The Holy Post

In this week's Phil Vischer Podcast, Phil, Skye and Christian discuss the fiscal cliff and the current political environment in the US. This leads to a conversation about the end times and interpreting the Scriptures based on our cultural context. Everyone gives their predictions for what will happen in 2013 - some of which are more serious than others! They end with a conversation on the Gospel and how we can engage with it more.

In the first Phil Vischer Podcast of 2013, Rob Vischer joins the crew to discuss Catholicism, the new "Queen James Bible" and the Boy Scouts. They also discuss the political tensions within the Catholic Church, and the changing tones of some Catholic and some Evangelical groups toward homosexuality.

In a special episode, Phil discusses the events in Connecticut last week in the light of Christmas next week, and explains how the tragedy illuminates what even Christians have lost from the Christian narrative, and from Christmas itself.

The product placement bell gets a name on this week’s Phil Vischer Podcast, and Phil, Skye and Christian explain how they all know each other! Plus: atheist comic strips and a new Christian “sexy” t-shirt company?! AND Phil debuts a new segment called “Phil has a bone to pick!” ...all of this and more on the podcast!

**SPOILER: This podcast contains a discussion of Santa Claus, and therefore may not be appropriate for children.** This week’s podcast opens up with a discussion of pink legos, and whether or not churches should encourage belief in Santa Claus. Then Phil and the gang talk about consumerism vs. consuming, and how many churches have a tendency to commodify the Gospel.

Phil, Skye and Christian discuss the latest from Pat Robertson and recent lashback about his show from Two and a Half Men star Angus T. Jones (who became a Seventh-Day Adventist!). Plus Phil reviews of Rise of the Guardians and the gang talks about criticism surrounding VeggieTales teaching morality more than Christianity.

The phenomenon of Black Friday! Has Thanksgiving been "erased" by modern media? And why has Santa Claus become the spokesman for Christmas? Phil, Skye and Christian answer these questions AND discuss a TED talk entitled "The Demise of Guys" about media's effect on the development of men.

Happy Anniversary! James Bond is 50, and so are the Rolling Stones! A conversation about whether or not the gang should address politics on the podcast turns into a thoughtful discussion about the relationship between Christians and democracy surrounding abortion and other issues. This week on the podcast!

A throwback podcast! Recorded over the summer with filmmaker Darren Wilson, founder of Wanderlust Productions, the gang discusses old news items - from a Lady Gaga incident to Skye's interview with President Obama’s spiritual advisor! PLUS Darren shares some of his supernatural experiences that have inspired his documentary films.

Phil and Skye discuss the perils of career sports, Phil reveals his choice to direct Star Wars 7, and after a conversation about Hurricane Sandy, Phil and Skye debunk the idea that natural disasters are God’s punishment on mankind. PLUS Billy Graham removes Mormonism from his list of cults?!