Voxology

The hosts dive into Jesus' example of love and forgiveness on the cross, relating it to modern societal issues. They challenge the blend of faith and politics, urging prophetic resistance against injustice. The importance of community engagement in a polarized world is emphasized, alongside a critique of performative faith versus authentic engagement. They reflect on the emotional turmoil of Jesus' last days, exploring themes of betrayal, suffering, and the transformative power of mercy. Thought-provoking discussions on moral imagination in cultural narratives also unfold.

A. J. Swoboda, a professor and author of 'A Teachable Spirit,' dives into the importance of learning from diverse perspectives, even those we might oppose. He discusses the tension between emotional responses and rational thought, highlighting the need for humility and teachability in a divided culture. Exploring his personal journey, A.J. shares a transformative moment that reshaped his understanding of knowledge and shame. The conversation encourages Christians to engage deeply with others and reflect critically on their beliefs, fostering a spirit of openness and collaboration.

Why Did Jesus Have to Die? In this conversation, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford discuss the complexities of Easter, the significance of Jesus' death, and the implications of sin and sacrifice within the Christian faith. They reflect on the pressures of Easter services, the meaning behind Jesus' crucifixion, and the role of the tabernacle and temple in understanding the relationship between humanity and God. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing the deeper meanings behind traditional beliefs and practices. Further, Mike and Tim explore the profound theological implications of Jesus' incarnation, death, and the significance of the tabernacle in relation to eternal life. They discuss how Jesus' death was not just a human experience but a necessary act to bridge the gap between humanity and God, emphasizing the importance of understanding the humanity of Jesus, especially in the context of the Garden of Gethsemane. The conversation also delves into the mystery of scripture and the human experience, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of biblical texts. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Easter Reflections 10:09 - The Significance of Jesus' Death 19:57 - Understanding Sin and Sacrifice 30:05 - The Role of the Tabernacle and Temple 36:53 - The Tabernacle and the Incarnation 42:21 - The Significance of Jesus' Death 49:33 - The Humanity of Jesus and the Garden of Gethsemane 56:43 - The Mystery of Scripture and Human Experience 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: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

The hosts dive into what it means to live in the shape of the cross, emphasizing humility, service, and solidarity. They discuss biblical interpretation, distinguishing between descriptive and prescriptive elements, and explore how these concepts relate to social justice and community. The intricate social hierarchy of ancient Rome is examined, alongside the transformative power of baptism and communion. Personal struggles in ministry and the tension between public personas and private lives are also highlighted, inviting a deeper reflection on faith and community.

Dr. Timothy Gombis, a New Testament scholar renowned for his insights on Ephesians and political theology, joins Mike for a fascinating conversation. They explore the concept of cruciformity, emphasizing self-giving love and its importance in social justice. Gombis shares personal anecdotes about teaching and the balance of academic life. The discussion dives into historical contexts of biblical interpretation, addressing contemporary issues like race and community dynamics within the church. They stress the significance of maintaining curiosity and advocating for justice in faith practices.

Dr. Malcolm Foley, a historian and author of "The Anti-Greed Gospel," dives into the potent intersections of race, economics, and theology. He critiques the colorblind approach to justice, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of racial dynamics in economic systems. Foley discusses the church's urgent role in addressing systemic injustices and advocates for material care and accountability. His profound insights challenge the preoccupation with wealth, urging a shift towards community solidarity and God's true provisions.

Celebrating a milestone, the hosts reflect on their journey and express gratitude to their listeners. They dive into the complexities of interpreting Christianity today, highlighting the dangers of politicizing faith. The importance of listening to marginalized voices, especially black women, is emphasized as vital for the church's role in justice and truth. The discussion also tackles the tension between cultural expectations and true discipleship, encouraging a more inclusive and compassionate approach to faith.

The Affections of Christ Jesus. In this episode of the Voxology podcast, Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and guest Nijay Gupta delve into the complexities of love as presented in theology, particularly in the context of the Old and New Testaments. They explore the differences between Hebrew and American conceptions of love, the role of emotions, and the importance of empathy in relationships. The conversation also touches on the challenges of loving others, including enemies, and the necessity of cultivating genuine compassion. Throughout the discussion, the hosts emphasize that love is not merely an action or feeling but a multifaceted experience that encompasses attachment, devotion, and relational dynamics. Further, Nijay , Mike and Tim discuss the complexities of love, empathy, and relationships in the context of faith and social media. They explore the power of prayer, the impact of celebrity culture on genuine relationships, and the nature of God's love and jealousy. The discussion also delves into the concept of fear in relation to God and the importance of empathy as a tool for connection and understanding, emphasizing that empathy is essential for humanity and requires proximity to be effective.  Nijay's book can be found HERE Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guests 03:00 - Exploring the Concept of Love in Theology 06:04 - Hebrew vs. American Conceptions of Love 09:02 - The Role of Emotions in Love 12:00 - Love as a Verb: Actions vs. Feelings 14:57 - The Complexity of Loving Others 17:59 - Love for Enemies and Compassion 20:58 - Navigating Difficult Relationships 24:03 - Truth and Love in Relationships 29:39 - The Power of Prayer and Social Media 31:48 - Celebrity Culture and Relationships 33:09 - Understanding God's Love and Jealousy 37:17 - The Nature of Fear in Relation to God 44:10 - Empathy: A Double-Edged Sword 51:54 - The Importance of Proximity in Empathy 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: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Sarah Pechan Driver, a seasoned consultant specializing in equity, shares her rich journey from youth group to advocating for social justice over four continents. She delves into the biblical foundations of justice, viewing it as a means to restore Shalom. The conversation highlights the church's role in promoting justice and equity while tackling challenges in local communities. Sarah emphasizes practical steps for fostering equitable practices and the transformative power of community engagement in faith, advocating for a deeper understanding of social responsibility.

Dive into a thought-provoking conversation about the intersection of grace and community dynamics. Discover how grace can flatten social hierarchies and foster genuine human connections. The discussion addresses the challenges of navigating anger and mental health in today's tumultuous society. Explore the church's role in promoting unity across ethnic divisions and the importance of inclusivity for marginalized voices. Ultimately, witness a call for a radical reconfiguration of social values that honors diversity and humanity.