Babylon Part 2: Confronting Economic Injustice in Revelation and the Modern Church (Revelation Series)

11/14/23 • 86 min

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford continue their exploration of Revelation in "Babylon Part 2," unmasking Rome's economic injustice and exploitation depicted in Revelation 17 and 18. They delve into how the ancient critiques of Babylon resonate with the modern church's complicity in unjust systems, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own participation and consider steps toward change.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Babylon in Revelation – How Rome is depicted as Babylon in Revelation 17-18, symbolizing economic injustice and oppression.

• Economic Injustice Then and Now – Exploring parallels between Rome's exploitation and modern America's economic practices.

• The Church's Complicity – Discussing how the modern church may be participating in the dynamics of Babylon through materialism and consumerism.

• Interpreting Revelation Correctly – The importance of understanding Revelation's imagery in its historical context to apply its lessons today.

• Personal Reflection and Action – Encouraging critical assessment of personal and communal participation in unjust systems and considering steps toward change.

Resources Mentioned:

• Revelation 17-18 – The fall of Babylon and its implications.

• Nerd Culture Ministry Summit – Conference on engaging with nerd culture.

• "Romans Disarmed" by Sylvia Keesmaat and Brian Walsh – Discussed in relation to economic practices and the church.

Join us as we confront modern-day Babylon and explore what it means for the church today. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay connected and be part of the conversation.

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding Babylon in Revelation – How Rome is depicted as Babylon in Revelation 17-18, symbolizing economic injustice and oppression.

• Economic Injustice Then and Now – Exploring parallels between Rome's exploitation and modern America's economic practices.

• The Church's Complicity – Discussing how the modern church may be participating in the dynamics of Babylon through materialism and consumerism.

• Interpreting Revelation Correctly – The importance of understanding Revelation's imagery in its historical context to apply its lessons today.

• Personal Reflection and Action – Encouraging critical assessment of personal and communal participation in unjust systems and considering steps toward change.

Resources Mentioned:

• Revelation 17-18 – The fall of Babylon and its implications.

• Nerd Culture Ministry Summit – Conference on engaging with nerd culture.

• "Romans Disarmed" by Sylvia Keesmaat and Brian Walsh – Discussed in relation to economic practices and the church.

Join us as we confront modern-day Babylon and explore what it means for the church today. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on social media to stay connected and be part of the conversation.

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Previous Episode

Breaking the Cycles of Babylon: Embracing Curiosity and Wonder (Revelation Series)

Discover how embracing curiosity and humility can help us recognize and break free from the cycles of oppression represented by Babylon in the Bible. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the motif of Babylon as an archetype for violent and oppressive empires, exploring how these patterns manifest in Scripture and continue in our world today. They discuss the importance of standing under the text rather than over it, fostering a sense of wonder and enchantment in our approach to Scripture.

Key Takeaways:

Embracing Curiosity and Humility – Approaching the Bible with a sense of wonder, allowing it to disrupt our preconceived notions and open us to deeper understanding.
Understanding the Motif of Babylon – Tracing how Babylon represents oppressive power structures and cycles of violence throughout biblical history, from Genesis to Revelation.
Recognizing Our Own Complicity – Examining how we might participate in Babylonian dynamics in our personal lives and society, and the importance of self-reflection.
Breaking Cycles of Oppression – Discussing how individuals and communities can act as speed bumps to interrupt harmful patterns and foster transformation.
Deconstruction as Repentance and Reorientation – Viewing deconstruction not as loss but as an invitation to rediscover wonder and mystery in our faith journey.

Resources Mentioned:

Matthew 5-7 – The Sermon on the Mount.
First Nations Version by Terry Wildman – Link
The Book of Revelation

Join the conversation and share your experiences in embracing curiosity and breaking free from oppressive cycles. Subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay connected.

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Next Episode

The God Who Disappoints: Embracing Lament and Unmet Expectations in Faith

Discover how understanding the theme of disappointment in the Bible can transform your faith journey as Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the realities of following a God who doesn't always meet our expectations. By exploring stories of biblical figures like John the Baptist, Moses, Jeremiah, and Mary, they unpack how the lament tradition plays a crucial role in navigating unmet expectations and suffering in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

• Disappointment as Part of Faith – Recognizing that faithful obedience to God doesn't always lead to worldly success or personal fulfillment.

• The Importance of Lament – Embracing lament as a biblical practice that allows us to express sorrow and protest within a covenant relationship with God.

• Biblical Examples of Unmet Expectations – Lessons from the lives of John the Baptist, Moses, Jeremiah, and Mary on dealing with disappointment when God's plans differ from ours.

• Reframing Expectations – Learning to surrender outcomes and find joy, faith, hope, and love amid suffering and unmet expectations.

• Rethinking Success and Blessing – Challenging the notion that following God results in prosperity and reevaluating what true blessing means in the context of faith.

Guest Highlights:

Seth Erre – Mike's son makes a lively and heartwarming appearance, adding authenticity and a personal touch to the conversation.

Resources Mentioned:

• Isaiah 35 and 61 – Prophecies about the Messiah and themes of healing and deliverance.

• Zechariah 9 – Messianic prophecy concerning the coming king and expectations of liberation.

• Book of Jeremiah – Insights into the prophetic calling and the struggles of unmet expectations.

• Lamentations and Habakkuk – Exploring the practice and importance of lament in scripture.

• Ecclesiastes – Reflections on the vaporous nature of life and the pursuit of meaning.

Join the conversation and explore how embracing lament can deepen your faith. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay connected and updated on future episodes.

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

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 Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy