Voxology

How the Book of Song of Solomon redefines intimacy, communication, and self-worth in the noise of a synthetic, sex-saturated culture. In this honest and wide-ranging conversation, Tim and Noreen Muehlhoff draw from 17 years of teaching at Family Life Marriage Conferences to unpack how biblical wisdom radically challenges cultural narratives around sex, self-esteem, and relationships. Through a deep dive into Song of Solomon chapters 5 and 7, they explore how words shape not just our relationships with others, but our very identities—and how that truth can restore intimacy and security in marriage. Key Takeaways: • The Spoken Word as Sacred Power – In an age of endless tweets, texts, and reels, the biblical perspective insists that every word has eternal significance. “Reckless words,” Proverbs warns, “can break bones.” • Unrealistic Cultural Expectations – From romance movies to diet culture, today’s media constantly distorts our understanding of beauty, value, and love—leaving many, especially women, wrestling with shame and inadequacy. • A Common Sexual Illiteracy – Most adults weren't given healthy narratives or tools for talking about sex. As Tim humorously admits, “Everything I learned about sex came from the high school football team and pornography.” • Song of Solomon’s Countercultural Beauty – Both the male and female voices in Song of Solomon affirm each other's beauty, not through comparison, but through cherishing language, dignity, and shared companionship—offering a radically liberating vision of sexuality. • Self-Esteem and the Michelangelo Effect – You shape your partner. “You get the spouse you deserve—because you create them.” Speaking consistent, personal, life-giving truth to your spouse can literally sculpt their self-image over time. Guest Highlights: Tim and Noreen Muehlhoff – Marriage educators with Family Life and Bible professors at Biola University. Their dynamic, honest teaching unpacks cultural scripts, biblical truth, and the vulnerability of authentic communication in marriage. Resources Mentioned: • FamilyLife Marriage Conferences – familylife.com • Song of Solomon Chapters 5 and 7 – Bible Gateway • “Love Life” by Ed Wheat – Amazon Link • “Sheet Music” by Dr. Kevin Leman – Amazon Link • Dove Campaign for Real Beauty / Evolution Video – YouTube • Simply Romantic Nights – familylife.com Resource • John Gottman's work on marriage and communication – gottman.com • Dennis Rainey’s parenting resources – familylife.com • “Hooked” by Joe S. McIlhaney Jr. and Freda McKissic Bush – Amazon Link Join the conversation and let’s rethink how we talk about love, sex, and identity in a way shaped by grace, wisdom, and the beauty of God’s design. If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to the Voxology Podcast, leave us a review, and follow along on social media. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We’re on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV 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: @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 a first-century Jewish debate reshapes our understanding of Jesus' teachings on divorce, remarriage, and covenant love. Mike and Andy dive deep into one of the most misunderstood and misused verses in the Bible as part of their ongoing "Embarrassed By the Bible" Series. Taking on Jesus’ statement that anyone who divorces and remarries commits adultery, they explore the cultural, theological, and pastoral layers beneath a question that is both deeply personal and widely debated: "Is divorce a sin?" Drawing heavily on the scholarship of David Instone-Brewer, Mike walks through the historical divorce conversations among the Pharisees, unpacking the nuances of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 19, and how it contrasts with modern readings. This episode offers a compassionate and nuanced look at what biblical grounds for divorce actually are—and how a covenantal theology of marriage goes far beyond contractual rules and consumer expectations. Key Takeaways: • Grounds for Divorce in the Ancient World – Infertility, neglect, abuse, and sexual immorality were understood differently in Jesus' day, and modern debates often flatten that complexity. • Jesus in Context – Understanding Jesus’ famous teaching through the lens of two competing Pharisaical schools, Hillel and Shammai, offers insight into his rejection of the then-popular “any cause” divorce. • Covenant vs. Contract – How reframing marriage as a covenant rather than a contract reshapes pastoral care for broken relationships. • God’s Own Divorce – The powerful metaphor of Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s response in Jeremiah 3 shines light on both the holiness of marriage and God’s heartbreak in its breakdown. • Beyond Legalism – Why asking “Is this a sin?” may not be the most faithful or helpful question in navigating relational pain. Resources Mentioned: • David Instone-Brewer – Divorce and Remarriage in the Church [https://www.amazon.com/Divorce-Remarriage-Church-Biblical-Solutions/dp/0830833747] • Matthew 19 – Jesus' fullest teaching on divorce • Jeremiah 3, Ezekiel 16, Deuteronomy 24 – Key Old Testament passages informing divorce theology • Vox Episode “The Myth of the Soulmate” – A companion reflection on covenant and consumerism • VOXResources – Reach out to hello@voxpodcast.com for a list of pastoral or counseling referrals Join the conversation and explore what faithfulness looks like when relationships unravel. Subscribe to the Voxology Podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social to stay in the loop! As always, we encourage and deeply value your questions and reflections. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or connect through Facebook and Instagram. Check out VOXOLOGY TV on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@voxology Grab some gear at our Merch Store on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY Visit our website: https://voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/1Lla1Nj or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Mvxz3OQDSkEpHujXiFkkr Support the podcast at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voxology Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford: https://www.timothyjohnstafford.com/ Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy  As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How does God relate to the hard things in life—tragedy, suffering, anxiety, and injustice? In a raw, unscripted live Q&A from Ohio before heading off to speak at a Campus Crusade retreat, Mike Erre opens up the floor to deep and personal listener questions. Exploring Psalm 55 and themes of divine goodness, human suffering, and theological wrestling, this episode dives into the tension between being told to "cast your cares on the Lord" and still experiencing life's darkest seasons. Mike reflects on his own struggles with anxiety, updates listeners on the Vox community's transition to Ohio, and speaks pointedly about Christian complicity in the political climate—particularly in response to questions about the Trump administration’s moral failures. He passionately challenges deterministic views of God’s sovereignty and affirms the scriptural witness of a God radically opposed to evil, deeply involved in human healing, and consistently working for redemption even amidst incomprehensible pain. Key Takeaways: • Understanding “Shaken” in Psalm 55 – Why we may feel unstable even when God promises stability, and how the verse offers assurance in terms of ultimate identity and rescue, not emotional certainty. • Does God Cause Suffering? – A biblical case for the presence of other wills (human and demonic) in the world, and why Jesus never attributes tragedy or harm to God’s direct orchestration. • Jesus vs. Political Powers – How Jesus’ subversive confrontation with religious and political elites informs how we should engage injustice today without allying with or retreating from politics entirely. • The Church’s Role in Divided Times – How the church must lead with hospitality, prophetic critique, and self-examination rather than petty division, especially in a polarized cultural and political landscape. • Life After Ministry Move – Updates on family, Mike’s mom, the Vox community in SoCal and Ohio, and navigating anxiety after a radical transition. Resources Mentioned: • Psalm 55:22 – “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.” • Romans 8:28 – A text often used (and misused) when talking about God's purposes through suffering • Parable of the Wheat and Tares (Matthew 13) – On the reality of a spiritual enemy intertwined within the world • Past Vox Episodes on Suffering, Evil, and Politics – Check the Archive • Live Q&A Moments – Join future sessions on YouTube or social media Be part of building a real, honest, and compassionate Christian community. Subscribe, share, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. And don’t forget to follow us on social media to keep the conversation going. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. 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: Voxology Radio Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford – Website | Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy  As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How the biblical framework for sexuality challenges cultural norms, overcomes shame, and invites every person—regardless of past or orientation—into healed, holy intimacy. In part 3 of the Song of Songs Series, Mike dives deep into the theology of sex, identity, and one-flesh unity through the poetic lens of Song of Songs chapter 4 and powerful insights from Genesis, Corinthians, and modern neuroscience. You’ll hear an unflinching yet grace-filled conversation around sex, the LGBTQ+ community, church hypocrisy, and what the Bible actually teaches about the soul-deep power of sexuality. With honesty, humor, and compassion, Mike and the Vox community explore how the church can become a place of healing—not shame—when it comes to our most vulnerable expressions of love and longing. Key Takeaways: • Jesus-Centered Sexual Ethics – Understanding Scripture’s vision for sex as “one flesh” union rooted in covenant, not shame or control. • Four Lenses on LGBTQ+ Issues – How to hold grace and truth simultaneously as a disciple, a reconciler, a pastor, and a citizen. • The Romance and Redemption of Godly Sex – Song of Songs reveals sex as romantic, gentle, joyful, and soul-affirming—fully endorsed by God within covenant. • Science Confirms Spiritual Truths – How modern neurochemistry reveals the soul-deep bonding power of sex, echoing the Bible’s call to wisdom. • No Place for Hierarchies of Sin – Calling out the American church’s inconsistency in applying biblical ethics, especially around greed, injustice, and divorce. • Grace for the Journey – Whether struggling with porn, past brokenness, or relational failure, Jesus offers healing, hope, and redemption. Notable Quote: “Sex isn’t just physical—it’s soulish. And when it’s pulled out of covenant, it has the power to ‘bond and rip’ to the point of harming our ability to connect. But no one is beyond restoration in the hands of Jesus.” Resources Mentioned: • Genesis 1–2 & 5 – The creation of male and female in God’s image • Song of Songs 4 – The romantic pursuit and celebration of love • 1 Corinthians 6 & 7 – Paul’s teaching on one-flesh union and sexuality • "Hooked" by Joe S. McIlhaney & Freda McKissic Bush – Scientific look at sex and bonding • Joel 2:25 – God's promise to restore what the locusts have devoured • Dallas Willard’s Teachings – On joyful resistance and spiritual formation Be sure to join us next week with Tim and Noreen Muehlhoff for a deeper look into relationships and healthy communication. Then, bring your questions the following Sunday for a full Q&A night, and don’t miss our special Healing Service wrapping this series on sexuality and Song of Songs. As always, we would love dialogue as we pursue truth together. Reach out with thoughts or questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and join the real-time conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Shop our Merch: Etsy Store Learn more about us at voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon Tune in to our curated music on Voxology Radio – Spotify Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Don’t forget to subscribe, review, and share the Voxology Podcast to continue reimagining what it means to passionately follow Jesus today.  As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow 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

Skye Jethani, an author and former Christianity Today editor, dives deep into the complexities of faith in a consumer-driven culture. He discusses how fear-based religion distorts the gospel and the pitfalls of missionalism that prioritizes tasks over a genuine connection with God. The conversation touches on the unsustainable model of megachurches and how political dynamics influence the American evangelical landscape. Ultimately, Jethani advocates for reclaiming identity through authentic faith amidst a disillusioned church environment.

How does our modern understanding of marriage diverge from its biblical foundation, and what does it mean to live in covenant rather than comfort? Continuing with the Song of Songs Series, Mike Erre unpacks the theological and spiritual weight behind the concept of marriage as a holy covenant—one that reflects the gospel itself. With warmth, vulnerability, and humor, he explores the Old and New Testament framework for marriage, diving deep into Genesis, Exodus, Ephesians, and Revelation to illuminate how our relationships mirror God’s redemptive relationship with His people. Mike is joined by Jim and Roe Dodgin, a couple whose personal journey through sexual brokenness, addiction, healing, and street-level ministry powerfully illustrates how God can redeem even the most shame-filled parts of our stories for a greater mission. Their testimony sets the tone for an evening focused on grace, truth, and honest reflection about sex, sin, singleness, and sacred unions. Key Takeaways: • Marriage as Covenant, Not Contract – Why biblical marriage is about self-giving faithfulness, not mutual convenience or self-fulfillment. • The Bible’s Marital Imagery – Exploring how God's relationship with Israel and the Church is framed as a marriage across Scripture—from Genesis and Exodus to Ephesians and Revelation. • Redeemed by Grace – No one is too broken or too far gone; God’s grace transforms sin into mission, and brokenness into healing. • Sexuality and Holiness – Why God addresses human sexuality through theological beauty and not shame, and how the "one flesh" union points to a deeper spiritual truth. • Real Talk on Modern Marriages – Addressing infidelity, pornography, abuse, and spiritual mismatches between spouses through the lens of grace and covenantal love. Guest Highlights: Jim and Roe Dodgin – Longtime members of Vox community, they share their extraordinary testimony of overcoming pornography addiction and shame, and how God used their healing process to start ministries for the homeless and women coming out of the sex industry. Resources Mentioned: • Song of Songs 3 – Read Here • Genesis 2, Exodus 6 & 19, Ephesians 5, Revelation 21 – Key passages highlighting marriage in Scripture. • Treasures – A ministry serving women exiting the sex industry: iamatreasure.com • Vox Care Team – Trained counselors and prayer warriors available after every gathering. This is a must-listen if you’re married, single, divorced, or simply rethinking what love, covenant, and community look like in light of the gospel. Join the dialogue by subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with someone who needs encouragement. Follow us on social media and be a part of the Voxology community online. Are you wrestling with questions around marriage, sexuality, or identity? We’d love to hear from you. Email hello@voxpodcast.com to join the conversation. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow 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 does true Christian love look like in our conversation around LGBTQ+ inclusion and theology? Continuing the “Sex Love God” Series, Mike Erre takes a heartfelt and theologically grounded look at the Nashville Statement, critiquing not only its theological assertions but more importantly its failure as a pastoral document. This episode serves as a call to embody a covenantal love rooted in commitment, presence, advocacy, and transformation—before truth is ever spoken. Drawing heavily from scripture and inspired by theologian Scot McKnight’s framework for covenantal love, Mike offers his own “Suburban Columbus Statement” in response, encouraging the church to lead with love that is felt, embodied, and transformative. The result is a challenging reflection for anyone who cares about how the church engages with LGBTQ+ individuals and with the broader culture. Key Takeaways: • Loving Before Toward-ing – Why declaring “the truth” without showing up in love and relationship first is often perceived as coercion, not compassion. • Covenant Over Contract – Exploring God’s love as covenantal: a commitment to be with, for, and toward another, regardless of response. • The Problem with the Nashville Statement – Mike argues that its failure is not primarily theological, but pastoral—it lacks empathy, presence, and humility. • Love as Action – Unpacking scripture to highlight that love is not just doctrinal correctness or affection, but lived-out commitment. • Grace Before Truth – The biblical pattern of Jesus' ministry shows truth follows grace, not the reverse. Resources Mentioned: • Scot McKnight – A Fellowship of Differents • Scripture References: Matthew 22, Luke 6, Romans 13, Galatians 5, 1 Corinthians 13, Colossians 3, 1 John 4, Romans 8, 2 Corinthians 3 • The Nashville Statement – CBMW.org/Nashville-Statement • Voxology’s “Sex Love God” Series Archive – VoxologyPodcast.com Let’s be a church known more for covenantal love than ideological declarations. Subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us on social to continue the conversation around a more faithful and loving representation of Jesus. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV 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 metaphors of vines and foxes in Song of Songs help us understand what undermines healthy relationships—and how God invites us to pursue healing and redemption from a place of honesty, grace, and commitment. In this fifth installment of the Sex, Love & God series, Mike unpacks the biblical worldview on relationship dynamics, addressing everything from Genesis creation truths to modern issues like fear of abandonment, sexual expectations, and emotional reactivity in conflict. This is a raw, revelatory exploration of why “foxes” (aka unaddressed issues) destroy intimacy and how Jesus-centered love offers something deeper than infatuation or cultural ideals. Key Takeaways: • Foxes in the Vineyard – What the imagery in Song of Songs 2 reveals about the small, often ignored issues that ruin intimacy and hinder relational flourishing. • Why Love Is Hard – A deep dive into the Genesis 1–3 narrative showing how sin fractured our relationships, creating power struggles between genders and frustrating our efforts to find ultimate meaning in romance or career. • God's Merciful Frustration – Understanding how God's "curses" in Genesis are actually invitations to return to Him, healing our relationships from egocentrism and making love more than just self-fulfillment. • Fear & Sexual Frustration in Marriage – Examining how fear of abandonment or rejection—and real misunderstandings around sexuality—surface even within the most committed relationships. • Breaking Cultural Myths About Love – Dismantling Hollywood illusions of “the one” and rediscovering biblical love as self-giving, covenantal, and genuinely countercultural. • Practical Foxes to Watch For – Conflict avoidance, stonewalling, condescension, secrets, finances, emotions about in-laws, and how these, unaddressed, sabotage intimacy. • Hope for the Broken – A call to those who carry sexual shame, trauma, or regret—God restores what the locusts have eaten, and healing is on the table for all who seek it. Resources Mentioned: • Song of Songs 2 – The metaphor of the vineyards and foxes and its relevance to relational health. • Genesis 1–3 – How creation, fall, and redemption narratives shape biblical views of relationships. • Ephesians 5 – God's redemptive vision for marriage and mutual submission. • Mike’s Book List – Now available at voxpodcast.com/resources Join us as we aim to navigate love, sexuality, and pain with honesty, compassion, and biblical wisdom. Questions, doubts, and struggles all belong in this space. Stay connected with us as we move toward a healing service in the coming weeks to surrender our sexuality back to God. Subscribe to the podcast, drop us a review, and share on social to invite others into these courageous conversations. Email questions to: hello@voxpodcast.com Watch on VOXOLOGY TV Shop Voxology Merch: ETSY Store Support Voxology on Patreon Listen on iTunes or Spotify Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Instagram & Twitter: @voxologypodcast Music 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 us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How does the church navigate the complex and often painful terrain of sexuality, identity, and public witness? In this candid and challenging episode of the Exile Series, Mike Erre and Andy reunite in-person to unpack the Nashville Statement—a public declaration from the Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW) aimed at defining Christian responses to homosexuality and gender identity. Rather than a hot-take, this episode offers a deeply reflective critique on what this kind of theological statement represents, what it misses, and how it affects the real people the church is called to love. The conversation explores the harm caused by boundary-focused definitions of orthodoxy, the danger of equating theological disagreement with spiritual disqualification, and the urgent need for humility, confession, and nuance in today’s cultural and church climate. Whether you’ve never heard of the Nashville Statement or have wrestled through its implications, this conversation is both pastoral and prophetic—offering an alternative way forward rooted in grace, conversation, and the shared pursuit of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Statements vs. Pastoral Responsibility – Why theological declarations like the Nashville Statement can do more harm than good when they ignore the lived realities of LGBTQ+ individuals. • The Dangers of Boundary-Marked Faith – Critiquing the tendency to turn theological positions into exclusionary markers of who’s “in” or “out” of the faith. • Orthodoxy vs. Ethics – An exploration of how expanding orthodoxy to include ethical stances (like those on sexuality or gender) risks adding to the gospel and alienating faithful followers of Jesus. • Repentance Before Proclamation – Naming the church’s historical and ongoing failure in relating to LGBTQ+ communities with love, humility, and repentance. • Jesus and the Middle Way – Provoking reflection on how Jesus calls us beyond binary affirming/denying stances into a radical hospitality that centers His lordship and compassion. Resources Mentioned: • Nashville Statement • Denver Statement (Progressive Counter) • Wesley Hill – Washed and Waiting [Link] • Podcast Episode: Jesus and the LGBTQ Community – A Nuanced Approach • Center-Set Theology Explained – YouTube Join us in exploring a faith that welcomes questions and centers on Jesus. Subscribe to Voxology, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay connected and join the conversation. As always, we encourage and welcome your questions, feedback, and stories. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and engage with the community on Facebook and Instagram. Check out VOXOLOGY TV on YouTube Explore our merch at our ETSY Store Visit VoxologyPodcast.com Listen & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon 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 does our view of God shape our experiences of desire, sexuality, and freedom? In this raw and emotionally honest continuation of the “Sex, Love & God” series, Mike explores the sacredness of sexual desire through the lens of Song of Songs while unpacking the dangerous spiral of lust, idolatry, and self-worship outlined in Genesis and Romans. This episode – titled “The Tornado of Death” – offers a deep dive into the difference between holy longing and destructive craving, revealing the power of God’s design for intimacy, restraint, and healing. As Mike leads us through poetic affirmations in Song of Songs and the brutal honesty of Romans 1, we explore how desire becomes corrupted when it disconnects from gratitude and reverence for God. He unpacks the devastating effects of lust – not as mere sexual temptation, but as the loss of sensitivity, agency, and joy. Whether you're single, married, struggling with addiction, or questioning your faith, this episode offers soul-piercing honesty, powerful biblical insight, and compassionate perspectives on how to break free from the prison of self-worship. Key Takeaways: • Understanding the Spiral of Lust – From ingratitude to idolatry, from self-worship to captivity, Mike maps out how distorted sexual desire emerges from a misaligned view of God. • Lust vs. Sexual Desire – Differentiating between healthy, God-honoring romantic longing as seen in Song of Songs and the soul-deadening craving of lust. • The Role of Worship – Why battling sexual temptation begins not with behavior modification, but with reorienting worship from self to God. • Lost Sensitivity and Slavery – How lust enslaves us by numbing joy, increasing craving, and replacing healthy intimacy with compulsive behavior. • Healing Through Truth and Community – Freedom begins with honesty, vulnerability, and the willingness to come out of hiding in safe spiritual communities. Resources Mentioned: • Song of Songs 1–2 – Exploring Biblical romance, affirmations of beauty, and desire with restraint. • Genesis 1–3 – The roots of ingratitude, idolatry, and human fall through disobedience and self-rule. • Romans 1 – Paul’s warning of God “giving us over” to our lusts when we refuse to glorify or thank Him. • Ephesians 4 – The call to reject sensuality and reclaim God-honoring desires through the renewing of the mind. Join the Conversation: Experience healing by coming into community. Share your questions and stories with us at hello@voxpodcast.com. Your voice matters — and chances are, someone else is thinking the same thing. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to continue exploring what it means to pursue Jesus in our brokenness, our desires, and our questions. We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Shop our merch: VOXOLOGY ETSY Store Learn more and access past episodes: Voxology Podcast Subscribe: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify Support us: • Patreon Let’s keep the conversation going: • Instagram – @voxologypodcast • Facebook – Voxology Podcast • Twitter – Mike Erre 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