Skip to content

Voxology

Voxology
Voxology
Latest episode

599 episodes

  • Voxology

    Salvation is the Restoration of our Humanity, Not Evacuation From it

    27/07/2026 | 1h 1 mins.
    Spoiler: Stick around to the end to hear Seth do a Justin Bieber/Shema mashup...
    What if salvation isn't about escaping our humanity but restoring it? This episode unpacks a revolutionary view: human beings are inherently divine images—nouns and verbs—created to reflect God's character and creativity into the world. But somewhere along the way, that sacred image is fractured, leading to spiritual abuse, dehumanization, and disconnection from ourselves and others.
    In this episode, we explore the biblical concept of being fully human as God originally intended—images and likenesses of God, called to image and "verb" humanity into the world. We discuss how understanding our created purpose impacts our view of spirituality, identity, and the fight against spiritual abuse.
    The biblical foundation of human dignity: imagery and likeness in Genesis
    The significance of image-bearing as verb and noun: (re)imagining God into the world
    Humanity's role in creation: exercise of sovereignty, rule, and subduing with purpose
    The concept of glory and honor: humans crowned when acting as God's image
    The impact of idolatry: exchanging God's glory for created things, resulting in dehumanization
    The recovery of humanity through Christ: becoming conformed to Jesus' image in ongoing transformation

    Timestamps:
    00:00 - Welcome and episode overview: rediscovering what it means to be fully human
    02:08 - Parental stories and everyday life as reflections of human image-bearers
    03:19 - Introducing the series: spiritual abuse and the importance of being fully human
    06:06 - How bad religion binds us and takes us away from our true humanity
    06:54 - Humanity's broad scope: body, spirit, and all aspects of life as God's image
    07:25 - Genesis 1: Making humans in our image and likeness—temple language
    08:47 - Image as physical representation of divine power: statues of gods and kings
    09:47 - Humanity as living idols: embodying God's character and purposes
    10:45 - Humanity’s role to rule, subdue, and create potential in creation 1
    2:10 - Purposeful rule: exercising sovereignty and cultivating the world
    14:37 - The divine breath and humanity: dirt plus divine spirit
    15:32 - Material and immaterial unity: embodying God's spirit and image
    16:14 - Humanity’s role in worship through work and loving care of creation
    17:10 - Names and authority: humans mirroring God's naming as image bearers
    19:07 - The human's shared authority with God: law, naming, and rule
    20:18 - Doing what God does: image as noun and verb—reflecting and enacting God's character
    21:55 - The importance of language: naming and imitating God's creative acts
    22:56 - The impact of the fall: losing the image and glory, and the rupture in relationships
    24:34 - The shift from image as noun to image as verb: imaging the serpent’s wisdom
    27:17 - Psalm 8: Humanity crowned with glory when fulfilling divine purposes
    29:49 - Romans 1 and 3: Exchanging God's glory for images of creation, resulting in dehumanization and corruption
    32:34 - The fall and the wave of idolatry: suffering in bodies and communities
    35:09 - Jesus as the perfect human: revealing the true image of God
    37:42 - Christ's image as the ultimate image bearer: revealing God's character fully
    40:50 - The power of the Gospel: recovering the image and glorifying God in our restored humanity
    44:13 - Salvation as the recovery of true humanity, not escape from bodies
    45:39 - Practical implications: recovering sexuality, emotion, and purpose in God's image
    47:37 - Jesus' ministry as the full embodiment of human image-verbing
    50:11 - Community and shame: reclaiming sacredness and dignity
    52:30 - The challenges of shame and the path towards wholeness in Christ
    55:26 - The importance of seeing ourselves as image bearers: our identity and calling
    56:33 - Systems of dehumanization and the collapsing of societal structures
    58:29 - Celebrating community and the gift of joyful service in God's image
  • Voxology

    Why Communion Should be Open to Everyone

    20/07/2026 | 54 mins.
    Rethinking Communion: Social Dynamics and Inclusive Practice
    In this episode, we explore the social and communal dimensions of communion, examining how historical practices, theological interpretations, and contemporary church culture influence our understanding and celebration of this sacred act. Join us for a biblically grounded, socially aware perspective that challenges traditional boundaries and invites an inclusive approach to the Lord's Supper.
    Key Topics
    The original context of early Christian meals and their social significance
    How Roman social hierarchy influenced the Corinthian church's practice of communion
    The distinction between private morality and social morality in communion
    The metaphor of the body of Christ as a symbol of unity and equality
    The importance of discerning the body, both Christ in the elements and the church community
    Critique of common practices that divide or shame participants
    The cultural transformation of communion from a shared meal to a ritualistic, individual-focused event
    Practical ideas for more inclusive and community-focused communion celebrations

    CHAPTERS:
    00:00 - Introduction and the significance of social dynamics in communion
    02:10 - The context of early Christian meals and Roman influence
    05:55 - The division of social status and its impact on the Lord's Supper
    09:45 - Interpreting 1 Corinthians 11: the meaning of unworthy manner
    14:50 - Community examination and practicing worthy participation
    20:06 - The biblical symbolism of the body of Christ and social equality
    26:40 - How divisions undermine the purpose of communion
    32:43 - Practical implications for church practice and inclusive communion
    36:36 - The role of non-believers and open invitation
    45:12 - The church as a gathering place that reflects social hierarchies
    47:33 - The importance of authentic community and simplification of practices
    51:50 - Closing thoughts and encouragement for a more inclusive approach
    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
  • Voxology

    Hope Heals: Cultivating Belonging and Belovedness

    13/07/2026 | 1h 3 mins.
    Today, Mike and Tim unpack the transformative experience the Erre's had at Hope Heals Camp, where faith, community, and a commitment to dignity intersect to create a sanctuary for families and individuals experiencing disabilities. Join us as we unpack the theology behind embodied hope, mutuality, and the sacredness of every person.
    The origin and purpose of Hope Heals Camp, inspired by Katherine and Jay Wolf's story
    The camp’s four postures: incarnation, mutuality, disability, and image bearers
    How Jesus’ incarnation exemplifies dignity in limitations
    The social model of disability and creating welcoming environments
    The significance of sacred spaces of belonging and hope
    The theological reasoning behind disability as a reflection of the divine image
    The importance of community, proximity, and shared limitations as spiritual practices
    The challenge to societal structures that dehumanize or exclude
    The impact of this model on church and culture, emphasizing inclusivity over exclusivity

    CHAPTERS:
    00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Seth and Mike’s camp experiences
    01:25 - Reflections on camp activities and community spirit
    03:36 - The profound personal impact of Hope Heals
    05:39 - Framework of the camp’s origins and purpose
    09:02 - Volunteer roles and the structure of camp days
    11:45 - The parade and joyful welcomes for families
    13:11 - The emotional power of the entrance moment
    15:38 - Programming for campers and families, including special events
    20:25 - The significance of the talent show and stories of remarkable individuals
    22:15 - Poetry readings capturing the hope and embodied life
    24:33 - Celebrating Christmas in July and the Luke 14 banquet
    27:40 - The symbolism of the meal and oil blessing
    31:22 - The theological postures: Jesus’ embodiment and dignity
    36:32 - The theological foundations: from incarnation to imagery of God
    41:53 - Disabout mutuality, respect, and person-first language in community
    44:16 - The divine worth of every person as image bearers
    48:09 - The societal realities of disability and exclusion
    50:22 - Reflection on hope, culture, and the kingdom of God
    54:19 - The contrast between exclusive and inclusive communities
    57:17 - The concept of thin places and sacred spaces of proximity
    60:34 - Worship and community as embodied, participatory acts
    61:10 - Final reflections: embodying God's love through dignity and kinship
    Hope Heals Website
    Grace's Poetry
    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
  • Voxology

    How Do We Get Saved? Stumbling Into the Kingdom

    06/07/2026 | 55 mins.
    In this episode, Mike and Tim explore the nuanced landscape of salvation, church community, and spiritual growth through a centered set approach. They challenge traditional boundaries, emphasizing that salvation is a journey rather than a destination, and highlight the importance of allowing people space to grow in their relationship with Jesus.
    Mike and Tim continue their conversation about center-set thinking and what it looks like to follow Jesus in a way that emphasizes relationship, growth, and grace rather than rigid boundaries.
    They begin with some lighthearted banter about endurance races, introversion, rest, and pop culture before moving into a deeper theological conversation about salvation, repentance, discipleship, and the differences between bounded-set and center-set approaches to church life.
    -The meaning of center-set language in Christian community
    -Why Jesus often seems to welcome people from many different directions
    -The tension between in-or-out thinking and process-oriented discipleship
    -Why salvation in the New Testament is described in multiple ways
    -How church culture can create pressure to “pretend” instead of grow
    -The difference between judgment and discernment
    -How church leadership can clarify the center without creating unnecessary barriers
    -Why invitation works better than coercion, shame, or fear
    -The danger of double standards in churches
    -How truth can be pursued rather than merely possessed
    -Why systems built on power often become more about control than transformation
    The big idea of the episode is that following Jesus is a journey of becoming, not a checkpoint to pass. Mike argues that people should be allowed to grow into their identity in Christ over time, with the church serving more like a welcoming center than a gatekeeping wall.
    Timestamps:
    00:00 - Introduction to the episode: Embracing the journey of salvation
    01:00 - How many paths lead to Jesus? Multiple ways into the kingdom
    02:30 - The concept of salvation as a journey, not a static point
    03:15 - Jesus’ invitational approach: Touching lives through relationship
    04:50 - The significance of allowing people space to be in process
    05:30 - Examining the "decision moment" and its limitations
    08:00 - The role of community discernment over uniform rules
    09:00 - Clarifying the center: Jesus and authentic following
    10:40 - The difference between truth possessed and truth pursued
    13:00 - The danger of legalism and exclusivity in faith communities
    16:00 - Allowing people to stumble through the process—examples from Scripture
    17:00 - How salvation is like a marriage: a relational journey
    22:00 - The danger of legalistic boundaries and exclusive doctrines
    28:00 - Strategies for cultivating a centered set community
    35:00 - How sin dehumanizes, and salvation restores full humanity
    41:00 - Moving beyond polarity: holistic, relational, process-oriented faith
    46:00 - Making space for everyone's growth, imperfections, and ongoing process
    48:00 - Final encouragement: live into the fullness of grace, not the boundaries of fear

    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
  • Voxology

    If Jesus is the Center, How Then Do We…?

    29/06/2026 | 1h 2 mins.
    Today, we look at how Jesus redefined Israel, love, hierarchy, and table fellowship — practices that the early church faithfully modeled and that can revolutionize our modern faith communities today. We break down four powerful implications of Jesus' approach: recentering identity on himself, redefining love as covenantal and non-coercive, overturning social hierarchies with radical kinship, and practicing open, inclusive table fellowship.
    You'll see how these principles uphold human dignity, foster unity, and invite the marginalized into genuine kinship. How did Paul's letters categorize core gospel essentials versus disputable matters, offering a blueprint for churches seeking unity without uniformity? We explore how to limit unnecessary barriers for faith, allowing room for honest disagreements while maintaining allegiance to the central call of Jesus. Plus, practical insights on how to embody these principles today through reimagined practices like open communion and inclusive community tables.
    Jesus saw himself as the true temple, embodying the fulfillment of Old Testament festivals like Passover and being the vine that sustains Israel and all believers. His love was agape—non-coercive, unconditional, and sacrificial—intended to create belonging before repentance. Jesus broke social barriers by elevating women, children, and marginalized groups, overturning hierarchy with practices like table fellowship. The early church continued these practices, emphasizing Jesus’ identity as the fulfillment of Israel, embodying covenant love, and practicing inclusive, open table fellowship. Paul’s teachings in Romans and Corinthians highlight the importance of limiting essential doctrine, practicing unity over disputable matters, and emphasizing community shared over social status or moral perfection.
    00:00 - Welcome and intro to the episode's focus on Jesus' countercultural ministry
    02:45 - Jesus re-centers Israel around himself as the fulfillment of God's promises
    08:27 - Four big implications of Jesus’ approach: re-centering Israel, redefining love, reordering hierarchies, reorienting table fellowship
    15:21 - Jesus’ radical redefinition of social hierarchies and practice of humility
    16:44 - Elevating women and children and welcoming marginalized groups
    18:38 - The early church’s continuation of Jesus’ mission, proclaiming Christ as the fulfillment of Jewish motifs
    23:19 - The importance of shared table fellowship and its role in embodying the gospel
    29:28 - Practical principles for modern churches: limiting essentials, practicing unity, and encouraging diversity of thought
    36:10 - Embracing contested issues through acceptance and advocacy, without making them gospel essentials
    40:51 - The importance of understanding discipleship as a way of life, not just doctrine
    44:36 - The cultural issues of hierarchy, power, and nationalism seen through the lens of Jesus’ practices
    53:44 - The significance of open communion and its liberating, inclusive power
    58:41 - Final reflections on the church’s need to resist hierarchy and maintain Christ-centered unity
    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
More Philosophy podcasts
About Voxology
Voxology (Formerly the Vox Podcast with Mike Erre) is a collection of voices that question and discuss our culture's most relevant topics in relation to Christ and Christianity. We talk LGBTQ, American and church politics, Christian culture's catastrophic marginalization of the very people Jesus implores us to love and so much more. If you have serious questions about the church's representation of Jesus, what he has done and the beauty of his work on earth today, join hosts Mike Erre and Tim Stafford and their guests to talk things out and find your way back to the true mission of Jesus.
Podcast website

Listen to Voxology, The Shawn Ryan Show and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app

Get the free radio.net app

  • Stations and podcasts to bookmark
  • Stream via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
  • Supports Carplay & Android Auto
  • Many other app features