Vox Podcast With Mike Erre

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 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 Patreo

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 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 c

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 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 fo

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 beh

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 dis

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

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

To Be Human - Part Seventeen: Snakes on a Plain. Today Mike and Tim dive into Genesis 3! There are some interesting themes of wisdom, prudence, and the fall of humanity and the serpent! What is the significance of the serpent's role and the parallel between the serpent and Adam and Eve. They also touch on the problem of evil and the implications of wisdom in the biblical narrative. First, our fearless heroes discuss the concept of salvation and its definition. They explore the idea of salvation as embodied participation in new creation, emphasizing the importance of being fully human and imaging God in the world. They highlight the need for an understanding of salvation that goes beyond personal forgiveness of sins and focuses on the restoration of God's reign on earth. 00:00 - Intro 05:15 - Email on the definition of 'salvation.' 24:40 - Genesis 3 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 conver

Outrage Against the Machine. Hi. Today, Mike and Tim take a dive into the week in outrage, the outrage over that outrage and the outrage about the outrage over the initial outrage... got it? Does anybody read this...? Was it a last supper depiction? Is that blasphemous? Does it matter? They also touch on the boxing controversy that has made everyone online an expert on gender. How can we change the way we approach sensitive conversations and how can we avoid the outrage? First, Mike and Tim look at a few emails: Podcast format and content and the importance of respecting complexity and nuance in biblical subjects and express their commitment to making the podcast more accessible and shareable. Progressive revelation of God throughout history and the need to be gracious towards our faithful ancestors. The role of social media in the lives of Christians and the potential for it to malform us. A pastor publicly addressing his child's sin and the potential harm it can cause. A lot to cover and ch

To Be Human - Part Sixteen: Unity in Diversity. Today, Mike and Tim discuss Genesis Chapter two and the creation of male and female. They explore the concept of the human being solitary and the need for a helper suitable for him. They delve into the meaning of the words 'helper' and 'suitable' and how they have been misunderstood. They also discuss the significance of the deep sleep that Adam falls into and the use of the word 'rib' in the creation of Eve. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the true meaning of these concepts and their implications for human relationships. This is a conversation about unity in diversity as seen in the creation of male and female in Genesis 2. They explore the idea that the creation of woman as a strong helper (Ezer) is similar to the construction of the temple and tabernacle, highlighting the equality between male and female. Further, they discuss the implications of this unity in diversity for the church and the importance of

Love is a Battlefield. Today, we take a break from the To Be Human conversation to talk loving enemies, neighbors and family members with whom you (perhaps vehemently) disagree with. How is love often misunderstood? Love is not just a feeling, but an action. Mike uses the example of loving your neighbor as yourself, which means treating others with the same care and provision that you give to yourself. Mike and Tim also discuss the importance of loving your enemies and not harboring hatred or seeking revenge. We are to love others regardless of whether we agree with them or not, and to focus on actions rather than feelings. What are the distortions of love and how do they impact our relationships? Three common distortions: Love is about how I feel about somebody I have to tell someone I disagree with them before I love them If I love someone, I will speak harsh truth to them. We challenge these distortions and emphasize the importance of covenant love, being committed to someone, being with them, be

To Be Human - Part Fifteen: Four Rivers Run Through It. Today we continue our conversation on what it means to be human. How does the priestly language used for the "Adam" echo through scripture? How do those echoes help us to better understand what is happening in Eden? What about today? In what ways does Jesus actually fulfill scripture, in a non rhetorical sense? First, we asked, you answered! We received so much feedback on how to make the podcast more accessible, shareable and easier to jump in as a new listener. We spend ht the first few minutes of the episode talking through this. 00:00 Intro 01:53 Listener feedback 13:48 To Be Human Content 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 Vo

To Be Human - Part Fourteen: Knowledge of Good & Evil. Today, Mike and Tim discuss the trees in the Garden of Eden, specifically the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. They explore the significance of these trees and how they relate to the themes of mortality, eternal life, and moral discernment. Further, our fearless hosts explore the concept of the knowledge of good and evil and the choice to trust God's definition of good and evil or define it for oneself. How is this choice present throughout the biblical story, from Adam and Eve to Israel and the church? What is the importance of discernment and the role of Torah in guiding human choices? How do we trust God's wisdom and definitions of good and evil, rather than relying on our own understanding? 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

462 - To Be Human - Part Thirteen: Dust to Dust. Today, on the Voxology Podcast, Mike and Tim further discuss the creation account in Genesis 1 and 2. They explore the themes of cosmic order, the role of humans as image bearers, and the significance of the Garden of Eden. They also examine the relationship between Genesis 1 and 2, arguing that Genesis 2 is a sequel to Genesis 1, focusing on the creation of the already existing land and the selection of Adam and Eve as representative priests. Mike and Tim highlight the theological implications of these accounts and challenge the idea of humans being created perfect and then falling, exploring the themes of sacred space, the creation of a mountain temple garden, the role of humanity, and the distortion of God's ideals in Genesis 2 and 3. Does Genesis 1 describe the creation of general humanity, distinct from Adam and Eve's creation in Genesis 2? What is the significance of land in the Old Testament and the presence of other beings opposing God's wo

To Be Human - Part Twelve: The Gift of Time. Today, Mike and Tim discuss the topic of mandating the Ten Commandments in school classrooms, highlighting the problematic aspects of this idea and the recent incidents of sexual abuse and hypocrisy within the church. Then, we're back in Genesis to pick up the conversation on time and the concept of Sabbath and its significance in the biblical narrative. It emphasizes the idea that Sabbath is not just about taking a day off from work, but about recognizing our inherent value as human beings and resting in the love of God and the cultural and historical context of Sabbath, highlighting its relevance for an enslaved people who were constantly producing and working. Sabbath is a time of rest, reflection, and rejuvenation and the benefits of incorporating Sabbath practices into our lives are discussed. To be human is to be limited, to need rest, and to find value in our humanness rather than productivity. Sabbath is a counter to the hustle culture and a reminder

To Be Human - Part Eleven: Time After Time. Today, Mike and Tim bring back an old segment, Tim's Troubled Times!, to discuss the challenges of responding to power over within the church. We explore the use of Christian language to baptize political agendas, the rise of Christian nationalism, and the harm caused in the name of Jesus. How do we resist power over in a healthy way and advocate for life without engaging in conflict? We then step back into the book of Genesis to look at the seven day Creation story. Is it literal? What is the author doing? What would be understood by the original audience? What is lost in translation? How should we interpret it now? What is the significance of time and the number seven in Genesis? Fun Stuff. 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. Our Merch Store: ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Su

The Relationship Between Power, Parenting and Therapy. Today, Mike and Tim respond to a few listener questions from the past few episodes: First, they read a response to the "therapist vetting questionnaire" from the last episode. What is the role of therapists as mirrors rather than windows, reflecting back the client's thoughts and patterns? In response to another email, does the same questionnaire speak to the importance of finding a therapist who can accept and understand both faith and sexuality? Next, parenting. How does power over translate there? How do we stay connected with children and focus on catching them doing things right rather than wrong? What is the balance of power over and power with in parenting? What is the importance of love and commitment in order for power to be received as love? We discuss the importance of parenting with connection and empathy rather than shame and punishment, the need for parents to be willing to walk with their children through their mistakes and b

To Be Human - Part Ten: A Divine Partnership. Today we cover a range of topics, including the use of titles in the church, the role of apostles, the responsibilities of pastors, and the implications of human action in the world. We look at the concept of image bearers and the divine partnership between God and humans. We challenge the idea that everything that happens is God's will and emphasizes the importance of agency, freedom, and the distinction between outcomes and fruit. We also explore the power dynamics of power over versus power with, and the need to change the course of the wind rather than react to it. The discussion touches on the implications of Genesis 1 and 2, the restoration of the image, and the concept of divine partnership in the context of salvation. 01:25 - The Role of Titles in the Church 13:00 - A Christian Therapist Vetting Questionnaire 20:33 - Human Action and Divine Partnership As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to h

To Be Human - Part Nine: Fight The Power. Today, Mike and Tim conclude the topic of power in the church. They reflect on the dangers of power over and the need for leaders to resist it. They also explore the idea of fundamental goodness in humans and the role of hierarchy in the church. Jesus' teachings on power and the misuse of titles are examined, emphasizing the importance of humility and servanthood. The conversation challenges traditional views of power and encourages a more communal and egalitarian approach in the church. What is the importance of resisting power over in the church and embracing power with and power under? Why the need to abolish status markers and privileged hierarchy, refuse to build platforms of social prestige, and avoid public performance of piety? Why highlight the significance of mutuality, plurality, weakness, vulnerability, and humility in creating healthy church communities? We encourage everyone to find churches that prioritize these values and resist the tempta

To Be Human - Part Eight: The Two Powers. After a couple of weeks of hijinks, we're back to your regular scheduled programming. Today we further explore the misuse of power and the difference between power over and power with or under. What about the idea of entitlement and the need to relinquish rights and privileges for the sake of others? What is the concept of power and its role in the church? What is the difference between power over and power with, and how can the church to embrace power with and forsake power over? The examples of Jesus and Paul are highlighted as models of power with, where weakness, cooperation, and relationship are valued over coercion and control. We also look at the question of whether Christians can ever use power over, with different perspectives presented. First, Tim asks Mike to clarify the meaning of cruciformity, which is living in a self-expenditure and other-oriented way, following the example of Jesus. How can we understand it as more than a rhetorical idea and not a