
Hosted by Voxology · EN

In this episode of the Voxology podcast, hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford discuss various pressing issues, including the recent tragedy involving the shooting of Renee Good by ICE agents, the implications of Christian nationalism, and the importance of hope amidst grief. They explore the fall of influential Christian leaders, the role of worship in justice, and the significance of understanding holiness in the context of the church's mission. The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement, political action, and a deeper understanding of the nature of God's name and holiness. Further, Mike and Tim engage in a profound discussion on faith, justice, and societal change. They explore the significance of names and holiness, reflecting on current events and personal experiences. The conversation delves into the challenges of maintaining hope and integrity in a world filled with tragedy and injustice, while emphasizing the importance of community and active resistance against dehumanization. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 02:58 Lamenting Tragedy and Violence 06:00 The Impact of Christian Nationalism 08:58 The Confession of Philip Yancey 11:59 Hope Amidst Despair 15:01 The Role of the Church in Society 17:56 Questioning Political Allegiances 21:08 The Importance of Community and Humanity 24:00 Navigating Dehumanization and Response 27:01 The Sermon on the Mount and Its Implications 29:57 Conclusion and Future Directions 34:30 The Significance of Names in the Ancient World 39:08 Understanding Holiness and Its Implications 45:01 Profaning the Name: Lessons from Israel's History 51:09 The Restoration of God's Name and Its Importance 57:05 The Interconnection of Worship, Justice, and Holiness 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

Celebrating 500 episodes and nearly 10 years of bold conversations, Mike and Tim pause to reflect on the Voxology journey and address a growing burden: the deepening divide between competing versions of Christianity in American culture. This milestone episode explores how one branch of Christianity has co-opted the language of Jesus to justify nationalism, violence, and power, while another remains rooted in the cruciform way of Jesus—marked by humility, sacrifice, and enemy-love. Mike and Tim unpack why this distinction matters now more than ever, emphasizing the urgent need to return to the center—Christ himself—and discern truth from distortion. Through heartfelt lament, cultural critique, and biblical exploration, this conversation brings clarity, challenge, and hope for a faith community seeking to resist cultural idolatry and embody the real Jesus in these confusing times. Key Takeaways: • Two Competing Christianities – Recognizing that not every representation of "Christian" is congruent with the life and teachings of Jesus. • The Way of the Cross vs. the Way of Power – Understanding that the cruciform path of Jesus stands in direct opposition to nationalism, triumphalism, and coercion. • Discerning the Center – How a return to the teachings of Jesus—particularly the Sermon on the Mount—can help us evaluate what is truly Christian in today's landscape. • Calling Out Distortion Without Condemnation – Learning to critique false gospels and ideologies without falling into gatekeeping or contempt. • What It Means to Be the Church Now – A renewed call for the church to serve as a prophetic, diverse, justice-oriented community amidst cultural confusion. Resources Mentioned: • Non-ference Gathering (July 31–August 2 in Nashville) – Email hello@voxpodcast.com with subject line "Nonference" for info. • Daniel 7 and Mark 8-10 – Crucial texts exploring Jesus's clashes with power and his redefining of greatness and Messiahship. • The Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5–7; referenced as the central teaching text for Christian formation. • Dallas Willard – "I trust Jesus with a whip, but I don't trust myself," a quote reflecting humility in social critique. • Facebook Private Group – Email to request an invite to our discussion space. • Philippians 2 – Preview of next episode's theme on cruciformity. Guest Highlights: No outside guests this episode, but deep gratitude expressed for past contributors, supporters, and community members—including Andy Lara, Kevin Ashleman, Brenda, Bonnie, and countless others who have shaped Voxology through the years. 500 episodes in, the road's been long, vulnerable, transformative, and often messy. But the mission remains: to question boldly, love recklessly, and follow Jesus faithfully—even when it's unpopular or misunderstood. Join us on the journey—and if you're still listening after 70+ minutes, you're a real one. Subscribe, share your thoughts, join the private Facebook group, and follow us @voxologypodcast for continued conversations. As always, we would love your questions, doubts, and feedback. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com. Let's keep wrestling together. Watch our episodes on VOXOLOGY TV Visit the Voxology Website Support us on Patreon Find merch on Etsy Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Music by Timothy John Stafford | Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Follow Mike: @mikeerre 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

This episode, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford explore how listener feedback on hospitality and racial injustice invites us to reassess the church's approach to embodying the radical, self-sacrificial politics of Jesus' upside-down kingdom. Key Takeaways: Redefining Biblical Hospitality – Understanding hospitality as systemic inclusion, not just individual kindness, and its implications for the church today. Confronting Systemic Racism in the Church – Acknowledging and addressing the racial biases and injustices embedded within church culture and structures. Power Dynamics of the Kingdom of God – Differentiating between the coercive power of worldly kingdoms and the self-sacrificial power of Jesus' kingdom. Navigating Political Idolatry – Recognizing the pitfalls of aligning the church too closely with national politics and the concept of a "Christian nation." Embracing Exile and Community – Reflecting on feelings of exile from traditional church structures and the importance of community in discerning how to live out the Gospel authentically. Resources Mentioned: Greg Boyd – The Kingdom and the Cross – Link Timothy Keller – "How Do Christians Fit Into the Two-Party System? They Don't" – Link Join the conversation! Subscribe to the Voxology Podcast, leave a review, and follow us 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

Discover how embracing humility and focusing on repair can transform your relationships with your children, regardless of their age. Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and special guest Susie Lind explore the challenges of parenting beyond fear and control, emphasizing the importance of building authentic connections and being present for meaningful repair. Key Takeaways: The Power of Repairing Relationships – Acknowledging past mistakes and being available for repair can strengthen and heal the bonds with your children. Parenting Beyond Fear – Understanding how fear influences parenting styles and learning to approach your children with love and connection rather than control. Self-Awareness as a Parent – The significance of working on oneself to become a better parent, recognizing personal triggers, and how personal growth impacts your children. Redefining Authority – Exploring non-coercive ways to exercise authority through example, patience, and creating a safe environment for your children. Guest Highlights: Susie Lind – Pastor, elder, and seminary student at Fuller Seminary. Susie shares her personal journey of parenting four boys, discussing her past emphasis on obedience and independence, and how she learned the beauty and power of repairing relationships through humility and open communication. Resources Mentioned: "Try Softer" by Aundi Kolber – A guide to compassionate self-discovery and healing. Learn more Meredith Anne Miller – Author and pastor specializing in helping parents engage their children with the Bible in age-appropriate ways. Follow on Instagram "Parenting with Love and Logic" – Practical tools for raising self-confident, motivated children ready for the real world. Learn more Join us as we navigate the complexities of parenting at any stage and discover the transformative power of connection and repair. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow the Voxology Podcast on social media to continue 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

What if everything you believed about finding “the one” was never actually biblical—or even helpful? In this candid and often hilarious conversation, Mike Erre and co-host Andy explore the deeply ingrained myth of the soulmate, confronting cultural narratives around romance, marriage, and self-fulfillment in both the secular and Christian world. Drawing extensively from the Genesis account of creation and the fall, they unpack how our expectations of marriage often lead us astray and suggest a more grounded, Christ-centered vision for love and relationships rooted in self-sacrifice, partnership, and transformation. Using insights from Genesis 1-3 and thinkers like Stanley Hauerwas and Tim Keller, the episode dives into how Christians are called to resist Hollywood tropes and embrace the difficult but rewarding journey of covenant love, where two imperfect people learn to reflect God’s love for humanity. Whether you're dating, married, or spiritually curious, this episode challenges assumptions and invites deeper reflection on how we love and who we expect to change us. Key Takeaways: • The Biblical Portrait of Marriage – Genesis presents male-female relationships as “ezer kenegdo”—equal partners who are both alike and opposite, designed to co-rule creation. • Fallout from the Fall – How disobedience distorts divine design, turning mutuality into power struggle and fulfillment into frustration. • Soulmate is a Myth – There is no “one perfect person” who will complete you; true fulfillment comes not through compatibility but through sacrificial love and growth. • Marriage as Covenant, Not Contract – Christian marriage is less about individual happiness and more about embodying God’s covenantal love through service, vulnerability, and resilience. • When You Change, So Does Marriage – You will always marry the “wrong” person because both people in a marriage will change, evolve, and, ultimately, disappoint. The key is growing together through it. • Redefining Fulfillment – Letting go of self-centered expectations in marriage opens the door to deeper joy, healing, and transformation. Resources Mentioned: • Genesis 1–3 – The foundation for understanding male-female relationships and the impact of sin on marriage. • Stanley Hauerwas – Ethicist who wrote extensively on the myth of soulmate ideology and the self-fulfillment ethic in marriage. • Tim Keller – The Meaning of Marriage, for a gospel-centered view of commitment and relational growth. • Psalm 121 – The word “ezer” (helper) ascribed to God, offering profound implications for gender equality in partnership. • Ephesians 5 – Paul’s vision for mutual submission and Christ-centered love in marriage. Join us in rethinking relationships and returning to a more redemptive vision of marriage. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and follow Voxology on social media to keep diving into tough questions and meaningful discussions. As always, we encourage and welcome your thoughts and feedback as we pursue these conversations together. Email us at hello@voxpodcast.com or join the conversation on Instagram and Facebook. Watch full episodes on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Grab some new merch: ETSY Store Discover more at VoxologyPodcast.com Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Support the show at Patreon Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikeerre Follow Tim on all platforms: @GoneTimothy Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford 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