Voxology

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 can followers of Jesus wisely navigate an increasingly complex cultural landscape? In Episode 14, Mike Erre and Andy unpack the Christian call to discernment—separating harmful cultural patterns from those that can be received or even redeemed for good. They revisit Jesus’s teaching on judgment in Luke 6, explore the biblical differentiation between condemnation and constructive discernment, and challenge oversimplified labels like “Christian” and “secular.” Together, they navigate how to engage culture with wisdom and grace, learning from both the scriptures and shared community life. From the uses of alcohol and media to the constructed systems of society that oppose God's ways, Mike offers practical tools for how to discern what to reject, receive, and redeem—all while staying rooted in the love and mission of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • The Biblical Difference Between Judgment and Discernment – Why Jesus condemns judgment that separates people but encourages discernment that distinguishes behaviors. • Understanding “The World” in Scripture – Three distinct meanings of “world” in the Bible and why not everything labeled “secular” is inherently bad. • Reject, Receive, Redeem – A powerful three-part framework for Christians to engage moral gray areas like alcohol, media, and cultural participation. • Discerning Within Community – Why discernment should begin among those we live life with in faith, rather than directed outward toward those outside the church. • The Role of Christian Witness – How personal strength, contextual awareness, and concern for Jesus’s reputation shape how we live and love in the world. Resources Mentioned: • Luke 6 – Link • Hebrews 5:11-14 – On maturity and discerning good from evil • John 17 – Jesus’s prayer "not of the world, but sent into it" • 1 John 2, Romans 12, James 4 – Biblical warnings about worldliness • C.S. Lewis and Tim Keller on cultural discernment (Suggested further reading) Join the conversation as we rethink the labels we use and learn to see through the lens of wisdom and grace. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and follow us on social to keep up with future episodes. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and 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 makes a text "sacred"? Can stories like Harry Potter or Star Wars function as modern scripture? Mike Erre and Andy explore the viral rise of “Harry Potter and the Sacred Text,” a podcast treating J.K. Rowling’s novels the way Christians treat the Bible—and use it as a springboard to tackle big questions about sacred texts, biblical authority, and how Jesus actually interpreted the Old Testament. This is Part 2 of the ongoing Godless Series, where Mike responds to critiques from a thoughtful atheist listener who contends that Jesus, if divine, failed at clarity and moral credibility. Mike breaks down the Sermon on the Mount in rich cultural context, revealing how Jesus confronted religious legalism of his day—not to affirm everything in the Hebrew Scriptures, but to radically reinterpret them through a lens of love, mercy, and internal transformation. They also dive into how scripture evolves across cultures, the progressive morality of Old Testament laws, and whether divine revelation can be both incarnated and imperfectly understood. Key Takeaways: • Reading Harry Potter as Scripture? – Why it’s trending, and what it reveals about cultural hunger for meaning and moral imagination. • What Makes a Text Sacred? – Exploring the subjective and communal dimensions of sacredness and how that intersects with biblical inspiration. • Jesus as a Jewish Rabbi – Understanding "fulfill" and "abolish" in rabbinic terms, and why Jesus didn’t just affirm the Old Testament law, but radically re-centered it around God’s heart. • Cracking the Sermon on the Mount – Why Jesus’s most famous teachings weren’t random or idealistic, but a pointed critique of Pharisaical righteousness and a call to internal, transformative obedience. • The Bible’s Morally Difficult Passages – Wrestling with how Christians can trust scripture while acknowledging genocide, slavery, or patriarchy in the text—and why Jesus is the lens for interpreting them. Resources Mentioned: • Podcast: Harry Potter and the Sacred Text – harrypottersacredtext.com • Book: Is God a Moral Monster? by Paul Copan • Scripture References: Matthew 5–7, Deuteronomy, Genesis 1–2, Matthew 19 • Vox Community Podcast – voxoc.com Join the conversation as we explore what it means to treat a text as sacred, how Jesus challenged even the most devout religious leaders, and why understanding Jesus in his first-century Jewish context matters more than ever. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay in the loop. As always, we encourage and welcome your questions. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or engage with us on Facebook and Instagram. Watch us on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Shop Voxology merch: ETSY Visit: voxologypodcast.com Support us: Patreon Listen on Spotify: Voxology Radio Follow us: Instagram: @voxologypodcast Facebook: facebook.com/voxologypodcast Twitter: @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

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 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

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

How can Christians maintain both conviction and compassion in conversations about LGBTQ identity, theology, and inclusion? Episode 41 of the LGBTQ Conversations series explores this critical tension through a raw, honest, and grace-filled response to a deeply personal email from a listener named “Jeremy.” Mike and Andy seek to create space for both affirming and non-affirming Christians to remain united in Jesus, emphasizing empathy, listening, and love over litmus tests of belief. In this vulnerable and respectful exchange, Mike responds to Jeremy, a young gay Christian hurt by family rejection in the name of God, while raising essential questions about justice, empathy, and theological disagreement. This episode models how churches and individuals can engage complex conversations about sexuality, identity, and Biblical interpretation while refusing to dehumanize or divide. Key Takeaways: • The Possibility of Shared Community – Can affirming and non-affirming Christians coexist within the same church body? Mike argues yes, if identity in Christ remains central and compassion is prioritized. • The Damage of Weaponized Theology – When non-affirming beliefs fuel condemnation, exclusion, or violence, they directly oppose Jesus's central message of radical love and mercy. • The Role of Empathy in Theological Disagreement – Jeremy’s powerful critique centers empathy as the litmus test for love; Mike agrees that deep listening and engagement with lived experience are crucial. • Non-Affirming without Harm – Holding a non-affirming theological stance doesn't require being unloving. Mike challenges the double standards often seen in the church between heterosexual and homosexual sin. • Identity in Christ as the Core – When sexual identity—gay or straight—becomes more central than Christ, it disorients discipleship. Communities must first see others as beloved image-bearers and siblings in Jesus. Notable Quotes: “It's got to be possible for Jesus' followers to love, bless, and serve those they may disagree with theologically… without losing sight of their shared humanity and worth.” “The non-affirming view starts with the acknowledgment that we’re all broken—so no one should be excluded from grace, community, or the table.” “Empathy is the weapon your email represents… and it’s the very thing that blows up judgmental religion.” Resources Mentioned: • Galatians 3:28 – "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female..." • Reference to Sodom and skewed interpretations of judgment • Stories of Jesus with the Samaritan woman (John 4) and the woman caught in adultery (John 8) • Ongoing LGBTQ Conversations series on Voxology Join the conversation by wrestling alongside us. If you’ve ever struggled with the church’s stance on LGBTQ issues or desired a way forward that doesn’t sacrifice love for truth—or truth for love—this episode offers thoughtful, nuanced insight rooted in the way of Jesus. We’d love to hear from you! Send your questions or stories to hello@voxpodcast.com, and connect with us online to grow the conversation. We're also on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Check out our Merch Store: Our Etsy Shop Support us on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and on Facebook Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Music by Timothy John Stafford Twitter & Instagram: @GoneTimothy Rate us, leave a review, and share this episode if it sparked something in you. Let's keep learning to love well—even when we disagree.  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 a biblical vision of justice rooted in Shalom can inform our response to racial injustice, collective iniquity, and the pursuit of healing in a fractured culture. Mike and Andy dive deep into what it means to embody Jesus’s call to peacemaking amid systemic inequity, prejudice, and social unrest. This powerful episode sheds light on how the Church can participate in healing generations of injustice—not through political posturing, but by carrying wholeness into the frayed fabric of our society. Key Takeaways: • Justice as Restoration of Shalom – A biblical understanding of justice as interconnected wholeness, not just fairness or punishment. Justice is the outworking of love and a return to harmony among God, humanity, and creation. • Sin vs. Iniquity – The distinction between individual sin and the communal, generational consequences (iniquity) our society bears today, especially regarding racism and privilege. • Following Jesus Means Laying Down Privilege – Exploring Philippians 2 and Jesus’s model of relinquishing status to enter into others’ suffering and bring renewal. • Seeing and Celebrating Difference – Why saying “I don’t see color” misses the biblical picture of diverse unity, and what it truly means to belong to the “new humanity” Paul describes in Ephesians. • Black Lives Matter and the Church – A call for Jesus followers to support the Black Lives Matter movement as an affirmation of dignity, not a denial of others. The broken leg metaphor: the whole body can’t heal until the broken part is treated. • What About the Police? – Honoring the complexity of the situation, lamenting violence against police while acknowledging systemic disparity. Empathy must hold tension. • Empathy Through Personal Lenses – Andy reflects on his interracial family and fatherhood, and how proximity to the marginalized reshapes understanding of injustice. • Gospel Forgiveness in Action – Highlighting the Charleston church shooting and the families’ decision to forgive the shooter as a public demonstration of embodied grace and resistance to hate. Resources Mentioned: • Philippians 2 – The “Christ Hymn” highlighting Jesus’s descent into service and humility. • Ephesians 2 – Paul’s vision of a reconciled “new humanity” out of divided ethnic groups. • Galatians 3:28 – Neither Jew nor Gentile… all are one in Christ Jesus. • Books Referenced: Toxic Charity and When Helping Hurts • Black Lives Matter – blacklivesmatter.com • Non-ference Gathering Info – voxologypodcast.com Join us as we reflect on how Jesus still enters our most broken places and invites us to do the same—for the sake of justice, wholeness, and peace. Subscribe to the podcast, leave us a review, and follow the conversation on social media. As always, we encourage discussion as we pursue these hard conversations. Reach out to us at hello@voxpodcast.com and engage on Facebook or Instagram. Watch full episodes on VOXOLOGY TV on YouTube Shop Voxology merch on Etsy Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Support the podcast on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast "Like" us on Facebook Music by Timothy John Stafford Social: @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 reconcile the gap between the radical love of Jesus and painful experiences people endure within Christianity? This reflective episode dives deep into spiritual abuse—what it is, what it isn't, and why it’s such a vital conversation for modern followers of Jesus and those harmed by the Church. Mike Erre and co-host Andy start a thoughtful, at times humorous, exploration of what happens when Christian leadership gets it wrong and how we can move forward with honesty, grace, and accountability. Key Takeaways: • Spiritual Abuse Defined – A breakdown of what spiritual abuse involves: manipulation, coercion, shaming, and misusing God's authority for personal gain. • Jesus and Abusive Leadership – How the harshest critiques from Jesus and the prophets were aimed at religious leaders who strayed from God’s heart. • What Spiritual Abuse Is NOT – Helpful clarifications on the difference between abuse and conflict, unmet expectations, or strong leadership styles. • The Importance of Fruit – Discussing the biblical metaphor of “fruit” to discern spiritual health in leaders and Christian communities. • Western Individualism vs. Biblical Community – Why our cultural obsession with autonomy often clashes with the collective nature of the Church. • Church Discipline Misunderstood – The difference between healthy correction and abuse masquerading as spiritual authority. • Cautions for Spiritual Leaders – Personal reflection on the temptation to feed off the church rather than feeding it. Resources Mentioned: • Scriptures Referenced: Galatians 5 (Fruit of the Spirit), Matthew 23 (Jesus on religious leaders), Ezekiel 34 (false shepherds) • “Spotlight” (2015 film) – A look at the danger of systemic spiritual abuse • SubversiveKingdom.com – For further engagement and resources from Mike • For more on healthy church leadership: VoxologyPodcast.com Call to Action: Help us change the conversation by sharing this challenging episode with someone who may need healing or clarity. To continue shaping conversations that matter, leave us a review on iTunes, subscribe on Spotify, and follow @voxologypodcast on Instagram and Facebook. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Email questions or share your story at hello@voxpodcast.com. We're also on YouTube! Watch full-length episodes & more at VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store gets fresh drops: VOXOLOGY on Etsy Support Voxology on Patreon: Join Our Community Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre The conversation doesn't end here—join the Voxology community as we try, fail, learn, and grow forward together in Christian 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

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