Voxology

Exploring the multifaceted nature of prayer and its significance; A listener's story of doubt and faith amidst tragedy; Questioning the purpose and impact of prayer; Aligning our desires with God's kingdom; Parallel between teaching children and our relationship with God; Embracing the mystery and accepting unanswered prayers.

How can we engage others in our faith journey when we've experienced the freedom of spiritual reconstruction but live in a culture deeply shaped by conservative, evangelical tradition? In this episode—part one of a new Vox Mailbag Series—Mike Erre and Kevin (#2) tackle questions about deconstruction, talking faith in politically charged spaces (like Branson, Missouri), and discerning truth in a world of theological contradictions. Filled with laughter, spicy sandwiches, and insightful reflection, this episode helps listeners explore what it means to engage conversations about faith transformation with kindness, humility, and relational depth. Whether you're deconstructing, reconstructing, or just reconciling old beliefs with new questions, this conversation offers practical and spiritual tools for navigating the journey. Key Takeaways: • Sharing Your Faith Journey Without Preaching – Learn how to invite others into conversation without threatening their beliefs or pushing an agenda. • What Deconstruction & Reconstruction Really Mean – Understanding when it's about pursuing truth vs. simply rejecting past traditions. • Posture Over Pressure – Why humility and story-sharing are more effective than pushing others to change. • Political Christianity and Idolatry – Exploring why conflating faith with political ideology creates distortion in the church's mission. • Testing Everything, Holding the Good – A thoughtful framework for learning from Christian authors and leaders with whom you may disagree. Guest Highlights: Kevin (#2) – Coffee connoisseur, resident funny man, and conversational wingman to Mike Erre. Kevin helps ground this episode in practicality by pushing for the "so what?" and aligning theory with real-world action. Resources Mentioned: • "The Myth of a Christian Nation" by Greg Boyd – A key text for rethinking the relationship between Christianity and political power. • "Winsome Persuasion" by Tim Muehlhoff – A guide for navigating tough conversations with grace and clarity. Link • "I Beg to Differ" by Tim Muehlhoff – Equips believers to engage in healthy and constructive dialogue. Link • "The Prodigal God" by Tim Keller – A powerful reframing of the gospel rooted in Luke 15. Link • "Everyday Theology" (feat. John Walton & N.T. Wright) – For resources related to biblical criticism and cultural context. Call to Action: Join us in building a faith that welcomes questions, values authentic dialogue, and pursues the heart of Jesus beyond cultural assumptions. Subscribe wherever you're listening, leave a review, and follow Voxology on social media to stay connected and part of the conversation. As always, we welcome your questions and stories—email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and connect on Facebook and Instagram. Watch the conversations and subscribe to VOXOLOGY TV on YouTube Check out our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the show on Patreon Stream curated music & moments on Voxology Radio (Spotify) Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and Facebook: Voxology Podcast Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford // @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 can LGBTQ+ Christians faithfully navigate their identity while holding to a traditional Christian sexual ethic? Mike Erre sits down with Nate Collins, author of "All But Invisible" and founder of the Revoice Conference, for a raw, personal, and deeply theological conversation on gender, sexuality, and costly obedience. This is the first in an ongoing Revoice Series, spotlighting voices that are challenging the polarized narratives in the church by creating space for sexual and gender minorities within the framework of historic Christian faith. Key Takeaways: • Defining Revoice's Mission – Supporting and empowering LGBTQ+/SSA (same-sex attracted) Christians committed to traditional views on marriage and sexuality. • Rethinking Identity and Orientation – Exploring the concepts of secondary gender identity and how orientation can be more than just sexual attraction. • Critiquing the Nashville Statement – Why denial of marginalized voices and language policing have left deep wounds in the LGBTQ+ Christian community. • Life as a Gay Man in Conservative Evangelical Spaces – Nate shares his journey through seminary, marriage, and living openly while remaining committed to the traditional sexual ethic. • Joy in Celibacy and Community – How the first Revoice Conference offered a glimpse of joyful resilience, belonging, and spiritual family. Guest Highlights: Nate Collins – Founder of Revoice and author of "All But Invisible," Nate holds a PhD in New Testament from Southern Seminary and shares his story of being a non-straight Christian living in alignment with historic Christian teachings. His experience brings incredible depth, compassion, and clarity to one of the most pressing conversations in modern Christianity. Resources Mentioned: • Revoice Conference – revoice.us • All But Invisible by Nate Collins – allbutinvisible.com • Spiritual Friendship Blog – spiritualfriendship.org • People to Be Loved by Preston Sprinkle – [Link] • Washed and Waiting by Wesley Hill – [Link] • God and the Gay Christian by Matthew Vines – [Link] Join the ongoing conversation and help create space for real people wrestling faithfully with their identity. Subscribe, leave a review, or follow us on social media so you don't miss the next episode in our Revoice 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 – Watch Here Our Merch Store! – ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast – voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Listen to VOXOLOGY Radio on Spotify – Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: 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 does the American evangelical church reconcile justice, culture, and faith in a post-Christian age? Mike Erre is joined by author, pastor, and podcast host Skye Jethani (The Holy Post) for a provocative discussion about the recently issued "Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel" from prominent conservative evangelical leaders—and why its assumptions about sin, culture, and mission may be fundamentally flawed. Together, Mike and Skye unpack the tensions between personal salvation and social transformation, the fragmentation of modern evangelicalism, and the theological implications of rejecting systemic sin and collective repentance. Through humor, history, and a deep love for scripture, they contrast a kingdom vision of justice and shalom with the boundary-drawing tendency of political and cultural Christianity. Key Takeaways: • Understanding a Broken Evangelicalism – Why modern evangelicalism feels fractured and why many feel "spiritually homeless" in today's tribal climate. • The Problem with Statements – How culture war-era declarations like the Nashville Statement and the "Gospel and Social Justice" statement reflect a dying vision of Christianity. • Justice is Not a Distraction – A biblical case for how social justice is not an add-on, but an integral part of gospel witness and the Kingdom of God. • Jesus' Kingdom Vision – How personal righteousness and community transformation must go together for followers of Christ. • Culture and Power – Why framing some cultures as morally "better" reveals deep-rooted assumptions about privilege, whiteness, and American exceptionalism. • The Cross is Both Vertical and Horizontal – A rejection of the false split between private faith and public justice, and the need for holistic discipleship. Guest Highlights: Skye Jethani – Former executive editor at Christianity Today, co-host of The Holy Post podcast, and author of multiple books including "What If Jesus Was Serious?" and creator of the daily devotional With God Daily. Skye brings deep theological insight with a winsome, challenging voice that critiques American Christian culture from within. Resources Mentioned: • The Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel – statementonsocialjustice.com • The Holy Post Podcast with Skye Jethani – holypost.com • Lausanne Covenant (1974) – lausanne.org/content/covenant/lausanne-covenant • Tim Keller's Book – "Generous Justice" – [Link] • Voxology Non-ference Details – [Link] Redefining faith means challenging power structures, wrestling with uncomfortable truths, and seeking the heart of Jesus beyond political categories. Join the conversation, subscribe to the Voxology Podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay engaged. 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 Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: 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 happens when the pastoral spotlight becomes too heavy to bear—and no one sees the weight until it's too late? Mike Erre and longtime friend Andy Lara reflect deeply on the tragic suicide of Inland Hills Church pastor Andrew Stoecklein, a young leader whose public transparency about his mental health struggles still couldn't prevent a heartbreaking end. This raw discussion examines broader issues of how we as individuals, communities, and the Church respond to mental illness—and what goes awry when simplistic solutions meet complex pain. Unpacking the pressures of pastoral leadership, the toxic success culture of the modern American church, and the harmful theological prescriptions often offered in response to depression, Mike and Andy challenge listeners to reimagine spiritual community as a space of solidarity—not isolation. Key Takeaways: • The Hidden Costs of "Success" – Why growing attendance, staff, and budgets often don't correspond to spiritual or emotional health for pastors. • Performance Culture in the Church – How the celebrity pastor model exacerbates spiritual isolation, performance anxiety, and suppresses vulnerability. • The Limits of Spiritual Clichés – Why phrases like "fix your eyes on Jesus" or "rest in God's sovereignty" may do harm when offered as one-size-fits-all solutions to mental illness. • Embodied Faith, Not Spiritual Gnosticism – Reframing mental health through holistic, embodied support—embracing therapy, medication, community presence, and practical care. • A Call to Pursue, Not Push Away – Why the church must learn to lean in with compassion, presence, and support when someone is spiraling—not retreat under the guise of sabbatical or spiritual advice. Notable Quotes: • "It's not that they want to die—they want relief. And everything else they've tried hasn't worked." • "The opposite of depression recovery isn't willpower—it's connection." • "When someone's honest about struggle, the worst thing we can do is hand them a prescription with seven spiritual buzzwords and back away." Resources Mentioned: • Andrew Stoecklein's final sermon and Kayla Stoecklein's public letter (search "Inland Hills Church blog") • Anchor podcasting app – anchor.fm • John Mark Comer & Mark Sayers – This Cultural Moment podcast • The Gospel Coalition's article on supporting loved ones with depression – [Search TGC depression article] Join us in reimagining how the Church can be a place of healing, not pressure. Want to continue the conversation and support this kind of work? Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media. 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 tithing isn't actually a New Testament teaching? In this honest and deeply practical solo episode, Mike tackles an insightful listener question about the theology behind tithing, prosperity gospel implications, and whether churches should be offering "90-day tithe challenges" with promised blessings (and optional refunds). Unpacking Scriptures like Malachi 3, Matthew 23, and key passages from 1 & 2 Corinthians and Acts, Mike invites us to reframe our understanding of generosity, stewardship, and the church's mission in the world. Mike explores how the early church didn't prescribe a 10% tithe, but instead fostered radical, heart-led generosity focused on caring for the poor and supporting gospel work. He contrasts this with modern church practices that often confuse or pressure members into rigid financial expectations, sometimes under theological pretenses that mimic prosperity gospel teachings. Get ready for a robust biblical breakdown and a challenging reorientation of how we view money, blessing, and the church's financial asks. Key Takeaways: • Tithing Isn't Commanded in the New Testament – The early church encouraged giving "as each one is able" rather than enforcing a 10% standard. • Generosity Is a Spiritual Discipline – Mike emphasizes cultivating cheerful, voluntary giving as a form of resistance to materialism and worship of money. • Support for Church Workers Is Biblical – While generosity to sustain gospel workers is affirmed, Scripture does not equate church giving with a prosperity formula. • Blessing ≠ Wealth – God's blessings aren't defined by financial prosperity; obedience often brings spiritual growth, not necessarily material gain. • Giving Should Focus on Justice – The New Testament prioritizes supporting the poor, not funding large-scale church infrastructure or flashy programs. Resources Mentioned: • 2 Corinthians 8–9 – Paul's teaching on generosity and heart-led giving • Acts 4:32–35 – Early church practices of communal support and radical sharing • Matthew 23:23 – Jesus rebuking the Pharisees for missing justice while tithing mint and cumin… what did he mean? Join the conversation about how the church can practice more transparent, meaningful generosity rooted in New Testament principles. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology on your favorite platform to keep deconstructing and reconstructing faith with us. 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 https://www.youtube.com/@voxology Our Merch Store! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market Learn more about the Voxology Podcast: https://voxologypodcast.com/ Subscribe on iTunes: https://apple.co/1Lla1Nj Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Mvxz3OQDSkEpHujXiFkkr?si=KJoEXxxxTsqE-HiGL-PfIA Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voxology Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford https://www.timothyjohnstafford.com/ 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

Challenging the modern church growth mindset, Mike Erre and guest Kevin revisit the assumptions baked into much of American Christian culture—namely the obsession with polished Sunday services, celebrity pastors, and numerical success. In a week where high-profile abuse scandals shook major institutions like the Catholic Church, Willow Creek, and John MacArthur's ministry, the conversation turns to a deeper issue: How do we define "church success," and what does the witness of Jesus call us to instead? This raw and prophetic episode asks whether our obsession with "excellence" in worship bands, livestreams, and church branding might actually distract from the mission of Jesus—especially in a time when abuse, injustice, and marginalization are being revealed inside the very systems we've built to "do church well." Key Takeaways: • Unmasking Toxic Success Metrics – Producing high-quality services isn't inherently bad, but treating them as the gold standard of church success reveals an idolization of production and performance. • When Big Church Models Fail – Exploring how the prioritization of large platforms, celebrity pastors, and top-tier talent creates systems vulnerable to abuse of power. • Jesus' Scorecard – Paul's letters remind us that God chooses the weak, the lowly, the overlooked—not the spotlight-ready. The church loses its distinctiveness when it mimics the world's obsession with strength and success. • The Power of Lament and Repentance – In light of abuse scandals, the church's role isn't to distract with polished services but to lead in public repentance, healing, and transparency. • Hope for Small Churches and Planters – For pastors leading small or struggling communities, this episode offers an alternative vision: practice-based, missional communities that emphasize discipleship, vulnerability, and real-life transformation—not just production value. Resources Mentioned: • 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 – Paul's challenge to the world's systems and the affirmation of God's preference for the foolish things over the wise. • The Forgotten Ways by Alan Hirsch – [Link] • C3 Church Columbus – A missional model for tracking community health through disciple-making, not Sunday attendance. • Dave Lomas and John Mark Comer – Pastors focused on practice-based, embodied Christianity over entertainment-driven churches. • Rock Harbor Church (CA) – One example of a church that shifted from attractional to missional focus. Join us as we rethink success, celebrate weakness, and call the church to a more honest, humble witness of Jesus. Subscribe to stay part of these paradigm-shifting conversations, leave a review, and follow us on social media to continue the dialogue. As always, we encourage and welcome your thoughts. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or engage with us on Facebook and Instagram. Catch us on YouTube here: VOXOLOGY TV. Grab some Vox merch: ETSY SHOP Explore more at the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and find 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

A deep dive into how Scripture confronts racism and ethnic supremacy, revealing that loving all people—regardless of race or background—is a fundamental expression of following Jesus. Mike Erre reflects on a provocative Atlantic article about why young atheists are abandoning Christianity and responds to a Twitter challenge: "Prove to me the Bible says I must value Black lives." His answer? A sweeping biblical case for racial equality rooted in the image of God, God's covenant with Abraham, and the reconciling work of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • The Church's Role in Creating Atheists – Research shows many young people leave Christianity due to vague messaging, shallow answers to deep questions, and lack of space to wrestle with doubt. • Why Superficial Faith Falls Short – Offering pat answers to complex subjects like sexuality, science, and suffering drives people—especially teens—away from the church. • Created in God's Image – A foundational biblical truth: all humans are made in God's likeness and are deserving of dignity, honor, and value—no exceptions. • The Gospel Is Reconciliation – True salvation reconciles us to God and also to each other, dismantling racial and ethnic divisions to form a diverse, unified new humanity in Christ. • Virtue Signaling vs. Embodied Love – Social media activism is easy; building cross-cultural friendships, listening to marginalized voices, and loving across ideological divides is where real change happens. Resources Mentioned: • Genesis 1 and 9 – The image of God in all people as the basis for human dignity • Ephesians 2 & Galatians 3 – Paul's teachings on racial reconciliation and one new humanity • Revelation 5 – A picture of the worshiping multitudes from every tribe and nation • James 3 & 1 John 4 – The contradiction of worshiping God while hating your brother or sister Join the movement toward embodied love and gospel-fueled reconciliation. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology to engage in deep conversations that don't shy away from the hard questions. As always, we encourage discussion as we pursue Jesus together. Email your thoughts or questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and connect with Voxology on Facebook and Instagram. Watch on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Grab merch from our Etsy Store More info at voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support us on Patreon Follow on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford – @GoneTimothy on Instagram & Twitter 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

Examining the dangers of celebrity leadership culture in the American church, Mike Erre gets candid about the recent public downfalls of figures like Bill Hybels and Urban Meyer—both of whom have been celebrated as leadership experts. Unpacking how the church's obsession with platform, power, and production may be feeding these moral failures, Mike reflects on how the New Testament offers a radically different vision for leadership: one that emphasizes plurality, humility, and shared responsibility. The episode transitions into a passionate theological dialogue as Mike challenges the "TULIP" doctrines of Reformed theology, particularly the ideas of total depravity, unconditional election, and limited atonement. He reaffirms that salvation is universally available and critiques what he sees as an unbiblical notion of a God who arbitrarily chooses some people for salvation and not others. Alongside that, Mike addresses listener questions ranging from biblical discipline in Matthew 18 to the evolution of the podcast itself, reaffirming Voxology's commitment to diversity in leadership and theological integrity. Key Takeaways: • Reevaluating Church Leadership Models – Why the CEO-style leadership culture has harmed both church leaders and congregations, and what a biblical alternative might look like. • The Cost of Celebrity Pastoring – How platform and exposure can feed temptations toward money, sex, and power, especially in high-powered church or coaching roles. • A Critique of Reformed Theology – Breaking down the TULIP acrostic and offering a biblical counterpoint to doctrines like unconditional election and limited atonement. • Meaningful Church Discipline – Exploring the real context of Matthew 18:20 and debunking the misuse of "where two or three are gathered" in pop Christian culture. • The Future of Voxology – Updates on plans to revamp the podcast with new voices, including diverse perspectives and enhanced production. Notable Quotes: • "God's power is only made perfect when ours comes to an end." • "You can be a faithful follower of Jesus and not be a Calvinist." • "Leadership failures often speak more to cultural systems than just personal sin." Resources Mentioned: • Romans 9–11 (Context for election and predestination) • Matthew 18:15–20 (Misunderstood passage on church discipline) • Common Grace doctrine in Reformed theology • Dallas Willard – Teachings on truth and character • TULIP Acrostic (Reformed theological summary) Join the conversation and help Voxology reimagine leadership, theology, and community. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media to be part of the journey. 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 do we rebuild our faith after it feels like everything we believed has fallen apart? That's the core question behind this rich and vulnerable conversation between Mike Erre and long-time Vox supporter Kevin #1, live from Lake Tahoe. In response to passionate listener feedback regarding Christian political alignment and the perceived imbalance of criticism toward the Right, this episode unpacks how personal faith can become tangled with political identity—and what must be deconstructed and reconstructed in response. Mike also responds thoughtfully to critiques about how frequently the podcast calls out evangelicals who support Trump, highlighting that Voxology has always sought to challenge the fusion of Christianity and partisan politics wherever it occurs. Then, the conversation pivots toward a truly resonant topic: faith reconstruction. Is it possible to rebuild without just creating a new formula? What practices reorient us without turning into legalisms? How do we move through doubt into something deeper and truer? Drawing from real-life stories of political tension, deconstruction, and even marriage counseling metaphors, this episode offers space for those feeling spiritually untethered to imagine a rigorous but hopeful journey toward a more relational, less formulaic Christianity. Key Takeaways: • Deconstruction vs. Reconstruction – It's not just about tearing down beliefs but carefully rebuilding something more relational, authentic, and deeply rooted in Jesus, not political platforms or simplified theology. • Faith and Politics – Christians on both sides of the aisle often conflate political allegiance with spiritual fidelity. Mike seeks a third way—where identity in Christ transcends and critiques both Left and Right. • Listener Feedback Matters – Mike reads and directly responds to emails and Facebook post critiques, modeling gracious engagement that values dissent and collaborative dialogue. • Avoiding New Orthodoxy – In reconstructing faith, there's a temptation to replace one rigid system with another. How do we remain open to mystery and growth instead of creating a new dogma? • Healthy Markers of Reconstruction – Living in tension, embracing mystery, creating a larger table of inclusion, and resisting the urge for spiritual certainty are signs of healthier, deeper faith. Resources Mentioned: • Stages of Faith Development – Referenced past Vox episode (#87) on disorientation and spiritual maturation. • Romans 8:28 – Highlighted as an example of scripture often used to gloss over deep tension, rather than sit within it. • Vox Podcast "Non-ference" Gathering – Stay tuned for future conversations around spiritual homelessness and faith community connection. Join the VOX community in continuing this crucial conversation—send your feedback or share your reconstruction story at hello@voxpodcast.com. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode if it resonated with your journey. 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