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Is The Gospel Offensive?

Voxology

Release Date: 10/06/2025

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Why does the gospel offend? In this deep dive into a crucified Messiah's challenge, the Voxology hosts unpack the cultural and theological significance of the offense of Christianity. Exploring themes of cruciformity, faith and politics, and navigating cultural challenges, they focus on how the message of Jesus subverts worldly power, redefines wisdom, and invites radical humility. Together, they examine what it means to embody the gospel in a society steeped in division, and how the church's role is to reflect the countercultural, self-giving love of Christ. From redefining power and wisdom...

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Why does the gospel offend? In this deep dive into a crucified Messiah's challenge, the Voxology hosts unpack the cultural and theological significance of the offense of Christianity. Exploring themes of cruciformity, faith and politics, and navigating cultural challenges, they focus on how the message of Jesus subverts worldly power, redefines wisdom, and invites radical humility. Together, they examine what it means to embody the gospel in a society steeped in division, and how the church's role is to reflect the countercultural, self-giving love of Christ.

From redefining power and wisdom to challenging modern expressions of faith and justice, this conversation prompts vital questions: What part of the gospel should offend? And how do we ensure we don't add unnecessary barriers to its message? With references to scripture and real-world implications, this episode invites listeners to wrestle with the heart of the gospel and its relevance in today’s world.

Join the conversation! Share your thoughts, questions, or reflections as we pursue deeper understanding together. Engage with us on Facebook or Instagram, and let’s continue to navigate faith, cultural issues, and the teachings of Jesus with curiosity and humility.

CHAPTERS:


00:00 - Tim's Bruce Springsteen Emotion
04:48 - Why We Talk About Communication
07:58 - Courage in Modern Christianity
18:02 - Understanding Offensive Christianity
23:11 - Exploring 1 Corinthians 1
32:34 - The Offense of the Gospel Message
38:04 - The Scandal of the Cross Explained
43:55 - Meaning Behind the Offense
45:50 - Love as the Ultimate Power
48:05 - The Cross as God's Revelation
53:25 - What Should Truly Offend Us
55:30 - Michael Gorman's Modern Paul
57:00 - Theology of Separation Explained
1:00:25 - Understanding Persecution
1:06:20 - The Concept of Offense
1:09:10 - Thank You
1:10:25 - Outro

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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