Voxology

How the perception of evangelical Christianity in American culture has become a point of crisis, and why it's worth engaging in honest self-examination. In this first episode of the Vox Mailbag Series, Mike Erre and producer Andy Bear tackle a flood of listener questions, critiques, and encouragements—ranging from Rob Bell's theology and Paul’s role in shaping gospel narratives, to how Christians are perceived in politics and the media. This episode explores how the Vox community wrestles with heavy accusations against the evangelical church, including charges of hypocrisy, cruelty, and sociopathic behaviors. By reading listener emails directly and offering raw responses, Mike and Andy create a brutally honest and empathetic space to ask who really represents Jesus—and whether “loving your enemies” and “making Jesus beautiful” can still be the defining markers of the church. Key Takeaways: - Evangelicalism Under Fire – Responding to critiques that evangelical Christianity is toxic, damaging, and irreparably harmful to outsiders and marginalized communities. - The Paul Conundrum – Why the letters of Paul may have been misused to overshadow the message of Jesus and how modern interpretations can distort the gospel. - Rob Bell and Christian Orthodoxy – Exploring whether Rob Bell’s ideas still align with Christianity or represent something new entirely—and why hosting such voices matters. - Ableism, Racism, and Prejudice – Clarifying how inherited bias distorts how we interact with others, and why comparing struggles (e.g., ableism to racism) requires careful nuance and humility. - Jesus Always at the Center? – Wrestling with listener concerns that some theological discussions seem to minimize Jesus, and debating whether every conversation must end with a Gospel bow. Resources Mentioned: - Isaiah 55:9-10 – Divine wisdom vs. human understanding. - Matthew 10 – On relationships and loyalty to Jesus. - Romans & Ephesians – Paul’s major theological contributions. - “A Thicker Jesus” – (Referenced jokingly, but highlights interest in deeper Christology) - Psychology Today – Definitions and traits of sociopathic behavior, discussed through the lens of evangelical conduct. Call to Action: Join the ongoing conversation and help shape future mailbag episodes by sending your feedback to hello@voxpodcast.com. If you’ve resonated with this series or want to hear more listener-driven content, leave us a review, subscribe, and engage with us on Facebook or Instagram. As always, we welcome thoughtful disagreement, kind critique, and radical honesty. 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

A practical and sincere deep dive into how we read the Bible, how we think about sin, and how the church engages controversial topics like women in leadership — all driven by listener-submitted questions. Mike and Andy tackle a full mailbag in this no-frills Q&A episode that offers fresh insight, book recommendations, and pastoral reflection on issues at the heart of modern Christian conversations. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Scripture in Context – Mike offers resources and frameworks for reading the Bible with cultural and historical context, challenging surface-level interpretations of key passages like Matthew 18. • Are We Still “Bad” After Jesus? – A nuanced response to the weight of sin, shame, and human identity in Christ. Mike confronts Reformed views of total depravity while uplifting the biblical declaration that those in Christ are no longer defined by sin. • Women in Church Leadership – A heartfelt question leads to discussion on gender roles in the church, how tradition can distort gospel beauty, and steps for engaging church leadership respectfully (or when to move on). • Fiction vs. Eyewitness: Debunking the “Epic Myth Theory” – Responding to claims that the Gospels are fictional parallels to epic stories, Mike argues for the authenticity, complexity, and historical rootedness of the Jesus narrative. Resources Mentioned: • Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes by E. Randolph Richards & Brandon J. O’Brien – [Link] • NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible – [Link] • IVP Bible Background Commentary – [Link] • hello@voxpodcast.com – Email for a detailed book list on scripture context and more studies • 1 Corinthians 11 & 14; 1 Timothy – For discussions on women in leadership • Books with alternate takes on gender roles in church (email for recommendations) Join the journey of asking better questions and rediscovering the beautiful mystery of Jesus. Subscribe to Voxology on your favorite podcast app, leave a review, and follow us on social media to keep the conversations alive. 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 – https://www.youtube.com/@voxology Our Merch Store! – https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market Learn more at https://voxologypodcast.com/ Listen or subscribe via: • iTunes – https://apple.co/1Lla1Nj • Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2Mvxz3OQDSkEpHujXiFkkr?si=KJoEXxxxTsqE-HiGL-PfIA Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/voxology Follow us: • Instagram: @voxologypodcast • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voxologypodcast • 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

Discover how the absence of God’s felt presence can be part of his transformative grace. Mike Erre shares deeply from his current season of spiritual dryness, wrestling with divine silence, emotional fatigue, and the disorienting experience of not sensing God. Drawing from scripture, mystics, theology, and his own heartache, Mike explores the paradox of a God who is always present but sometimes hidden. This episode is a vulnerable and powerful conversation about the dark night of the soul, why God may withhold his tangible presence, and what we can learn when spiritual adrenaline runs dry. Whether you’re currently wandering through one of those desolate spiritual seasons or accompanying someone who is, this episode offers honesty, hope, and a roadmap for seeking God in the silence. Key Takeaways: • God's Hiddenness Isn't Absence — Unpacking the biblical concept of God’s manifest vs. universal presence, and why his felt absence might actually be forming us into deeper maturity. • Seeking in the Dry Seasons — How spiritual dryness can be an invitation to pursue God more earnestly, with examples from scripture including the Psalms, Isaiah, and Jesus’ parables. • The Role of Timing — Exploring the idea that sometimes God's silence is strategic, waiting for the right moment to reveal himself more deeply or guide us forward. • Ugly Prayers and Authentic Faith — Learning to bring raw, unfiltered emotion into our prayer lives in seasons of doubt, fear, or exhaustion. • Follow the Faith of Others — When you can’t see God for yourself, trust the community around you who might be seeing him on your behalf. Guest Highlights: This heartfelt episode features the unscripted, pastoral wisdom of co-host Andy Lara, who joins Mike in reflecting on faith, resistance, and the courage of walking through suffering alongside one another in community. Resources Mentioned: • Isaiah 45:15 – “Truly, you are a God who hides himself” • The Dark Night of the Soul (Concept) – Writings from Christian mystics on spiritual dryness • Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis – The story of Lucy and Aslan as a metaphor for following even when others can’t yet see • John 15:1-5 – “I am the vine, you are the branches” • The Psalms of Lament – Honest, raw expressions of spiritual emptiness and longing Call to Action: If you’re in a season of silence or feeling far from God, you’re not alone. Join the conversation, send us your questions, and share your story. Then subscribe, leave a review, and follow us to stay connected with the Voxology community. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV 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

An honest and deeply human exploration of some of faith’s toughest questions—Mike and Tim kick off a new Listener Questions series by tackling themes of prayer, suffering, LGBTQ inclusion, spiritual transformation, and interfaith relationships. With humility and sharp insight, they respond to real listener questions that challenge conventional church narratives and offer alternative visions of faith rooted in grace, compassion, and authentic formation. Key Takeaways: • Why Christians Pray to Jesus – Exploring Trinitarian theology, biblical examples like Stephen and Revelation, and what it really means to pray "in Jesus' name." • The Church's Double Standard with Divorce vs. LGBTQ+ Inclusion – Highlighting the inconsistency in how churches treat divorced individuals compared to LGBTQ+ believers and how Vox’s community is pursuing a table of mutual respect and shared belonging. • Pain, Suffering, and the Meaning of Following God – Reflecting on whether God removes pain or redeems it, and how encountering God in suffering shapes a deeper, more resilient faith. • Forming New Desires: Ice Cream or Broccoli? – What transformative spiritual practices can teach us about wanting what is truly good—and not just avoiding what’s harmful. • Loving Our Muslim Neighbors During Ramadan – A beautiful story of sharing life and fasting with a Muslim family sparks discussion on incarnational spirituality, honoring others’ devotion, and why gentle, relational witness reflects the heart of Jesus. Resources Mentioned: • Dallas Willard’s Spirit of the Disciplines – A guide to spiritual practices and transformation • Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline – Celebration of Discipline on Amazon • Acts 17 and the Apostle Paul’s approach to other faiths • Revelation – Passages where Jesus receives divine worship • Book of Acts: Death of Stephen Join us as we wrestle with real questions from our community and uncover the grace, tension, and transformation at the heart of following Jesus. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook 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 – VOXOLOGY Merch Learn more about the Voxology Podcast: voxologypodcast.com 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 Like us on Facebook: Voxology Podcast 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 the cruciform hermeneutic reshapes our understanding of violent images of God in the Old Testament and reveals the unwavering beauty of Jesus at the center of the biblical narrative. In this intellectually rich and deeply spiritual installment of the Exile Series, Mike Erre and Andy Lara sit down with Dr. Greg Boyd, theologian, pastor of Woodland Hills Church, and author of the provocative multi-volume work “The Crucifixion of the Warrior God.” Together, they dive into the theological tensions many believers face when trying to reconcile the loving character of Jesus with the violent portrayals of God throughout Scripture. Dr. Boyd introduces his cruciform hermeneutic—a way of reading the Bible through the lens of the cross—and explains how these deeply troubling Old Testament passages don't dilute the beauty of God but instead reflect God's willingness to bear the distorted human perceptions of Him to ultimately reveal His self-sacrificial love. Key Takeaways: • The Cruciform Hermeneutic – Why the cross is the ultimate lens for interpreting the entire Bible and how Jesus unveils the true nature of God—not one facet among many, but the full revelation. • God as a Sin-Bearing Deity – Exploring how God suffers with and for humanity by allowing Himself to be portrayed in ways that reflect the fallen understanding of ancient cultures. • Three Flawed Approaches to Divine Violence – Breaking down the categories of synthesis, softening, and dismissal, and why each fails to do justice to the inspired nature of Scripture and the cross-centered revelation of God. • Reading Through the Mask – How even disturbing passages like God commanding genocide or the parting of the Red Sea point toward Christ when re-read through the lens of divine withdrawal, cosmic conflict, and redemptive intent. • Reframing Revelation’s Warrior Jesus – Why the blood-soaked imagery in Revelation is not a contradiction of Christ’s peaceable nature but a subversion of violent triumphalism through sacrificial love. Guest Highlights: Dr. Greg Boyd – Pastor, theologian, and author of The Crucifixion of the Warrior God and Cross Vision. Greg's groundbreaking theological work invites Christians to re-examine how Scripture portrays God’s character, encouraging a move beyond flat readings of the Bible toward a dynamic, Christ-centered understanding. A drummer and metalhead, Greg brings both scholarly depth and a distinct joy to the conversation. Resources Mentioned: • Crucifixion of the Warrior God by Greg Boyd – Amazon Link • Cross Vision by Greg Boyd (Popular Summary) – Amazon Link • ReKnew.org – Greg Boyd’s theological writings and resources: reknew.org • Woodland Hills Church – whchurch.org • Apologies & Explanations podcast with Greg Boyd – Short theological responses available via ReKnew or YouTube • Reunion by Bruxy Cavey – A clear, simple gospel presentation rooted in the kingdom message Amazon Link Engage with bold theology, challenge easy answers, and wrestle with the character of God in a way that invites awe and deeper faith. Subscribe to Voxology on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review. To stay part of the ongoing conversation, follow us on Instagram and Facebook @voxologypodcast. As always, we encourage discussion as we navigate theology together. Email your questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and check out our merch and resources below! We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Shop the Voxology Merch Store! ETSY Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon Enjoy 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

Struggling with trust in the church? Wrestling with the concept of hell? Unsure what "faith" really looks like when life feels messy? This live Q&A episode dives headfirst into your biggest theological questions, exploring the complexity of belief, grace, and what it means to follow Jesus in a world—and a church—full of contradictions. Mike Erre and Andy Lara gather questions from the Voxology community and Facebook Live to discuss how Christians can make sense of topics like universal reconciliation, annihilationism, the first miracle at Cana, biblical prophecy, and whether faith still counts when it's incomplete, doubtful, or deconstructed. Key Takeaways: • Trusting the Church While Disillusioned – Why institutional church hurt can lead to skepticism, and how to navigate spaces where love feels conditional. • Multiple Perspectives on Hell – Eternal conscious torment, annihilationism, purgatory, and universal reconciliation... which view actually reflects a loving God? • Faith That Fumbles – How Abraham’s failures reveal that biblical “great faith” doesn’t require perfection, just trust in God’s activity, not our performance. • The Purpose of Jesus Turning Water to Wine – A layered look at joy, shame, and God’s abundance in Jesus’ first miracle, free from our debates over alcohol. • Misreading the End Times – Why fear-based eschatology misses Jesus’ primary message and how Revelation offers a hope-filled call to faithful witness today. Guest Highlights: Seth Erre – Drops by mid-show for a surprise visit full of joy, laughter, and a reminder of the beauty of everyday faith. Resources Mentioned: • “Four Views on Hell” edited by Preston Sprinkle – A helpful theological primer on major views of the afterlife. • Vox Community Podcast Archive – Hell Series Episodes • Episodes on Religious Pluralism and Covenant vs. Contractual Faith – Available in the Voxology back catalog This episode is a powerful reminder that faith doesn’t have to be polished to be real—and that Jesus meets us, questions and all, in the mess of it. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us @voxologypodcast on social media to be part of the ongoing conversation. 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

A conversation with author and speaker Rob Bell about how reframing the Bible as a deeply human book opens the doorway to encountering its divine depth. As part of the “Embarrassed by the Bible” series, Mike and Andy talk with Bell about his book "What Is the Bible?" and how growing up in our reading of scripture helps us make sense of its most difficult passages. From violent Old Testament narratives to doubt, deconstruction, and rediscovery, this episode encourages us to move beyond literalism into transformation. Bell offers a pastoral and provocative invitation: stop reading the Bible flatly—and start seeing it as an unfolding narrative that shapes personal and communal identity. Key Takeaways: • Reading the Bible as Evolving Narrative – Why understanding scripture as a human and progressive story helps us encounter the divine more honestly and powerfully. • Recovering the Original Purpose of Sacred Text – How the Bible’s ancient poems, stories, and laws were subversive, political, and profoundly human responses to empire and suffering. • Violence, Wrath, and Redemption – Rethinking how Old Testament violence reflects a tribal consciousness rather than a divine endorsement—and how Jesus reframes it all. • Taking the Bible Seriously, Not Literally – The difference between honoring scripture’s depth versus flattening it through rigid dogma. • Doctrine and Experience – Bell explains how doctrines were attempts to preserve divine experience, but without engagement, they lose meaning. • What Reconstruction Looks Like – Why building anew after deconstruction isn’t returning to certainty, but embracing the ongoing journey of faith and transformation. Guest Highlights: Rob Bell – Bestselling author, former pastor, and host of The RobCast. Bell shares insights from his book What Is the Bible?, expanding on how cultural context, poetry, humor, and the human experience reveal the Bible’s enduring relevance and beauty. Resources Mentioned: • What Is the Bible? by Rob Bell – Link • Bell’s Podcast – The RobCast • Book Recommendations in Bell’s Bibliography – found at the back of "What Is the Bible?" • Genesis 1, Book of Jonah, Book of Lamentations – used to illustrate poetic and political layers of Old Testament literature • Enuma Elish – Babylonian creation myth compared with Genesis • Greg Boyd’s Crucifixion of the Warrior God – an alternative take on biblical violence, discussed in a future episode Join us as we continue to wrestle with the complexities of scripture and what it means to follow Jesus in today’s world. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow the Voxology Podcast to stay in the conversation. Email your thoughts to hello@voxpodcast.com and interact with us on Facebook and Instagram. Catch past episodes and explore curated topic collections at voxpodcast.com Watch on VOXOLOGY TV Shop our new merch on ETSY Support us via Patreon Listen to curated playlists on Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre 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

Tackling three deeply personal questions that many Christians wrestle with, Mike Erre and Andy bravely open up a raw, grace-filled conversation on sexuality, singleness, soulmates, and divine sovereignty in times of tragedy. This Facebook Live episode builds on the Voxology Podcast’s commitment to Gospel-centered honesty and vulnerability—taking on shame, breaking stereotypes, and offering theological clarity around some of the most misunderstood and silenced experiences in Christian culture. Key Takeaways: • Navigating Singleness and Sexuality – Why Christian women (and men!) struggle in silence with loneliness and masturbation, and how shame-based theology distorts our understanding of God’s grace and blessings. • God, Masturbation, and Marriage – Is God withholding a godly spouse because of sin struggles? Mike unpacks why this notion is incompatible with the radical love we see in Jesus. • The Myth of Soulmates – A biblical critique of the soulmate concept, why it’s rooted in pop mythology and not scripture, and what a better, more grounded theology of marriage actually looks like. • Where Was God in Columbine? – Wrestling with God’s sovereignty in suffering, and how we hold the tension between thanking God for protection while grieving profound loss. Resources Mentioned: • Previous Voxology Episodes on Suffering and God’s Will – voxologypodcast.com • Resources on Sexuality and Shame – Stay tuned for future episode recommendations • Authors quoted: Dallas Willard and reflections on God’s beauty and evil Join the Voxology community as we wrestle with the hard questions of life, faith, and purpose. Subscribe to the show, leave a review, and follow us on social media to keep these conversations 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 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

Creating space for honest conversation, this episode launches our Vox Q&A Series with unfiltered dialogue on some of the most personal and challenging spiritual questions. Mike Erre and Andy unpack listener-submitted questions with depth, vulnerability, and humor—covering everything from whether God has a plan for your life, to how Christians can walk through depression and anxiety, to the mystery behind unanswered prayer and divine timing. Whether you're wrestling with your faith, rebuilding your picture of God, or just need to feel seen and heard, this episode reminds you that asking the hard questions doesn't mean you're lost—it means you're paying attention. Key Takeaways: • God’s Plan vs. Free Will – Understanding how discernment, wisdom, and spiritual formation shape God’s purposes in our lives, rather than relying on a formulaic “blueprint.” • The Myth of the Soulmate – Why the Bible’s descriptive moments (like God picking a wife for Isaac) aren’t always prescriptive for today. • Holistic Approach to Depression and Anxiety – Mike shares his personal journey coping with anxiety and depression through therapy, medication, spiritual counsel, physical care, and community. • Waiting on God – Exploring how spiritual training often comes through divine delays, and how God’s concern is often more about who we’re becoming than what we’re getting. • Prayer Without Performance – Rethinking prayer not as a transaction but as a relationship marked by formation and transformation. Notable Quotes: • “God is much more interested in why we’re choosing the house we live in than in what house we choose.” • “Anxiety is a symptom, not a root. We have to dig deeper to heal rather than just seek relief.” • “Delay isn’t rejection. God is often training us to be safe with His power before He entrusts us with it.” Resources Mentioned: • Dallas Willard – Teachings on spiritual formation and “joyful non-compliance” • Book of Psalms – Reflections on waiting, lament, and divine intimacy • Vox Community Church Q&A Series – voxcommunity.org Be part of the conversation—leave us a question at the number posted in each episode, or message us on Facebook or Instagram. Help us keep creating space for spiritual curiosity and thoughtful faith. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review on Apple or Spotify, and follow us on Instagram for updates and episode drops. As always, email your questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, or engage with the community on Facebook and Instagram. Join us on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Grab merch: VOXOLOGY on Etsy Support us on Patreon: Voxology Podcast Patreon Follow Mike on X: @mikeerre Music by: Timothy John Stafford | @GoneTimothy Learn more at: voxologypodcast.com Listen on: iTunes | Spotify Visit our Spotify music curation: Voxology Radio  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 spoken word can confront injustice, build bridges of understanding, and bring healing to a broken church. In this inaugural conversation in the Art of Race series, Mike and Andy sit down with acclaimed spoken word artist and culture critic Micah Bournes to explore how race, faith, and art intersect in powerful, transformative ways. Micah brings compelling storytelling, prophetic insight, and grace-filled truth-telling about what it's like to grow up Black in America, walk through predominantly white institutions as a young man of faith, and still keep hope in Jesus's vision for a unified church. From personal encounters with systemic injustice to unflinching critiques of evangelical theology and culture, Micah challenges listeners to think deeply about white privilege, structural racism, and performative diversity in the church. Through it all, he models a radically honest but hope-filled path forward—one rooted not in tokenism or superficial unity, but in consistent community, shared power, and a theology shaped by the voices too often left out of the conversation. Key Takeaways: • The Difference Between Prejudice and Racism – Micah unpacks why intention matters but doesn’t erase impact, and how understanding privilege requires deeper nuance. • White Theology and Culture as Normative – How seminary, Christian publishing, and church traditions often center white male perspectives, and what’s lost in the process. • Superficial vs. Substantive Diversity – Why bringing in a gospel choir once a year doesn’t equal inclusion, and how to move toward authentic representation in church leadership and community life. • The Power of Storytelling and Spoken Word – Why poetry is uniquely effective at confronting hard truths, opening doors for empathy, and creatively reimagining justice. • Why Jesus is Still Worth Following – Despite being harmed by church culture, Micah remains committed to Jesus and the radically inclusive, justice-driven vision of the Kingdom of God. Guest Highlight: Micah Bournes – A poet, musician, and dynamic communicator who uses storytelling and spoken word to challenge cultural norms and illuminate God’s heart for justice and reconciliation. A frequent performer and community presence, Micah brings authenticity and prophetic imagination that offers both critique and healing. Resources Mentioned: • Micah Bournes Website and Videos • Micah Bournes on Bandcamp • Micah Bournes on Instagram – @micahbournes Don’t miss Micah’s poem “Stealing Bread” at the end of the episode—a gut-wrenching piece on systemic injustice, empathy, and survival told through the lens of a young man incarcerated for trying to help his family. Let’s keep the conversation going. Share this episode with someone ready to listen, learn, and grow. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow the Voxology Podcast on your favorite platform and social media. As always, we encourage and welcome your voice in the journey. Email your thoughts and questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and join the dialogue on Facebook and Instagram. We're also on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Merch Store: ETSY Learn more at voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support us on Patreon Voxology Spotify playlist: 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