Voxology

Discover how faith is often misunderstood as rigid certainty, and why making space for honest doubt is essential in cultivating a trusting relationship with Jesus. Mike and Andy introduce the Faith Series by dissecting misconceptions about what faith is (and isn't), highlighting how real biblical faith is not intellectual agreement or public profession—but instead actionable trust within relational covenant. They unpack scripture, personal stories, and real-life examples to reveal a more liberating and profound view of how faith and doubt can coexist and propel us forward in our journey with Christ. Key Takeaways: • Faith Is Not Certainty – Faith in the Bible isn't about psychological or intellectual certainty. Instead, it's dynamic, relational, and lived out through action—even in the midst of doubt. • Three Misunderstandings About Faith – Faith is not: 1) being mentally certain, 2) professing beliefs to fit in, or 3) gaining theological perfection. • Faith Is What You Do, Not Just What You Say – Drawing on Michael Novak's framework, Mike distinguishes between public, private, and core convictions—emphasizing that core convictions are revealed in how we live, not what we say we believe. • Biblical Faith Is Relational Trust – It's rooted in action based on trust in Jesus, not an all-or-nothing checklist of religious doctrine. • Covenantal Relationship Frees Us to Doubt Authentically – Unlike a contractual view of salvation, a covenantal relationship with God creates space to ask real questions and express lament, just like we see throughout Psalms and the Old Testament prophets. • Faith vs. Sight – Paul urges us to walk by faith, not sight. That means trusting in what we don't yet fully see or understand, rather than demanding full certainty. • Living Your Way Into Belief – Sometimes trust calls us to act before belief and clarity arrive. The process of obedient living often confirms faith more than certainty ever could. Resources & References: • James 1, Matthew 9, Mark 9, Matthew 22, Matthew 28 – Scriptural examples contrasting expressions of faith and doubt. • The Psalms, Lamentations, Habakkuk, and Jeremiah – Biblical precedent for expressing doubt and lament within faithful living. • Michael Novak's "Belief" Framework as quoted in John Ortberg's writings. • "Benefit of the Doubt" by Greg Boyd – Explores how doubt can be a healthy, integral part of our faith journey. Join the conversation and lean into the mystery, questions, and grace-filled journey of faith. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social to keep exploring what it means to trust Jesus with your whole life—even amid uncertainty. 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. Use hashtag #AskMikeErre to pose your questions! 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: 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 unmet hopes and everyday frustration might be the very fuel your faith needs. Mike Erre and Andy unpack the deep theological and existential implications of disappointment—why it shows up in work, marriage, relationships, and even your spiritual journey—and how scripture reveals God strategically using this gap to draw us closer, not push us away. This conversation dives into Genesis and explores the origin story of the human experience with frustration and unfulfilled longing, uncovering how the Christian life was never meant to be an infomercial promise of instant gratification, but a covenantal journey of transformation. Key Takeaways: • The Strategic Role of Disappointment – Why God frustrates our search for purpose in relationships, career, and identity to point us back to himself. • Jesus Isn't the Ab King – How sermons and church culture often pitch Jesus like a product, setting us up for hollow expectations. • Three Ways We Cope with Disappointment – Escaping and medicating, pretending and performing, or learning (counterculturally) to stay spiritually "thirsty" in the struggle. • Covenant Over Contract – Reframing faith as a trusting relationship rather than a transactional promise of blessing. • The Gap That Fuels Faith – Why the ache for something better remains—even for believers—and how that ache can become sacred space for growth, hope, and honesty with God. Resources Mentioned: • Genesis 1–3 – Exploration of creation, identity, fall, and the origin of frustration • Astonished by Mike Erre – [Link] • Fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22–23 • Podcast Archive – Episode on "Soulmates" for complementary context Join us each week as we embrace real conversations around disappointment, hope, and rediscovering the true mission of Jesus. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay connected and be part of the Voxology community. 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 reconcile the gap between the radical love of Jesus and painful experiences people endure within Christianity? This reflective episode dives deep into spiritual abuse—what it is, what it isn't, and why it's such a vital conversation for modern followers of Jesus and those harmed by the Church. Mike Erre and co-host Andy start a thoughtful, at times humorous, exploration of what happens when Christian leadership gets it wrong and how we can move forward with honesty, grace, and accountability. Key Takeaways: • Spiritual Abuse Defined – A breakdown of what spiritual abuse involves: manipulation, coercion, shaming, and misusing God's authority for personal gain. • Jesus and Abusive Leadership – How the harshest critiques from Jesus and the prophets were aimed at religious leaders who strayed from God's heart. • What Spiritual Abuse Is NOT – Helpful clarifications on the difference between abuse and conflict, unmet expectations, or strong leadership styles. • The Importance of Fruit – Discussing the biblical metaphor of "fruit" to discern spiritual health in leaders and Christian communities. • Western Individualism vs. Biblical Community – Why our cultural obsession with autonomy often clashes with the collective nature of the Church. • Church Discipline Misunderstood – The difference between healthy correction and abuse masquerading as spiritual authority. • Cautions for Spiritual Leaders – Personal reflection on the temptation to feed off the church rather than feeding it. Resources Mentioned: • Scriptures Referenced: Galatians 5 (Fruit of the Spirit), Matthew 23 (Jesus on religious leaders), Ezekiel 34 (false shepherds) • "Spotlight" (2015 film) – A look at the danger of systemic spiritual abuse • SubversiveKingdom.com – For further engagement and resources from Mike • For more on healthy church leadership: VoxologyPodcast.com Call to Action: Help us change the conversation by sharing this challenging episode with someone who may need healing or clarity. To continue shaping conversations that matter, leave us a review on iTunes, subscribe on Spotify, and follow @voxologypodcast on Instagram and Facebook. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Email questions or share your story at hello@voxpodcast.com. We're also on YouTube! Watch full-length episodes & more at VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store gets fresh drops: VOXOLOGY on Etsy Support Voxology on Patreon: Join Our Community Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre The conversation doesn't end here—join the Voxology community as we try, fail, learn, and grow forward together in Christian faith. 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 choosing — or being chosen — to parent a child with Down syndrome became one of life's greatest blessings for six parents. In this open, honest, and emotionally powerful conversation, Mike Erre and his wife Justina are joined by three incredible couples in the Voxology "home office" to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with raw storytelling, reflection, and a resounding message: this diagnosis is not a tragedy — it's an invitation to discover unimaginable joy, depth, and love. Heather and Josh, Mercedes and Andy, and Mike and Justina candidly share how having (or adopting) a child with Down syndrome initially sparked fear and grief, but ultimately transformed them into deeper, more compassionate, and joy-filled humans. The group explores how societal stereotypes and eugenic narratives deepen isolation, while radically inclusive communities, rooted in Jesus' love and example, offer grace, connection, and true belonging. Key Takeaways: • The Beauty of "Yes" – Saying yes to parenting a child with Down syndrome opened doors to radical love, seismic personal growth, and deepened relationships. • Resisting the Culture of Perfection – Against a backdrop of societal fear and genetic "control," these families offer a prophetic witness to the value and sacredness of every life. • Joy in the Hard – While raising children with special needs brings challenges, the community reflects on how "hard" doesn't mean "bad," and struggle often breeds true joy. • The Power of Presence – Children with Down syndrome live fully in the moment, modelling a kind of joy, purity, and love we desperately need in modern culture. • Honest Reflections – Fears around the future, care, and inclusion are real, but so too is the vibrant beauty of the community and resilience that flows from a life rebuilt around love. Guest Highlights: • Mercedes & Andy Lara – Parents of Sunflower Mae Lara, who was adopted with Down syndrome. Mercedes shares the story of radical openness birthed out of heartbreak and rooted in mission. • Heather & Josh Avis – Co-creators of "Macy Makes My Day," recounting the unplanned-yet-divinely-ordained adoption of their daughter Macy, and how it led to a movement of advocacy, writing, and awareness. • Justina & Mike Erre – Parents of Seth, whose arrival redefined expectations, demolished fears, and brought deep compassion, connection, and healing to their family. Resources Mentioned: • Sunny Fun Days (YouTube Channel) – Sunny Fun Days • Macy Makes My Day (Instagram) – @macymakesmyday • Hooray For Sunny (Instagram) – @hooray4sunny • Heather Avis Website + Book "The Lucky Few" (Coming Soon) – heatheravis.com • March 21st – World Down Syndrome Day: Recognizing the beauty and significance of that extra 21st chromosome Join us in rejecting the lie that a Down syndrome diagnosis is a misfortune. Discover how children with that tiny extra chromosome reflect the image of God in ways that humble, challenge, and teach us all. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology on your favorite social media platform to be part of this transformative community. Let's keep the conversation going: • Email us your thoughts or questions: hello@voxpodcast.com • Watch us on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV • Rock some merch: Voxology Etsy Store • Explore more episodes: voxologypodcast.com • Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify • Support Vox on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Join the discussion on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music 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

How a biblical vision of justice rooted in Shalom can inform our response to racial injustice, collective iniquity, and the pursuit of healing in a fractured culture. Mike and Andy dive deep into what it means to embody Jesus's call to peacemaking amid systemic inequity, prejudice, and social unrest. This powerful episode sheds light on how the Church can participate in healing generations of injustice—not through political posturing, but by carrying wholeness into the frayed fabric of our society. Key Takeaways: • Justice as Restoration of Shalom – A biblical understanding of justice as interconnected wholeness, not just fairness or punishment. Justice is the outworking of love and a return to harmony among God, humanity, and creation. • Sin vs. Iniquity – The distinction between individual sin and the communal, generational consequences (iniquity) our society bears today, especially regarding racism and privilege. • Following Jesus Means Laying Down Privilege – Exploring Philippians 2 and Jesus's model of relinquishing status to enter into others' suffering and bring renewal. • Seeing and Celebrating Difference – Why saying "I don't see color" misses the biblical picture of diverse unity, and what it truly means to belong to the "new humanity" Paul describes in Ephesians. • Black Lives Matter and the Church – A call for Jesus followers to support the Black Lives Matter movement as an affirmation of dignity, not a denial of others. The broken leg metaphor: the whole body can't heal until the broken part is treated. • What About the Police? – Honoring the complexity of the situation, lamenting violence against police while acknowledging systemic disparity. Empathy must hold tension. • Empathy Through Personal Lenses – Andy reflects on his interracial family and fatherhood, and how proximity to the marginalized reshapes understanding of injustice. • Gospel Forgiveness in Action – Highlighting the Charleston church shooting and the families' decision to forgive the shooter as a public demonstration of embodied grace and resistance to hate. Resources Mentioned: • Philippians 2 – The "Christ Hymn" highlighting Jesus's descent into service and humility. • Ephesians 2 – Paul's vision of a reconciled "new humanity" out of divided ethnic groups. • Galatians 3:28 – Neither Jew nor Gentile… all are one in Christ Jesus. • Books Referenced: Toxic Charity and When Helping Hurts • Black Lives Matter – blacklivesmatter.com • Non-ference Gathering Info – voxologypodcast.com Join us as we reflect on how Jesus still enters our most broken places and invites us to do the same—for the sake of justice, wholeness, and peace. Subscribe to the podcast, leave us a review, and follow the conversation on social media. As always, we encourage discussion as we pursue these hard conversations. Reach out to us at hello@voxpodcast.com and engage on Facebook or Instagram. Watch full episodes on VOXOLOGY TV on YouTube Shop Voxology merch on Etsy Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast "Like" us on Facebook Music by Timothy John Stafford Social: @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

Can a non-affirming Christian hold space for LGBTQ+ voices with humility and grace? Can thoughtful atheism provoke deeper faith? Mike and Andy reflect on powerful listener feedback—one from a 20-year-old gay Christian named Jeremy, and another from "Godless," an atheist guest host—and begin a deep dive into the critiques both raised about the Bible, theology, and the church's engagement with real people. Through Jeremy's compelling and vulnerable email, the conversation explores the complexities of same-sex attraction, love, repentance, and the experience of God's presence even when clarity doesn't come. Their exchange reveals a profound ability to disagree while honoring the faith journey of another human being. Then, responding to "Godless," Mike begins to unpack why he still finds belief in God intellectually, historically, and existentially plausible—even in light of some of the Bible's most difficult passages. This two-part reflection asks: What's the better explanation for morality, consciousness, beauty, and meaning—God or chance? And does Jesus, who proclaimed he fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, actually challenge the interpretive misuses of the Old Testament in revolutionary ways? Key Takeaways: • Listening with Humility – Why Mike and Andy gave Jeremy the last word in their conversation on affirming vs. non-affirming theology, and what thoughtful disagreement looks like. • A Complex Faith Journey – Jeremy's story highlights how trauma, love, and the Holy Spirit can reshape assumptions about what it means to follow Jesus as a gay Christian. • Maintaining Theological Tension – The Vox team emphasizes that positions on sexuality are deeply nuanced and must be held with gentleness and openness to critique. • Why Mike Still Believes in God – Using an "inference to the best explanation" framework, Mike outlines how the existence of God better accounts for morality, consciousness, and purpose than material atheism. • Jesus vs. Old Testament Morality – Introducing a robust critique of how Jesus actually differentiates himself from the legalism of his time and invites disciples into a more radical, coherent ethic centered on love, justice, and mercy. Resources Mentioned: • Oriented to Faith by Tim Otto – A third-way perspective from a celibate gay affirming pastor. • Hen's Teeth and Horse's Toes by Stephen Jay Gould – A scientific work that challenged Godless' Christian views. • Matthew 5:17 – Jesus' statement on fulfilling the Law and the Prophets. • The Sermon on the Mount – Read through the lens of first-century Judaism and Jesus' critique of the Pharisees. • Dallas Willard – Insights on moral self and human flourishing. • N.T. Wright's Theology – On the Jewish roots and richness of Jesus' ethical teachings. This episode acts as a bridge between radically different viewpoints—atheistic skepticism and LGBTQ+ Christian faith—and the tradition of following Jesus in truth and love, without simplistic answers or defensive postures. Part two continues this exploration into Jesus, the Old Testament, and how we interpret divine morality in tension with real life. Subscribe, leave a review, and share with your community as we navigate hard conversations with curiosity, grace, and hopeful faith. 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

Unpacking one of the most misunderstood elements of the Bible, Mike Erre and Andy explore how seemingly oppressive passages on household roles—particularly around women, slavery, and children—can actually be understood as revolutionary in their original cultural context. Episode 44 walks through a compelling thought experiment rooted in modern-day Saudi Arabia to reframe the function of the New Testament's household codes within a Roman Empire driven by patriarchy and social hierarchy. This episode links past and present, showing how the moral teachings of Paul and Peter were strategic missional tools, not static moral laws, designed to make the gospel beautiful and compelling in an unbelieving world. Learn why the early church encouraged cultural conformity in submission, gender, and familial relationships—not out of endorsement of injustice but out of a radical desire to subvert structures from within. Key Takeaways: • The Power of Cultural Context – How Paul and Peter's household codes aligned with Roman moral expectations not to reinforce oppression, but to remove unnecessary barriers to the gospel. • Mission Over Personal Rights – A Christian's personal freedom is secondary to representing Christ attractively to a skeptical world; this ethic still challenges us today. • Revolution From Within – The New Testament subversively planted seeds in patriarchal systems that would eventually dismantle them, particularly in how men were called to love, not dominate. • Why the Church Should Rethink Power – Christianity has always flourished in exile or marginalization, not as a political power structure. • Women, Leadership & Gospel Witness – Reframing the conversation on whether limiting women's roles in church institutions still aligns with the gospel's expansion. Resources Mentioned: • David Instone-Brewer – Writings on ancient Judaism, divorce, and Jesus' social context. • Galatians 3:28 – "There is neither male nor female, slave nor free…" • Colossians & Ephesians – Biblical household codes and how they are differentiated from Aristotle's. • Dallas Willard – Theological inspiration on joyful resistance and noncompliance. • Historical figures: Josephus and Philo – Illustrating Jewish parallels in accommodating Roman social norms. Join the conversation and help us ask better questions and live more compelling lives as representatives of Jesus in a complicated world. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology on social media to stay informed and be part of a renewing community. 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 our modern values—individualism, narcissism, personal fulfillment—affect the way we read Scripture without even realizing it. Mike and Andy dig into the deep waters of biblical context, revealing how understanding the world of the New Testament changes how we interpret its message today. This episode helps listeners move beyond a flat reading of Scripture by uncovering the massive cultural, linguistic, and worldview gaps between our modern assumptions and the Bible's original context. Drawing heavily from the book "Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes," Mike walks through six key "gaps" between our culture and the Bible: time, language, customs, geography, behaviors, and especially value systems. The goal? To inspire deeper study and culturally-contextual interpretation that leads us closer to the message Jesus and the authors of the Scriptures were actually communicating. Key Takeaways: • Cultural Distance and Biblical Misunderstanding – Why a 2,000-year gap in time, language, customs, and geography must influence how we read Scripture. • The Individual vs. the Collective – North American readers often read "you" in the Bible as singular and personal—but in the Bible's collectivist culture, it's usually communal. • The Honor/Shame Framework – Unlike our guilt/innocence obsession, the biblical world operated on honor/shame dynamics, with profound implications for how we view sin, correction, and spiritual formation. • Patron-Client Relationships and Faith – The ancient relationship model that reshapes our understanding of grace (charis) and faith (pistis), moving us beyond transactional understandings of salvation. • How Narcissism Infects Interpretation – The danger of reading every verse as a personal promise and centering ourselves in the story rather than God or His people. Resources Mentioned: • "Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes" by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O'Brien – [Link] • "The Patient Ferment of the Early Church" by Alan Kreider – [Link] • Ephesians 6: The Armor of God passage, discussed in a communal rather than individualistic framework – [Link] • 1 Thessalonians 4:11 – Rethinking personal ambition in light of community ethics – [Link] Call to Action: Ready to read the Bible with fresh eyes? Share this episode with someone stuck in a modern lens and explore these ancient perspectives together. Subscribe, follow us on social, and email us at hello@voxpodcast.com with your questions or thoughts on how cultural context changes your faith journey. As always, we encourage and welcome ongoing discussion. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to join 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 Learn more about the podcast and community at https://voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on: • Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/1Lla1Nj • Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2Mvxz3OQDSkEpHujXiFkkr Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/voxology The Voxology Spotify channel: Voxology Radio – https://open.spotify.com/user/nj2l08pd1zt6zk3azs1plhmdy Follow 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

A bold exploration into one of the most unsettling theological questions: does God cause evil and suffering? Mike Erre and Andy Lara kick off this deep-dive theological series by confronting the reformed doctrine of meticulous sovereignty—popularized by groups like The Gospel Coalition—and its claim that God not only allows but ordains suffering to achieve his glory. With humor, thoughtfulness, and academic grounding, Mike outlines an alternative view that reflects God's goodness more compellingly, rooted in the overarching biblical narrative. This episode offers a popular-level yet intellectually rich walkthrough of the Bible, highlighting how human freedom, divine partnership, and the brokenness of creation challenge the deterministic theology that God wills every tragedy. From Genesis to Paul's epistles, Mike builds the case that God's original intent was to rule through human agency—not override it—and that evil is not the product of God's direct will but a distortion of it. Key Takeaways: • Meticulous Sovereignty vs. Participatory Creation – A critique of the idea that God predestines all events, including evil and suffering, and why it clashes with the biblical story of human agency and divine cooperation. • A Different Story of Sovereignty – A fresh retelling of the biblical narrative that emphasizes cooperative partnership between God and humanity, from Genesis through Jesus. • Jesus as the Clear Picture of God – How Jesus's battle against sickness, death, demonic powers, and injustice reflects a God who confronts—not causes—evil. • Death as the Enemy, Not God's Tool – Why Paul calls death the "last enemy to be destroyed," offering a decisive argument against the idea that God wills death to bring glory. Resources Mentioned: • 1 Corinthians 15:20-26 – Paul's picture of death and enemy powers against God's reign • Gospel Coalition tweet: "God doesn't just allow suffering. He ordains it." • Genesis 1-3 – The creation mandate and the role of human image-bearers • David Bentley Hart – Orthodox theologian critiquing deterministic sovereignty • Bill Johnson's When Heaven Invades Earth – Offering a theology of the kingdom consistent with Jesus's ministry Call to Action: Help us reshape how the church talks about suffering and God's character. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media so others can join in reclaiming a Jesus who's more beautiful than we imagined. As always, we welcome your thoughts and questions—email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or join the ongoing 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 Catch curated musical vibes on 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

What happens when a pastor dares to publicly challenge the evangelical embrace of Donald Trump? Mike Erre and Andy dive deep into the storm of controversy that erupted after Mike posted a viral message criticizing Trump's appeal to fear—sparking major backlash from within the Christian community. This episode explores the hypocrisy of political alignment in the church, the myth of apolitical preaching, and what it means to resist false dichotomies in presidential elections. Through personal reflection, theology, and a slew of social media reactions, Mike and Andy question the church's witness in an era when Christianity is too often equated with a political identity. This is a highly charged but necessary conversation about pastors, political rhetoric, and the moral cost of public allegiance to power. Key Takeaways: • Preaching Is Political – Why sermons and public witness can't be divorced from the political implications of professing that "Jesus is Lord." • Christianity and Double Standards – Dissecting how evangelicals selectively dismiss moral failure, depending on political affiliation. • Voting as Worship and Witness – A theology of voting that values conscience, rejects fear-fueled binaries, and embraces non-participation as prophetic resistance. • The "Stick to Preaching" Fallacy – Why speaking out against injustice—even when it's unpopular in evangelical circles—is not abandoning the pulpit, but fulfilling it. • Countering Fear-Based Politics – A call for Christians to resist campaigns that manipulate fear, scarcity, and tribalism in exchange for power. Notable Quotes: • "You would think that following a rabbi who conquered death would make us the least afraid people on the planet." • "Our witness to the world is compromised when character matters for one party, but not the other." • "A vote is not just about outcome—it's about identity, integrity, and discipleship." Resources Mentioned: • Voxology's Jesus and Politics Series – VoxologyPodcast.com • Wayne Grudem's Politically Controversial Article – [Link TBD] • Pew Research on Evangelicals and 2016 Election – pewresearch.org Join the conversation and rediscover a faith that transcends party lines. Subscribe to the podcast, leave us a review, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep engaging in honest, hopeful conversations about Jesus and culture. As always, we encourage discussion as we all pursue Jesus together. Email us your thoughts or questions at hello@voxpodcast.com and connect with the broader community on Facebook and Instagram. Catch full episodes and bonus content on VOXOLOGY TV. Check out our merch store on ETSY Subscribe and listen on iTunes or Spotify Support the show on Patreon Follow Mike on Twitter: www.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