Voxology

A. J. Swoboda, a professor and author of 'A Teachable Spirit,' dives into the importance of learning from diverse perspectives, even those we might oppose. He discusses the tension between emotional responses and rational thought, highlighting the need for humility and teachability in a divided culture. Exploring his personal journey, A.J. shares a transformative moment that reshaped his understanding of knowledge and shame. The conversation encourages Christians to engage deeply with others and reflect critically on their beliefs, fostering a spirit of openness and collaboration.

Unpacking the deep narrative threads that make Jesus's death not just inevitable, but essential to our human story, Mike and Tim dive into the costs of sin, how death is a consequence—not simply a punishment—and what Jesus's crucifixion really reveals about God's nature. This Good Friday reflection brings clarity to questions we've inherited or sidestepped: Why did Jesus have to die? Why that way? And what's the deeper biblical thread connecting Eden, the tabernacle, and the cross? Follow this continuing journey through the Cruciformity Series as we reframe our view of atonement theology through the lens of relational, embodied love rather than transactional debt. This episode traces the arc from Genesis to Jesus, highlighting scripture's subversive beauty and its world-building wisdom that invites us to reimagine what it means to live—and die—in union with Christ. Key Takeaways: • Death as Consequence, Not Retribution – Sin introduces decay, loss, and exile from creation's eternal purpose. Jesus, in true solidarity, embraces that outcome fully. • The Bible's Moral Logic of Life and Death – From Eden through the temple system and culminating in Jesus, we're always being invited to choose life. • Crucifixion and the Unmasking of Empire – Jesus's nonviolent death at the hands of imperial power exposes the futility of violence and reveals the upside-down power of God's kingdom. • Sacrificial Systems and Human Imagination – Why animal sacrifice wasn't divine bloodlust, but a contextual, symbolic reminder of the corruption and gravity of sin. • Jesus Enters the Realm of Death to Open Eden – The torn temple curtain and the resurrection signify access to the tree of life has been restored—no longer guarded, but freely given. Resources Mentioned: • Genesis 1–3 – The foundational story of life, choice, and consequence. • 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – Paul's "first importance" gospel creed, spotlighting Jesus's death and resurrection. • Leviticus 17 – "Life is in the blood"—understanding why sacrifices pointed to something deeper. • Daniel 12 – A rare Old Testament glimpse of resurrection hope. • Philippians 2 (Kenosis Hymn) – Cruciformity and Jesus's descent through obedience and suffering. • Rich Villodas (Twitter Reflection) – A poetic thread connecting Eden and the cross: Rich's post Dive further: • Catch up on past episodes in the Cruciformity Series for more foundational context. • Check out our past deep dives on Genesis and sacrificial systems in the "Being Human" series. Join the conversation and rediscover why Jesus's death was not a cosmic transaction but the climactic expression of God's love. Don't forget to subscribe, write us a review, and share the Voxology Podcast with someone who's asking deep questions about faith and identity. As always, we encourage and welcome discussion as we pursue these big ideas together. Email your thoughts to hello@voxpodcast.com, and engage with us on Facebook and Instagram. Watch this episode and more on VOXOLOGY TV. Grab some faith-fueled merch from our ETSY store Discover more about the podcast at VoxologyPodcast.com Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology community on Patreon Explore the Voxology Spotify Music Channel: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast + Facebook: Voxology Podcast Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Social: @GoneTimothy 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

The hosts dive into what it means to live in the shape of the cross, emphasizing humility, service, and solidarity. They discuss biblical interpretation, distinguishing between descriptive and prescriptive elements, and explore how these concepts relate to social justice and community. The intricate social hierarchy of ancient Rome is examined, alongside the transformative power of baptism and communion. Personal struggles in ministry and the tension between public personas and private lives are also highlighted, inviting a deeper reflection on faith and community.

Dr. Timothy Gombis, a New Testament scholar renowned for his insights on Ephesians and political theology, joins Mike for a fascinating conversation. They explore the concept of cruciformity, emphasizing self-giving love and its importance in social justice. Gombis shares personal anecdotes about teaching and the balance of academic life. The discussion dives into historical contexts of biblical interpretation, addressing contemporary issues like race and community dynamics within the church. They stress the significance of maintaining curiosity and advocating for justice in faith practices.

Dr. Malcolm Foley, a historian and author of "The Anti-Greed Gospel," dives into the potent intersections of race, economics, and theology. He critiques the colorblind approach to justice, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of racial dynamics in economic systems. Foley discusses the church's urgent role in addressing systemic injustices and advocates for material care and accountability. His profound insights challenge the preoccupation with wealth, urging a shift towards community solidarity and God's true provisions.

Celebrating a milestone, the hosts reflect on their journey and express gratitude to their listeners. They dive into the complexities of interpreting Christianity today, highlighting the dangers of politicizing faith. The importance of listening to marginalized voices, especially black women, is emphasized as vital for the church's role in justice and truth. The discussion also tackles the tension between cultural expectations and true discipleship, encouraging a more inclusive and compassionate approach to faith.

How do we truly love others, and what does it mean to love God with our whole being? In this rich and deeply engaging conversation with New Testament scholar Dr. Nijay Gupta, Mike and Tim explore the heart of Paul's theology of love, as captured in Nijay's newest book, "The Affections of Christ Jesus." Tackling questions like "Can we love someone we don't like?" and "Is empathy a sin?", they unpack the biblical roots of love, the emotional texture behind divine commands, and why reducing love to cold obedience misses the point entirely. Rooted in Deuteronomy, Philippians, and an astute understanding of emotional theory, Nijay reclaims love not as sentiment or robotic duty, but as an embodied, whole-person orientation empowered by attachment, compassion, and relationship. Whether it's God's jealous love, the fear of the Lord, or cultivating inner affections toward enemies and neighbors alike, this episode beautifully bridges emotional intelligence with biblical theology. Key Takeaways: • Love is Whole-Personed and Relational – True biblical love involves the body, mind, emotions, and will—it's not just about doing the right thing, but being reoriented toward others from the heart. • The Hebrew and Greek Understanding of Love – Love is visceral. In biblical language, emotions arise from the 'guts,' not just the heart. The Greek word "splanchnizomai" captures compassion as a deep, bodily movement. • From Cold Obedience to Cultivated Affection – Love is not sustained without empathy and proximity. Ongoing acts of love without emotional investment eventually collapse. • God's Jealousy and Fear of the Lord – God's jealousy is protective, not petty. And fearing God is less horror and more awe—like standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon or beholding a thunderstorm. • Empathy Isn't a Sin—it's Sacred – While some critique empathy as misguided, Nijay defends it as humanity's superpower and essential to resisting dehumanization and injustice. • Forming Affections through Repetition and Proximity – Nijay shares how showing up for a small group of teenage boys each week moved his heart toward genuine love for them over time. Resources Mentioned: • The Affections of Christ Jesus: Love at the Heart of Paul's Theology by Nijay Gupta • BibleProject – bibleproject.com • School of Practical Theology – Co-hosted by Nijay Gupta and AJ Swoboda on the Slow Theology podcast • Caitlin Beatty's "Celebrities for Jesus" – Insights on power, intimacy, and proximity within Christian leadership • Substack: Engaging Scripture by Nijay Gupta – nijaygupta.substack.com • New Living Translation Committee – Translating biblical texts for clarity and faithfulness Join Mike, Tim, and Nijay in reflecting on what it means to authentically tentacle your soul—yes, tentacle—around God and neighbor in ways that form you into a person of active, grounded love. Let's recapture what Paul meant by "the affections of Christ Jesus." Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and follow us on socials to keep these vital conversations going. We're on YouTube: VOXOLOGY TV Merch Store: ETSY Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon Subscribe via iTunes or Spotify Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast Facebook: facebook.com/voxologypodcast Twitter/X: @mikeerre Music by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy Email us your thoughts and questions: hello@voxpodcast.com 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

Sarah Pechan Driver, a seasoned consultant specializing in equity, shares her rich journey from youth group to advocating for social justice over four continents. She delves into the biblical foundations of justice, viewing it as a means to restore Shalom. The conversation highlights the church's role in promoting justice and equity while tackling challenges in local communities. Sarah emphasizes practical steps for fostering equitable practices and the transformative power of community engagement in faith, advocating for a deeper understanding of social responsibility.

Dive into a thought-provoking conversation about the intersection of grace and community dynamics. Discover how grace can flatten social hierarchies and foster genuine human connections. The discussion addresses the challenges of navigating anger and mental health in today's tumultuous society. Explore the church's role in promoting unity across ethnic divisions and the importance of inclusivity for marginalized voices. Ultimately, witness a call for a radical reconfiguration of social values that honors diversity and humanity.

Delve into a fascinating exploration of empathy and its role within faith communities. The hosts challenge traditional views on social justice, urging churches to actively engage with societal issues. They reflect on the historical practices of the early church and emphasize the significance of communion in fostering community unity. The discussion navigates the intricate balance between peace and justice, advocating for transformative love as a pathway to meaningful change. Ultimately, they inspire a shift toward a more empathetic and inclusive approach to the gospel.