When the Theology of Suffering Falls Apart: Job, Justice, and the Adversary

How does the Book of Job challenge our assumptions about suffering, divine will, and justice? Continuing their Suffering Series, Mike Erre and Andy Lara navigate the emotional, cultural, and theological complexities of recent tragic events—particularly the fatal police shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile—while asking the deeper question: Does God cause suffering?

Using the poetic narrative of Job as their backdrop, Mike and Andy wrestle with misleading Christian clichés (“God gives and takes away”), reconsider traditional theodicies, and expose how oversimplified views of God's sovereignty can cause real harm. By exploring Job’s tale in its ancient Near Eastern literary and cultural context, the episode introduces a more dynamic, complex, and hopeful picture—one that recognizes the reality of spiritual conflict, the limitations of human understanding, and the subversive yet nonviolent nature of God's power.

Key Takeaways: • The Book of Job as a Deconstruction of Simplistic Theology – Why Job's stylized, epic format invites us to abandon formulaic views of suffering and divine justice. • God vs. The Satan – How the narrative of Job introduces an adversary as an external source of evil, rather than attributing suffering directly to God’s will. • Permission Isn’t Ordination – The critical difference between God allowing suffering and God causing it. • The Injustice of the Just – How both Job and his well-meaning friends get it wrong in their own ways, and what that teaches us about speaking honestly versus speaking theologically “correct.” • Reframing the Hedge of Protection – Why spiritual protection isn’t about immunity from pain, but partnering with Christ in a war against evil and chaos. • Why “We Don’t Know” Is Sometimes the Most Faithful Answer – A humble call to accept mystery in a world where we long for clarity and control.

Resources Mentioned: • Greg Boyd – Books: “God at War” and “Satan and the Problem of Evil” • John Mark Comer – Job series from Bridgetown Church • Bible Scripture: The Book of Job • Dallas Willard – Teachings on non-coercive power • Podcast Mention: Upcoming interview with “Godless” (be sure to check it out in two weeks)

Join Mike and Andy as they process personal grief, societal injustice, and theological discomfort, offering a space where deep doubts and honest questions are welcome. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast to keep these crucial conversations going.

As always, we encourage discussion as we pursue deeper questions together. Email your thoughts to hello@voxpodcast.com and join us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Music by Timothy John Stafford – Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre



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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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