Voxology

A deeply vulnerable and vital conversation between Mike Erre and theologian and Bible translator Bonnie Lewis around abortion, loss, and what it means to truly be pro-life. This episode goes far beyond politics, diving into Bonnie's personal story of stillbirth, grief, and theological reflection. Together, Mike and Bonnie challenge simplistic narratives and offer a broader, more compassionate lens on abortion—one rooted in a gospel that centers dignity, healing, and community over condemnation. Key Takeaways: • Abortion is Not Just a Political Issue – Reframing our understanding by centering the stories of women and the complexity of their experiences. • The Power of Maternal Instinct – How Bonnie's experience affirmed the critical importance of listening to women's deeply intuitive connection with their bodies and unborn children. • Pro-Life Is Pro-Woman – A call to expand the pro-life conversation to include emotional, mental, and spiritual care for mothers at all stages—before, during, and after pregnancy. • Theological Reflection on Grief and Choice – How Bonnie's journey has reshaped her theology of life, death, soul, and the deeply embodied reality of carrying and losing a child. • Can Protest Do Harm? – A nuanced examination of whether shaming women at abortion clinics aligns with the way of Jesus, and how we miss the mark when we separate ends from means. • Birth Control, Premarital Sex, and Wisdom – Pushing past purity culture binaries to ask deeper questions about harm, safety, and human flourishing in a broken sexual culture. Quotes Worth Sharing: • "Being pro-life should include being pro-woman. You can't care for the baby and ignore the mother." • "There's a difference between worry and knowing. We need to trust women when they say something is wrong." • "If Jesus calls us to love and not condemn, then louder protests that bring shame might not be the way." From raw testimony to sharp theological critique, this episode embodies the Voxology ethos: courageously naming the tension between grace and truth, nuance and conviction. Resources Mentioned: • Email the show: hello@voxpodcast.com • Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voxology • Vox Merch Store: VOXOLOGY on Etsy • Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify • Voxology Radio on Spotify: Voxology Radio • YouTube Channel: VOXOLOGY TV Join the conversation on Instagram @voxologypodcast and on Facebook. If this conversation moved you—or challenged your thinking—subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with others seeking to rediscover Jesus's way of compassion and justice. 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 us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How the ancient Greco-Roman worldview around deformity, ability, and perceived human "worth" continues to influence our modern ethics on abortion, disability, and human dignity. Mike Erre returns to the cultural and spiritual roots of the abortion debate, drawing deeply from early Christian history, Hellenistic philosophy, and his own experience as the father of a child with Down syndrome. This episode (Part 2 of the abortion conversation) explores how early Christians responded to practices like infanticide and exposure—not with protest, but with sacrificial love—and what that could mean for Christians in today's world. Key Takeaways: • Hellenism Then and Now – How the ancient Greek worldview placed human perfection and reason at the center of worth, and how that ethos lives on today in modern humanism and cultural values. • Exposure and Infanticide in the Roman World – Examining the brutal treatment of infants deemed "unfit" or "imperfect," especially those with disabilities or born female, and the philosophical justifications behind these practices. • Early Christian Response to Abortion and Infanticide – How the early church countered cultural brutality not with politics or protests, but through rescuing and raising unwanted children as acts of love and defiance. • Human Value Beyond Utility – A powerful reflection on how the worth of Seth (Mike's son with Down syndrome) challenges a society obsessed with IQ, productivity, and physical "perfection." • Embryo Selection and the Return of Eugenics – Addressing emerging medical technologies like IQ-based embryo profiling and their disturbing parallels to ancient and modern eugenic thought. Notable Quotes: "We don't call it Hellenism anymore—we just call it humanism." "The earliest Christians didn't protest Caesar—they just walked into dump sites and rescued babies." "Any system that seeks to build a hierarchy of image bearers over other image bearers is demonic and from the pit of hell." Resources Mentioned: • Destroyer of the gods by Larry Hurtado – [Link] • The Rise of Christianity by Rodney Stark – [Link] • "The Eye of the Deformity" by Robert Garland – [Link] • Medical article on embryo IQ screening – [Link] • Book of the Didache – [Link] • Tertullian and Early Church Writings on Infanticide – [Link] 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 us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode 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 us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How the Imago Dei—humanity made in God's image—shapes a consistent, compassionate, and Christ-centered approach to the complex issue of abortion. In this special two-part reflection, Mike Erre opens up about profoundly personal experiences surrounding abortion, pregnancy, and his son with Down syndrome as he responds to a listener's heartfelt question: "What is your view of abortion, and what advice would you give someone struggling with that decision?" Avoiding oversimplified policies or blanket moral statements, Mike calls for a relational and deeply human approach rooted in the radical love and life-affirming orientation of the kingdom of God. Key Takeaways: • A Relational Approach Over Policy Statements – Why nuanced, personal conversations about abortion matter more than sweeping declarations or political stances. • Embodying a Consistent Pro-Life Ethic – Mike critiques inconsistencies in the modern pro-life movement while advocating for a view that includes the unborn, the vulnerable, the poor, immigrants, and even the elderly. • Living Out Gospel-Centered Compassion – An invitation to not only encourage life-affirming choices but to sacrificially support those making them—offering real help, not just opinions. • The Sacredness of Every Human Through the Imago Dei – A theological exploration of Genesis, image-bearing, and what gives each human intrinsic value and dignity despite capacity, circumstance, or development. • Not Fitting Political Binaries – Mike explains why he doesn't align perfectly with any political category, emphasizing Jesus's call to love, serve, and honor all image-bearers regardless of their stage of life. Resources Mentioned: • Genesis 1 – The biblical account of humanity made in the image of God • David Gushee on Ethics and Imago Dei • James (New Testament) – On the power of words and honoring the image of God • Greg Boyd – On Jesus, nonviolence, and kingdom-oriented ethics Call to Action: Join the Voxology community in pursuing a Jesus-centered ethic of life and love, one that transcends political labels and puts people first. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media—and stay tuned for Part 2 of this incredibly nuanced series. 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 us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode 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 us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

What if the secret to real freedom isn't self-indulgence but self-control? In the kickoff episode of our new Discipline Series, Mike Erre sits down with author and editor Drew Dyck to unpack the biblical and neurological foundations of self-discipline—and how it's far more about surrender than striving. They dive deep into Drew's book, "Your Future Self Will Thank You," and explore how self-control seen through the lens of scripture is the path to true flourishing, not restriction. This is not just a discussion about breaking bad habits—this is a reimagining of how spiritual maturity, neuroscience, and Christian identity intersect. Whether you're trying to kick a scroll addiction, start reading your Bible regularly, or simply understand why "letting go and letting God" isn't the whole picture, this conversation brings meaningful insights and practical next steps. Key Takeaways: • Self-Control as Surrender – Biblical self-control isn't just about willpower, it's about putting God and others ahead of self. • Willpower Is Limited, Habits Are Powerful – Why willpower depletes fast—and how developing keystone habits like prayer, exercise, or Bible reading builds spiritual and practical resilience. • The Gospel & Growth – Self-discipline isn't about earning salvation but is essential for sanctification, the Spirit-empowered journey of becoming more like Jesus. • Habits That Stick – Learn how "cues," "routines," and "rewards" work together to create and replace habits that sustain long-term change. • Sin, Grace, and Striving – Why real spiritual transformation engages both God's grace and human effort, and how effort doesn't oppose grace—it invites it. Guest Highlights: Drew Dyck – Editor at Moody and author of "Your Future Self Will Thank You: Secrets to Self-Control from the Bible and Brain Science." Drew shares insights from his book, gets real about his own spiritual disciplines (or lack thereof), and offers gentle but convicting wisdom for Christians struggling to form healthy habits in a distracted world. Resources Mentioned: • "Your Future Self Will Thank You" by Drew Dyck – [Link] • "The Tech-Wise Family" by Andy Crouch – [Link] • "12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You" by Tony Reinke – [Link] • Galatians 5:22–23 – The Fruit of the Spirit passage • Dallas Willard quote: "Grace is not opposed to effort, it's opposed to earning." Take a next step in your own journey toward spiritual discipline and Christlikeness by engaging with these resources and practices. If you found this conversation helpful, share it with a friend or tag us on Instagram to continue the discussion! Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to support the Voxology community. As always, we encourage and invite discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube too: VOXOLOGY TV 🎥 www.youtube.com/@voxology Our Merch Store: 🛒 VOXOLOGY on Etsy Learn more at the Voxology Website Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support us on Patreon Check out the Voxology Spotify channel: Voxology Radio Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music in this episode 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 us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How reimagining Scripture through a new translation and untangling toxic masculinity can help Christians rediscover Jesus and better live out the mission of the gospel today. Author and theologian Bonnie Lewis joins Mike to share the heart behind her groundbreaking Bible translation project "Tim Shell." They dig into the challenges she's faced as a woman translating Scripture, how Tim Shell offers new pathways for healing spiritual trauma, and why understanding both the cultural and spiritual context of Scripture matters deeply. The episode also turns to a powerful, honest conversation around toxic masculinity—including how men can course-correct toxic behavior, what biblical masculinity looks like through the life of Jesus, and how the church can be part of the solution rather than the problem. Key Takeaways: • How Bonnie Lewis's personal grief and deconstruction journey led to the "Tim Shell" Bible translation project • Why accessibility and spiritual authenticity matter more than literalism in Scripture engagement • The backlash and support Bonnie has received for being a female translator and how privilege, gender, and theological gatekeeping impact who "gets" to interpret the Bible • Breaking down the nuance of translation: word-for-word, thought-for-thought, and spiritually faithful reinterpretation • What toxic masculinity really looks like—and how it's reinforced both culturally and in the church • Why Jesus offers the best model of manhood that includes strength, emotional vulnerability, justice, and dignity for all • How the Gillette ad and conservative backlash spark deeper questions about masculinity, identity, and cultural power • The role of empathy and listening in dismantling harmful gender stereotypes Guest Highlight: Bonnie Lewis – Writer, theologian, and Bible translator behind the "Tim Shell" project, a translation that weaves cultural and spiritual commentary into 20 key Bible stories. Bonnie shares her journey of reconstructing faith after personal tragedy, and why reclaiming deep, faithful engagement with Scripture is more vital than ever. Resources Mentioned: • The Tim Shell Bible Project – bit.ly/timshellproject • Genesis 22 – First passage translated in the Tim Shell Bible • Mumford & Sons – "Timshel" (Song that inspired the translation title) • Jordan Peterson, Joe Rogan – Cultural figures often linked with modern masculinity • The Bible Project – bibleproject.com • 1 Corinthians 6:9 – Misinterpretation discussed regarding "effeminate" in masculinity debates Join us in challenging assumptions, amplifying new theological voices, and rediscovering the beauty of Scripture and Jesus's model of masculinity. Subscribe to Voxology, leave a review, and join the conversation on social media—we'd love to hear how these ideas resonate with you. As always, we encourage and invite deeper discussion as we pursue these topics together. Email your thoughts or questions to hello@voxpodcast.com. We're on YouTube too: VOXOLOGY TV Shop our merch: Etsy Store Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/voxology Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford | IG & 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 us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

What do we do when God doesn't answer our most desperate prayers? In this deeply vulnerable and honest Q&A episode, Mike Erre responds to a gut-wrenching listener question about the nature of prayer, suffering, and whether God actually intervenes the way we hope he does. This episode journeys into the pain of unanswered prayer, the theological confusion surrounding it, and how to remain faithful and hope-filled in the midst of heartbreak. Drawing from personal experience as a parent of a child with Down syndrome, Mike dives into the mystery of why suffering exists and challenges common Christian clichés that often do more harm than good. Listeners will find comfort, theological nuance, and practical wisdom as Mike affirms God's goodness in a broken world and explores how prayer is less about outcomes and more about relationship and trust. Key Takeaways: • Why "God wants us to suffer" is a harmful and theologically unsound explanation for unanswered prayer. • Viewing birth defects and tragedy as consequences of a fallen world, not God's plan or punishment. • How God sometimes brings beauty from brokenness—but not because he caused the brokenness. • The limitations of circular logic and religious platitudes, and why lament is a deeply faithful response. • The true heart of prayer as communion with God, rather than a transaction to get what we want. • Affirming God's goodness amid mystery and grief: "I don't know" is sometimes the most faithful answer. Resources Mentioned: • Episode 165 – "Suffering, Doubt, and the Mystery of Prayer" – [Listen Here] • Is God to Blame? by Greg Boyd – [Link] • Romans 8: Creation groaning and the hope of redemption – [Link] Call to Action: Struggling with prayer or suffering? You're not alone in your questions, doubts, or grief. Join us in this ongoing conversation about what faithfulness looks like in the absence of simple answers. Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help us reach more folks navigating spiritual deconstruction and rediscovery. As always, we would love discussion and connection as we walk this road together. Email your reflections and questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and engage with us on Facebook and Instagram. We're now on YouTube at VOXOLOGY TV – Watch Here Merch Store available on Etsy Visit us at VoxologyPodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes | Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Voxology Spotify channel: Voxology Radio Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre 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 us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Unpacking one of the most debated theological doctrines in church history, Mike Erre flies solo on this episode to dive deep into the Bible's use of "election" and "predestination" language. Drawing from theologians like N.T. Wright, Tim Gombis, and Scott McKnight, he outlines five key observations that debunk the idea of God arbitrarily choosing individuals for heaven or hell. Instead, Mike reframes election as a communal, missional, and deeply affectionate act from God—a calling to serve rather than a stamp of superiority. Listeners looking to make sense of scriptural predestination and how it intersects with mission, grace, and the nature of God's people will discover a thoughtful, accessible, and pastoral perspective that avoids divisiveness while remaining grounded in biblical scholarship. Key Takeaways: • God's Election Language Reflects Love, Not Exclusion – Election in the Bible is used to describe God's deep affection for His people, not to condemn others. • Predestination Is Missional, Not Privileged – God's calling always points outward: His people are blessed to be a blessing, elected for service and not personal privilege. • Scripture Speaks to Communities, Not Individual Fates – Most election language refers to Israel and the church as corporate bodies, not individuals. • Romans 9 and Hardening Explained – Paul's metaphors of vessels and hardening don't teach double predestination but reflect God's ongoing mission to reach the nations. • Election Is Counterintuitive – God routinely chooses the unlikely to fulfill His purposes, turning human expectations upside down. Notable Quotes: • "Election talk is God's love language." – Tim Gombis, quoted by Mike Erre • "You are blessed to be a blessing." – Reframing Genesis 12's call to Abraham • "It's not the elect and non-elect. It's the elect and those to whom the elect are sent." Resources Mentioned: • Ephesians 1 – Read Here • Romans 9–11 – Read Here • N.T. Wright – Theologian and scholar on Scripture and early Christianity • Tim Gombis – Author of The Drama of Ephesians & host of the Faith Improvised podcast • Scott McKnight – Author of "Reading Romans Backwards" Join us in rethinking what it means to be chosen by God as we resist reductive theology and embrace the full picture of Scripture's invitation to participate in God's global mission. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast to keep the conversation going. 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: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music in this episode 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 us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Start the year with a fresh challenge to rethink why following Jesus necessitates being rooted in community and not just spiritual consumption. In this Q&A-style episode, Mike Erre and Kevin (number two!) dive into some weighty questions from listeners — questions about sexuality and gender, Christians in the military, being "just a guy in the seat," church leadership, and how to discern theological conviction from opinion. Along the way, they explore the role of church in modern Christian life, what constitutes true unity, and how to lovingly wrestle with differing beliefs inside the body of Christ. This episode is rich with pastoral wisdom, theological nuance, and some classic Mike and Kevin banter (plus, Mike's seasonal affective light lamp makes an appearance). Whether you're a church leader, churchgoer, or questioning your place in the church altogether, you'll find encouragement and challenge in equal measure. Key Takeaways: • You Can't Follow Jesus Alone – Practicing the way of Jesus requires deep community because discipleship is lived out with others, not in isolation. • Unity vs. Uniformity – We explore how to maintain Christian unity amid differing theological beliefs, leaning on a grid of convictions, beliefs, and opinions to navigate hot topics. • Church Participation as Formation – "Just sitting in a seat" is a misnomer—Mike and Kevin reframe church as a participatory body where everyone has a role. • Faith Outside the Building – Emphasizing the importance of everyday vocations and living out the values of the kingdom in workplaces, families, and neighborhoods. • Hard Questions with Compassion – Honest responses on female sexuality, Christians in law enforcement, and LGBTQ+ participation in the church—all through a lens of humility, care, and biblical reflection. Resources Mentioned: • Fight by Preston Sprinkle – A Christian case for nonviolence • Past Voxology episodes on Spiritual Maturity Stages, Why Church Matters, and Nonviolence • Ideas for future guest perspectives, including women discussing female sexuality • Voxology Micro-Communities (grassroots gatherings formed around the podcast) Join the conversation and rethink where you sit, what you consume, and how you live. We're more than an audience—we're the church. Subscribe, drop a review, and follow Voxology on social media to stay connected and help spread this message of grace-filled community. As always, we welcome your questions and reflections. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and engage with fellow listeners on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! VOXOLOGY on Etsy Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Check out the Voxology Spotify channel: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and like us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music in this episode 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 us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How the metaphor of exile helps the American church rediscover its identity, purpose, and practices for a polarized and post-Christian culture. Mike Erre is joined by Rick McKinley—pastor, author, and co-creator of Advent Conspiracy—to explore themes from Rick's book, Faith for This Moment: Navigating a Polarized World as the People of God. Together, they discuss how exile offers a hopeful biblical framework for living faithfully as Christians in a divided and shifting cultural landscape. Key Takeaways: • A Modern Exile Paradigm – Understanding exile as a metaphor for the American church's loss of place, influence, and clarity in a polarized culture. • Three Responses to Exile – The options of "baptizing" culture, "burning it down," or embracing a posture of "bless and resist" as seen through Daniel, Jeremiah, and Jesus. • The Power of Discernment – Recognizing the need to go beyond behavior modification and embrace discernment informed by scripture, story, and the Spirit. • Five Prophetic Practices – Hospitality, generosity, vocation, celebration/Sabbath, and obedience to Word and Spirit as counter-cultural rhythms that shape Christian identity and integrity. • Reclaiming the Christian Story – Why knowing and living out the biblical narrative offers resilience and imagination in uncertain times. Guest Highlights: Rick McKinley – Founding pastor of Imago Dei in Portland, Oregon, and co-author of the Advent Conspiracy movement. Rick shares insights from his latest book and his church's tangible expressions of "blessing and resisting," including courageous generosity and the faith community's engagement in citywide foster care reform. Resources Mentioned: • Faith for This Moment by Rick McKinley – Amazon • The Bible Project – bibleproject.com • Advent Conspiracy – adventconspiracy.org • Embrace Oregon – everychildoregon.org Pick up Faith for This Moment and explore how living faithfully through the lens of exile could transform your witness in today's polarized world. If the episode challenged or encouraged you, consider subscribing, sharing it with a friend, or leaving us a review on your favorite podcast platform. As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we pursue truth together. Email us your questions or comments at hello@voxpodcast.com, and continue the conversation with us on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Check out our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast: voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Podcast on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre 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 us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How do we understand failure, morality, and the pain of community disillusionment through the lens of Jesus? In this solo episode, Mike Erre explores deep listener questions around the emotional, theological, and cultural complexities of following Jesus in a broken world. Reflecting on how Jesus may have experienced failure, why even atheists hold moral frameworks, and discerning when it's okay to leave a church, Mike offers vulnerable insight, biblical wisdom, and compassionate challenge for anyone rethinking their faith journey. Key Takeaways: • Experiencing Failure with Jesus – Unpacking whether Jesus can truly relate to the kind of disappointment and vocational heartbreak many of us live through. • God and Rejection – The idea that while God doesn't "fail" in power, He does experience rejection, which reframes our understanding of divine empathy and relational pain. • The Origin of Morality – How moral frameworks are not exclusively religious, but grounded in the Imago Dei—our shared image-bearing nature as humans. • Genesis, Patriarchy, and the Fall – Interpreting the judgment in Genesis 3, not as prescriptive patriarchy, but as God's merciful disruption of our attempts to find life apart from Him. • When to Leave a Church – Weighing mission drift, doctrinal integrity, and healthy leadership as grounds for transition while challenging consumeristic expectations around church "shopping." Guest Highlights: None this week – It's just Mike, flying solo and digging deep into pastoral thought, biblical insight, and honest reflection on faith, failure, and community. Resources Mentioned: • Genesis 1–3 – Read with attention to the structure of creation, fall, and judgment • Tim Mackie on moral foundations in Western thought – The Bible Project Podcast • First Thessalonians 5:19 – "Do not quench the Spirit" • Paul's command to the church – Ephesians 4:30; Romans 8 • Voxology Past Series: "Exile Series" – For deeper dives into the church's cultural moment If you're navigating deconstruction, disappointment with the church, or big theological questions, this episode is for you. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on Instagram or Facebook to keep these conversations going. 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: voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode 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 us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy