Voxology

How recognizing and dismantling spiritual abuse can lead us back to a healthier, grace-filled understanding of Jesus, the Church, and our place within it. Mike and Andy unpack the final installment of the Spiritual Abuse series by digging deep into Jesus's powerful critiques in Luke 11. They explore how spiritual leaders can lose their way and end up focusing on status, rules, and control, and how Jesus didn't just call this out—he actively stood with the oppressed and wounded. This episode delivers an honest, unfiltered examination of how power gets misused in Christian spaces and how to cultivate healthier leadership and communities marked by humility and grace. Key Takeaways: • Spiritual Abuse Defined – Unpacking how misuse of power in leadership, especially when reinforced by religious authority, creates manipulation, silence, and shame. • Jesus vs. Celebrity Christianity – Diving into Luke 11, where Jesus critiques the Pharisees for status-seeking, pride, and a burdensome rule-based system that hides spiritual toxicity. • Signs of a Toxic Church Culture – Exploring what happens when leaders are more focused on platforms, doctrinal gatekeeping, and enforcing uniformity than loving community. • Everyone Is in Full-Time Ministry – Challenging the notion that those in "vocational ministry" are more spiritual, and recentering the biblical idea of honoring God in all vocations. • Jesus's Radical Invitation to Grace – Contrasting the heavy burdens of toxic religion with the lightness of Jesus's yoke and his unapologetic call to healing and humility. • Four Modern Ways We Add Religious Burdens – Mike goes through performance-based "sin management," theological gatekeeping, gift-projection, and conflating unity with uniformity. • Learning from the Past Without Romanticizing It – A challenge to avoid idolizing church history or prior revivals, and instead discern what God is doing now. • Critique with a Purpose – Emphasizing the responsibility to not only deconstruct harmful systems, but to actively rebuild healthier expressions of the Church. Resources Mentioned: • Luke 11 – Read Luke 11 • Dallas Willard – Teachings on "Sin Management" from The Divine Conspiracy • Larry Osborne – Concept of "Gift Projection" • Subversive Kingdom – subversivekingdom.com • Michael Moore (referenced cultural habits in Italy) – Michael Moore's 'Where to Invade Next' Join us as we continue to wrestle with the complexity of spiritual abuse and the liberating message of Jesus. Share your experience or questions by emailing hello@voxpodcast.com or engaging with us on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube if that's your vibe: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @MikeErre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Let's keep asking better questions, walking humbly, and becoming the kind of spiritual community that truly reflects Jesus. Subscribe, leave a review, and join 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

How does science intersect with faith, and what happens when that intersection helps you find your way back to God? In this episode, Mike Erre and Andy sit down with Science Mike (Mike McHargue), co-founder of The Liturgists and host of "Ask Science Mike", for a funny, thoughtful, and wide-ranging conversation about evolution, neurotheology, gender, sexuality, spiritual trauma, and how science can invite us deeper into wonder — not away from faith. With a background in marketing and zero formal scientific credentials, Science Mike built a massive following by offering nonjudgmental, inclusive dialogue about life's biggest questions. This episode explores how neuroscience supports different conceptions of God (angry vs. loving), the science of identity and orientation, and how shame-based religion causes lasting harm to those who dare to doubt. Key Takeaways: • Science as a Bridge to Faith – Mike shares his journey from devout Southern Baptist to atheist to mystic, helped along the way by cosmology, quantum physics, and neuroscience. • Neurotheology & God's Nature – The brain's picture of an angry God leads to fear and control, while a loving God actually rewires your brain for empathy and grace. • Spiritual PTSD – What happens when churches mirror authoritarian power structures, and how people can find healing from spiritual abuse through safe relationships and storytelling. • Sexuality and Gender in Science – A look at the surprising research on transgender identity, intersex births, and how simplistic gender binaries fail to reflect biological realities. • Faith and Evolution – The five major Christian views on Genesis and creation, and how belief in evolution doesn't disqualify someone from being a devoted follower of Jesus. • The Missing Middle – Mike discusses why his work resonates with people disillusioned by both hard-line atheism and rigid theology — and how open conversations can heal. • Prayer and Bible Meditation – Scientific insight into how practices like contemplative prayer and Lectio Divina literally reshape the brain for connection to a loving God. Guest Highlights: Mike "Science Mike" McHargue – Author, speaker, and podcast host who explores the intersection of science, faith, and human experience with curiosity and compassion. Known for his work on The Liturgists podcast and Ask Science Mike, his new book Finding God in the Waves shares his personal story of losing religion and finding a mystic faith rooted in both reason and mystery. Resources Mentioned: • Science Mike's website & book: findinggodinthewaves.com • Ask Science Mike Podcast – asksciencemike.com • The Liturgists Podcast – theliturgists.com • BioLogos (Science + Faith) – biologos.org • Andrew Newberg's work on Neurotheology – Center for Spirituality and the Mind If this conversation moved you, challenged you, or made you curious to learn more, consider sharing it with a friend. And don't forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and join the ongoing conversation on social media. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How the church can reclaim its true mission by removing the cultural, political, and institutional distortions that obscure the beauty of Jesus. Mike Erre and Andy unpack the heart of Voxology's purpose—to make Jesus beautiful again by reflecting his love, humility, and upside-down kingdom. Leveraging Scripture, personal stories, and candid critiques of modern Christianity, this episode aims to remind followers of Jesus what it truly means to represent him to the world. Key Takeaways: • Understanding the Core Mission – Why "making Jesus beautiful" doesn't mean altering Jesus, but removing the human-made ugliness that keeps people from seeing him clearly. • Reclaiming a Counter-Cultural Faith – Exploring the contrast between the Jesus of the Gospels and the ways he's been misrepresented through political alliances, judgmentalism, and nationalism. • The Responsibility of the Church – How followers of Jesus are called not just to preach, but to embody love, humility, and grace with credibility and compassion. • The Power of Gospel-Centered Living – Why ordinary acts of kindness, hospitality, empathy, and forgiveness reflect the radical beauty of Jesus and invite others into the kingdom. • Deconstructing Christian Entitlement – A challenging discussion on how movements for religious freedom can actually make Jesus less visible when used to avoid serving others. Notable Quotes: • "Jesus is already beautiful. Our job isn't to make him more so—but to get out of the way so that beauty shines through." • "Loving people who love you is easy—loving your enemies is beautiful." • "Our main challenge isn't secularism or persecution—it's centuries of ugliness done in Jesus' name." Guest Highlights: Features regular hosts Mike Erre and Andy, whose humor, honesty, and deep commitment to the mission of Jesus set the tone for this transformative episode. Resources Mentioned: • John 12 – Jesus' teaching on being "lifted up" to draw all people to himself • 2 Corinthians 5 – Paul's appeal to be ambassadors of reconciliation • Ephesians 5:1-2 – Imitating God by walking in love • 1 Corinthians 13 – Love defined as the metric of Christlikeness • Acts 17 – Paul's address to the Athenians and contextual gospel invitation • Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – Encouraged study for rediscovering Jesus • Bart Tarman's "Mentor" story – A call to fall in love with the real Jesus again • Jude 1:24–25 – Closing benediction celebrating God's goodness Join us as we pursue a faith that reflects the true Jesus—not the distorted one built by cultural battles and political convenience. Let's strip off the grime and shine his light with humility, empathy, and truth. If this conversation moved you, help others discover it—subscribe, leave us a review, and share a link with a friend. You can also engage by emailing us at hello@voxpodcast.com or connecting on social media. 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 @voxologypodcast on Instagram and like us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Mike Erre shares his tumultuous journey of leaving three churches in six years, reflecting on failure and resilience through the lens of the prophet Jeremiah. He calls for a shift from consumerism to a church that serves the broader community and embodies love. Emphasizing authenticity, he advocates for creating safe spaces for honest conversations about faith. Additionally, he highlights the vital role of older generations in nurturing and empowering the next generation within the church.

How biblical justice, equality, and the true story of Genesis reframe the conversation around women in ministry in the church. Mike Erre and theology teacher Bonnie Lewis kick off a new multi-part conversation on the role of women in Christian leadership, diving deep into Bonnie's personal journey, cultural preconceptions, and ultimately how scripture affirms her calling. This is not a culture war issue—it's a gospel issue. Mike and Bonnie begin by naming the "three ghosts" that haunt the women in ministry debate: the Usurper, the Temptress, and the Child—destructive labels that still shape how many churches treat women who lead. They unpack the theological, pastoral, and gendered barriers still in place within conservative evangelicalism and share how their views shifted not because of culture, but because of the Bible itself. Key Takeaways: • Reading Genesis with Fresh Eyes – The Hebrew word "ezer" (helper) used to describe Eve is a term also applied to God, radically reframing assumptions about female subordination. • Jesus' Countercultural Invitation – Mike and Bonnie explore New Testament stories like Mary and Martha to demonstrate how Jesus consistently welcomed women into discipleship and leadership. • Paul's Contextual Commandments – Rather than timeless prohibitions, Paul's words in 1 Timothy and 1 Corinthians are reexamined as culturally specific instructions for gospel clarity. • The Holy Spirit's Work in Women – How affirming women's full participation in ministry doesn't dilute the gospel—it reflects its power to restore what's been broken by patriarchy. • Restoring the Church's Witness – Addressing how inconsistency in honoring women in church undermines justice the church claims to advocate for in the wider world. Guest Highlight: Bonnie Lewis – Founder of the "Find the Blue" podcast and Fuller Seminary graduate with a Master's in Theology, Bonnie shares her journey of moving from silence to conviction. A gifted communicator and passionate theologian, she brings both grace and clarity to this vital topic. Resources Mentioned: • Find Bonnie's Podcast: Find the Blue • Article: "Three Ghosts That Haunt the Church" – [Link] • Scripture Refs: Genesis 1–3, 1 Corinthians 14, 1 Timothy 2, Acts 2, Luke 10 (Mary & Martha) • Watch/Listen to the Sermon on Mary and Martha – Search "EV Free Fullerton Luke 10 Mary and Martha" Help us continue to explore difficult but necessary topics like this—subscribe to the Voxology Podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media. Share this episode with someone asking tough questions about how churches represent Jesus today. As always, we'd love your feedback and questions as we continue this series. Reach out to hello@voxpodcast.com and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon Follow us: Instagram: @voxologypodcast Facebook: Voxology Podcast Twitter: Mike Erre Music by Timothy John Stafford – Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How the American church's blend of faith and partisan politics compromises the mission of Jesus and why a new, distinctly Christ-centered political theology is desperately needed. In this foundational episode, Mike Erre and Andy unpack five key points for developing a theology of politics that resists culture war narratives and reclaims Jesus's lordship over all of life, including the public square. Prompted by a storm of Facebook backlash to Mike's call for Christians to provide a counter-narrative to the increasingly politicized expressions of faith linked to conservative ideology, this thoughtful—and at times fiery—conversation explores how the American church often sacrifices Jesus's witness for political loyalty. Key Takeaways: • Politics and the Image of God – Politics is not inherently evil; it's a reflection of our God-given mandate to order and care for human society. • Following Jesus is Inherently Political – Jesus's life, birth, and message directly challenged the Roman Empire, revealing that the gospel has unavoidable public implications. • Kingdom Above Country – The kingdom of God is not Republican, Democrat, Socialist, or Libertarian. It indicts all earthly systems and transcends partisanship. • Political Allegiance vs. Gospel Witness – How prioritizing political identity over Jesus leads to hostility, name-calling, and poor witness in both digital and real-life discussions. • How the Church Should Engage – Faithful political engagement flows from kingdom values: nonviolence, humility, justice, love of enemies, and self-sacrifice. Resources Mentioned: • Luke 2 – The politically loaded birth announcement of Jesus • Revelation – As a critique of empire and prophetic call to allegiance to the slain Lamb • SubversiveKingdom.com – Mike's website and resource hub Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to help others rethink the role of politics in our discipleship journey. As always, we encourage and deeply value your questions and dialogue. Email us anytime at hello@voxpodcast.com, and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube too: VOXOLOGY TV Snag some merch to rep the movement: Voxology on Etsy Learn more and discover previous series at voxologypodcast.com Subscribe to us on iTunes or listen on Spotify Support Voxology on Patreon Listen to our Spotify music playlist: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and like us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How can we reconcile our faith in Christ with the real and painful experiences of depression, anxiety, and mental illness? This honest and compassionate conversation offers both personal testimony and hope for those navigating mental health struggles within the Christian faith. In Episode 10—a milestone moment for the Vox Podcast—Mike Erre and Andy dive deep into the realities of mental illness, exploring their own journeys and how they've found Jesus in the midst of their darkest seasons. This episode is both personal and practical, acknowledging the complexity of mental health and challenging the overly spiritualized or stigmatized tendencies found in some corners of the church. They offer encouragement for those suffering silently and insight for the friends, family, and church communities walking alongside them. Key Takeaways: • Honoring the Reality of Mental Illness – Depression and anxiety are not signs of spiritual failure. You can love Jesus and struggle with mental illness at the same time. • From Breakdown to Breakthrough – Mike and Andy reflect on the deepest moments of despair that led them to therapy, medication, and spiritual rediscovery. • The Importance of a Holistic Approach – Mental health requires attention to spiritual, emotional, relational, and physical well-being; we are whole people, and healing is multifaceted. • Presence Over Platitudes – How we can better support friends and loved ones facing depression by offering empathy, not empty solutions. • Christian Hope in Mental Illness – Through storytelling and scripture, this episode affirms that God meets us in our weakness and rewrites our suffering into stories of redemption. Therapy, medication, and spiritual support each play an important role in the healing journey—especially in a culture that prizes performance and underestimates the silent suffering of many believers. Resources Mentioned: • Scripture: John 9, Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 12:9 • Subversive Kingdom – subversivekingdom.com • Email for referrals or help: hello@voxpodcast.com Call to Action: Let's create churches and communities where mental health discussions are normalized and grace-filled. Share this episode with someone who might need it today. And as always, subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to be a part of these vital conversations. 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 Subscribe 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 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: 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

What does it really mean to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and unto God what is God's? In this bold and insightful continuation of the Jesus & Politics series, Mike Erre unpacks one of the most misinterpreted passages in Christian theology. Drawing from Luke 20 and Jewish historical context, Mike reframes Jesus's response to the trap question about paying taxes—not as an endorsement of dual citizenship, but as a radical declaration that our entire identity belongs to God alone. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how Jesus subverted both political and religious expectations and how his call to wholehearted allegiance continues to challenge American Christians today. Mike and Andy explore the implications of carrying God's image and choosing to live as citizens of the Kingdom, not of any earthly empire—even when it demands radical reorientation of our identity, politics, and gospel witness. Key Takeaways: • Reframing the "Caesar Tax" Trap – How Jesus flipped a political question into a spiritual revelation of identity and allegiance. • Image and Inscription – Understanding the profound Jewish implications behind Jesus's use of the words "image" and "inscription" in his response. • The Myth of Dual Citizenship – Why Jesus's statement isn't about balancing sacred and secular loyalties but prioritizing God's claim over our entire lives. • Politics & Identity – How Christian identity shapes political posture and why the gospel—not fear or power—should be the driving force behind civic engagement. • Peter's Call to Submission – Reconciling Jesus's radical teaching with Peter's instruction to honor authority, all in service to the gospel. Resources Mentioned: • Luke 20:20-26 – The passage at the center of today's conversation • Jeremiah 7 – The prophetic link behind Jesus's confrontation in the temple • Genesis 1:26 – The foundation of being created in God's image • 1 Peter 2 – Exploring Christian submission for the sake of the gospel • www.voxoc.com – Sign up at the bottom to be part of the potential Vox church community coming out of this podcast • www.subversivekingdom.com – Archive of past podcasts and resources As the idea of launching a new church community begins to take shape, we want to hear from you! If you're in Orange County and would like to be a part of what's next, head to voxoc.com and drop your email at the very bottom to stay informed. Your prayers, resources, and talents could help form a church FROM a podcast—flipping the traditional model on its head. Stay connected by subscribing, leaving a review, and joining us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Let's keep pursuing the subversive and beautiful 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 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 the powerful implications of Jesus's "already but not yet" Kingdom as Mike Erre and Andy dismantle popular rapture theology and its impact on Christian political engagement and purpose. In this final installment of the Jesus & Politics series, Mike unpacks how a misunderstood end-times narrative has shaped generations of Christians to disengage from social and political action, and why reclaiming a Biblical understanding of heaven, earth, and eschatology transforms how we show up for justice, mercy, and our communities today. Key Takeaways: • Reframing the Rapture – A deep-dive into the origins of rapture theology and why it lacks solid biblical foundation, particularly in 1 Thessalonians and Matthew 24. • The Kingdom is Here (and Also Coming) – Understanding Jesus's message as both present and future, and what that means for living as citizens of the Kingdom now. • Redeeming Political Engagement – Why following Jesus is inherently political, but cannot be reduced to partisan allegiance or single-issue voting. • Heaven Is Not the Goal – Challenging the "evacuate Earth" mentality with a renewed vision of New Creation and participating in God's restoration of all things. • The Role of the Church – From creation care to addressing systemic evil and personal transformation, we are called to embody God's Kingdom here and now. Resources Mentioned: • Visit Vox Christian Community to join the conversation and stay informed – voxoc.com • Subversive Kingdom – subversivekingdom.com • Read: "The Patient Ferment of the Early Church" by Alan Kreider • Cornelius Plantinga's quote on evil and scalpel metaphor Join the mission of living out the Kingdom today—with grace, humility, and purpose. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and follow us on social media for updates and conversation. As always, we welcome your thoughts and questions: email us at hello@voxpodcast.com and connect on Facebook and Instagram. Watch full episodes on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Shop our Merch: ETSY Learn more at the Voxology Website Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Support the show on Patreon Follow VOXOLOGY on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and like us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: 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

Discover how faith is often misunderstood as rigid certainty, and why making space for honest doubt is essential in cultivating a trusting relationship with Jesus. Mike and Andy introduce the Faith Series by dissecting misconceptions about what faith is (and isn't), highlighting how real biblical faith is not intellectual agreement or public profession—but instead actionable trust within relational covenant. They unpack scripture, personal stories, and real-life examples to reveal a more liberating and profound view of how faith and doubt can coexist and propel us forward in our journey with Christ. Key Takeaways: • Faith Is Not Certainty – Faith in the Bible isn't about psychological or intellectual certainty. Instead, it's dynamic, relational, and lived out through action—even in the midst of doubt. • Three Misunderstandings About Faith – Faith is not: 1) being mentally certain, 2) professing beliefs to fit in, or 3) gaining theological perfection. • Faith Is What You Do, Not Just What You Say – Drawing on Michael Novak's framework, Mike distinguishes between public, private, and core convictions—emphasizing that core convictions are revealed in how we live, not what we say we believe. • Biblical Faith Is Relational Trust – It's rooted in action based on trust in Jesus, not an all-or-nothing checklist of religious doctrine. • Covenantal Relationship Frees Us to Doubt Authentically – Unlike a contractual view of salvation, a covenantal relationship with God creates space to ask real questions and express lament, just like we see throughout Psalms and the Old Testament prophets. • Faith vs. Sight – Paul urges us to walk by faith, not sight. That means trusting in what we don't yet fully see or understand, rather than demanding full certainty. • Living Your Way Into Belief – Sometimes trust calls us to act before belief and clarity arrive. The process of obedient living often confirms faith more than certainty ever could. Resources & References: • James 1, Matthew 9, Mark 9, Matthew 22, Matthew 28 – Scriptural examples contrasting expressions of faith and doubt. • The Psalms, Lamentations, Habakkuk, and Jeremiah – Biblical precedent for expressing doubt and lament within faithful living. • Michael Novak's "Belief" Framework as quoted in John Ortberg's writings. • "Benefit of the Doubt" by Greg Boyd – Explores how doubt can be a healthy, integral part of our faith journey. Join the conversation and lean into the mystery, questions, and grace-filled journey of faith. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social to keep exploring what it means to trust Jesus with your whole life—even amid uncertainty. 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. Use hashtag #AskMikeErre to pose your questions! 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: 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