Voxology

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.

Delve into a fascinating exploration of empathy and its role within faith communities. The hosts challenge traditional views on social justice, urging churches to actively engage with societal issues. They reflect on the historical practices of the early church and emphasize the significance of communion in fostering community unity. The discussion navigates the intricate balance between peace and justice, advocating for transformative love as a pathway to meaningful change. Ultimately, they inspire a shift toward a more empathetic and inclusive approach to the gospel.

Exploring how to keep hope alive in overwhelming times and the church's role in restoring Shalom and unity amidst despair. Unpacking Ephesians 2, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford discuss practical ways to overcome feelings of helplessness by engaging in community action and embracing a holistic understanding of sin and salvation. Key Takeaways: Finding Hope Through Action – How engaging in local community efforts can alleviate feelings of despair and helplessness. Restoring Shalom – Understanding the church's role in reconciling divided groups and promoting unity, as illustrated in Ephesians 2. Holistic Redemption – Embracing a comprehensive view of sin and salvation that includes individual, communal, and systemic restoration. Navigating Despair – Strategies to avoid becoming overwhelmed by news cycles and societal issues, focusing on being informed rather than inflamed. Resources Mentioned: Scandalous Witness by Lee Camp – [Link] Ephesians 2 – [Link] Vox Podcast Non-ference Details – [Link] Join the conversation and share your experiences in finding hope during these challenging times. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast 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 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

Hosts delve into the intersection of faith and culture, critiquing government actions affecting Christianity. They question traditional missions and evangelism, advocating for community-oriented approaches. A discussion on spiritual homelessness highlights disconnection from religious institutions. They explore the communal aspects of sin and salvation, emphasizing justice within the body of Christ. The conversation champions radical inclusivity and the transformative power of grace, urging listeners to embrace mistakes as part of their growth journey.

In a lively discussion, listeners join to explore mercy, empathy, and the church's mission in social justice. They tackle the complexities of faith and politics, emphasizing community’s role in addressing immigration and compassion. The hosts argue for a collective understanding of sin and salvation, advocating for justice and shalom within the church. They dive into the importance of mutuality in community life and even touch on the punk culture's communal bonds, blending humor and spirituality throughout the conversation.