Voxology

Practical wisdom for engaging in heated conversations with compassion, truth, and empathy. Communication theorist Dr. Tim Muehlhoff joins Mike Erre and Andy to break down how Christians can honor both truth and love in our polarized world. Drawing from his book "I Beg to Differ: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Truth and Love," Tim offers a four-step approach to make our relational disagreements more fruitful—whether it's over politics, gender identity, theology, or everyday marriage struggles. This fun and thought-provoking episode explores how modern Christians can reimagine public discourse as a form of spiritual formation, resisting the culture of outrage without compromising convictions. Filled with humor, poignant stories, and real-world scenarios, this is a must-listen for anyone striving to make Jesus beautiful in how they communicate—online and face-to-face. Key Takeaways: • The Argument Culture – Why modern discourse has become toxic and how Christians can resist a win-at-all-costs mentality through humility and empathy. • The Power of Listening – Why Scripture calls us to listen before we speak and how it fosters compassion, understanding, and a Christlike witness. • Finding Common Ground – How affirming shared values and stories builds genuine relationships and opens doors for truth. • Discernment in Dialogue – Why rushing to "share our position" can damage relationships, and how to wisely discern the right time, place, and tone for deeper discussions. • Social Media and Faith – Why social media often fails as a medium for nuanced communication—and the dangers of outrage sharing without relational context. Guest Highlights: Dr. Tim Muehlhoff – Professor of communication at Biola University, co-director of the Center for Marriage and Relationships, and author of "I Beg to Differ." Tim offers expert insight into how communication theory meets Christian faith in transforming the way we engage difficult conversations—with loved ones, strangers, and cultural "others." Resources Mentioned: • I Beg to Differ by Tim Muehlhoff – Available here • Center for Marriage and Relationships – cmr.biola.edu • The Art of Relationships Podcast – Launching at Biola's Center for Marriage and Relationships • Proverbs 18:13 – "To answer before listening—that is folly and shame." • Longfellow Quote – On understanding the secret history of our enemies Join us in rethinking what it means to have conversations that reflect Jesus' posture of grace and truth. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology on social media to dive deeper into the mission of Jesus in a divided world. As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we pursue truth and grace. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube now! VOXOLOGY TV Check out the Voxology Merch Store on ETSY Subscribe and learn more at voxologypodcast.com Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Check out curated music on the Voxology Spotify channel Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook Tweet at Mike: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How do spiritually abusive environments form, and why do they often look so "religious"? This fourth installment in the ongoing Spiritual Abuse series dives deep into Jesus' own critiques of religious leaders as a template for recognizing toxic patterns in modern churches and Christian communities. Mike Erre and Andy Lara explore themes of hypocrisy, majoring on the minors, and the death of mercy—all signs that a group is more interested in control and image than transformation and love. Drawing from Jesus' confrontations with Pharisees in Luke 11, they examine how legalism, performative spirituality, and prideful self-righteousness continue damaging people today—especially within churches where power dynamics, surface-level morality, and theological rigidity replace empathy, authenticity, and the true heart of the gospel. Key Takeaways: • Hypocrisy and the Heart – Jesus prioritizes inner transformation over outward religious performance. Mike reflects on how external conformity without internal renewal fosters abusive environments. • Majoring on the Minors – How churches and leaders often elevate secondary issues (like worship styles or doctrinal minutiae) above justice, mercy, and love—a pattern that mirrors the Pharisees. • The Death of Mercy – A lack of compassion reveals a distorted spirituality. "Mercy over sacrifice" becomes the litmus test for Jesus' kind of obedience. • Idolizing Leadership – When church leaders seek admiration rather than servanthood, it weaponizes power and marginalizes the broken—the exact opposite of Christ's model of pastoral care. • Social Media and the Illusion of Holiness – From curated personas online to platform culture in the church, Mike and Andy unpack how performative righteousness today mirrors ancient religious pride. Resources Mentioned: • Luke 11 – The "Woe" Passages: Jesus' rebuke of Pharisaical religion and hypocrisy • Larry Osborne's book – "Accidental Pharisees: Avoiding Pride, Exclusivity, and the Dangers of Overzealous Faith" • Vox update and info on the Vox Community Church – www.voxoc.com • Voxology Spotify Channel: Voxology Radio Join us in this honest, sometimes hilarious, often convicting reflection on why Jesus' harshest words were for the religious—and how his gentlest acts were always for outcasts, sinners, and the oppressed. Share your stories, wrestle with grace, and don't forget to subscribe, review, and follow Voxology on your favorite platforms. As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we pursue truth together. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY – Voxology Learn more at voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Follow @voxologypodcast on Instagram and "like" us on Facebook for updates and new episode drops. 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 biblical justice, equality, and the true story of Genesis reframe the conversation around women in ministry in the church. Mike Erre and theology teacher Bonnie Lewis kick off a new multi-part conversation on the role of women in Christian leadership, diving deep into Bonnie's personal journey, cultural preconceptions, and ultimately how scripture affirms her calling. This is not a culture war issue—it's a gospel issue. Mike and Bonnie begin by naming the "three ghosts" that haunt the women in ministry debate: the Usurper, the Temptress, and the Child—destructive labels that still shape how many churches treat women who lead. They unpack the theological, pastoral, and gendered barriers still in place within conservative evangelicalism and share how their views shifted not because of culture, but because of the Bible itself. Key Takeaways: • Reading Genesis with Fresh Eyes – The Hebrew word "ezer" (helper) used to describe Eve is a term also applied to God, radically reframing assumptions about female subordination. • Jesus' Countercultural Invitation – Mike and Bonnie explore New Testament stories like Mary and Martha to demonstrate how Jesus consistently welcomed women into discipleship and leadership. • Paul's Contextual Commandments – Rather than timeless prohibitions, Paul's words in 1 Timothy and 1 Corinthians are reexamined as culturally specific instructions for gospel clarity. • The Holy Spirit's Work in Women – How affirming women's full participation in ministry doesn't dilute the gospel—it reflects its power to restore what's been broken by patriarchy. • Restoring the Church's Witness – Addressing how inconsistency in honoring women in church undermines justice the church claims to advocate for in the wider world. Guest Highlight: Bonnie Lewis – Founder of the "Find the Blue" podcast and Fuller Seminary graduate with a Master's in Theology, Bonnie shares her journey of moving from silence to conviction. A gifted communicator and passionate theologian, she brings both grace and clarity to this vital topic. Resources Mentioned: • Find Bonnie's Podcast: Find the Blue • Article: "Three Ghosts That Haunt the Church" – [Link] • Scripture Refs: Genesis 1–3, 1 Corinthians 14, 1 Timothy 2, Acts 2, Luke 10 (Mary & Martha) • Watch/Listen to the Sermon on Mary and Martha – Search "EV Free Fullerton Luke 10 Mary and Martha" Help us continue to explore difficult but necessary topics like this—subscribe to the Voxology Podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media. Share this episode with someone asking tough questions about how churches represent Jesus today. As always, we'd love your feedback and questions as we continue this series. Reach out to hello@voxpodcast.com and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon Follow us: Instagram: @voxologypodcast Facebook: Voxology Podcast Twitter: Mike Erre 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 vulnerable and wide-ranging discussion on the complexities of faith, doubt, and identity as Mike Erre and Andy sit down for a powerful conversation with a guest known online as "Godless"—a self-described agnostic atheist. Raised Catholic, born again in the Assemblies of God youth group, and now an outspoken skeptic, Godless walks us through his unexpected spiritual evolution. With humor, intelligence, and empathy, this episode unpacks how one loses belief, wrestles with deep existential questions, and grapples with the emotional weight of leaving behind a religious identity. This episode isn't a debate—it's chips-and-salsa theology. It's what happens when mutual respect replaces defensiveness and curiosity takes the place of certainty. Whether you're steadfast in your faith, sitting in doubt, or searching for space to ask hard questions, this conversation offers insight, honesty, and plenty of space to reflect. Key Takeaways: • Understanding "Agnostic Atheism" – What the label actually means and how Godless defines his beliefs and knowledge about God. • The Emotional Cost of Deconversion – How losing faith can trigger anger, grief, and a sense of betrayal, even years later. • Faith and Family – What it's like raising a child outside of religion while remaining open to dialogue and exploration. • Misconceptions About Atheists – Godless challenges Christian assumptions around morality, meaning, and spirituality in non-believing communities. • The Problem of Evil and the Bible – Candid wrestling with the moral difficulty of parts of the Old Testament and its implications for belief in Jesus. • Why So Many Leave – The role of the church's cultural posture, treatment of doubt, and inability to wrestle alongside those questioning. Guest Highlight: Godless – Co-host of the MetalSucks Podcast and creator of exclusive content for Patreon at chuckandgodless.com, Godless shares his spiritual story from devout believer to outspoken skeptic, with honesty, vulnerability, and intellectual curiosity. He also opens up about parenting a secular child and continuing to pursue conversations across lines of belief. Resources Mentioned: • Godless & Chuck (MetalSucks Podcast) – chuckandgodless.com • Hen's Teeth and Horse's Toes by Stephen Jay Gould – A pivotal book in Godless's shift toward atheism. • A History of God by Karen Armstrong – One of the first books that expanded his view of religious pluralism. • God is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens – A key text from the New Atheist movement. • Silverlake Life Documentary – A moving film that changed his views on same-sex relationships. • Iron Chariots – ironchariots.org, a secular wiki exploring arguments for and against belief. Join us as we continue to explore what it means to be people of peace, friendship, and honest questions. Like, subscribe, or share this episode if it moved you. And as always, continue the conversation—we'd love to hear from you. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and engage the community on Facebook and Instagram. We're also on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Merch Store: VOXOLOGY on Etsy Visit the Voxology Podcast site Listen & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Or Spotify Support us on Patreon Check out the Voxology Spotify channel 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

What makes a text "sacred"? Can stories like Harry Potter or Star Wars function as modern scripture? Mike Erre and Andy explore the viral rise of "Harry Potter and the Sacred Text," a podcast treating J.K. Rowling's novels the way Christians treat the Bible—and use it as a springboard to tackle big questions about sacred texts, biblical authority, and how Jesus actually interpreted the Old Testament. This is Part 2 of the ongoing Godless Series, where Mike responds to critiques from a thoughtful atheist listener who contends that Jesus, if divine, failed at clarity and moral credibility. Mike breaks down the Sermon on the Mount in rich cultural context, revealing how Jesus confronted religious legalism of his day—not to affirm everything in the Hebrew Scriptures, but to radically reinterpret them through a lens of love, mercy, and internal transformation. They also dive into how scripture evolves across cultures, the progressive morality of Old Testament laws, and whether divine revelation can be both incarnated and imperfectly understood. Key Takeaways: • Reading Harry Potter as Scripture? – Why it's trending, and what it reveals about cultural hunger for meaning and moral imagination. • What Makes a Text Sacred? – Exploring the subjective and communal dimensions of sacredness and how that intersects with biblical inspiration. • Jesus as a Jewish Rabbi – Understanding "fulfill" and "abolish" in rabbinic terms, and why Jesus didn't just affirm the Old Testament law, but radically re-centered it around God's heart. • Cracking the Sermon on the Mount – Why Jesus's most famous teachings weren't random or idealistic, but a pointed critique of Pharisaical righteousness and a call to internal, transformative obedience. • The Bible's Morally Difficult Passages – Wrestling with how Christians can trust scripture while acknowledging genocide, slavery, or patriarchy in the text—and why Jesus is the lens for interpreting them. Resources Mentioned: • Podcast: Harry Potter and the Sacred Text – harrypottersacredtext.com • Book: Is God a Moral Monster? by Paul Copan • Scripture References: Matthew 5–7, Deuteronomy, Genesis 1–2, Matthew 19 • Vox Community Podcast – voxoc.com Join the conversation as we explore what it means to treat a text as sacred, how Jesus challenged even the most devout religious leaders, and why understanding Jesus in his first-century Jewish context matters more than ever. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay in the loop. As always, we encourage and welcome your questions. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or engage with us on Facebook and Instagram. Watch us on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Shop Voxology merch: ETSY Visit: voxologypodcast.com Support us: Patreon Listen on Spotify: Voxology Radio Follow us: Instagram: @voxologypodcast Facebook: facebook.com/voxologypodcast 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 can we begin to heal from spiritual abuse when the very structures meant to point us to God have been complicit in manipulation, coercion, and hypocrisy? Kicking off a new Luke Series, Mike Erre goes solo to explore Jesus's prophetic critique of religious authority in Luke 11—and its piercing relevance for today's church. Through Jesus's first "woe" against the Pharisees, Mike unpacks a powerful lesson: that external religiosity often masks inner moral decay, and that Jesus himself opposed performative faith with a passion. This episode speaks directly to those frustrated or disillusioned by the church—offering not just empathy, but biblical clarity on why so many have been harmed, and what Jesus really says about it. Key Takeaways: • Greed and Hypocrisy in High Places – The disconnect between polished external religion and corrupted internal motives. • What "Woe" Really Means – Understanding the prophetic tradition behind Jesus's pointed "woes" to religious leaders in Luke 11. • Misunderstood Pharisees – Why Jesus's relationship with Pharisees was more complex than caricature allows, and what modern Christians can learn from their mistakes. • The Paradox of the Outside vs. the Inside – How hyper-focus on rules, tradition, and behavior management misses the point of spiritual transformation. • A Call to Inner Renewal – Jesus invites generosity and humility over conformity and showmanship. Resources Mentioned: • Luke 11 – Jesus's "woes" and prophetic critique of religious leadership • Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel – Old Testament foundations for prophetic judgment • Voxology Non-ference – Details Here • Email your questions: hello@voxpodcast.com Join the conversation as we peel back the masks, wrestle with Jesus's challenging words, and uncover a more honest, hopeful expression of faith. Subscribe, leave a review, and help us reclaim the mission of Jesus. 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 can Christians maintain both conviction and compassion in conversations about LGBTQ identity, theology, and inclusion? Episode 41 of the LGBTQ Conversations series explores this critical tension through a raw, honest, and grace-filled response to a deeply personal email from a listener named "Jeremy." Mike and Andy seek to create space for both affirming and non-affirming Christians to remain united in Jesus, emphasizing empathy, listening, and love over litmus tests of belief. In this vulnerable and respectful exchange, Mike responds to Jeremy, a young gay Christian hurt by family rejection in the name of God, while raising essential questions about justice, empathy, and theological disagreement. This episode models how churches and individuals can engage complex conversations about sexuality, identity, and Biblical interpretation while refusing to dehumanize or divide. Key Takeaways: • The Possibility of Shared Community – Can affirming and non-affirming Christians coexist within the same church body? Mike argues yes, if identity in Christ remains central and compassion is prioritized. • The Damage of Weaponized Theology – When non-affirming beliefs fuel condemnation, exclusion, or violence, they directly oppose Jesus's central message of radical love and mercy. • The Role of Empathy in Theological Disagreement – Jeremy's powerful critique centers empathy as the litmus test for love; Mike agrees that deep listening and engagement with lived experience are crucial. • Non-Affirming without Harm – Holding a non-affirming theological stance doesn't require being unloving. Mike challenges the double standards often seen in the church between heterosexual and homosexual sin. • Identity in Christ as the Core – When sexual identity—gay or straight—becomes more central than Christ, it disorients discipleship. Communities must first see others as beloved image-bearers and siblings in Jesus. Notable Quotes: "It's got to be possible for Jesus' followers to love, bless, and serve those they may disagree with theologically… without losing sight of their shared humanity and worth." "The non-affirming view starts with the acknowledgment that we're all broken—so no one should be excluded from grace, community, or the table." "Empathy is the weapon your email represents… and it's the very thing that blows up judgmental religion." Resources Mentioned: • Galatians 3:28 – "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female..." • Reference to Sodom and skewed interpretations of judgment • Stories of Jesus with the Samaritan woman (John 4) and the woman caught in adultery (John 8) • Ongoing LGBTQ Conversations series on Voxology Join the conversation by wrestling alongside us. If you've ever struggled with the church's stance on LGBTQ issues or desired a way forward that doesn't sacrifice love for truth—or truth for love—this episode offers thoughtful, nuanced insight rooted in the way of Jesus. We'd love to hear from you! Send your questions or stories to hello@voxpodcast.com, and connect with us online to grow the conversation. We're also on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Check out our Merch Store: Our Etsy Shop Support us on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and on Facebook Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Music by Timothy John Stafford Twitter & Instagram: @GoneTimothy Rate us, leave a review, and share this episode if it sparked something in you. Let's keep learning to love well—even when we disagree. 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 American church's blend of faith and partisan politics compromises the mission of Jesus and why a new, distinctly Christ-centered political theology is desperately needed. In this foundational episode, Mike Erre and Andy unpack five key points for developing a theology of politics that resists culture war narratives and reclaims Jesus's lordship over all of life, including the public square. Prompted by a storm of Facebook backlash to Mike's call for Christians to provide a counter-narrative to the increasingly politicized expressions of faith linked to conservative ideology, this thoughtful—and at times fiery—conversation explores how the American church often sacrifices Jesus's witness for political loyalty. Key Takeaways: • Politics and the Image of God – Politics is not inherently evil; it's a reflection of our God-given mandate to order and care for human society. • Following Jesus is Inherently Political – Jesus's life, birth, and message directly challenged the Roman Empire, revealing that the gospel has unavoidable public implications. • Kingdom Above Country – The kingdom of God is not Republican, Democrat, Socialist, or Libertarian. It indicts all earthly systems and transcends partisanship. • Political Allegiance vs. Gospel Witness – How prioritizing political identity over Jesus leads to hostility, name-calling, and poor witness in both digital and real-life discussions. • How the Church Should Engage – Faithful political engagement flows from kingdom values: nonviolence, humility, justice, love of enemies, and self-sacrifice. Resources Mentioned: • Luke 2 – The politically loaded birth announcement of Jesus • Revelation – As a critique of empire and prophetic call to allegiance to the slain Lamb • SubversiveKingdom.com – Mike's website and resource hub Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to help others rethink the role of politics in our discipleship journey. As always, we encourage and deeply value your questions and dialogue. Email us anytime at hello@voxpodcast.com, and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube too: VOXOLOGY TV Snag some merch to rep the movement: Voxology on Etsy Learn more and discover previous series at voxologypodcast.com Subscribe to us on iTunes or listen on Spotify Support Voxology on Patreon Listen to our Spotify music playlist: 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

Explore the powerful implications of Jesus's "already but not yet" Kingdom as Mike Erre and Andy dismantle popular rapture theology and its impact on Christian political engagement and purpose. In this final installment of the Jesus & Politics series, Mike unpacks how a misunderstood end-times narrative has shaped generations of Christians to disengage from social and political action, and why reclaiming a Biblical understanding of heaven, earth, and eschatology transforms how we show up for justice, mercy, and our communities today. Key Takeaways: • Reframing the Rapture – A deep-dive into the origins of rapture theology and why it lacks solid biblical foundation, particularly in 1 Thessalonians and Matthew 24. • The Kingdom is Here (and Also Coming) – Understanding Jesus's message as both present and future, and what that means for living as citizens of the Kingdom now. • Redeeming Political Engagement – Why following Jesus is inherently political, but cannot be reduced to partisan allegiance or single-issue voting. • Heaven Is Not the Goal – Challenging the "evacuate Earth" mentality with a renewed vision of New Creation and participating in God's restoration of all things. • The Role of the Church – From creation care to addressing systemic evil and personal transformation, we are called to embody God's Kingdom here and now. Resources Mentioned: • Visit Vox Christian Community to join the conversation and stay informed – voxoc.com • Subversive Kingdom – subversivekingdom.com • Read: "The Patient Ferment of the Early Church" by Alan Kreider • Cornelius Plantinga's quote on evil and scalpel metaphor Join the mission of living out the Kingdom today—with grace, humility, and purpose. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and follow us on social media for updates and conversation. As always, we welcome your thoughts and questions: email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and connect on Facebook and Instagram. Watch full episodes on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Shop our Merch: ETSY Learn more at the Voxology Website Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the show on Patreon Follow VOXOLOGY on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and like us on Facebook 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

What does it really mean to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and unto God what is God's? In this bold and insightful continuation of the Jesus & Politics series, Mike Erre unpacks one of the most misinterpreted passages in Christian theology. Drawing from Luke 20 and Jewish historical context, Mike reframes Jesus's response to the trap question about paying taxes—not as an endorsement of dual citizenship, but as a radical declaration that our entire identity belongs to God alone. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how Jesus subverted both political and religious expectations and how his call to wholehearted allegiance continues to challenge American Christians today. Mike and Andy explore the implications of carrying God's image and choosing to live as citizens of the Kingdom, not of any earthly empire—even when it demands radical reorientation of our identity, politics, and gospel witness. Key Takeaways: • Reframing the "Caesar Tax" Trap – How Jesus flipped a political question into a spiritual revelation of identity and allegiance. • Image and Inscription – Understanding the profound Jewish implications behind Jesus's use of the words "image" and "inscription" in his response. • The Myth of Dual Citizenship – Why Jesus's statement isn't about balancing sacred and secular loyalties but prioritizing God's claim over our entire lives. • Politics & Identity – How Christian identity shapes political posture and why the gospel—not fear or power—should be the driving force behind civic engagement. • Peter's Call to Submission – Reconciling Jesus's radical teaching with Peter's instruction to honor authority, all in service to the gospel. Resources Mentioned: • Luke 20:20-26 – The passage at the center of today's conversation • Jeremiah 7 – The prophetic link behind Jesus's confrontation in the temple • Genesis 1:26 – The foundation of being created in God's image • 1 Peter 2 – Exploring Christian submission for the sake of the gospel • www.voxoc.com – Sign up at the bottom to be part of the potential Vox church community coming out of this podcast • www.subversivekingdom.com – Archive of past podcasts and resources As the idea of launching a new church community begins to take shape, we want to hear from you! If you're in Orange County and would like to be a part of what's next, head to voxoc.com and drop your email at the very bottom to stay informed. Your prayers, resources, and talents could help form a church FROM a podcast—flipping the traditional model on its head. Stay connected by subscribing, leaving a review, and joining us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Let's keep pursuing the subversive and beautiful mission of Jesus together. 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