Voxology

How the church has lost its witness by prioritizing culture wars, misrepresenting love, and failing to embody the radical, self-giving love of Jesus — and why it matters. In this honest and provocative conversation, Mike Erre, Andy, and Izzy Ray dive deep into the next two points from the widely shared blog post "Dear Church, Here's Why People Are Leaving You," exploring the disconnect between the Church's messaging and Jesus' own heart for people. This is Part 2 of the "Dear Church" series. Whether it's choosing the wrong battles or wielding a love that doesn't feel like love, today's church often alienates the very people it's called to embrace. Through personal stories, scriptural reflection, and candid critique, the team wrestles with the call to embody agape love — a love that costs, sacrifices, and welcomes. Key Takeaways: • Choosing Better Battles – Why the Church often fights for trivial causes while staying silent on poverty, racism, and injustice — and how that undermines its mission. • Love as a Transformative Force – Redefining love as a costly, self-sacrificial act rooted in Jesus' example, not superficial niceness or moral correctness. • The Evangelism vs. Justice Divide – How our inherited Christianity has wrongly separated "saving souls" from addressing structural injustice, and why that needs to change. • The Church and the Margins – Recognizing that Jesus does His best work from the margins, not the center of power and influence — and why embracing marginalization may be crucial to rediscovering the Church's purpose. • Restoring Witness through Authenticity – How building real, honest, committed relationships — even with those who disagree — revives the credibility of our faith and witness. Resources Mentioned: • James 1:27 – "Pure religion" as caring for widows and orphans. • Dallas Willard – Teachings on joyful noncompliance and spiritual formation. • Ray Vander Laan – Cultural background of the Gospels. • Toxic Charity by Robert D. Lupton – A critique of unhelpful generosity. • When Helping Hurts by Brian Fikkert and Steve Corbett – How well-meaning aid can backfire. • The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken – Stories from the persecuted global church. • John 3:16 – A deeper reflection on divine love and mission. • Luke 6:27-36 – Jesus' call to love enemies and embody mercy. Join hosts Mike, Andy, and Izzy for a striking look at how the Church must return to love, humility, and justice to truly reflect the heart of Jesus in a hurting world. Call to Action: Help spread this conversation by subscribing, reviewing, and sharing the Voxology Podcast. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with the latest — and if any reflections or stories resonate with you, we'd love to hear from you. As always, listener feedback is deeply valued. Send your thoughts and questions to hello@voxpodcast.com or connect with us on social platforms. We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more at voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support us on Patreon Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford & featured music by Izzy Ray – izziray.com Instagram & Twitter: @voxologypodcast | @GoneTimothy | @izziray 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 can the church reclaim its prophetic voice and connect deeply in a generation disillusioned by performance, image, and control? That's the question Mike Erre, Andy, and special guest Izzy Ray tackle in this candid and heartfelt conversation. Prompted by John Pavlovitz's article "Dear Church, Here's Why People Are Really Leaving You," the trio explores what it means to be authentic in ecclesial spaces, challenge the production model of church gatherings, and create communities that honor real brokenness, humility, and beauty. This isn't a church-bashing episode—it's a love letter to the mission of Jesus and an invitation to witness how weakness might actually be the church's superpower. Key Takeaways: • Rejection of Performance-Based Church – Why young adults, like Izzy, are exhausted by overproduced experiences and long for authenticity instead of scripted perfection. • The Loss of Mystery – How rigid control and stage-managed services strip away the wonder and spirit-led surprise that gathering in Jesus's name should embody. • Weakness as Qualification – Revisiting Paul's declaration that "power is made perfect in weakness," and why church leaders may actually be most qualified to lead when limping. • Burnout in the Pulpit – The systemic failure of celebrity leadership models, why burnout is common, and what rest and restoration should actually look like. • Language That Connects – Replacing insider churchy language with meaningful, plain communication that resonates with real-life people. • Beyond the Building – Challenging the "come and consume" model of church and reimagining church gatherings as platforms for love, justice, and community outside the walls. Guest Highlight: Izzy Ray – Worship artist, pastor, and Vox community member representing the generational voice of an authentic hunger for Jesus. Izzy opens up about her lived experience with church culture, what she longs for in Christian gatherings, and why vulnerability and mystery matter more than polish and hype. Resources Mentioned: • Article: "Dear Church, Here's Why People Are Really Leaving You" by John Pavlovitz – johnpavlovitz.com • Book: Power, Weakness, and the Tabernacling of God by Marva J. Dawn – [Link] • Podcast: Vox Community podcast (for teachings + scripture series) – Vox Community on iTunes • Izzy Ray music – izzyray.com Join us as we embrace the beauty of the messy middle, where Jesus shows up not in sameness, but in brokenness, realness, and hope. Got thoughts or your own story about leaving or staying in church? Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com – we want to hear from you! Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help us keep reimagining Jesus's mission together. We're now on YouTube too – VOXOLOGY TV Vox Merch: ETSY SHOP Patreon: Support meaningful conversation – Patreon.com/voxology Follow on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Join the Vox Community on Facebook Music by Timothy John Stafford (also @GoneTimothy) and guest artist Izzy Ray 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

Can a non-affirming Christian hold space for LGBTQ+ voices with humility and grace? Can thoughtful atheism provoke deeper faith? Mike and Andy reflect on powerful listener feedback—one from a 20-year-old gay Christian named Jeremy, and another from "Godless," an atheist guest host—and begin a deep dive into the critiques both raised about the Bible, theology, and the church's engagement with real people. Through Jeremy's compelling and vulnerable email, the conversation explores the complexities of same-sex attraction, love, repentance, and the experience of God's presence even when clarity doesn't come. Their exchange reveals a profound ability to disagree while honoring the faith journey of another human being. Then, responding to "Godless," Mike begins to unpack why he still finds belief in God intellectually, historically, and existentially plausible—even in light of some of the Bible's most difficult passages. This two-part reflection asks: What's the better explanation for morality, consciousness, beauty, and meaning—God or chance? And does Jesus, who proclaimed he fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, actually challenge the interpretive misuses of the Old Testament in revolutionary ways? Key Takeaways: • Listening with Humility – Why Mike and Andy gave Jeremy the last word in their conversation on affirming vs. non-affirming theology, and what thoughtful disagreement looks like. • A Complex Faith Journey – Jeremy's story highlights how trauma, love, and the Holy Spirit can reshape assumptions about what it means to follow Jesus as a gay Christian. • Maintaining Theological Tension – The Vox team emphasizes that positions on sexuality are deeply nuanced and must be held with gentleness and openness to critique. • Why Mike Still Believes in God – Using an "inference to the best explanation" framework, Mike outlines how the existence of God better accounts for morality, consciousness, and purpose than material atheism. • Jesus vs. Old Testament Morality – Introducing a robust critique of how Jesus actually differentiates himself from the legalism of his time and invites disciples into a more radical, coherent ethic centered on love, justice, and mercy. Resources Mentioned: • Oriented to Faith by Tim Otto – A third-way perspective from a celibate gay affirming pastor. • Hen's Teeth and Horse's Toes by Stephen Jay Gould – A scientific work that challenged Godless' Christian views. • Matthew 5:17 – Jesus' statement on fulfilling the Law and the Prophets. • The Sermon on the Mount – Read through the lens of first-century Judaism and Jesus' critique of the Pharisees. • Dallas Willard – Insights on moral self and human flourishing. • N.T. Wright's Theology – On the Jewish roots and richness of Jesus' ethical teachings. This episode acts as a bridge between radically different viewpoints—atheistic skepticism and LGBTQ+ Christian faith—and the tradition of following Jesus in truth and love, without simplistic answers or defensive postures. Part two continues this exploration into Jesus, the Old Testament, and how we interpret divine morality in tension with real life. Subscribe, leave a review, and share with your community as we navigate hard conversations with curiosity, grace, and hopeful faith. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow 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

Unpacking one of the most misunderstood elements of the Bible, Mike Erre and Andy explore how seemingly oppressive passages on household roles—particularly around women, slavery, and children—can actually be understood as revolutionary in their original cultural context. Episode 44 walks through a compelling thought experiment rooted in modern-day Saudi Arabia to reframe the function of the New Testament's household codes within a Roman Empire driven by patriarchy and social hierarchy. This episode links past and present, showing how the moral teachings of Paul and Peter were strategic missional tools, not static moral laws, designed to make the gospel beautiful and compelling in an unbelieving world. Learn why the early church encouraged cultural conformity in submission, gender, and familial relationships—not out of endorsement of injustice but out of a radical desire to subvert structures from within. Key Takeaways: • The Power of Cultural Context – How Paul and Peter's household codes aligned with Roman moral expectations not to reinforce oppression, but to remove unnecessary barriers to the gospel. • Mission Over Personal Rights – A Christian's personal freedom is secondary to representing Christ attractively to a skeptical world; this ethic still challenges us today. • Revolution From Within – The New Testament subversively planted seeds in patriarchal systems that would eventually dismantle them, particularly in how men were called to love, not dominate. • Why the Church Should Rethink Power – Christianity has always flourished in exile or marginalization, not as a political power structure. • Women, Leadership & Gospel Witness – Reframing the conversation on whether limiting women's roles in church institutions still aligns with the gospel's expansion. Resources Mentioned: • David Instone-Brewer – Writings on ancient Judaism, divorce, and Jesus' social context. • Galatians 3:28 – "There is neither male nor female, slave nor free…" • Colossians & Ephesians – Biblical household codes and how they are differentiated from Aristotle's. • Dallas Willard – Theological inspiration on joyful resistance and noncompliance. • Historical figures: Josephus and Philo – Illustrating Jewish parallels in accommodating Roman social norms. Join the conversation and help us ask better questions and live more compelling lives as representatives of Jesus in a complicated world. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology on social media to stay informed and be part of a renewing 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

How our modern values—individualism, narcissism, personal fulfillment—affect the way we read Scripture without even realizing it. Mike and Andy dig into the deep waters of biblical context, revealing how understanding the world of the New Testament changes how we interpret its message today. This episode helps listeners move beyond a flat reading of Scripture by uncovering the massive cultural, linguistic, and worldview gaps between our modern assumptions and the Bible's original context. Drawing heavily from the book "Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes," Mike walks through six key "gaps" between our culture and the Bible: time, language, customs, geography, behaviors, and especially value systems. The goal? To inspire deeper study and culturally-contextual interpretation that leads us closer to the message Jesus and the authors of the Scriptures were actually communicating. Key Takeaways: • Cultural Distance and Biblical Misunderstanding – Why a 2,000-year gap in time, language, customs, and geography must influence how we read Scripture. • The Individual vs. the Collective – North American readers often read "you" in the Bible as singular and personal—but in the Bible's collectivist culture, it's usually communal. • The Honor/Shame Framework – Unlike our guilt/innocence obsession, the biblical world operated on honor/shame dynamics, with profound implications for how we view sin, correction, and spiritual formation. • Patron-Client Relationships and Faith – The ancient relationship model that reshapes our understanding of grace (charis) and faith (pistis), moving us beyond transactional understandings of salvation. • How Narcissism Infects Interpretation – The danger of reading every verse as a personal promise and centering ourselves in the story rather than God or His people. Resources Mentioned: • "Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes" by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O'Brien – [Link] • "The Patient Ferment of the Early Church" by Alan Kreider – [Link] • Ephesians 6: The Armor of God passage, discussed in a communal rather than individualistic framework – [Link] • 1 Thessalonians 4:11 – Rethinking personal ambition in light of community ethics – [Link] Call to Action: Ready to read the Bible with fresh eyes? Share this episode with someone stuck in a modern lens and explore these ancient perspectives together. Subscribe, follow us on social, and email us at hello@voxpodcast.com with your questions or thoughts on how cultural context changes your faith journey. As always, we encourage and welcome ongoing discussion. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. 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 podcast and community at https://voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on: • Apple Podcasts – https://apple.co/1Lla1Nj • Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/2Mvxz3OQDSkEpHujXiFkkr Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/voxology The Voxology Spotify channel: Voxology Radio – https://open.spotify.com/user/nj2l08pd1zt6zk3azs1plhmdy Follow on Instagram: @voxologypodcast 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

How should followers of Jesus respond to the ever-growing outrage culture consuming our news cycles and social media feeds? Mike Erre and Andy unpack the tension between righteous anger and destructive outrage, using powerful examples from Jesus' life to explore what holy anger looks like—and how we can engage with it in ways that lead to healing, not harm. This deeply relevant episode asks the hard questions: Who was Jesus actually angry at? What did He do with His anger? And how can Jesus' model change the way we react to political scandal, social injustice, and cultural flashpoints today? Whether you're burned out by the outrage machine or wrestling with how to channel your moral concern as a Christian, this conversation offers both challenge and comfort, inviting us to slow down, reflect, and respond from a place of love and transformation. Key Takeaways: • Human Anger vs. God's Righteous Anger – Understanding why not all anger is sinful, but when it stops leading to healing or blessing, we've missed the point. • Jesus' Anger Was Always Redemptive – From healing a man with a withered hand to defending children and cleansing the temple, Jesus' anger consistently brought about justice and restoration. • Outrage at Everything = Outrage at Nothing – How chronic outrage can numb our moral senses and hinder our witness to the world. • The Target of Jesus' Anger – Challenging the assumption that Jesus would be angry at "outsiders," and confronting how He actually condemned religious hypocrisy. • A Call to Self-Reflection – What are we angry at...and what does our anger produce? Resources Mentioned: • Mark 3:1–6 – Jesus heals the man with the withered hand. • Mark 10:13–16 – Jesus rebukes the disciples and blesses the children. • Mark 11:15–17 – The cleansing of the temple. • James 1:19–20 – "Human anger does not bring about the righteousness God desires." • C.S. Lewis – The Screwtape Letters (quote on errors being introduced in pairs) • The Book of Psalms – Understanding righteous indignation through poetic laments. • Additional discussions from previous Vox episodes on spiritual abuse and pharisaical religion. Join the conversation and explore how to respond to cultural tension with grace and truth, refusing to be shaped by the cycle of fear and fury. Subscribe to Voxology Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. If today's conversation resonated with you, leave a review and share the episode. We'd love to hear from you! Drop your thoughts, questions, or feedback at hello@voxpodcast.com. We're also on social media: Instagram: @voxologypodcast Facebook: Voxology Podcast YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/voxology Merch available now: Voxology on Etsy Learn more about Voxology and upcoming events at voxologypodcast.com 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

What if everything you believed about finding "the one" was never actually biblical—or even helpful? In this candid and often hilarious conversation, Mike Erre and co-host Andy explore the deeply ingrained myth of the soulmate, confronting cultural narratives around romance, marriage, and self-fulfillment in both the secular and Christian world. Drawing extensively from the Genesis account of creation and the fall, they unpack how our expectations of marriage often lead us astray and suggest a more grounded, Christ-centered vision for love and relationships rooted in self-sacrifice, partnership, and transformation. Using insights from Genesis 1-3 and thinkers like Stanley Hauerwas and Tim Keller, the episode dives into how Christians are called to resist Hollywood tropes and embrace the difficult but rewarding journey of covenant love, where two imperfect people learn to reflect God's love for humanity. Whether you're dating, married, or spiritually curious, this episode challenges assumptions and invites deeper reflection on how we love and who we expect to change us. Key Takeaways: • The Biblical Portrait of Marriage – Genesis presents male-female relationships as "ezer kenegdo"—equal partners who are both alike and opposite, designed to co-rule creation. • Fallout from the Fall – How disobedience distorts divine design, turning mutuality into power struggle and fulfillment into frustration. • Soulmate is a Myth – There is no "one perfect person" who will complete you; true fulfillment comes not through compatibility but through sacrificial love and growth. • Marriage as Covenant, Not Contract – Christian marriage is less about individual happiness and more about embodying God's covenantal love through service, vulnerability, and resilience. • When You Change, So Does Marriage – You will always marry the "wrong" person because both people in a marriage will change, evolve, and, ultimately, disappoint. The key is growing together through it. • Redefining Fulfillment – Letting go of self-centered expectations in marriage opens the door to deeper joy, healing, and transformation. Resources Mentioned: • Genesis 1–3 – The foundation for understanding male-female relationships and the impact of sin on marriage. • Stanley Hauerwas – Ethicist who wrote extensively on the myth of soulmate ideology and the self-fulfillment ethic in marriage. • Tim Keller – The Meaning of Marriage, for a gospel-centered view of commitment and relational growth. • Psalm 121 – The word "ezer" (helper) ascribed to God, offering profound implications for gender equality in partnership. • Ephesians 5 – Paul's vision for mutual submission and Christ-centered love in marriage. Join us in rethinking relationships and returning to a more redemptive vision of marriage. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and follow Voxology on social media to keep diving into tough questions and meaningful discussions. As always, we encourage and welcome your thoughts and feedback as we pursue these conversations together. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or join the conversation on Instagram and Facebook. Watch full episodes on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Grab some new merch: ETSY Store Discover more at VoxologyPodcast.com Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Support the show at Patreon Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Follow Tim on all platforms: @GoneTimothy Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How do we show Christ in conversations that spiral out of control? Mark Salomon—frontman of Christian punk staples The Crucified and Stavesacre—joins Mike and Andy to reflect on a recent debate-turned-nightmare with an outspoken atheist podcaster. In this candid and vulnerable conversation, Mark opens up about what went wrong, what he wished he said, and what it means to represent Jesus when the stakes are high and you're completely caught off guard. This episode goes beyond debating theology; it's a raw look at spiritual ambassadorship, moral reasoning without a framework, and how Christians can navigate hostile or disorienting conversations with both conviction and humility. Mike and Andy walk with Mark through the emotional and intellectual landmines of the original exchange, bringing clarity to big questions about God's morality, divine judgment, the authority of scripture, and the place of empathy in a post-Christian world. Key Takeaways: • Representing Jesus in High-Pressure Moments – How to stay grounded when caught off guard during spiritual conversations. • Debates vs. Dialogues – Why the goal shouldn't be "winning" the argument but embodying the love, patience, and humility of Jesus. • Objective Morality & Faith – Exploring the theological conviction that God's authority defines good and evil—even when that feels difficult or cold. • Revisiting the Problem of Evil – Mike breaks down how a world built on love must include freedom, using powerful examples like suffering and disability to illuminate God's bigger picture. • When The Old Testament Gets Weaponized – Unpacking divine judgment, slavery, and God's progressive revelation leading to Jesus as the full image of God's character. Guest Highlights: Mark Salomon – Icon of the Christian hardcore scene and host of the podcast "Never Was." Mark talks through the emotional fallout of a frustrating public conversation, shares his fears about misrepresenting Christ, and reflects with courage and honesty on what spiritual integrity looks like when things don't go as planned. Resources Mentioned: • "Never Was" Podcast by Mark Salomon – Available here • "Pastor With No Answers" podcast – Pastor With No Answers • "MetalSucks" Podcast – Featuring guest "Godless" • Hebrews 1, Colossians 1 & 2, John 14 – Used to demonstrate Jesus as the fullest revelation of God • C.S. Lewis – Referenced throughout the discussion for insights on morality and divine authority • "The Problem of God" by Mark Clark – For exploring tough questions skeptics ask about Christianity Join us as we continue the conversation on how faith and humility intersect in hard places. Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay connected. As always, we welcome your thoughts and questions. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Visit our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more at the Voxology Podcast Website Subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon Listen to curated playlists on the Voxology Spotify Channel: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and like us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: twitter.com/mikeerre Original 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

How the "center-set" model of Christianity offers a radical alternative to legalism, spiritual abuse, and rigid boundary-drawing—and what it means for those longing to experience authentic grace, community, and transformation. Kicking off their new Spiritual Abuse series, Mike and Tim dive deep into Paul Hebert's set theory and how it reshapes our understanding of who belongs, what discipleship looks like, and how churches can prioritize Jesus as the true center. Key Takeaways: • Bounded vs. Centered Faith – How the traditional "bounded set" model prioritizes behavioral and doctrinal checklists, often at the expense of grace, honesty, and transformation. • Dangers of Boundary-Focused Churches – Why focusing on who's "in" and who's "out" fosters legalism, fear, and superficiality. • The Center-Set Alternative – Exploring a transformational perspective where the direction of a person's heart toward Jesus, rather than meeting external qualifications, defines spiritual belonging. • Indicators vs. Boundaries – Why behaviors (like generosity, love, peace) should serve as indicators of heart orientation rather than rigid membership tests. • Church Discipline and Relational Accountability – Reflecting on Paul's example in 1 Corinthians and discussing the delicate balance of transparency, restoration, and protecting community health. • A Call to Build Wells – How churches and communities can be rooted in grace, welcoming honesty and brokenness while always pointing toward the wellspring of Jesus. Resources Mentioned: • Paul Hebert's "Set Theory" (Theological framework on Bounded, Fuzzy, and Centered sets) • Mark Baker – Author and scholar adapting Hebert's theories for modern congregations • Dallas Willard – Teachings on the inward transformation of discipleship • Galatians & Matthew 19 – Scriptural cases for center-set thinking and critiques on boundary models This episode kicks off a larger conversation on the roots and mechanics of spiritual abuse—how legalism, control, and fear undermine the gospel of grace and the heart of Jesus. Join the journey as Mike and Tim dig deeper in upcoming episodes. Let's keep the conversation going—join us on social media, share your story, or email us at hello@voxpodcast.com. And if this episode resonated with you, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Voxology to help others discover this community. We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Merch Store: VOXOLOGY on Etsy Learn more or sign up for updates: voxologypodcast.com Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support this work via Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Facebook: Voxology Podcast Music by Timothy John Stafford – Insta/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

Practical wisdom for engaging in heated conversations with compassion, truth, and empathy. Communication theorist Dr. Tim Muehlhoff joins Mike Erre and Andy to break down how Christians can honor both truth and love in our polarized world. Drawing from his book "I Beg to Differ: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Truth and Love," Tim offers a four-step approach to make our relational disagreements more fruitful—whether it's over politics, gender identity, theology, or everyday marriage struggles. This fun and thought-provoking episode explores how modern Christians can reimagine public discourse as a form of spiritual formation, resisting the culture of outrage without compromising convictions. Filled with humor, poignant stories, and real-world scenarios, this is a must-listen for anyone striving to make Jesus beautiful in how they communicate—online and face-to-face. Key Takeaways: • The Argument Culture – Why modern discourse has become toxic and how Christians can resist a win-at-all-costs mentality through humility and empathy. • The Power of Listening – Why Scripture calls us to listen before we speak and how it fosters compassion, understanding, and a Christlike witness. • Finding Common Ground – How affirming shared values and stories builds genuine relationships and opens doors for truth. • Discernment in Dialogue – Why rushing to "share our position" can damage relationships, and how to wisely discern the right time, place, and tone for deeper discussions. • Social Media and Faith – Why social media often fails as a medium for nuanced communication—and the dangers of outrage sharing without relational context. Guest Highlights: Dr. Tim Muehlhoff – Professor of communication at Biola University, co-director of the Center for Marriage and Relationships, and author of "I Beg to Differ." Tim offers expert insight into how communication theory meets Christian faith in transforming the way we engage difficult conversations—with loved ones, strangers, and cultural "others." Resources Mentioned: • I Beg to Differ by Tim Muehlhoff – Available here • Center for Marriage and Relationships – cmr.biola.edu • The Art of Relationships Podcast – Launching at Biola's Center for Marriage and Relationships • Proverbs 18:13 – "To answer before listening—that is folly and shame." • Longfellow Quote – On understanding the secret history of our enemies Join us in rethinking what it means to have conversations that reflect Jesus' posture of grace and truth. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology on social media to dive deeper into the mission of Jesus in a divided world. As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we pursue truth and grace. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube now! VOXOLOGY TV Check out the Voxology Merch Store on ETSY Subscribe and learn more at voxologypodcast.com Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Check out curated music on the Voxology Spotify channel Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Like us on Facebook Tweet at Mike: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy