Voxology

How unmet hopes and everyday frustration might be the very fuel your faith needs. Mike Erre and Andy unpack the deep theological and existential implications of disappointment—why it shows up in work, marriage, relationships, and even your spiritual journey—and how scripture reveals God strategically using this gap to draw us closer, not push us away. This conversation dives into Genesis and explores the origin story of the human experience with frustration and unfulfilled longing, uncovering how the Christian life was never meant to be an infomercial promise of instant gratification, but a covenantal journey of transformation. Key Takeaways: • The Strategic Role of Disappointment – Why God frustrates our search for purpose in relationships, career, and identity to point us back to himself. • Jesus Isn't the Ab King – How sermons and church culture often pitch Jesus like a product, setting us up for hollow expectations. • Three Ways We Cope with Disappointment – Escaping and medicating, pretending and performing, or learning (counterculturally) to stay spiritually "thirsty" in the struggle. • Covenant Over Contract – Reframing faith as a trusting relationship rather than a transactional promise of blessing. • The Gap That Fuels Faith – Why the ache for something better remains—even for believers—and how that ache can become sacred space for growth, hope, and honesty with God. Resources Mentioned: • Genesis 1–3 – Exploration of creation, identity, fall, and the origin of frustration • Astonished by Mike Erre – [Link] • Fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22–23 • Podcast Archive – Episode on "Soulmates" for complementary context Join us each week as we embrace real conversations around disappointment, hope, and rediscovering the true mission of Jesus. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay connected and be part of the Voxology community. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How 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 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 choosing — or being chosen — to parent a child with Down syndrome became one of life's greatest blessings for six parents. In this open, honest, and emotionally powerful conversation, Mike Erre and his wife Justina are joined by three incredible couples in the Voxology "home office" to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with raw storytelling, reflection, and a resounding message: this diagnosis is not a tragedy — it's an invitation to discover unimaginable joy, depth, and love. Heather and Josh, Mercedes and Andy, and Mike and Justina candidly share how having (or adopting) a child with Down syndrome initially sparked fear and grief, but ultimately transformed them into deeper, more compassionate, and joy-filled humans. The group explores how societal stereotypes and eugenic narratives deepen isolation, while radically inclusive communities, rooted in Jesus' love and example, offer grace, connection, and true belonging. Key Takeaways: • The Beauty of "Yes" – Saying yes to parenting a child with Down syndrome opened doors to radical love, seismic personal growth, and deepened relationships. • Resisting the Culture of Perfection – Against a backdrop of societal fear and genetic "control," these families offer a prophetic witness to the value and sacredness of every life. • Joy in the Hard – While raising children with special needs brings challenges, the community reflects on how "hard" doesn't mean "bad," and struggle often breeds true joy. • The Power of Presence – Children with Down syndrome live fully in the moment, modelling a kind of joy, purity, and love we desperately need in modern culture. • Honest Reflections – Fears around the future, care, and inclusion are real, but so too is the vibrant beauty of the community and resilience that flows from a life rebuilt around love. Guest Highlights: • Mercedes & Andy Lara – Parents of Sunflower Mae Lara, who was adopted with Down syndrome. Mercedes shares the story of radical openness birthed out of heartbreak and rooted in mission. • Heather & Josh Avis – Co-creators of "Macy Makes My Day," recounting the unplanned-yet-divinely-ordained adoption of their daughter Macy, and how it led to a movement of advocacy, writing, and awareness. • Justina & Mike Erre – Parents of Seth, whose arrival redefined expectations, demolished fears, and brought deep compassion, connection, and healing to their family. Resources Mentioned: • Sunny Fun Days (YouTube Channel) – Sunny Fun Days • Macy Makes My Day (Instagram) – @macymakesmyday • Hooray For Sunny (Instagram) – @hooray4sunny • Heather Avis Website + Book "The Lucky Few" (Coming Soon) – heatheravis.com • March 21st – World Down Syndrome Day: Recognizing the beauty and significance of that extra 21st chromosome Join us in rejecting the lie that a Down syndrome diagnosis is a misfortune. Discover how children with that tiny extra chromosome reflect the image of God in ways that humble, challenge, and teach us all. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology on your favorite social media platform to be part of this transformative community. Let's keep the conversation going: • Email us your thoughts or questions: hello@voxpodcast.com • Watch us on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV • Rock some merch: Voxology Etsy Store • Explore more episodes: voxologypodcast.com • Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify • Support Vox on Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Join the discussion on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford | IG & Twitter: @GoneTimothy As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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

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

How do we know we're truly saved—and what if we're not? Responding to a listener's heartfelt and raw email, Mike and Andy revisit the topic of faith and doubt to explore some of the deepest spiritual fears many believers keep hidden. From worries about "false salvation" and demon possession to confusion over the Trinity and whether the Bible can be trusted, this episode brings grace and clarity to often terrifying questions. Unpacking Matthew 7 and Revelation 22, Mike reframes salvation not as a contract of religious performance but as a covenant of trust and growing intimacy with the Jesus who invites us into the Kingdom of God—not just heaven someday, but life reoriented in the here and now. Key Takeaways: • Faith as Covenant, Not Contract – Why salvation isn't about praying the perfect prayer or living without doubt, but about entrusting your life to Jesus in honest, ongoing relationship. • Doubt Doesn't Disqualify – How wrestling with belief and asking deep questions can actually be signs of a tender, seeking heart—one Jesus welcomes, not rejects. • The Trinity is Mysterious, and That's Okay – Mike outlines why confusion over the nature of God doesn't mean you're out of faith's bounds—with an encouragement that no one has it fully figured out. • Scripture, Not Checklist – Rediscovering the Bible not as a manual for behavior but as a revelation of Jesus, the centerpiece of God's redemptive story. • Hell, Fear, and the Love of God – Why Jesus' warnings about hell weren't weaponized to scare people but spoke to religious systems that distorted God's heart—and what that means for your anxieties today. Resources Mentioned: • Gospel of Luke – A suggested starting point for encountering Jesus within scripture • Matthew 7:21-23 – Context for "depart from me, I never knew you" • Revelation 21-22 – Imagery of the Book of Life • Hebrew Scriptures (Law, Prophets, Writings) – Background for how Jesus viewed and engaged the Bible • The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4) – The Jewish declaration of God's oneness adapted to include Jesus Let's keep the conversation going. If you've wrestled with questions like Jennifer's, know you're not alone—doubt can be sacred ground. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology on Instagram and Facebook to join the community rediscovering the beauty 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 https://www.youtube.com/@voxology Our Merch Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market Learn more about the Voxology Podcast: https://voxologypodcast.com/ Subscribe on iTunes: https://apple.co/1Lla1Nj or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Mvxz3OQDSkEpHujXiFkkr Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/voxology The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio – https://open.spotify.com/user/nj2l08pd1zt6zk3azs1plhmdy 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

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

A vulnerable and wide-ranging discussion on the complexities of faith, doubt, and identity as Mike Erre and Andy sit down for a powerful conversation with a guest known online as "Godless"—a self-described agnostic atheist. Raised Catholic, born again in the Assemblies of God youth group, and now an outspoken skeptic, Godless walks us through his unexpected spiritual evolution. With humor, intelligence, and empathy, this episode unpacks how one loses belief, wrestles with deep existential questions, and grapples with the emotional weight of leaving behind a religious identity. This episode isn't a debate—it's chips-and-salsa theology. It's what happens when mutual respect replaces defensiveness and curiosity takes the place of certainty. Whether you're steadfast in your faith, sitting in doubt, or searching for space to ask hard questions, this conversation offers insight, honesty, and plenty of space to reflect. Key Takeaways: • Understanding "Agnostic Atheism" – What the label actually means and how Godless defines his beliefs and knowledge about God. • The Emotional Cost of Deconversion – How losing faith can trigger anger, grief, and a sense of betrayal, even years later. • Faith and Family – What it's like raising a child outside of religion while remaining open to dialogue and exploration. • Misconceptions About Atheists – Godless challenges Christian assumptions around morality, meaning, and spirituality in non-believing communities. • The Problem of Evil and the Bible – Candid wrestling with the moral difficulty of parts of the Old Testament and its implications for belief in Jesus. • Why So Many Leave – The role of the church's cultural posture, treatment of doubt, and inability to wrestle alongside those questioning. Guest Highlight: Godless – Co-host of the MetalSucks Podcast and creator of exclusive content for Patreon at chuckandgodless.com, Godless shares his spiritual story from devout believer to outspoken skeptic, with honesty, vulnerability, and intellectual curiosity. He also opens up about parenting a secular child and continuing to pursue conversations across lines of belief. Resources Mentioned: • Godless & Chuck (MetalSucks Podcast) – chuckandgodless.com • Hen's Teeth and Horse's Toes by Stephen Jay Gould – A pivotal book in Godless's shift toward atheism. • A History of God by Karen Armstrong – One of the first books that expanded his view of religious pluralism. • God is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens – A key text from the New Atheist movement. • Silverlake Life Documentary – A moving film that changed his views on same-sex relationships. • Iron Chariots – ironchariots.org, a secular wiki exploring arguments for and against belief. Join us as we continue to explore what it means to be people of peace, friendship, and honest questions. Like, subscribe, or share this episode if it moved you. And as always, continue the conversation—we'd love to hear from you. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com and engage the community on Facebook and Instagram. We're also on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Merch Store: VOXOLOGY on Etsy Visit the Voxology Podcast site Listen & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Or Spotify Support us on Patreon Check out the Voxology Spotify channel Follow Mike on 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

How the example of Jesus offers a radical blueprint for engaging LGBTQ+ questions and moral debates with transformative grace and humility before judgment. Drawing from Luke 6, Deuteronomy 21, and Paul's letters, Mike Erre and Andy Lara unpack why the church has often missed the mark by prioritizing correction over compassion—and how we can do better. Key Takeaways: • Judging Others vs. Discernment – Mike explains the crucial difference between crino (righteous discernment) and condemnation, and how misunderstanding this distinction leads Christians to misrepresent Jesus. • Jesus and the Gay Wedding Question – Diving into the controversy surrounding Jesus' potential attendance at a gay wedding, Mike illustrates how Jesus' presence at celebratory, public meals with "sinners" was perceived as endorsement—and why His model challenges the church's current postures. • Mercy as the Core of Discipleship – Why Jesus said "be merciful as your Father is merciful" instead of "be holy" as the primary command and what that tells us about wielding truth with love. • Why Grace is Transformative – Real gospel grace changes people—and Mike argues that grace shown scandalously, even before "truth is spoken," creates the conditions for repentance and transformation. • Paul's Take on Judgment – Andy sets up a discussion on Paul's rules for judgment within the church, and Mike outlines how discernment belongs in close-knit faith communities among believers—not lobbed at the wider culture or the LGBTQ+ community. • Personal Reflections on Sin and Separation – Mike shares personal examples of when avoiding certain contexts is warranted, and when extending grace in hard spaces is truly Christlike. Resources Mentioned: • Luke 6 – Jesus' radical teaching on mercy and judgment • Deuteronomy 21:18–21 – Comparison to Jesus being called a glutton and drunkard • Galatians 6:1 – Restoring others gently • 1 Corinthians 5 – Paul's instruction on judging within the church • Subversivekingdom.com – Mike Erre's platform for deeper engagement Join us in creating a culture where grace precedes judgment and love leads the way. Subscribe, leave a review, and keep the dialogue moving forward on Instagram and Facebook. As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue truth in love. Send your thoughts to hello@voxpodcast.com. Watch us on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Grab some fresh Voxology gear here: ETSY SHOP Learn more at voxologypodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the show via Patreon Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook 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