Voxology

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Reading the Bible on Its Own Terms: Bridging the Cultural Gap Between Us and the New Testament Sep 14, 2016

Show notes

How our modern values—individualism, narcissism, personal fulfillment—affect the way we read Scripture without even realizing it. Mike and Andy dig into the deep waters of biblical context, revealing how understanding the world of the New Testament changes how we interpret its message today. This episode helps listeners move beyond a flat reading of Scripture by uncovering the massive cultural, linguistic, and worldview gaps between our modern assumptions and the Bible's original context.

Drawing heavily from the book "Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes," Mike walks through six key "gaps" between our culture and the Bible: time, language, customs, geography, behaviors, and especially value systems. The goal? To inspire deeper study and culturally-contextual interpretation that leads us closer to the message Jesus and the authors of the Scriptures were actually communicating.

Key Takeaways: • Cultural Distance and Biblical Misunderstanding – Why a 2,000-year gap in time, language, customs, and geography must influence how we read Scripture. • The Individual vs. the Collective – North American readers often read "you" in the Bible as singular and personal—but in the Bible's collectivist culture, it's usually communal. • The Honor/Shame Framework – Unlike our guilt/innocence obsession, the biblical world operated on honor/shame dynamics, with profound implications for how we view sin, correction, and spiritual formation. • Patron-Client Relationships and Faith – The ancient relationship model that reshapes our understanding of grace (charis) and faith (pistis), moving us beyond transactional understandings of salvation. • How Narcissism Infects Interpretation – The danger of reading every verse as a personal promise and centering ourselves in the story rather than God or His people.

Resources Mentioned: • "Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes" by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O'Brien – [Link] • "The Patient Ferment of the Early Church" by Alan Kreider – [Link] • Ephesians 6: The Armor of God passage, discussed in a communal rather than individualistic framework – [Link] • 1 Thessalonians 4:11 – Rethinking personal ambition in light of community ethics – [Link]

Call to Action: Ready to read the Bible with fresh eyes? Share this episode with someone stuck in a modern lens and explore these ancient perspectives together. Subscribe, follow us on social, and email us at hello@voxpodcast.com with your questions or thoughts on how cultural context changes your faith journey.

As always, we encourage and welcome ongoing discussion. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford – https://www.timothyjohnstafford.com Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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

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

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

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

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

When the Church Wounds Its Own: Understanding Spiritual Abuse and Misused Leadership (Spiritual Abuse Series) Sep 14, 2016

Show notes

How do we reconcile the gap between the radical love of Jesus and painful experiences people endure within Christianity? This reflective episode dives deep into spiritual abuse—what it is, what it isn't, and why it's such a vital conversation for modern followers of Jesus and those harmed by the Church. Mike Erre and co-host Andy start a thoughtful, at times humorous, exploration of what happens when Christian leadership gets it wrong and how we can move forward with honesty, grace, and accountability.

Key Takeaways: • Spiritual Abuse Defined – A breakdown of what spiritual abuse involves: manipulation, coercion, shaming, and misusing God's authority for personal gain. • Jesus and Abusive Leadership – How the harshest critiques from Jesus and the prophets were aimed at religious leaders who strayed from God's heart. • What Spiritual Abuse Is NOT – Helpful clarifications on the difference between abuse and conflict, unmet expectations, or strong leadership styles. • The Importance of Fruit – Discussing the biblical metaphor of "fruit" to discern spiritual health in leaders and Christian communities. • Western Individualism vs. Biblical Community – Why our cultural obsession with autonomy often clashes with the collective nature of the Church. • Church Discipline Misunderstood – The difference between healthy correction and abuse masquerading as spiritual authority. • Cautions for Spiritual Leaders – Personal reflection on the temptation to feed off the church rather than feeding it.

Resources Mentioned: • Scriptures Referenced: Galatians 5 (Fruit of the Spirit), Matthew 23 (Jesus on religious leaders), Ezekiel 34 (false shepherds) • "Spotlight" (2015 film) – A look at the danger of systemic spiritual abuse • SubversiveKingdom.com – For further engagement and resources from Mike • For more on healthy church leadership: VoxologyPodcast.com

Call to Action: Help us change the conversation by sharing this challenging episode with someone who may need healing or clarity. To continue shaping conversations that matter, leave us a review on iTunes, subscribe on Spotify, and follow @voxologypodcast on Instagram and Facebook.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Email questions or share your story at hello@voxpodcast.com.

We're also on YouTube! Watch full-length episodes & more at VOXOLOGY TV

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Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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The conversation doesn't end here—join the Voxology community as we try, fail, learn, and grow forward together in Christian faith.

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

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

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

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

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Faith, Doubt, and the House of Cards: Rethinking Spiritual Certainty and Conviction (Faith and Doubt Series) Sep 14, 2016

Show notes

What if faith doesn't require having all the answers before committing? This episode dives deep into the intricacies of faith, doubt, trust, and belief—and how misunderstanding them can derail a healthy and authentic relationship with Jesus. Mike and Andy tackle audience questions head-on, unraveling misconceptions about certainty, biblical inerrancy, and the differences between core Christian convictions and secondary beliefs.

Drawing on the wisdom of Paul in 1 Corinthians, the teachings of Jesus, and modern philosophical perspectives, Mike contrasts the "house of cards" Christianity—where all doctrines are weighted equally—with a more biblically grounded approach that centers on the first importance: the resurrection of Jesus.

Key Takeaways: • Faith is Action Based on Trust – Not psychological certainty, not theological perfection, not doctrinal agreement. Instead, it's about real-world trust, lived out in action. • Not All Beliefs Are Equal – Paul differentiates between core convictions like the resurrection and secondary doctrines, helping listeners reframe how they process doubts and disagreements. • Jesus at the Center – Trust in scripture flows from trust in Jesus, not the other way around. The podcast emphasizes the importance of rooting belief in the person and work of Christ. • Welcoming Honest Doubt – Mike explains how Scripture makes space for doubt inside covenant relationship, distinguishing it clearly from obstinate unbelief. • "Everything Is Yours in Christ" – From science to philosophy, truth isn't limited to Christians. If it's true, it's God's—and followers of Jesus are invited to receive it without fear.

Guest Highlights: Andy—Co-host and question catalyst, Andy raises valuable real-world and relational tensions, including the challenge of faithfulness in broken human relationships and what covenantal fidelity looks like when trust is compromised.

Resources Mentioned: • 1 Corinthians 15 – Paul's teaching on the resurrection and the hierarchy of Christian belief • James 1 – Understanding "ask without doubting" in relational, not contractual, terms • Michael Novak – Explanation of professed vs. actual belief through observable actions • Pete Enns and Bart Ehrman – Scholars raising critiques on biblical reliability, used as examples of critical engagement

Connect & Engage: Have questions about faith, doubt, or theology? Email the team at hello@voxpodcast.com or join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

Instagram & Twitter: @voxologypodcast Watch us on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Grab pod merch here: VOXOLOGY on Etsy Learn more: voxologypodcast.com

Subscribe and Review: Help spread these conversations by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast app of choice. Leave a review and share with anyone navigating questions of Jesus, Scripture, or doubt.

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

Music by Timothy John Stafford – Follow on 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

Affirming Women in Leadership: Dismantling Patriarchy with Scripture and Conviction - w/ Bonnie Lewis Sep 14, 2016

Show notes

How biblical justice, equality, and the true story of Genesis reframe the conversation around women in ministry in the church. Mike Erre and theology teacher Bonnie Lewis kick off a new multi-part conversation on the role of women in Christian leadership, diving deep into Bonnie's personal journey, cultural preconceptions, and ultimately how scripture affirms her calling. This is not a culture war issue—it's a gospel issue.

Mike and Bonnie begin by naming the "three ghosts" that haunt the women in ministry debate: the Usurper, the Temptress, and the Child—destructive labels that still shape how many churches treat women who lead. They unpack the theological, pastoral, and gendered barriers still in place within conservative evangelicalism and share how their views shifted not because of culture, but because of the Bible itself.

Key Takeaways: • Reading Genesis with Fresh Eyes – The Hebrew word "ezer" (helper) used to describe Eve is a term also applied to God, radically reframing assumptions about female subordination. • Jesus' Countercultural Invitation – Mike and Bonnie explore New Testament stories like Mary and Martha to demonstrate how Jesus consistently welcomed women into discipleship and leadership. • Paul's Contextual Commandments – Rather than timeless prohibitions, Paul's words in 1 Timothy and 1 Corinthians are reexamined as culturally specific instructions for gospel clarity. • The Holy Spirit's Work in Women – How affirming women's full participation in ministry doesn't dilute the gospel—it reflects its power to restore what's been broken by patriarchy. • Restoring the Church's Witness – Addressing how inconsistency in honoring women in church undermines justice the church claims to advocate for in the wider world.

Guest Highlight: Bonnie Lewis – Founder of the "Find the Blue" podcast and Fuller Seminary graduate with a Master's in Theology, Bonnie shares her journey of moving from silence to conviction. A gifted communicator and passionate theologian, she brings both grace and clarity to this vital topic.

Resources Mentioned: • Find Bonnie's Podcast: Find the Blue • Article: "Three Ghosts That Haunt the Church" – [Link] • Scripture Refs: Genesis 1–3, 1 Corinthians 14, 1 Timothy 2, Acts 2, Luke 10 (Mary & Martha) • Watch/Listen to the Sermon on Mary and Martha – Search "EV Free Fullerton Luke 10 Mary and Martha"

Help us continue to explore difficult but necessary topics like this—subscribe to the Voxology Podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media. Share this episode with someone asking tough questions about how churches represent Jesus today.

As always, we'd love your feedback and questions as we continue this series. Reach out to hello@voxpodcast.com and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon

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

What If I'm Not Really Saved? Questions from the Edge of Faith and Doubt (Faith and Doubt Series) Sep 14, 2016

Show notes

How do we know we're truly saved—and what if we're not? Responding to a listener's heartfelt and raw email, Mike and Andy revisit the topic of faith and doubt to explore some of the deepest spiritual fears many believers keep hidden. From worries about "false salvation" and demon possession to confusion over the Trinity and whether the Bible can be trusted, this episode brings grace and clarity to often terrifying questions.

Unpacking Matthew 7 and Revelation 22, Mike reframes salvation not as a contract of religious performance but as a covenant of trust and growing intimacy with the Jesus who invites us into the Kingdom of God—not just heaven someday, but life reoriented in the here and now.

Key Takeaways: • Faith as Covenant, Not Contract – Why salvation isn't about praying the perfect prayer or living without doubt, but about entrusting your life to Jesus in honest, ongoing relationship. • Doubt Doesn't Disqualify – How wrestling with belief and asking deep questions can actually be signs of a tender, seeking heart—one Jesus welcomes, not rejects. • The Trinity is Mysterious, and That's Okay – Mike outlines why confusion over the nature of God doesn't mean you're out of faith's bounds—with an encouragement that no one has it fully figured out. • Scripture, Not Checklist – Rediscovering the Bible not as a manual for behavior but as a revelation of Jesus, the centerpiece of God's redemptive story. • Hell, Fear, and the Love of God – Why Jesus' warnings about hell weren't weaponized to scare people but spoke to religious systems that distorted God's heart—and what that means for your anxieties today.

Resources Mentioned: • Gospel of Luke – A suggested starting point for encountering Jesus within scripture • Matthew 7:21-23 – Context for "depart from me, I never knew you" • Revelation 21-22 – Imagery of the Book of Life • Hebrew Scriptures (Law, Prophets, Writings) – Background for how Jesus viewed and engaged the Bible • The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4) – The Jewish declaration of God's oneness adapted to include Jesus

Let's keep the conversation going. If you've wrestled with questions like Jennifer's, know you're not alone—doubt can be sacred ground. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology on Instagram and Facebook to join the community rediscovering the beauty 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.

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Learn more about the Voxology Podcast: https://voxologypodcast.com/

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The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio – https://open.spotify.com/user/nj2l08pd1zt6zk3azs1plhmdy

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

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford – https://www.timothyjohnstafford.com/ Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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

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

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

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

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Finding God Through Science, Mysticism, and Mystery: A Conversation - w/ Science Mike McHargue Sep 14, 2016

Show notes

How does science intersect with faith, and what happens when that intersection helps you find your way back to God? In this episode, Mike Erre and Andy sit down with Science Mike (Mike McHargue), co-founder of The Liturgists and host of "Ask Science Mike", for a funny, thoughtful, and wide-ranging conversation about evolution, neurotheology, gender, sexuality, spiritual trauma, and how science can invite us deeper into wonder — not away from faith.

With a background in marketing and zero formal scientific credentials, Science Mike built a massive following by offering nonjudgmental, inclusive dialogue about life's biggest questions. This episode explores how neuroscience supports different conceptions of God (angry vs. loving), the science of identity and orientation, and how shame-based religion causes lasting harm to those who dare to doubt.

Key Takeaways: • Science as a Bridge to Faith – Mike shares his journey from devout Southern Baptist to atheist to mystic, helped along the way by cosmology, quantum physics, and neuroscience. • Neurotheology & God's Nature – The brain's picture of an angry God leads to fear and control, while a loving God actually rewires your brain for empathy and grace. • Spiritual PTSD – What happens when churches mirror authoritarian power structures, and how people can find healing from spiritual abuse through safe relationships and storytelling. • Sexuality and Gender in Science – A look at the surprising research on transgender identity, intersex births, and how simplistic gender binaries fail to reflect biological realities. • Faith and Evolution – The five major Christian views on Genesis and creation, and how belief in evolution doesn't disqualify someone from being a devoted follower of Jesus. • The Missing Middle – Mike discusses why his work resonates with people disillusioned by both hard-line atheism and rigid theology — and how open conversations can heal. • Prayer and Bible Meditation – Scientific insight into how practices like contemplative prayer and Lectio Divina literally reshape the brain for connection to a loving God.

Guest Highlights: Mike "Science Mike" McHargue – Author, speaker, and podcast host who explores the intersection of science, faith, and human experience with curiosity and compassion. Known for his work on The Liturgists podcast and Ask Science Mike, his new book Finding God in the Waves shares his personal story of losing religion and finding a mystic faith rooted in both reason and mystery.

Resources Mentioned: • Science Mike's website & book: findinggodinthewaves.com • Ask Science Mike Podcast – asksciencemike.com • The Liturgists Podcast – theliturgists.com • BioLogos (Science + Faith) – biologos.org • Andrew Newberg's work on Neurotheology – Center for Spirituality and the Mind

If this conversation moved you, challenged you, or made you curious to learn more, consider sharing it with a friend. And don't forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and join the ongoing conversation 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

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: 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

Jesus, Politics, and the Danger of Christian Nationalism (Jesus and Politics Series) Sep 14, 2016

Show notes

How the American church's blend of faith and partisan politics compromises the mission of Jesus and why a new, distinctly Christ-centered political theology is desperately needed. In this foundational episode, Mike Erre and Andy unpack five key points for developing a theology of politics that resists culture war narratives and reclaims Jesus's lordship over all of life, including the public square.

Prompted by a storm of Facebook backlash to Mike's call for Christians to provide a counter-narrative to the increasingly politicized expressions of faith linked to conservative ideology, this thoughtful—and at times fiery—conversation explores how the American church often sacrifices Jesus's witness for political loyalty.

Key Takeaways: • Politics and the Image of God – Politics is not inherently evil; it's a reflection of our God-given mandate to order and care for human society. • Following Jesus is Inherently Political – Jesus's life, birth, and message directly challenged the Roman Empire, revealing that the gospel has unavoidable public implications. • Kingdom Above Country – The kingdom of God is not Republican, Democrat, Socialist, or Libertarian. It indicts all earthly systems and transcends partisanship. • Political Allegiance vs. Gospel Witness – How prioritizing political identity over Jesus leads to hostility, name-calling, and poor witness in both digital and real-life discussions. • How the Church Should Engage – Faithful political engagement flows from kingdom values: nonviolence, humility, justice, love of enemies, and self-sacrifice.

Resources Mentioned: • Luke 2 – The politically loaded birth announcement of Jesus • Revelation – As a critique of empire and prophetic call to allegiance to the slain Lamb • SubversiveKingdom.com – Mike's website and resource hub

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to help others rethink the role of politics in our discipleship journey.

As always, we encourage and deeply value your questions and dialogue. Email us anytime at hello@voxpodcast.com, and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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Learn more and discover previous series at voxologypodcast.com

Subscribe to us on iTunes or listen on Spotify

Support Voxology on Patreon

Listen to our Spotify music playlist: Voxology Radio

Follow 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

Does God Cause Suffering? Reclaiming God's Goodness in the Face of Evil Sep 14, 2016

Show notes

A bold exploration into one of the most unsettling theological questions: does God cause evil and suffering? Mike Erre and Andy Lara kick off this deep-dive theological series by confronting the reformed doctrine of meticulous sovereignty—popularized by groups like The Gospel Coalition—and its claim that God not only allows but ordains suffering to achieve his glory. With humor, thoughtfulness, and academic grounding, Mike outlines an alternative view that reflects God's goodness more compellingly, rooted in the overarching biblical narrative.

This episode offers a popular-level yet intellectually rich walkthrough of the Bible, highlighting how human freedom, divine partnership, and the brokenness of creation challenge the deterministic theology that God wills every tragedy. From Genesis to Paul's epistles, Mike builds the case that God's original intent was to rule through human agency—not override it—and that evil is not the product of God's direct will but a distortion of it.

Key Takeaways: • Meticulous Sovereignty vs. Participatory Creation – A critique of the idea that God predestines all events, including evil and suffering, and why it clashes with the biblical story of human agency and divine cooperation. • A Different Story of Sovereignty – A fresh retelling of the biblical narrative that emphasizes cooperative partnership between God and humanity, from Genesis through Jesus. • Jesus as the Clear Picture of God – How Jesus's battle against sickness, death, demonic powers, and injustice reflects a God who confronts—not causes—evil. • Death as the Enemy, Not God's Tool – Why Paul calls death the "last enemy to be destroyed," offering a decisive argument against the idea that God wills death to bring glory.

Resources Mentioned: • 1 Corinthians 15:20-26 – Paul's picture of death and enemy powers against God's reign • Gospel Coalition tweet: "God doesn't just allow suffering. He ordains it." • Genesis 1-3 – The creation mandate and the role of human image-bearers • David Bentley Hart – Orthodox theologian critiquing deterministic sovereignty • Bill Johnson's When Heaven Invades Earth – Offering a theology of the kingdom consistent with Jesus's ministry

Call to Action: Help us reshape how the church talks about suffering and God's character. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media so others can join in reclaiming a Jesus who's more beautiful than we imagined.

As always, we welcome your thoughts and questions—email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or join the ongoing conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

Catch curated musical vibes on the Voxology Spotify channel: Voxology Radio

Follow 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

Lamenting with the Sorrowing: The Need for Public Grief in Times of Tragedy Sep 14, 2016

Show notes

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Jesus, Outrage Culture, and the Power of Redemptive Anger Sep 14, 2016

Show notes

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.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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