I'm Not Smoking When I Am Selling. This Does Not Work for Me.

"I really felt called. And I don't have like a long list of Holy Spirit, hocus pocus stories where I feel like God tells me to do something," says Ray Vanderlahn. "And so that was kind of my journey through like he was in a really dark place and then somebody handed me a flashlight ... There's a lot of there're a lot of beautiful stuff here." The book is published by Simon & Schuster.

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Discover how embracing mystery and asking better questions of the Bible can deepen your faith and transform your understanding of God. Marty Solomon, host of the BEMA Podcast and author of the upcoming book Asking Better Questions of the Bible, shares his journey from fundamentalist evangelicalism to a faith rooted in curiosity and openness. Together with co-hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford, and joined by returning guest Tyler Chernesky, they explore how reframing our approach to Scripture can lead to a more authentic and vibrant spiritual life.

Key Takeaways: • Embracing Mystery and Curiosity – Learn how adopting a posture of curiosity toward Scripture fosters a deeper, more authentic faith. • Asking Better Questions of the Bible – Marty discusses the importance of reframing the questions we bring to the Bible, moving beyond seeking certainty to exploring wonder and awe. • Deconstruction as a Natural Part of Faith – Understanding deconstruction not as something to fear but as a necessary process in spiritual growth and maturity. • Reframing Genesis and Human Identity – Discover a new perspective on Genesis 1–3, seeing our fundamental identity rooted in goodness and creation's inherent value. • Navigating Uncertainty – Embracing the discomfort of not knowing as an essential part of faith, leading to greater empathy and less judgment.

Guest Highlights: Marty Solomon – Host of the BEMA Podcast and author of the upcoming book Asking Better Questions of the Bible. Marty shares his personal journey from fundamentalist evangelical roots to embracing his Jewish heritage and a more inquisitive approach to Scripture.

Tyler Chernesky – A pastor and collage artist, Tyler discusses how Marty's teachings have profoundly impacted his faith journey, helping him find rest, renewal, and a deeper love for Jesus and people.

Resources Mentioned: • Marty Solomon's Website – martysolomon.com • BEMA Podcast – bemadiscipleship.com • Pre-order Asking Better Questions of the Bible by Marty Solomon – [Link] • Rob Bell's Teachings • Ray Vander Laan's Teachings • Frederick Buechner's Writings

Join us on this journey of embracing mystery and curiosity in your faith. Share your experiences and questions by emailing us at hello@voxpodcast.com. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay connected.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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