The Affections of Christ Jesus. In this episode of the Voxology podcast, Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and guest Nijay Gupta delve into the complexities of love as presented in theology, particularly in the context of the Old and New Testaments. They explore the differences between Hebrew and American conceptions of love, the role of emotions, and the importance of empathy in relationships. The conversation also touches on the challenges of loving others, including enemies, and the necessity of cultivating genuine compassion. Throughout the discussion, the hosts emphasize that love is not merely an action or feeling but a multifaceted experience that encompasses attachment, devotion, and relational dynamics.

Further, Nijay , Mike and Tim discuss the complexities of love, empathy, and relationships in the context of faith and social media. They explore the power of prayer, the impact of celebrity culture on genuine relationships, and the nature of God's love and jealousy. The discussion also delves into the concept of fear in relation to God and the importance of empathy as a tool for connection and understanding, emphasizing that empathy is essential for humanity and requires proximity to be effective.

Nijay's book can be found HERE

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guests
03:00 - Exploring the Concept of Love in Theology
06:04 - Hebrew vs. American Conceptions of Love
09:02 - The Role of Emotions in Love
12:00 - Love as a Verb: Actions vs. Feelings
14:57 - The Complexity of Loving Others
17:59 - Love for Enemies and Compassion
20:58 - Navigating Difficult Relationships
24:03 - Truth and Love in Relationships
29:39 - The Power of Prayer and Social Media
31:48 - Celebrity Culture and Relationships
33:09 - Understanding God's Love and Jealousy
37:17 - The Nature of Fear in Relation to God
44:10 - Empathy: A Double-Edged Sword
51:54 - The Importance of Proximity in Empathy

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.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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