Voxology

Voxology

Voxology (Formerly the Vox Podcast with Mike Erre) is a collection of voices that question and discuss our culture's most relevant topics in relation to Christ and Christianity. We talk LGBTQ, American and church politics, Christian culture's catastrophic marginalization of the very people Jesus implores us to love and so much more. If you have serious questions about the church's representation of Jesus, what he has done and the beauty of his work on earth today, join hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford and their guests to talk things out and find your way back to the true mission of Jesus.

  1. Daily Bread as Manna: Provision in the Wilderness

    1 DAY AGO

    Daily Bread as Manna: Provision in the Wilderness

    Welcome to our special summer break episode where we dive into everything from amusement park plans to the deep theological roots of the Lord’s Prayer. Join Mike, Tim, and Seth Erre as we navigate the complexities of modern culture, digital fatigue, and the ancient stories that still shape our faith today. In this episode, we tackle a thoughtful listener question about whether our language has become too academic or niche for newer believers. We explore the importance of making theological concepts accessible while still honoring the depth of the scriptures. Tim shares his recent experiences with spiritual coaching and finding holiness in unexpected places, from historic cathedrals to the high-energy community of a hardcore mosh pit. The core of our conversation focuses on a fascinating lens for the Lord’s Prayer: seeing it as a New Exodus prayer. We discuss how Jesus positions himself as a new Moses, leading his people out of captivity and through a spiritual wilderness. By connecting petitions like hallowed be your name and daily bread to the original Exodus story and the provision of manna, we discover a posture of dependence that is perfect for our own in-between times. Chapters 0:00 Summer Plans and Special Guests 3:15 Roller Coasters and Pickleball Injuries 7:30 The End of Late Night TV and Cultural Mourning 12:15 Navigating Political and Digital Fatigue 18:40 Is Our Language Too Seeker Sensitive 24:10 Reclaiming Holy Spaces and Spiritual Coaching 30:25 The Struggle of Over-Analyzing Theology 34:50 Did God Plan for a World with Death 39:20 Hardcore Music and Finding Beauty in Chaos 43:45 The Lord’s Prayer as a New Exodus 48:20 Connecting Fatherhood and the Divine Name 53:10 Daily Bread and the Manna Story 57:40 Forgiveness and the Wilderness Testing 59:30 Seth Erre’s Closing Blessing 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

    1 hr
  2. I Pledge My Grievance to the Flag: America is Not a Christian Nation - with Dr. Lee Camp

    18 MAY

    I Pledge My Grievance to the Flag: America is Not a Christian Nation - with Dr. Lee Camp

    Are you struggling to navigate the tension between your faith and the current political climate? Join Mike Erre and Tim Stafford as they sit down with theologian and author Dr. Lee Camp to discuss how Christians can faithfully bear witness in a world of political idolatry. This deep dive explores the history of the church, the myth of the Christian nation, and what it truly means to follow Jesus in a polarized society. In this episode, the team discusses the radical roots of the Anabaptist movement and how the early church viewed its relationship with the state. Dr. Camp breaks down the crucial distinctions between healthy patriotism and the messianic claims of Christian nationalism. You will hear a challenging conversation about why the church is called to a life of persuasion rather than compulsion, and how we can engage in the public square without being malformed by bitterness or partisan tribalism. From the ethics of voting to the historical development of just war theory, this interview provides a robust framework for anyone looking to deepen their theological understanding of politics. Whether you are feeling disillusioned by modern headlines or looking for a better way to love your neighbor, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on the present and coming kingdom of God. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 4:15 The malformation of news and media 8:20 Introducing guest Dr. Lee Camp 11:15 Exploring the No Small Endeavor project 14:30 Lee Camp's background and Anabaptist roots 18:15 The radical reformation and church-state power 23:10 Theological reasons for separating church and state 27:35 Christians participating in government 31:45 The ambiguity and ethics of voting 36:20 Biblical instructions in a modern democracy 39:50 Differentiating patriotism from nationalism 45:10 Is America a Christian nation? 50:25 The church's role in bearing witness 53:40 Just war theory vs. Christian pacifism 1:00:15 Resisting political idolatry with grace 1:05:30 Where to find Lee Camp's work 1:08:00 Outro and how to support Voxology 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

    1hr 9min
  3. How Then Shall We Read - w/ Dr. Max Botner

    11 MAY

    How Then Shall We Read - w/ Dr. Max Botner

    Today, Mike and Tim delve into biblical hermeneutics, exploring how contemporary Christians interpret Scripture today. Max Botner offers a rich model emphasizing location, analysis, conversation, and embodiment. He critiques simplistic fundamentalist approaches and advocates for a community and Spirit-led interpretive process rooted in humility, tradition, and love, aiming toward embodying the Gospel in diverse contexts. Explore how Scripture is interpreted in contemporary Christian thought through the insights of Dr. Max Botner, author of How Then Shall We Read? Discover the nuanced approach to understanding the Bible, from historical context and interpretive communities to the Holy Spirit's role. Main Topics: The nature of Scripture as divine revelation and its interpretive complexityThe influence of tradition, community, and the Holy Spirit on biblical hermeneuticsThe pitfalls of Biblicism and the importance of contextual and embodied interpretationModels of faithful interpretation—location, analysis, conversation, embodimentNavigating diverse interpretations: Pentecost versus Babel, unity in diversityKey Insights: The Bible as a sprawling library of divine Word, requiring a hermeneutic of love and humilityHuman interpretation is inevitable; seeking mutual enrichment despite inevitable divergenceThe significance of hermeneutic of belonging—community and tradition guide our readingEmbodied hermeneutics emphasizes living out Scripture within community and personal experienceThe importance of ongoing, circular interpretive processes that involve research, conversation, and embodimentThe danger of Biblicism and the need for critical, contextually aware reading strategiesThe Spirit’s role as progressive, softening our hearts over time—interpreted through prayer, community, and studyDiversity in interpretation brings richness but requires wisdom and humilityThe biblical narrative points toward the diversity of God's creation and the unity found in Spirit-led community Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 11:00 - Introducing Dr. Max Botner and the significance of interpretive models 14:13 - Max discusses the nature of the Bible as God's Word and the interpretive challenges involved 18:20 - Why human interpretation varies—diversity as part of God's providence 21:16 - The importance of returning to Scripture with humility and community 23:41 - The dangers of biblicism and wooden literalism in interpretation 27:27 - Gadamer’s concept of understanding through application and the embodied hermeneutic 28:14 - Living Scripture through embodiment and the church’s role 32:43 - Critique of biblicism and the fallacy of unreflective literalism 35:34 - American spin on the clarity of Scripture and its implications 39:30 - Approaching deconstruction and skepticism in biblical interpretation 45:22 - The Holy Spirit’s role in guiding understanding and interpretation 53:50 - Pentecost as the ultimate model of diverse, Spirit-led unity Resources & Links: How Then Shall We Read? - A Student’s Guide to Interpreting the New Testament Center for Bible Study YouTube Channel 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

    1hr 3min
  4. Dirt and Divine Breath: What Death Separates

    4 MAY

    Dirt and Divine Breath: What Death Separates

    What if the core story of the Bible isn't actually about going to heaven or hell when you die? In this episode, we explore the profound biblical narrative of heaven and earth being reunited and what that means for our understanding of eternal life. Join Mike Erre and Tim Stafford as they dive deep into the scriptures to uncover a story that is much more beautiful and human than the traditional "fire insurance" gospel many of us were taught. We start by looking at the book of Genesis to understand the true nature of humanity, described as a combination of dirt and divine breath. The conversation shifts the focus away from a fear-based theology and toward the restoration of our humanity. We discuss how the Tree of Life represents a choice to live in alignment with divine wisdom and how Jesus acts as the ultimate fulfillment of that choice. By examining the imagery of the cross as a tree, we see how God transforms a curse into the very source of life for the world. Key topics in this episode include: The difference between a heaven-centric story and a heaven-and-earth story. Why humans are not naturally immortal and what the word nephesh really means. The imagery of hell as containment and protection rather than just a place of torture. How sin acts as an anti-human force that degrades our true identity. The hope of a physical resurrection and what it means to live for the kingdom today. Chapters: 0:00 Intro and Allergy Update 2:45 Recapping the Eternal Life Conversation 6:15 Heaven and Earth vs Heaven and Hell 9:30 Hell as a Place of Containment and Protection 13:00 The Rich Man and Lazarus Parable 16:45 Human Nature: Dirt and Divine Breath 20:15 The Two Trees and Life 2.0 24:00 Defining Good and Evil (Tov and Ra) 28:15 Death as the Separation of Unity 32:00 Jesus as the Living Tree of Life 36:30 Refining Fire and the Good News of Judgment 40:45 Why the New Testament Calls the Cross a Tree 45:00 Sin as an Anti-Human Construct 49:30 Physical Resurrection and the Preview of New Creation 53:15 Moving Beyond Fear-Based Discipleship 57:19 Closing and Support Info 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! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market 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

    57 min
  5. Heaven, Hell and God’s Will Being Done

    27 APR

    Heaven, Hell and God’s Will Being Done

    Have you ever felt like the traditional version of Christianity sounds more like an abusive relationship than a message of love? Today, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford tackle a viral critique of the faith and dive deep into what it actually means to pray for God's will to be done on earth. This conversation moves past the idea of God as a cosmic tyrant to rediscover a Jesus who invites us into a better way of being human. In this episode, we explore the tension between our human will and the divine will, moving past the "fire insurance" version of the gospel that many are rightfully rejecting. We discuss why the church often fails by trying to "polish up" Jesus instead of letting his voice stand on its own. We also break down the phrase "on earth as it is in heaven," challenging the common belief that Christianity is just about escaping this world for a disembodied afterlife. Instead, we look at how heaven is invading earth to restore our humanity and the image of God within us. From the historical context of Gehenna to the surprising connection between holiness and the joy of play, this episode is a deep dive into the heart of the Lord's Prayer. We tackle the hard questions about suffering, judgment, and why the truth coming to light is actually the best news possible. Chapters 0:00 Intro and the Best Friends Podcast 3:45 Reading a Viral Critique of Christianity 8:20 Why People are Walking Away from the Church 13:10 Stop Trying to Dress Up Jesus 18:15 Thy Will Be Done: The Heart of the Prayer 23:50 Two Major Misunderstandings of Surrender 28:40 Does God Cause Suffering and Cancer? 34:15 Heaven is a Status, Not Just a Place 39:30 Why Divine Judgment is Actually Good News 45:10 The Truth About Hell and Gehenna 51:00 Dehumanization vs. the Image of God 56:45 Tasting New Creation Through Play and Community 1:01:20 Previewing the Exodus and Daily Bread 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

    1hr 3min
  6. As it is in Heaven: The Cosmology That Challenges How We Understand Heaven and Earth

    20 APR

    As it is in Heaven: The Cosmology That Challenges How We Understand Heaven and Earth

    What happens when the Jesus Freak generation grows up and looks at the state of modern Christianity? Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive into the messy intersection of faith, politics, and ancient cosmology in this wide-ranging conversation. From the fallout of 90s Christian celebrity culture to the current consumerism surrounding religious holidays, this episode explores why so many are feeling disillusioned with the modern church. The discussion moves into a deep critique of religious rhetoric within the American government and the recent America Reads the Bible event. Mike and Tim ask the hard questions: How do we remain invitational and hopeful amidst cultural carnage? How do we distinguish between the eternal truths of scripture and the cultural husks used to deliver them? A significant portion of this episode is dedicated to a listener question about the Lord's Prayer. By diving back into Genesis 1 and ancient Hebrew cosmology, Mike explains the concept of the Rakia, the waters above and below, and what it truly means to pray for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. This deep dive into the highest heavens versus the atmospheric heavens provides a fresh perspective on God's status and presence in our world today. If you're interested in scheduling Spiritual Coaching sessions with Tim, email: tim at voxpodcast dot com, with COACHING in the subject line :) Chapters: 0:00 Intro and Neighborhood Banter 3:12 DC Talk and the Jesus Freak Legacy 8:15 Consumerism and Easter Productions 13:40 Religious Language in Modern Politics 19:25 The Government and Resurrection Sunday 26:10 The Vatican and US Political Responses 32:45 America Reads the Bible Movement 38:20 Staying Invitational Amidst Deconstruction 45:15 Peacemaking and Reintegrating the Deceived 50:40 Announcement Tim Stafford Spiritual Coaching 54:20 Your Will Be Done on Earth 59:35 Ancient Cosmology and the Rakia 1:04:50 The Waters Above and the Highest Heavens 1:09:10 Divine Revelation vs Cultural Husks 1:12:45 Conclusion and Outro 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! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market 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

    1hr 13min
  7. The Nature of Divine Wrath: with Dr. Timothy Gombis

    13 APR

    The Nature of Divine Wrath: with Dr. Timothy Gombis

    Why does the wrath of God feel so different between the Old and New Testaments? Today we are joined by theologian Dr. Timothy Gombis to dive deep into the complexities of divine judgment, the character of God, and how we often misinterpret Paul's writings in Romans. It is a wide-ranging conversation that moves from the golf course to the deepest questions of biblical justice. In this episode, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford welcome back one of their favorite guests to explore a topic that often vexes modern believers. We start with some lighthearted catching up on life, substitute teaching, and the ultimate burrito rating scale before diving into the heavy lifting of biblical theology. Tim Gombis shares his provocative insights on Romans 1, arguing that the famous passage on wrath might actually be a rhetorical trap set by Paul rather than his own primary theology. We discuss God’s fundamental orientation toward hospitality and delight, and how human rebellion invites a gathering chaos that the Bible labels as wrath. From the covenantal consequences in the Old Testament to the mysterious deaths of Ananias and Sapphira, we wrestle with what it means to fear a God who takes community and justice so seriously. We also address the difficult reality of modern-day evildoers who seem to prosper while using the name of Jesus. If God is slow to anger, how do we handle the tension of his apparent silence in the face of current injustice? This conversation is an invitation to hold that tension in faith and join in the prayer for God to set all things right. Chapters 0:00 Intro - Seth and Easter Super Bowl 3:15 Catching up with Tim Gombis 7:45 The Masters and Cubs Baseball 11:30 The Definitive Burrito Rating System 16:00 Teaching First Grade and Kindergarten 21:00 Framing the Questions on Wrath 24:30 God as Slow to Anger and Hospitable 29:15 Responding to Oppression and Chaos 34:00 Rethinking the Flood Narrative 38:30 Covenantal Judgment in Israel 43:00 Why We Cannot Read Modern Signs 47:45 Paul’s View of Wrath in Romans 52:15 The Rhetorical Trap of Romans 1 57:00 Wrath as Cosmic Disembodied Chaos 1:01:30 Ananias, Sapphira, and Economic Holiness 1:05:00 Final Judgment and Setting Things Right 1:08:00 Supporting Voxology 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

    1hr 8min
  8. 6 APR

    Practicing Resurrection: Building for the Kingdom of God

    What does it actually mean to be saved, and is the popular version of the gospel missing the point? Today we dive into a fascinating letter from Franklin Graham to Donald Trump to dissect how we understand salvation, the heart, and the kingdom of God. This episode explores why a private, internal-only faith might fall short of the radical, embodied life Jesus actually called us to live. In this episode, we deconstruct the traditional heaven-bound narrative and look at the biblical definitions of words like belief and heart. Mike and Tim discuss how faith is less about an intellectual multiple-choice test and more about our executive will and daily allegiances. We also share a powerful poem by Wendell Berry that invites us to practice resurrection in a world obsessed with profit and power. As we continue our series on the Lord's Prayer, we tackle the deep paradoxes of the kingdom. Is the kingdom of God growing like a mustard seed, or is it a secret waiting to burst forth? We look at how to recognize the signs of God's presence without trying to force or predict His timing. Finally, we contrast different views of human history to see why the way of Jesus offers a uniquely hopeful future for our world. Chapters 0:00 Intro and April Fools 3:15 Tim's Birthday and Aching Legs 5:30 A Tale of Two Christianities 8:45 Franklin Graham's Letter to Trump 12:15 Deconstructing the Heaven Bound Gospel 16:30 What Does it Mean to Believe 20:00 The Biblical Meaning of the Heart 24:15 Why the Voxology Approach Takes Time 28:30 Manifesto of the Mad Farmer 33:00 Practicing Resurrection in Daily Life 37:45 The Paradox of a Discernible Kingdom 42:00 Signs of the End vs AD 70 46:30 The Kingdom as a Hidden Seed 51:00 Three Views of Human History 54:15 Building for the Kingdom and Outro 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

    57 min

About

Voxology (Formerly the Vox Podcast with Mike Erre) is a collection of voices that question and discuss our culture's most relevant topics in relation to Christ and Christianity. We talk LGBTQ, American and church politics, Christian culture's catastrophic marginalization of the very people Jesus implores us to love and so much more. If you have serious questions about the church's representation of Jesus, what he has done and the beauty of his work on earth today, join hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford and their guests to talk things out and find your way back to the true mission of Jesus.

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