Voxology

How can we begin to heal from spiritual abuse when the very structures meant to point us to God have been complicit in manipulation, coercion, and hypocrisy? Kicking off a new Luke Series, Mike Erre goes solo to explore Jesus's prophetic critique of religious authority in Luke 11—and its piercing relevance for today's church. Through Jesus's first "woe" against the Pharisees, Mike unpacks a powerful lesson: that external religiosity often masks inner moral decay, and that Jesus himself opposed performative faith with a passion. This episode speaks directly to those frustrated or disillusioned by the church—offering not just empathy, but biblical clarity on why so many have been harmed, and what Jesus really says about it. Key Takeaways: • Greed and Hypocrisy in High Places – The disconnect between polished external religion and corrupted internal motives. • What "Woe" Really Means – Understanding the prophetic tradition behind Jesus's pointed "woes" to religious leaders in Luke 11. • Misunderstood Pharisees – Why Jesus's relationship with Pharisees was more complex than caricature allows, and what modern Christians can learn from their mistakes. • The Paradox of the Outside vs. the Inside – How hyper-focus on rules, tradition, and behavior management misses the point of spiritual transformation. • A Call to Inner Renewal – Jesus invites generosity and humility over conformity and showmanship. Resources Mentioned: • Luke 11 – Jesus's "woes" and prophetic critique of religious leadership • Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel – Old Testament foundations for prophetic judgment • Voxology Non-ference – Details Here • Email your questions: hello@voxpodcast.com Join the conversation as we peel back the masks, wrestle with Jesus's challenging words, and uncover a more honest, hopeful expression of faith. Subscribe, leave a review, and help us reclaim the mission of Jesus. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How do spiritually abusive environments form, and why do they often look so "religious"? This fourth installment in the ongoing Spiritual Abuse series dives deep into Jesus' own critiques of religious leaders as a template for recognizing toxic patterns in modern churches and Christian communities. Mike Erre and Andy Lara explore themes of hypocrisy, majoring on the minors, and the death of mercy—all signs that a group is more interested in control and image than transformation and love. Drawing from Jesus' confrontations with Pharisees in Luke 11, they examine how legalism, performative spirituality, and prideful self-righteousness continue damaging people today—especially within churches where power dynamics, surface-level morality, and theological rigidity replace empathy, authenticity, and the true heart of the gospel. Key Takeaways: • Hypocrisy and the Heart – Jesus prioritizes inner transformation over outward religious performance. Mike reflects on how external conformity without internal renewal fosters abusive environments. • Majoring on the Minors – How churches and leaders often elevate secondary issues (like worship styles or doctrinal minutiae) above justice, mercy, and love—a pattern that mirrors the Pharisees. • The Death of Mercy – A lack of compassion reveals a distorted spirituality. "Mercy over sacrifice" becomes the litmus test for Jesus' kind of obedience. • Idolizing Leadership – When church leaders seek admiration rather than servanthood, it weaponizes power and marginalizes the broken—the exact opposite of Christ's model of pastoral care. • Social Media and the Illusion of Holiness – From curated personas online to platform culture in the church, Mike and Andy unpack how performative righteousness today mirrors ancient religious pride. Resources Mentioned: • Luke 11 – The "Woe" Passages: Jesus' rebuke of Pharisaical religion and hypocrisy • Larry Osborne's book – "Accidental Pharisees: Avoiding Pride, Exclusivity, and the Dangers of Overzealous Faith" • Vox update and info on the Vox Community Church – www.voxoc.com • Voxology Spotify Channel: Voxology Radio Join us in this honest, sometimes hilarious, often convicting reflection on why Jesus' harshest words were for the religious—and how his gentlest acts were always for outcasts, sinners, and the oppressed. Share your stories, wrestle with grace, and don't forget to subscribe, review, and follow Voxology on your favorite platforms. As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we pursue truth together. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: ETSY – Voxology Learn more at voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Follow @voxologypodcast on Instagram and "like" us on Facebook for updates and new episode drops. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How the biblical practice of public lament can help us confront communal tragedy, own our complicity, and embody compassionate presence in a hurting world. In this emotional and reflective episode, Mike Erre and Andy process an extraordinarily painful week of violence, including the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando. They explore the responsibility of Jesus followers to grieve publicly, speak honestly, and lament alongside marginalized communities rather than hijack grief for politics or theology. Mike deeply unpacks the biblical tradition of lament, offering insights into how grief is a spiritual pathway for protest, solidarity, and ultimately hope. Drawing from scriptures, Jewish mourning practices like sitting Shiva, and reflections on fear-driven cultural responses, the dialogue calls Christians to a new ethic of presence and repentance in times of suffering. Key Takeaways: • Grief Before Action – Public tragedy demands grief before reaction; Jesus followers must give permission for pain before offering answers. • The Power of Public Lament – The Bible models bold, honest lament that directs sorrow toward God, resists polite clichés, and names injustice without offering theological band-aids. • Fear and Blame Hijack Grief – How religious and political reactions quickly turn to fear, defensiveness, and outrage, masking the vulnerability of grief. • The Church's Prophetic Role – Christians are called to embody peace and security, even amid violence, reflecting the counter-cultural posture of Jesus. • Don't Hijack the Grief – Avoid theological posturing, political arguments, and "I told you so" tones in moments that should be sacred expressions of collective mourning. • Why We Sit Shiva – The practice of sitting Shiva invites Christians to be with the suffering, acknowledge their world has changed, and listen before speaking. Resources Mentioned: • Lamentations, Psalms of Lament, and Habakkuk – Foundational texts modeling biblical lament • Matthew Vines – Article on Christian responses to LGBTQ+ tragedies • Dallas Willard – Reflections on joyful non-compliance and Christlike resistance • Russell Moore – Article on weeping with those who weep • "Fade to Black" by Metallica – Referenced symbolically as a picture of grief Join us as we learn to lament well—without qualifications, without hijacking, and with deep compassion. Black out your social media profile with us as a small symbolic act of sitting Shiva with the LGBTQ+ and Orlando communities. Let's become a people shaped not by fear, but by love and sorrow that speak honestly and prophetically in a broken world. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast as we question, listen, and wrestle together in pursuit of the true mission of Jesus. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more: Voxology Podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the Podcast: Patreon Check out our curated Spotify music channel: Voxology Radio Instagram: @voxologypodcast Facebook: facebook.com/voxologypodcast Follow Mike: twitter.com/mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford – Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

A bold exploration into one of the most unsettling theological questions: does God cause evil and suffering? Mike Erre and Andy Lara kick off this deep-dive theological series by confronting the reformed doctrine of meticulous sovereignty—popularized by groups like The Gospel Coalition—and its claim that God not only allows but ordains suffering to achieve his glory. With humor, thoughtfulness, and academic grounding, Mike outlines an alternative view that reflects God's goodness more compellingly, rooted in the overarching biblical narrative. This episode offers a popular-level yet intellectually rich walkthrough of the Bible, highlighting how human freedom, divine partnership, and the brokenness of creation challenge the deterministic theology that God wills every tragedy. From Genesis to Paul's epistles, Mike builds the case that God's original intent was to rule through human agency—not override it—and that evil is not the product of God's direct will but a distortion of it. Key Takeaways: • Meticulous Sovereignty vs. Participatory Creation – A critique of the idea that God predestines all events, including evil and suffering, and why it clashes with the biblical story of human agency and divine cooperation. • A Different Story of Sovereignty – A fresh retelling of the biblical narrative that emphasizes cooperative partnership between God and humanity, from Genesis through Jesus. • Jesus as the Clear Picture of God – How Jesus's battle against sickness, death, demonic powers, and injustice reflects a God who confronts—not causes—evil. • Death as the Enemy, Not God's Tool – Why Paul calls death the "last enemy to be destroyed," offering a decisive argument against the idea that God wills death to bring glory. Resources Mentioned: • 1 Corinthians 15:20-26 – Paul's picture of death and enemy powers against God's reign • Gospel Coalition tweet: "God doesn't just allow suffering. He ordains it." • Genesis 1-3 – The creation mandate and the role of human image-bearers • David Bentley Hart – Orthodox theologian critiquing deterministic sovereignty • Bill Johnson's When Heaven Invades Earth – Offering a theology of the kingdom consistent with Jesus's ministry Call to Action: Help us reshape how the church talks about suffering and God's character. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media so others can join in reclaiming a Jesus who's more beautiful than we imagined. As always, we welcome your thoughts and questions—email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or join the ongoing 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 Catch curated musical vibes on the Voxology Spotify channel: 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

Exploring how a scared world needs a fearless church, Mike Erre takes a deep and unflinching look at the growing entanglement between American evangelicalism and political power in this episode of the Subversive Kingdom Series. Drawing from the controversial 2016 meeting between Donald Trump and prominent evangelical leaders, Mike questions what it means for Christians to align themselves with political figures out of fear rather than faith. Through sharp critique, biblical insight, and passionate reflection, Mike and Andy unravel how the church's call to represent Jesus contrasts radically with political partisanship and fear-based decision-making. Key Takeaways: • The Evangelical Infatuation with Political Power – How the church's alliance with political candidates reflects a loss of trust in Jesus's nonviolent, subversive way of transformation. • Fear as a Political Tool – A breakdown of how candidates prey on Christian fears—religious liberty, cultural decline, economy—and why fear should not drive our faith or our vote. • Reclaiming Kingdom Power – Distinguishing between brute force power and agape-based kingdom influence through wisdom, love, and example. • The Idol of Comfort and Security – Why Trump's appeal reveals the deeper idolatries within American evangelicalism and how repentance is a necessary response. • Jesus Over Partisanship – Why fidelity to Jesus means rejecting the binary "lesser of two evils" mindset and refusing to be a voting bloc used for political gain. Guest Highlights: Andy – Co-host and thoughtful dialogue partner, helping process the implications of fear-based leadership and challenging the audience to consider what it really means to be a fearless church. Resources Mentioned: • Romans 13 – Discussion on the church's relationship with governmental authority • Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) – Exploration of what true kingdom power looks like through Jesus's teachings • The Beatitudes – Compared against the values embodied by modern political candidates • Subversive Kingdom by Mike Erre – [Link to Book/Website] • Charles de Foucauld (L'Arche Movement) – Reflections on authentic Christian community vs. issue-based identity Be part of the movement to reclaim a Jesus-centered, fearless faith rooted in sacrificial love, not political gain. Subscribe to Voxology, leave a review, and follow us on social media to continue engaging in these critical conversations. We'd love to hear from you—email questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. Watch us on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Check out our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more: voxologypodcast.com Subscribe: iTunes | Spotify Support the podcast: Patreon Explore our music: Timothy John Stafford Follow on IG & Twitter: @voxologypodcast | Mike: @mikeerre | @GoneTimothy Let's continue walking in Jesus's way of fearless love in a culture gripped by fear. 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

Explore how to understand and engage with the Bible beyond simplistic frameworks, recognizing its complexity, beauty, and purpose in guiding a faithful and Christ-centered life. Mike Erre and producer Andy dive deep in response to a listener's thoughtful questions on the authority of Scripture, infallibility, inerrancy, and how believers can faithfully interpret a diverse library of sacred texts shaped by God and written by real humans. Key Takeaways: • Inspiration Over Infallibility – Why Mike chooses the word "inspired" over "inerrant" or "infallible" when discussing the nature of Scripture, and how these terms have been used in theological "Bible wars." • Messy but Trustworthy – Acknowledging the Bible's inconsistencies, contradictions, and genres not as flaws, but as evidence of its authenticity and relevance to real life and faith struggles. • Reading the Bible Literarily, Not Literally – How understanding the variety of literary forms in Scripture—like poetry, prophecy, narrative, and apocalypse—changes how we interpret meaning and divine intent. • No Infallible Readers – Even if the Bible were perfect in the originals, all readers interpret it through cultural, emotional, and theological lenses, so humility and context are essential. • Improvising the Fifth Act – NT Wright's metaphor of the Bible as an unfinished play helps frame how we live out Scripture today—rooted in the first four "acts" while faithfully discerning how to act in our time based on the story's trajectory. Resources Mentioned: • Book: The Authority of Scripture by N.T. Wright • Scripture Examples: Exodus 1 (midwives lying to Pharaoh), John 8 (woman caught in adultery), Mark 16 (alternate endings) • Ancient Literature Genres: Apocalyptic writings (Daniel, Revelation), Wisdom literature (Proverbs, Job), Hebrew poetry (Psalms) Catch the sneak peek into upcoming episodes, including a moving discussion around World Down Syndrome Day with Mike, Andy, and their families, and a return to questions around gender and the role of women in Scripture. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss an episode. If today's conversation resonated with you, rate us and leave a review—it helps others find and engage with this journey of rediscovering the Jesus way. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

What if faith doesn't require having all the answers before committing? This episode dives deep into the intricacies of faith, doubt, trust, and belief—and how misunderstanding them can derail a healthy and authentic relationship with Jesus. Mike and Andy tackle audience questions head-on, unraveling misconceptions about certainty, biblical inerrancy, and the differences between core Christian convictions and secondary beliefs. Drawing on the wisdom of Paul in 1 Corinthians, the teachings of Jesus, and modern philosophical perspectives, Mike contrasts the "house of cards" Christianity—where all doctrines are weighted equally—with a more biblically grounded approach that centers on the first importance: the resurrection of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Faith is Action Based on Trust – Not psychological certainty, not theological perfection, not doctrinal agreement. Instead, it's about real-world trust, lived out in action. • Not All Beliefs Are Equal – Paul differentiates between core convictions like the resurrection and secondary doctrines, helping listeners reframe how they process doubts and disagreements. • Jesus at the Center – Trust in scripture flows from trust in Jesus, not the other way around. The podcast emphasizes the importance of rooting belief in the person and work of Christ. • Welcoming Honest Doubt – Mike explains how Scripture makes space for doubt inside covenant relationship, distinguishing it clearly from obstinate unbelief. • "Everything Is Yours in Christ" – From science to philosophy, truth isn't limited to Christians. If it's true, it's God's—and followers of Jesus are invited to receive it without fear. Guest Highlights: Andy—Co-host and question catalyst, Andy raises valuable real-world and relational tensions, including the challenge of faithfulness in broken human relationships and what covenantal fidelity looks like when trust is compromised. Resources Mentioned: • 1 Corinthians 15 – Paul's teaching on the resurrection and the hierarchy of Christian belief • James 1 – Understanding "ask without doubting" in relational, not contractual, terms • Michael Novak – Explanation of professed vs. actual belief through observable actions • Pete Enns and Bart Ehrman – Scholars raising critiques on biblical reliability, used as examples of critical engagement Connect & Engage: Have questions about faith, doubt, or theology? Email the team at hello@voxpodcast.com or join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. Instagram & Twitter: @voxologypodcast Watch us on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Grab pod merch here: VOXOLOGY on Etsy Learn more: voxologypodcast.com Subscribe and Review: Help spread these conversations by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast app of choice. Leave a review and share with anyone navigating questions of Jesus, Scripture, or doubt. Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Music by Timothy John Stafford – Follow on Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How does the Book of Job challenge our assumptions about suffering, divine will, and justice? Continuing their Suffering Series, Mike Erre and Andy Lara navigate the emotional, cultural, and theological complexities of recent tragic events—particularly the fatal police shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile—while asking the deeper question: Does God cause suffering? Using the poetic narrative of Job as their backdrop, Mike and Andy wrestle with misleading Christian clichés ("God gives and takes away"), reconsider traditional theodicies, and expose how oversimplified views of God's sovereignty can cause real harm. By exploring Job's tale in its ancient Near Eastern literary and cultural context, the episode introduces a more dynamic, complex, and hopeful picture—one that recognizes the reality of spiritual conflict, the limitations of human understanding, and the subversive yet nonviolent nature of God's power. Key Takeaways: • The Book of Job as a Deconstruction of Simplistic Theology – Why Job's stylized, epic format invites us to abandon formulaic views of suffering and divine justice. • God vs. The Satan – How the narrative of Job introduces an adversary as an external source of evil, rather than attributing suffering directly to God's will. • Permission Isn't Ordination – The critical difference between God allowing suffering and God causing it. • The Injustice of the Just – How both Job and his well-meaning friends get it wrong in their own ways, and what that teaches us about speaking honestly versus speaking theologically "correct." • Reframing the Hedge of Protection – Why spiritual protection isn't about immunity from pain, but partnering with Christ in a war against evil and chaos. • Why "We Don't Know" Is Sometimes the Most Faithful Answer – A humble call to accept mystery in a world where we long for clarity and control. Resources Mentioned: • Greg Boyd – Books: "God at War" and "Satan and the Problem of Evil" • John Mark Comer – Job series from Bridgetown Church • Bible Scripture: The Book of Job • Dallas Willard – Teachings on non-coercive power • Podcast Mention: Upcoming interview with "Godless" (be sure to check it out in two weeks) Join Mike and Andy as they process personal grief, societal injustice, and theological discomfort, offering a space where deep doubts and honest questions are welcome. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast to keep these crucial conversations going. As always, we encourage discussion as we pursue deeper questions together. Email your thoughts to hello@voxpodcast.com and join us on Facebook and Instagram. Catch video episodes on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Shop the official merch store: ETSY Discover more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe via iTunes or Spotify Support us on Patreon Music by Timothy John Stafford – Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

What happens when a pastor dares to publicly challenge the evangelical embrace of Donald Trump? Mike Erre and Andy dive deep into the storm of controversy that erupted after Mike posted a viral message criticizing Trump's appeal to fear—sparking major backlash from within the Christian community. This episode explores the hypocrisy of political alignment in the church, the myth of apolitical preaching, and what it means to resist false dichotomies in presidential elections. Through personal reflection, theology, and a slew of social media reactions, Mike and Andy question the church's witness in an era when Christianity is too often equated with a political identity. This is a highly charged but necessary conversation about pastors, political rhetoric, and the moral cost of public allegiance to power. Key Takeaways: • Preaching Is Political – Why sermons and public witness can't be divorced from the political implications of professing that "Jesus is Lord." • Christianity and Double Standards – Dissecting how evangelicals selectively dismiss moral failure, depending on political affiliation. • Voting as Worship and Witness – A theology of voting that values conscience, rejects fear-fueled binaries, and embraces non-participation as prophetic resistance. • The "Stick to Preaching" Fallacy – Why speaking out against injustice—even when it's unpopular in evangelical circles—is not abandoning the pulpit, but fulfilling it. • Countering Fear-Based Politics – A call for Christians to resist campaigns that manipulate fear, scarcity, and tribalism in exchange for power. Notable Quotes: • "You would think that following a rabbi who conquered death would make us the least afraid people on the planet." • "Our witness to the world is compromised when character matters for one party, but not the other." • "A vote is not just about outcome—it's about identity, integrity, and discipleship." Resources Mentioned: • Voxology's Jesus and Politics Series – VoxologyPodcast.com • Wayne Grudem's Politically Controversial Article – [Link TBD] • Pew Research on Evangelicals and 2016 Election – pewresearch.org Join the conversation and rediscover a faith that transcends party lines. Subscribe to the podcast, leave us a review, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep engaging in honest, hopeful conversations about Jesus and culture. As always, we encourage discussion as we all pursue Jesus together. Email us your thoughts or questions at hello@voxpodcast.com and connect with the broader community on Facebook and Instagram. Catch full episodes and bonus content on VOXOLOGY TV. Check out our merch store on ETSY Subscribe and listen on iTunes or Spotify Support the show on Patreon Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/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

How do we navigate leadership, equality, and calling in a church culture still divided over gender roles? This powerful and refreshing conversation between Mike Erre, Andy Lara, and returning guest Bonnie Lewis dives straight into one of the most pressing theological and cultural issues in American Christianity: the role of women in the church. Without rehashing old debates, this episode leans into lived experiences, thoughtful critique, and honest reflection on what it means to be a follower of Jesus—regardless of gender. From examining the complementarian and egalitarian theological frameworks to unpacking common misconceptions, societal influences, and church dynamics, the team asks what it really looks like to reflect the image of God together in community. Key Takeaways: • Complementarianism vs. Egalitarianism – A breakdown of the two dominant theological camps and how their interpretations impact women's roles in the church. • Power and Participation in Church Culture – Exploring how gender disparities in leadership can distort a church's mission and missional effectiveness. • Why the 'Feminization of the Church' Misses the Mark – A critique of evangelical rhetoric that positions masculinity as corrective rather than collaborative. • Deconstructing Binary Thinking – Allowing space for spiritual nuance beyond either/or assumptions about gender, power, and faithfulness. • Modeling Equity Through Leadership – The power of churches affirming women's voices not only in theory but also in actual leadership practice and platform. Guest Highlight: Bonnie Lewis – A theologian, teacher, and host of the "Find the Blue" podcast, Bonnie shares her personal journey through seminary, ministry roadblocks, and finding her voice both within and beyond institutional church settings. Her reflections offer clarity, courage, and a vision for a more inclusive and biblical understanding of spiritual leadership. Resources Mentioned: • Bonnie's Website + Podcast – findtheblue.com • Scott McKnight – The Blue Parakeet • N.T. Wright – Article on Women in Ministry • Gordon Fee – New Testament scholar and egalitarian voice • Craig Keener – Egalitarian theologian • Ray Anderson – Theological works on personhood and ministry • "Four Views on Women in Ministry" – Counterpoints Book Series • Rachel Held Evans, Jen Hatmaker, Jo Saxton – Women leaders and writers discussed • Find the Blue Podcast on Apple Podcasts Join us in continuing this conversation on theological integrity, justice, and equity within the church. Send your comments or questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and be sure to share this episode with anyone exploring what equality in the church truly looks like. Subscribe, leave us a review, and follow us on social media to stay connected! Watch us on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store: Etsy Shop Support us on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Engage on Facebook Learn more 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