Vox Podcast With Mike Erre

Mike and Tim explore the importance of understanding the genre clues in the Book of Revelation, discussing how recognizing it as an apocalypse, a prophecy, and a pastoral letter reshapes our interpretation. They also confront systemic misogyny in the church, reflecting on recent events involving prominent female leaders and the need to address gender inequality. Key Takeaways: Confronting Misogyny in the Church – Discussing recent events highlighting systemic issues with gender inequality and the importance of advocating for change. Genre Clues in Revelation – Understanding how acknowledging Revelation's apocalyptic, prophetic, and epistolary genres guides proper interpretation. Prophecy as a Call to Faithfulness – Reframing biblical prophecy from predicting the future to encouraging present faithfulness among God's people. Importance of Old Testament Context – Emphasizing how familiarity with Old Testament imagery and themes is crucial for decoding Revelation's symbolism. Interpreting Revelation Responsibly

Delve into the complexities of evil and suffering as Mike and Tim are joined by scholar Tim Gombis in their Gospel with Gombis series. Together, they explore the origins of evil within the biblical narrative, the role of human collaboration in God's Kingdom, and how the church can respond to a world marred by suffering and injustice. Key Takeaways: The Origins of Evil – Understanding how human rebellion against God's plan introduced chaos and suffering into the world, drawing from Genesis and New Testament teachings. God's Kingship and Human Collaboration – Exploring how God's sovereignty is actualized through human beings and the importance of collaborating with God to bring about His reign on earth. The Church's Role in a Broken World – Strategies for the church to embody God's reign by banding together, addressing suffering, and fostering communities of compassion and solidarity. Sin as Pollution in Purified Space – Discussing the concept of sin not just as moral trespass but as a corruption that affects

Explore how recognizing the apocalyptic genre of Revelation transforms our interpretation of this enigmatic book, allowing us to reclaim its original message of hope and comfort. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the importance of genre in biblical texts, discussing how misreading Revelation has led to fear-based teachings rather than the intended encouragement. They also examine the "He Gets Us" Super Bowl ad campaign, offering thoughtful critique on modern evangelism methods and the portrayal of Jesus in mainstream media. Key Takeaways: The Importance of Genre in Biblical Interpretation – Understanding how identifying the apocalyptic genre of Revelation changes our approach to its symbols and messages. Misuse of Revelation in Modern Teaching – How literal and fear-based readings have distorted the book's original intent and impacted Christian doctrine. Critical Analysis of the "He Gets Us" Campaign – Discussing the effectiveness and implications of mainstream advertising in conveying Jesus's message. P

Delve into the powerful history and universal impact of "Amazing Grace" as Tim explores how this timeless hymn transcends cultural, religious, and social boundaries. Through the transformative journey of its author, John Newton, we uncover themes of grace, justice, and shared humanity, reflecting on how grace invites us into God's ongoing vision for the world. Key Takeaways: • John Newton's Transformation – From slave trader to abolitionist, and how his life experiences shaped "Amazing Grace." • The Evolution of the Hymn – How "Amazing Grace" became a universal anthem embraced by diverse communities and used in pivotal historical moments. • Understanding Grace – A deep dive into the concept of grace, its theological significance, and its practical implications for communal living and social justice. • Music as a Unifying Force – Exploring the power of music in worship and how songs like "Amazing Grace" connect us across divides. • Invitation to Shared Humanity – Reflecting on how grace calls us to elevate oth

Discover how transforming the culture of policing can lead to a more just and dignified society, as Mike Erre and Tim Stafford sit down with Nick Sensley, CEO of the Institute for American Policing Reform. Learn about practical steps towards meaningful reform, the importance of community engagement, and how embracing human dignity can reshape law enforcement in America. Key Takeaways: • Understanding Police Culture – How entrenched cultural norms within law enforcement contribute to systemic issues and the urgent need to address them. • Human Dignity as a Foundation – Exploring how recognizing the inherent worth of every individual can guide transformative changes in policing practices. • Community's Role in Reform – The essential role of community involvement in driving meaningful change and rebuilding trust between police and the communities they serve. • The Challenges of Reform – Acknowledging the complexities and the long-term commitment required to address deep-seated issues within the policing system.

Unpacking how debunking the myths of dispensationalism and embracing a more faithful interpretation of Revelation can transform your understanding of the end times and challenge the roots of Christian nationalism. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve deep into the history and theological flaws of dispensationalism, discussing how popular interpretations like the Left Behind series have distorted the true message of Revelation and contributed to unhealthy ideologies within Christianity. Key Takeaways: Confronting Suffering and the Problem of Evil – Addressing honest questions about God's goodness in the midst of personal pain and illness. Unveiling Dispensationalism's Influence – Exploring how dispensationalism became widespread in American evangelicalism through influential figures and institutions. Misreading Revelation – Understanding the dangers of interpreting Revelation as a literal roadmap of future events, leading to fear-based theology. Theological Roots of Christian Nationalism – Examining how misinterp

Discover how re-examining the Book of Revelation can challenge and dismantle the harmful ideologies of Christian nationalism. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford begin a new series that aims to reclaim Revelation from misuse and unpack its true message of hope, comfort, and allegiance to Jesus in times of marginalization. Key Takeaways: • Introducing the Revelation Series – Starting a deep dive into the Book of Revelation, focusing on its relevance today. • Confronting Christian Nationalism – Exploring how misinterpretations of Revelation have fueled harmful nationalistic ideologies. • Understanding Apocalyptic Literature – Discussing the importance of genre and proper hermeneutics in interpreting Revelation responsibly. • The Danger of Bad Theology – Emphasizing how misusing Revelation can harm individuals and communities, obscuring the true message of Jesus. Resources Mentioned: • Reading Revelation Responsibly by Michael J. Gorman – Link • Seeing Things John's Way by David A. deSilva – Link • Apocalypse and Alleg

Mike and Tim engage with New Testament scholar Tim Gombis to explore how our traditional understanding of the gospel might be missing the radical message of Jesus's Kingdom. They discuss the limitations of a transactional approach to faith and delve into how Jesus's teachings in the Gospel of Mark challenge our expectations, both then and now. This conversation kicks off a new series focused on rediscovering the Kingdom message in today's context. Key Takeaways: Moving Beyond Transactional Faith – Understanding why the traditional "accept Jesus into your heart" message misses the fuller gospel. The Kingdom of God in Jesus's Time – Exploring what the phrase "Kingdom of God" meant to Jesus's original audience and why they found him disappointing. Reimagining the Gospel Today – How our modern expectations can lead to similar misunderstandings of Jesus's message. Community and Suffering – Embracing the communal and sacrificial aspects of the Kingdom life as depicted in Mark's Gospel. Deconstruction and Faith – D

Delving into the impact of celebrity culture on the church, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford engage with author and journalist Katelyn Beaty to discuss her book "Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits are Hurting the Church." They explore how the pursuit of platform and influence can undermine authentic Christian community, lead to scandals, and distort the gospel message. Key Takeaways: • Understanding the Dark Side of Celebrity Culture in the Church – How celebrity dynamics contribute to scandals and a lack of accountability among church leaders. • Distinguishing Between Fame and Celebrity – Exploring how notoriety for virtue differs from the pursuit of platform and personal branding. • The Role of Technology and Media – Discussing how mass media and social platforms facilitate celebrity culture within evangelicalism. • Reimagining Leadership and Community – How returning to local, embodied church practices can counteract the harms of celebrity dynamics. Guest Highlights: Katelyn Beaty – Auth

Explore how facing church scandals through genuine repentance and embracing healthy transitions can lead to a revitalized and authentic faith community. Join hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford, along with guest Susie Lind, as they delve into the challenges of event-driven church models, the complexities of leaving a church gracefully, and a critical analysis of Christianity Today's Top 20 Stories of 2022 to uncover what it means for the future of the church. Key Takeaways: • The Need for Genuine Repentance – Understanding how confronting scandals transparently can lead to true renewal within the church. • Leaving a Church Well – Practical guidance on navigating the difficult process of leaving a church community while maintaining relationships and integrity. • Reimagining Church Models – Discussing the shift from event-driven ministries to a centered-set approach focused on authentic relationships and spiritual formation. • Analyzing Modern Church Culture – Reflecting on themes of abuse and scandal in church na

A raw, provocative, and delightfully messy Christmas episode with Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and special guest Pastor Bethany Nass Cseh explores how the Christmas story has been softened, sanitized, and even hijacked by nostalgia, cultural expectations, and spectacle. What emerges instead is a deeply human tale of presence, prophecy, and disruption—one worthy of contemplation beyond a single holiday. The episode spans humorous holiday banter, chaotic family vibes featuring Seth Erre and Big Nate, and a deep theological roundtable about "beefs" with the way Christianity has portrayed Christmas. The team critically unpacks the warping of Christ's birth into a feel-good, curated experience—and boldly suggests we might need to separate "Advent" from Christmas entirely to re-encounter its radical core. Get ready for a different kind of Christmas conversation. Key Takeaways: • The Problem with Curated Christmas – Bethany Shea reflects on the pressure to create an Instagram-perfect holiday and how this contradicts the

Dive into an engaging exploration of women's roles in church leadership as Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dissect biblical texts and historical contexts to address the question: Can women be elders? Unpacking examples of female leaders in early Christianity, they challenge traditional interpretations and discuss the implications for modern church practices and gender equality. Key Takeaways: • Biblical Evidence of Female Leadership – Analyzing scriptural accounts of women like Phoebe, Priscilla, and the "chosen lady" who served in leadership roles in the early church. • Reframing the Term 'Elder' – Exploring how the meaning of 'elder' in the biblical context differs from modern hierarchical structures and what it signifies for gender roles. • Addressing Counterarguments – Examining common objections to women serving as elders and providing insights from biblical scholarship to counter these views. • Impact on Modern Church Practices – Discussing how embracing women in leadership roles can influence the church's m

Launching a new mini-series under The Wanderer banner, Tim Stafford embarks on an exploration of worship—not as performance or emotional manipulation, but as resistance, reorientation, and the embodiment of justice. This reflective episode traces Tim's journey from burnout with worship-leading to rediscovering the true heart of worship through scripture, history, and music. In this premiere installment, Tim unpacks the history and radical impact of the Christmas anthem "O Holy Night," connecting its forgotten abolitionist roots to the deeper calling of worship as cultural and spiritual counter-programming. Key Takeaways: • Worship is a deeply human and formative act—constantly shaping us, whether we recognize it or not. • True Christ-centered worship should serve as resistance to societal idols like nationalism, consumerism, and individualism. • The purpose of worship is not to boost God's ego, but to reorient ourselves toward justice, community, and God's kingdom. • "O Holy Night" is more than a Christmas cl

Explore how Dr. Lynn Cohick, a distinguished Pauline scholar, reinterprets the roles of women in the early church and challenges traditional readings of key biblical texts. Mike and Tim engage in a deep discussion on passages like 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 14, uncovering how cultural context and historical insights can reshape our understanding of women's participation in ministry and leadership within the church. Key Takeaways: Women in the Early Church – Discover the significant contributions of women in early Christian communities and how they actively partnered with men in ministry. Re-examining 1 Timothy 2 – Learn how understanding the cultural and historical background of Ephesus reveals new perspectives on this often-debated passage. Cultural Context and Biblical Interpretation – Understand the importance of considering ancient cultural norms and practices when interpreting scriptures about gender roles. Overcoming Educational Barriers – Hear Dr. Cohick's personal journey navigating challenges in

Uncover how fear and collective narcissism shape the worldview of white evangelicals and what this means for the future of the church. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford engage in a thought-provoking conversation with psychologist Dr. Dave Verhaagen about his book "How White Evangelicals Think," exploring the psychological factors influencing evangelical culture, politics, and identity. Key Takeaways: • Fear's Influence on Evangelicalism – Understanding how fear drives self-interest and the desire for power within white evangelical communities. • The Concept of Collective Narcissism – Exploring how collective narcissism manifests in the church and impacts interactions with those outside the group. • Psychology Vs. Theology – Discussing the idea that the evangelical worldview is more influenced by psychological factors than theological beliefs. • Power Dynamics and Cultural Shifts – Analyzing how changing demographics and loss of cultural dominance affect evangelical responses to social issues. • Path Forward for the

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the controversial passage of 1 Timothy 2:11-15, challenging traditional interpretations that have restricted women's roles in the church. By unpacking the historical and cultural context of Paul's letters, they shed light on how misreadings have led to harmful theology and discuss actionable steps to embrace women's leadership as a biblical mandate. Key Takeaways: Understanding the Cultural Context – How the early church's battle against false teachings, like Gnosticism, influenced Paul's instructions and how this impacts our interpretation today. Clarifying Misinterpretations – Examining the original Greek language to reveal that Paul's restrictions were specific, temporary measures rather than universal commands. The Importance of Women in Ministry – Highlighting biblical examples of women leaders and the necessity of their gifts for a healthy, effective church. Missionary Motives of Paul – Understanding Paul's intent to present the gospel attractively in different cul

Discover how embracing mystery and asking better questions of the Bible can deepen your faith and transform your understanding of God. Marty Solomon, host of the BEMA Podcast and author of the upcoming book Asking Better Questions of the Bible, shares his journey from fundamentalist evangelicalism to a faith rooted in curiosity and openness. Together with co-hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford, and joined by returning guest Tyler Chernesky, they explore how reframing our approach to Scripture can lead to a more authentic and vibrant spiritual life. Key Takeaways: • Embracing Mystery and Curiosity – Learn how adopting a posture of curiosity toward Scripture fosters a deeper, more authentic faith. • Asking Better Questions of the Bible – Marty discusses the importance of reframing the questions we bring to the Bible, moving beyond seeking certainty to exploring wonder and awe. • Deconstruction as a Natural Part of Faith – Understanding deconstruction not as something to fear but as a necessary process in spiritual

Unpacking how traditional views on biblical masculinity may limit our understanding of true humanity, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the complexities of gender roles, anger, and equality within Christianity. They explore how striving for predefined standards can hinder new creation dynamics, and advocate for embracing a fuller, more holistic view of humanity as modeled by Jesus. Key Takeaways: Moving Beyond Fixed Standards – Why seeking a clear-cut standard for masculinity or femininity can lead to a watered-down version of following Jesus. Healthy Expression of Anger – Discussing how acknowledging and expressing anger is part of being fully human, and how Jesus exemplified this in his life. Interpreting Gender Roles in Scripture – Analyzing the Bible's accommodation to patriarchy versus its affirmation of equality, and how to navigate this complexity. Role of Women in the Church – Highlighting the significant contributions of women in early Christianity and questioning traditional interpretations tha

Unpacking how Ephesians 5 reverses the curses of Genesis 3, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford explore the implications of mutual submission over traditional gender hierarchies. Responding to listener feedback on biblical masculinity, they delve into Paul's radical subversion of ancient household codes and what this means for the modern church's understanding of gender roles. Key Takeaways: • Challenging Traditional Views of Biblical Masculinity – Addressing listener questions and concerns about how the church portrays masculinity and the harm of rigid gender roles. • Ephesians 5 and Mutual Submission – Analyzing Paul's instructions in Ephesians 5, highlighting how he promotes mutual submission and redefines relationships within the church community. • Reversing Genesis 3's Power Struggle – Exploring how Paul's message in Ephesians 5 offers a reversal of the hierarchical relationships resulting from the Fall, advocating for equality and reciprocity. • Understanding Ancient Household Codes – Examining the cultural con

Explore how rethinking Christian Nationalism can transform the way we read scripture and engage politically. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford dive deep with theologian and author Kaitlyn Schiess, discussing the intersection of faith, politics, and the Bible, and how pastors and believers can navigate political issues faithfully without partisanship. Key Takeaways: Understanding Christian Nationalism – Examining the historical and modern perspectives on Christian Nationalism and its influence on American Christianity. Reading Scripture Politically – Insights on how to read scripture responsibly in political contexts without cherry-picking verses. The Role of the Holy Spirit – Discussing how reliance on the Holy Spirit guides us in discerning how to engage with political issues and scripture. Challenges for Pastors – Addressing the practical difficulties pastors face when engaging political topics within their congregations. Learning from Black Christian Traditions – Exploring how Black Christians historically engag