Voxology

Is the label 'biblical' a boon or a barrier in our faith journey? The hosts tackle the impact of rigid interpretations on theology, community, and justice. They emphasize the importance of reading Scripture together and encourage humility and critical thinking. From the liberating to the harmful use of the Bible, they discuss embodying a cruciform life. The conversation balances individual versus communal practices, urging a deeper engagement with faith while maintaining a sense of humor and a commitment to inclusivity.

Explore the term 'biblical' and its complex layers beyond morality. The conversation examines how it's often misinterpreted and used as a branding tool in faith and culture. Listeners will learn about the challenges of biblical interpretation and the importance of context. The hosts emphasize the need for humility and community in understanding scripture, navigating differing perspectives with grace. Ultimately, the discussion encourages a thoughtful approach to faith, inviting curiosity and critical dialogue.

Dive into a thought-provoking conversation about discernment in faith and the essence of Christian identity. The hosts highlight the importance of engaging with issues like immigration and homelessness, advocating for empathy and understanding. They challenge listeners to critique ideologies rather than individuals, promoting community involvement. Emotional overload and the church's political role are also explored, emphasizing a Christ-like approach to societal challenges. This insightful dialogue encourages meaningful conversations that foster connection and inclusivity.

Mike and Tim dive into the challenges of contemporary church leadership, highlighting the need for empathy and genuine community engagement. They critique consumer-driven success metrics, advocating for a shift towards authentic leadership rooted in love and servanthood. The conversation also touches on the importance of addressing societal injustices and engaging compassionately with marginalized communities. Additionally, they explore cultural influences through films and music, bridging personal experiences with the broader themes of faith and morality.

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.

Unpacking the deep narrative threads that make Jesus’s death not just inevitable, but essential to our human story, Mike and Tim dive into the costs of sin, how death is a consequence—not simply a punishment—and what Jesus’s crucifixion really reveals about God’s nature. This Good Friday reflection brings clarity to questions we’ve inherited or sidestepped: Why did Jesus have to die? Why that way? And what’s the deeper biblical thread connecting Eden, the tabernacle, and the cross? Follow this continuing journey through the Cruciformity Series as we reframe our view of atonement theology through the lens of relational, embodied love rather than transactional debt. This episode traces the arc from Genesis to Jesus, highlighting scripture’s subversive beauty and its world-building wisdom that invites us to reimagine what it means to live—and die—in union with Christ. Key Takeaways: • Death as Consequence, Not Retribution – Sin introduces decay, loss, and exile from creation’s eternal purpose. Jesus, in true solidarity, embraces that outcome fully. • The Bible's Moral Logic of Life and Death – From Eden through the temple system and culminating in Jesus, we’re always being invited to choose life. • Crucifixion and the Unmasking of Empire – Jesus’s nonviolent death at the hands of imperial power exposes the futility of violence and reveals the upside-down power of God’s kingdom. • Sacrificial Systems and Human Imagination – Why animal sacrifice wasn’t divine bloodlust, but a contextual, symbolic reminder of the corruption and gravity of sin. • Jesus Enters the Realm of Death to Open Eden – The torn temple curtain and the resurrection signify access to the tree of life has been restored—no longer guarded, but freely given. Resources Mentioned: • Genesis 1–3 – The foundational story of life, choice, and consequence. • 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – Paul’s “first importance” gospel creed, spotlighting Jesus’s death and resurrection. • Leviticus 17 – “Life is in the blood”—understanding why sacrifices pointed to something deeper. • Daniel 12 – A rare Old Testament glimpse of resurrection hope. • Philippians 2 (Kenosis Hymn) – Cruciformity and Jesus’s descent through obedience and suffering. • Rich Villodas (Twitter Reflection) – A poetic thread connecting Eden and the cross: Rich's post Dive further: • Catch up on past episodes in the Cruciformity Series for more foundational context. • Check out our past deep dives on Genesis and sacrificial systems in the “Being Human” series. Join the conversation and rediscover why Jesus’s death was not a cosmic transaction but the climactic expression of God’s love. Don’t forget to subscribe, write us a review, and share the Voxology Podcast with someone who’s asking deep questions about faith and identity. As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we pursue these big ideas together. Email your thoughts to hello@voxpodcast.com, and engage with us on Facebook and Instagram. Watch this episode and more on VOXOLOGY TV. Grab some faith-fueled merch from our ETSY store Discover more about the podcast at VoxologyPodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology community on Patreon Explore the Voxology Spotify Music Channel: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast + Facebook: Voxology Podcast Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Social: @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 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.