{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"721: Easy Optimism vs Durable Hope with Sharon McMahon","description":"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\u2019s upcoming film \u201cThe Odyssey.\u201d 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\u2014religious skeptics used to ask, \u201cWhy do bad things happen to good people?\u201d So, why is Gen Z asking a different question, \u201cWhy don\u2019t bad things happen to bad people?\u201d Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/posts\/721-easy-vs-hope-158706698\/ &amp;nbsp; Bonus Interview with Sharon McMahon: https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/posts\/158708712\/ &amp;nbsp; 0:00 - Theme Song 3:14 -&amp;nbsp; Sponsor - PolicyGenius - Secure your family\u2019s tomorrow so you have peace of mind today. Go to https:\/\/www.policygenius.com\/HOLYPOST to find the right life insurance for you 4:13 - 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! 5:58 - Rededication of America 21:06 -&amp;nbsp; 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 22:40 - Sponsor - Garrett Theological Seminary - Garrett has a program for you! Apply by July 15 to start a master\u2019s degree this fall! https:\/\/www.garrett.edu\/holypost 50:06 - Interview 52:11 - Commencement Speech Cancellation 1:12:14 - Durable Hope 1:25:14 - End Credit &amp;nbsp; Links Mentioned in News Segment: Gen Z Asks Why Bad Things Don\u2019t Happen to Bad People:  https:\/\/www.christianitytoday.com\/2026\/05\/gen-z-why-bad-things-happen-to-good-people-theodicy-evil-suffering\/   Other Resources: Holy Post website: https:\/\/www.holypost.com\/ &amp;nbsp; Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com\/plus &amp;nbsp; Holy Post Patreon: https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/holypost &amp;nbsp; Holy Post Merch Store: https:\/\/www.holypost.com\/shop &amp;nbsp; 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. &amp;nbsp; ","author_name":"The Holy Post","author_url":"https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/holypost","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/41354290\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/41354290"}