Voxology

Want to experience the Bible beyond moralistic soundbites or entertainment-driven teaching? Mike Erre walks Bible enthusiasts through six powerful dimensions that bring Scripture to life—not by jazzing it up, but by honoring the depth, history, and purpose within the text itself. This Bible-nerd-friendly episode is for anyone asking: How do we study Scripture in a way that trusts the text—and what does that even mean? Through a blend of theological insight, teaching experience, and authenticity, Mike breaks down how to approach Scripture with fresh eyes by examining six layered dimensions that uncover the richness of God's Word. Whether you're a pastor, teacher, student, or curious follower of Jesus, this episode offers a practical framework that will transform how you engage the Bible—from Leviticus to Revelation. Key Takeaways: • The Power of Trusting the Text – Why the most faithful teaching isn't about clever outlines or gripping stories, but about letting the Scripture itself do the heavy lifting. • Six Dimensions of Scripture – A breakdown of essential lenses through which to study any passage: Historical – Understanding what it meant for the original audience. Literary – Respecting the genre and form of the passage. Narrative – Seeing how each text fits into the larger biblical story. Subversive – Uncovering how Scripture challenged its original culture and still challenges ours. Gospel – Finding the good news in every page, rooted in grace before moralism. Experiential – Living into the text so that its truth becomes embodied, not just understood. • Bible Misunderstandings Exposed – Why "David and Goliath" isn't about your personal giants, and how Western interpretations often skip critical historical context. • Preaching Pitfalls – Navigating the temptation to rely on personality, stories, or moralistic application at the expense of trusting Scripture's voice. • Creating Gospel-Centered Teaching – How to build messages that don't just tell people what to do but remind them who they already are in Christ. Resources Mentioned: • How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon Fee & Douglas Stuart • How to Read the Bible Book by Book by Gordon Fee & Douglas Stuart • Ephesians – Paul's model of gospel-before-command • Revelation – Apocalyptic genre explored in depth on Patreon-exclusive Revelation Podcast • Voxology Patreon Page – patreon.com/voxology Join a community that longs to rediscover the life in the text—not remake it in cultural clichés. Subscribe to the Voxology Podcast, leave us a review, and follow us to keep growing and wrestling together. As always, we love your questions and reflections. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. Watch on VOXOLOGY TV Grab merch on our ETSY STORE Learn more at voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like our Facebook Page Follow Mike on Twitter: twitter.com/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

Dissecting the language of faith wrapped around gun rights, Mike Erre uses this episode to thoughtfully examine a statement made by NRA Vice President Wayne LaPierre that the Second Amendment is a "God-given right" for Americans. Drawing heavily on Luke 22 and Isaiah 53, Mike walks through why that claim not only misuses scripture but also reflects a dangerous fusion of nationalism and theology. This Mailbag episode also includes deeply engaging questions on divorce in the Bible, Christian creatives navigating "secular" spaces, and a shoutout to Voxology's new Revelation series on Patreon. Plus, Mike explains Andy's absence and his own transition away from Vox OC leadership while reaffirming the podcast's commitment to fostering nuanced, honest conversations. Key Takeaways: • Misusing Scripture to Justify Gun Rights – Mike critically unpacks how Luke 22 is often taken out of context to support the idea that Jesus endorsed self-defense, and argues that America's "God-given" gun rights aren't biblically defensible. • How Jesus Approached Nonviolence – A powerful biblical overview of Jesus' radical method of creative resistance and his rejection of retaliation, especially when confronted with injustice. • Calling Out Christian Nationalism – A critique of conflating American exceptionalism with biblical authority, highlighting how this undermines both theology and public witness. • Divorce in the Old vs. New Testaments – Exploring Deuteronomy and Matthew 19, Mike reflects on the evolution of divorce laws and what they mean for the Church's call to justice and grace today. • Creativity as Cultural Renewal – A stirring response to a listener's question about what it means to be a Jesus-follower in creative industries like advertising and design, featuring recommended resources on cultural renewal and beauty. Guest Highlights: • Listener Ray – A former college ministry member and creative professional whose question opens the door for a future conversation on the theology of creativity. Resources Mentioned: • Preston Sprinkle – Fight: A Christian Case for Non-Violence • Luke 22:35–38 – The passage frequently cited in self-defense debates • Isaiah 53 – Prophetic framework foundational to understanding Jesus' mission • Matthew 5–7 – Jesus' teaching on loving enemies and turning the other cheek • Deuteronomy 24 & Matthew 19 – Key passages in the divorce conversation • Andy Crouch – Culture Making • N.T. Wright – Simply Christian (chapter on beauty) Join the conversation and help reclaim a faith rooted in mercy, justice, and biblical integrity. Subscribe, write a review, and connect with us on Instagram and Facebook to keep the dialogue 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 at the VOXOLOGY Podcast Website Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon 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

A deep dive into the haunting question: "Did God forsake Jesus on the cross?" Mike Erre explores this crucial theological tension through the lens of Lent, Psalm 22, and the Jewish context of Jesus' final words. Starting with a personal and vulnerable moment with his teenage son, the episode transitions into a powerful reflection on America's gun violence epidemic and the church's role in embodying Christ's message of peace—before moving to a bold reconsideration of how we read Jesus' cry from the cross. This episode invites listeners to confront the normalization of school shootings, wrestle with the Church's complicity and silence, and reflect on the crucifixion as more than just suffering, but as a proclamation of faith, resistance, and hope. Drawing on the Jewish practice of remez (a method of quoting scripture), Mike challenges common interpretations of Jesus' abandonment, suggesting instead a deeper, prophetic connection between the cross and the voice of the Psalms. Key Takeaways: • The Cross as Liturgy – Reexamining Jesus' cry of "my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" not as abandonment, but as intentional reference to Psalm 22 and its themes of suffering, vindication, and worship. • Jesus' Jewishness Illuminated – Understanding how Jewish practices like remez can shift our view of his final words and enhance biblical interpretation. • The Church and Gun Violence – A call for Christians to reject inaction and political gridlock, and pursue tangible action informed by Jesus' peacemaking ethic. • Lent as a Season of Lament and Action – Encouragement to reflect on not only personal sin, but structural evil, and to seek both repentance and justice. • Crucifixion as Coronation – Considering Jesus' execution not as defeat, but as the ironic inauguration of his kingship and the upside-down kingdom of God. Guest Highlights: • Nate Erre – Mike's 14-year-old son joins early in the episode to provide a witty and authentic teen perspective on sports, YouTube, and adolescent life in Ohio, adding moments of levity before the episode's theological depth. Resources Mentioned: • Psalm 22 – Read Here • Matthew 27:27–54 – Crucifixion account aligned with the psalmic themes • Greg Boyd – Theological perspective on atonement and divine abandonment • Patreon exclusive content – Support and Join Here Join the conversation and reflect with us this Lent. Subscribe, share your thoughts via email at hello@voxpodcast.com, and follow us on social to stay connected with a community chasing the true mission of Jesus. We're on YouTube if you're into that kinda thing: VOXOLOGY TV Find Voxology merch: ETSY Store Subscribe to the Voxology Podcast on iTunes or Spotify Support us on Patreon Follow Voxology on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and like us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Twitter & Instagram: @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

From biblical justice to John Piper quotes, podcast guest Kevin #2 joins Mike for a wide-ranging conversation that blends humor, depth, and honest reflection on what it means to live out faith in today's world. This episode is a spirited response to listener feedback on previously covered topics like Rachel Denhollander and sexual abuse in the Church, critiques of political ideology, and theological hot takes circulating on social media. Mike and Kevin unpack questions from listeners—some supportive, some critical—to clarify Voxology's approach to justice, political discourse, and mental health. They challenge the evangelical obsession with protecting "witness" at the expense of truth and repentance and push back on outdated ideas that Christianity should prioritize platform over integrity. You'll hear everything from LaCroix vs. Crimson Cup, biblical references to mental strength, and an interruption from Mike's son reporting an NBA trade—because a true Voxology episode has both theology and randomness. Key Takeaways: • Responding to Criticism – Why Mike reads negative reviews publicly and how it sparks deeper reflection on theological consistency, especially around politics and power. • The Evangelical Relationship to Power – Exploring why critiques of Trump among evangelicals matter and what it means to be prophetic within your own tribe. • Justice and Abuse in the Church – Listener insights on why churches are ill-equipped to respond to abuse, and the need for training in peacemaking, advocacy, and spiritual accountability. • Mental Health and Theology – Challenging harmful narratives that reduce mental illness to a lack of spiritual focus and affirming the need for holistic care that includes medicine, therapy, and theology. • Nuance and Community Feedback – The value of diverse perspectives, the dangers of toxic theology, and why churches must do better in listening and learning from their own congregants. Notable Quotes: • "Jesus wasn't turning over tables in the Roman temple. He was critiquing His own house. That's why we critique the Church from the inside out." • "If you're saying mental illness is just a lack of faith or focus on God, you're doing harm. Full stop." • "America's greatness can't come at the expense of others. That's not what kingdom greatness looks like." Resources & References: • Boz Tchividjian – Net Grace • Dr. Diane Langberg – DianeLangberg.com • Rachel Denhollander – RachelDenhollander.com • Clyde Kilby's "Mental Health" quote discussed by Desiring God – Context for Quote Call to Action: Help us continue these important conversations around faith, justice, theology, and healing. Subscribe to Voxology, leave us a rating or review, and follow us on social media. Got a question or feedback? Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com. Check out more from the Voxology community: 🎥 Watch on YouTube – VOXOLOGY TV 🛍 Merch Store – Voxology on Etsy 📚 Learn more about the podcast – voxologypodcast.com 🎧 Listen on iTunes or Spotify 💛 Support the show – Patreon 📻 Follow our Spotify playlist – Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast "Like" us on Facebook: facebook.com/voxologypodcast 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 does the church become a truly safe haven for the victimized? In this powerful Exile Series episode, Mike Erre and Andy reflect on the heartbreaking and courageous words of Rachel Denhollander, the first woman to publicly accuse Larry Nassar of sexual abuse. Her story—rooted in trauma, truth-telling, grace, and justice—sparks a raw conversation about how far the church still has to go in supporting survivors, acknowledging systemic harm, and living out the gospel with integrity. Mike and Andy unpack why the evangelical response to Rachel's statement often focused solely on forgiveness while ignoring her prophetic critique of the church's treatment of abuse survivors. They explore the dangers of cherry-picking spiritual platitudes, what true forgiveness and repentance involve, and how Christian communities fail when they prioritize institutional protection over victim advocacy. Whether questioning the credibility of female voices, overlooking structural injustices, or weaponizing faith language to silence victims, the church's complicity in abuse coverups is laid bare. This episode calls listeners to go beyond surface-level theology and engage with the gritty, costly work of justice, mercy, and obedience to Jesus. Key Takeaways: • The Church as Unsafe Ground – Rachel Denhollander's searing critique reveals how Christian communities often re-traumatize victims through ignorance and misplaced theology. • True Forgiveness vs. Cheap Grace – Real repentance demands truth-telling, accountability, and an honest reckoning with evil; it is not a substitute for justice. • The Idol of Protecting the Institution – How the evangelical machine often props up power structures at the expense of the vulnerable, and how this obscures the true witness of the gospel. • Calling Out Harmful Theology – Why naming problematic teaching (like John Piper's views on God causing suffering) is necessary when it contributes to spiritual abuse or keeps survivors in bondage. • Masculinity, Worship, and Church Culture – A broader discussion on how worship culture often reflects narrow gender assumptions and alienates both men and women in different ways. Resources Mentioned: • Rachel Denhollander's Victim Impact Statement • Interview with Denhollander in Christianity Today • "Why Guys Need God" by Mike Erre (2006) • Wild at Heart by John Eldredge • Jordan Peterson content on YouTube Join the conversation—let's reimagine a church where justice, safety, and holistic discipleship are not up for debate. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology on social media to help shape a more Jesus-centered witness in our world. 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 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

In this gripping episode, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford welcome back scholar and teacher Bonnie Lewis to confront John Piper's recent claims that seminaries should only hire male faculty. This conversation dives deep into entrenched complementarian beliefs and the implications for women in theology, church leadership, and spiritual formation. Drawing on Bonnie's personal experience in seminary, this episode dismantles the idea that women can't or shouldn't teach men and highlights the need for diverse voices in pastoral training. Key Takeaways: • Seminary Formation vs. Church Formation – Why the claim that seminary is the primary space for pastoral development misses the critical role of the local church. • Living the Contradiction – Bonnie details the hypocrisy in seminaries that allow women to attend but discourage them from pursuing pastoral education or teaching. • A Clear Biblical Counterexample – Priscilla and Aquila's mentorship of Apollos in Acts stands in direct contradiction to Piper's argument that women can't teach future pastors. • The Emotional Cost of Exclusion – Bonnie shares the toll that institutional resistance and cultural pressure placed on her mental and spiritual health. • Why We All Lose Without Women Leaders – How excluding women from seminary instruction impoverishes the pastoral formation of men and marginalizes the unique ways women experience and communicate God's work. Guest Highlights: Bonnie Lewis – Writer, speaker, theologian, and long-time friend of the podcast. Bonnie shares her experience navigating seminaries as a female theologian, the regret of not pursuing a Master of Divinity due to external pressures, and why she now advocates for women to fully pursue and own their call to ministry. Resources Mentioned: • Acts 18 – The story of Priscilla and Aquila teaching Apollos • Genesis 3 & 1 Timothy 2 – Passages often used in complementarian theology • Fuller Theological Seminary – The institution where Bonnie pursued her M.A. in Theology • John Piper's Q&A Article – "Should Women Be Seminary Professors?" (DesiringGod.org) Let's keep challenging the systems that misrepresent the mission of Jesus. Subscribe to Voxology, leave us a review, and continue the conversation by following us on social media. As always, we encourage and welcome discussion. Feel free to email your questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Check out our merch store on ETSY Learn more at: VoxologyPodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support us on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast "Like" us on Facebook 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 confronting critique with humility, exploring a church abuse cover-up with honesty, and challenging toxic theology about doubt can move us toward a healthier and more Christ-like faith. Mike Erre and Andy Lara take a vulnerable and candid look at their own missteps in covering a sensitive abuse case in a previous episode, read listener feedback aloud, and respond with repentance, clarity, and conversation about power, justice, and faith. Then, a viral tweet from Desiring God becomes the catalyst for a passionate theological breakdown of what doubt truly means in the Christian life—and why it might just be a mark of maturity, not spiritual failure. Key Takeaways: • Taking Accountability in Real Time – Mike and Andy open the show with gratitude for listener critiques, acknowledging where they missed the mark and where they can grow—especially in handling sensitive stories involving abuse and the need for women's voices. • Power, Accountability, and Apology Culture in the Church – Engaging listener concerns about the mishandling and platforming of abuse confessions in churches, including whether public apologies without victim presence signal real repentance, or merely institutional self-preservation. • Good Doubt vs. Unbelief – A passionate exploration of how the Bible differentiates between honest questions and rebellious disbelief, and why doubt, when engaged truthfully, can be an act of covenantal faith. • Challenging Desiring God's Stance on Doubt – Deconstructing a viral take that calls doubt "slander against God" and why such black-and-white theology causes more harm than good to struggling believers. • Faith as Actionable Trust, Not Psychological Certainty – Clarifying the biblical definition of faith as allegiance and relationship—not mere mental assent or doctrinal confidence—and why mature faith makes room for lament, questioning, and waiting. Timely Topics: • Church Too Allegations and Public Responses • The Role of Women's Voices in Church Conversations About Abuse • The Pitfalls of Shame-Driven Theology Around Doubt • Globalization, Deconstruction, and the Complexity of Modern Faith Resources Mentioned: • DesiringGod.org – Twitter Thread Critiqued • Pete Enns – "The Sin of Certainty" – A book exploring faith beyond belief systems • Book of Lamentations & Psalms of Lament – Biblical examples of honest doubt and faith in tension • The story of Thomas (John 20) – A deep dive into doubt as relationship, not rebellion Join the conversation and help build a community where people can ask hard questions without fear. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review on iTunes or Spotify, and follow us on social media to stay connected. We love hearing from you! Email questions or thoughts to hello@voxpodcast.com and join the discussion on Facebook and Instagram. Catch us on YouTube here: VOXOLOGY TV Shop our merch: ETSY STORE Support the podcast on Patreon Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Check out Voxology Radio on Spotify Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy If you're in Ohio, join the journey and sign up for local updates at voxpodcast.com – a collaborative future is taking shape! 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 church applauds repentance—but overlooks justice? Mike Erre and Andy Lara dive into a nationally reported scandal involving a Memphis teaching pastor who confessed to a past "sexual incident" with a minor amid Me Too scrutiny. They explore how the Church often mishandles abuse under the guise of grace, blurring the line between sin and crime, and what true redemptive justice should look like in faith communities. Using biblical examples and real-life experiences, the conversation wrestles with Christian restoration, institutional protectionism, and the long-term impact of silencing victims. This powerful and nuanced discussion raises urgent questions about power, gender, leadership, moral authority, and what it means to model Jesus in addressing harm—not just sin. Key Takeaways: • Sin vs. Crime – Understanding the critical distinction between personal moral failure and legal wrongdoing, and why churches must treat crimes as such. • Restoration and Justice – Biblical pathways to restoration require confession, repentance, and accountability—but do not replace law or justice. • Power Disparities and Victim Silencing – Exploring how structural imbalances and male-centric leadership frameworks often marginalize victims and enable dueling narratives to poison process. • Christian Witness and Public Integrity – Why the Church's moral authority suffers when reputation protection trumps empathy, transparency, and truth-telling. • The Importance of Women in Leadership – Considering how inclusion of women in church governance could drastically reshape how abuse cases are handled. Resources Mentioned: • Washington Post article on the Memphis pastor allegations • 1 Corinthians 5 & biblical models for church discipline • Timothy references to Paul labeling himself "chief of sinners" • Lee Camp – Scandalous Witness • David Brooks – Insights on tribalism and siege mentality • Scripture on grace and restoration: 2 Corinthians 7; 1 Peter 5 Join the conversation on how we can create church communities that are sacred spaces for repentance and also fiercely protective of justice and the vulnerable. Subscribe and support the Voxology mission of spiritual honesty and healing. 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 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 theology is taught matters—and bad theology can be deeply harmful. In this first installment of the Reforming Culture Series, Mike Erre and Andy Lara dive into a controversial article that claims husbands have a divine responsibility to "correct their wives," and they're not pulling any punches. Using humor, biblical exegesis, and cultural analysis, Mike and Andy deconstruct the poor theology of gender roles presented in the article, tracing how misapplications of Ephesians 5 can lead to patriarchy disguised as gospel truth. Rather than focusing on headlines and outrage, the duo roots their critique in scripture, Roman culture, and the revolutionary acts of Jesus and Paul. This conversation also amplifies why recognizing mutuality in marriage isn't just more ethical—it's more biblical. Key Takeaways: • Ephesians in Context: What Paul was really saying in Ephesians 5, and why reducing his words to "husbands correct your wives" misses the subversive nature of the text. • Jesus and Power: How Jesus' sacrificial love—and not hierarchical correction—informs our relationships and leadership. • The Problem of Complementarianism: How popular evangelical teachings on gender roles can perpetuate harmful systems and miss the gospel's liberating message. • Mission vs. Institution: Understanding the difference between a missionary approach to Christian witness (as Paul had) versus institutionalized religion. • Modern Culture and Missional Witness: Why misapplying ancient household codes in today's culture undermines Christian witness in a world reckoning with inequality and abuse. Notable Quotes: • "If your God hates all the same people you do, you've likely made God in your own image." • "Jesus didn't use his power to correct. He used it to sacrifice." • "Theology has consequences—and bad theology hurts people." Resources Mentioned: • Book of Ephesians, especially Chapter 5 – Read on Bible Gateway • Philippians 2 – The model of Jesus' self-sacrifice and humility – Read on Bible Gateway • Gospel Coalition article (Referencing but not endorsed): "Husbands, Correct Your Wife" • Stephanie Drury (Stuff Christian Culture Likes) – Follow on Twitter • Lee Camp's theological work (featured in past episodes) Join us as we challenge institutional power structures, reframe rigid gender expectations, and rediscover a Jesus who subverts authoritarianism with love. Let's make Jesus beautiful again. Subscribe, leave a review, and connect with Voxology Podcast on social media to join the conversation. 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 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 City of God versus City of Man dichotomy is being misused to justify Christian political compromise. Mike Erre and Andy Bear unpack a popular article defending immoral political candidates by appealing to Augustine's two kingdoms framework. They examine the dangers of compromising character for policy wins, the hypocrisy of shifting moral standards, and the long-term damage this does to the church's witness and identity. Drawing from Old and New Testament examples, historical context, and evangelical rhetoric surrounding figures like Roy Moore and Donald Trump, Mike and Andy challenge listeners to consider where their real hope lies—political power or the unshakable kingdom of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Flawed Justification for Immorality – Dissecting the argument that secular leaders don't require spiritual integrity and why this misreads scripture and church history. • Hypocrisy and Loss of Witness – How evangelicals' shifting stance on character from Clinton to Trump undermines their moral influence and credibility. • Theological Compromise – Why anointing politicians as "God's candidates" damages Christian theology and risks setting up idols of power. • True Hope in the Kingdom of God – Why the church's fate and mission don't hinge on Senate seats, Supreme Court judges, or political access, but rests in the promises and sovereignty of Jesus. • Scriptural Misrepresentations – Critiquing how stories like Esther and Daniel have been repurposed to support utilitarian arguments rather than covenantal faithfulness. Resources Mentioned: • Gospel Coalition article by Greg Forster – On the eschatological vs. electoral mission of the church • Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) poll – Evangelical shifts in views on character and political leadership • Isaiah 31:1 – "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help…" – a biblical critique of political alliances • David French commentary on Trump and Christian witness • Augustine's "City of God" – Foundation for the dual-sphere argument being reevaluated Join us as we critically examine the ways faith has been entangled with politics, and explore a prophetic alternative rooted in Jesus and scripture. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow the Voxology Podcast on social media 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 can be found here: Voxology Radio 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