VOX Mini - Should I Stay at a Church That Teaches Reformed Theology?

Voxology

Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Society & Culture

4.7 • 1K Ratings

🗓️ 11 September 2019

⏱️ 18 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

A thought-provoking conversation that unpacks the foundations, expressions, and challenges of Reformed Theology from a pastoral and personal lens. Responding to listener Sarah’s question, Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and Bonnie dive deep into the theology behind Calvinism, discussing both its fruit and its fallout. They explore how theological systems can sometimes shrink our view of Jesus and grapple with the implications of sovereignty, election, grace, and salvation.

Whether you're wrestling with doctrines like tulip, questioning predestination, or struggling with your place in a church culture that feels too rigid, this episode invites you into a gracious, nuanced, and honest conversation about where God’s love and mystery intersect with theological systems.

Key Takeaways:
• Understanding Reformed Theology – A clear breakdown of the five solas and the tulip acronym that define Calvinist thought.
• The Trouble with Tight Systems – Why neatly packaged theology sometimes fails to leave room for mystery, grace, and the full breadth of Jesus.
• Rethinking Sovereignty – Mike outlines his disagreement with the concept of "meticulous sovereignty"—that God controls every detail, including suffering—and advocates for a more Jesus-centered view.
• Fruit and Warnings of Reformed Culture – Bonnie vulnerably shares her personal struggles with some Reformed spaces and the rigidity they can carry, while also acknowledging the depth of biblical engagement she’s seen in that tradition.
• When to Stay and When to Leave a Church – Practical wisdom for those questioning their theological fit while still feeling connected to their church community.

Resources Mentioned:
• Previous Voxology Episodes on Deal Breakers
• Five Solas of the Reformation – More Info
• Theological Breakdown: TULIP Explained – Calvinism Overview
• Scripture References – Genesis 1–2, Revelation 21–22, various teachings of Jesus and Paul on grace, salvation, and sovereignty

Join the Voxology community as we continue wrestling with tough theological questions and strive to better reflect the love, grace, and humility of Jesus.

Subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us on social media to become part of the conversation.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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Follow Mike on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford
https://www.timothyjohnstafford.com/
Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	everybody welcome back to another thrilling episode of tim commenting last bonnie reading beautiful questions
0:14.9	mike attempting to answer only to be clarified and strengthened by Bonnie's further expounding of his chaotic
0:22.5	points. We're glad that you are tuning in. All right. Okay. Another question. Subject reformed theology.
0:34.1	Whoa, bobo, bo. This is from someone named Sarah.
0:40.0	Sarah says, hello.
0:40.5	Hi, Sarah.
0:48.4	I have been listening to your podcast for a while now and have been joining the controversial topics you navigate with generosity and grace.
0:49.9	I hope so.
0:54.3	I am a fairly liberal Christian, so it's great to have a space where I feel my thoughts have a voice.
0:55.6	To my question, I've noticed something that's come up on your podcast several times, as well
1:00.3	as other podcasts I listen to.
1:02.6	There seems to be a general consensus that reform theology is getting something wrong.
1:07.3	I personally belong to a reform church, and am questioning a few of the practices that we love the people and the teaching.
1:15.3	I'd love to hear what exactly the issues could be with reform theology so I could do some digging myself.
1:21.2	Because I'm fairly liberal, I've come into conflict with some of the thoughts of people within my church,
1:26.6	but it's the one place we've
1:28.2	actually been able to hear sound teaching from the Word versus mega church consumeristic
1:33.4	Christianity.
1:34.4	That's a fair point.
1:35.9	I very much like to hear your thoughts.
1:37.8	Thank you so much.
1:39.4	All right.
	...

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