Voxology

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford
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May 30, 2017 • 29min

How to Handle Criticism Without Losing Yourself: Cultivating Resilience in a Loud World

What happens when criticism becomes a regular part of your personal, professional, or spiritual journey? Mike Erre shares raw, hilarious, and honest insights from years of being on the receiving end of all types of feedback—from drive-by insults to thoughtful, transformative critiques. Whether it’s angry emails, anonymous letters, vague threats cloaked in “concern,” or painfully awkward encounters, Mike breaks down the different types of criticism and how to respond with wisdom, humility, and strength. This solo episode offers a practical and candid framework for examining feedback, gauging its value, and protecting your mental and emotional health in the process. Learn how to be a non-reactive presence, why not every critic deserves a response, and how criticism—when rightly received—can be a gift that cultivates deep growth. Key Takeaways: • “Who is this from?” – Why discerning the source of criticism is the first essential filter. • Specific vs. General Feedback – How to recognize the difference and why specificity leads to growth. • Responding with Non-Reactivity – Strategies to avoid anger, appeasement, or over-explaining when criticized. • The Power of Trusted Voices – Why you should surround yourself with safe, truth-telling people before the noise starts. • The Role of Humor and Boundaries – How levity and clear lines keep criticism from becoming toxic. Resources Mentioned: • Emotionally Healthy Church by Pete Scazzero – on being a nonreactive presence • Kenton Beshore (former pastor at Mariners Church) – influential feedback conversation • Patreon Support for Vox – https://www.patreon.com/voxology Call to Action: Got feedback of your own? Mike says—bring it on (within reason)! Let us know what resonates with you or what you’ve learned about handling critique in your own life. And as always, subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay part of the growing 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 https://www.youtube.com/@voxology Our Merch Store! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market Learn more about the Voxology Podcast https://voxologypodcast.com/ Subscribe on iTunes https://apple.co/1Lla1Nj or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2Mvxz3OQDSkEpHujXiFkkr?si=KJoEXxxxTsqE-HiGL-PfIA Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/voxology The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio https://open.spotify.com/user/nj2l08pd1zt6zk3azs1plhmdy?si=3fb86269da0449ed Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford https://www.timothyjohnstafford.com/ Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy  As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow 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
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May 22, 2017 • 45min

Embarrassed by the Bible: What "Wives Submit to Your Husbands" Really Means (Ephesians 5)

How the misunderstood “wives submit to your husbands” passage in Ephesians 5 unlocks a transformative and egalitarian vision of marriage rooted in mutual submission, sacrifice, and love. Mike Erre and Andy dive deep into the cultural, linguistic, and biblical context of this controversial scripture as they launch a new series, “Embarrassed by the Bible”—tackling tough and awkward verses that have long caused confusion and damage within Christian spaces. Key Takeaways: • Mutual Submission as the Heart of Discipleship – The verse “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” is the foundation, not an add-on. Spirit-filled relationships begin with mutual surrender, not hierarchy. • Reframing Ephesians 5 – Understanding how Greek grammar links verses 21 and 22 shows “wives submit” is part of broader mutual submission, not a blanket endorsement of male dominance. • How Culture Shapes Misreading – Paul worked within patriarchal Greco-Roman household codes not to affirm them, but to subvert them by planting gospel-centered seeds of equality and sacrificial love. • Redefining “Headship” – Being the "head" doesn’t mean control or final say; it means sacrificial love modeled on Christ’s love for the church—being the first to serve, forgive, and selflessly uplift the other. • Marriage as Gospel Embodiment – Christian marriage isn’t about rigid gender roles, it’s about embodying the love, humility, and mutual care of Christ and the church. Resources Mentioned: • Ephesians 5:21–33 – Bible Gateway • Genesis 1–3 – The biblical foundation of male/female equality before the Fall • Past Episode – “Household Codes and Subversion of Power” (playlist coming soon) • Interlinear Bible Tool – biblehub.com/interlinear Join the “Embarrassed by the Bible” series as we uncover how scripture, when properly understood, reveals the revolutionary heart of Jesus. Have a verse that confuses or embarrasses you? Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com to share your questions. Subscribe, leave us a review, and follow the conversation on social media to keep this dialogue alive! We’re on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Merch: Etsy Store Discover more at voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon Follow on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Connect on Facebook: Voxology Podcast 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
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May 19, 2017 • 12min

Wrestling with Rob Bell, Noah’s Ark, and Eternal Judgment: The Bible in Question (Embarrassed by the Bible Series #1)

Explore the tensions between faith, doubt, and tradition in the debut episode of the “Embarrassed by the Bible” series. Mike Erre and Andy Lara tackle tough theological questions sent in by listeners—from Rob Bell’s legacy to the plausibility of Noah’s Ark, and how modern sensibilities often clash with ancient texts. This candid conversation highlights the complexity of scripture and encourages thoughtful, humble engagement with controversial issues. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Rob Bell’s Theological Journey – Mike shares personal interactions and the importance of discernment when exploring provocative voices in the church. • Embracing Difficult Texts – The Voxology team kicks off a new series exploring challenging and often misunderstood parts of the Bible, beginning with the story of Noah and the Ark. • Seeking Truth Over Certainty – A reminder that even the most respected theologians and teachers are human, and spiritual growth comes through wrestling with ideas, not blindly accepting them. • Investigating Eternal Judgment – Breaking down Matthew 18:8 and the concept of eternal fire—does hell mean eternal torture or eternal consequence? • Faith, Offense, and Interpretation – Discussing how modern Christian culture often avoids offense at the cost of nuance, and why honest engagement with scripture matters more than presenting sanitized theology. Resources Mentioned: • “Rethinking Hell” – [Link] • “Four Views on Hell” (edited by Preston Sprinkle) – [Link] • Matthew 18:8 – [Link] • Psalm 37 – [Link] Join us as we navigate the tensions of faith, doubt, and scripture together—and don’t miss upcoming episodes in this exciting new series! Subscribe, leave a review, and connect with 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 → https://www.youtube.com/@voxology Our Merch Store! → https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast → https://voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on: → iTunes → Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/voxology The Voxology Spotify channel: Voxology Radio → https://open.spotify.com/user/nj2l08pd1zt6zk3azs1plhmdy?si=3fb86269da0449ed 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
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May 15, 2017 • 1h 22min

The Need for Reconstruction: Dan Koch on Deconstruction, Eucharist, and a New Kind of Church - w/ Dan Koch

How can we move beyond deconstruction and actually begin to rebuild a meaningful, Jesus-centered faith? In this special crossover episode, Mike Erre and Andy interview theologian and podcast host Dan Koch for a rich, honest exchange on spiritual reconstruction, Eucharist-centered community, and how to foster real unity in an age of division. Both Dan and the Vox team reflect on their mutual journeys of disillusionment with traditional evangelicalism and explore what it looks like to reconstruct thoughtful, inclusive expressions of faith that hold space for complexity, difference, and depth. This episode unpacks some of the most important questions for Christians today: What should the church really look like? How do we offer a seat at the table for affirming and non-affirming Christians alike? And how the Eucharist might be the best shot we have at unity in the midst of polarized conversations about politics, sexuality, and theology. Key Takeaways: • From Bad Christian to Reconstruction – Dan Koch shares how his time with the Bad Christian podcast and the Liturgists fueled a desire to move into a constructive theological space, leading him to launch Depolarize and Reconstruct podcasts. • Reconstructing Faith after Deconstruction – Why the journey from questioning to rebuilding is necessary for long-term spiritual health, and how Eucharist plays a pivotal role in anchoring that process. • Making Room in the Church Without Taking Sides – The Vox team unpacks why they refuse to label their church as “affirming” or “non-affirming,” and how they’re cultivating a community where LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ Christians share communion and service. • The Role of the Table in Human Identity – Exploring how the practice of regular communion invites us to form our identity around Christ, not preferences, politics, or lifestyle. • Politics, Identity, and Jesus – A candid discussion on white evangelical support for Trump, why political ideology often overrides kingdom values, and how to reclaim Jesus as the center of our Christian identity. • Invitation over Condemnation – Reimagining the church as a “well” that draws people in with Jesus rather than a fenced-in space defined by who’s in and who’s out. Guest Highlights: Dan Koch – Host of the Depolarize and Reconstruct podcasts, Dan is known for his engaging conversations around difficult theological and political issues. A former member of the band Sherwood and veteran of the Bad Christian podcast world, Dan brings experience, humility, and intelligence to the space between doubt and belief. Resources Mentioned: • Reconstruct Podcast – reconstructpodcast.com • Depolarize Podcast – depolarizepodcast.com • Anthony Bloom – Beginning to Pray • Michael Ware Interview – Search past Vox Podcast episodes • Pacific Gold Band – pacificgoldband.com • Karl Rahner and Edward Schillebeeckx – Catholic theologians influencing Dan’s thought on sacraments and faith reconstruction Find deeper hope beyond deconstruction and be inspired to reimagine church as a space of humility, dialogue, and table-centered belonging. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology on social media for more conversations that matter. We welcome your questions and feedback—email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or join the discussion on Instagram and Facebook. Want more? Check out: • VOXOLOGY TV on YouTube • Voxology Merch Store • Support us on Patreon • Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify • Follow Mike on Twitter • Music by Timothy John Stafford (@gonetimothy) Stay connected. Stay curious. Stay rooted in 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
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May 12, 2017 • 9min

Faith, Toxicity, and Apostleship: Exploring Misunderstood Theology in Everyday Life

Wrestling with how faith affects your prayers? Wondering if it's un-Christian to cut off toxic relationships? Curious where Paul fits into the twelve apostles? In this thoughtful Q&A episode, Mike and Andy dig into some tough but deeply relatable questions from the Voxology community. This episode offers perspective-shifting responses to common theological misconceptions, helping listeners navigate spiritual anxiety, relational boundaries, and what faith actually means in the way of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Apostleship – Clarifying the difference between "the Twelve" and broader New Testament uses of the term "apostle," including Paul and even a female apostle. • Faith and Prayer, Reconsidered – Why the phrase “your faith unlocks God’s blessings” can be harmful, and how faith, properly understood, is more about covenantal allegiance than psychological certainty. • Boundaries and Spiritual Guilt – Exploring how Christians can approach toxic relationships with both grace and wisdom, while evaluating spiritual guilt that may stem from bad theology rather than the Holy Spirit. Resources Mentioned: • Jesus’s Teachings on Faith – Gospel references to mustard seed faith and community alignment. • Andy Stanley’s Pastoral Advice – "Do for one what you wish you could do for all." • Melchizedek – Genesis 14 and Hebrews 7 for more on this mysterious biblical figure. Have a question you’re wrestling with? Email hello@voxpodcast.com—Mike and Tim would love to hear from you. And don't forget to check out the Vox Community Podcast for even more rich conversation. As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we pursue deeper understanding together. 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 about the Voxology Podcast – https://voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes – https://apple.co/1Lla1Nj Subscribe on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2Mvxz3OQDSkEpHujXiFkkr?si=KJoEXxxxTsqE-HiGL-PfIA Support Voxology on Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/voxology Listen to the Voxology Spotify channel – Voxology Radio – https://open.spotify.com/user/nj2l08pd1zt6zk3azs1plhmdy?si=3fb86269da0449ed Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: https://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
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May 8, 2017 • 51min

Becoming Like Jesus: Understanding the Bible as Story, Covenant, and Relational Transformation

How can reading the Bible form us into people who actually look, sound, and live more like Jesus? This episode dives into that powerful question through raw honesty, theological reflection, and practical insights. Mike Erre processes a deeply personal season of anxiety, health struggles, and spiritual battle—and unpacks how Scripture, when engaged relationally instead of merely intellectually, can be a tool of deep transformation. Recorded after a teaching event with John Mark Comer and Todd Proctor on the practices of Jesus, Mike explores why many of us don't feel spiritually transformed despite decades of Christian practice, and what it means to read the Bible as a relational and covenantal tool that fosters intimacy and “abiding” with Christ. Rather than reading the Bible to "be right" or gather rules, we are invited to read it because we’re already in relationship with Jesus and want to become like Him. Key Takeaways: • Reading the Bible Relationally – How Scripture becomes a tool for formation when we read it as part of a covenantal relationship with God, rather than a rulebook or doctrinal manual. • Jesus as the Box Top – Why Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God and how our interpretation of all Scripture must be filtered through His life, death, and resurrection. • Transformation Through Attachment – Abiding in Jesus is about relationship, not performance—spiritual growth happens not through formulas or behavior modification, but through intimacy. • Why Many Christians Feel Unchanged – A critique of “trying harder,” program-based growth, and information overload as false answers to the gap between who we are and who we want to become. • Living the Story Like Jesus – Understanding the Bible as a unified story we are invited to inhabit—not simply observe or quote—with the goal of embodying Christ. Resources Mentioned: • Vanguard University – vanguard.edu • John Mark Comer – Practicing the Way – practicingtheway.org • Tim Mackie – The Bible Project – bibleproject.com • Hebrews and Galatians – Themes of covenant, transformation, and the new humanity through Jesus Join the Vox community as we lean into curiosity, wrestle with the hard questions, and rediscover the beauty of what it means to follow Jesus in a deeply Jesus-looking way—honest, raw, and full of grace. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social to continue the 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
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May 4, 2017 • 13min

Reclaiming the Gospel of Jesus: Paul, Submission, Satan, and the Canon

Deep questions demand deep exploration, and this episode of Voxology tackles some of the biggest theological and cultural questions facing the modern church. Mike Erre and Andy field four thought-provoking listener questions—each one diving into misunderstood spiritual frameworks and their real-world implications on faith, marriage, evil, and Scripture. We begin by reexamining the foundations of our faith, contrasting the gospel of Jesus with how we've inherited Paul’s theology through Western lenses like the Reformation. From there, we wrestle with the controversial language of submission in marriage in Ephesians 5, the nature of evil and why God hasn’t destroyed Satan, and finally, the mysterious process of biblical canonization and why some gospels didn’t make the cut. Whether you're deconstructing, reconstructing, or just curious, this conversation offers a thoughtful roadmap back to the heart of Jesus's mission. Key Takeaways: • Reframing Faith Around Jesus – Why starting with the gospel of Jesus—not Paul—can lead to a more holistic and life-oriented faith. • Revisiting Ephesians 5 – A deeper look at mutual submission in marriage, the radical call to sacrificial love, and misinterpretations that fuel patriarchy. • The Problem of Evil and Human Freedom – Why God allows free will, even for Satan, and how it points to a grander divine project of human sanctification and cosmic governance. • How the Bible Was Formed – The overlooked process of canonization, community validation, apostolic authorship, and why texts like the Gospel of Thomas were excluded. Resources Mentioned: • BibleProject (with Tim Mackie) – https://bibleproject.com • Ephesians 5:21-33 – Mutual submission and Christlike love • "Romans Road" – A traditional evangelistic outline using verses from Romans • Tim Mackie’s website – https://timmackie.com (for Bible canon resources) Let’s keep asking hard questions and re-centering on Jesus’s life, message, and mission. Subscribe to the show, leave a review, and find us on your favorite podcast platform and social media for more dialogue around faith that matters. 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 about the Voxology Podcast: https://voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes https://apple.co/1Lla1Nj or on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2Mvxz3OQDSkEpHujXiFkkr?si=KJoEXxxxTsqE-HiGL-PfIA Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/voxology The Voxology Spotify music channel: https://open.spotify.com/user/nj2l08pd1zt6zk3azs1plhmdy?si=3fb86269da0449ed Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford https://www.timothyjohnstafford.com Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy  As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow 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
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May 1, 2017 • 56min

Women in Church Leadership: Reexamining Scripture, Tradition, and the Voice of Jesus (Episode 76)

How a deeper look at scripture, church culture, and the example of Jesus challenges traditional views of women in ministry positions. Mike Erre and Andy break down decades of theology, cultural biases, and inherited assumptions to explore the truth behind women’s roles in Christian leadership—and what might be more faithful to the vision of Jesus. Drawing from Genesis, Paul’s letters, and the trajectory of redemption throughout the Bible, this episode offers a powerful case for inclusion. Whether you're complementarian, egalitarian, or just curious, this honest and thoughtful conversation invites listeners into a deeper understanding of authority, gender, and gospel mission in the 21st-century church. Key Takeaways: • Biblical Interpretation Anchors – Six core theological filters—including creation, eschatology, and Jesus' actions—guide how to discern scripture’s intent and application. • Jesus on Women – From discipleship to resurrection witnesses, Jesus consistently elevated and empowered women as full participants in the mission of God. • The Cultural vs. Scriptural Divide – Many church restrictions on women are deeply cultural, not biblically grounded, and often inconsistent or harmful. • Complementarianism’s Double Standards – Mike and Andy unpack the theological contradictions and practical absurdities of restrictive models. • Redemptive Trajectory of Scripture – From Genesis to Revelation, the arc of the Bible points toward restored equality and shared leadership in the Spirit. Resources Mentioned: • Craig Keener, N.T. Wright, Gordon Fee – Noted biblical scholars with perspectives on women in the church. • William Webb – "Slaves, Women, and Homosexuals" • Genesis 1-3 and Galatians 3:28 • Vox Community Teachers: Megan Fate Marshman, Carrie Garcia, Bonnie Lewis • Facebook hashtag thread: "Things Only Christian Women Hear" • Letter to Philemon – Paul’s radical approach to slavery and equality in Christ Join the Voxology community in rethinking deeply held assumptions and imagining a church that reflects the inclusive heart of Jesus. Let your voice be heard—send your feedback, critiques, or questions to hello@voxpodcast.com or connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen. YouTube (for your eyeballs): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store on Etsy: VOXOLOGY Support the podcast: Patreon Listen and subscribe: iTunes | Spotify Music by Timothy John Stafford Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Instagram: @voxologypodcast | Facebook: Voxology Podcast Let’s live out the mission of Jesus—together.  As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow 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
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May 1, 2017 • 15min

Wisdom, Free Will, and Essential Oils: Honest Answers to Big Questions (Q&A Series #1)

Tackling real questions from the Vox Community and beyond, Mike Erre and Andy kick off the new Q&A Series with honest, heartfelt, and sometimes humorous reflections on key topics at the intersection of faith, culture, and Christian life. From the Sabbath to science, to the tension between free will and predestination, the duo models what it looks like to wrestle through complex theological questions with curiosity and compassion. Key Takeaways: • Keeping the Sabbath in Today’s World – Why Sabbath is a wisdom practice, not a covenantal requirement, and how Jesus reinterprets the law through love and rest. • Science vs. Essential Oils – Exploring the relationship between faith and science, Christian skepticism toward scientific institutions, and why curiosity and discernment matter. • Free Will and God’s Sovereignty – Unpacking the difference between God's corporate predestination and personal agency, and why God is not the author of evil or suffering. • Singleness and God's Compassion – Navigating the desire for marriage with grace, wisdom, and trust, while staying rooted in community and purpose. Resources Mentioned: • Previous Voxology Episodes: "Does God Cause Suffering?" – [Link to episode] "Understanding the Law and the Sabbath" on Facebook – [Link if available] Join us in rethinking what it means to faithfully follow Jesus in modern life—ask big questions, seek better answers, and laugh along the way. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts. 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
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Apr 24, 2017 • 1h 16min

The Liberating Power of Deconstruction: Rebuilding Faith Around Jesus (Live Episode)

Discover why so many are rethinking their faith and how deconstruction can actually catalyze a deeper, more authentic walk with Jesus. Recorded live with audience participation, this episode captures powerful personal stories of disorientation, doubt, and rediscovery. Mike Erre and Andy unpack the rise of Christian deconstruction, challenge the pitfalls of "faith-as-performance," and advocate for a reconstructive faith centered on the radical way of Jesus, not religious systems. Whether you’re post-evangelical, spiritually curious, or navigating your own crisis of faith, this conversation holds space for pain, honesty, humor, and hope. Key Takeaways: • Deconstructing the Faith – Why more Christians are walking away from inherited religious systems while seeking a more truthful, lived-out spirituality. • Stages of Faith – Exploring concepts like spiritual orientation, disorientation, and reorientation through frameworks from Brueggemann and Fowler. • The Normalcy of Doubt – Why skepticism, grief, and disillusionment are not spiritual failures but invitations to deeper transformation. • Following Jesus vs. Following a System – How a Paul-centered gospel often replaces a Jesus-centered way of life, and why that distinction matters. • Why Reconstruction Matters – The power of rebuilding a durable, honest faith after deconstruction, rooted in the person of Jesus rather than tradition or certainty. • Audience Stories – Live testimonies of deconstructing journeys—from confronting toxic evangelical cliches to having a loved one come out, losing a spouse, struggling with infertility, or simply encountering a more human Jesus. Guest Highlights: This episode features live participation from audience members who courageously shared moments that sparked their personal faith deconstruction and, for many, the beginning of reorientation toward Jesus. Resources Mentioned: • Stages of Faith by James Fowler • Walter Brueggemann’s framework of Orientation / Disorientation / Reorientation (as seen in the Psalms) • Real Time with Bill Maher – Discussion surrounding Christian public image and its portrayal • Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – Emphasis on grounding and reconstructing faith in the Gospels • The Vox Podcast – Previous episodes addressing church hurt, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and systemic critiques Call to Action: Help us continue creating space for honest conversations about Jesus, doubt, and identity. Subscribe to Voxology, leave a review, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Share your own story by emailing us at hello@voxpodcast.com. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more at: voxologypodcast.com Support us via Patreon Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify The Voxology Spotify Channel: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast "Like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy  As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow 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

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