How does understanding the difference between what the Bible describes and what it prescribes shape the way we live, lead, and love today? Mike Erre and Tim Stafford kick off their new Christianity 101 Series with an in-depth—and often hilarious—conversation that lays the groundwork for how the Voxology community approaches Scripture, biblical authority, and spiritual formation.

Responding to an Instagram post that claims “genocide, slavery, and sexual assault are all biblical,” Mike and Tim dismantle modern misuses of the word “biblical,” explore how cruciformity shapes biblical interpretation, and offer a counter-cultural vision for how the church can embody a radically different way of living. From Roman status systems to communion cups and Sunday merch, it’s all on the table in this deep dive into discipleship, Scripture, and what it means to follow Jesus today.

Key Takeaways: • Prescriptive vs Descriptive Bible Reading – Why understanding the difference is crucial to avoid misapplying Scripture and perpetuating harm. • What “Biblical” Really Means – Challenging the misuse of “biblical manhood,” “biblical marriage,” and other theological buzzwords. • Cruciformity Explained – How Philippians 2 offers a vision for a cross-shaped (cruciform) life modeled after Jesus that subverts power, pursues justice, and levels privilege. • Christianity 101 Practices – Exploring baptism, communion, and solidarity with the poor as essential, identity-shaping communal practices of the early church. • How to Interpret Scripture – Considering fruitfulness, alignment with the person of Jesus, and whether an interpretation humbles the high and lifts up the low.

Resources Mentioned: • Philippians 2 – The Christ Hymn and model for cruciform living • Book: Upside-Down Kingdom by Donald Kraybill – A deep dive into a counter-cultural Christianity rooted in justice and humility • Book: Fight by Preston Sprinkle – Theology of nonviolence • Previous Voxology Series on “How to Read the Bible” – VoxologyPodcast.com • Get your new Vox Merch (now with more humility) – Voxology Etsy Store

Join the conversation, ask big questions, and help us shape the upcoming “Christianity 101” series—email [email protected] or connect with us on social. Subscribe, leave a review, and be part of a movement that reimagines the way of Jesus for today’s world.

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Music by Timothy John Stafford

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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