The Power and Threat of Moral Policing: From Iran's Revolution to Western Christian Nationalism - w/ Pastor Suzie Lind and Dr. Timothy Gombis

How the morality police in Iran became a symbol of oppressive theocracy, and why Christians in the West must pay attention. In this special edition of Voxology, Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and special guest Susie Lind (an elder, pastor, and Iranian-American) dive into the recent wave of women-led protests in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini. The conversation explores the historical context of Iran’s revolution, the internal trauma of displacement, and the deeply personal ties Susie holds to the current uprising. They draw unsettling parallels between Iran’s morality police and Western theocratic impulses taking shape in America.

The team is later joined by theology professor and podcaster Tim Gombis for a broader conversation on the seductive pull of ideological tribalism, the myth of Christian cultural dominion, and the revolutionary call to be good neighbors rather than spiritual conquerors.

Key Takeaways: • Iran’s Current Uprising – How Mahsa Amini’s death sparked a generational resistance movement led by Iranian women, and why this moment feels different than past protests. • The Legacy of the Iranian Revolution – Susie Lind shares her personal story of fleeing Iran during the 1979 revolution, highlighting the deep historical wounds and the dangers of theocratic governance. • Moral Policing in the West – How contemporary Christian laws in the U.S. reflect elements of Iran's morality enforcement, including citizen-based reporting and forced moral conformity. • Christian Nationalism and Power – Tim Gombis tackles the origins of culture war theology, tracing it back to colonialism and capitalism’s grip on Christianity. • Redefining “Loving Your Neighbor” – Why telling others the “truth” isn’t biblical love unless grounded in self-sacrificial relationship and humility.

Guest Highlights: Susie Lind – Iranian-American pastor and elder at Vox Church, shares from a profoundly personal lens what the Iranian protests mean for her family and heritage. Dr. Tim Gombis – Professor, host of the Faith Improvised podcast, and author of “Power in Weakness” and “The Drama of Ephesians,” offers incisive commentary on how ideologies twist the gospel and trap the church in culture wars.

Resources Mentioned: • Faith Improvised Podcast – Subscribe here • “Power in Weakness” by Tim Gombis – Buy the book • Shirin Sadeghi and Global Iranian Voices – Recommended accounts for following on-the-ground reporting • History of the Iranian Revolution – Detailed Overview • Voxology Episodes on Revelation Series – Reframing biblical themes around power, exile, and ideology

Join the conversation as we stand in solidarity with those seeking justice, freedom, and dignity. Share this episode, spread awareness, and consider what it means to resist coercive ideologies—wherever they appear.

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Music by Timothy John Stafford | Instagram/Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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.

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