Faith, Critique, and Crimson Cup: Responding to Listener Feedback about Justice, Mental Health, and American Exceptionalism
From biblical justice to John Piper quotes, podcast guest Kevin #2 joins Mike for a wide-ranging conversation that blends humor, depth, and honest reflection on what it means to live out faith in today's world. This episode is a spirited response to listener feedback on previously covered topics like Rachel Denhollander and sexual abuse in the Church, critiques of political ideology, and theological hot takes circulating on social media.
Mike and Kevin unpack questions from listeners—some supportive, some critical—to clarify Voxology’s approach to justice, political discourse, and mental health. They challenge the evangelical obsession with protecting “witness” at the expense of truth and repentance and push back on outdated ideas that Christianity should prioritize platform over integrity.
You’ll hear everything from LaCroix vs. Crimson Cup, biblical references to mental strength, and an interruption from Mike's son reporting an NBA trade—because a true Voxology episode has both theology and randomness.
Key Takeaways: • Responding to Criticism – Why Mike reads negative reviews publicly and how it sparks deeper reflection on theological consistency, especially around politics and power. • The Evangelical Relationship to Power – Exploring why critiques of Trump among evangelicals matter and what it means to be prophetic within your own tribe. • Justice and Abuse in the Church – Listener insights on why churches are ill-equipped to respond to abuse, and the need for training in peacemaking, advocacy, and spiritual accountability. • Mental Health and Theology – Challenging harmful narratives that reduce mental illness to a lack of spiritual focus and affirming the need for holistic care that includes medicine, therapy, and theology. • Nuance and Community Feedback – The value of diverse perspectives, the dangers of toxic theology, and why churches must do better in listening and learning from their own congregants.
Notable Quotes: • “Jesus wasn’t turning over tables in the Roman temple. He was critiquing His own house. That’s why we critique the Church from the inside out.” • “If you're saying mental illness is just a lack of faith or focus on God, you're doing harm. Full stop.” • “America’s greatness can’t come at the expense of others. That’s not what kingdom greatness looks like.”
Resources & References: • Boz Tchividjian – Net Grace • Dr. Diane Langberg – DianeLangberg.com • Rachel Denhollander – RachelDenhollander.com • Clyde Kilby’s “Mental Health” quote discussed by Desiring God – Context for Quote
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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford
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