac…

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688: The MAGA Contradiction & Educational Injustice with Terence Lester 1:25:51

2M ago1:25:51

1:25:51

The memorial service for Charlie Kirk revealed a deep contradiction with the MAGA movement. Kirk's widow was cheered when she forgave his assassin and modeled Jesus' command to love your enemies. But the crowd also cheered when Stephen Miller and President Trump dehumanized their opponents and expressed hatred for their enemies. Esau McCaulley join…

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The IMMERSE Method of Experiencing Scripture - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 8 32:32

2M ago32:32

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Have you been looking for some practical steps to guide you into a more immersive daily experience with God? In this special solo episode of 'Deeper Experiences with God,' host Dave delves into a transformative method for encountering God more deeply in daily life. Drawing from his book 'Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus,' he introduces…

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687: Charlie Kirk & the Conflict Entrepreneurs 1:00:12

2M ago1:00:12

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Last week, a gunman in Utah killed Charlie Kirk on a college campus. Rather than uniting the country against political violence, Kirk's assassination has only made divisions wider. Some on the left celebrated his death, saying he reaped what he sowed, while some on the right, including the President, are calling for retribution against all leftists…

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686: Shootings, Single Fathers, & the Shadow Side of Ambition with Miroslav Volf 1:23:59

3M ago1:23:59

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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 parent…

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The Great Tradition Charismatic: A Dialogue with Andrew Arndt - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 7 52:11

3M ago52:11

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What happens when modern charismatic passion meets ancient Christian tradition? In this episode of 'Deeper Experiences with God,' host Dave converses with Andrew Arndt, lead pastor of New Life East in Colorado Springs and an accomplished author, including his latest book, 'A Strange and Gracious Light.' They explore the intersections of modern Chri…

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685: Finding Unity in a Divided Church with Beth Moore 1:16:13

3M ago1:16:13

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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 w…

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684: Dobson Died, Cracker Barrel Cancelled, & Flipping Christian Politics with James Talarico 1:36:02

3M ago1:36:02

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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 o…

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Encountering God at the Feet of Jesus with Bruce & Carolyn Hindmarsh - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 6 52:00

3M ago52:00

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How would our spiritual lives change if we could turn from distraction and linger at the feet of Jesus? In this episode of 'Deeper Experiences with God,' host Dave welcomes doctors Bruce and Carolyn Hindmarsh to discuss encountering God's presence through scripture. Bruce, a professor of Spiritual Theology and History of Christianity, and Carolyn, …

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683: The Meaning of the Scopes Monkey Trial 100yrs Later with Chris Staron 1:29:16

3M ago1:29:16

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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 huma…

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682: Why We Still Need the Institutional Church with Brad Edwards 1:26:49

4M ago1:26:49

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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 participat…

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Deep and Wide: A Conversation Flowing with Lacy Borgo - Deeper Experience with God - Episode 5 52:28

4M ago52:28

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What do children know about faith that adults often forget? In this next episode of Deeper Experiences with God, Dave sits down with Lacy Finn Borgo, author and spiritual director, to explore both deeper and wider experiences with God through childlike faith, simplicity and exploring human senses in silence and prayer. She shares some powerful pers…

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681: Strategically Small Churches with Brandon O'Brien 1:21:21

4M ago1:21:21

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A whites-only community has launched in Arkansas under the legal guise of a "private membership association." The founders claim it's about preserving culture, but Skye and Phil aren't buying it. Then, Brent Leatherwood, head of the Southern Baptist Convention's public policy arm, has resigned after years of pressure from hardline conservatives. Wh…

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680: Cancelling Colbert, Starving Gaza, & American Charisma with Molly Worthen 1:23:52

4M ago1:23:52

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CBS has cancelled the top-rated late-night talk show. Was it really a financial decision, or was it done to get the Trump administration to approve a corporate merger? And will Stephen Colbert now come on the Holy Post? Horrific images of starvation are coming out of Gaza as pressure builds on the Israeli government to end the war, but when does pr…

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Non-Anxious Living & Spiritual Rhythms for Peace with Alan Fadling - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 4 52:12

4M ago52:12

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What if the key to a deeper, more transformative relationship with God isn’t doing more—but slowing down? In this episode of the 'Deeper Experiences with God' podcast, host Dave Ripper interviews Alan Fadling, president of Unhurried Living, about the significance of silence and rest, mastering peace, and deepening spiritual growth and leadership. A…

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679: Individualism, Transhumanism, & Learning from Abolitionists with Daniel Lee Hill 1:28:25

4M ago1:28:25

1:28:25

Why is our society so fractured and angry? David Brooks' recent article draws from the work of moral philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre to explain how we got here, but what is the solution? With the growth of A.I., some Christians think technology may be how God redeems humanity and gives us eternal life. But is this still Christianity or a strange new…

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678: Is Gen Z Having a Religious Revival? with Ryan Burge 1:30:18

5M ago1:30:18

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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 gav…

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Prayer, Soul Care, and Spiritual Tenacity: A Conversation with Dr. Rev. Barbara Peacock - Deeper Experiences with God Podcast - Episode 3 56:57

5M ago56:57

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How can we deepen our spiritual lives through stillness, surrender, and sacred tradition? In this episode, Dave speaks with Reverend Dr. Barbara Peacock about spiritual formation through an African American lens, focusing on prayer, soul care, and spiritual direction. Barbara shares her theological journey, personal struggles with depression and bu…

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677: Ending PEPFAR & Why the Self-Esteem Movement Failed with Sharon Hodde Miller 1:25:48

5M ago1:25:48

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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 …

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676: Classroom Culture Wars & the Spirituality of Secular America with Rachel Martin 1:28:07

5M ago1:28:07

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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. W…

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675: Iran, End Times, & the Political God Gap with Senator Chris Coons 1:09:08

5M ago1:09:08

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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 ti…

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The Encounter with Divine Presence with Gary W. Moon - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 2 54:08

5M ago54:08

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Join Pastor Dave Ripper for an enriching conversation with Dr. Gary W. Moon, founding director of the Martin Institute and Dallas Willard Research Center, as they explore the golden thread of Christian spiritual formation: encountering divine presence. Gary shares his framework for spiritual healing, emphasizing salvation as a journey of union with…

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674: Parades, Protests, and Habeas Corpus with Michael Bird 1:27:03

6M ago1:27:03

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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 i…

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673: The L.A. Protests & Becoming a Priest and Podcaster with Esau McCaulley 1:20:19

6M ago1:20:19

1:20:19

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 a…

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Vital Spiritual Experiences with John Ortberg - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 1 42:43

6M ago42:43

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Join Pastor Dave Ripper for a transformative conversation with bestselling author John Ortberg, a leading voice in spiritual formation. In this episode, they explore vital spiritual experiences, drawing from John’s book Steps: A Guide to Transforming Life When Willpower Isn’t Enough and the Christian roots of the 12-step program. Learn how to culti…

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672: Gender Worship Wars & the Joy of Being Cultural Outsiders with Patrick Miller 1:31:34

6M ago1:31:34

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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 impli…

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671: Mailbag! God's Pronouns, Project 2025, & Asking Jesus Into Your Heart 1:06:42

6M ago1:06:42

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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…

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670: The Nicene Creed is Cool Again & Reading the Bible like Dallas Willard with Dave Ripper 1:28:51

6M ago1:28:51

1:28:51

Why are more churches rediscovering and reciting the Nicene Creed? And what can the ancient articulation of Christian belief offer the church in these divided times? Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss the 1700th anniversary of the creed and its place in the modern church. The Bible is critical to our faith, but have we been taught to worship the Bible…

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669: From Common Good to Culture War—Lessons from the Q Conference with Katelyn Beaty 1:28:18

7M ago1:28:18

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We have a pope and he's American! Cardinal Robert Prevost from Chicago is now Pope Leo XIV, and his connection to The Holy Post is closer than anyone imagined. Phil, Skye, and Kaitlyn discuss reactions to the new Pope and the significance of his name. Katelyn Beaty is back to discuss the evolution of the Q Conference, led by Gabe and Rebekah Lyons.…

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668: Pope Donald, Human Flourishing, & the Pastor's Wife with Beth Allison Barr 1:33:30

7M ago1:33:30

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The White House is facing backlash for posting an AI image of Donald Trump as the Pope. Was it a careless joke or a calculated distraction? The most extensive study of its kind finds that the world's largest Muslim country far outranks the United States in human flourishing, and also explains why secular elites are discovering a new respect for rel…

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667: The Future of Faith in America with John Kasich 1:27:18

7M ago1:27:18

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A slate of new articles analyzes Pope Francis through America's progressive-conservative polarization, but are they confusing political categories with theological ones? Surprising data show that Gen Z is returning to religion, and belief in an afterlife is on the rise, but what's the explanation? Are young people returning to the church to rebel a…

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666: Lessons from the Satanic Panic with Mike Cosper 1:25:19

7M ago1:25:19

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Pope Francis died on Monday. Will the Catholic Church continue to move in the direction of inclusion and reform, or will it elect a more traditional leader in reaction to the last papacy? Mike Cosper is back to talk about his new podcast from Christianity Today about the Satanic Panic, "Devil and the Deep Blue Sea." In the 1980s and 90s, the FBI in…

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665: Can Democrats Win Back Religious Voters? with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand 1:29:16

8M ago1:29:16

1:29:16

It's Holy Week, and an article in the New York Times argues that Palm Sunday wasn't a worship procession; it was a protest march. With that theme in mind, Christians held peaceful rallies over the weekend in Philadelphia and San Diego to protest inhumane immigration enforcement policies, including the order allowing government agents into churches …

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664: An Atheist Says America Needs Jesus with Jonathan Rauch 1:27:27

8M ago1:27:27

1:27:27

Donald Trump launched a global trade war because he thinks America's trade deficit makes us "losers," but does he even understand what a trade deficit is? Phil introduces a new segment full of statistics that make Kaitlyn and Skye groan. And they discuss David Brooks' new article in The Atlantic, which compares this moment in U.S. history to the er…

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Deeper Experiences with God Trailer! 0:39

8M ago0:39

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Welcome to the Deeper Experiences with God podcast. I’m your host Dave Ripper. My hope is that through conversations, teachings and practices on the Christian spiritual life, that you might experience an ever-deepening life with God.By Dave Ripper

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663: Snow White, Scarcity, & Why Immigration is Pro-Life and Bri Stensrud 1:27:47

8M ago1:27:47

1:27:47

Disney's new live-action remake of Snow White has been a disaster with people on all sides of the political divide and culture wars finding something to hate about the film, but could it also be full of important Christian theology? Phil and Skye are joined by Mike Erre to examine the biblical theme of abundance versus scarcity, how it applies to C…