Voxology

Latest Episodes:

How to Vote Like Jesus in a Divided America - LIVE Show Oct 31, 2016

Show notes

How can Christians approach elections without compromising the way of Jesus? Live from Villain Studios, Mike Erre and Andy unpack how Jesus invites his followers to engage politically—not as loyalists to political platforms, but as citizens of a radically different kingdom. In this fifth installment of the "Jesus & Politics" series, they challenge the fusion of faith and nationalism, explore how kingdom allegiance transcends party lines, and ask the tough question: what if how we carry ourselves after an election matters more than how we vote?

Listeners will walk away with a renewed vision of what faithful political engagement can look like in a polarized age—one rooted not in fear, but in love, humility, and the cruciform example of Jesus.

Key Takeaways: • Distinguishing Between Faith and Political Platforms – Why pairing Jesus with a party diminishes the power of the gospel and alienates those outside the church. • How You Vote vs. How You Live – Why showing up November 8 isn't as important as how you embody kingdom values all year long. • Political Idolatry in the American Church – How evangelical Christianity has obscured the beauty of Jesus by anointing political candidates as messiahs. • Reimagining the Church as a Post-Election Witness – What it means to take communion with people who voted differently and embody unity above partisanship. • Understanding Different Views on Church-State Relations – Exploring four theological perspectives that shape how Christians engage with politics and government.

Resources Mentioned: • "Jesus for President" by Shane Claiborne – A resource on rethinking political discipleship. • "Romans 13" – Insight into the biblical role of government and civil obedience. • Scott Sauls, Sky Jethani, and Alan Kreider – Authors and theologians referenced for their work on the church, politics, and peacemaking. • Revelation as Subversive Literature – A fresh reading of Revelation that challenges empire and nationalism. • Book of Matthew – Teachings like "love your enemies" as political acts.

Don't miss this compelling conversation about navigating the chaos of American elections while staying anchored in the example of Jesus. Subscribe to stay tuned for the next installment in the Jesus & Politics series, leave a review to support thoughtful dialogue, and follow Voxology on social media for more content and community.

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

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

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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

Mental Illness, Honest Faith, and Deconstructing Legalism - w/ Joey Svendsen Oct 24, 2016

Show notes

How honest is too honest when it comes to faith, mental illness, and ministry? In this revealing conversation, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford sit down with Joey Svenson—pastor, podcaster (Bad Christian, Pastor With No Answers), and author of the raw and unflinching memoir "Fundamentalist"—to explore how extreme fundamentalism and OCD collided in his early faith journey, how he found healing, and why he believes radical vulnerability is essential to authentic Christianity.

Mike and Tim reflect on their own experiences with mental health, church trauma, and spiritual deconstruction, sharing laughs, cringes, and powerful insights as Joey opens up about his struggles and hopes for the church.

This is a permission-granting episode—for those wrestling with faith or mental health, for those bearing secrets under the pressure to perform holiness, and for anyone hungering for a church that welcomes honest questions and raw humanity.

Key Takeaways: • Mental Illness in the Church – Joey unpacks his journey with OCD and anxiety in the context of rigid, legalistic doctrine that turned prayer into a panic-inducing obligation. • The Cost of Pretending – Why the performance of "clean and holy" leadership does spiritual harm and how honesty about struggle builds real community and healing. • Parenting with Permission – How Joey's evolving faith has reshaped his approach to parenting, focusing on humility, honesty, and theological curiosity. • The Role of Vulnerability in Public Ministry – Why Joey chooses transparency—even when it could cost him—and how his church leadership surprisingly embraced it. • Disrupting the Christian Status Quo – How Joey's podcasts and book challenge evangelical norms while creating safe spaces for those wounded by the system.

Guest Highlight: Joey Svenson – Co-host of Bad Christian and Pastor With No Answers, Joey brings humor, grit, and honesty as he shares his personal experience of wrestling with mental illness, fundamentalism, and ministry expectations—all laid bare in his bold new book.

Resources Mentioned: • Joey Svenson's Book – Fundamentalist – A brutally honest memoir about OCD, fundamentalism, and faith. Preorder now at fundamentalistpastor.com • Bad Christian Podcast – badchristian.com • Pastor With No Answers Podcast – pwnapodcast.com • BC Words Publishing – DIY publishing platform for disruptive voices in Christian spaces

Join the conversation with us as we challenge the norms, share our stories, and rediscover Jesus in places we least expect. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast to continue the journey.

As always, we encourage and welcome discussion. Email your thoughts to hello@voxpodcast.com and engage with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Catch more content on VOXOLOGY TV on YouTube. Grab some Vox merch at our ETSY STORE. Discover more at voxologypodcast.com. Subscribe via iTunes or Spotify. Support us on Patreon. Stream music and more at Voxology Radio on Spotify. Follow on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and like us on Facebook. Follow Mike on Twitter: twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford (@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

Why I'm Still Here: Reimagining Church, Belonging, and Brokenness - w/ Izzy Ray (Why We're Leaving the Church Series, Part 3) Oct 14, 2016

Show notes

How the church can still be a place of healing, transformation, and deep belonging—even when it's broken. Part three of the "Why We're Leaving the Church" series dives deep into personal stories across generations, offering a raw and hopeful conversation on why many still choose to stay, participate, and even lead within the church despite its failures and contradictions.

Mike Erre, Andy, and Izzy reflect on the struggles, disappointments, and transformative beauty of church life. From hypocritical leadership and personal trauma to unexpected healing through meaningful community, this episode explores how reimagining our expectations of church can lead to renewed engagement rather than abandonment.

Key Takeaways: • Reframing Church Beyond Institutions – Following Jesus means belonging to his body, even if we walk away from institutional expressions of church. • The Healing Power of Authentic Community – Izzy shares her journey from spiritual burnout to renewed faith through genuine relationships and shared vulnerability. • Corporate Worship as Resistance and Formation – Worshiping together with diverse people disrupts individualism and reminds us we're not at the center of the story. • Admitting Complicity and Staying Present – Mike discusses how recognizing his own role in perpetuating unhealthy church patterns keeps him humble and committed to transformation from within. • Ordinary Faithfulness Over Flash and Production – The path forward isn't about escaping discomfort or imperfection but choosing depth, presence, and the messy, transformative work of relational community.

Guest Highlights: • Izzy – A worship leader in her twenties who vulnerably shares her painful church experience and the surprising reasons she stays—including relational healing, meaningful worship, and the beautiful weirdness of spiritual family. • Andy – Unpacks his own journey out of and back into church life and the spiritual discipline of staying engaged in community despite disillusionment.

Resources Mentioned: • Why People Are Leaving the Church (Article Series) • Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller • 1 Corinthians (Letter by Paul) – Specifically Paul's critique of the Corinthian church, reminding us the early church was messy too. • Ivan Illich Quote – "If you want to change society, then you must tell an alternative story."

Share your story with us—why have you stayed? What keeps you coming back to the body of Christ? Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com.

Let's reimagine together what it means to be the church.

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social to join the journey.

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Learn more and listen to more episodes at Voxology Podcast

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Follow on Instagram: @voxologypodcast 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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Forgiveness, Freedom, and the Myth of "Forgive and Forget" Oct 14, 2016

Show notes

How forgiveness transforms, heals, and awakens us to the radical grace of Jesus—even when reconciliation seems impossible. In this milestone 50th episode, Mike and Andy reflect on the podcast's evolution, exciting upcoming changes, and dive into one of the most nuanced and powerful teachings of Jesus: forgiveness.

Whether you've been wounded by the church, suffered spiritual trauma, or wrestled with resentment, this conversation offers a deeply honest look at what forgiveness is—and what it isn't. Through personal stories, unpacked theology, and quotes from RT Kendall's "Total Forgiveness," Mike and Andy examine why forgiveness isn't about glossing over pain or forgetting offenses, but about yielding our right to vengeance and finding healing through honest confrontation and grace.

Key Takeaways: • Forgiveness is personal, not institutional – You can't forgive "the church" as a vague entity; real forgiveness requires naming the individuals who caused harm. • Dispelling the "forgive and forget" myth – True forgiveness does not require forgetting; it requires remembering rightly and responding with grace and boundaries. • Forgiveness ≠ Reconciliation – Forgiveness can happen without reconciliation, especially when the other party is unsafe, unavailable, or unwilling to participate. • The spiritual roots of bitterness – Holding on to resentment impacts not just our relationships but our connection to God and self. • Practical pathways to forgiveness – From praying for God's blessing over the one who hurt you to small internal shifts like saying their name without anger, forgiveness is often a quiet, powerful process. • Forgiving God and Self – Wrestling with our own anger toward God or ourselves is part of learning to trust and release, even when answers never come.

Guest Highlights: None this episode—but keep an ear out for Episode 51, featuring Joey Svensson from Bad Christian and The Pastor With No Answers podcasts.

Resources Mentioned: • RT Kendall – "Total Forgiveness" • Matthew 18 – Jesus' parable of the unmerciful servant • The Lord's Prayer – Matthew 6:12 • Subversive Kingdom Archive – formerly subversivekingdom.com (now forwarding to the new Vox website!)

This episode also includes some big announcements: • The podcast is officially transitioning away from SubversiveKingdom.com to VoxPodcast.com. • You can now listen via SoundCloud and subscribe directly through RSS. • Support options and recurring contributions are coming soon—stay tuned!

Join the global Vox family in embodying Jesus' subversive grace. If this conversation sparked something in you—or you have your own story of forgiveness—reach out. We'd love to hear from you.

Subscribe, leave a review, and follow @voxologypodcast on social to continue the journey.

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Email feedback or questions to hello@voxpodcast.com Subscribe via iTunes or Spotify Subscribe directly on SoundCloud Visit the new website: voxpodcast.com And check out Vox Community teaching podcast at voxoc.com

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Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Grace and peace to you—see you soon for Season 2!

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

Why the Church Feels Unloving: Rethinking Our Witness, Battles, and Belonging (Why We're Leaving the Church Series, Part 2) Oct 03, 2016

Show notes

How the church has lost its witness by prioritizing culture wars, misrepresenting love, and failing to embody the radical, self-giving love of Jesus — and why it matters. In this honest and provocative conversation, Mike Erre, Andy, and Izzy Ray dive deep into the next two points from the widely shared blog post "Dear Church, Here's Why People Are Leaving You," exploring the disconnect between the Church's messaging and Jesus' own heart for people. This is Part 2 of the "Dear Church" series.

Whether it's choosing the wrong battles or wielding a love that doesn't feel like love, today's church often alienates the very people it's called to embrace. Through personal stories, scriptural reflection, and candid critique, the team wrestles with the call to embody agape love — a love that costs, sacrifices, and welcomes.

Key Takeaways: • Choosing Better Battles – Why the Church often fights for trivial causes while staying silent on poverty, racism, and injustice — and how that undermines its mission. • Love as a Transformative Force – Redefining love as a costly, self-sacrificial act rooted in Jesus' example, not superficial niceness or moral correctness. • The Evangelism vs. Justice Divide – How our inherited Christianity has wrongly separated "saving souls" from addressing structural injustice, and why that needs to change. • The Church and the Margins – Recognizing that Jesus does His best work from the margins, not the center of power and influence — and why embracing marginalization may be crucial to rediscovering the Church's purpose. • Restoring Witness through Authenticity – How building real, honest, committed relationships — even with those who disagree — revives the credibility of our faith and witness.

Resources Mentioned: • James 1:27 – "Pure religion" as caring for widows and orphans. • Dallas Willard – Teachings on joyful noncompliance and spiritual formation. • Ray Vander Laan – Cultural background of the Gospels. • Toxic Charity by Robert D. Lupton – A critique of unhelpful generosity. • When Helping Hurts by Brian Fikkert and Steve Corbett – How well-meaning aid can backfire. • The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken – Stories from the persecuted global church. • John 3:16 – A deeper reflection on divine love and mission. • Luke 6:27-36 – Jesus' call to love enemies and embody mercy.

Join hosts Mike, Andy, and Izzy for a striking look at how the Church must return to love, humility, and justice to truly reflect the heart of Jesus in a hurting world.

Call to Action: Help spread this conversation by subscribing, reviewing, and sharing the Voxology Podcast. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with the latest — and if any reflections or stories resonate with you, we'd love to hear from you.

As always, listener feedback is deeply valued. Send your thoughts and questions to hello@voxpodcast.com or connect with us on social platforms.

We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV

Our Merch Store: ETSY

Learn more at voxologypodcast.com

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support us on Patreon

Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre

Music by Timothy John Stafford & featured music by Izzy Ray – izziray.com

Instagram & Twitter: @voxologypodcast | @GoneTimothy | @izziray

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

Why Millennials Are Leaving and Loving the Church: A Raw Conversation on Authenticity and Weakness (Why We're Leaving the Church Series, Part 1) Sep 20, 2016

Show notes

How can the church reclaim its prophetic voice and connect deeply in a generation disillusioned by performance, image, and control? That's the question Mike Erre, Andy, and special guest Izzy Ray tackle in this candid and heartfelt conversation. Prompted by John Pavlovitz's article "Dear Church, Here's Why People Are Really Leaving You," the trio explores what it means to be authentic in ecclesial spaces, challenge the production model of church gatherings, and create communities that honor real brokenness, humility, and beauty.

This isn't a church-bashing episode—it's a love letter to the mission of Jesus and an invitation to witness how weakness might actually be the church's superpower.

Key Takeaways: • Rejection of Performance-Based Church – Why young adults, like Izzy, are exhausted by overproduced experiences and long for authenticity instead of scripted perfection. • The Loss of Mystery – How rigid control and stage-managed services strip away the wonder and spirit-led surprise that gathering in Jesus's name should embody. • Weakness as Qualification – Revisiting Paul's declaration that "power is made perfect in weakness," and why church leaders may actually be most qualified to lead when limping. • Burnout in the Pulpit – The systemic failure of celebrity leadership models, why burnout is common, and what rest and restoration should actually look like. • Language That Connects – Replacing insider churchy language with meaningful, plain communication that resonates with real-life people. • Beyond the Building – Challenging the "come and consume" model of church and reimagining church gatherings as platforms for love, justice, and community outside the walls.

Guest Highlight: Izzy Ray – Worship artist, pastor, and Vox community member representing the generational voice of an authentic hunger for Jesus. Izzy opens up about her lived experience with church culture, what she longs for in Christian gatherings, and why vulnerability and mystery matter more than polish and hype.

Resources Mentioned: • Article: "Dear Church, Here's Why People Are Really Leaving You" by John Pavlovitz – johnpavlovitz.com • Book: Power, Weakness, and the Tabernacling of God by Marva J. Dawn – [Link] • Podcast: Vox Community podcast (for teachings + scripture series) – Vox Community on iTunes • Izzy Ray music – izzyray.com

Join us as we embrace the beauty of the messy middle, where Jesus shows up not in sameness, but in brokenness, realness, and hope. Got thoughts or your own story about leaving or staying in church? Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com – we want to hear from you!

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help us keep reimagining Jesus's mission together.

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Music by Timothy John Stafford (also @GoneTimothy) and guest artist Izzy Ray

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

Rethinking "Render Unto Caesar": Identity, Allegiance, and the Kingdom of God (Jesus and Politics Series) Sep 14, 2016

Show notes

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 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 Earth: Mike Erre Doesn't Believe in the Rapture (Jesus and Politics Series) Sep 14, 2016

Show notes

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

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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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Jesus, the Old Testament, and the Struggle for Moral Clarity - Seismic Mike Responds to Godless Part 1 Sep 14, 2016

Show notes

Can a non-affirming Christian hold space for LGBTQ+ voices with humility and grace? Can thoughtful atheism provoke deeper faith? Mike and Andy reflect on powerful listener feedback—one from a 20-year-old gay Christian named Jeremy, and another from "Godless," an atheist guest host—and begin a deep dive into the critiques both raised about the Bible, theology, and the church's engagement with real people.

Through Jeremy's compelling and vulnerable email, the conversation explores the complexities of same-sex attraction, love, repentance, and the experience of God's presence even when clarity doesn't come. Their exchange reveals a profound ability to disagree while honoring the faith journey of another human being. Then, responding to "Godless," Mike begins to unpack why he still finds belief in God intellectually, historically, and existentially plausible—even in light of some of the Bible's most difficult passages.

This two-part reflection asks: What's the better explanation for morality, consciousness, beauty, and meaning—God or chance? And does Jesus, who proclaimed he fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, actually challenge the interpretive misuses of the Old Testament in revolutionary ways?

Key Takeaways: • Listening with Humility – Why Mike and Andy gave Jeremy the last word in their conversation on affirming vs. non-affirming theology, and what thoughtful disagreement looks like. • A Complex Faith Journey – Jeremy's story highlights how trauma, love, and the Holy Spirit can reshape assumptions about what it means to follow Jesus as a gay Christian. • Maintaining Theological Tension – The Vox team emphasizes that positions on sexuality are deeply nuanced and must be held with gentleness and openness to critique. • Why Mike Still Believes in God – Using an "inference to the best explanation" framework, Mike outlines how the existence of God better accounts for morality, consciousness, and purpose than material atheism. • Jesus vs. Old Testament Morality – Introducing a robust critique of how Jesus actually differentiates himself from the legalism of his time and invites disciples into a more radical, coherent ethic centered on love, justice, and mercy.

Resources Mentioned: • Oriented to Faith by Tim Otto – A third-way perspective from a celibate gay affirming pastor. • Hen's Teeth and Horse's Toes by Stephen Jay Gould – A scientific work that challenged Godless' Christian views. • Matthew 5:17 – Jesus' statement on fulfilling the Law and the Prophets. • The Sermon on the Mount – Read through the lens of first-century Judaism and Jesus' critique of the Pharisees. • Dallas Willard – Insights on moral self and human flourishing. • N.T. Wright's Theology – On the Jewish roots and richness of Jesus' ethical teachings.

This episode acts as a bridge between radically different viewpoints—atheistic skepticism and LGBTQ+ Christian faith—and the tradition of following Jesus in truth and love, without simplistic answers or defensive postures. Part two continues this exploration into Jesus, the Old Testament, and how we interpret divine morality in tension with real life.

Subscribe, leave a review, and share with your community as we navigate hard conversations with curiosity, grace, and hopeful faith.

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

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

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow 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

Navigating Conflict with Compassion: How to Communicate with Truth and Grace - w/ Tim Muelhoff Sep 14, 2016

Show notes

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.

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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.

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