Voxology

Latest Episodes:

Rethinking Sin, Salvation, and Community in Modern Christianity (Exile Series) Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

Exploring how reframing sin and salvation as communal realities can transform our understanding of justice, community, and the mission of the church in today's world, Mike and Tim dive deep into the implications of being a community of justice and shalom while continuing their Exile Series.

Key Takeaways: • Sin and Salvation as Communal Concepts – Understanding the importance of viewing sin and salvation beyond individualism, emphasizing the corporate dimensions within the church. • The Role of the Church as New Humanity – Discussing Paul's metaphor of the body of Christ and how it calls us to eradicate hierarchies and promote justice within our communities. • Reevaluating Missions and the Great Commission – Critiquing traditional approaches to evangelism and missions, focusing on the communal nature of the gospel and the importance of healthy, mutual relationships. • Current Events and the Church's Response – Analyzing recent developments like anti-Christian bias task forces and Bible reading mandates, and how they align or conflict with Jesus' teachings on the church and state. • Upcoming Opportunities for Spiritual Community – Announcing the upcoming "Non-Ference" in Nashville for those feeling spiritually homeless, and "Pastoring as an Act of Resistance," a monthly gathering for ministry leaders.

Resources Mentioned: • Alan Kreider – The Patient Ferment of the Early Church • Tim Gombis – Faith Improvised podcast • Sky Jethani – Upcoming book on justice

Join us as we journey together in questioning 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 conversation.

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

How Sin and Salvation Shape a Community of Justice (Exile Series) Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

Explore how recognizing sin and salvation as communal realities empowers the church to become a beacon of justice and shalom in a divided world. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the deep-seated issues within modern Christianity, examining the dichotomy between individualistic and communal understandings of faith. They discuss how embracing a communal approach to sin and salvation calls us to prioritize justice, mercy, and empathy as core elements of following Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

• The Communal Nature of Sin – Understanding how sin disrupts not only our relationship with God but also fractures community and societal structures.

• Salvation as Corporate Restoration – Exploring how salvation restores communities, calling the church to embody justice and shalom as integral to the gospel.

• Embracing Justice and Mercy – Discussing the role of the church in advocating for the marginalized, including immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community, and how mercy and empathy should guide our actions.

• The Church as an Alternative Community – How the church can resist political ideologies and focus on being a community shaped by the cross, reflecting God's kingdom on earth.

Resources Mentioned:

• Matthew 25:31-46 – The parable of the sheep and goats, highlighting the importance of mercy and justice.

• Books of Genesis and Leviticus – Insights into the communal aspects of sin and law in the Old Testament.

• Lee Camp's Writings – Perspectives on the church's role in society and resisting political power structures.

• Matthew Soerens and World Relief – Thoughts on immigration and welcoming the stranger.

Call to Action:

Join the conversation and help us build a community that embodies justice and shalom. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay connected.

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Breaking Free from Political Idolatry: Embracing the Church's True Mission (Exile Series) Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

Explore how Christians can resist the allure of political power, understand the biblical call to live as exiles, and rediscover the transformative impact of being the church in a polarized society.

Key Takeaways: • Resisting Political Idolatry – Understanding the dangers of aligning Christianity with political parties and leaders. • Embracing Exile – How the biblical concept of exile shapes the church's posture in today's world. • Living the One Another Commands – The importance of internal transformation and community practices outlined in the New Testament. • Prophetic Witness – How the church can influence society by embodying justice, love, and humility without relying on political means.

Resources Mentioned: • The 59 "One Another" Commands – A compilation of New Testament directives for Christian community. • "Exiles" by Preston Sprinkle – Insights on the church's role in society. • "Resident Aliens" by Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon – Discussing the church as a counter-cultural community.

Join us as we delve into the heart of what it means to be the church in a divided world. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to continue the conversation.

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Submissive and Subversive: Jesus's Interactions with the Herod Dynasty (Exile Series) Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

Mike and Tim unveil the revolutionary ways Jesus navigated oppressive systems by balancing submission and subversion, and how this approach empowers us to confront modern challenges with wisdom and courage.

Key Takeaways: • The Submissive-Subversive Tension – Understanding how Jesus embodied both submission to authority and subversion of oppressive power structures, providing a model for us today. • Deep Dive into the Herod Family – Exploring the complex dynamics between Jesus and the Herod dynasty, including Herod the Great and his sons Archelaus, Antipas, and Philip. • Parables with Political Undertones – Analyzing how Jesus's parables served as subtle critiques of the political landscape and the rulers of his time. • Joyful Non-Compliance – Discussing Dallas Willard's concept and how it reflects Jesus's approach to authority and societal norms. • Modern Application – Reflecting on how to apply Jesus's example of balancing submission and subversion in our own lives amidst current societal and political challenges.

Guest Highlights: Seth Erie – Makes a surprise musical appearance, adding a personal and heartfelt moment to the episode.

Resources Mentioned: • Dallas Willard's Teachings • Ray Vanderlaan's Insights • 'Joy as an Act of Resistance' by Idles • Scripture References: Matthew 2, Luke 13, Obadiah, Malachi

Join the conversation by subscribing, leaving a review, and following us on social media to stay updated on future episodes.

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Exiles in Democracy: How Should Christians Engage in Politics? (Exile Series) Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

An insightful exploration of how Christians can navigate political engagement in a democratic society while embracing their identity as exiles. Mike and Tim dive deep into the church's role in politics, discussing whether Christians should seek to transform society through laws and policies or focus on embodying the kingdom of God within their communities. They respond to Sky Jethani's thoughtful critiques, bringing fresh perspectives to the conversation about power, politics, and faith.

Key Takeaways:

Exile Identity – Understanding how the biblical concept of exile redefines Christian political identity, allegiance, and hope.
Prayer and Action – Examining the relationship between prayer and practical action in responding to disasters and societal issues.
Political Power – Analyzing the tension between using political power to influence societal change and the call to live as exiles embodying the kingdom of God.
Engaging Critiques – Responding to Sky Jethani's questions about Christian political engagement in a democracy where believers hold voting power.

Guest Highlights: Sky Jethani – Author, speaker, and co-host of The Holy Post Podcast. Sky offers thought-provoking critiques that challenge conventional views on Christian political involvement.

Resources Mentioned:

The Holy Post Podcast – holypost.com
Caitlin's Curiosities – A podcast by Caitlin Schess exploring big theological questions with kids.
The Patient Ferment of the Early Church by Alan Kreider – A book discussing how early Christians transformed society through patient faithfulness.

Join the conversation by subscribing, leaving a review, and following Voxology on social media.

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Exile as Political Identity : Insights from Acts on Allegiance and Hope (Exile Series) Jan 06, 2025

Show notes

Explore how embracing an exile identity reshapes Christian allegiance, hope, and posture toward government. Mike and Tim delve into lessons from the Book of Acts on how redefining our political identity as exiles can help us navigate the partisan landscape with a focus on the Kingdom of God.

Key Takeaways: • Redefining Political Allegiance – Understanding how adopting an exile identity shifts our primary allegiance from partisan politics to the Kingdom of God. • Reconfiguring Hope – Discussing how our hope is not rooted in political outcomes but in Jesus and His mission. • Submission and Subversion – Exploring the tension between submitting to governing authorities and subverting the powers through a Kingdom-focused life. • Insights from Acts – Learning from early Christians on navigating political powers and maintaining faithfulness. • Practical Exile Living – Practical ways to live out the exile identity in today's politicized world.

Resources Mentioned: • The Book of Acts – Bible Gateway – Acts • Shane Claiborne's Teachings – shaneclaiborne.com • Center for Action and Contemplation (Richard Rohr's Teachings) – cac.org

Join us in exploring what it means to live as exiles today. Subscribe to the Voxology Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with others seeking to navigate faith in a politicized world.

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Living as a Holy Nation—Insights from Jeremiah and 1 Peter (Exile Series) Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford explore how the biblical concept of exile shapes the church's political identity today, drawing lessons from Jeremiah 29 and 1 Peter. Discover how being a "holy nation" and "exiles" informs how Christians can navigate modern society by balancing submission to authorities with a distinct kingdom identity.

Key Takeaways: • Exile as a Political Identity – Understanding the implications of living as exiles in contemporary society. • Lessons from Jeremiah 29 – Learning from the Israelites' exile in Babylon about seeking the welfare of the city while maintaining faithfulness to God. • Insights from 1 Peter – How Peter's teachings on being a "holy nation" and "foreigners" apply to the modern church. • Balancing Submission and Subversion – Discussing the tension between honoring authorities and living out countercultural kingdom values. • Application for Today – Practical considerations for believers navigating political partisanship and the church's role in society.

Guest Highlights: Mike Erre and Tim Stafford – Co-hosts of the Voxology Podcast, engage in a thoughtful conversation unpacking the theological concept of exile and its relevance for the church today.

Resources Mentioned: • Jeremiah 29 – Read Jeremiah 29 • 1 Peter – Read 1 Peter • Book of Daniel – Read Daniel 1

Join the conversation! Subscribe to the Voxology Podcast for more insightful discussions on faith, culture, and living out the mission of Jesus in today's world.

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Exile and the Kingdom: Unveiling Israel's Political Identity and Its Meaning for the Church Today (Exile Series) Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

Mike and Tim take a deep dive into the concept of exile and what it means for the Church today. They unpack Israel's political identity as a holy nation and a kingdom of priests, and how these ancient practices can inform and transform the way we live out our faith in the modern world. From rethinking notions of kingship and power to challenging economic and social norms, they explore how embracing God's upside-down Kingdom can help us resist the allure of worldly power and wealth.

Key Takeaways:

• Israel's Political Identity – Understanding Israel as a geopolitical entity called to be holy and set apart among the nations.

• Upside-Down Politics – Exploring how Israel's practices contrasted with surrounding nations in kingship, militarism, economics, and social class.

• Lessons for the Church Today – Discussing how the modern Church can adopt similar practices to reflect God's Kingdom and serve as a light to the nations.

• Resisting Worldly Temptations – Examining how the Church can resist the temptations of power, wealth accumulation, and social hierarchies to embody God's vision.

Resources Mentioned:

• Exiles by Preston Sprinkle – A book exploring the Church as exiles and its implications for Christian practice.

Call to Action:

Don't forget to subscribe to the Voxology Podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media to join the conversation as we continue to explore faith and culture.

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Rethinking Hospitality, Race, and Power in the Kingdom of God (Exile Series) Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

This episode, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford explore how listener feedback on hospitality and racial injustice invites us to reassess the church's approach to embodying the radical, self-sacrificial politics of Jesus' upside-down kingdom.

Key Takeaways:

Redefining Biblical Hospitality – Understanding hospitality as systemic inclusion, not just individual kindness, and its implications for the church today.
Confronting Systemic Racism in the Church – Acknowledging and addressing the racial biases and injustices embedded within church culture and structures.
Power Dynamics of the Kingdom of God – Differentiating between the coercive power of worldly kingdoms and the self-sacrificial power of Jesus' kingdom.
Navigating Political Idolatry – Recognizing the pitfalls of aligning the church too closely with national politics and the concept of a "Christian nation."
Embracing Exile and Community – Reflecting on feelings of exile from traditional church structures and the importance of community in discerning how to live out the Gospel authentically.

Resources Mentioned:

Greg Boyd – The Kingdom and the Cross – Link
Timothy Keller – "How Do Christians Fit Into the Two-Party System? They Don't" – Link

Join the conversation! Subscribe to the Voxology Podcast, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay connected.

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

The Political Kingdom of God and Our Displacement from Modern Christianity (Exile Series) Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

Exploring how the Kingdom of God challenges political idolatry and offers a transformative vision of public faith beyond partisan divides. Mike and Tim delve into the multifaceted experience of exile—not only as humans and followers of Jesus but also feeling alienated from aspects of modern Christianity. Discover how Jesus' announcement of the Kingdom reshapes our understanding of politics, community, and what it means to live out a holistic, public faith today.

Key Takeaways: • Understanding Exile – Unpacking the layers of exile as humans from the Garden, as Christians in culture, and feeling displaced within Christianity itself. • The Political Nature of the Kingdom of God – How Jesus proclaimed a geopolitical reality that transcends private devotion, calling for comprehensive public and social transformation. • Beyond Partisanship – Discussing why the Kingdom is political but not partisan, emphasizing a faith that is public, external, and social—not just personal and internal. • Navigating Political Idolatry – Addressing how church leaders and believers can respond to unrepentant political idolatry within the church community, seeking a path forward rooted in Jesus' teachings.

Resources Mentioned: • The Healing Within by Chuck DeGroat – A book exploring personal and communal healing discussed in the Voxology book club. • Exiles by Preston Sprinkle – Insights into living faithfully amidst cultural and political dislocation. • The Holy Post Podcast – Hosted by Skye Jethani, contributing to conversations on politics and faith.

Join our community in this conversation by subscribing, leaving a review, and following us on social media. Your support helps us continue these important discussions.

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy