Vox Podcast With Mike Erre

An honest and deeply human exploration of some of faith's toughest questions—Mike and Tim kick off a new Listener Questions series by tackling themes of prayer, suffering, LGBTQ inclusion, spiritual transformation, and interfaith relationships. With humility and sharp insight, they respond to real listener questions that challenge conventional church narratives and offer alternative visions of faith rooted in grace, compassion, and authentic formation. Key Takeaways: • Why Christians Pray to Jesus – Exploring Trinitarian theology, biblical examples like Stephen and Revelation, and what it really means to pray "in Jesus' name." • The Church's Double Standard with Divorce vs. LGBTQ+ Inclusion – Highlighting the inconsistency in how churches treat divorced individuals compared to LGBTQ+ believers and how Vox's community is pursuing a table of mutual respect and shared belonging. • Pain, Suffering, and the Meaning of Following God – Reflecting on whether God removes pain or redeems it, and how encountering God in

How the cruciform hermeneutic reshapes our understanding of violent images of God in the Old Testament and reveals the unwavering beauty of Jesus at the center of the biblical narrative. In this intellectually rich and deeply spiritual installment of the Exile Series, Mike Erre and Andy Lara sit down with Dr. Greg Boyd, theologian, pastor of Woodland Hills Church, and author of the provocative multi-volume work "The Crucifixion of the Warrior God." Together, they dive into the theological tensions many believers face when trying to reconcile the loving character of Jesus with the violent portrayals of God throughout Scripture. Dr. Boyd introduces his cruciform hermeneutic—a way of reading the Bible through the lens of the cross—and explains how these deeply troubling Old Testament passages don't dilute the beauty of God but instead reflect God's willingness to bear the distorted human perceptions of Him to ultimately reveal His self-sacrificial love. Key Takeaways: • The Cruciform Hermeneutic – Why the cross

Struggling with trust in the church? Wrestling with the concept of hell? Unsure what "faith" really looks like when life feels messy? This live Q&A episode dives headfirst into your biggest theological questions, exploring the complexity of belief, grace, and what it means to follow Jesus in a world—and a church—full of contradictions. Mike Erre and Andy Lara gather questions from the Voxology community and Facebook Live to discuss how Christians can make sense of topics like universal reconciliation, annihilationism, the first miracle at Cana, biblical prophecy, and whether faith still counts when it's incomplete, doubtful, or deconstructed. Key Takeaways: • Trusting the Church While Disillusioned – Why institutional church hurt can lead to skepticism, and how to navigate spaces where love feels conditional. • Multiple Perspectives on Hell – Eternal conscious torment, annihilationism, purgatory, and universal reconciliation... which view actually reflects a loving God? • Faith That Fumbles – How Abraham'

A conversation with author and speaker Rob Bell about how reframing the Bible as a deeply human book opens the doorway to encountering its divine depth. As part of the "Embarrassed by the Bible" series, Mike and Andy talk with Bell about his book "What Is the Bible?" and how growing up in our reading of scripture helps us make sense of its most difficult passages. From violent Old Testament narratives to doubt, deconstruction, and rediscovery, this episode encourages us to move beyond literalism into transformation. Bell offers a pastoral and provocative invitation: stop reading the Bible flatly—and start seeing it as an unfolding narrative that shapes personal and communal identity. Key Takeaways: • Reading the Bible as Evolving Narrative – Why understanding scripture as a human and progressive story helps us encounter the divine more honestly and powerfully. • Recovering the Original Purpose of Sacred Text – How the Bible's ancient poems, stories, and laws were subversive, political, and profoundly human re

Tackling three deeply personal questions that many Christians wrestle with, Mike Erre and Andy bravely open up a raw, grace-filled conversation on sexuality, singleness, soulmates, and divine sovereignty in times of tragedy. This Facebook Live episode builds on the Voxology Podcast's commitment to Gospel-centered honesty and vulnerability—taking on shame, breaking stereotypes, and offering theological clarity around some of the most misunderstood and silenced experiences in Christian culture. Key Takeaways: • Navigating Singleness and Sexuality – Why Christian women (and men!) struggle in silence with loneliness and masturbation, and how shame-based theology distorts our understanding of God's grace and blessings. • God, Masturbation, and Marriage – Is God withholding a godly spouse because of sin struggles? Mike unpacks why this notion is incompatible with the radical love we see in Jesus. • The Myth of Soulmates – A biblical critique of the soulmate concept, why it's rooted in pop mythology and not scriptur

Creating space for honest conversation, this episode launches our Vox Q&A Series with unfiltered dialogue on some of the most personal and challenging spiritual questions. Mike Erre and Andy unpack listener-submitted questions with depth, vulnerability, and humor—covering everything from whether God has a plan for your life, to how Christians can walk through depression and anxiety, to the mystery behind unanswered prayer and divine timing. Whether you're wrestling with your faith, rebuilding your picture of God, or just need to feel seen and heard, this episode reminds you that asking the hard questions doesn't mean you're lost—it means you're paying attention. Key Takeaways: • God's Plan vs. Free Will – Understanding how discernment, wisdom, and spiritual formation shape God's purposes in our lives, rather than relying on a formulaic "blueprint." • The Myth of the Soulmate – Why the Bible's descriptive moments (like God picking a wife for Isaac) aren't always prescriptive for today. • Holistic Approach

How spoken word can confront injustice, build bridges of understanding, and bring healing to a broken church. In this inaugural conversation in the Art of Race series, Mike and Andy sit down with acclaimed spoken word artist and culture critic Micah Bournes to explore how race, faith, and art intersect in powerful, transformative ways. Micah brings compelling storytelling, prophetic insight, and grace-filled truth-telling about what it's like to grow up Black in America, walk through predominantly white institutions as a young man of faith, and still keep hope in Jesus's vision for a unified church. From personal encounters with systemic injustice to unflinching critiques of evangelical theology and culture, Micah challenges listeners to think deeply about white privilege, structural racism, and performative diversity in the church. Through it all, he models a radically honest but hope-filled path forward—one rooted not in tokenism or superficial unity, but in consistent community, shared power, and a theolog

What happens when criticism becomes a regular part of your personal, professional, or spiritual journey? Mike Erre shares raw, hilarious, and honest insights from years of being on the receiving end of all types of feedback—from drive-by insults to thoughtful, transformative critiques. Whether it's angry emails, anonymous letters, vague threats cloaked in "concern," or painfully awkward encounters, Mike breaks down the different types of criticism and how to respond with wisdom, humility, and strength. This solo episode offers a practical and candid framework for examining feedback, gauging its value, and protecting your mental and emotional health in the process. Learn how to be a non-reactive presence, why not every critic deserves a response, and how criticism—when rightly received—can be a gift that cultivates deep growth. Key Takeaways: • "Who is this from?" – Why discerning the source of criticism is the first essential filter. • Specific vs. General Feedback – How to recognize the difference and why sp

How the misunderstood "wives submit to your husbands" passage in Ephesians 5 unlocks a transformative and egalitarian vision of marriage rooted in mutual submission, sacrifice, and love. Mike Erre and Andy dive deep into the cultural, linguistic, and biblical context of this controversial scripture as they launch a new series, "Embarrassed by the Bible"—tackling tough and awkward verses that have long caused confusion and damage within Christian spaces. Key Takeaways: • Mutual Submission as the Heart of Discipleship – The verse "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" is the foundation, not an add-on. Spirit-filled relationships begin with mutual surrender, not hierarchy. • Reframing Ephesians 5 – Understanding how Greek grammar links verses 21 and 22 shows "wives submit" is part of broader mutual submission, not a blanket endorsement of male dominance. • How Culture Shapes Misreading – Paul worked within patriarchal Greco-Roman household codes not to affirm them, but to subvert them by planting go

Explore the tensions between faith, doubt, and tradition in the debut episode of the "Embarrassed by the Bible" series. Mike Erre and Andy Lara tackle tough theological questions sent in by listeners—from Rob Bell's legacy to the plausibility of Noah's Ark, and how modern sensibilities often clash with ancient texts. This candid conversation highlights the complexity of scripture and encourages thoughtful, humble engagement with controversial issues. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Rob Bell's Theological Journey – Mike shares personal interactions and the importance of discernment when exploring provocative voices in the church. • Embracing Difficult Texts – The Voxology team kicks off a new series exploring challenging and often misunderstood parts of the Bible, beginning with the story of Noah and the Ark. • Seeking Truth Over Certainty – A reminder that even the most respected theologians and teachers are human, and spiritual growth comes through wrestling with ideas, not blindly accepting them. • Investiga

How can we move beyond deconstruction and actually begin to rebuild a meaningful, Jesus-centered faith? In this special crossover episode, Mike Erre and Andy interview theologian and podcast host Dan Koch for a rich, honest exchange on spiritual reconstruction, Eucharist-centered community, and how to foster real unity in an age of division. Both Dan and the Vox team reflect on their mutual journeys of disillusionment with traditional evangelicalism and explore what it looks like to reconstruct thoughtful, inclusive expressions of faith that hold space for complexity, difference, and depth. This episode unpacks some of the most important questions for Christians today: What should the church really look like? How do we offer a seat at the table for affirming and non-affirming Christians alike? And how the Eucharist might be the best shot we have at unity in the midst of polarized conversations about politics, sexuality, and theology. Key Takeaways: • From Bad Christian to Reconstruction – Dan Koch shares how

Wrestling with how faith affects your prayers? Wondering if it's un-Christian to cut off toxic relationships? Curious where Paul fits into the twelve apostles? In this thoughtful Q&A episode, Mike and Andy dig into some tough but deeply relatable questions from the Voxology community. This episode offers perspective-shifting responses to common theological misconceptions, helping listeners navigate spiritual anxiety, relational boundaries, and what faith actually means in the way of Jesus. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Apostleship – Clarifying the difference between "the Twelve" and broader New Testament uses of the term "apostle," including Paul and even a female apostle. • Faith and Prayer, Reconsidered – Why the phrase "your faith unlocks God's blessings" can be harmful, and how faith, properly understood, is more about covenantal allegiance than psychological certainty. • Boundaries and Spiritual Guilt – Exploring how Christians can approach toxic relationships with both grace and wisdom, while evalu

How can reading the Bible form us into people who actually look, sound, and live more like Jesus? This episode dives into that powerful question through raw honesty, theological reflection, and practical insights. Mike Erre processes a deeply personal season of anxiety, health struggles, and spiritual battle—and unpacks how Scripture, when engaged relationally instead of merely intellectually, can be a tool of deep transformation. Recorded after a teaching event with John Mark Comer and Todd Proctor on the practices of Jesus, Mike explores why many of us don't feel spiritually transformed despite decades of Christian practice, and what it means to read the Bible as a relational and covenantal tool that fosters intimacy and "abiding" with Christ. Rather than reading the Bible to "be right" or gather rules, we are invited to read it because we're already in relationship with Jesus and want to become like Him. Key Takeaways: • Reading the Bible Relationally – How Scripture becomes a tool for formation when we re

Deep questions demand deep exploration, and this episode of Voxology tackles some of the biggest theological and cultural questions facing the modern church. Mike Erre and Andy field four thought-provoking listener questions—each one diving into misunderstood spiritual frameworks and their real-world implications on faith, marriage, evil, and Scripture. We begin by reexamining the foundations of our faith, contrasting the gospel of Jesus with how we've inherited Paul's theology through Western lenses like the Reformation. From there, we wrestle with the controversial language of submission in marriage in Ephesians 5, the nature of evil and why God hasn't destroyed Satan, and finally, the mysterious process of biblical canonization and why some gospels didn't make the cut. Whether you're deconstructing, reconstructing, or just curious, this conversation offers a thoughtful roadmap back to the heart of Jesus's mission. Key Takeaways: • Reframing Faith Around Jesus – Why starting with the gospel of Jesus—not Pau

Tackling real questions from the Vox Community and beyond, Mike Erre and Andy kick off the new Q&A Series with honest, heartfelt, and sometimes humorous reflections on key topics at the intersection of faith, culture, and Christian life. From the Sabbath to science, to the tension between free will and predestination, the duo models what it looks like to wrestle through complex theological questions with curiosity and compassion. Key Takeaways: • Keeping the Sabbath in Today's World – Why Sabbath is a wisdom practice, not a covenantal requirement, and how Jesus reinterprets the law through love and rest. • Science vs. Essential Oils – Exploring the relationship between faith and science, Christian skepticism toward scientific institutions, and why curiosity and discernment matter. • Free Will and God's Sovereignty – Unpacking the difference between God's corporate predestination and personal agency, and why God is not the author of evil or suffering. • Singleness and God's Compassion – Navigating the desi

How a deeper look at scripture, church culture, and the example of Jesus challenges traditional views of women in ministry positions. Mike Erre and Andy break down decades of theology, cultural biases, and inherited assumptions to explore the truth behind women's roles in Christian leadership—and what might be more faithful to the vision of Jesus. Drawing from Genesis, Paul's letters, and the trajectory of redemption throughout the Bible, this episode offers a powerful case for inclusion. Whether you're complementarian, egalitarian, or just curious, this honest and thoughtful conversation invites listeners into a deeper understanding of authority, gender, and gospel mission in the 21st-century church. Key Takeaways: • Biblical Interpretation Anchors – Six core theological filters—including creation, eschatology, and Jesus' actions—guide how to discern scripture's intent and application. • Jesus on Women – From discipleship to resurrection witnesses, Jesus consistently elevated and empowered women as full part

Discover why so many are rethinking their faith and how deconstruction can actually catalyze a deeper, more authentic walk with Jesus. Recorded live with audience participation, this episode captures powerful personal stories of disorientation, doubt, and rediscovery. Mike Erre and Andy unpack the rise of Christian deconstruction, challenge the pitfalls of "faith-as-performance," and advocate for a reconstructive faith centered on the radical way of Jesus, not religious systems. Whether you're post-evangelical, spiritually curious, or navigating your own crisis of faith, this conversation holds space for pain, honesty, humor, and hope. Key Takeaways: • Deconstructing the Faith – Why more Christians are walking away from inherited religious systems while seeking a more truthful, lived-out spirituality. • Stages of Faith – Exploring concepts like spiritual orientation, disorientation, and reorientation through frameworks from Brueggemann and Fowler. • The Normalcy of Doubt – Why skepticism, grief, and disillusi

How the pursuit of power in the American church undermines its true mission—and how returning to the way of the Lamb transforms our communities, leadership models, and personal discipleship. Mike Erre and guest co-host Andy Bear are joined by authors and leaders Kyle Strobel and Jamin Goggin to unpack themes from their book, The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb. In this deep and often hilarious conversation, they explore how modern Christianity has embraced worldly power, how we can relearn the power of weakness, and what it means to follow Jesus' subversive model of leadership. From seminaries to mega-churches, preaching to hair highlights, the crew examines how power, charisma, and platform have overtaken humility, community, and spiritual disciplines—leaving us spiritually malnourished but numerically impressive. What does real maturity, real spiritual authority, and real fruit look like? And how do we build churches that form Christlike disciples instead of celebrity pastors? Key Takeaways: • Powe

How does the New Testament reframe the concept of tithing? Is lust really equal to adultery? Can "Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John" really be ancient Jewish names? In this family-style Q&A edition, Mike Erre and Andy dive into light-hearted and deeply theological listener questions to explore how Jesus expands and redefines Old Testament laws through the Sermon on the Mount, why generosity goes beyond a flat 10%, and the power of understanding scripture in its original context. Key Takeaways: • Rethinking Tithing in a New Testament Context – Why the 10% rule isn't a mandate and how the Bible calls for radical generosity from the heart. • Jesus and the Heart of the Law – Understanding how the Sermon on the Mount intensifies the moral seriousness of actions by focusing on internal transformation rather than just external behavior. • Beyond the Meme – Addressing how names like Matthew and John came to be associated with Middle Eastern figures and the impact of translation and cultural adaptation in scripture. •

How does someone faithfully follow Jesus while working at the highest levels of American government? Mike Erre and Andy sit down with Michael Wear, author of Reclaiming Hope and former Director of Faith Outreach for President Obama, to explore what it looks like to live out the teachings of Jesus under a microscope of politics, partisanship, and public scrutiny. Wear shares his incredible journey—from a chance hallway meeting with then-Senator Obama to serving in the White House's Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. He opens up about the tensions of holding Christian convictions in a progressive Democratic administration and explains how he navigated controversial issues like abortion, the contraception mandate, and LGBTQ+ rights. Through it all, he offers a hopeful vision for how Christians of all stripes can engage in meaningful political action without losing their integrity or their soul. Key Takeaways: • Faith and Public Service – What it meant for Wear to live as a committed Christian w