Voxology

Topics discussed include the resurgence of the Social Gospel, the correlation between gospel music and Christian nationism, how people throughout history have dealt with a God who disappoints, and the intersection of capitalism and Christianity. The hosts also explore disappointment, lament, and reevaluating the definition of success.

In this podcast, the hosts discuss various topics related to the book of Revelation. They explore how Rome becomes the new Babylon and examine the downfall of ancient Babylon, Tyre, and Edom. The podcast also touches on deep questions about safety, confidence, and belonging. Additionally, the speakers talk about misinterpretations of Revelation, reasons for leaving the church, coping mechanisms, leadership scandals, and spiritual bypassing. They also dive into the symbolism of Babylon and its representation of rebellion against God, particularly focusing on Rome. The episode concludes with an exploration of engaging with Babylon and the need for discernment in different cultures.

Topics discussed in this podcast include the concept of Babylon in the book of Revelation, the struggle with reading the Bible, the tension between creation and destruction, the progression of racism and power dynamics in America, and the importance of repentance and appreciating the beauty around us.

Delve into the true meaning behind the Beast, the Dragon, and the Antichrist in the Book of Revelation, and how understanding these symbols in their original context empowers the modern church to resist assimilation into the ways of empire. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford discuss the importance of interpreting these apocalyptic images through a first-century lens to uncover their relevance for today's believers. Key Takeaways: Reframing the Beast and the Dragon – Recognizing these symbols as representations of oppressive empires and corrupt power structures rather than individual figures. The Mark of the Beast Explained – Unpacking the historical and cultural context of 666, the significance of marks on the forehead and hand, and what it means for modern Christians. Resisting Assimilation – Identifying subtle ways the church may conform to societal norms that oppose the teachings of Jesus and how to actively resist these influences. Corporate Spiritual Disciplines – Exploring how spiritual formation occurs within community practices and the importance of communal action over individualism. Imaging God Through Action – Emphasizing the role of active participation in God's work and how being image-bearers involves engaging in actions that reflect God's character. Resources Mentioned: The Book of Revelation, Chapters 12 and 13 The Book of Daniel, Chapter 7 Previous Episodes on Thoughts and Prayers Tim Gombis's Teachings "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander Join the conversation and explore how a deeper understanding of biblical symbols can inspire the church to stand firm against modern forms of empire. 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 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  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

Discover how 'Midnight Mass' challenges our understanding of faith, community, and the allure of miraculous signs. Mike and Tim are joined by theologian Kaitlyn Schiess to delve into the profound themes of the Netflix series, exploring how horror reflects the broken and beautiful aspects of humanity and the church. Key Takeaways: • The Seduction of Miracles – How miraculous events can mislead and justify harmful actions within a religious community. • Manipulation of Faith and Fear – Examining how fear motivates beliefs and actions, and the ease with which faith can be twisted. • Perverting Sacred Symbols – The use of religious rituals and symbols for sinister purposes, revealing insights into real-world religious practices. • The Voice of Doubt and Outsiders – Recognizing the importance of listening to skeptics and marginalized individuals who may perceive truths overlooked by insiders. • Horror as a Mirror to Society – Understanding how 'Midnight Mass' and the horror genre serve as commentary on societal fears and issues within the church. Guest Highlights: Kaitlyn Schiess – Author of The Liturgy of Politics and theologian at Duke Divinity School. Caitlin offers deep analysis connecting the themes of 'Midnight Mass' to modern Christianity and political theology. Resources Mentioned: • 'Midnight Mass' on Netflix – Watch on Netflix • Mike Flanagan's Works – Including The Haunting of Hill House, The Fall of the House of Usher • Kaitlyn Schiess's Book – The Liturgy of Politics – Purchase Here • The Mars Hill Podcast – Listen Here Join us as we unpack the complex interplay between faith and fear portrayed in 'Midnight Mass'. Share your thoughts 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. 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  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

In this episode, the podcast explores the history and context of the talking snake in the Garden of Eden and how it relates to the Dragon in Revelation. They discuss the understanding of snakes, the role of Seraphim and Cherubim, and the symbolism of the flying snake. They also touch on therapy benefits, plural language in Genesis, and the symbolism of water.

The podcast discusses prayers for loss, intervention, and restoration, emphasizing the need to meet people in pain and to be peace makers in a time of war. It also focuses on prayers for leaders to have softened hearts, clear vision, and courage to advocate for humanity's well-being. The hosts emphasize the importance of forgiveness for our own sins and a plea for God's mercy.

Discover how embracing empathy and acknowledging our shared humanity can guide the church's response to global tragedies. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into processing overwhelming events through the lens of Revelation, exploring how the church can faithfully witness in times of conflict without defaulting to performative reactions or political agendas. Key Takeaways: Processing Grief and Empathy – Understanding the importance of allowing ourselves to feel and process grief in response to global suffering. The Church's Role in Times of Conflict – Discussing how the church can faithfully witness amidst global tragedies without defaulting to performative responses. Guidance from Revelation – Exploring how the Book of Revelation offers a framework for the church's mission and response during turbulent times. Avoiding Performative Virtue – Reflecting on the dangers of seeking to appear virtuous rather than genuinely engaging with sorrow and suffering. Finding God in the Other – Emphasizing the significance of seeing God in others and letting that shape our actions and responses. Resources Mentioned: Richard Beck's Writings – Perspectives on finding God in others and embracing empathy. Book of Revelation Carl Sagan's "Pale Blue Dot" Join the conversation and share your thoughts on processing global grief and the church's role. 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 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  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

Dave Gibbons, Pastor! Mentor! Organizer! Advocate! Entrepreneur!, joins Mike and Tim to discuss topics such as discerning God's voice, the importance of learning and openness, embracing the 'and' in church, the impact of mega churches, the posture of churches towards the LGBTQ+ community, and the fullest expression of the gospel which is love.

The hosts address the absence of rapture in the book of Revelation, discussing where the idea originated from and its deviation from the book's teachings. They also explore the concept of wishing harm upon enemies and the importance of praying for their redemption. The podcast covers topics such as the upside-down nature of God's kingdom, the sequence of events when Jesus returns, interpreting the Bible, and the struggle to understand an angry and merciful God.