Voxology

Explore how the intertwining of faith and nationalism can obscure the true mission of the church. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the concept of civil religion, using the Roman Empire as a backdrop, and critique the ways American culture has similarly blended national identity with Christianity. They discuss how the Book of Revelation offers a lens to examine and resist narratives around pow...

Discover how the challenges faced by the churches in Pergamum and Thyatira reveal the pitfalls of cultural assimilation and idolatry, and learn how to identify and resist the modern-day idols of money, sex, and power. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive into Revelation's letters to these churches, exploring how their struggles illuminate the ongoing battle against societal pressures that compromise fa...

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by biblical scholar Dr. Tim Gombis to explore how reimagining the powers and principalities in Ephesians transforms our understanding of spiritual warfare and the church's mission in the modern world. Delving into the complexities of the present evil age, they discuss how believers can actively resist systemic injustice, embrace communal salvation, and partici...

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford continue the Exile Series by delving into the letter to the church in Ephesus from Revelation. They explore how early Christians redefined victory, contrasting it with Roman imperial narratives, and discuss what it means for the modern church to resist assimilation into prevailing cultural norms. By examining themes of repentance, faithfulness, and the true meaning of ov...

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive into the recent debates surrounding women's roles in church leadership, examining the Southern Baptist Convention's decision on female pastors and critiquing arguments against women in ministry. They explore how these contemporary issues mirror the challenges faced by the early churches in Revelation, discussing themes of faithfulness, compromise, and the call to ov...

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford engage with rapper and author KB to explore how embracing the "Dangerous Jesus" can reignite the church's mission by confronting issues of justice, race, and cultural complacency. They delve into KB's faith journey, his insights on the Christianity of Christ versus the Christianity of the land, and the transformative power of art in challenging and inspiring believers to...

In this episode of the Exile Series, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve deep into the Roman imperial cult to uncover how the official narrative of Rome influences the understanding of the Book of Revelation. They explore the parallels between ancient Rome's civic religion and modern-day cultural narratives, challenging listeners to discern where contemporary society may mirror the dynamics of empire...

Discover how decoding the symbols and Old Testament references in Revelation Chapter 1 can transform your understanding of Jesus and the Book of Revelation. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive deep into the rich tapestry of apocalyptic literature, Roman imperial context, and biblical imagery to unveil the profound messages intended for the original audience and for us today. Key Takeaways: Understandi...

Explore how harmful messages from purity culture have impacted women in the church and how we can do better. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by authors Sheila Wray Gregoire and Rebecca Gregoire Lindenbach from Bare Marriage to discuss their latest book "She Deserves Better," which addresses toxic teachings on sex, self, and speaking up. They delve into empowering girls to resist detrimental...

Delve into the complexities of Old Testament violence and discover how reframing these challenging narratives reveals the Shalom of God. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by Dr. Matthew Lynch, Associate Professor of Old Testament at Regent College and author of Flood and Fury , to explore how stories like the Flood, the Nephilim, and the conquest of Canaan can be understood in the context of G...

Explore how incorporating feminist theory and a renewed understanding of the body can reshape the church's approach to gender, community, and intergenerational relationships. Mike and Tim sit down with theologian and author Kaitlin Schiess to discuss the church's failures and opportunities in valuing the human body, and how this impacts our engagement with culture, scripture, and the future of the...

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford sit down with Phil Vischer, creator of VeggieTales and co-host of the Holy Post Podcast, to explore the historical roots of the current fractures within American evangelicalism and what this means for the future of the church. They delve into the split between Northern neo-evangelicals and Southern fundamentalists, the cultural and political forces that have shaped evang...

Learn how to lead and engage in an increasingly polarized church environment as Mike and Tim celebrate their 400th episode with guest Skye Jethani. They explore practical insights on confronting Christian nationalism, adapting to technological advances like AI, and cultivating unity and tolerance within church communities. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Church Polarization – Insights into how cult...

Discover how rethinking sin as a cosmic force rather than individual failures transforms our understanding of forgiveness, salvation, and the gospel. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by theologian Tim Gombis to explore the communal aspects of sin and how this perspective reshapes our approach to discipleship, community life, and personal struggles. Key Takeaways: • Sin as a Cosmic Power – Und...

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the perplexing time references in the Book of Revelation, exploring how phrases like "what must soon take place" and "the time is near" represent a kind of time rather than imminent calendar dates. They discuss the pitfalls of "calendarizing" prophetic scripture, the difference between kairos (opportune time) and chronos (chronological time), and how understan...

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford grapple with the profound grief and anger following the tragic school shooting in Nashville. They delve into the complexities of gun violence in America, examining how the intertwining of gun culture and evangelical Christianity hinders meaningful action. Through a heartfelt and critical exploration of common arguments against gun control, they challenge listeners to rec...

A soul-stirring conversation recorded live at the 2024 Voxology Nonference in Brentwood, Tennessee, brings together Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, Susie P. Lind, and Timothy Gombis for a powerful exploration into what it truly means to rehumanize ministry and Christian life. Gathering in person for the first time as a group, these longtime friends and spiritual voices reflect on emotional health, identi...

Delve into the rich history and enduring significance of "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" as we explore how this timeless hymn reshapes our understanding of authentic worship, deconstruction, and the journey back to faith. Tim Stafford discusses the life of Robert Robinson, his transformative encounter with faith, his moments of wandering, and the magic that brought him back—offering insights i...

Mike and Tim delve into a listener's question about handling church discipline in cases of adultery within the church community. They explore how to approach restoration and reorientation with grace, empathy, and a focus on relationships, rather than mere rule enforcement. Drawing from centered set theology, they discuss the importance of inviting individuals back to the center—Jesus—and the role...

Explore how harmful teachings on sexuality within the church have impacted women, and how reclaiming mutuality, consent, and healthy theology can lead to healing and transformation. Join hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford as they welcome guests Susie Lind and Katie Haseltine to discuss the damaging effects of purity culture and the importance of including women's perspectives in conversations about...

Discover how re-examining the Book of Revelation through its original context can transform our understanding of its message for today. Mike and Tim sit down with theologians Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett to discuss their new book, "Revelation for the Rest of Us," unraveling misconceptions and highlighting the timeless relevance of this apocalyptic text. Key Takeaways: Understanding Apocalyptic...

Mike and Tim explore the importance of understanding the genre clues in the Book of Revelation, discussing how recognizing it as an apocalypse, a prophecy, and a pastoral letter reshapes our interpretation. They also confront systemic misogyny in the church, reflecting on recent events involving prominent female leaders and the need to address gender inequality. Key Takeaways: Confronting Misogyny...

Delve into the complexities of evil and suffering as Mike and Tim are joined by scholar Tim Gombis in their Gospel with Gombis series. Together, they explore the origins of evil within the biblical narrative, the role of human collaboration in God's Kingdom, and how the church can respond to a world marred by suffering and injustice. Key Takeaways: The Origins of Evil – Understanding how human reb...

Explore how recognizing the apocalyptic genre of Revelation transforms our interpretation of this enigmatic book, allowing us to reclaim its original message of hope and comfort. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the importance of genre in biblical texts, discussing how misreading Revelation has led to fear-based teachings rather than the intended encouragement. They also examine the "He Gets...

Delve into the powerful history and universal impact of "Amazing Grace" as Tim explores how this timeless hymn transcends cultural, religious, and social boundaries. Through the transformative journey of its author, John Newton, we uncover themes of grace, justice, and shared humanity, reflecting on how grace invites us into God's ongoing vision for the world. Key Takeaways: • John Newton's Transf...