Philip Yancey is one of the best-selling contemporary Christian authors, and his books helped millions find a more authentic faith long before “deconstruction” was a hashtag. His new memoir, “Where the Light Fell,” tells how he escaped the racist, fundamentalist Christianity of his youth, and his lifelong quest to find God’s grace in a world of suffering. Yancey also sympathizes with the ex-vangelical movement, and shares his concerns for the direction of the faith in America.
Also this week, reactions to Josh McDowell’s decision to step back from ministry for a season of listening. Could llama spit end the pandemic? Everyone is spinning the new Pew research about evangelicals to fit their own agenda. Phil doubles down in his footwear battle with the Dutch. And, your butt is a snowflake.
News Segment:
Where in the world is Christian? [3:06]
News of the Butt [9:03]
Llama antibodies treat hamsters’ COVID-19 [14:21]
Josh McDowell update [20:47]
Pew research: “Evangelical” label [30:19]
Interview with Philip Yancey:
Pre-order “Where the Light Fell” (releasing 10/5/21) - https://amzn.to/39Ia7nz
“Soul Survivor” - https://amzn.to/39LdolZ
Interview start [49:25]
A memoir 40 years in the making [51:18]
Impact of family and church on faith formation [55:36]
The gift of pain [1:13:16]
The state of the American church [1:17:08]
Encouragement for ex-vangelicals [1:23:05]
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Wow. I'm really grateful for this episode. I host a podcast called "Where did you see God?", and the last two seasons came from nudges from God -- focusing on "questioning" and currently on "healing" -- and Phillip Yancey's story resonated with so many of the stories I've had the privilege of hearing for the last year. I've heard from people how are trusting God in suffering, and some who no longer believe He exists, from people who have been healed and people who's genuine prayers seemed to lead to nothing; and in the midst, a thread as woven throughout that -- somehow -- God is still God, and God is still good. Thanks for sharing this conversation.
I've got to agree with Skye on McDowell -- it's good that he stepped back, but unacceptable that he said what he did in the first place.
Think about this: What put McDowell on the map and gave him his golden ticket into the EIC? "Evidence That Demands a Verdict". Without that book, he's some random guy selling merch out of the back of his Pinto.
But more importantly, that book established him as one who does actual research -- an expert, if you will. So even if he hadn't established any expertise specific to this speech, he had the reputation. And then he goes and just spews sound bites that I could hear on Tucker Carlson every week. Not to…
Skye - I often hear talk of ex-vangelicals on this podcast (including your conversation here with Philip Yancey). Sometimes it sounds like the assumption is they have thrown the baby out with the bath water - given up on Jesus and God. I identify as an ex-vangelical for both the political reasons (when my communities of origin have gone in doubling down on taking sides) and because my doctrine has shifted a bit. However, my faith is still centered on Christ. Likewise many people I interact with now are in the same place - their "ex-vangelical" identity has not caused them to drift from Jesus, but toward him. Some have given up on church - I remain part of m…
I discovered the Holy Post when you interviewed Dr. Jim Wilder (I’m a BIG FAN of Dr. Wilder) and I’m so glad I did! And this week you then interviewed Philip Yancey. My mom attends the church they both attend. A very small church that meets in a private school with no official church building. I have met both men and they are humble servants. Philip is usually stacking chairs and Jim is intently listening to someone. I’m not making this up to make them sound better than they are—this IS who they are. Thanks for your amazing interviews! They give me hope! (Unfortunately I live in a different state than my mom).
Before everything went crazy with the…
Skye, the problem, as you so eloquently and faithfully remind us, is the EIC. Guys like McDowell keep receiving a platform because there are those who are willing to pay to see him and his message is then influenced by the market.