Voxology

Falling Short of God's Glory. Today, Mike and Tim explore various themes including the announcement of Stafford's new music project Barewolf, the intersection of political duty and faith, the concept of empire versus the kingdom of God, and a deep dive into the nature of sin as presented in Genesis.

How is sin external and can convert individuals? How does that relate to the importance of imaging God, and the implications of worship and idolatry in daily life? The conversation emphasizes the need for discernment and the active participation in living out one's faith in a complex world. What is the the multifaceted nature of sin? What is its communal implications, and the importance of language in shaping identity?

Sin is not just an individual act but a communal issue that affects relationships and society. They wrap up with a talk about the role of worship, justice, and discipleship in the Christian faith, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of these concepts beyond superficial practices.

00:00 - Barewolf

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

The Mark of Cain (To Be Human 24). In this episode, Mike and Tim explore the themes of Genesis, particularly focusing on the story of Cain and Abel. They discuss the significance of offerings, the evolution of Eve's character, and the implications of sin as it relates to human nature. The conversation delves into the theological interpretations of these narratives, emphasizing God's pursuit of humanity and the choices individuals face between good and evil.

Further, Tim and Mike explore the themes of fear, political tensions, and the enduring relevance of biblical stories. Implications of violence! Responsibility! The connection between humanity and creation! All this culminates in a reflection on the difference between conviction and accusation, highlighting the importance of recognizing God's voice amidst the noise of fear and judgment.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], 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

The New Normal: Part Three (To Be Human 23). In this conversation, Mike and Tim explore themes of masculinity, faith, and cultural identity, particularly in relation to Gen Z. They discuss the role of the church in shaping modern masculinity, personal stories of faith and identity, and the implications of the Genesis narrative on human relationships and societal structures. The conversation emphasizes the importance of lament in faith, the need for empowerment of women, and the challenges of navigating cultural expectations around gender.

00:00 - Intro

02:30 - Mike's vile email attacks because of the Matt Walsh debacle

20:20 - Genesis

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], 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

The New Normal: Part Deux. Today, Mike and Tim swim through quite a bit. How did Mike end up on Matt Walsh's radar? How is the Sermon on the Mount disputable or controversial?? What is up with masculinity these days? Then, an attendee from one of the 'Nonferences' asks a question about why Mike stays in vocational ministry.

From there, it's on to finish curses and human agency. How does desire translate? What about rule? Where else do those words come up and what do they mean? Does God intentionally frustrate us?!?!?! So much...

00:00 - Intro

05:45 - Mike's Sermon on the Mount Controversy

17:45 - 'Why Keep Pastoring?' Email

34:00 - Genesis

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], 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

The New Normal: Part One (To Be Human 21). In this conversation, Mike and Tim explore the themes of fear, anxiety, and the role of the church in addressing these issues within society. They discuss a blue-collar perspective on faith, the impact of societal fear on Christian communities, and the need to rethink hierarchies in Christianity. The conversation also delves into the emotional toll of labor and the implications of gender dynamics in the context of the fall. Curses! What do they meeeeeean?

00:00 - Intro

04:45 - Do Not Be Afraid

12:30 - Email on Blue Collar, Calling and Vocation

38:00 - The Curse

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], 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

Politics & Potlucks: The Church’s Place in American Culture. Today, Mike and Tim explore a range of topics from Halloween traditions to the complexities of political theology within the Christian faith. They discuss the cultural implications of figures like Taylor Swift, the significance of community engagement, and the importance of loving one's enemies in a politically charged environment. The conversation delves into the nature of power dynamics, the role of the church in political discourse, and the need for a deeper understanding of Christian identity in relation to societal issues.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], 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

To Be Human - Part Twenty: Snakebitten. Today, we explore the origin story of the powers in Genesis, focusing on the serpent and the choice between following Yahweh's wisdom or defining good and evil for oneself. We look at the story of Cain and Abel as an example of the ongoing conflict between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent. Further, we look at the theme of the serpent and its influence throughout biblical narratives. It begins with the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis, where sin enters the world through the serpent's temptation. This theme continues in Genesis 6 with the Nephilim, who are the offspring of the sons of God and the daughters of humans. The conversation then highlights how this pattern of succumbing to the serpent's temptation repeats throughout biblical history, with figures like Cain, Solomon, and even David. However, Jesus breaks this pattern by resisting the serpent's temptation in the wilderness.

Spiritual warfare! The importance of resisting social behaviors that dehumanize and divide! The need to redefine our roles and resist in a way that promotes human flourishing and breaks destructive cycles!

First, we spend time lamenting and discussing the recent school shooting in Atlanta and our frustration with the lack of action on gun violence. We question the Christian position on guns and lament the normalization of school shootings.

00:00 - Intro

02:20 - Discussion on the School Shooting in Atlanta

13:30 - Genesis

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], 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

To Be Human - Part Nineteen: Union of the Snake. Well, here we go. Today, the identity of the serpent in the Garden of Eden is examined, suggesting that it may represent a spiritual being rather than a literal snake (whaaaaaaat?). Mike and Tim discuss the concept of enmity between the serpent and the woman's seed and explore the idea of seed as both physical descendants and those who image God. We also discuss the conflict between different offspring throughout the book of Genesis, highlighting the war between the seed of the serpent and the seed of God. What is the significance of Jesus as the ultimate he who images God and resists the serpent's temptations? The conversation ends with a discussion on the role of Adam and Eve as archetypes and representative humans.

But first, we wrestle with a really sincere email about mental health and the shame that can be associated with medication. The emailer is struggling with depression and anger and wonders if relying on medication is a lack of faith. We discuss the importance of seeking help for mental health issues and emphasize that there is nothing wrong with using medication or therapy. We also address the stigma surrounding mental health in Christian communities and encourage the listener to continue fighting for their well-being. Further, the conversation explores the concept of parenting and the fear and pressure that comes with it as well as the harmful effects of control and the importance of autonomy in parenting. The conversation also delves into the societal expectations and shame associated with parenting, as well as the need for self-care and mental health support for parents.

TIMESTAMPS!

00:00 - Intro

04:40 - Email on Mental Health and Medication

35:30 - Genesis Three and the Snake

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], 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

A Violent God? Today Mike and Tim are joined by the other Tim to discuss various topics, including Gombis's experience teaching kindergarten, the performance of the Cubs and Giants, and the small issue of violence in the Old Testament.

Together, we explore different perspectives on reconciling the violence in the Old Testament with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament. Gombis offers insights into how the Old Testament portrays God's judgment and the role of Israel as His agents, while acknowledging the complexity of the issue and the need for further exploration. The conversation explores the tension between the violent portrayals of God in the Old Testament and the message of love and hospitality in the New Testament.

We look at various interpretations and explanations for these portrayals, including the idea of God accommodating to the cultural context of the time, while emphasizing the importance of the church practicing radical hospitality and caring for the marginalized and oppressed. This encourages a shift in perspective from seeing acts of service as a duty to seeing them as encounters with Jesus and opportunities for solidarity. Lastly, we discuss the importance of approaching marginalized communities with a posture of receiving rather than saving, emphasizing the need to see the world through the eyes of those on the margins and to treat them with dignity and respect.

Phew.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], 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

To Be Human - Part Eighteen: In Hiding. In this conversation, Mike Erre and Timothy John Stafford discuss various topics, including pickleball injuries, Denny's menu items, and their perspectives on death...

For real, though, we spend some time on the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis, focusing on the fear of the Lord. We explore the meaning of fear in the context of encountering something beyond human comprehension and the awe and reverence that comes with it. What is the importance of understanding God's character as one who invites and desires participation rather than reacting with anger and punishment? How does the concept of the fear of the Lord connect to wisdom?

We dive into the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 and how their fear and shame resulted from their disobedience. The discussion also touches on the role of shame in the church and the importance of coming out of hiding and finding healing.

First, we discuss a church flyer that went viral with some serious misogynistic vibes. How is this still a thing?

00:00 - Intro

06:15 - Misogynistic Church Flyer lament

11:00 - Genesis 3

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], 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