Voxology

Latest Episodes:

Making the Bible Strange Again: Bridging Cultural Gaps in Biblical Interpretation (Understanding the Bible Series) Sep 13, 2021

Show notes

Discover how embracing the cultural, historical, and contextual 'strangeness' of the Bible can transform your understanding of scripture. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the complexities of interpreting scripture by acknowledging the hermeneutical distance created by time, culture, language, customs, geography, and value systems. They explore the contrasts between honor-shame and guilt-innocence cultures, discuss the importance of reading the Bible in community, and emphasize producing Jesus-shaped fruit over clinging to rigid doctrines.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding Hermeneutical Distance – Recognizing and bridging the gaps that impact our interpretation of biblical texts.
Honor-Shame vs. Guilt-Innocence Cultures – How cultural value systems influence our understanding of scripture and community.
Prioritizing Love and Community – Emphasizing that faithful reading leads to love and Jesus-shaped living rather than mere correct doctrine.

Resources Mentioned:

Tim Gombis's Podcast on Romans – [Link]
Scott McKnight's Book "Reading Romans Backwards" – [Link]
The Bible Project – [Link]

Join the conversation and share your insights as we explore these important topics. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast 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

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 Wanderer - U2: Not All Who Wander Are Lost Sep 08, 2021

Show notes

Join Tim Stafford and Dr. Timothy Gombis as they launch 'The Wanderer Series', a deep dive into the intersections of U2's music, theology, and personal journeys. Explore how the band's evolving sound and poetic lyrics have profoundly influenced their perspectives on faith, art, and humanity.

Key Takeaways:

• The Transformative Power of Music and Poetry – Discussing how U2's artistry exemplifies the impact of language and metaphor on personal and spiritual growth.

• U2's Evolution and Influence – Exploring the band's transition from earnest piety in the 1980s to the complex, mature themes in albums like 'Achtung Baby' and 'Zooropa', and how this mirrors personal growth.

• Personal Narratives and Faith Journeys – Tim and Tim share how U2's music has been a companion through various stages of life, reflecting shifts in faith, worldview, and understanding of the divine.

• Theological Depth in U2's Lyrics – Analyzing songs such as 'The Wanderer' and 'Wake Up Dead Man' to uncover deep theological insights, confessions, and portrayals of humanity's messiness.

Guest Highlights:

Dr. Timothy Gombis – A theologian and scholar, Dr. Gombis brings rich insights into the interplay between U2's music and theological concepts, sharing how specific albums and songs have shaped his understanding of culture, faith, and the human experience.

Resources Mentioned:

• U2 Albums:

'Boy'
'October'
'War'
'The Unforgettable Fire'
'The Joshua Tree'
'Achtung Baby'
'Zooropa'
'Pop'
'All That You Can't Leave Behind'
'Songs of Innocence'

• Songs:

'The Wanderer'
'Where the Streets Have No Name'
'Mofo'
'Running to Stand Still'
'Wake Up Dead Man'

• Books:

'Until the End of the World' by Bill Flanagan
'One Step Closer: Why U2 Matters to Those Seeking God' by Christian Scharen

• Other Artists Mentioned:

Johnny Cash
Roy Orbison

Call to Action:

Join us as we journey through the music of U2, exploring how art and faith intersect in profound ways. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay updated on future episodes of 'The Wanderer Series'.

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.

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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

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

Embracing Interpretive Humility: Rediscovering the Bible Through Context and Community (Understanding the Bible Series) Sep 07, 2021

Show notes

Discover how understanding cultural context and embracing interpretive humility can transform your reading of the Bible. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the importance of situating ourselves before the text, recognizing our individualistic lenses, and moving towards a communal approach to Scripture.

Key Takeaways:

• Interpretive Humility – The necessity of approaching the Bible with humility, acknowledging our biases and the limitations of our perspectives.

• Individualism vs. Collectivism – How Western individualism affects our interpretation of Scripture and the value of embracing the Bible's communal context.

• Situating Ourselves Before the Text – Practices for self-assessment to recognize how our culture, experiences, and assumptions influence our understanding.

• Cultural Context and Hermeneutical Distance – Exploring the historical, cultural, and linguistic gaps between us and the biblical texts, and strategies to bridge them.

• Reading the Bible in Community – The benefits of studying Scripture collectively to gain deeper insights and avoid interpretive narcissism.

Resources Mentioned:

• Pete Enns – How the Bible Actually Works

• The Bible Project – bibleproject.com

• Tim Gombis' Podcast – Faith Improvised

• Scott McKnight

Call to Action:

Join us in reimagining how we engage with the Bible by embracing context and community. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to be part of the ongoing 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

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

God's Accommodation: Embracing the Messiness of Scripture (Understanding the Bible Series) Aug 30, 2021

Show notes

Discover how understanding God's accommodation can transform the way we read and interpret Scripture. Mike and Tim delve into the complexities of the Bible's divine and human aspects, exploring how the messiness of Scripture reveals God's character and His relationship with humanity.

Key Takeaways:

God's Accommodation in Scripture – Understanding how God meets humanity where they are, working within cultural contexts and human limitations to reveal His divine will.
The Real vs. The Ideal – Exploring the tension between God's ideal intentions and the real situations depicted in the Bible, such as polygamy, divorce, and violence.
Jesus as the Fulfillment – Discussing how Jesus embodies the ideal human and fulfills the Scriptures by revealing God's true intentions.
Embracing the Messiness – Encouraging listeners to accept the complexities of Scripture as a means to deepen their faith and understanding of God's character.

Guest Highlights:

Greg Boyd – Mentioned for his insightful work on the concept of accommodation. Mike shares a powerful story from Greg illustrating how understanding accommodation can deepen our grasp of God's love and patience.

Resources Mentioned:

Greg Boyd's Work on Accommodation – [Link]
The Pentateuch as Narrative by John H. Sailhamer – [Link]
D. L. Mayfield – Writer and activist working with refugee communities. [Link]

Join us as we navigate the complexities of Scripture and explore how God's accommodation reveals His character. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast 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

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

Embracing the Messiness of Scripture: How God's Accommodation Shapes Our Understanding (Understanding the Bible Series) Aug 23, 2021

Show notes

Discover how understanding God's accommodation to human culture can transform your reading of the Bible. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the complexities of interpreting scripture amidst cultural lenses and veils, exploring how the divine-human partnership in the Bible's creation impacts our grasp of truth and God's character.

Key Takeaways:

God's Partnership with Humanity – Unpacking how the Bible is both divinely inspired and a product of human agency, and what that means for how we read it.
Accommodation and Cultural Context – Understanding how God accommodates human cultural contexts, allowing ancient worldviews to shape the way divine truths are communicated.
Embracing the Bible's Complexity – Exploring why the Bible's messy and complex nature is valuable and how it provokes us into deeper engagement and relationship with God.
Approaching Scripture with Humility – Learning the importance of unlearning preconceived notions, recognizing our own cultural lenses, and approaching the Bible with humility and curiosity.
Practical Steps for Reading the Bible – Discussing how to engage with scripture critically and thoughtfully, and why this process is essential for genuine discipleship.

Guest Highlights: Seth Erre – Mike's son, Seth, makes a joyful appearance, lightening the mood and reminding us of the importance of community and family in our faith journey.

Resources Mentioned:

Greg Boyd's Inspired Imperfection
Tim Mackie and The Bible Project
Dallas Willard's Teachings
Enneagram – As a tool for understanding different perspectives.

Join us in this thought-provoking exploration of scripture, and discover how embracing the Bible's messiness can deepen your faith. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast 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

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

Reframing Biblical Inspiration: The Human and Divine Collaboration in Scripture (Understanding the Bible Series) Aug 16, 2021

Show notes

Unlock a deeper understanding of the Bible by exploring the human and divine collaboration in Scripture. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford kick off the Bible Series by challenging conventional beliefs about biblical inspiration, revealing how recognizing the Bible's human elements can enrich your faith and engagement with God's Word.

Key Takeaways:

• The Bible's Self-Portrait – Discover how Scripture describes its own origins as both a divine and human product.

• Challenging Traditional Views of Inspiration – Questioning the idea of the Bible as a flawless, dictation-style document and recognizing the role of human agency.

• Divine-Human Partnership in Action – Exploring examples of how God works through human authors, accommodating their contexts and cultures.

• Implications for Modern Readers – Learn how embracing the Bible's human and divine elements enhances interpretation, application, and trust in Scripture.

Resources Mentioned:

• Tim Mackie and The Bible Project – https://bibleproject.com/ • Scott McKnight's Writings – [Link] • Ben Witherington III – [Link] • N.T. Wright's Work on Scripture – [Link] • Tim Mackie's Video on 'How the Bible Was Put Together' – [Link]

Join Mike and Tim as they embark on this insightful journey to understand the Bible's true nature. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast 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 – https://www.youtube.com/@voxology.

Our Merch Store! ETSY – 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 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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Rethinking Revelation, Wrath, and Redemption - w/ Bradley Jersak (Understanding the Bible Series) Aug 09, 2021

Show notes

How reading scripture through the lens of Jesus can transform your understanding of God, justice, and salvation. In part four of Voxology's Bible Series, Mike and Tim are joined by returning guest and theologian Bradley Jersak to explore ideas from his new book, A More Christlike Word. From questioning literalist readings of the Old Testament to redefining the meaning and necessity of Jesus' death, this rich and heartfelt conversation digs into how the Bible can be both faithfully read and lovingly reinterpreted in light of Christ.

Key Takeaways: • The "Emmaus Way" of Reading Scripture – Discover how Jesus modeled a way of interpreting the Old Testament through his death, resurrection, and teachings. • Reframing Atonement – Understanding Jesus' death not as divine punishment but as self-giving love that confronts and overcomes the powers of darkness, dread, and death. • The Bible's Progressive Unveiling – How scripture gradually removes cultural and theological "veils" to more clearly reveal God's nature through Jesus. • Rethinking "Wrath" and "Justice" – Looking beyond punitive legal models to embrace a restorative view of justice rooted in covenantal love. • The Role of Modern Culture – Are we seeing God more clearly, or just projecting modern sensibilities onto the text?

Guest Highlights: Bradley Jersak – Author and theologian passionate about restoring a Christ-centered reading of the Bible. Bradley shares his personal journey from fundamentalist readings of scripture to a more hopeful and faithful hermeneutic rooted in the character of Jesus. His insights on divine violence, penal substitution, and atonement offer a freeing alternative for those disillusioned with traditional interpretations.

Resources Mentioned: • * A More Christlike Word* by Bradley Jersak – bradjersak.com • Books by Greg Boyd and Brian Zahnd (referenced as part of the theological context) • Paul's Letters and the Gospels – especially Romans and 1 Corinthians • Jesus' "Emmaus Road" conversation – Luke 24 • The Beatitudes – Matthew 5

Join us as we peel back layers of inherited theology and cultural assumptions to see a more beautiful, liberating vision of who God is. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay part of this ongoing journey into the heart 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

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

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

Embracing the Messiness of Scripture: Interpreting the Bible and Feminism - w/ Dr. Amy-Jill Levine (Understanding the Bible Series) Aug 02, 2021

Show notes

Uncover new ways to engage with the Bible by embracing its complexities and ambiguities. Dr. Amy-Jill Levine joins Tim Stafford to explore how wrestling with scripture can deepen our relationship with God. They delve into feminist biblical interpretation, the role of the Old Testament in informing New Testament teachings, and the importance of viewing the Bible as an anthology of voices in dialogue.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding the Bible as an Anthology – Viewing scripture as a collection of diverse voices that invites us to interpret and wrestle with its messages.
Feminist Perspectives in Biblical Interpretation – Highlighting the significant roles of women in the Bible and challenging traditional gender norms within scripture.
The Relevance of the Old Testament – Recognizing how the Old Testament informs the New Testament and its ongoing importance for modern readers.
Wrestling as Relationship – Embracing argument and discussion with God through scripture as vital aspects of our faith journey.

Guest Highlights:

Dr. Amy-Jill Levine – A renowned Jewish New Testament scholar, Dr. Levine offers profound insights into biblical interpretation, Jewish-Christian dialogue, and feminist theology, encouraging listeners to engage deeply with the text.

Resources Mentioned:

The Bible Made Impossible by Christian Smith
Tim Mackie's Lecture on How the Bible Was Put Together – Link
Faith Improvised Podcast by Dr. Tim Gombis – Link

Join us in reimagining how we engage with scripture. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow the Voxology Podcast 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

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

Reframing Old Testament Violence: Wrestling with Difficult Scriptures - w/ Joshua Ryan Butler (Understanding the Bible Series) Jul 26, 2021

Show notes

Explore how understanding context, genre, and cultural background can transform our reading of difficult Bible passages, particularly Old Testament violence. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by pastor and author Joshua Ryan Butler, who sheds light on approaching challenging scriptures without compromising the goodness of God. Together, they discuss the importance of wrestling with these texts, recognizing our own biases, and reading the Bible in community to gain deeper insight into God's character.

Key Takeaways:

Viewing the Bible as a Library – Understanding the Bible as a collection of books written over thousands of years and cultures, and how that influences interpretation.
Context is Crucial – The importance of historical, cultural, and literary context when reading difficult passages, especially those involving Old Testament violence.
Ancient War Rhetoric and Hyperbole – How recognizing ancient Near Eastern literary devices can reshape our perception of violent scriptures.
God's Unchanging Goodness – Affirming God's wholly good nature while acknowledging that misunderstandings may stem from our own perspectives.
Reading the Bible in Community – The value of engaging with the global and historic church to gain a fuller understanding of scripture.

Guest Highlights: Joshua Ryan Butler – Pastor at Redemption Church in Arizona and author of The Skeletons in God's Closet and The Pursuing God. Josh shares his journey of grappling with difficult biblical texts and provides insights on approaching them thoughtfully and faithfully.

Resources Mentioned:

The Skeletons in God's Closet by Joshua Ryan Butler – Available Here
The Pursuing God by Joshua Ryan Butler – Available Here

Join the conversation as we delve into the complexities of scripture and seek to understand how to faithfully interpret challenging passages. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast 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

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

Rebuilding Biblical Imagination: A Fresh Way to Read Scripture - w/ Dr. Timothy Gombis (Understanding the Bible Series) Jul 19, 2021

Show notes

How the Bible's diversity of genres, cultural contexts, and ancient languages shape our spiritual understanding—and how to rediscover scripture as a life-giving, imaginative world. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford kick off a brand new series on the Bible with special guest Dr. Tim Gombis, diving deep into how the Bible can move from confusing and discouraging to enlightening and liberating. This episode is the beginning of a multi-part exploration aiming to help listeners reapproach the Bible with fresh eyes and renewed confidence.

Key Takeaways: • Breaking Free from "The Bible Says It, That Settles It" – Why simplistic readings fall short and how to embrace a more meaningful engagement with scripture. • Understanding the Bible as a Library, Not a Manual – Dr. Gombis outlines the major literary genres of the Bible and why each must be approached differently. • Replacing Certainty with Curiosity – How making the Bible "strange" again opens the door to deeper faith, richer theology, and a more beautiful gospel. • Reading the Bible Patiently – Why cultivating imagination through repeated exposure to individual books (especially the Gospels) is more transformative than seeking daily life application. • Torah as a Gift, Not a Burden – Rethinking Old Testament law from punitive legalism to joyful instruction on life in a liberated community. • Wrestling with Difficult Passages – Genocide, patriarchy, and troubling texts point us toward an interpretive humility and trust in the God revealed in Jesus.

Guest Highlights: Dr. Tim Gombis – Biblical scholar, teacher, and host of the "Faith Improvised" podcast. Gombis brings both academic clarity and pastoral wisdom to topics like biblical interpretation, genre sensitivity, and reading scripture in its original historical context.

Resources Mentioned: • "The Lost Letters of Pergamum" by Bruce Longenecker • "The Making of Biblical Womanhood" by Beth Allison Barr • Faith Improvised Podcast – Listen here • Recommended Bible Translations: NIV (New International Version) and NASB (New American Standard Bible) • Timothy Gombis's Romans series on his podcast • CEB (Common English Bible) translation • "How Can the Bible Be Authoritative?" – Essay by N.T. Wright (recommended reference)

Start immersing yourself in the biblical world, not just its words. Give your imagination time to be reshaped by the stories, poetry, and prophetic voices that build up the Kingdom vision Jesus embodies. Want to build a practice around this? Gombis suggests reading one Gospel repeatedly over several weeks for formational impact.

Join the journey as we begin rediscovering the Bible as a wild, strange, but ultimately beautiful narrative revealing the love and justice of God. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us for the next stages in this 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 us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: @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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy