Voxology

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford

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. 11H AGO

    In the Heavens: The God Who is Near

    Is God closer than we think? Join us as we rediscover heaven and explore the profound reality of God's presence in our lives. This episode dives into the meaning of "heaven" in scripture, challenging traditional views and unpacking the closeness of God in the very air we breathe. The hosts thoughtfully discuss the intersections of Christianity, faith, and politics, addressing cultural challenges and the role of the church in society. With themes like cruciformity and justice, they unpack how the teachings of Jesus invite us into a life of humility, curiosity, and critical engagement with faith. Throughout the conversation, we examine how misconceptions about heaven and God's proximity have shaped faith practices and cultural narratives, often distorting the gospel message. Drawing on examples from scripture and modern-day challenges, we seek to understand how faith can transcend ideological boundaries and bring hope to our communities.  Feel free to email in questions, engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram, or share your thoughts as we pursue dialogue and learning together. We encourage and would love discussion as we explore faith, cultural issues, and theology with honesty and openness. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 00:40 - Seth's Christmas 01:38 - Nate's Christmas 04:12 - Matt's Christmas 05:08 - Stranger Things 05:54 - Welcome 06:34 - Christmas-themed Christian Nationalism 10:38 - Exalting Christ 11:27 - Roundup 17:47 - What is Christian Nationalism 20:44 - Christian Nationalism vs. Jesus 23:10 - Good Always Wins 25:32 - The Church's Issue 29:00 - The Garden of Gethsemane 32:07 - Our Father in the Heavens 32:36 - Our Father in Heaven 36:36 - God from the Heavens 39:34 - Jacob's Ladder 43:46 - Heaven is Not Far Away 47:10 - God is Not in Your Heart 48:08 - God is Right Here With Us 49:29 - The Kingdom of the Heavens 51:15 - The Most Powerful Power Grab 54:35 - God is Close 56:08 - 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

    59 min
  2. DEC 22

    All in the Family: Why Jesus is Not our Personal Savior

    Join Mike and Tim as they dive into a lively discussion about the essence of family, identity, and faith. In this episode, they explore the concept of "adoption to sonship" and how it redefines our understanding of belonging and community. With humor and depth, they challenge traditional views and invite listeners to consider a broader perspective on what it means to be part of a spiritual family. Tune in for an engaging conversation that blends theology with everyday life, all wrapped in the warmth of the holiday spirit. In this conversation, the hosts explore the themes of faith, family, and community within Christianity, emphasizing the importance of understanding God as a father and the implications of adoption and sonship. They discuss the cultural context of Jesus' teachings, the role of individualism versus community, and the concept of loyalty to God's family. The conversation also touches on the distinction between bounded and centered sets in faith, ultimately inviting listeners to engage in a communal journey of faith. Takeaways: Christian nationalism is alive and well. Father is a status word, not a gender word. To be a part of Jesus is to be a part of his people. Jesus is not your personal savior. We're playing soccer, not rugby. The early Christians did not sharply distinguish between commitment to God and commitment to God's family. Salvation is a social reunification. You cannot be a part of two groups. Loyalty to God is loyalty to God's people. We are playing soccer, not rugby. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Christmas Spirit 03:06 Exploring the Concept of Fatherhood 06:01 Adoption and Sonship in Christian Theology 09:01 The Role of Family in Identity 12:00 Cultural Perspectives on Individualism vs. Community 15:03 The Significance of Group Dynamics in the Ancient World 17:50 Jesus' Redefinition of Family Relationships 29:47 Redefining Family and Kinship 32:21 The New Family of God 35:05 The Cost of Discipleship 37:28 Understanding Jesus' Hard Teachings 40:32 The Nature of God's Will 43:31 Loyalty and Allegiance in the Kingdom 46:22 Social Reality of Salvation 49:13 Choosing Between Two Families 51:02 Bounded vs. Centered Sets in Faith 58:01 Redefining Loyalties: From Ethnic Identity to Jesus 01:00:59 The Early Church: Community Over Individualism 01:03:55 The Role of Gifts: Individuality for the Collective 01:06:59 Loyalty and Discipleship: The Cost of Following Jesus 01:09:57 Invitation to Play: The Soccer Game of Faith 01:13:00 Boundaries and Inclusion: Redefining Church Membership 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

    1h 16m
  3. DEC 15

    God the Father is Not Male

    Explore "God the Father is Not Male" as we dive into the complex and nuanced conversation about how Christianity portrays God's gender and the implications for modern faith. The hosts unpack theological perspectives, cultural challenges, and the role of the church in addressing divisive societal issues. How does cruciformity shape our understanding of God as Father? What does Jesus' life and teachings reveal about justice, gender, and identity? Through humility and critical thinking, the Voxology Podcast investigates the layers of faith, theology, and cultural engagement within a patriarchal world. This episode also challenges common perceptions of masculinity in faith, examining the tension between historical language and God's actual character. Join Mike and Tim as they reflect on the interplay between faith and politics, navigating cultural shifts, and exploring the profound ways Jesus subverts societal norms. We encourage discussion and would love to hear your thoughts—engage the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or email us directly. Let's journey together as we pursue deeper understanding and justice through the teachings of Jesus. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 01:26 - Voicemail 03:09 - Christian Nationalism Update 13:45 - Addressing Hateful People 18:45 - When to Let Go 22:40 - OUTNUMBER THEM Strategy 23:20 - Navigating Without Guardrails 25:25 - Finding Solutions 27:15 - Rethinking Allegiance 29:15 - Defining Hope 31:15 - Writing People Off 38:30 - Is God Male? 49:10 - Understanding the Incarnation 54:00 - Concept of God's Accommodation 56:05 - Suboptimal Accommodation Explained 57:46 - Jesus and the Father Language 01:02:30 - God as Father in Ancient Cultures 01:06:40 - God as Father Today 01:11:55 - 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

    1h 14m
  4. DEC 8

    Reality, Grief, and Hope: Our Posture of Lament

    Reality, Grief, and Hope: Our Posture of Lament challenges us to thoughtfully examine the intersection of faith and politics, exploring the role of the church in society amidst cultural challenges. From some of the greats (Walter Brueggemann and D Willy), we're able to map out a posture to hold in these time. From naming the reality we see around us, lamenting and grieving what we've seen and living in the hope of what's to come. In this episode of the Voxology Podcast, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford unpack the complexities of Christian nationalism, drawing parallels between biblical prophetic critiques and modern-day issues. Through a lens of cruciformity, they discuss how the teachings of Jesus call us to navigate cultural issues with humility, justice, and critical thinking. The hosts engage in an honest conversation about the importance of lament, naming uncomfortable truths, and pursuing hope in a divided world. From the misuse of religious rhetoric to the church's prophetic responsibility, this episode invites listeners to wrestle with questions of faith, politics, and the transformative power of Jesus' example. As cultural norms shift, how can Christians embody the way of Christ without compromising integrity and compassion? Join this deep dive into theology, justice, and the pressing challenges of our time. Feel free to email in questions, engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram, or share your thoughts as we navigate these topics together. Let's pursue meaningful dialogue and learn from diverse perspectives as we reflect on what it means to follow Jesus in today's world. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 03:02 - Purpose of Our Mission 08:03 - Prophetic Postures Explained 15:25 - Donald J. Trump Institute Overview 18:18 - Addressing Open Racism in Administration 23:13 - Valentina Gomez Congressional Campaign 27:44 - Understanding Religious Pluralism 29:15 - Dallas Willard Quote on Faith 31:15 - Dallas Willard Quote on Spirituality 34:20 - Concept of Hope as a Circle 35:11 - Lament as Trust Expression 37:10 - You're Not Alone in Your Thoughts 40:05 - Church's Need for Reform 42:50 - Exploring the Age of Cruelty 49:18 - Lamenting Our Fears and Anxieties 56:02 - Fear as a Controlling Force 57:54 - Analyzing My Reactions 59:58 - The Significance of Advent Hope 03:02 - Preview of Next Episode 1:07:24 - Support and Social Media Links 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

    1h 8m
  5. DEC 1

    The New Exodus People: The Lord's Prayer as Israel's Story

    Further into the Lord's Prayer we go! But first, is Christian Nationalism an expression of faith or a distortion of the teachings of Jesus? In this packed and thought-provoking episode of the Voxology podcast, the hosts explore the intersection of faith and politics, the challenges posed by cultural issues, and the role of the church in society. With insights into cruciformity and justice, they dissect the rhetoric and actions surrounding Christian Nationalism, contrasting them with the true message of Christianity and the call to love, grace, and reconciliation. Through engaging storytelling and critical analysis, the episode draws on scripture, theology, and current events to unpack the ways in which faith can be misused for political agendas. The hosts challenge listeners to thoughtfully navigate cultural challenges, asking how the church can embody the life and teachings of Jesus in a polarized world.  We encourage and would love discussion as we pursue understanding together. Feel free to email in questions or engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. Join us as we seek to live out the cruciform way of Jesus in a world rife with division and complexity. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 04:05 - Christian Nationalism Update 10:20 - ICE Detains Breastfeeding Mother 11:34 - ICE Deportation Controversy 12:39 - Trump's Thanksgiving Tweets 17:00 - Trump Leadership PAC Emails 19:25 - Recovery Strategies 22:40 - Culture Wars Discussion 25:25 - Understanding 1 Corinthians 11:7-16 42:30 - Introduction to God the Father 43:10 - God the Father in the Old Testament 44:30 - God as Father in the Mosaic Covenant 45:40 - God as Father in the Davidic Covenant 47:50 - God as Father in the New Exodus 50:25 - God as Father in the Messianic Covenant 54:55 - God as Father in the Creation Covenant 56:10 - Final Thoughts and Reflections 01:01:39 - Seth's Shoutouts 01:03:22 - Thank You 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

    1h 5m
  6. NOV 24

    The Prodigal Father: The God Who Runs Towards Us

    Jesus redefined God as "Father," inviting us to engage with faith, justice, and the church's role in society. This episode explores how the concept of "Father" in the Lord's Prayer shifts from an ancient patriarchal lens to a radical, relational, and restorative vision of God. Through powerful storytelling, the hosts unpack Jesus' redefinition of "Father" as a term of intimacy, love, and belonging—challenging cultural hierarchies and calling the church to embody cruciformity in community. Dive into nuanced discussions about Christianity, faith, and theology while reflecting on the intersection of cultural issues, justice, and the teachings of Jesus. Together, the hosts wrestle with navigating cultural challenges, addressing Christian nationalism, and envisioning a faith that uplifts rather than marginalizes. From the parable of the prodigal son to real-world acts of love and resistance, this conversation centers on the transformative impact of God's love. We encourage discussion and would love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to email in questions or engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram as we pursue deeper understanding and faith in action. Let's learn, reflect, and grow together. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Current Events 08:15 - Franklin Graham's Jesus Juke 13:41 - The Resistance 21:03 - The Lord's Prayer 27:50 - What Jesus Means by "Father" 34:35 - The Prodigal Son: A Cultural Retelling 40:57 - The Prodigal Son: A First-Person Retelling 49:45 - The Prodigal Son 54:34 - The Prodigal Daughter 57:43 - Importance of the Father Image 1:00:06 - The Prodigal Son Parable 1:02:15 - Closing Thoughts and Happy Thanksgiving 1:05:13 - Support the Podcast 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

    1h 6m
  7. NOV 17

    From "So That" to "And Yet:" A Theology of Suffering

    What is God's will for humanity? Is it found in Genesis 1 and 2, or does Genesis 3 reveal something deeper? In this episode, Mike and Tim tackle "The Mystery of God's Will" by unpacking Genesis 3 and exploring how God's ideal will contrasts with the realities of a fallen world. With a focus on themes like cruciformity, faith, and navigating cultural challenges, the conversation dives into questions about suffering, the role of ideologies, and how theology shapes our understanding of justice and faith. The hosts discuss how God's will operates within suboptimal conditions, the complexities of prayer, and how Jesus challenges simplistic moral frameworks. They also examine the role of the church in society and the intersections of faith and politics, offering insights on how Christians can engage with cultural issues while holding space for mystery, tension, and humility in their faith. Join the conversation as they challenge common assumptions about God's nature, human suffering, and the role of theology in understanding our world. Engage with the discussion, share your thoughts, and send in your questions—we'd love to hear from you as we pursue these important conversations together! CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Tim's Punk Rock Show 01:40 - Corrections 03:20 - Understanding God's Will 06:40 - This Week in Christian Nationalism 16:04 - Women's Voting Rights Debate 17:14 - Final Thoughts on Ideologies 21:31 - Ideologies Explored 23:20 - Changing Ideological Systems 27:10 - Combating Ideological Challenges 34:45 - Complexity and Mystery of Faith 36:38 - Seeking the Truth 42:10 - What is the Truth? 42:53 - Intro 45:50 - Romans 8:28 Explained 51:10 - Moral Calculus in Christianity 54:00 - Insights from John 9 59:56 - God's Plan for Humanity 1:02:48 - God's Will Revisited 1:05:30 - How Prayer Works 1:06:36 - The Problem of Evil 1:07:31 - Understanding God's Nature 1:09:40 - OUTRO 1:11:32 - 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

    1h 14m
  8. NOV 10

    Punk Rock Will Save the World: Resistance, Lament and Idolatry

    Join the Voxology Podcast for an engaging exploration of "Lament & Hope: Resisting Christian Nationalism." Hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive into the pressing issue of Christian nationalism, discussing its implications for Christianity, faith, and the role of the church in society. With a focus on cruciformity and the teachings of Jesus, they unpack the cultural challenges of political idolatry, the misuse of theology, and the erosion of justice. They reflect on lament as a spiritual practice, addressing its power to navigate cultural issues and foster humility amidst complex and divisive times. How do we respond faithfully as individuals and the church when faced with injustice and dehumanization in society? What does it mean to pray, resist oppression, and embody the way of Jesus in a world grappling with faith and politics? Explore these questions and more as the hosts offer critical insights, thought-provoking commentary, and a call to engage these discussions with curiosity and grace.  Tim's New Songs: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6OoyoyC2mh52hahZoqSEVN?si=ov5ZjoNTQ7KD_SYzcQcCLQ https://music.apple.com/us/artist/brudes/1838723669 We encourage and would love your feedback and discussion as we pursue these pivotal conversations together. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, and feel free to share your thoughts and questions with us. Let's continue the journey together! CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 04:35 - This Week in Christian Nationalism 10:42 - Book Review: Taking America Back for God 12:02 - Understanding Christian Nationalism 20:37 - Theological Implications of Christian Nationalism 21:30 - Christian Nationalism and Social Order 24:28 - Importance of Discussing Christian Nationalism 26:20 - Tim Keller's Conclusions on Nationalism 32:55 - Reintroducing Hierarchy in Society 40:41 - How to Posture in Discussions 44:10 - Punk Rock as Communal Lament 46:00 - The Role of Lament in Faith 49:10 - Joy in the Collision of Ideas 54:10 - Complaint vs. Lament: A Comparison 57:20 - Exploring Daniel 10 01:01:40 - Why Pray if God is in Control? 01:05:50 - The Gethsemane Prayer Explained 01:08:19 - Understanding God's Will 01:10:10 - God's Will in the Context of Evil 01:12:19 - Support the Podcast 01:12:50 - Thank You 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

    1h 14m
4.8
out of 5
1,088 Ratings

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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