Voxology

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 Intro4:15 The malformation of news and media8:20 Introducing guest Dr. Lee Camp11:15 Exploring the No Small Endeavor project14:30 Lee Camp's background and Anabaptist roots18:15 The radical reformation and church-state power23:10 Theological reasons for separating church and state27:35 Christians participating in government31:45 The ambiguity and ethics of voting36:20 Biblical instructions in a modern democracy39:50 Differentiating patriotism from nationalism45:10 Is America a Christian nation?50:25 The church's role in bearing witness53:40 Just war theory vs. Christian pacifism1:00:15 Resisting political idolatry with grace1:05:30 Where to find Lee Camp's work1:08:00 Outro and how to support VoxologyAs 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! EtsyLearn more about the Voxology PodcastSubscribe on iTunes or SpotifySupport the Voxology Podcast on PatreonThe Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology RadioFollow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on FacebookFollow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerreMusic in this episode by Timothy John StaffordInstagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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

3w ago01:03:09Tap to summarize

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 communityChapters:00:00 - Intro11:00 - Introducing Dr. Max Botner and the significance of interpretive models14:13 - Max discusses the nature of the Bible as God's Word and the interpretive challenges involved18:20 - Why human interpretation varies—diversity as part of God's providence21:16 - The importance of returning to Scripture with humility and community23:41 - The dangers of biblicism and wooden literalism in interpretation27:27 - Gadamer’s concept of understanding through application and the embodied hermeneutic28:14 - Living Scripture through embodiment and the church’s role32:43 - Critique of biblicism and the fallacy of unreflective literalism35:34 - American spin on the clarity of Scripture and its implications39:30 - Approaching deconstruction and skepticism in biblical interpretation45:22 - The Holy Spirit’s role in guiding understanding and interpretation53:50 - Pentecost as the ultimate model of diverse, Spirit-led unityResources & Links:How Then Shall We Read? - A Student’s Guide to Interpreting the New TestamentCenter for Bible Study YouTube ChannelAs 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! EtsyLearn more about the Voxology PodcastSubscribe on iTunes or SpotifySupport the Voxology Podcast on PatreonThe Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology RadioFollow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on FacebookFollow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerreMusic in this episode by Timothy John StaffordInstagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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Dirt and Divine Breath: What Death Separates

4w ago00:57:18Tap to summarize

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 Update2:45 Recapping the Eternal Life Conversation6:15 Heaven and Earth vs Heaven and Hell9:30 Hell as a Place of Containment and Protection13:00 The Rich Man and Lazarus Parable16:45 Human Nature: Dirt and Divine Breath20:15 The Two Trees and Life 2.024:00 Defining Good and Evil (Tov and Ra)28:15 Death as the Separation of Unity32:00 Jesus as the Living Tree of Life36:30 Refining Fire and the Good News of Judgment40:45 Why the New Testament Calls the Cross a Tree45:00 Sin as an Anti-Human Construct49:30 Physical Resurrection and the Preview of New Creation53:15 Moving Beyond Fear-Based Discipleship57:19 Closing and Support InfoAs 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_marketLearn more about the Voxology PodcastSubscribe on iTunes or SpotifySupport the Voxology Podcast on PatreonThe Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology RadioFollow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on FacebookFollow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerreMusic in this episode by Timothy John StaffordInstagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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Heaven, Hell and God’s Will Being Done

Apr 2701:03:17Tap to summarize

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.Chapters0:00 Intro and the Best Friends Podcast3:45 Reading a Viral Critique of Christianity8:20 Why People are Walking Away from the Church13:10 Stop Trying to Dress Up Jesus18:15 Thy Will Be Done: The Heart of the Prayer23:50 Two Major Misunderstandings of Surrender28:40 Does God Cause Suffering and Cancer?34:15 Heaven is a Status, Not Just a Place39:30 Why Divine Judgment is Actually Good News45:10 The Truth About Hell and Gehenna51:00 Dehumanization vs. the Image of God56:45 Tasting New Creation Through Play and Community1:01:20 Previewing the Exodus and Daily BreadAs 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! EtsyLearn more about the Voxology PodcastSubscribe on iTunes or SpotifySupport the Voxology Podcast on PatreonThe Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology RadioFollow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on FacebookFollow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerreMusic in this episode by Timothy John StaffordInstagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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

Apr 2001:13:27Tap to summarize

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 Banter3:12 DC Talk and the Jesus Freak Legacy8:15 Consumerism and Easter Productions13:40 Religious Language in Modern Politics19:25 The Government and Resurrection Sunday26:10 The Vatican and US Political Responses32:45 America Reads the Bible Movement38:20 Staying Invitational Amidst Deconstruction45:15 Peacemaking and Reintegrating the Deceived50:40 Announcement Tim Stafford Spiritual Coaching54:20 Your Will Be Done on Earth59:35 Ancient Cosmology and the Rakia1:04:50 The Waters Above and the Highest Heavens1:09:10 Divine Revelation vs Cultural Husks1:12:45 Conclusion and OutroAs 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_marketLearn more about the Voxology PodcastSubscribe on iTunes or SpotifySupport the Voxology Podcast on PatreonThe Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology RadioFollow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on FacebookFollow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerreMusic in this episode by Timothy John StaffordInstagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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The Nature of Divine Wrath: with Dr. Timothy Gombis

Apr 1301:08:16Tap to summarize

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.Chapters0:00 Intro - Seth and Easter Super Bowl3:15 Catching up with Tim Gombis7:45 The Masters and Cubs Baseball11:30 The Definitive Burrito Rating System16:00 Teaching First Grade and Kindergarten21:00 Framing the Questions on Wrath24:30 God as Slow to Anger and Hospitable29:15 Responding to Oppression and Chaos34:00 Rethinking the Flood Narrative38:30 Covenantal Judgment in Israel43:00 Why We Cannot Read Modern Signs47:45 Paul’s View of Wrath in Romans52:15 The Rhetorical Trap of Romans 157:00 Wrath as Cosmic Disembodied Chaos1:01:30 Ananias, Sapphira, and Economic Holiness1:05:00 Final Judgment and Setting Things Right1:08:00 Supporting VoxologyAs 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! EtsyLearn more about the Voxology PodcastSubscribe on iTunes or SpotifySupport the Voxology Podcast on PatreonThe Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology RadioFollow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on FacebookFollow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerreMusic in this episode by Timothy John StaffordInstagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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Practicing Resurrection: Building for the Kingdom of God

Apr 600:56:45Tap to summarize

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.Chapters0:00 Intro and April Fools3:15 Tim's Birthday and Aching Legs5:30 A Tale of Two Christianities8:45 Franklin Graham's Letter to Trump12:15 Deconstructing the Heaven Bound Gospel16:30 What Does it Mean to Believe20:00 The Biblical Meaning of the Heart24:15 Why the Voxology Approach Takes Time28:30 Manifesto of the Mad Farmer33:00 Practicing Resurrection in Daily Life37:45 The Paradox of a Discernible Kingdom42:00 Signs of the End vs AD 7046:30 The Kingdom as a Hidden Seed51:00 Three Views of Human History54:15 Building for the Kingdom and OutroAs 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! EtsyLearn more about the Voxology PodcastSubscribe on iTunes or SpotifySupport the Voxology Podcast on PatreonThe Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology RadioFollow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on FacebookFollow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerreMusic in this episode by Timothy John StaffordInstagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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The Kingdom Paradox: The Dual Reality of Now and Not Yet

Mar 3001:04:04Tap to summarize

Welcome to the Voxology Podcast with Mike Erre and Tim Stafford. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to pray for God's Kingdom to come while living in a world that feels increasingly fractured and chaotic. 🌍 We kick things off by discussing the problematic rhetoric surrounding climate change and the biblical mandate for stewardship. Is the earth just a disposable backdrop for the Gospel, or does God care about the flourishing of creation? 🌿 We also dive into a controversial military prayer used at the Pentagon, examining how wrapping requests for overwhelming violence in the name of Jesus represents a fundamental misunderstanding of his character and mission. 🕊️ The core of our study today focuses on the Already and Not Yet paradox of the Kingdom of God. We look at the ancient Jewish expectation of the two ages and how Jesus inaugurated the age to come right in the middle of our present reality. This overlap of ages explains the common tensions of the Christian life, such as why we experience both the power of the Spirit and the ongoing struggle with sin, death, and suffering. 📖 Welcome to the Voxology Podcast with Mike Erre and Tim Stafford. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to pray for God's Kingdom to come while living in a world that feels increasingly fractured and chaotic. 🌍 We kick things off by discussing the problematic rhetoric surrounding climate change and the biblical mandate for stewardship. Is the earth just a disposable backdrop for the Gospel, or does God care about the flourishing of creation? 🌿 We also dive into a controversial military prayer used at the Pentagon, examining how wrapping requests for overwhelming violence in the name of Jesus represents a fundamental misunderstanding of his character and mission. 🕊️ The core of our study today focuses on the Already and Not Yet paradox of the Kingdom of God. We look at the ancient Jewish expectation of the two ages and how Jesus inaugurated the age to come right in the middle of our present reality. This overlap of ages explains the common tensions of the Christian life, such as why we experience both the power of the Spirit and the ongoing struggle with sin, death, and suffering. 📖 Chapters ⏳ 0:00 Intro and Easter Week 3:15 Climate Change and Faith 7:40 Biblical Stewardship of Creation 10:30 Three Meanings of the World 14:15 New Creation and NT Wright 17:50 Interdimensional Ideas and Aliens 21:10 The Pentagon Prayer Controversy 25:00 Critiquing Violent Prayers in Jesus Name 30:45 Peacemaking vs Peacekeeping 35:20 Finding Hope in Apathy 39:00 The Kingdom of God Series Continues 43:10 The Two Ages Jewish Perspective 47:30 Paradox of the Present Kingdom 52:15 Living in the Overlap of Ages 56:40 Implications for Healing and Sin 1:00:30 Building For the Kingdom 1:04:06 Outro and Support 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

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From Isolation to Community: A New Look at Spiritual Warfare

Mar 2301:20:54Tap to summarize

Spiritual Warfare, the Body, and Collective Discipleship: Unlearning Gnostic Influences and Embracing the Kingdom of God. This episode explores how contemporary understandings of spiritual warfare often veer into performative, individualistic practices that miss the communal and restorative essence emphasized in the New Testament. Mike and Tim discuss the influence of Gnosticism on Western theology, emphasizing the importance of embodied faith, collective resistance against powers of wrath, and practical practices for embodying the kingdom of God today. Key Topics: - The critique of performative and theatrical spiritual warfare practices and their impact on faith formation - The influence of Gnostic dualism on misconceptions about flesh, salvation, and the body - Reframing spiritual warfare as collective resistance rooted in community practices such as confession, communion, and mutual hospitality - The importance of embodiment, silence, and physical practices (like breath prayer) in resisting individualism and fostering full humanity - How the powers and principalities influence societies collectively, not just individuals - The role of the church as a monument and enactment of the new creation, practicing reconciliation, justice, and community embodied faith - Deconstructing misconceptions about wrath, sin, and the influence of the demonic, emphasizing God's wrath as self-consuming and current—focused on empowering resistance within the community - The importance of unlearning inherited dualisms and Gnostic ideas to recover a robust biblical view of flesh, body, and salvation - Practical steps for cultivating hope, resisting shame, and engaging in non-reactive, presence-filled discipleship Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: The season, weather, and fire season anxieties 02:00 - Opening musical suggestions and poetic reflections on growth and resilience 05:00 - The story of Iranian asylum seekers and recent U.S. immigration developments 09:00 - Reflections on current national crises and the call for collective hope 12:00 - Challenging individualistic views of spiritual warfare and the role of community 16:00 - The influence of Gnostic dualism on understanding flesh and salvation 22:00 - The impact of disembodied spiritual practices and the importance of embodied faith 30:00 - The church as a communal space of resistance against powers of division and exploitation 38:00 - Reimagining spiritual warfare as living out the kingdom through practical love and justice 42:00 - The significance of confession, accountability, and mutual presence 50:00 - Deconstructing misconceptions of wrath and divine anger 60:00 - Understanding flesh, sin, and death as neutral yet inhabited by patterns of habit and obedience 68:00 - The destructive role of wrath and how Jesus absorbed it in love 75:00 - Practicing renewal through prayer, hope, and embodied presence 78:00 - The transformative power of pausing and inviting God's presence in daily life 86:00 - The mission of the church as a community embodying divine justice and reconciliation 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

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When the Church Becomes Antichrist: Fear, Nationalism, and the Powers

Mar 1601:03:07Tap to summarize

Are we focusing on the wrong threats while ignoring the ones growing right inside our own communities? Join Mike, Tim, and Seth as they dive deep into the biblical definition of the Antichrist, the manipulative power of fear, and how the modern church often aligns itself with worldly systems rather than the Kingdom of God. This episode moves beyond traditional labels to explore what it actually means to live in a cosmically contested space. In this conversation, the team unpacks the startling New Testament reality that antichrists are often plural and internal to the church, rather than a single external boogeyman. We discuss the recent tragic events in Iran and how nationalistic rhetoric often blinds us to the suffering of others. By looking at the life of Jesus through the lens of security versus threat, we explore why the church is so easily led by fear and how we can begin to resist the systemic powers of individualism, tribalism, and redemptive violence. CHAPTERS: 0:00 Intro and Spring Break Shenanigans 3:15 Subscribe or Die 7:45 Global Conflict and the Good Guys Narrative 12:30 Redefining the Antichrist: Plural and Internal 18:15 The Theology of Gnosticism and the Flesh 23:50 Why Fear Drives Us to Authoritarianism 28:10 Jesus, Foot Washing, and Identity Security 34:20 James Baldwin: Every Dead Child is My Child 39:45 The Kingdom of God vs. The Counter-Kingdom 44:10 The Origin of Evil and Moral Agency 49:30 Salvation as a Cosmic Dimension 55:15 Cultural Discernment Beyond Safe for the Family 59:40 Six Powers Dominating the American Church 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

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All episodes

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

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

Dirt and Divine Breath: What Death Separates

Heaven, Hell and God’s Will Being Done

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

The Nature of Divine Wrath: with Dr. Timothy Gombis

Practicing Resurrection: Building for the Kingdom of God

The Kingdom Paradox: The Dual Reality of Now and Not Yet

From Isolation to Community: A New Look at Spiritual Warfare

When the Church Becomes Antichrist: Fear, Nationalism, and the Powers