What is Cruciformity? In this engaging conversation, Mike and Tim welcome back long time friend and scholar Dr. Timothy Gombis to discuss a variety of topics ranging from personal anecdotes about driving and family life to deeper discussions on biblical interpretation and its relevance to social justice. Gombis shares insights from his teaching experiences and the importance of maintaining a balanced life while engaging in academic pursuits. The conversation also touches on the historical context of biblical interpretation and its implications for contemporary issues. Further, everyone discusses the importance of understanding historical context in scripture, the transformative nature of reading the Bible, and the concept of cruciformity. They explore how curiosity about biblical figures can lead to deeper insights and the challenges of navigating difficult conversations within the Christian community. The discussion emphasizes the need for self-giving love and social justice in faith practices. In this conversation, Mike Erre and Tim Gombis explore the complexities of community, identity, and the intersection of politics and Christianity. They discuss the challenges of navigating power dynamics and exclusion within church communities, the importance of finding supportive environments, and the need for intentionality in personal and communal growth. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of advocating for social justice and building relationships that foster understanding and compassion.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Tim's (not) 50th birthday 03:00 - Auburn Wellness Committee 10:20 -  Gombis

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.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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The Anti-Greed Gospel. In this episode of the VOXOLOGY podcast, Mike Erre, Timothy John Stafford, and Dr. Malcolm Foley discuss the themes of greed, racism, and economic justice as explored in Foley's book, 'The Anti-Greed Gospel.' They delve into Foley's background, theological influences, and the historical context of race and economics in America. The conversation emphasizes the interconnectedness of racial and economic justice, critiques colorblindness, and highlights the church's role in fostering economic solidarity and justice. Further, Dr. Foley discusses the profound vision of deification in Christian salvation, emphasizing the deep relationship God calls us to. He critiques the church's preoccupation with material wealth and power, urging a reorientation towards God's true provisions. The discussion also delves into the urgency of material care and the challenges posed by systemic exclusions in DEI initiatives. Foley highlights the interplay of self-interest and racial dynamics, advocating for a more holistic understanding of community and justice.

00:00 Introduction and the News

19:30 Malcolm Foley's Background and Theological Influences

31:30  Colorblindness vs. Racial Awareness

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.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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500. Thank you, thank you , thank you for walking this long road with us.

In this episode of Voxology, Mike and Tim reflect on the journey of their podcast as they celebrate their 500th episode. They express gratitude to their community and discuss the challenges of navigating cultural issues and the complexities of faith in today's world. The conversation then delves into the existence of different interpretations of Christianity and the role of the church in addressing societal issues, emphasizing the need for clarity in understanding the teachings of Jesus amidst a landscape of competing narratives. They discuss the intersection of faith and politics, emphasizing the need for the church to engage in political discourse while remaining true to the teachings of Jesus.

Further, Mike and Tim explore the importance of listening to marginalized voices, particularly black women, and the role of the church in advocating for justice and truth in a complex world. The discussion also delves into the concept of cruciformity, contrasting two distinct interpretations of Christianity and the implications for believers today. The dialogue culminates in a reflection on how to navigate the complexities of modern Christianity while remaining true to the teachings of Jesus.

Chapters

00:00 - Celebrating 500 Episodes: A Journey of Reflection

06:22 - Navigating Cultural Challenges: The Weight of Current Events

17:54 - The Clash of Christianities: Understanding Different Perspectives

25:24 - Government and Faith: The Role of the Church in Society

28:39 - The Empire Playbook and Political Christianity

30:55 - The Church's Role in Politics and Justice

32:59 - Truth Telling in a Complicated World

34:57 - Listening to Marginalized Voices

39:31 - Cruciformity and the Nature of Jesus

47:26 - The Distinction Between Two Christianities

54:31 - The Cross as a Way of Life

56:18 - Understanding Greatness in the Kingdom

58:17 - The Journey to Jerusalem

01:00:07 - The Nature of True Greatness

01:02:02 - The Son of Man's Mission

01:04:45 - Discernment vs. Judgment in Christianity

01:06:56 - Clarifying the Center of Christianity

01:10:48 - Serving the Marginalized

01:12:36 - Navigating Cultural Distractions

01:16:30 - The Call to a Cruciform Life

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.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

The Affections of Christ Jesus. In this episode of the Voxology podcast, Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and guest Nijay Gupta delve into the complexities of love as presented in theology, particularly in the context of the Old and New Testaments. They explore the differences between Hebrew and American conceptions of love, the role of emotions, and the importance of empathy in relationships. The conversation also touches on the challenges of loving others, including enemies, and the necessity of cultivating genuine compassion. Throughout the discussion, the hosts emphasize that love is not merely an action or feeling but a multifaceted experience that encompasses attachment, devotion, and relational dynamics.

Further, Nijay , Mike and Tim discuss the complexities of love, empathy, and relationships in the context of faith and social media. They explore the power of prayer, the impact of celebrity culture on genuine relationships, and the nature of God's love and jealousy. The discussion also delves into the concept of fear in relation to God and the importance of empathy as a tool for connection and understanding, emphasizing that empathy is essential for humanity and requires proximity to be effective. 

Nijay's book can be found HERE

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guests 03:00 - Exploring the Concept of Love in Theology 06:04 - Hebrew vs. American Conceptions of Love 09:02 - The Role of Emotions in Love 12:00 - Love as a Verb: Actions vs. Feelings 14:57 - The Complexity of Loving Others 17:59 - Love for Enemies and Compassion 20:58 - Navigating Difficult Relationships 24:03 - Truth and Love in Relationships 29:39 - The Power of Prayer and Social Media 31:48 - Celebrity Culture and Relationships 33:09 - Understanding God's Love and Jealousy 37:17 - The Nature of Fear in Relation to God 44:10 - Empathy: A Double-Edged Sword 51:54 - The Importance of Proximity in Empathy

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.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Bridging the Gap: Justice in the Church. This episode, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by Sarah Pechan Driver to discuss personal experiences and the profound journey of understanding justice from a biblical perspective. Sarah shares her journey from youth group (with a young Mike Erre as youth pastor) to a consultant for equity in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of justice as restoration of Shalom. The discussion explores the biblical foundations of justice, practical applications in everyday life, and the gaps in understanding justice within the church community. Further, the conversation looks at the effectiveness of USAID programs, the role of the church in health initiatives, and the importance of equity in business practices. They discuss practical steps for promoting equity, biblical perspectives on justice, and the transformative power of community practices. The conversation emphasizes the need for the church to engage in social justice and the restoration of Shalom as a core element of faith.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Personal Connections 07:15 - Journey to Understanding Justice 17:37 - Biblical Foundations of Justice 21:31 -  Bridging the Gap in Understanding Justice 23:49 - Practical Applications of Justice 27:59 - Evaluating Program Effectiveness 28:50 - The Role of USAID in Global Health 29:20 - Church Involvement in Health Initiatives 31:31 - Equity in Business Practices 32:34 - Practical Steps for Equity in Hiring 35:04 - Biblical Perspectives on Business and Equity 37:41 - Justice as a Core Element of Faith 39:32 - Transformative Practices in Community 41:13 - Defining Justice Through a Biblical Lens 43:17 - Restoration of Shalom as Justice 46:16 - Economic Practices for Justice 49:10 - The Beatitudes and Economic Justice 54:29 - Community Practices for Justice 01:00:34 - Being the Church in the World

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.

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Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

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The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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Understanding Grace as a Social Dynamic. In this episode of the Voxology podcast, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford discuss the implications of Christian nationalism, the importance of mental health in the face of societal issues, and the transformative power of grace within community dynamics. They explore how grace can reorder relationships and emphasize the need for a new humanity as described in Ephesians, while also addressing the challenges of navigating anger and outrage in today's world.

Further, Mike and Tim explore the transformative power of grace within the context of the new humanity as described in the New Testament. They discuss how grace flattens social hierarchies, reverses corrupt evaluations of status, and fosters a sense of siblingship among believers. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community practices that restore Shalom, address racial dynamics, and promote generosity towards the marginalized. Ultimately, they highlight the need for the church to embody a radical reconfiguration of social values that celebrates diversity and humanity

00:00 - Introduction to Voxology Podcast 00:59 - Christian Nationalism and Its Appeal 07:32 - Navigating Anger and Mental Health 12:04 - The Role of Grace in Community 15:15 - Ephesians and the New Humanity 32:12 - Grace as a Social Dynamic 33:10 - Dynamics of Grace in the New Humanity 36:06 - The Flattening Effect of Grace 38:30 - Reversing Social Status through Grace 41:51 - The Role of Community in Siblingship 44:56 - The Great Reversal of Status 48:26 - Addressing Racial Dynamics in the Church 52:48 - Practices for Restoring Shalom 56:48 - Generosity and the Poor 01:00:06 - Reconciliation and Social Practices 01:04:51 - Celebrating Humanity and Diversity

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.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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Social Justice as a Core Aspect of the Gospel. In this episode of the Voxology podcast, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford engage in a thought-provoking discussion about a new book on the concept of empathy, particularly in the context of the church and its role in social justice. They confront the idea of empathy as a sin, explore the church's responsibility in addressing justice issues, and emphasize the importance of community and discernment in navigating these complex topics. The conversation also delves into the early church's practices regarding social justice and the significance of communion as a reflection of social dynamics within the church. Further, Mike and Tim the significance of the Lord's Supper, emphasizing the importance of community and unity within the church. They explore the implications of social justice as a core aspect of the gospel, highlighting how divisions within the church can lead to judgment. The discussion transitions into the concept of shalom, emphasizing that true peace involves restoration and active engagement in addressing societal disparities. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the need for transformation in understanding and practicing these principles.

00:00 - Confronting the Sin of Empathy

03:00 - The Role of the Church in Justice

05:48 - Isolation vs. Transformation in the Church

09:05 - The Importance of Community and Discernment

11:58 - Social Justice in the Early Church 1

5:07 - Understanding Communion and Social Dynamics

32:59 - Examining the Lord's Supper

41:00 - Social Justice and the Gospel

52:09 - Understanding Shalom and Transformation

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.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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Exploring how to keep hope alive in overwhelming times and the church's role in restoring Shalom and unity amidst despair. Unpacking Ephesians 2, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford discuss practical ways to overcome feelings of helplessness by engaging in community action and embracing a holistic understanding of sin and salvation.

Key Takeaways:

• Finding Hope Through Action – How engaging in local community efforts can alleviate feelings of despair and helplessness.
• Restoring Shalom – Understanding the church's role in reconciling divided groups and promoting unity, as illustrated in Ephesians 2.
• Holistic Redemption – Embracing a comprehensive view of sin and salvation that includes individual, communal, and systemic restoration.
• Navigating Despair – Strategies to avoid becoming overwhelmed by news cycles and societal issues, focusing on being informed rather than inflamed.

Resources Mentioned:

• Scandalous Witness by Lee Camp – [Link]
• Ephesians 2 – [Link]
• Vox Podcast Non-ference Details – [Link]

Join the conversation and share your experiences in finding hope during these challenging times. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media.

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.

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The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Exploring how reframing sin and salvation as communal realities can transform our understanding of justice, community, and the mission of the church in today's world, Mike and Tim dive deep into the implications of being a community of justice and shalom while continuing their Exile Series.

Key Takeaways: • Sin and Salvation as Communal Concepts – Understanding the importance of viewing sin and salvation beyond individualism, emphasizing the corporate dimensions within the church. • The Role of the Church as New Humanity – Discussing Paul's metaphor of the body of Christ and how it calls us to eradicate hierarchies and promote justice within our communities. • Reevaluating Missions and the Great Commission – Critiquing traditional approaches to evangelism and missions, focusing on the communal nature of the gospel and the importance of healthy, mutual relationships. • Current Events and the Church's Response – Analyzing recent developments like anti-Christian bias task forces and Bible reading mandates, and how they align or conflict with Jesus' teachings on the church and state. • Upcoming Opportunities for Spiritual Community – Announcing the upcoming "Non-Ference" in Nashville for those feeling spiritually homeless, and "Pastoring as an Act of Resistance," a monthly gathering for ministry leaders.

Resources Mentioned: • Alan Kreider – The Patient Ferment of the Early Church • Tim Gombis – Faith Improvised podcast • Sky Jethani – Upcoming book on justice

Join us as we journey together in questioning and rediscovering the true mission of Jesus. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay connected and be part of 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.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Explore how recognizing sin and salvation as communal realities empowers the church to become a beacon of justice and shalom in a divided world. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the deep-seated issues within modern Christianity, examining the dichotomy between individualistic and communal understandings of faith. They discuss how embracing a communal approach to sin and salvation calls us to prioritize justice, mercy, and empathy as core elements of following Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

• The Communal Nature of Sin – Understanding how sin disrupts not only our relationship with God but also fractures community and societal structures.

• Salvation as Corporate Restoration – Exploring how salvation restores communities, calling the church to embody justice and shalom as integral to the gospel.

• Embracing Justice and Mercy – Discussing the role of the church in advocating for the marginalized, including immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community, and how mercy and empathy should guide our actions.

• The Church as an Alternative Community – How the church can resist political ideologies and focus on being a community shaped by the cross, reflecting God's kingdom on earth.

Resources Mentioned:

• Matthew 25:31-46 – The parable of the sheep and goats, highlighting the importance of mercy and justice.

• Books of Genesis and Leviticus – Insights into the communal aspects of sin and law in the Old Testament.

• Lee Camp's Writings – Perspectives on the church's role in society and resisting political power structures.

• Matthew Soerens and World Relief – Thoughts on immigration and welcoming the stranger.

Call to Action:

Join the conversation and help us build a community that embodies justice and shalom. Subscribe, 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.

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The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Explore how Christians can resist the allure of political power, understand the biblical call to live as exiles, and rediscover the transformative impact of being the church in a polarized society.

Key Takeaways: • Resisting Political Idolatry – Understanding the dangers of aligning Christianity with political parties and leaders. • Embracing Exile – How the biblical concept of exile shapes the church's posture in today's world. • Living the One Another Commands – The importance of internal transformation and community practices outlined in the New Testament. • Prophetic Witness – How the church can influence society by embodying justice, love, and humility without relying on political means.

Resources Mentioned: • The 59 "One Another" Commands – A compilation of New Testament directives for Christian community. • "Exiles" by Preston Sprinkle – Insights on the church's role in society. • "Resident Aliens" by Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon – Discussing the church as a counter-cultural community.

Join us as we delve into the heart of what it means to be the church in a divided world. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us 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.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy