500 Episodes, Two Christianities, and Clarifying the Center of Jesus
Release Date: 03/24/2025
When Thoughts & Prayers Are Not Enough
Voxology
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...
info_outline
Lean In: A Conversation About Immigration - What is the Law and How Should the Church Respond? - w/ World Relief
Voxology
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...
info_outline
Praying to God as Father
Voxology
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...
info_outline
Understanding Prayer as a Gift, Rather Than a Transaction
Voxology
Why does modern prayer need a serious rethink? In this engaging episode of the Voxology Podcast, Mike Erie and Tim Stafford dive into the complex relationship between prayer, faith, and cultural challenges. From unpacking the transactional mindset often tied to prayer to exploring how the teachings of Jesus reframe this sacred practice, the conversation invites us to reimagine prayer as a transformative act of humility, gratitude, and community. The hosts discuss the role of the church in society, and how faith intersects with politics and justice in today’s world. Drawing from both ancient...
info_outline
Teach Us to Pray: How We Pray Reveals How We See God
Voxology
How does understanding ancient, Jewish prayer transform the way we approach our own prayer life? In this thought-provoking discussion, the Voxology Podcast unpacks the profound communal and theological practices of Jewish prayer that shaped the teachings of Jesus and continue to challenge modern, individualistic approaches to Christianity. Join the hosts as they explore how prayer reflects our understanding of God, our faith, and the world around us, offering a deeper lens into themes of cruciformity, justice, and the role of the church in society. By examining the historical context of Jewish...
info_outline
The Sacred Nature of Questioning Everything - Nonference 2025
Voxology
Live from the 2025 Nonference, Mike and Tim (In the same room) are joined in studio by Journey Church Pastors Suzie P. Lind and Sam Barnhart. What does it mean to truly deconstruct faith, and how can that journey lead to healing? In this heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation, the hosts tackle the complexities of "deconstruction," exploring disillusionment, doubt, discipleship, and ultimately, the pursuit of Jesus amidst cultural challenges. From addressing church hurt and systemic issues to reexamining theologies and navigating the intersection of faith and politics, this episode...
info_outline
When do We Stop Breaking Bread Together? - w/ Dr. Timothy Gombis
Voxology
Why does evangelicalism feel like home to so many, yet leave others feeling out of place? This episode dives into the complexities of navigating faith, politics, and the church's role in society. The hosts explore questions of belonging, the tension between community and cultural critique, and what it means to follow Jesus in a world shaped by injustice and division. From personal anecdotes about introversion to deep reflections on justice, cruciformity, and the teachings of Jesus, this conversation challenges traditional views of Christianity while encouraging critical thinking and humility....
info_outline
Disagreeing Well: Exploring, Faith, Community, and the Complexities of Interpretation
Voxology
Join hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford as they delve into a thought-provoking discussion on the nuances of biblical interpretation, the role of community in faith, and the challenges of modern Christianity. From exploring the portrayal of masculinity in popular culture to addressing the complexities of communal discernment, this episode offers a rich tapestry of insights and reflections. And Superman :) From judgmental posturing and a lack of authentic community to political alignment and cultural challenges, the hosts unpack how these factors are reshaping the role of the church in society....
info_outline
Reflecting On Pastor Ara Torosian's Story
Voxology
In a time of cultural divides and political tension, what is the church's role in bringing healing and truth to a fractured society? This episode dives into the complex intersection of faith, politics, and justice, exploring how Christianity can navigate today's challenges with humility, love, and a commitment to Jesus' teachings. The hosts reflect on the prophetic responsibility of naming reality, addressing idolatrous uses of faith in politics, and embracing cruciformity—a call to sacrificial living that resists cultural compromises. Drawing insights from Pastor Ara’s compelling story...
info_outline
A Personal Story of Resistance - w/ Pastor Ara Torosian
Voxology
Pastor Ara Tarosian joins Mike and Tim to share his incredible journey from persecution in Iran to building a vibrant church community in Los Angeles. He went viral a few weeks ago for a visdeo he posted of members of his congregation being abducted by ICE (See our instagram this week for the video). From surviving the Iranian Revolution to smuggling Bibles and leading a massive underground church, Pastor Ara’s story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. In this thought-provoking discussion, he recounts the challenges faced by Iranian Christians, the cultural and political hurdles of...
info_outlineCelebrating 500 episodes and nearly 10 years of bold conversations, Mike and Tim pause to reflect on the Voxology journey and address a growing burden: the deepening divide between competing versions of Christianity in American culture.
This milestone episode explores how one branch of Christianity has co-opted the language of Jesus to justify nationalism, violence, and power, while another remains rooted in the cruciform way of Jesus—marked by humility, sacrifice, and enemy-love.
Mike and Tim unpack why this distinction matters now more than ever, emphasizing the urgent need to return to the center—Christ himself—and discern truth from distortion. Through heartfelt lament, cultural critique, and biblical exploration, this conversation brings clarity, challenge, and hope for a faith community seeking to resist cultural idolatry and embody the real Jesus in these confusing times.
Key Takeaways:
• Two Competing Christianities – Recognizing that not every representation of “Christian” is congruent with the life and teachings of Jesus.
• The Way of the Cross vs. the Way of Power – Understanding that the cruciform path of Jesus stands in direct opposition to nationalism, triumphalism, and coercion.
• Discerning the Center – How a return to the teachings of Jesus—particularly the Sermon on the Mount—can help us evaluate what is truly Christian in today’s landscape.
• Calling Out Distortion Without Condemnation – Learning to critique false gospels and ideologies without falling into gatekeeping or contempt.
• What It Means to Be the Church Now – A renewed call for the church to serve as a prophetic, diverse, justice-oriented community amidst cultural confusion.
Resources Mentioned:
• Non-ference Gathering (July 31–August 2 in Nashville) – Email [email protected] with subject line “Nonference” for info.
• Daniel 7 and Mark 8-10 – Crucial texts exploring Jesus’s clashes with power and his redefining of greatness and Messiahship.
• The Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5–7; referenced as the central teaching text for Christian formation.
• Dallas Willard – “I trust Jesus with a whip, but I don’t trust myself,” a quote reflecting humility in social critique.
• Facebook Private Group – Email to request an invite to our discussion space.
• Philippians 2 – Preview of next episode’s theme on cruciformity.
Guest Highlights:
No outside guests this episode, but deep gratitude expressed for past contributors, supporters, and community members—including Andy Lara, Kevin Ashleman, Brenda, Bonnie, and countless others who have shaped Voxology through the years.
500 episodes in, the road’s been long, vulnerable, transformative, and often messy. But the mission remains: to question boldly, love recklessly, and follow Jesus faithfully—even when it's unpopular or misunderstood.
Join us on the journey—and if you're still listening after 70+ minutes, you're a real one.
Subscribe, share your thoughts, join the private Facebook group, and follow us @voxologypodcast for continued conversations.
As always, we would love your questions, doubts, and feedback. Email us at [email protected]. Let's keep wrestling together.
Watch our episodes on VOXOLOGY TV
Visit the Voxology Website
Support us on Patreon
Find merch on Etsy
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Music by Timothy John Stafford | Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy
Follow Mike: @mikeerre
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.
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