What is the church’s role in justice, and are we missing the mark? In this thought-provoking conversation, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive deep into the intersection of faith and politics, examining how the church engages (or fails to engage) with justice in today’s world. From exploring the misuse of Christian imagery in political discourse to reflecting on cultural issues like immigration and systemic injustice, this episode challenges us to reconsider what it means to truly embody the teachings of Jesus.

The discussion highlights the dangers of "Christian cosplay"—performing faith while neglecting justice—and the call to cruciformity, a life shaped by the cross, humility, and self-sacrificial love. The hosts draw from Scripture, including Jeremiah, Isaiah, and the Sermon on the Mount, to critique the blending of nationalism and religion, and to emphasize the church’s responsibility to defend the oppressed and care for the vulnerable.

This episode is a call to action for Christians to navigate cultural challenges with integrity, choosing faithfulness to Jesus over allegiance to political ideologies. How do we reconcile public worship with private injustice? What does it mean to be a light for the kingdom in a culture drenched in fear and division?

We encourage you to join the conversation. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and engage with us on Facebook and Instagram. Together, let’s pursue a faith that speaks truth, loves boldly, and seeks justice for all.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
02:11 - Charlie Kirk
06:10 - ICE and DHS Overview
12:57 - Charlie Kirk’s Memorial Service Highlights
18:21 - Christian Cosplay Explained
23:45 - The Speeches Recap
31:19 - Christian Cosplay Discussion
32:55 - Understanding Jeremiah 7
36:40 - Jeremiah 7:12 Insights
41:40 - Jeremiah 7:22 Analysis
46:03 - Worship Practices God Dislikes
49:14 - God’s View on Religious Performances
52:52 - Insights from Isaiah 58
57:20 - Key Messages from Amos 5
59:50 - Lessons from Micah 6
1:07:00 - Aroma of the Church Explained
1:11:35 - Next Steps for Believers
1:17:34 - Letting Go of the Burning Coal Concept
1:22:17 - OUTRO
1:23:30 - Support the Podcast
1:24:10 - Follow and Interact with Mike

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 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

Why does the gospel offend? In this deep dive into a crucified Messiah's challenge, the Voxology hosts unpack the cultural and theological significance of the offense of Christianity. Exploring themes of cruciformity, faith and politics, and navigating cultural challenges, they focus on how the message of Jesus subverts worldly power, redefines wisdom, and invites radical humility. Together, they examine what it means to embody the gospel in a society steeped in division, and how the church's role is to reflect the countercultural, self-giving love of Christ.

From redefining power and wisdom to challenging modern expressions of faith and justice, this conversation prompts vital questions: What part of the gospel should offend? And how do we ensure we don't add unnecessary barriers to its message? With references to scripture and real-world implications, this episode invites listeners to wrestle with the heart of the gospel and its relevance in today’s world.

Join the conversation! Share your thoughts, questions, or reflections as we pursue deeper understanding together. Engage with us on Facebook or Instagram, and let’s continue to navigate faith, cultural issues, and the teachings of Jesus with curiosity and humility.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Tim's Bruce Springsteen Emotion
04:48 - Why We Talk About Communication
07:58 - Courage in Modern Christianity
18:02 - Understanding Offensive Christianity
23:11 - Exploring 1 Corinthians 1
32:34 - The Offense of the Gospel Message
38:04 - The Scandal of the Cross Explained
43:55 - Meaning Behind the Offense
45:50 - Love as the Ultimate Power
48:05 - The Cross as God's Revelation
53:25 - What Should Truly Offend Us
55:30 - Michael Gorman's Modern Paul
57:00 - Theology of Separation Explained
1:00:25 - Understanding Persecution
1:06:20 - The Concept of Offense
1:09:10 - Thank You
1:10:25 - Outro

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 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

What is the hidden danger of Christian nationalism, and how does it challenge the integrity of faith, the church, and the teachings of Jesus? In this thought-provoking episode of the Voxology Podcast, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford explore the troubling intersections of faith and politics, examining how concepts like cruciformity and the role of the church in society are being distorted by cultural narratives. Through engaging dialogue, they reflect on the dangers of syncretism, the idolization of political power, and the tension between justice and tribalism in today's cultural landscape.

From the misuse of Jesus' teachings to the blending of nationalism with Christianity, this episode unpacks the critical need for a gospel-centered approach that honors the teachings of Jesus. The hosts delve into the complexities of navigating cultural challenges with humility and grace, offering tangible insights on how the church can reclaim its mission of embodying the upside-down kingdom of God.

Join the conversation as they challenge common assumptions, highlight the importance of bearing the fruit of the Spirit, and encourage a faithful witness to Jesus in a polarized world. We invite you to share your thoughts—engage with us on Facebook and Instagram or reach out with your questions. Let’s pursue a deeper understanding of faith and justice together.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:24 - Money Management
05:50 - Listener Feedback and Q&A
06:58 - Memorial and the Church as Empire
12:45 - Church and Empire Relationship
18:13 - Understanding Remnant Theology
22:55 - Exploring Syncretism
27:50 - Example 1: The Memorial Service
36:25 - Christian Nationalism at the RNC
41:34 - Benny Johnson’s RNC Speech
47:47 - Defining Syncretism
51:03 - Culture War vs. Gospel Thinking
52:45 - The Medium is the Message
56:45 - Is This Revival?
1:00:00 - Jesus and Tribalism
1:05:51 - The Two Christianities
1:07:10 - Support the Podcast
1:08:49 - See You Next Time

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 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

What happens when faith, politics, and cultural divides collide? In this thought-provoking conversation, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford explore Charlie Kirk as a person, a symbol, and a cultural marker. Is he a champion for Christian values or a polarizing figure in today's culture wars? This episode dives into the complexities of navigating cultural challenges, the role of the church in society, and the nuanced intersections of faith and politics.

The hosts critically examine Turning Point USA's mission, its connections to Christianity, and the implications of blending biblical principles with political ideologies. They challenge the idea of "Christian nationalism" and question whether the gospel is being redefined in service of cultural power. Themes of cruciformity, love for neighbors and enemies, and the countercultural way of Jesus are central to this discussion.

Join us as we unpack whether the church should engage in culture wars or embody a different way—faithful to Jesus’ teachings of humility, justice, and hope. We encourage you to reflect, share your thoughts, and engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. Let’s pursue understanding together as we navigate these challenging and important questions about faith and our cultural moment.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Why We're Not Doing The Lord's Prayer
01:19 - Charlie Kirk: Person vs Symbol
02:12 - The Church as a Signifier of the Kingdom
07:15 - Charlie Kirk: Cultural Symbol
10:22 - A Deep Dive on Turning Point USA
19:30 - Reading Turning Point USA’s Mission Statements
22:10 - Reading TPUSA Faith’s Mission Statements
26:40 - What’s in the Constitution Coach
29:55 - What We Believe
40:50 - Misunderstanding of the Bible
45:54 - Misunderstanding of the Church
49:21 - Misunderstanding of Jesus
50:56 - Christian Nationalism
57:06 - Biblical and Historical Illiteracy
57:45 - Hope and Joy
1:03:03 - Is There Hope
1:05:27 - Practical Steps
1:13:05 - Last Thoughts
1:15:43 - Thank You

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 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

How should Christians react to political violence? In this deeply reflective episode, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford tackle hard questions about faith, politics, and the role of the church in society. With a week marked by tragedy, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk and a series of shootings, the hosts explore what a kingdom response looks like in these turbulent times.

From condemning all acts of violence equally to affirming the dignity of every human being, they emphasize the need for a cruciformity—a life shaped by the values and teachings of Jesus. They discuss navigating cultural challenges with wisdom, rejecting the polarizing rage economy, and fostering a community rooted in justice, love, and mutual accountability. How can the church rise above partisan responses and embody the upside-down kingdom of God? What does it mean to lament, honor complex legacies, and act with hope amidst despair?

This conversation challenges listeners to rethink their approach to cultural issues, faith, and the call to stand as exiles and strangers in today’s society. We encourage and would love your thoughts as we pursue these questions together. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or wherever you engage with us, and let’s continue learning from diverse perspectives. Thanks for being part of this journey!

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:28 - Initial Thoughts on Political Climate
08:12 - Kingdom vs. Partisan Response Explained
18:06 - Message to Charlie Kirk’s Widow
20:40 - Condemning Political Violence
21:57 - Truth About Legacies in Politics
24:10 - Judging Individual Salvation Perspectives
28:30 - Lament as an Active Response
34:56 - Affirming the Value of Human Life
37:15 - Understanding Speech and Violence
39:45 - Rejecting Scapegoating in Society
41:13 - The Rage Economy Explained
44:10 - Benefits of Digital Detoxing
46:50 - Reactions to Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
53:20 - Church’s Role in Changing Conversations
54:20 - What Did We Miss in This Discussion?
55:35 - Support the Podcast
56:25 - Thank You for Listening

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! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market

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

In this thought-provoking episode of the Voxology Podcast, Mike and Tim tackle the implications of “thoughts and prayers” in moments of societal crisis to addressing the pervasive dehumanization in modern culture. Mike and Tim challenge listeners to rethink how faith shapes engagement with justice and truth. Through examples like prophetic critique in scripture and the importance of naming reality amidst propaganda, the episode offers actionable insights for embodying Jesus’ teachings in a culture dominated by division and misinformation.

The conversation starts with the pressing challenges of navigating life in a post-truth world while standing for justice and truth. The conversation delves into the intersections of faith and politics, exploring how Christians can respond to cultural issues with cruciformity and humility. Drawing from scripture, theology, and practical insights, the hosts reflect on the role of the church in society, the importance of lamenting injustice, and fostering hope through communal witness.

I. Three Urgent Prophetic Tasks: An Introduction
II. Reality amid Ideology
III. Grief amid Denial
IV. Hope amid Despair
V. Living amid Empire as Neighborhood

Walter Brueggemann, Reality, Grief, Hope: Three Urgent Prophetic Tasks (https://ref.ly/logosres/rltygrfhp?ref=Page.p+vii&off=54&ctx=n%0aAcknowledgements%0a+~I.+Three+Urgent+Prop) (Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2014), vii.

https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/reports/mass-shooting?page=11

https://www.theviolenceproject.org/mass-shooter-database/

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmc2201761

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Thank You
00:53 - Tim’s Troubled Times
06:32 - Importance of Communal Witness
19:34 - Thoughts and Prayers Debate
21:58 - Voicemail Insights
25:18 - Podcast Introduction
25:48 - Claim 1: Useless Thoughts and Prayers
27:38 - Claim 2: The Sufficiency of Prayer
29:45 - Faith Without Works is Dead
32:54 - Hypocrisy in Religious Performance
40:06 - Addressing the Sin Problem
43:10 - Gun Violence Statistics
48:45 - Biblical Reference: Luke 22:36
1:00:40 - Action Steps Moving Forward
1:03:11 - Embracing Good Trouble
1:04:59 - Preview of Next Week
1:05:21 - You're Not Alone: Support
1:09:14 - Support the Podcast

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! https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY?ref=shop_sugg_market

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

Today's episode is audio from last weeks event: "Lean In: A Conversation About Immigration," a cosponsored, free event between VOXOLOGY and World Relief. Mike Erre and Matthew Soerens delve into the church's role and posture on immigration issues, highlighting their collaboration with World Relief. They discuss the importance of moving beyond policy debates to embrace a posture of empathy and advocacy for immigrant and refugee communities.

Through events like "Lean In," they aim to foster conversations that address biblical, legal, and social realities, encouraging listeners to engage actively and compassionately. Join them as they explore how the church can stand in solidarity with marginalized communities and make a meaningful impact. How should the Church respond? What are the actual laws and how are they being violated? From the teachings of Jesus to the Old Testament’s calls to care for the foreigner, this episode navigates how Christians can approach this complex issue with compassion and cruciformity.

They dive into the legal realities of immigration, the stories of refugees and asylum seekers, and the moral and theological responsibilities of the church. With a focus on justice, faith and politics, and the unity of the global church, this dialogue encourages empathy, critical thinking, and gospel-centered action. Join the discussion as the hosts address questions like: How does faith inform our view of immigration? What does it mean to embody love and justice as followers of Jesus? Whether you're wrestling with these topics or seeking to better understand the role of the church in cultural issues, this episode offers depth, reflection, and hope. We encourage and would love discussion as we pursue these important conversations. Engage with us on Facebook and Instagram or email your questions as we continue to explore faith, justice, and the teachings of Jesus. Together, let’s navigate these challenges with humility, curiosity, and grace.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Intro

04:35 - Mike’s Introduction

05:46 - Biblical Teaching on Immigration

19:53 - Complexity of Immigration Issues

20:24 - Immigration Definitions Explained

29:10 - Changes in Immigration Enforcement Policies

33:45 - Christian Immigrant Population Insights

37:40 - Desired Immigration Policy Reforms

43:31 - Legal vs. Just Immigration Practices

47:08 - The Dignity Act Overview

48:50 - Questions and Responses

54:50 - Community Action Steps

57:46 - Church Support for Latino Community

1:00:54 - Engaging Elected Leaders Effectively

1:06:40 - Religious Organizations and Liberty

1:11:38 - Finding Reliable Information Sources

1:14:55 - Understanding Dreamers and DACA

1:19:21 - Prayers of the People

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 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

In this episode, Mike and Tim tackle the challenges of local advocacy, the ongoing struggle for equity and inclusion within school systems and why we pray to God as Father. Through the lens of cruciformity and the teachings of Jesus, the conversation dives into faith and politics, navigating cultural challenges, and wrestling with the complexities of justice.

From celebrating small victories to grappling with discouragement, the hosts reflect on what it means to live out a theology rooted in love, humility, and hope, even in the face of opposition. This episode also touches on the nuanced legacies of influential figures, the importance of communal resistance, and the spiritual intimacy of prayer as taught by Jesus. How do we embody faith in a way that centers on the marginalized and resists systemic injustice? What does it look like to adopt a posture of trust, curiosity, and creative resistance?

We encourage and would love for you to engage in this conversation. Share your thoughts, questions, and reflections on Facebook, Instagram, or wherever you connect with us. Let’s continue exploring how faith shapes the way we navigate justice, cultural challenges, and the call to live as a transformative presence in the world.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Local Advocacy
08:01 - James Dobson
18:16 - Introduction to Matthew 6
18:48 - Righteousness and Visibility
20:32 - Almsgiving Explained
21:46 - Understanding Prayer
22:10 - The Power of Prayer
35:33 - Q&A Session
37:18 - Prophets of Baal Discussion
39:27 - Paul in Athens Analysis
40:20 - Jesus and the Amidah
44:18 - How to Pray Effectively
48:42 - Understanding Our Children
53:19 - Building Intimacy
53:46 - Upcoming Topics
57:16 - Support the Podcast

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 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