Voxology

Reality, Grief, and Hope: Our Posture of Lament challenges us to thoughtfully examine the intersection of faith and politics, exploring the role of the church in society amidst cultural challenges. From some of the greats (Walter Brueggemann and D Willy), we're able to map out a posture to hold in these time. From naming the reality we see around us, lamenting and grieving what we've seen and living in the hope of what's to come. In this episode of the Voxology Podcast, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford unpack the complexities of Christian nationalism, drawing parallels between biblical prophetic critiques and modern-day issues.

Through a lens of cruciformity, they discuss how the teachings of Jesus call us to navigate cultural issues with humility, justice, and critical thinking. The hosts engage in an honest conversation about the importance of lament, naming uncomfortable truths, and pursuing hope in a divided world. From the misuse of religious rhetoric to the church's prophetic responsibility, this episode invites listeners to wrestle with questions of faith, politics, and the transformative power of Jesus' example. As cultural norms shift, how can Christians embody the way of Christ without compromising integrity and compassion?

Join this deep dive into theology, justice, and the pressing challenges of our time. Feel free to email in questions, engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram, or share your thoughts as we navigate these topics together. Let's pursue meaningful dialogue and learn from diverse perspectives as we reflect on what it means to follow Jesus in today's world.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

03:02 - Purpose of Our Mission

08:03 - Prophetic Postures Explained

15:25 - Donald J. Trump Institute Overview

18:18 - Addressing Open Racism in Administration

23:13 - Valentina Gomez Congressional Campaign

27:44 - Understanding Religious Pluralism

29:15 - Dallas Willard Quote on Faith

31:15 - Dallas Willard Quote on Spirituality

34:20 - Concept of Hope as a Circle

35:11 - Lament as Trust Expression

37:10 - You're Not Alone in Your Thoughts

40:05 - Church's Need for Reform

42:50 - Exploring the Age of Cruelty

49:18 - Lamenting Our Fears and Anxieties

56:02 - Fear as a Controlling Force

57:54 - Analyzing My Reactions

59:58 - The Significance of Advent Hope

03:02 - Preview of Next Episode

1:07:24 - Support and Social Media Links

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.

Further into the Lord's Prayer we go! But first, is Christian Nationalism an expression of faith or a distortion of the teachings of Jesus? In this packed and thought-provoking episode of the Voxology podcast, the hosts explore the intersection of faith and politics, the challenges posed by cultural issues, and the role of the church in society. With insights into cruciformity and justice, they dissect the rhetoric and actions surrounding Christian Nationalism, contrasting them with the true message of Christianity and the call to love, grace, and reconciliation.

Through engaging storytelling and critical analysis, the episode draws on scripture, theology, and current events to unpack the ways in which faith can be misused for political agendas. The hosts challenge listeners to thoughtfully navigate cultural challenges, asking how the church can embody the life and teachings of Jesus in a polarized world.

We encourage and would love discussion as we pursue understanding together. Feel free to email in questions or engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. Join us as we seek to live out the cruciform way of Jesus in a world rife with division and complexity.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

04:05 - Christian Nationalism Update

10:20 - ICE Detains Breastfeeding Mother

11:34 - ICE Deportation Controversy

12:39 - Trump's Thanksgiving Tweets

17:00 - Trump Leadership PAC Emails

19:25 - Recovery Strategies

22:40 - Culture Wars Discussion

25:25 - Understanding 1 Corinthians 11:7-16

42:30 - Introduction to God the Father

43:10 - God the Father in the Old Testament

44:30 - God as Father in the Mosaic Covenant

45:40 - God as Father in the Davidic Covenant

47:50 - God as Father in the New Exodus

50:25 - God as Father in the Messianic Covenant

54:55 - God as Father in the Creation Covenant

56:10 - Final Thoughts and Reflections

01:01:39 - Seth's Shoutouts

01:03:22 - Thank You

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.

Jesus redefined God as "Father," inviting us to engage with faith, justice, and the church's role in society. This episode explores how the concept of "Father" in the Lord's Prayer shifts from an ancient patriarchal lens to a radical, relational, and restorative vision of God. Through powerful storytelling, the hosts unpack Jesus' redefinition of "Father" as a term of intimacy, love, and belonging—challenging cultural hierarchies and calling the church to embody cruciformity in community.

Dive into nuanced discussions about Christianity, faith, and theology while reflecting on the intersection of cultural issues, justice, and the teachings of Jesus. Together, the hosts wrestle with navigating cultural challenges, addressing Christian nationalism, and envisioning a faith that uplifts rather than marginalizes. From the parable of the prodigal son to real-world acts of love and resistance, this conversation centers on the transformative impact of God's love.

We encourage discussion and would love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to email in questions or engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram as we pursue deeper understanding and faith in action. Let's learn, reflect, and grow together.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Current Events

08:15 - Franklin Graham's Jesus Juke

13:41 - The Resistance

21:03 - The Lord's Prayer

27:50 - What Jesus Means by "Father"

34:35 - The Prodigal Son: A Cultural Retelling

40:57 - The Prodigal Son: A First-Person Retelling

49:45 - The Prodigal Son

54:34 - The Prodigal Daughter

57:43 - Importance of the Father Image

1:00:06 - The Prodigal Son Parable

1:02:15 - Closing Thoughts and Happy Thanksgiving

1:05:13 - Support the Podcast

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.

What is God's will for humanity? Is it found in Genesis 1 and 2, or does Genesis 3 reveal something deeper? In this episode, Mike and Tim tackle "The Mystery of God's Will" by unpacking Genesis 3 and exploring how God's ideal will contrasts with the realities of a fallen world. With a focus on themes like cruciformity, faith, and navigating cultural challenges, the conversation dives into questions about suffering, the role of ideologies, and how theology shapes our understanding of justice and faith.

The hosts discuss how God's will operates within suboptimal conditions, the complexities of prayer, and how Jesus challenges simplistic moral frameworks. They also examine the role of the church in society and the intersections of faith and politics, offering insights on how Christians can engage with cultural issues while holding space for mystery, tension, and humility in their faith.

Join the conversation as they challenge common assumptions about God's nature, human suffering, and the role of theology in understanding our world. Engage with the discussion, share your thoughts, and send in your questions—we'd love to hear from you as we pursue these important conversations together!

CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Tim's Punk Rock Show 01:40 - Corrections 03:20 - Understanding God's Will 06:40 - This Week in Christian Nationalism 16:04 - Women's Voting Rights Debate 17:14 - Final Thoughts on Ideologies 21:31 - Ideologies Explored 23:20 - Changing Ideological Systems 27:10 - Combating Ideological Challenges 34:45 - Complexity and Mystery of Faith 36:38 - Seeking the Truth 42:10 - What is the Truth? 42:53 - Intro 45:50 - Romans 8:28 Explained 51:10 - Moral Calculus in Christianity 54:00 - Insights from John 9 59:56 - God's Plan for Humanity 1:02:48 - God's Will Revisited 1:05:30 - How Prayer Works 1:06:36 - The Problem of Evil 1:07:31 - Understanding God's Nature 1:09:40 - OUTRO 1:11:32 - Outro

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.

Join the Voxology Podcast for an engaging exploration of "Lament & Hope: Resisting Christian Nationalism." Hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive into the pressing issue of Christian nationalism, discussing its implications for Christianity, faith, and the role of the church in society. With a focus on cruciformity and the teachings of Jesus, they unpack the cultural challenges of political idolatry, the misuse of theology, and the erosion of justice. They reflect on lament as a spiritual practice, addressing its power to navigate cultural issues and foster humility amidst complex and divisive times.

How do we respond faithfully as individuals and the church when faced with injustice and dehumanization in society? What does it mean to pray, resist oppression, and embody the way of Jesus in a world grappling with faith and politics? Explore these questions and more as the hosts offer critical insights, thought-provoking commentary, and a call to engage these discussions with curiosity and grace.

Tim's New Songs: