Vox Podcast With Mike Erre

Challenging cultural norms around abortion and disability, Mike Erre shares a poignant, personal, and theological response to a Washington Post op-ed that argued for the right to abort children diagnosed with Down syndrome. Drawing from Scripture, bioethical insights, and his own experience as the father of a child with Down syndrome, Mike explores how society's functional view of human value opens the door to eugenics, exclusion, and societal decay. This episode reflects on what it means to be made in the image of God and how the Church must embody a radically inclusive ethic that protects and honors all human life—regardless of ability. Key Takeaways: • Theological Foundations of Personhood – Why human value must be rooted in being image-bearers of God, not in cognitive function or contribution to society. • The Dangers of Functionalism – Exploring how history's most destructive ideologies—eugenics, the Holocaust, infant exposure—mirror modern arguments for selective abortion. • A Church That Welcomes All –

Want to experience the Bible beyond moralistic soundbites or entertainment-driven teaching? Mike Erre walks Bible enthusiasts through six powerful dimensions that bring Scripture to life—not by jazzing it up, but by honoring the depth, history, and purpose within the text itself. This Bible-nerd-friendly episode is for anyone asking: How do we study Scripture in a way that trusts the text—and what does that even mean? Through a blend of theological insight, teaching experience, and authenticity, Mike breaks down how to approach Scripture with fresh eyes by examining six layered dimensions that uncover the richness of God's Word. Whether you're a pastor, teacher, student, or curious follower of Jesus, this episode offers a practical framework that will transform how you engage the Bible—from Leviticus to Revelation. Key Takeaways: • The Power of Trusting the Text – Why the most faithful teaching isn't about clever outlines or gripping stories, but about letting the Scripture itself do the heavy lifting. • Six

Dissecting the language of faith wrapped around gun rights, Mike Erre uses this episode to thoughtfully examine a statement made by NRA Vice President Wayne LaPierre that the Second Amendment is a "God-given right" for Americans. Drawing heavily on Luke 22 and Isaiah 53, Mike walks through why that claim not only misuses scripture but also reflects a dangerous fusion of nationalism and theology. This Mailbag episode also includes deeply engaging questions on divorce in the Bible, Christian creatives navigating "secular" spaces, and a shoutout to Voxology's new Revelation series on Patreon. Plus, Mike explains Andy's absence and his own transition away from Vox OC leadership while reaffirming the podcast's commitment to fostering nuanced, honest conversations. Key Takeaways: • Misusing Scripture to Justify Gun Rights – Mike critically unpacks how Luke 22 is often taken out of context to support the idea that Jesus endorsed self-defense, and argues that America's "God-given" gun rights aren't biblically defensi

A deep dive into the haunting question: "Did God forsake Jesus on the cross?" Mike Erre explores this crucial theological tension through the lens of Lent, Psalm 22, and the Jewish context of Jesus' final words. Starting with a personal and vulnerable moment with his teenage son, the episode transitions into a powerful reflection on America's gun violence epidemic and the church's role in embodying Christ's message of peace—before moving to a bold reconsideration of how we read Jesus' cry from the cross. This episode invites listeners to confront the normalization of school shootings, wrestle with the Church's complicity and silence, and reflect on the crucifixion as more than just suffering, but as a proclamation of faith, resistance, and hope. Drawing on the Jewish practice of remez (a method of quoting scripture), Mike challenges common interpretations of Jesus' abandonment, suggesting instead a deeper, prophetic connection between the cross and the voice of the Psalms. Key Takeaways: • The Cross as Liturg

From biblical justice to John Piper quotes, podcast guest Kevin #2 joins Mike for a wide-ranging conversation that blends humor, depth, and honest reflection on what it means to live out faith in today's world. This episode is a spirited response to listener feedback on previously covered topics like Rachel Denhollander and sexual abuse in the Church, critiques of political ideology, and theological hot takes circulating on social media. Mike and Kevin unpack questions from listeners—some supportive, some critical—to clarify Voxology's approach to justice, political discourse, and mental health. They challenge the evangelical obsession with protecting "witness" at the expense of truth and repentance and push back on outdated ideas that Christianity should prioritize platform over integrity. You'll hear everything from LaCroix vs. Crimson Cup, biblical references to mental strength, and an interruption from Mike's son reporting an NBA trade—because a true Voxology episode has both theology and randomness. Key

How does the church become a truly safe haven for the victimized? In this powerful Exile Series episode, Mike Erre and Andy reflect on the heartbreaking and courageous words of Rachel Denhollander, the first woman to publicly accuse Larry Nassar of sexual abuse. Her story—rooted in trauma, truth-telling, grace, and justice—sparks a raw conversation about how far the church still has to go in supporting survivors, acknowledging systemic harm, and living out the gospel with integrity. Mike and Andy unpack why the evangelical response to Rachel's statement often focused solely on forgiveness while ignoring her prophetic critique of the church's treatment of abuse survivors. They explore the dangers of cherry-picking spiritual platitudes, what true forgiveness and repentance involve, and how Christian communities fail when they prioritize institutional protection over victim advocacy. Whether questioning the credibility of female voices, overlooking structural injustices, or weaponizing faith language to silence

In this gripping episode, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford welcome back scholar and teacher Bonnie Lewis to confront John Piper's recent claims that seminaries should only hire male faculty. This conversation dives deep into entrenched complementarian beliefs and the implications for women in theology, church leadership, and spiritual formation. Drawing on Bonnie's personal experience in seminary, this episode dismantles the idea that women can't or shouldn't teach men and highlights the need for diverse voices in pastoral training. Key Takeaways: • Seminary Formation vs. Church Formation – Why the claim that seminary is the primary space for pastoral development misses the critical role of the local church. • Living the Contradiction – Bonnie details the hypocrisy in seminaries that allow women to attend but discourage them from pursuing pastoral education or teaching. • A Clear Biblical Counterexample – Priscilla and Aquila's mentorship of Apollos in Acts stands in direct contradiction to Piper's argument that wo

How confronting critique with humility, exploring a church abuse cover-up with honesty, and challenging toxic theology about doubt can move us toward a healthier and more Christ-like faith. Mike Erre and Andy Lara take a vulnerable and candid look at their own missteps in covering a sensitive abuse case in a previous episode, read listener feedback aloud, and respond with repentance, clarity, and conversation about power, justice, and faith. Then, a viral tweet from Desiring God becomes the catalyst for a passionate theological breakdown of what doubt truly means in the Christian life—and why it might just be a mark of maturity, not spiritual failure. Key Takeaways: • Taking Accountability in Real Time – Mike and Andy open the show with gratitude for listener critiques, acknowledging where they missed the mark and where they can grow—especially in handling sensitive stories involving abuse and the need for women's voices. • Power, Accountability, and Apology Culture in the Church – Engaging listener concerns

What happens when the church applauds repentance—but overlooks justice? Mike Erre and Andy Lara dive into a nationally reported scandal involving a Memphis teaching pastor who confessed to a past "sexual incident" with a minor amid Me Too scrutiny. They explore how the Church often mishandles abuse under the guise of grace, blurring the line between sin and crime, and what true redemptive justice should look like in faith communities. Using biblical examples and real-life experiences, the conversation wrestles with Christian restoration, institutional protectionism, and the long-term impact of silencing victims. This powerful and nuanced discussion raises urgent questions about power, gender, leadership, moral authority, and what it means to model Jesus in addressing harm—not just sin. Key Takeaways: • Sin vs. Crime – Understanding the critical distinction between personal moral failure and legal wrongdoing, and why churches must treat crimes as such. • Restoration and Justice – Biblical pathways to restorati

How theology is taught matters—and bad theology can be deeply harmful. In this first installment of the Reforming Culture Series, Mike Erre and Andy Lara dive into a controversial article that claims husbands have a divine responsibility to "correct their wives," and they're not pulling any punches. Using humor, biblical exegesis, and cultural analysis, Mike and Andy deconstruct the poor theology of gender roles presented in the article, tracing how misapplications of Ephesians 5 can lead to patriarchy disguised as gospel truth. Rather than focusing on headlines and outrage, the duo roots their critique in scripture, Roman culture, and the revolutionary acts of Jesus and Paul. This conversation also amplifies why recognizing mutuality in marriage isn't just more ethical—it's more biblical. Key Takeaways: • Ephesians in Context: What Paul was really saying in Ephesians 5, and why reducing his words to "husbands correct your wives" misses the subversive nature of the text. • Jesus and Power: How Jesus' sacrific

How the City of God versus City of Man dichotomy is being misused to justify Christian political compromise. Mike Erre and Andy Bear unpack a popular article defending immoral political candidates by appealing to Augustine's two kingdoms framework. They examine the dangers of compromising character for policy wins, the hypocrisy of shifting moral standards, and the long-term damage this does to the church's witness and identity. Drawing from Old and New Testament examples, historical context, and evangelical rhetoric surrounding figures like Roy Moore and Donald Trump, Mike and Andy challenge listeners to consider where their real hope lies—political power or the unshakable kingdom of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Flawed Justification for Immorality – Dissecting the argument that secular leaders don't require spiritual integrity and why this misreads scripture and church history. • Hypocrisy and Loss of Witness – How evangelicals' shifting stance on character from Clinton to Trump undermines their moral influence a

How choosing risk and obedience over comfort sparked a life of radical love, hardship, and staggering hope. In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Mike and Andy talk with bestselling author and missionary Katie Davis Majors on the life-shaping journey from suburban Tennessee teen to adoptive mother of thirteen girls and founder of a thriving ministry in Uganda. Katie shares the backstory behind her books Kisses from Katie and Daring to Hope, offering profound insights on finding God not only in the miracles but also in the mess. From saying yes to a three-week trip that turned into a lifelong calling to navigating deep personal loss, spiritual doubt, and the burdens of unexpected fame, Katie opens up about the vulnerability, beauty, and brokenness of wholehearted discipleship. This conversation is a much-needed dose of good news, grace, and gritty faith. Key Takeaways: • Going All In on Obedience – How a single "yes" launched Katie's journey from teen missionary to Ugandan mother and ministry leader. •

A sacred night of confession, repentance, and healing, this eleventh installment of the Exile Series journeys into the deep waters of sexual brokenness and redemptive grace. Mike and Justina Erre vulnerably share their personal stories of addiction, trauma, and healing, inviting the Vox community into an experience of intimacy, honesty, and restoration. Anchored in the Psalms of David—Psalm 32 and Psalm 51—this gathering becomes more than a message; it's a pathway to embrace God's blessing, especially in the areas we're most ashamed of. With the symbol of the "hoopa"—a canopy representing God's presence, love, and blessing—the community is invited to offer their wounds, mistakes, and desires for transformation. Whether struggling with addiction, past abuse, relationship wounds, or the heaviness of shame, listeners are called to the truth: the Gospel is for you. Key Takeaways: • Confession Brings Freedom – The power of secrecy gives sin its grip. Naming your sin is the first step in experiencing liberation and

How can the Church remain faithful to Jesus in a world shaped by political division, abuse scandals, and the erosion of moral authority? Mike Erre and Andy Lara tackle the explosive Roy Moore controversy as a lens to explore evangelical hypocrisy, the dangers of political idolatry, and the psychological toll of the siege mentality consuming much of American religious life. As allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced against Roy Moore—with many evangelicals doubling down in support—Mike and Andy wrestle with the implications for Christian witness, integrity, and the identity of evangelicalism itself. Drawing from David Brooks' powerful description of the "siege mentality," they question the Church's complicity in excusing immoral leaders for the sake of preserving cultural and political power. This episode offers a sobering reflection on how fear-based theology and political nationalism distort the Gospel and derail the Church from its call to be peacemakers, truth-tellers, and ambassadors of grace. From scri

How do we reconcile a loving God with the pain of birth defects, child loss, and perceived divine silence? This honest and moving Q&A episode tackles some of the most deeply personal and theologically challenging listener questions about suffering, scripture, and how God's will interacts with real-world tragedy. Mike and Andy explore whether Psalm 139 and Jeremiah 1 teach that God literally forms every child in the womb, and what that means for children born with trisomy 18 or Down syndrome. Offering empathy, biblical insight, and honest wrestling, they aim to create space for faith that allows for heartfelt mourning and hope beyond trauma. They also respond to questions about the accessibility of Scripture for those without formal education, examine the role of biblical scholarship versus everyday spiritual understanding, and talk through how to sit beside fellow believers—whether LGBTQ+ or ideologically different—with humility, grace, and hospitality. From divine sovereignty to stigmatization in the chu

How ChurchClarity.org is sparking a deeper conversation about transparency, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and the theological complexities facing modern American churches. Mike Erre and Andy dissect the origins and intentions of the platform while offering thoughtful critiques around its methodology, impact, and assumptions. Addressing the polarizing affirming/non-affirming binary, this episode navigates the messy tension between the demand for clarity and the pursuit of faithful community centered on Jesus. With guest insights from progressive Christians and celibate gay believers, Mike and Andy reflect on the costs, contradictions, and consequences of forced doctrinal stances in the digital age. Key Takeaways: • The Mission of ChurchClarity.org – Exploring the site's goal to rate churches based on their LGBTQ+ policies and how clearly they're stated online. • Critiques from Across the Spectrum – Why progressive allies, gay celibate Christians, and even pastors question Church Clarity's labeling system. • The Cost of Bi

How can Christians effectively reengage today's divided public square with truth and love, especially when labeled as "fanatics" or shut out of mainstream conversation? Communication expert and Biola professor Tim Muehlhoff joins Mike and Andy to explore practical tools and postures for reclaiming the church's voice through compassion, credibility, and cognitive complexity. Drawing from his latest book, Winsome Persuasion, Tim shares how Christians can act as a "counterpublic"—a minority voice that influences culture—not by rage or retreat, but through relationship, neighborly love, and civil dialogue. Key Takeaways: • What Is a Counterpublic? – Understanding the church's cultural shift from majority to minority voice and how this posture reshapes engagement. • Cognitive Complexity in Practice – Learning to see people and events through a multi-layered lens that goes beyond simplistic labels and judgments. • Winsome Communication Tactics – How Christians can avoid the "argument culture," instead cultivating c

How the Book of Song of Solomon redefines intimacy, communication, and self-worth in the noise of a synthetic, sex-saturated culture. In this honest and wide-ranging conversation, Tim and Noreen Muehlhoff draw from 17 years of teaching at Family Life Marriage Conferences to unpack how biblical wisdom radically challenges cultural narratives around sex, self-esteem, and relationships. Through a deep dive into Song of Solomon chapters 5 and 7, they explore how words shape not just our relationships with others, but our very identities—and how that truth can restore intimacy and security in marriage. Key Takeaways: • The Spoken Word as Sacred Power – In an age of endless tweets, texts, and reels, the biblical perspective insists that every word has eternal significance. "Reckless words," Proverbs warns, "can break bones." • Unrealistic Cultural Expectations – From romance movies to diet culture, today's media constantly distorts our understanding of beauty, value, and love—leaving many, especially women, wrestli

How does God relate to the hard things in life—tragedy, suffering, anxiety, and injustice? In a raw, unscripted live Q&A from Ohio before heading off to speak at a Campus Crusade retreat, Mike Erre opens up the floor to deep and personal listener questions. Exploring Psalm 55 and themes of divine goodness, human suffering, and theological wrestling, this episode dives into the tension between being told to "cast your cares on the Lord" and still experiencing life's darkest seasons. Mike reflects on his own struggles with anxiety, updates listeners on the Vox community's transition to Ohio, and speaks pointedly about Christian complicity in the political climate—particularly in response to questions about the Trump administration's moral failures. He passionately challenges deterministic views of God's sovereignty and affirms the scriptural witness of a God radically opposed to evil, deeply involved in human healing, and consistently working for redemption even amidst incomprehensible pain. Key Takeaways:

How a first-century Jewish debate reshapes our understanding of Jesus' teachings on divorce, remarriage, and covenant love. Mike and Andy dive deep into one of the most misunderstood and misused verses in the Bible as part of their ongoing "Embarrassed By the Bible" Series. Taking on Jesus' statement that anyone who divorces and remarries commits adultery, they explore the cultural, theological, and pastoral layers beneath a question that is both deeply personal and widely debated: "Is divorce a sin?" Drawing heavily on the scholarship of David Instone-Brewer, Mike walks through the historical divorce conversations among the Pharisees, unpacking the nuances of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 19, and how it contrasts with modern readings. This episode offers a compassionate and nuanced look at what biblical grounds for divorce actually are—and how a covenantal theology of marriage goes far beyond contractual rules and consumer expectations. Key Takeaways: • Grounds for Divorce in the Ancient World – Infertility, ne