Voxology

How do we rebuild faith after church hurt, betrayal, and deconstruction? Sophie Cherry joins Mike Erre for a powerful and timely conversation about navigating spiritual trauma, gender roles in the church, and finding a renewed passion for Jesus that survives the brokenness of Christian institutions. Drawing from her own story of being raised a pastor’s kid, burned by ministry, and rediscovering the gospel, Sophie offers a fresh, compassionate perspective for those grappling with disillusionment. Together, Mike and Sophie dive into what it looks like to love Jesus while wrestling with the harm his followers sometimes cause, including powerful insights on cultural apologetics, deconversion trends, and the role of women in the modern church. They also take on listener questions related to faith in the workplace, gender dynamics, sexuality, and whether Leviticus really still matters. Key Takeaways: • Restoring Faith After Church Hurt – Sophie recounts her painful experience of being ostracized by a ministry community, what it taught her about grace, and how it opened her eyes to the marginalization many experience at the hands of Christians. • The Power of Apologetics in a Post-Christian World – Cultural apologetics helps address not just whether Christianity is plausible, but whether it is desirable—a question increasingly at the heart of the modern deconstruction movement. • Jesus vs. Christendom – Disentangling the beauty of Jesus from the brutality of how his name is often represented by toxic Christian behavior. • Gender, Power, and the Church – An honest examination of complementarian vs. egalitarian theology, women in church leadership, and how male-dominated structures often protect abuse and diminish female voices. • How to Witness with Wisdom – Sophie and Mike respond to a listener's heartfelt dilemma about being missional while maintaining safety and healthy boundaries in male-dominated workplaces. • Leviticus, Sexual Ethics, and Cultural Tension – Responding to questions about Old Testament law, modern sexuality, and how to read ancient commands through a Jesus-centered lens. Guest Highlights: Sophie Cherry – Cultural apologist, mom, and former ministry intern turned thoughtful Jesus-follower. Her story of redemption through disillusionment offers poignant insight for the spiritually displaced. Sophie brings empathy, clarity, and a deep love for outsiders while never losing sight of the beauty of the gospel. Resources Mentioned: • Oxford Bible Fellowship – https://oxfordbiblefellowship.org/ • Young Life Ministries – http://younglife.org • Dallas Willard – On joyful non-compliance and spiritual formation • Ray Vander Laan – Teachings on biblical landscapes and cultural context • Leviticus 18 – Scripture context for biblical sexual ethics (https://biblegateway.com) • NT Wright Podcast – https://www.ntwrightonline.org/podcast/ Join the ongoing conversation around faith, doubt, and rediscovering the true mission of Jesus. Subscribe, leave a review on Apple or Spotify, and follow us on Instagram for more thoughtful, grace-filled conversations. As always, we encourage and welcome listener feedback. Email your questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and join the discussion 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 through Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy  As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How do we love the church in her brokenness while faithfully engaging with the complex realities of faith, sexuality, and gender? That’s the central question raised in this candid and courageous edition of Vox in the Raw. Mike Erre is joined by theologian and author Preston Sprinkle, director of the Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender, for a brutally honest conversation that embodies both truth and grace. They explore how theology and pastoral care intersect when it comes to LGBTQ+ inclusion, the ways the church has fallen short, and how followers of Jesus can engage with clarity, humility, and compassion. If you’ve ever wrestled with the church’s treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals, been confused by the affirming vs. non-affirming divide, or wondered how to hold to biblical conviction while making space for real people and relationships—this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: • A Third Way Beyond the Binary – Preston shares how his ministry avoids extremes by upholding a traditional biblical theology of marriage while radically embracing and serving LGBTQ+ individuals with delight and hospitality. • The Church’s Mixed Legacy – Why many churches are either unclear or unloving on LGBTQ+ issues and how the “bait and switch” dynamic causes real pain for queer believers. • Groundbreaking Theology and Pastoral Practice – A deep dive into what scripture actually says, objections to both affirming and non-affirming stances, and why this issue demands nuanced, faithful theology. • A Missional and Relational Approach – How churches can create spaces where gay and lesbian couples aren't pushed out but are invited into meaningful relationships that reflect Jesus. • On Eucharist and Inclusion – Mike and Preston unpack 1 Corinthians 11 and discuss whether communion was ever meant to be an exclusive act, challenging long-held evangelical assumptions with robust biblical insight. • Rethinking Church Structures – They talk about the need to reimagine church beyond celebrity pastors and buildings, and the importance of community-shaped leadership, honesty, and real discipleship. Guest Highlights: Dr. Preston Sprinkle – Author of People to Be Loved and Embodied, co-founder and president of The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender. Preston brings an academic depth and pastoral heart to one of the most complex issues facing the church, rooted in a desire to love all people without compromising faithfulness to Christ. Resources Mentioned: • Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender – www.centerforfaith.com • People to Be Loved by Preston Sprinkle – Amazon • “Two Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church” – Edited by Preston Sprinkle • Voxology Q&A with Mike and Tim – voxologypodcast.com • Voxology on YouTube – VOXOLOGY TV • Voxology Merch – Etsy Store Let’s reimagine what it looks like to follow Jesus in truth, grace, and a posture of welcome. Subscribe today, leave us a review, and share this episode with someone who’s navigating the nuances of faith and sexuality. As always, we invite you into the conversation—email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and connect with the Voxology community on Instagram and Facebook. Support the podcast through Patreon and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre  As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How the Christian imagination can be restored in a disenchanted world, and why helping others see Christianity as desirable—not just true—is crucial to spiritual renewal. Mike Erre is joined by long-time friend and philosopher Dr. Paul Gould to unpack core themes from Paul's new book, Cultural Apologetics. Through laughter, inside jokes, and deep reflection, they explore how recovering an enchanted view of the world can help both believers and skeptics rediscover the beauty, truth, and goodness of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • What Is Cultural Apologetics? – Understanding how evangelism has shifted from rational defense of Christianity to restoring the sense that the faith is good, beautiful, and desirable—not just true. • The Crisis of Disenchantment – Exploring how our modern, secular culture has silenced transcendence and suppressed deep spiritual longings, even inside the church. • God and the Human Imagination – Why wonder, art, music, literature, and even stories like Harry Potter or Star Wars can awaken our desire for the divine. • Reenchanting Our Faith – Five practical ways to reawaken beauty and meaning in a spiritually numb world—from engaging Scripture on its own terms to embracing beauty in everyday life. • Engaging the Culture Missionally – Why becoming students of culture helps us meet people where they are while inviting them to “return to reality” in the story of Jesus. Guest Highlights: Dr. Paul Gould – Philosopher, professor, and author of Cultural Apologetics. He’s also the founder of the Two Tasks Institute, which advocates for showing Christianity as both reasonable and desirable. Paul shares how his own journey—from streaking in college with Mike Erre to writing intellectual works on meaning and morality—has led him to believe that beauty and imagination are essential in today’s gospel conversations. Resources Mentioned: • Cultural Apologetics by Paul Gould – Buy the book • Two Tasks Institute – 2tasksinstitute.org • Augustine's Confessions – A spiritual classic exploring desire, beauty, and the search for God • CS Lewis: “Talking About Bicycles” and Mere Christianity • Wendell Berry & Marilynne Robinson – Contemporary authors who explore faith, place, and beauty • Acts 17 – Paul’s missionary encounter in Athens Help us bring beauty, truth, and goodness back into the conversation by reimagining what it means to follow Jesus in a culture hungry for wonder. If this episode stirred your imagination or renewed your desire for God, subscribe, leave us a review, and share Voxology with someone on their own journey of faith. Email your thoughts or questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and join us on Facebook and Instagram to keep the dialogue going. Check out Voxology on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Grab some rad merch at our ETSY store Learn more at the Voxology Podcast website Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support us on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford | Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy  As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Deepening our collective understanding of how Christ calls his followers to navigate complex ethical and pastoral questions, this Voxology mailbag episode takes on listener questions around abortion, trauma, shame, and biblical interpretation. Mike Erre reflects thoughtfully on difficult circumstances—like when life-threatening pregnancies or birth defects are involved—and compassionately addresses real-life dilemmas that listeners are wrestling with across theological and relational lines. With honesty and humility, Mike explores how the church can hold space for grace and truth without shaming, how biblical passages like Numbers 5 have been misunderstood in the abortion debate, and how Jesus invites us to lead with empathy rather than moral certainty, especially toward those facing agonizing decisions. This episode is grounded in the Imago Dei and the call to love well, even amidst deep disagreement. Key Takeaways: • Abortion and Nuance – Why one-size-fits-all moral arguments often fall short, especially in cases involving rape, incest, and life-threatening complications. • Redemptive Engagement – How to counsel without coercion and approach tough conversations—both within marriage and the church—with grace, listening, and mutual discernment. • Re-examining Numbers 5 – Understanding this controversial Old Testament passage as a protection for women in a patriarchal culture, not as a divine endorsement of abortion. • The Role of Shame – Unpacking the difference between ancient honor-shame dynamics and modern uses of shame, and why Jesus models compassion for the vulnerable while reserving rebuke for the religiously self-righteous. • Building a Church of Welcome – How shame-based activism may harm the gospel witness by barring people from the very place of healing and grace. Resources Mentioned: • Alastair Roberts’s blog: Adversaria – A deep dive into the cultural and theological interpretation of Numbers 5: alastairadversaria.com • Scripture References: Numbers 5, Luke 7:36–50 • “Imago Dei” Theology – Exploring how recognizing every human as made in God's image should inform our response to abortion and pastoral care Join the discussion with us as we journey together through difficult terrain, seeking truth, justice, and the heart of Jesus. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay updated and be part of the Voxology community. As always, we encourage and welcome your input and reflections. Email your questions to hello@voxpodcast.com or engage with the conversation on Instagram and Facebook. Watch episodes on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Shop our merch: Voxology on Etsy Support us: Patreon – Voxology Podcast Listen on your favorite platform: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook: Voxology Podcast Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy  As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

A deeply vulnerable and vital conversation between Mike Erre and theologian and Bible translator Bonnie Lewis around abortion, loss, and what it means to truly be pro-life. This episode goes far beyond politics, diving into Bonnie’s personal story of stillbirth, grief, and theological reflection. Together, Mike and Bonnie challenge simplistic narratives and offer a broader, more compassionate lens on abortion—one rooted in a gospel that centers dignity, healing, and community over condemnation. Key Takeaways: • Abortion is Not Just a Political Issue – Reframing our understanding by centering the stories of women and the complexity of their experiences. • The Power of Maternal Instinct – How Bonnie’s experience affirmed the critical importance of listening to women’s deeply intuitive connection with their bodies and unborn children. • Pro-Life Is Pro-Woman – A call to expand the pro-life conversation to include emotional, mental, and spiritual care for mothers at all stages—before, during, and after pregnancy. • Theological Reflection on Grief and Choice – How Bonnie’s journey has reshaped her theology of life, death, soul, and the deeply embodied reality of carrying and losing a child. • Can Protest Do Harm? – A nuanced examination of whether shaming women at abortion clinics aligns with the way of Jesus, and how we miss the mark when we separate ends from means. • Birth Control, Premarital Sex, and Wisdom – Pushing past purity culture binaries to ask deeper questions about harm, safety, and human flourishing in a broken sexual culture. Quotes Worth Sharing: • “Being pro-life should include being pro-woman. You can't care for the baby and ignore the mother.” • “There’s a difference between worry and knowing. We need to trust women when they say something is wrong.” • “If Jesus calls us to love and not condemn, then louder protests that bring shame might not be the way.” From raw testimony to sharp theological critique, this episode embodies the Voxology ethos: courageously naming the tension between grace and truth, nuance and conviction. Resources Mentioned: • Email the show: hello@voxpodcast.com • Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voxology • Vox Merch Store: VOXOLOGY on Etsy • Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify • Voxology Radio on Spotify: Voxology Radio • YouTube Channel: VOXOLOGY TV Join the conversation on Instagram @voxologypodcast and on Facebook. If this conversation moved you—or challenged your thinking—subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with others seeking to rediscover Jesus’s way of compassion and justice.  As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How the ancient Greco-Roman worldview around deformity, ability, and perceived human "worth" continues to influence our modern ethics on abortion, disability, and human dignity. Mike Erre returns to the cultural and spiritual roots of the abortion debate, drawing deeply from early Christian history, Hellenistic philosophy, and his own experience as the father of a child with Down syndrome. This episode (Part 2 of the abortion conversation) explores how early Christians responded to practices like infanticide and exposure—not with protest, but with sacrificial love—and what that could mean for Christians in today's world. Key Takeaways: • Hellenism Then and Now – How the ancient Greek worldview placed human perfection and reason at the center of worth, and how that ethos lives on today in modern humanism and cultural values. • Exposure and Infanticide in the Roman World – Examining the brutal treatment of infants deemed “unfit” or “imperfect,” especially those with disabilities or born female, and the philosophical justifications behind these practices. • Early Christian Response to Abortion and Infanticide – How the early church countered cultural brutality not with politics or protests, but through rescuing and raising unwanted children as acts of love and defiance. • Human Value Beyond Utility – A powerful reflection on how the worth of Seth (Mike’s son with Down syndrome) challenges a society obsessed with IQ, productivity, and physical “perfection.” • Embryo Selection and the Return of Eugenics – Addressing emerging medical technologies like IQ-based embryo profiling and their disturbing parallels to ancient and modern eugenic thought. Notable Quotes: “We don’t call it Hellenism anymore—we just call it humanism.” “The earliest Christians didn’t protest Caesar—they just walked into dump sites and rescued babies.” “Any system that seeks to build a hierarchy of image bearers over other image bearers is demonic and from the pit of hell.” Resources Mentioned: • Destroyer of the gods by Larry Hurtado – [Link] • The Rise of Christianity by Rodney Stark – [Link] • “The Eye of the Deformity” by Robert Garland – [Link] • Medical article on embryo IQ screening – [Link] • Book of the Didache – [Link] • Tertullian and Early Church Writings on Infanticide – [Link] As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy  As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How the Imago Dei—humanity made in God’s image—shapes a consistent, compassionate, and Christ-centered approach to the complex issue of abortion. In this special two-part reflection, Mike Erre opens up about profoundly personal experiences surrounding abortion, pregnancy, and his son with Down syndrome as he responds to a listener’s heartfelt question: “What is your view of abortion, and what advice would you give someone struggling with that decision?” Avoiding oversimplified policies or blanket moral statements, Mike calls for a relational and deeply human approach rooted in the radical love and life-affirming orientation of the kingdom of God. Key Takeaways: • A Relational Approach Over Policy Statements – Why nuanced, personal conversations about abortion matter more than sweeping declarations or political stances. • Embodying a Consistent Pro-Life Ethic – Mike critiques inconsistencies in the modern pro-life movement while advocating for a view that includes the unborn, the vulnerable, the poor, immigrants, and even the elderly. • Living Out Gospel-Centered Compassion – An invitation to not only encourage life-affirming choices but to sacrificially support those making them—offering real help, not just opinions. • The Sacredness of Every Human Through the Imago Dei – A theological exploration of Genesis, image-bearing, and what gives each human intrinsic value and dignity despite capacity, circumstance, or development. • Not Fitting Political Binaries – Mike explains why he doesn’t align perfectly with any political category, emphasizing Jesus’s call to love, serve, and honor all image-bearers regardless of their stage of life. Resources Mentioned: • Genesis 1 – The biblical account of humanity made in the image of God • David Gushee on Ethics and Imago Dei • James (New Testament) – On the power of words and honoring the image of God • Greg Boyd – On Jesus, nonviolence, and kingdom-oriented ethics Call to Action: Join the Voxology community in pursuing a Jesus-centered ethic of life and love, one that transcends political labels and puts people first. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media—and stay tuned for Part 2 of this incredibly nuanced series. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy  As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

What if the secret to real freedom isn't self-indulgence but self-control? In the kickoff episode of our new Discipline Series, Mike Erre sits down with author and editor Drew Dyck to unpack the biblical and neurological foundations of self-discipline—and how it’s far more about surrender than striving. They dive deep into Drew’s book, “Your Future Self Will Thank You,” and explore how self-control seen through the lens of scripture is the path to true flourishing, not restriction. This is not just a discussion about breaking bad habits—this is a reimagining of how spiritual maturity, neuroscience, and Christian identity intersect. Whether you're trying to kick a scroll addiction, start reading your Bible regularly, or simply understand why "letting go and letting God" isn't the whole picture, this conversation brings meaningful insights and practical next steps. Key Takeaways: • Self-Control as Surrender – Biblical self-control isn't just about willpower, it's about putting God and others ahead of self. • Willpower Is Limited, Habits Are Powerful – Why willpower depletes fast—and how developing keystone habits like prayer, exercise, or Bible reading builds spiritual and practical resilience. • The Gospel & Growth – Self-discipline isn't about earning salvation but is essential for sanctification, the Spirit-empowered journey of becoming more like Jesus. • Habits That Stick – Learn how “cues,” “routines,” and “rewards” work together to create and replace habits that sustain long-term change. • Sin, Grace, and Striving – Why real spiritual transformation engages both God's grace and human effort, and how effort doesn’t oppose grace—it invites it. Guest Highlights: Drew Dyck – Editor at Moody and author of “Your Future Self Will Thank You: Secrets to Self-Control from the Bible and Brain Science.” Drew shares insights from his book, gets real about his own spiritual disciplines (or lack thereof), and offers gentle but convicting wisdom for Christians struggling to form healthy habits in a distracted world. Resources Mentioned: • “Your Future Self Will Thank You” by Drew Dyck – [Link] • “The Tech-Wise Family” by Andy Crouch – [Link] • “12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You” by Tony Reinke – [Link] • Galatians 5:22–23 – The Fruit of the Spirit passage • Dallas Willard quote: “Grace is not opposed to effort, it’s opposed to earning.” Take a next step in your own journey toward spiritual discipline and Christlikeness by engaging with these resources and practices. If you found this conversation helpful, share it with a friend or tag us on Instagram to continue the discussion! Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to support the Voxology community. As always, we encourage and invite discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube too: VOXOLOGY TV 🎥 www.youtube.com/@voxology Our Merch Store: 🛒 VOXOLOGY on Etsy Learn more at the Voxology Website Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support us on Patreon Check out the Voxology Spotify channel: 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 us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How reimagining Scripture through a new translation and untangling toxic masculinity can help Christians rediscover Jesus and better live out the mission of the gospel today. Author and theologian Bonnie Lewis joins Mike to share the heart behind her groundbreaking Bible translation project “Tim Shell.” They dig into the challenges she’s faced as a woman translating Scripture, how Tim Shell offers new pathways for healing spiritual trauma, and why understanding both the cultural and spiritual context of Scripture matters deeply. The episode also turns to a powerful, honest conversation around toxic masculinity—including how men can course-correct toxic behavior, what biblical masculinity looks like through the life of Jesus, and how the church can be part of the solution rather than the problem. Key Takeaways: • How Bonnie Lewis’s personal grief and deconstruction journey led to the “Tim Shell” Bible translation project • Why accessibility and spiritual authenticity matter more than literalism in Scripture engagement • The backlash and support Bonnie has received for being a female translator and how privilege, gender, and theological gatekeeping impact who “gets” to interpret the Bible • Breaking down the nuance of translation: word-for-word, thought-for-thought, and spiritually faithful reinterpretation • What toxic masculinity really looks like—and how it's reinforced both culturally and in the church • Why Jesus offers the best model of manhood that includes strength, emotional vulnerability, justice, and dignity for all • How the Gillette ad and conservative backlash spark deeper questions about masculinity, identity, and cultural power • The role of empathy and listening in dismantling harmful gender stereotypes Guest Highlight: Bonnie Lewis – Writer, theologian, and Bible translator behind the “Tim Shell” project, a translation that weaves cultural and spiritual commentary into 20 key Bible stories. Bonnie shares her journey of reconstructing faith after personal tragedy, and why reclaiming deep, faithful engagement with Scripture is more vital than ever. Resources Mentioned: • The Tim Shell Bible Project – bit.ly/timshellproject • Genesis 22 – First passage translated in the Tim Shell Bible • Mumford & Sons – “Timshel” (Song that inspired the translation title) • Jordan Peterson, Joe Rogan – Cultural figures often linked with modern masculinity • The Bible Project – bibleproject.com • 1 Corinthians 6:9 – Misinterpretation discussed regarding “effeminate” in masculinity debates Join us in challenging assumptions, amplifying new theological voices, and rediscovering the beauty of Scripture and Jesus's model of masculinity. Subscribe to Voxology, leave a review, and join the conversation on social media—we'd love to hear how these ideas resonate with you. As always, we encourage and invite deeper discussion as we pursue these topics together. Email your thoughts or questions to hello@voxpodcast.com. We're on YouTube too: VOXOLOGY TV Shop our merch: Etsy Store Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/voxology Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford | IG & Twitter: @GoneTimothy  As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

What do we do when God doesn’t answer our most desperate prayers? In this deeply vulnerable and honest Q&A episode, Mike Erre responds to a gut-wrenching listener question about the nature of prayer, suffering, and whether God actually intervenes the way we hope he does. This episode journeys into the pain of unanswered prayer, the theological confusion surrounding it, and how to remain faithful and hope-filled in the midst of heartbreak. Drawing from personal experience as a parent of a child with Down syndrome, Mike dives into the mystery of why suffering exists and challenges common Christian clichés that often do more harm than good. Listeners will find comfort, theological nuance, and practical wisdom as Mike affirms God’s goodness in a broken world and explores how prayer is less about outcomes and more about relationship and trust. Key Takeaways: • Why “God wants us to suffer” is a harmful and theologically unsound explanation for unanswered prayer. • Viewing birth defects and tragedy as consequences of a fallen world, not God’s plan or punishment. • How God sometimes brings beauty from brokenness—but not because he caused the brokenness. • The limitations of circular logic and religious platitudes, and why lament is a deeply faithful response. • The true heart of prayer as communion with God, rather than a transaction to get what we want. • Affirming God’s goodness amid mystery and grief: “I don’t know” is sometimes the most faithful answer. Resources Mentioned: • Episode 165 – “Suffering, Doubt, and the Mystery of Prayer” – [Listen Here] • Is God to Blame? by Greg Boyd – [Link] • Romans 8: Creation groaning and the hope of redemption – [Link] Call to Action: Struggling with prayer or suffering? You’re not alone in your questions, doubts, or grief. Join us in this ongoing conversation about what faithfulness looks like in the absence of simple answers. Subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help us reach more folks navigating spiritual deconstruction and rediscovery. As always, we would love discussion and connection as we walk this road together. Email your reflections and questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and engage with us on Facebook and Instagram. We’re now on YouTube at VOXOLOGY TV – Watch Here Merch Store available on Etsy Visit us at VoxologyPodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes | Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Voxology Spotify channel: Voxology Radio Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy  As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy