Voxology

Oh, John Piper... Does bad theology actually hurt people in the real world? Today Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive deep into the intersection of faith, war, and the heavy burden of rigid religious systems that leave no room for human pain. From political rhetoric to pastoral advice, they explore how our view of God shapes our response to suffering and global conflict.
The conversation begins with a lighthearted look at Seth Erre's new podcast before shifting into the sobering reality of the conflict in Iran and the troubling rhetoric of Christian nationalism. The heart of the episode is a detailed critique of John Piper's recent teaching on lament. Piper suggests that criticizing God's ways is always a sin, but Mike and Tim argue that the biblical text shows a much more complex, raw, and honest relationship between the Creator and the suffering.
By looking at the Garden of Gethsemane, the book of Job, and the laments of Jeremiah, they challenge the idea that faith requires passive resignation. Instead, they propose a slow theology that values human agency and honest wrestling. Along the way, they pull in surprising insights from Oppenheimer, Batman, and even Henry Rollins to discuss education, empathy, and what it truly means to be an image-bearer in a chaotic world.
CHAPTERS
0:00 INTRO AND THE BEST FRIENDS PODCAST
3:15 AUSTIN POWERS AND THE GOLDEN DRAPES
6:00 THEOLOGY OF WAR AND CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM
10:45 THE ETYMOLOGY OF WOKE AND MILITARY RHETORIC 1
3:50 NAMING THE FALLEN AND VICTIMS OF WAR
18:15 FINDING HOPE AND THE CHURCH AS A MIRROR
22:30 IT TAKES A VILLAGE FOR AMERICA AND THE CHURCH
26:45 JOHN PIPER ON LAMENT AND CHRONIC ILLNESS
32:00 IS IT ALWAYS A SIN TO CRITICIZE GOD
37:15 SOVEREIGNTY VS THE REALITY OF EVIL
42:30 BIBLICAL PROTEST IN JOB AND JEREMIAH
47:50 GETHSEMANE AND THE HONEST WRESTLING OF JESUS
53:00 THE SHEPHERD METAPHOR VS RELIGIOUS CAGES
57:45 SLOW THEOLOGY AND THE POWER OF AGENCY
1:02:30 OPPENHEIMER EDUCATION AND HUMAN DISCOVERY
1:06:50 CLOSING THOUGHTS AND HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW
If you value these deep dives into the complexities of faith and culture, please consider supporting the Voxology Podcast. We are a listener-supported nonprofit dedicated to creating a space for honest conversation.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Check out our Patreon at patreon.com/voxology
Find us on Instagram at instagram.com/voxologypodcast
Visit our website at voxologypodcast.com Thank you for walking this long road with us. Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs a more compassionate perspective on faith and suffering.
As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.
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Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify
Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon
Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre
Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Are we ignoring the most important issues of justice while fighting over trivial things? In this episode of the Voxology podcast, Mike and Tim tackle the heavy reality of the Epstein files and the church's response to systemic injustice. Join us for an honest conversation about anger, accountability, and a powerful message on faith.
⚖️ JUSTICE AND THE EPSTEIN FILES Things get serious as Mike reads a phenomenal post by Pastor Brian Drinkwine. We dive deep into the recent news surrounding the Epstein files, the Department of Justice, and political figures.
⛪ THE CHURCHS RESPONSE This is a raw look at how American Christianity has become skilled at straining gnats and swallowing camels. Why do we go to war over church carpet colors but stay silent on the exploitation of the vulnerable? We discuss the heartbreak of losing trust in leaders and the challenge of Matthew 20. Jesus asks if we can drink the cup of reckoning without rushing to defend our political tribes.
THE POWERS AND PRINCIPALITIES Then, Mike and Tim explore the concept of powers and principalities, the wisdom of God versus human wisdom, and redefine what freedom in Christ truly means. The conversation is rich with personal reflections, cultural critiques, and a call to action for listeners to engage with the world around them.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Gratitude
00:57 Creative Outlets: Music and Expression
02:59 Reflections on Current Events and Social Media
06:03 The Epstein Files and Moral Outrage
09:49 The Weight of Accountability and Justice
12:05 Punk Culture and Social Commentary
16:01 Holding the Cup of Reckoning
20:07 Destruction as a Form of Creation
24:06 The Weight of Idealism
27:43 Understanding Systemic Evil
30:08 The Powers and Their Influence
34:39 Philosophy and Spiritual Forces
45:24 Redefining Freedom in Christ
01:01:06 "Hope" is the thing with feathers -By Emily Dickinson
SUPPORT THE CHANNEL If you appreciate this conversation, please rate and review the podcast to help others find us! Leave a comment below with your thoughts on today's topics, and do not forget to subscribe for more episodes of the Voxology podcast!
As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], 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! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market
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

In this episode, Mike and Tim ask a provocative question: Is "Christ is King" becoming blasphemy? They begin by analyzing recent political rhetoric, specifically a speech by Pete Hegseth, to discuss how biblical language can be hijacked for coercive power rather than reflecting the character of Jesus. The hosts argue that proclaiming theological truths while living in opposition to the way of Jesus is a distortion of "faith and politics."
The conversation then shifts to a deep exploration of the Lord's Prayer and the petition, "Your Kingdom come." Mike and Tim unpack the concept of the "anti-kingdom," explaining that Jesus preached the Kingdom of God in enemy-occupied territory. They explore "theology" regarding the "powers and principalities," looking at the Divine Council in the Psalms, the "heavenly host" in Genesis, and how the biblical authors understood the spiritual forces behind structural evil and injustice. This isn't just about ancient myths; it is about understanding "the role of the church in society" when facing systemic corruption.
By contrasting the "cruciformity" of the Gospel with the power dynamics of empire, the guys offer a framework for "navigating cultural challenges" with wisdom. They highlight that true "Christianity" recognizes the spiritual battle at play—not just in individuals, but in cultural patterns and ideologies. As the hosts discuss the "seen and unseen" realms, they emphasize the importance of prayer and "justice" in a world that is both beautiful and broken. We encourage and would love discussion as we pursue these complex topics, so please engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Welcome
02:17 - Living with Purpose Daily
05:46 - Pete Hegseth Biblical Analysis
09:55 - Spiritual Warfare and Authority
10:54 - Defining the Anti-Kingdom
18:07 - Mark 1:21-28 Bible Study
23:43 - Jewish Beliefs About Demons
26:04 - Jesus Appoints Twelve Disciples
26:50 - Understanding the Unforgivable Sin
30:57 - Spiritual vs Physical Realms
31:59 - Biblical Identity of Satan
36:30 - The Heavenly Host Explained
46:18 - Psalm 82 Divine Council
49:29 - Principalities and Spiritual Powers
51:01 - Spiritual Powers Unjust Rulers
52:49 - Spiritual Powers Popular Culture
54:09 - Idols and Sacrificed Meat
56:10 - Judgment of Spiritual Powers
57:28 - Satan and Cosmic Powers
1:01:55 - Overcoming the Anti-Kingdom
1:06:46 - Spiritual Reflection Poem
1:09:14 - Support and Partnership
1:09:19 - Connect and Follow Us
What It Looks Like To Us and the Words We UseBy Ada Limón

All these great barns out here in the outskirts, 
black creosote boards knee-deep in the bluegrass.
They look so beautifully abandoned, even in use.
You say they look like arks after the sea's
dried up, I say they look like pirate ships,
and I think of that walk in the valley where
J said, You don't believe in God? And I said,
No. I believe in this connection we all have
to nature, to each other, to the universe.
And she said, Yeah, God. And how we stood there,
low beasts among the white oaks, Spanish moss,
and spider webs, obsidian shards stuck in our pockets,
woodpecker flurry, and I refused to call it so.
So instead, we looked up at the unruly sky,
its clouds in simple animal shapes we could name
though we knew they were really just clouds—
disorderly, and marvelous, and ours.
 




Copyright Credit: Poem copyright ©2012 by Ada Limón, whose most recent book of poems is Sharks in the Rivers, Milkweed Editions, 2010. Poem reprinted from Poecology, Issue 1, 2011, by permission of Ada Limón and the publisher.



 


As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], 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

Does the Bible truly restrict women in leadership? In this thought-provoking Voxology Podcast episode, Mike Erre, Suzie Lind, and Preston Sprinkle wrestle with this deeply significant theological question. Drawing from Preston's upcoming book, *From Genesis to Junia: What the Bible Really Says About Women in Leadership*, they explore the historical, cultural, and biblical contexts that shape complementarian and egalitarian debates. Are women called to lead, preach, and teach in the church? What role does cultural context play in interpreting scripture?
With a blend of personal stories, rigorous scholarship, and honest dialogue, the hosts unpack passages like 1 Timothy 2 and Ephesians 5, illuminating how interpretations of authority, headship, and agency have shaped the Church's approach to women in ministry. Suzie shares her lived experience as a pastor navigating these challenges, while Preston dives into the exegetical work that informed his book.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about how faith intersects with justice, theology, and cultural issues. Join the conversation as the hosts emphasize Jesus' inclusive teachings and challenge the commodification of women within religious structures.
We encourage you to engage the discussion on Facebook and Instagram, or share your thoughts in the comments below. Let's continue to pursue understanding, humility, and critical thinking as we navigate these important topics together. 
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Our Break from the Lord's Prayer
05:03 - INTRO to Preston Sprinkle Interview
09:29 - This Weekend
10:39 - Poems
12:06 - Intro
13:56 - Origins of Our Faith
17:10 - Suzie's Journey
18:34 - Preston's Journey
23:28 - Best Argument for Complementarianism
27:10 - Understanding 1 Timothy 2:12
28:00 - Analyzing 1 Corinthians 14:34-35
28:40 - Exegetical Laziness in Scripture
33:20 - Trusting English Translations
39:44 - Kephale: "Head" or "Source"
37:18 - Ephesians 5:23 Explained
38:18 - Insights on 1 Corinthians 11:3
39:18 - Meaning of "Head" in Context
41:04 - Greco-Roman Household Code
42:08 - Reexamining the Meaning of "Head"
48:54 - Process of Becoming a Pastor
52:00 - The Right Plumbing for Ministry
57:38 - Thank You
1:00:20 - Where to Find More of Preston's Work
1:01:06 - Upcoming Book Release
1:01:46 - Sign Off
1:05:05 - Support the Show
As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], 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! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market
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

Is border security truly biblical? At least in the way in which this administration is advocating? In this compelling episode of the Voxology Podcast, Mike and Tim tackle this pressing question with thoughtful analysis and deep theological reflection. Exploring passages like Romans 13 and Leviticus 19:34, they examine the intersection of faith and politics, addressing claims about the Bible's stance on border security and justice. Together, they navigate key cultural challenges, unpacking how scripture is often used—or misused—in political debates.
This episode dives into the role of the church in society, highlighting the importance of cruciformity, compassion, and justice in how Christians respond to immigration and broader governance issues. The hosts challenge listeners to rethink assumptions, engage critically with scripture, and consider how the teachings of Jesus call us to uphold human dignity in all circumstances.
Join the conversation as we explore how faith intersects with cultural issues, and how humility, curiosity, and critical thinking can guide us in pursuing justice and embodying the upside-down kingdom of God. We encourage you to engage with us on Facebook and Instagram or send in your questions—we'd love to hear from you! Let's learn and grow together.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
02:10 - Christian Border Security Argument
05:36 - Leviticus 19:34 Analysis
09:21 - Romans 13 Discussion
11:26 - Matthew 25 Insights
13:48 - Biblical View on Nations
17:40 - Matt's Scar Documentary
19:34 - Epstein Controversy Overview
22:19 - Biblical Teachings on Authority
23:57 - Government Evil Hypothesis
24:23 - Corruption Exposé
28:20 - Understanding Biblicism
31:40 - Romans 13 Revisited
36:07 - God's Role in Governance
38:45 - Original Intent of Human Rule
41:51 - Governing Authorities as Servants
44:16 - Attitude Towards Authorities
49:20 - Immigration Solutions Discussion
51:45 - Church Exposé
56:09 - The Problem of Evil Explained
01:01:10 - Poem Reflection
01:02:50 - Evolving Faith Perspective
01:04:43 - Thank You Message
01:05:20 - Supporting the Show
As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], 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