Voxology

Latest Episodes:

When God Didn't Cause It: Rethinking Tragedy, Birth Defects, and Scripture's Poetic Claims (Q&A Series #2) Nov 13, 2017

Show notes

How do we reconcile a loving God with the pain of birth defects, child loss, and perceived divine silence? This honest and moving Q&A episode tackles some of the most deeply personal and theologically challenging listener questions about suffering, scripture, and how God's will interacts with real-world tragedy. Mike and Andy explore whether Psalm 139 and Jeremiah 1 teach that God literally forms every child in the womb, and what that means for children born with trisomy 18 or Down syndrome. Offering empathy, biblical insight, and honest wrestling, they aim to create space for faith that allows for heartfelt mourning and hope beyond trauma.

They also respond to questions about the accessibility of Scripture for those without formal education, examine the role of biblical scholarship versus everyday spiritual understanding, and talk through how to sit beside fellow believers—whether LGBTQ+ or ideologically different—with humility, grace, and hospitality. From divine sovereignty to stigmatization in the church, this episode doesn't hold back.

Key Takeaways: • God Did Not Cause It – Unpacking a non-Calvinist theology of suffering that affirms God's goodness in a broken world without attributing tragedy to God's active will. • Poetry, Not Prescription – Psalm 139 and Jeremiah 1 offer deeply personal metaphors about God's knowledge of us, not literal step-by-step accounts of fetal development or divine intention of abnormalities. • Grieving Without Platitudes – A compassionate challenge to Christian clichés and a call to be honest with God, especially amid heartbreaking loss. • Scripture Is for Everyone – Encouragement that the Bible's message of grace is accessible to all, while recognizing the added richness that deeper study and scholarship can provide. • Sitting Beside Difference – Wrestling with how to love people we disagree with, whether they are white supremacists or LGBTQ+ Christians, and how the church's historic inconsistencies have contributed to present stigmas.

Resources Mentioned: • Previous Voxology episodes on suffering, evil, and God's will – VoxologyPodcast.com • Peter Enns – Works on interpreting difficult scripture and biblical complexity • "Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes" by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O'Brien • The story of the man born blind – John 9 • Matthew 20 – Parable of the Day Laborers

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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.

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Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Why Labels Fail: Church Clarity, LGBTQ Inclusion, and the Limits of Binary Thinking in Faith Communities Nov 06, 2017

Show notes

How ChurchClarity.org is sparking a deeper conversation about transparency, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and the theological complexities facing modern American churches. Mike Erre and Andy dissect the origins and intentions of the platform while offering thoughtful critiques around its methodology, impact, and assumptions. Addressing the polarizing affirming/non-affirming binary, this episode navigates the messy tension between the demand for clarity and the pursuit of faithful community centered on Jesus. With guest insights from progressive Christians and celibate gay believers, Mike and Andy reflect on the costs, contradictions, and consequences of forced doctrinal stances in the digital age.

Key Takeaways: • The Mission of ChurchClarity.org – Exploring the site's goal to rate churches based on their LGBTQ+ policies and how clearly they're stated online. • Critiques from Across the Spectrum – Why progressive allies, gay celibate Christians, and even pastors question Church Clarity's labeling system. • The Cost of Binary Categorization – How terms like "affirming" and "non-affirming," along with color-coded scores, oversimplify complex theological and pastoral realities. • Center-Set Community vs. Boundary Marking – Why Vox refuses to take an official "stance" on LGBTQ inclusion and instead invites people from all perspectives to the same table. • Can True Safety Be Assured? – Wrestling with the illusion of safety in online classifications versus the lived experiences of hospitality and harm in real church communities.

Resources Mentioned: • ChurchClarity.org – https://www.churchclarity.org • RNS Article by Barbara Wheeler – Progressive critique of Church Clarity's effectiveness • Nashville Statement – https://cbmw.org/nashville-statement/ • Preston Sprinkle – https://twitter.com/PrestonSprinkle • 1 Corinthians 9:19–23 – Paul's posture of becoming all things to all people for the sake of the gospel

Join the conversation as we explore how the church can move beyond rigid categories to embody the radical hospitality of Jesus. Subscribe to Voxology, leave a review, and follow us on social media for more discussions that hold space for tension, faith, and transformation.

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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.

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Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

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Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

The Art of Winsome Persuasion: Engaging Culture as a Christian Counterpublic - w/ Tim Muehlhoff Oct 30, 2017

Show notes

How can Christians effectively reengage today's divided public square with truth and love, especially when labeled as "fanatics" or shut out of mainstream conversation? Communication expert and Biola professor Tim Muehlhoff joins Mike and Andy to explore practical tools and postures for reclaiming the church's voice through compassion, credibility, and cognitive complexity. Drawing from his latest book, Winsome Persuasion, Tim shares how Christians can act as a "counterpublic"—a minority voice that influences culture—not by rage or retreat, but through relationship, neighborly love, and civil dialogue.

Key Takeaways: • What Is a Counterpublic? – Understanding the church's cultural shift from majority to minority voice and how this posture reshapes engagement. • Cognitive Complexity in Practice – Learning to see people and events through a multi-layered lens that goes beyond simplistic labels and judgments. • Winsome Communication Tactics – How Christians can avoid the "argument culture," instead cultivating conversations marked by empathy and humility. • Prophetic vs. Persuasive Voices – When to speak plainly with truth and when to engage others gently through understanding and relational equity. • Loose Connections and Civic Partnerships – Why churches should collaborate with unlikely allies on shared social concerns and community initiatives.

Guest Highlights: Tim Muehlhoff – Author, tenured professor at Biola University, and passionate communicator about faith, culture, and compassion. Tim's insights from Winsome Persuasion and his own life experiences (tenure jokes, martial arts metaphors, and Detroit Tigers games included) bring both depth and laughter to vital conversations.

Resources Mentioned: • Winsome Persuasion by Tim Muehlhoff and Rick Langer – IVP Book Link • The Art of Relationships Podcast – Biola CMR Podcast • Talking to People Who Hate Me – Podcast about humanizing hostile disagreement. • Book: The Benedict Option by Rod Dreher • Francis Schaeffer's Writings – Reflection on America's cultural shifts • Other Books: "I Beg to Differ" by Tim Muehlhoff

Let's reimagine how we speak into a noisy world with clarity, grace, and compassion. Subscribe to the Voxology Podcast, leave a review, and follow along on socials to join our mission of rediscovering Jesus's voice for today's culture.

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

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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 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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Reclaiming the Power of Words, Identity, and Intimacy in a Hypersexualized Culture - w/ Tim Muehlhoff (Sex, Love, and God Series) Oct 23, 2017

Show notes

How the Book of Song of Solomon redefines intimacy, communication, and self-worth in the noise of a synthetic, sex-saturated culture. In this honest and wide-ranging conversation, Tim and Noreen Muehlhoff draw from 17 years of teaching at Family Life Marriage Conferences to unpack how biblical wisdom radically challenges cultural narratives around sex, self-esteem, and relationships. Through a deep dive into Song of Solomon chapters 5 and 7, they explore how words shape not just our relationships with others, but our very identities—and how that truth can restore intimacy and security in marriage.

Key Takeaways: • The Spoken Word as Sacred Power – In an age of endless tweets, texts, and reels, the biblical perspective insists that every word has eternal significance. "Reckless words," Proverbs warns, "can break bones." • Unrealistic Cultural Expectations – From romance movies to diet culture, today's media constantly distorts our understanding of beauty, value, and love—leaving many, especially women, wrestling with shame and inadequacy. • A Common Sexual Illiteracy – Most adults weren't given healthy narratives or tools for talking about sex. As Tim humorously admits, "Everything I learned about sex came from the high school football team and pornography." • Song of Solomon's Countercultural Beauty – Both the male and female voices in Song of Solomon affirm each other's beauty, not through comparison, but through cherishing language, dignity, and shared companionship—offering a radically liberating vision of sexuality. • Self-Esteem and the Michelangelo Effect – You shape your partner. "You get the spouse you deserve—because you create them." Speaking consistent, personal, life-giving truth to your spouse can literally sculpt their self-image over time.

Guest Highlights: Tim and Noreen Muehlhoff – Marriage educators with Family Life and Bible professors at Biola University. Their dynamic, honest teaching unpacks cultural scripts, biblical truth, and the vulnerability of authentic communication in marriage.

Resources Mentioned: • FamilyLife Marriage Conferences – familylife.com • Song of Solomon Chapters 5 and 7 – Bible Gateway • "Love Life" by Ed Wheat – Amazon Link • "Sheet Music" by Dr. Kevin Leman – Amazon Link • Dove Campaign for Real Beauty / Evolution Video – YouTube • Simply Romantic Nights – familylife.com Resource • John Gottman's work on marriage and communication – gottman.com • Dennis Rainey's parenting resources – familylife.com • "Hooked" by Joe S. McIlhaney Jr. and Freda McKissic Bush – Amazon Link

Join the conversation and let's rethink how we talk about love, sex, and identity in a way shaped by grace, wisdom, and the beauty of God's design. If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to the Voxology Podcast, leave us a review, and follow along on social media.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV

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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 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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

LIVE - Wrestling with God, Evil, and Shaken Faith: Honest Questions in a Broken World Oct 16, 2017

Show notes

How does God relate to the hard things in life—tragedy, suffering, anxiety, and injustice? In a raw, unscripted live Q&A from Ohio before heading off to speak at a Campus Crusade retreat, Mike Erre opens up the floor to deep and personal listener questions. Exploring Psalm 55 and themes of divine goodness, human suffering, and theological wrestling, this episode dives into the tension between being told to "cast your cares on the Lord" and still experiencing life's darkest seasons.

Mike reflects on his own struggles with anxiety, updates listeners on the Vox community's transition to Ohio, and speaks pointedly about Christian complicity in the political climate—particularly in response to questions about the Trump administration's moral failures. He passionately challenges deterministic views of God's sovereignty and affirms the scriptural witness of a God radically opposed to evil, deeply involved in human healing, and consistently working for redemption even amidst incomprehensible pain.

Key Takeaways: • Understanding "Shaken" in Psalm 55 – Why we may feel unstable even when God promises stability, and how the verse offers assurance in terms of ultimate identity and rescue, not emotional certainty. • Does God Cause Suffering? – A biblical case for the presence of other wills (human and demonic) in the world, and why Jesus never attributes tragedy or harm to God's direct orchestration. • Jesus vs. Political Powers – How Jesus' subversive confrontation with religious and political elites informs how we should engage injustice today without allying with or retreating from politics entirely. • The Church's Role in Divided Times – How the church must lead with hospitality, prophetic critique, and self-examination rather than petty division, especially in a polarized cultural and political landscape. • Life After Ministry Move – Updates on family, Mike's mom, the Vox community in SoCal and Ohio, and navigating anxiety after a radical transition.

Resources Mentioned: • Psalm 55:22 – "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you." • Romans 8:28 – A text often used (and misused) when talking about God's purposes through suffering • Parable of the Wheat and Tares (Matthew 13) – On the reality of a spiritual enemy intertwined within the world • Past Vox Episodes on Suffering, Evil, and Politics – Check the Archive • Live Q&A Moments – Join future sessions on YouTube or social media

Be part of building a real, honest, and compassionate Christian community. Subscribe, share, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. And don't forget to follow us on social media to keep the conversation going.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford – Website | 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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

When Is Divorce a Sin? A Biblical Theology of Marriage, Separation, and Covenant (Embarrassed By the Bible Series) Oct 16, 2017

Show notes

How a first-century Jewish debate reshapes our understanding of Jesus' teachings on divorce, remarriage, and covenant love. Mike and Andy dive deep into one of the most misunderstood and misused verses in the Bible as part of their ongoing "Embarrassed By the Bible" Series. Taking on Jesus' statement that anyone who divorces and remarries commits adultery, they explore the cultural, theological, and pastoral layers beneath a question that is both deeply personal and widely debated: "Is divorce a sin?"

Drawing heavily on the scholarship of David Instone-Brewer, Mike walks through the historical divorce conversations among the Pharisees, unpacking the nuances of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 19, and how it contrasts with modern readings. This episode offers a compassionate and nuanced look at what biblical grounds for divorce actually are—and how a covenantal theology of marriage goes far beyond contractual rules and consumer expectations.

Key Takeaways: • Grounds for Divorce in the Ancient World – Infertility, neglect, abuse, and sexual immorality were understood differently in Jesus' day, and modern debates often flatten that complexity. • Jesus in Context – Understanding Jesus' famous teaching through the lens of two competing Pharisaical schools, Hillel and Shammai, offers insight into his rejection of the then-popular "any cause" divorce. • Covenant vs. Contract – How reframing marriage as a covenant rather than a contract reshapes pastoral care for broken relationships. • God's Own Divorce – The powerful metaphor of Israel's unfaithfulness and God's response in Jeremiah 3 shines light on both the holiness of marriage and God's heartbreak in its breakdown. • Beyond Legalism – Why asking "Is this a sin?" may not be the most faithful or helpful question in navigating relational pain.

Resources Mentioned: • David Instone-Brewer – Divorce and Remarriage in the Church [https://www.amazon.com/Divorce-Remarriage-Church-Biblical-Solutions/dp/0830833747] • Matthew 19 – Jesus' fullest teaching on divorce • Jeremiah 3, Ezekiel 16, Deuteronomy 24 – Key Old Testament passages informing divorce theology • Vox Episode "The Myth of the Soulmate" – A companion reflection on covenant and consumerism • VOXResources – Reach out to hello@voxpodcast.com for a list of pastoral or counseling referrals

Join the conversation and explore what faithfulness looks like when relationships unravel. Subscribe to the Voxology Podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social to stay in the loop!

As always, we encourage and deeply value your questions and reflections. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or connect through Facebook and Instagram.

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Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music 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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Sex, Redemption, and the Soul: Reclaiming God's Vision for Intimacy (Sex, Love, and God Series) Oct 09, 2017

Show notes

How the biblical framework for sexuality challenges cultural norms, overcomes shame, and invites every person—regardless of past or orientation—into healed, holy intimacy. In part 3 of the Song of Songs Series, Mike dives deep into the theology of sex, identity, and one-flesh unity through the poetic lens of Song of Songs chapter 4 and powerful insights from Genesis, Corinthians, and modern neuroscience.

You'll hear an unflinching yet grace-filled conversation around sex, the LGBTQ+ community, church hypocrisy, and what the Bible actually teaches about the soul-deep power of sexuality. With honesty, humor, and compassion, Mike and the Vox community explore how the church can become a place of healing—not shame—when it comes to our most vulnerable expressions of love and longing.

Key Takeaways: • Jesus-Centered Sexual Ethics – Understanding Scripture's vision for sex as "one flesh" union rooted in covenant, not shame or control. • Four Lenses on LGBTQ+ Issues – How to hold grace and truth simultaneously as a disciple, a reconciler, a pastor, and a citizen. • The Romance and Redemption of Godly Sex – Song of Songs reveals sex as romantic, gentle, joyful, and soul-affirming—fully endorsed by God within covenant. • Science Confirms Spiritual Truths – How modern neurochemistry reveals the soul-deep bonding power of sex, echoing the Bible's call to wisdom. • No Place for Hierarchies of Sin – Calling out the American church's inconsistency in applying biblical ethics, especially around greed, injustice, and divorce. • Grace for the Journey – Whether struggling with porn, past brokenness, or relational failure, Jesus offers healing, hope, and redemption.

Notable Quote: "Sex isn't just physical—it's soulish. And when it's pulled out of covenant, it has the power to 'bond and rip' to the point of harming our ability to connect. But no one is beyond restoration in the hands of Jesus."

Resources Mentioned: • Genesis 1–2 & 5 – The creation of male and female in God's image • Song of Songs 4 – The romantic pursuit and celebration of love • 1 Corinthians 6 & 7 – Paul's teaching on one-flesh union and sexuality • "Hooked" by Joe S. McIlhaney & Freda McKissic Bush – Scientific look at sex and bonding • Joel 2:25 – God's promise to restore what the locusts have devoured • Dallas Willard's Teachings – On joyful resistance and spiritual formation

Be sure to join us next week with Tim and Noreen Muehlhoff for a deeper look into relationships and healthy communication. Then, bring your questions the following Sunday for a full Q&A night, and don't miss our special Healing Service wrapping this series on sexuality and Song of Songs.

As always, we would love dialogue as we pursue truth together. Reach out with thoughts or questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and join the real-time conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Shop our Merch: Etsy Store Learn more about us at voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon Tune in to our curated music on Voxology Radio – Spotify

Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Don't forget to subscribe, review, and share the Voxology Podcast to continue reimagining what it means to passionately follow Jesus today.

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

What's Wrong With Religion?: Reclaiming Identity from Fear, Control, and Missionalism - w/ Skye Jethani Oct 02, 2017

Show notes

How the fear-fueled foundations of religion lead us away from the radical freedom and hope Jesus offers. Mike Erre and Andy sit down for a compelling conversation with author, podcaster, and former Christianity Today editor Skye Jethani to explore the core message behind his book, What's Wrong With Religion, and to reflect on how the American church's pursuit of cultural power has distorted the gospel.

This lively episode journeys through evangelicalism's obsession with relevance, the illusion of control through religion and politics, and the subtle idolatries of "celebrity Christianity" and mission without intimacy with Jesus. From deconstructing megachurch culture to reimagining what it means to live free in a "God-bathed world," this is an essential listen for anyone disillusioned with the church but captivated by Jesus.

Key Takeaways: • Fear as the Foundation of Religion – Religion often arises as a human attempt to control an uncontrollable, fearful world—ultimately making life even more dangerous by replacing fear of the world with fear of God. • The Trap of "Missionalism" – When being on mission for God becomes more important than knowing God, we lose sight of our true identity and worth. • Celebrity, Cultural Relevance, and Megachurch Decline – Why the personality-driven model of the megachurch isn't sustainable, and how generational shifts in trust toward institutions are reshaping the future of the church. • Evangelicals and Politics – A sobering look at the global and local fallout of white evangelical political alliances, especially post-2016. • The World Is Safe in God – Drawing from Dallas Willard and the Sermon on the Mount, Skye offers a vision of the world where we can truly live without fear, embracing our identity as deeply loved children of God rather than religious performers.

Guest Highlights: Skye Jethani – Author of What's Wrong With Religion, co-host of the Holy Post Podcast, former Christianity Today editor, and a thought leader critiquing the toxic marriage of evangelicalism, consumerism, and celebrity. Skye challenges us to move beyond fear-based faith and toward rootedness in Christ.

Resources Mentioned: • What's Wrong With Religion by Skye Jethani – Available here • The Holy Post Podcast – Skye's show with Phil Vischer • The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard – influencing the idea that "the world is a perfectly safe place for us to be" • Movie Proposal Podcast – Skye's movie review show • Resident Aliens by Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon • Sky Jethani's Site and Articles – skyejethani.com

Discover how freedom from fear leads to a more authentic relationship with God and others. Subscribe, leave us a review, and follow Voxology Podcast to stay part of this ongoing conversation on faith, culture, and Jesus's radical call to love.

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 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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

The True Purpose of Marriage: Covenant, Brokenness, and Redemption (Sex, Love, and God Series) Sep 25, 2017

Show notes

How does our modern understanding of marriage diverge from its biblical foundation, and what does it mean to live in covenant rather than comfort? Continuing with the Song of Songs Series, Mike Erre unpacks the theological and spiritual weight behind the concept of marriage as a holy covenant—one that reflects the gospel itself. With warmth, vulnerability, and humor, he explores the Old and New Testament framework for marriage, diving deep into Genesis, Exodus, Ephesians, and Revelation to illuminate how our relationships mirror God's redemptive relationship with His people.

Mike is joined by Jim and Roe Dodgin, a couple whose personal journey through sexual brokenness, addiction, healing, and street-level ministry powerfully illustrates how God can redeem even the most shame-filled parts of our stories for a greater mission. Their testimony sets the tone for an evening focused on grace, truth, and honest reflection about sex, sin, singleness, and sacred unions.

Key Takeaways: • Marriage as Covenant, Not Contract – Why biblical marriage is about self-giving faithfulness, not mutual convenience or self-fulfillment. • The Bible's Marital Imagery – Exploring how God's relationship with Israel and the Church is framed as a marriage across Scripture—from Genesis and Exodus to Ephesians and Revelation. • Redeemed by Grace – No one is too broken or too far gone; God's grace transforms sin into mission, and brokenness into healing. • Sexuality and Holiness – Why God addresses human sexuality through theological beauty and not shame, and how the "one flesh" union points to a deeper spiritual truth. • Real Talk on Modern Marriages – Addressing infidelity, pornography, abuse, and spiritual mismatches between spouses through the lens of grace and covenantal love.

Guest Highlights: Jim and Roe Dodgin – Longtime members of Vox community, they share their extraordinary testimony of overcoming pornography addiction and shame, and how God used their healing process to start ministries for the homeless and women coming out of the sex industry.

Resources Mentioned: • Song of Songs 3 – Read Here • Genesis 2, Exodus 6 & 19, Ephesians 5, Revelation 21 – Key passages highlighting marriage in Scripture. • Treasures – A ministry serving women exiting the sex industry: iamatreasure.com • Vox Care Team – Trained counselors and prayer warriors available after every gathering.

This is a must-listen if you're married, single, divorced, or simply rethinking what love, covenant, and community look like in light of the gospel.

Join the dialogue by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with someone who needs encouragement. Follow us on social media and be a part of the Voxology community online.

Are you wrestling with questions around marriage, sexuality, or identity? We'd love to hear from you. Email hello@voxpodcast.com to join the conversation.

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 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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Loving Before Truth-Telling: A Pastoral Response to the Nashville Statement (Sex Love God Series #5) Sep 18, 2017

Show notes

What does true Christian love look like in our conversation around LGBTQ+ inclusion and theology? Continuing the "Sex Love God" Series, Mike Erre takes a heartfelt and theologically grounded look at the Nashville Statement, critiquing not only its theological assertions but more importantly its failure as a pastoral document. This episode serves as a call to embody a covenantal love rooted in commitment, presence, advocacy, and transformation—before truth is ever spoken.

Drawing heavily from scripture and inspired by theologian Scot McKnight's framework for covenantal love, Mike offers his own "Suburban Columbus Statement" in response, encouraging the church to lead with love that is felt, embodied, and transformative. The result is a challenging reflection for anyone who cares about how the church engages with LGBTQ+ individuals and with the broader culture.

Key Takeaways: • Loving Before Toward-ing – Why declaring "the truth" without showing up in love and relationship first is often perceived as coercion, not compassion. • Covenant Over Contract – Exploring God's love as covenantal: a commitment to be with, for, and toward another, regardless of response. • The Problem with the Nashville Statement – Mike argues that its failure is not primarily theological, but pastoral—it lacks empathy, presence, and humility. • Love as Action – Unpacking scripture to highlight that love is not just doctrinal correctness or affection, but lived-out commitment. • Grace Before Truth – The biblical pattern of Jesus' ministry shows truth follows grace, not the reverse.

Resources Mentioned: • Scot McKnight – A Fellowship of Differents • Scripture References: Matthew 22, Luke 6, Romans 13, Galatians 5, 1 Corinthians 13, Colossians 3, 1 John 4, Romans 8, 2 Corinthians 3 • The Nashville Statement – CBMW.org/Nashville-Statement • Voxology's "Sex Love God" Series Archive – VoxologyPodcast.com

Let's be a church known more for covenantal love than ideological declarations. Subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us on social to continue the conversation around a more faithful and loving representation 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

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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 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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy