Voxology

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.

How do we truly love others, and what does it mean to love God with our whole being? In this rich and deeply engaging conversation with New Testament scholar Dr. Nijay Gupta, Mike and Tim explore the heart of Paul’s theology of love, as captured in Nijay’s newest book, “The Affections of Christ Jesus.” Tackling questions like "Can we love someone we don’t like?" and "Is empathy a sin?", they unpack the biblical roots of love, the emotional texture behind divine commands, and why reducing love to cold obedience misses the point entirely. Rooted in Deuteronomy, Philippians, and an astute understanding of emotional theory, Nijay reclaims love not as sentiment or robotic duty, but as an embodied, whole-person orientation empowered by attachment, compassion, and relationship. Whether it’s God's jealous love, the fear of the Lord, or cultivating inner affections toward enemies and neighbors alike, this episode beautifully bridges emotional intelligence with biblical theology. Key Takeaways: • Love is Whole-Personed and Relational – True biblical love involves the body, mind, emotions, and will—it’s not just about doing the right thing, but being reoriented toward others from the heart. • The Hebrew and Greek Understanding of Love – Love is visceral. In biblical language, emotions arise from the ‘guts,’ not just the heart. The Greek word "splanchnizomai" captures compassion as a deep, bodily movement. • From Cold Obedience to Cultivated Affection – Love is not sustained without empathy and proximity. Ongoing acts of love without emotional investment eventually collapse. • God’s Jealousy and Fear of the Lord – God's jealousy is protective, not petty. And fearing God is less horror and more awe—like standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon or beholding a thunderstorm. • Empathy Isn’t a Sin—it’s Sacred – While some critique empathy as misguided, Nijay defends it as humanity's superpower and essential to resisting dehumanization and injustice. • Forming Affections through Repetition and Proximity – Nijay shares how showing up for a small group of teenage boys each week moved his heart toward genuine love for them over time. Resources Mentioned: • The Affections of Christ Jesus: Love at the Heart of Paul’s Theology by Nijay Gupta • BibleProject – bibleproject.com • School of Practical Theology – Co-hosted by Nijay Gupta and AJ Swoboda on the Slow Theology podcast • Caitlin Beatty’s “Celebrities for Jesus” – Insights on power, intimacy, and proximity within Christian leadership • Substack: Engaging Scripture by Nijay Gupta – nijaygupta.substack.com • New Living Translation Committee – Translating biblical texts for clarity and faithfulness Join Mike, Tim, and Nijay in reflecting on what it means to authentically tentacle your soul—yes, tentacle—around God and neighbor in ways that form you into a person of active, grounded love. Let’s recapture what Paul meant by “the affections of Christ Jesus.” Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and follow us on socials to keep these vital conversations going. We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Merch Store: ETSY Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Subscribe via iTunes or Spotify Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Facebook: facebook.com/voxologypodcast Twitter/X: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Email us your thoughts and questions: hello@voxpodcast.com  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.

The hosts dive into the intertwining of faith and politics amidst recent presidential changes. They discuss the controversial sermon by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, raising questions about fairness in public Christian discourse. The dangers of political idolatry and the church's mission for mercy and justice are explored. Emphasizing a nonviolent response to turmoil, they advocate for embodying Christ's values over political agendas. The importance of genuine community and transformative relationships takes center stage, urging a focus on love and service.

Dive into the significance of synagogue life during Jewish exile and its impact on identity. Explore the complex legacy of Herod the Great, a builder and tyrant, and the interplay between Jesus and the Herodian dynasty. Discover how Jesus's teachings served as a subversive response to oppressive power structures. The concept of 'joyful non-compliance' emerges as a powerful alternative to fearful compliance. Engage with reflections on community, sacrifice, and the transformative potential of joy in challenging times.