Revisiting a Nightmare Debate: Faith, Morality, and Representing Jesus in Hard Conversations - w/ Mark Salomon

Sep 14, 2016

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How do we show Christ in conversations that spiral out of control? Mark Salomon—frontman of Christian punk staples The Crucified and Stavesacre—joins Mike and Andy to reflect on a recent debate-turned-nightmare with an outspoken atheist podcaster. In this candid and vulnerable conversation, Mark opens up about what went wrong, what he wished he said, and what it means to represent Jesus when the stakes are high and you're completely caught off guard.

This episode goes beyond debating theology; it’s a raw look at spiritual ambassadorship, moral reasoning without a framework, and how Christians can navigate hostile or disorienting conversations with both conviction and humility. Mike and Andy walk with Mark through the emotional and intellectual landmines of the original exchange, bringing clarity to big questions about God's morality, divine judgment, the authority of scripture, and the place of empathy in a post-Christian world.

Key Takeaways: • Representing Jesus in High-Pressure Moments – How to stay grounded when caught off guard during spiritual conversations. • Debates vs. Dialogues – Why the goal shouldn't be "winning" the argument but embodying the love, patience, and humility of Jesus. • Objective Morality & Faith – Exploring the theological conviction that God's authority defines good and evil—even when that feels difficult or cold. • Revisiting the Problem of Evil – Mike breaks down how a world built on love must include freedom, using powerful examples like suffering and disability to illuminate God’s bigger picture. • When The Old Testament Gets Weaponized – Unpacking divine judgment, slavery, and God’s progressive revelation leading to Jesus as the full image of God’s character.

Guest Highlights: Mark Salomon – Icon of the Christian hardcore scene and host of the podcast “Never Was.” Mark talks through the emotional fallout of a frustrating public conversation, shares his fears about misrepresenting Christ, and reflects with courage and honesty on what spiritual integrity looks like when things don’t go as planned.

Resources Mentioned: • “Never Was” Podcast by Mark Salomon – Available here • “Pastor With No Answers” podcast – Pastor With No Answers • “MetalSucks” Podcast – Featuring guest “Godless” • Hebrews 1, Colossians 1 & 2, John 14 – Used to demonstrate Jesus as the fullest revelation of God • C.S. Lewis – Referenced throughout the discussion for insights on morality and divine authority • “The Problem of God” by Mark Clark – For exploring tough questions skeptics ask about Christianity

Join us as we continue the conversation on how faith and humility intersect in hard places. Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay connected.

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Original 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