Taking Christ out of Christmas. It's Christmas time here at Voxology. Today, we're joined by our good friend and Pastor, Bethany Nass Cseh, to talk about the day we set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus. How did Christmas become the celebration it is today? What were the circumstances around the Christ's actual birth? What beef do we all have with Christmas traditions? What would Jesus want from a celebration of His birth?
We spend a lot of time talking about Mary. The scandal of her pregnancy. Her Magnificat in Luke. The role of a Mother to a savior ad His need for her. Some of the beauty that is lost in the blood and flesh of the incarnation. 
First, we discuss a Tweet proclaiming that the reason men don't attend Church is because it's too effeminate :/
Bethany's books can be found here: Stepping Into Advent & Stepping Into Lent.
As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Always feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.
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

383 - Taking Christ out of Christmas - with Pastor Bethany Nass Cseh

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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Buddhism

Hinduism

Judaism

Islam

To Be Human - Part Six: Power Over vs. Power With. Today, Mike and Tim discuss the concept of gatekeeping and the misuse of power in various contexts, including the church and society. They explore the idea of ruling and having dominion over creation, emphasizing the importance of modeling God's rulership, which is based on love, humility, and invitation. This opens us up to our main topic: power over vs. power with. Mike and Tim highlight the need to hold convictions in a way that promotes curiosity, conversation, and hospitality, rather than using them to exclude or shame others. Further, they discuss the concept of power and how it is used by God, the idea of power over versus power with, and how power with is invitational and cooperative, while power over is hierarchical and coercive. How does this play into the importance of environmental stewardship and how is it a way of bearing the image of God? 
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.
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

452 - To Be Human - Part Six: Power Over vs. Power With

First off, we were hit on all sides in this episode. Construction, sick kid interruptions, audio problems... it was bumpy. However, we stuck the landing... 
How Should We be Political? Today, Mike and Tim welcome another Tim, Dr. Timothy Gombis, to explore the role of the church in politics and how to navigate political engagement as Christians. The church IS a political entity and the Christian way is political from beginning to end! 
However, the focus should be on practicing the politics of the cross, which involves service, love, and advocacy for the weak. It is important to resist being seduced into practicing the politics of this world and instead focus on the politics of the kingdom of God. We also highlight the need to balance mental health with being concerned about justice issues and the importance of taking action at the local level. 
Further, we discuss the dangers of getting caught up in national politics and the media's role in fueling anger and division, the idea of loyalty to Jesus and how it should shape our political engagement and the importance of focusing on local issues and taking action in our own communities. We need compassion, empathy, and understanding in our interactions with others, especially those with different political views.
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.
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

451 - How Should We Be Political? - with Dr. Timothy Gombis

To Be Human - Part Five: It Is Good. Today, Mike and Tim discuss the concept of ruling and what it means to be human. They explore the idea that creation is good, not perfect, and that humans are placed in the world to direct and manage it. They emphasize the importance of enjoying and appreciating creation, as well as the potential for misuse of power and authority. The episode touches on topics such as the purpose of marriage, the value of physical embodiment, and the need to honor God's goodness in our actions. 
Further, they explore the themes of enjoyment, creativity, and restoration in the context of ruling and reigning over creation. It emphasizes the idea that God created a world filled with potential and invites humans to participate in the cultivation and enjoyment of that creation. The conversation also touches on the concept of freedom and how it relates to our understanding of what is good, highlighting the importance of finding joy in the simple pleasures of life and appreciating the beauty of nature. 
And, hey, it concludes by encouraging listeners to go outside and enjoy something as a spiritual discipline.
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.
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

450 - To Be Human - Part Five: It Is Good

To Be Human - Part Four: Woman & Man. Today we analyze Genesis 1 and the poetic refrain that emphasizes the unity and diversity of humanity as images of God. Let's talk about the themes of the Genesis story and its relationship to ancient Near Eastern creation stories, the image of God and the unity in difference between male and female, the implications for gender equality, the absence of hierarchy between male and female, the image of God and procreation, the image of God and gender identity, treating all humans as image bearers, the Church as a community of image bearers, ruling in community, and the thread of congruity throughout the Bible.... Heyo! 
First, we discuss an email on the topics of correcting conditions and disabilities, as well as the implications of the new creation for individuals with disabilities. They explore the concept of the image of God and its significance in human ethics. The conversation also delves into the tension between hope and suffering, and the importance of loving and accepting others. We analyze Genesis 1 and the poetic refrain that emphasizes the unity and diversity of humanity as images of God. The conversation explores the themes of the Genesis story and its relationship to ancient Near Eastern creation stories, the image of God and the unity in difference between male and female, the implications for gender equality, the absence of hierarchy between male and female, the image of God and procreation, the image of God and gender identity, treating all humans as image bearers, the church as a community of image bearers, ruling in community, and the thread of congruity throughout the Bible.
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.
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

449 - To Be Human - Part Four: Woman & Man

To Be Human - Part Three: The Royal Dignity of Seth Erre. Today, we continue the conversation on what it means to be human, by exploring different views on the image of God, including the substantive, relational, and functional views. 
The conversation highlights the need for Christians to live out their faith in a way that reflects the kingdom of God and promotes inclusivity and love for all people, including the concept of human image and the different views on personhood. We delve into the implications of the functional view and presents the ontological view as a counterargument. 
What is the importance of treating all human beings as image bearers and the inherent value of every individual? What is the revolutionary nature of the image of God in Genesis and its impact on ancient societies? The conversation also addresses the treatment of children with special needs and the reevaluation of definitions and vantage points. Annnnd, we wrap it up with a reflection on the use of power and the threat of radical messages.
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.
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

383 - Taking Christ out of Christmas - with Pastor Bethany Nass Cseh

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