Voxology

How do we show Christ in conversations that spiral out of control? Mark Salomon—frontman of Christian punk staples The Crucified and Stavesacre—joins Mike and Andy to reflect on a recent debate-turned-nightmare with an outspoken atheist podcaster. In this candid and vulnerable conversation, Mark opens up about what went wrong, what he wished he said, and what it means to represent Jesus when the stakes are high and you're completely caught off guard. This episode goes beyond debating theology; it's a raw look at spiritual ambassadorship, moral reasoning without a framework, and how Christians can navigate hostile or disorienting conversations with both conviction and humility. Mike and Andy walk with Mark through the emotional and intellectual landmines of the original exchange, bringing clarity to big questions about God's morality, divine judgment, the authority of scripture, and the place of empathy in a post-Christian world. Key Takeaways: • Representing Jesus in High-Pressure Moments – How to stay grounded when caught off guard during spiritual conversations. • Debates vs. Dialogues – Why the goal shouldn't be "winning" the argument but embodying the love, patience, and humility of Jesus. • Objective Morality & Faith – Exploring the theological conviction that God's authority defines good and evil—even when that feels difficult or cold. • Revisiting the Problem of Evil – Mike breaks down how a world built on love must include freedom, using powerful examples like suffering and disability to illuminate God's bigger picture. • When The Old Testament Gets Weaponized – Unpacking divine judgment, slavery, and God's progressive revelation leading to Jesus as the full image of God's character. Guest Highlights: Mark Salomon – Icon of the Christian hardcore scene and host of the podcast "Never Was." Mark talks through the emotional fallout of a frustrating public conversation, shares his fears about misrepresenting Christ, and reflects with courage and honesty on what spiritual integrity looks like when things don't go as planned. Resources Mentioned: • "Never Was" Podcast by Mark Salomon – Available here • "Pastor With No Answers" podcast – Pastor With No Answers • "MetalSucks" Podcast – Featuring guest "Godless" • Hebrews 1, Colossians 1 & 2, John 14 – Used to demonstrate Jesus as the fullest revelation of God • C.S. Lewis – Referenced throughout the discussion for insights on morality and divine authority • "The Problem of God" by Mark Clark – For exploring tough questions skeptics ask about Christianity Join us as we continue the conversation on how faith and humility intersect in hard places. Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay connected. As always, we welcome your thoughts and questions. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Visit our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more at the Voxology Podcast Website Subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon Listen to curated playlists on the Voxology Spotify Channel: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and like us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: twitter.com/mikeerre Original 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 if everything you believed about finding "the one" was never actually biblical—or even helpful? In this candid and often hilarious conversation, Mike Erre and co-host Andy explore the deeply ingrained myth of the soulmate, confronting cultural narratives around romance, marriage, and self-fulfillment in both the secular and Christian world. Drawing extensively from the Genesis account of creation and the fall, they unpack how our expectations of marriage often lead us astray and suggest a more grounded, Christ-centered vision for love and relationships rooted in self-sacrifice, partnership, and transformation. Using insights from Genesis 1-3 and thinkers like Stanley Hauerwas and Tim Keller, the episode dives into how Christians are called to resist Hollywood tropes and embrace the difficult but rewarding journey of covenant love, where two imperfect people learn to reflect God's love for humanity. Whether you're dating, married, or spiritually curious, this episode challenges assumptions and invites deeper reflection on how we love and who we expect to change us. Key Takeaways: • The Biblical Portrait of Marriage – Genesis presents male-female relationships as "ezer kenegdo"—equal partners who are both alike and opposite, designed to co-rule creation. • Fallout from the Fall – How disobedience distorts divine design, turning mutuality into power struggle and fulfillment into frustration. • Soulmate is a Myth – There is no "one perfect person" who will complete you; true fulfillment comes not through compatibility but through sacrificial love and growth. • Marriage as Covenant, Not Contract – Christian marriage is less about individual happiness and more about embodying God's covenantal love through service, vulnerability, and resilience. • When You Change, So Does Marriage – You will always marry the "wrong" person because both people in a marriage will change, evolve, and, ultimately, disappoint. The key is growing together through it. • Redefining Fulfillment – Letting go of self-centered expectations in marriage opens the door to deeper joy, healing, and transformation. Resources Mentioned: • Genesis 1–3 – The foundation for understanding male-female relationships and the impact of sin on marriage. • Stanley Hauerwas – Ethicist who wrote extensively on the myth of soulmate ideology and the self-fulfillment ethic in marriage. • Tim Keller – The Meaning of Marriage, for a gospel-centered view of commitment and relational growth. • Psalm 121 – The word "ezer" (helper) ascribed to God, offering profound implications for gender equality in partnership. • Ephesians 5 – Paul's vision for mutual submission and Christ-centered love in marriage. Join us in rethinking relationships and returning to a more redemptive vision of marriage. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and follow Voxology on social media to keep diving into tough questions and meaningful discussions. As always, we encourage and welcome your thoughts and feedback as we pursue these conversations together. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or join the conversation on Instagram and Facebook. Watch full episodes on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Grab some new merch: ETSY Store Discover more at VoxologyPodcast.com Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Support the show at Patreon Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Follow Tim on all platforms: @GoneTimothy Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford 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 should followers of Jesus respond to the ever-growing outrage culture consuming our news cycles and social media feeds? Mike Erre and Andy unpack the tension between righteous anger and destructive outrage, using powerful examples from Jesus' life to explore what holy anger looks like—and how we can engage with it in ways that lead to healing, not harm. This deeply relevant episode asks the hard questions: Who was Jesus actually angry at? What did He do with His anger? And how can Jesus' model change the way we react to political scandal, social injustice, and cultural flashpoints today? Whether you're burned out by the outrage machine or wrestling with how to channel your moral concern as a Christian, this conversation offers both challenge and comfort, inviting us to slow down, reflect, and respond from a place of love and transformation. Key Takeaways: • Human Anger vs. God's Righteous Anger – Understanding why not all anger is sinful, but when it stops leading to healing or blessing, we've missed the point. • Jesus' Anger Was Always Redemptive – From healing a man with a withered hand to defending children and cleansing the temple, Jesus' anger consistently brought about justice and restoration. • Outrage at Everything = Outrage at Nothing – How chronic outrage can numb our moral senses and hinder our witness to the world. • The Target of Jesus' Anger – Challenging the assumption that Jesus would be angry at "outsiders," and confronting how He actually condemned religious hypocrisy. • A Call to Self-Reflection – What are we angry at...and what does our anger produce? Resources Mentioned: • Mark 3:1–6 – Jesus heals the man with the withered hand. • Mark 10:13–16 – Jesus rebukes the disciples and blesses the children. • Mark 11:15–17 – The cleansing of the temple. • James 1:19–20 – "Human anger does not bring about the righteousness God desires." • C.S. Lewis – The Screwtape Letters (quote on errors being introduced in pairs) • The Book of Psalms – Understanding righteous indignation through poetic laments. • Additional discussions from previous Vox episodes on spiritual abuse and pharisaical religion. Join the conversation and explore how to respond to cultural tension with grace and truth, refusing to be shaped by the cycle of fear and fury. Subscribe to Voxology Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. If today's conversation resonated with you, leave a review and share the episode. We'd love to hear from you! Drop your thoughts, questions, or feedback at hello@voxpodcast.com. We're also on social media: Instagram: @voxologypodcast Facebook: Voxology Podcast YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/voxology Merch available now: Voxology on Etsy Learn more about Voxology and upcoming events at voxologypodcast.com 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 the "center-set" model of Christianity offers a radical alternative to legalism, spiritual abuse, and rigid boundary-drawing—and what it means for those longing to experience authentic grace, community, and transformation. Kicking off their new Spiritual Abuse series, Mike and Tim dive deep into Paul Hebert's set theory and how it reshapes our understanding of who belongs, what discipleship looks like, and how churches can prioritize Jesus as the true center. Key Takeaways: • Bounded vs. Centered Faith – How the traditional "bounded set" model prioritizes behavioral and doctrinal checklists, often at the expense of grace, honesty, and transformation. • Dangers of Boundary-Focused Churches – Why focusing on who's "in" and who's "out" fosters legalism, fear, and superficiality. • The Center-Set Alternative – Exploring a transformational perspective where the direction of a person's heart toward Jesus, rather than meeting external qualifications, defines spiritual belonging. • Indicators vs. Boundaries – Why behaviors (like generosity, love, peace) should serve as indicators of heart orientation rather than rigid membership tests. • Church Discipline and Relational Accountability – Reflecting on Paul's example in 1 Corinthians and discussing the delicate balance of transparency, restoration, and protecting community health. • A Call to Build Wells – How churches and communities can be rooted in grace, welcoming honesty and brokenness while always pointing toward the wellspring of Jesus. Resources Mentioned: • Paul Hebert's "Set Theory" (Theological framework on Bounded, Fuzzy, and Centered sets) • Mark Baker – Author and scholar adapting Hebert's theories for modern congregations • Dallas Willard – Teachings on the inward transformation of discipleship • Galatians & Matthew 19 – Scriptural cases for center-set thinking and critiques on boundary models This episode kicks off a larger conversation on the roots and mechanics of spiritual abuse—how legalism, control, and fear undermine the gospel of grace and the heart of Jesus. Join the journey as Mike and Tim dig deeper in upcoming episodes. Let's keep the conversation going—join us on social media, share your story, or email us at hello@voxpodcast.com. And if this episode resonated with you, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Voxology to help others discover this community. We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Merch Store: VOXOLOGY on Etsy Learn more or sign up for updates: voxologypodcast.com Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support this work via Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Facebook: Voxology Podcast Music by Timothy John Stafford – Insta/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 Book of Job challenge our assumptions about suffering, divine will, and justice? Continuing their Suffering Series, Mike Erre and Andy Lara navigate the emotional, cultural, and theological complexities of recent tragic events—particularly the fatal police shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile—while asking the deeper question: Does God cause suffering? Using the poetic narrative of Job as their backdrop, Mike and Andy wrestle with misleading Christian clichés ("God gives and takes away"), reconsider traditional theodicies, and expose how oversimplified views of God's sovereignty can cause real harm. By exploring Job's tale in its ancient Near Eastern literary and cultural context, the episode introduces a more dynamic, complex, and hopeful picture—one that recognizes the reality of spiritual conflict, the limitations of human understanding, and the subversive yet nonviolent nature of God's power. Key Takeaways: • The Book of Job as a Deconstruction of Simplistic Theology – Why Job's stylized, epic format invites us to abandon formulaic views of suffering and divine justice. • God vs. The Satan – How the narrative of Job introduces an adversary as an external source of evil, rather than attributing suffering directly to God's will. • Permission Isn't Ordination – The critical difference between God allowing suffering and God causing it. • The Injustice of the Just – How both Job and his well-meaning friends get it wrong in their own ways, and what that teaches us about speaking honestly versus speaking theologically "correct." • Reframing the Hedge of Protection – Why spiritual protection isn't about immunity from pain, but partnering with Christ in a war against evil and chaos. • Why "We Don't Know" Is Sometimes the Most Faithful Answer – A humble call to accept mystery in a world where we long for clarity and control. Resources Mentioned: • Greg Boyd – Books: "God at War" and "Satan and the Problem of Evil" • John Mark Comer – Job series from Bridgetown Church • Bible Scripture: The Book of Job • Dallas Willard – Teachings on non-coercive power • Podcast Mention: Upcoming interview with "Godless" (be sure to check it out in two weeks) Join Mike and Andy as they process personal grief, societal injustice, and theological discomfort, offering a space where deep doubts and honest questions are welcome. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast to keep these crucial conversations going. As always, we encourage discussion as we pursue deeper questions together. Email your thoughts to hello@voxpodcast.com and join us on Facebook and Instagram. Catch video episodes on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Shop the official merch store: ETSY Discover more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe via iTunes or Spotify Support us on Patreon Music by Timothy John Stafford – Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre 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 biblical practice of public lament can help us confront communal tragedy, own our complicity, and embody compassionate presence in a hurting world. In this emotional and reflective episode, Mike Erre and Andy process an extraordinarily painful week of violence, including the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando. They explore the responsibility of Jesus followers to grieve publicly, speak honestly, and lament alongside marginalized communities rather than hijack grief for politics or theology. Mike deeply unpacks the biblical tradition of lament, offering insights into how grief is a spiritual pathway for protest, solidarity, and ultimately hope. Drawing from scriptures, Jewish mourning practices like sitting Shiva, and reflections on fear-driven cultural responses, the dialogue calls Christians to a new ethic of presence and repentance in times of suffering. Key Takeaways: • Grief Before Action – Public tragedy demands grief before reaction; Jesus followers must give permission for pain before offering answers. • The Power of Public Lament – The Bible models bold, honest lament that directs sorrow toward God, resists polite clichés, and names injustice without offering theological band-aids. • Fear and Blame Hijack Grief – How religious and political reactions quickly turn to fear, defensiveness, and outrage, masking the vulnerability of grief. • The Church's Prophetic Role – Christians are called to embody peace and security, even amid violence, reflecting the counter-cultural posture of Jesus. • Don't Hijack the Grief – Avoid theological posturing, political arguments, and "I told you so" tones in moments that should be sacred expressions of collective mourning. • Why We Sit Shiva – The practice of sitting Shiva invites Christians to be with the suffering, acknowledge their world has changed, and listen before speaking. Resources Mentioned: • Lamentations, Psalms of Lament, and Habakkuk – Foundational texts modeling biblical lament • Matthew Vines – Article on Christian responses to LGBTQ+ tragedies • Dallas Willard – Reflections on joyful non-compliance and Christlike resistance • Russell Moore – Article on weeping with those who weep • "Fade to Black" by Metallica – Referenced symbolically as a picture of grief Join us as we learn to lament well—without qualifications, without hijacking, and with deep compassion. Black out your social media profile with us as a small symbolic act of sitting Shiva with the LGBTQ+ and Orlando communities. Let's become a people shaped not by fear, but by love and sorrow that speak honestly and prophetically in a broken world. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast as we question, listen, and wrestle together in pursuit of the true 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: Voxology Podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the Podcast: Patreon Check out our curated Spotify music channel: Voxology Radio Instagram: @voxologypodcast Facebook: facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike: 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

How can the legalization of gay marriage serve the Church? In this bold and unfiltered opening episode of Vox (previously the Vox Podcast), Mike Erre and creative engineer Andy Lara set the tone for a raw and honest exploration of Christianity's intersection with culture. Unsure the world needs one more podcast, Mike makes it crystal clear why this one matters: to examine how Jesus challenges every side of every issue, particularly when it comes to LGBTQ+ issues, church hypocrisy, and cultural polarization. Mike dives into what our current moment reveals about the Church's response to cultural shifts like the Supreme Court's ruling on gay marriage. Rather than lament or dig in, he outlines four surprising reasons why this cultural shift might actually press the church toward greater faithfulness—to grace, love, and the radical example of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Confronting Hypocrisy in the Church – The gay marriage debate reveals stark double standards, especially compared to how divorce and sexual sin are addressed within Christian communities. • Repentance and Reconciliation – The Church must own its history of exclusion and harm towards LGBTQ+ individuals and adopt a posture of humility and apology rather than judgment. • Rediscovering a Theology of Sexuality – The cultural moment creates a new opportunity to articulate a robust, biblical, and positive vision of sexuality, rather than relying on shame-based teaching or silence. • Moving Beyond the Culture War – The loss of political leverage may free the Church to refocus on embodying the teachings of Jesus, rather than fighting ideological battles. Actionable Insights: • Recognize where moral outrage has overshadowed grace and truth. • Begin conversations with young people about sexuality in open, biblically grounded ways. • Shift from a culture-war mindset to discipleship and hospitality for all people, especially those exploring identity and belonging. Resources Mentioned: • Matthew 19 – Jesus's teachings on divorce • 1 Corinthians 5:12 – Paul's challenge on judging outsiders • Upcoming series on table fellowship and Jesus' subversive hospitality Join Mike and Andy as they launch this journey toward reclaiming the Church's voice as a place of radical welcome, honest critique, and deeper allegiance to Jesus. Want to ask questions, engage the conversation, or offer feedback? Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com. We're on YouTube too: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store! ETSY Follow the Voxology Podcast: • Voxology Podcast Website • Subscribe on iTunes • Listen on Spotify • Support on Patreon • Voxology Radio on Spotify 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 Subscribe, share the podcast, and leave us a review to help spread these conversations and invite others into the journey of rediscovering the true 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

What does it truly mean to love someone you disagree with—especially in matters of identity, sexuality, and theology? Mike Erre and Andy Lara dig into a critically important (and often misused) phrase in Christian culture: "Love the sinner, hate the sin." In this thought-provoking episode, they unpack why this mindset—while well-intended—may actually undermine the transformative power of Jesus' love and twist the gospel's radical message of grace, especially for the LGBTQ+ community and those navigating the church's cultural contradictions. This episode challenges listeners to reevaluate how they approach difficult relational and theological conversations, particularly through the lens of love as demonstrated by Jesus, Paul, and the early church. With humor, honesty, and theological depth, Mike and Andy call for a new way of engaging others—one defined not by judgment or disapproval, but by costly presence, advocacy, and Christ-like transformation. Key Takeaways: • Why "Love the sinner, hate the sin" fails the gospel test and often leads to relational harm. • How Jesus and Paul modeled a radically different posture toward so-called outsiders—especially women and marginalized groups. • Reframing love: Four dimensions of godly love—commitment to someone, being with them, being for them, and loving them toward something. • Table fellowship and the ethics of presence—why simply being with others can speak volumes more than correction. • The danger in obsessing over "approving or disapproving" of others and how it distracts us from the mission of embodying Christ. • What accountability, repentance, and truth-telling look like inside real, loving relationships. • How cultural Christianity replaces Jesus' radical hospitality with coercive moralism. Resources Mentioned: • A Fellowship of Differents by Scot McKnight – [Link] • Luke 8 and the role of women in Jesus' ministry – [Link] • Ephesians 5 and mutual submission theology – [Link] • Galatians 3:28 – Unity in Christ regardless of gender or status – [Link] • John 8: The woman caught in adultery – [Link] • Romans 12: Hate what is evil; cling to what is good – [Link] Join the Voxology crew in dismantling harmful clichés and finding a deeper, more faithful way forward in how we love, correct, and walk with one another—especially when it's complicated. Subscribe, share your questions, and be part of the community reshaping the modern church around the real Jesus. Leave us a review and follow Voxology Podcast on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. As always, we encourage and invite your feedback as we walk this journey together. Got thoughts or questions? Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube too: VOXOLOGY TV Check out our Merch Store: Etsy – VOXOLOGY Explore more from Voxology: voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Discover curated music at Voxology Radio on Spotify Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeErre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How the church responds to fear, especially in moments of national crisis, reveals a deeper truth about what we treasure. In this emotionally charged and challenging episode of the Exile Series, Mike Erre and Andy broach the tension between Jesus' command to love our neighbor and the evangelical fear complex that often dominates Western Christian discourse. Using the Syrian refugee crisis and the reaction following the Paris attacks as a backdrop, they ask: What does it really mean to follow Jesus in a world gripped by fear and self-preservation? Key Takeaways: • The Evangelical Fear Complex – How American Christianity's obsession with safety, comfort, and cultural dominion often undercuts the radical compassion Jesus calls us to. • Jesus as a Refugee – Revisiting the biblical narrative of Jesus fleeing persecution and why it matters, especially in light of refugee and immigration debates. • Treasuring the Right Things – A deep dive into the Sermon on the Mount and how anxiety reveals misplaced treasure. Jesus calls us to reform what we value in a world of moth, rust, and fear. • The Church's True Witness – Why the witness of the early church—serving sacrificially in times of plague and persecution—offers a powerful contrast to today's reactive fear posture. • Practical Faith vs. Performative Outrage – Mike and Andy explore how to move beyond social media posturing and into real-life hospitality, community building, and sacrificial love. Notable Quotes: • "Jesus isn't calling us to have peace because bad things won't happen—He calls us to have peace because we treasure things that can't be taken away." • "Our job isn't to be safe. Our job is to make Jesus beautiful in the world." • "The world doesn't need louder Christians. It needs more loving ones." Resources Mentioned: • Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 6 – Read it here • Letter from Kansas Clergy to Governor Sam Brownback – Expressing Christian opposition to refugee bans. • Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne – A provocative look at how Jesus transcends political allegiances. • The Early Church's Response to Plague – Eusebius & Bishop Dionysius – Historical examples of Christian sacrifice during epidemics. Join the conversation on what it means to follow Jesus without fear. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social to stay linked with the voices rethinking faith in a complex world. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How the way we embody our pro-life beliefs may betray the very heart of Jesus. Mike and Andy explore the recent Planned Parenthood shooting in Colorado Springs to reflect on the complex, heartbreaking intersections of faith, violence, and societal discourse. Through this lens, they examine how pro-life convictions must be consistent—valuing life not only at conception but also throughout every stage of human existence, regardless of nationality, race, or ideology. This episode takes on the hard and often polarizing conversation around abortion, politics, domestic terrorism, and the disconnect between pro-life rhetoric and action. Mike shares compelling non-biblical reasons why he holds a pro-life position, including feminist arguments and societal shortcomings, while ultimately pointing listeners to the radical compassion and subversive love modeled by Jesus. Key Takeaways: • A Consistently Pro-Life Ethic – Why Christians must not only oppose abortion but also oppose violence, racism, war, guns, and the death penalty if they claim to uphold a pro-life view. • Jesus's Challenge to Our Methods – How being "right" about an issue doesn't excuse un-Christlike behavior. Our methods matter just as much as our message. • The Role of Nonviolence in the Kingdom – Drawing from Jesus, Gandhi, and MLK, the episode explores how faithful nonviolence can be more powerful and disruptive than violent protest or rhetoric. • Protesting Violence Like Jesus Would – Why Christians must vocally denounce violent extremism—especially when committed by those who may share some of their beliefs—through a lens of justice and love. • What the Early Church Teaches Us – Drawing on early Christian practice of adopting abandoned Roman infants, Mike reminds the church that embodying better alternatives is more impactful than culture war rhetoric. Notable Quote: "If you're going to do Jesus's work, you have to do it Jesus's way." Resources Mentioned: • Mike's book – Subversive Kingdom • Voxology Podcast Back Episodes – voxologypodcast.com • Support the podcast – Patreon Help rethink what it means to be pro-life in a world crying out for compassion, justice, and integrity. Share your stories, ask questions, and engage the conversation: Email us: hello@voxpodcast.com Instagram: @voxologypodcast Facebook: Voxology Podcast YouTube: Voxology TV Merch Store: VOXOLOGY on Etsy Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeErre Music by Timothy John Stafford (Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy) Join us in the work of reimagining what it truly looks like to follow Jesus in today's world. Subscribe, leave a review, and help spread the message. 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