Mortification of Spin

Tim Witmer, one of Carl’s only friends (or so Carl claims), is back on the podcast today to discuss his latest book, The Shepherd’s Toolbox. Designed to complement his well-loved book The Shepherd Leader, Tim’s latest book gathers seven church leaders to show how they and their churches have innovatively addressed specific shepherding challenges. Tune in to hear more and discover why Carl has called Tim “The PCA’s answer to Frank Sinatra.” P&R Publishing has generously provided three copies of The Shepherd’s Toolbox for our listeners. Register here to enter the drawing. Show Notes: The Shepherd Leader: https://reformedresources.org/the-shepherd-leader-paperback/ The Shepherd’s Toolbox: https://reformedresources.org/the-shepherds-toolbox

Should Christians be involved politically? “How can they not be?” asks David Innes when he sits down with Carl and Todd to discuss the upcoming Prince George’s Conference on Reformed Theology, The Political Christian: Citizens of Heaven in the City of Man. Partisan politics has divided our country and, sadly, even our churches. How are we to think biblically about government and our role in it? To sign up to win a copy of David Innes’ book, Christ and the Kingdoms of Men, provided by P&R Publishing, register here. Show Notes: To find out more about the Prince George’s Conference on Reformed Theology, September 29-30, 2023 in Washington, D.C. and to register to attend, visit https://www.alliancenet.org/thepoliticalchristian.

Armed with his leather-bound copy of Robert's Rules, Fred Greco joins Todd and Carl to discuss the recent General Assembly meeting of the Presbyterian Church in America and his role as moderator. Breathing a sigh of relief, Fred and Todd report that the 2023 GA was more charitable and constructive than in previous years, and good progress was made. And yet we find Carl is still not ready to change teams. P&R Publishing has provided a few giveaway copies of Guy Prentiss Waters’ book, How Jesus Runs the Church, for our listeners. Register here for the opportunity to win.

Today is the battle of the podcasts as the hosts of Mortification of Spin welcome the hosts of Kids Talk Church History to discuss their growing podcast, the importance of studying church history, and to debate Scottish vs. English culture and Bronte vs. Austen. Despite Todd’s best attempts, Emma and Linus don’t seem too intimidated by the international scope of the podcast, but Emma’s grandmother is a different story! We're pleased to announce the winners of the giveaway for Simonetta Carr's award-winning book, Church History, courtesy of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books: Matthew M. from Youngstown, OH, Alycia W. from Denver, PA, and Casey H. from Levittown, PA. Show Notes: KidsTalkChurchHistory.org

Nancy Pearsey joins Carl and Todd to discuss her important new book, The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes. Books have appeared with titles like I Hate Men and Are Men Necessary? Mainstream news organizations publish articles like "Why Can't We Hate Men?" T-shirts are sold with messages like "So Many Men, So Little Ammunition.” And Christian men, in particular, are being singled out despite social science data indicators. When did the script against masculinity become so toxic, and what effect is it having on men today? Thank you Baker Publishing Group for providing three giveaway copies of Nancy Pearcey's book for our listeners! And congratulations to our winners: Adam P. from Raleigh, NC, Michaiah S. from Huntsville, AL, and Cathryne S. from Fuquay Varina, NC! Show Notes: Nancy Pearcey is the author of the upcoming book The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes. Her most recently published book is Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality. Her earlier books include The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and two ECPA Gold Medallion Award Winners: How Now Shall We Live (coauthored with Harold Fickett and Chuck Colson) and Total Truth. Her books have been translated into 19 languages. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. A former agnostic, Pearcey has spoken at universities such as Princeton, Stanford, USC, and Dartmouth. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual." To order a copy of Nancy’s book, The Toxic War on Masculinity, visit: https://reformedresources.org/the-toxic-war-on-masculinity-how-christianity-reconciles-the-sexes-hardcover/

After a brief discussion about craziness you can understand and craziness you can't, Carl and Todd get down to business talking to Andrew Walker, editor of the new book Social Conservatism for the Common Good. A collection of essays from high-profile evangelical writers and academics – including our very own Carl Trueman – the book focuses on the work of renowned catholic, social conservative thinker Robert George. We are grateful to our friends at Crossway Publishing for providing a few giveaway copies of his book for our listeners. Congratulations to Stephanie M. from Port Byron, IL, Carol R. from Centennial, CO, and Phil C. from Albany, NC!

Carl and Todd welcome Matthew Barrett back to the podcast for the fourth time…or is it the fifth?…to discuss his latest book. Many Protestants are confused about what it means to be Protestant. The Reformation as Renewal offers a fresh history of the Reformation to help Protestants understand their origin and identity. Far from being the clean break many paint it or the schism others would have us believe it to be, Matthew argues that the Reformers sought to restore the teachings of the one holy catholic and apostolic church during the Reformation. Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Zondervan, we were able to give away three copies of Matthew’s book to the following listeners: Chris S. from Ransom Canyon, TX, David H. from New Milford, CT, and Tom K. from Harrisburg, NC! Show Notes This podcast has been sponsored by SBTS. Explore which theological degree best fits you at SBTS.EDU/EXPLORE.

Much to Carl’s relief, Todd dresses up this week for a serious conversation about the controversial issue of Satan and demons. When is Satan introduced in the Bible, and how are we to understand his power? And how are we to view the demonic realm and its influence in our daily lives? Crossway provided a few giveaway copies of Against the Darkness by Graham Cole for our listeners. Congratulations to our winners: Cody S. from Scott Depot, WV, Steve H. from Lakeland, FL, and Sean P. from Lancaster, KY. Show Notes: Evil and the Cross: An Analytical Look at the Problem of Pain, by Henri Blocher

Carl and Todd sit down with long-time friend and Theology on the Go podcast host, Jonathan Master, to discuss his latest book, Reformed Theology. In this practical book, Jonathan provides a helpful primer for church leaders, study groups, and anyone who wants a well-rounded and concise overview of Reformed theology. Now what was it that Carl said that had Jonathan so concerned? Tune in and find out. Thank you to our friends at P&R Publishing for providing three copies of Jonathan's book for giveaway. The winners of the drawing are Tiffany C. from Poncha Springs, CO, John P. from Chickamauga, GA, and Chip B. from Baltimore, MD.

Abraham Kuyper and Herman Bavinck sparked a theological tradition in the Netherlands that came to be known as Neo-Calvinism. While studies in neo-Calvinism have focused primarily on its political and philosophical insights, its theology has received less attention. Carl and Todd welcome Cory Brock and Gray Sutanto to discuss their new book, by the same name as this podcast, which provides a thoroughly theological introduction to neo-Calvinism, which many consider much needed. We were provided three copies of their book for giveaway, courtesy of Lexham Press, and the winners are Chris C. from Weyers Cave, VA, Michael Y. from Rolling Hills Estates, CA, and Austin V. from Mount Jackson, VA. Congratulations!

The recent horrific murders at a Nashville Christian school compel Carl and Todd to discuss how believers should respond in the face of such inexplicable tragedy. It’s safe to say that most people—believers included—don’t consider in advance what they might say or do when answers are few. Our hosts offer precious biblical insight and pastoral experience to help us understand how we might represent Christ to others in such painful circumstances. Recent guest Mark Talbot knows well what it means to suffer loss. Crossway provided a copy of Mark’s landmark book When the Stars Disappear as a giveaway, and the winner was Melody P. from Matthews, NC. Congratulations!

“Citizen Carl” Trueman flies without a co-pilot as he interviews author Leah Savas. She joins the legendary Marvin Olasky in writing The Story of Abortion in America: A Street-Level History, 1652-2022. The book offers a unique historical perspective that digs deep between the milestones of the abortion journey in the US and the laws that shaped it to provide insight into the cultural aspects of the story. Crossway Publishers graciously provided a number of copies of the book for a giveaway. Congratulations to the winners: Mark H. from Hampton, VA, Kevin G. from Harbeson, DE, and Kim D. from Knoxville, TN.

As international best-selling author Carl Trueman enjoys a few days among the “jet set” in Rome, faithful pastor and co-host Todd Pruitt sits down with guest Michael Allen. Dr. Allen serves as professor of systematic theology and academic dean at Reformed Theological Seminary Orlando. Despite his better judgment, Allen returns to the podcast to chat about his two newest books, released concurrently. Today’s conversation touches on themes guiding each book, including how the fear of the Lord should influence theological method and how the knowledge of God is communicated through the Word of God. Thanks to T&T Clark Publishers for providing two copies of Dr. Allen’s The Fear of the Lord: Essays on Theological Method for giveaway, and congratulations to our winners: Diane S. from Franklin, TN and Jakub N. from Knoxville, TN.

Carl is flying solo as host for today's podcast and—after a few moments of linguistic snobbery—finds time in his "shed-jule" to interview Abigail Favale. She's a professor at the University of Notre Dame and author of The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory. Dr. Favale explains that current "gender theory" finds its roots in feminist and postmodern thought, and is now reshaping language, law—perhaps even our own self-perceptions. Today's guest dares to define such words as "woman" and "man" and reminds us that biblical paradigms should lead Christians in how to live beyond cultural notions of gender identity. Ignatius Press provided three giveaway copies of Abigail's book, The Genesis of Gender. Our winners were Jason P. from Hudson, OH, Michael H. from Monterey, CA, and Jeffrey S. from Cary, NC. Congratulations!

After reminding listeners of the great public service they provide through this podcast, the beneficent Messrs. Pruitt and Trueman welcome a special guest. Mark Jones is a PCA pastor serving in British Columbia, CA, and the author of numerous books. His most recent work is a two-volume set updating and explaining Stephen Charnock’s classic Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God. Jones’ unabridged presentation is designed to encourage and instruct theologians and laypersons alike with a greater understanding of Charnock’s insights and Bible exegesis and—in turn—provide an enhanced appreciation of who God truly is. Crossway Publishing provided a pair of giveaway copies of Mark’s book, The Existence and Attributes of God. Our winners were: *Brandi H. from Fort Morgan, CO *Ken S. from Murrysville, PA

You’re familiar with non-Christian teachings that simply reject traditional Bible truth. Perhaps just as dangerous are Christian teachings that distort the Gospel, twist Scripture, and introduce New Age and mystical thinking into the faith. Authors Holly Pivec and R. Douglas Geivett expose one such set of fringe teachings that have quickly become mainstream in their new book, Counterfeit Kingdom: The Dangers of New Revelation, New Prophets, and New Age Practices in the Church. Carl and Todd welcome Holly and Doug for a discussion of the New Apostolic Reformation, or NAR, offering practical suggestions for those who are influenced by the movement or suspect its presence in their own churches. As always, the best way to spot a counterfeit faith is to be intimately familiar with the genuine article! We congratulate the winners of a copy of the book, courtesy of B&H Publishing: *Charles S. from Philadelphia, PA *Jerod H. from Newcastle, WA *Howard Q. from Asheville, NC

Christian understanding of the Holy Spirit ranges from calling Him an “it,” to claiming the Spirit is a mere independent force operating in the universe. Systematic and historical theology professor Robert Letham reminds us that the Holy Spirit is holy God, a person of the triune Godhead operating in perfect harmony and inseparably with the Father and Son. In his latest book, Dr. Letham skillfully addresses disputed beliefs about, and perceptions of, The Holy Spirit. Congratulations to our winners of Dr. Letham's book, courtesy of P&R Publishing: *Isaiah H. in Colorado Springs, CO *Caleb K. from Lynchburg, VA *Reed D. of Montgomery, AL

Our intrepid podcasters set out to answer one of life’s most pressing questions: Mello Yello® or Mountain Dew®? This specific gastronomic dilemma should quickly identify today’s special guest. Kevin DeYoung’s dietary list may read like the kid’s menu at Denny’s®, but his theological scholarship is unparalleled. The famed pastor, professor, and author once again places his reputation at risk to visit with Spin-Meisters Carl and Todd. Dr. DeYoung is one of the speakers for the 2023 Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology (PCRT) in East Lansing, MI, and Bryn Mawr, PA. On today’s episode, Kevin discusses this year’s theme—Here We Stand: The Five Solas of the Reformation—as he deftly avoids questions about fine cigars and chicken nuggets. Alliance Publishing congratulates our winners of copies of the book Our Sovereign God, edited by James Montgomery Boice: *Daniel B. from Winfield, IL *Brian R. from Greenville, SC *William L. from Auburn, AL

Many churches have men in the pulpit who care for the flock, remembering they are "shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood." Their ministries can be a resource for unity, healing, and growth for a congregant. But in recent years, several high-profile cases of abuse have been reported—and there are many more we don't hear about. Often, the victims of such abuse are compelled to suffer in silence. Michael Kruger serves as a professor and president at the Charlotte campus of Reformed Theological Seminary, and he—once again—places his reputation in jeopardy by appearing on this podcast. With his new book, Michael seeks to help leaders and laypersons identify and deal with the problems that may be caused by spiritual abuse in their church. All as Todd continues to proselytize for your conversion to Presbyterianism. Congrats to our winners of a copy of Michael's book, Bully Pulpit: Confronting the Problem of Spiritual Abuse in the Church, courtesy Zondervan Reflective: *John H. from Rio Rancho, NM *Pete T. from Mt. Vernon, OH *Jonathan H. from Tampa, FL

How swiftly things change. Signed into law in 1996, the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) refused to codify same-sex “marriage” federally, as it preserved the rights of each state to choose to recognize such unions. Recently, President Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act (RFMA), repealing DOMA and requiring the federal government and every US state and territory to recognize homosexual matrimony. So what is marriage if it can be redefined in less than 30 years? Carl and Todd analyze statements made by the president and others as they discuss whether religious liberties will truly be preserved. Could RFMA provide an entree for polygamy or other challenges to the Christian definition of marriage? Are traditional mores still relevant? Congratulations to our winners of copies of What is Marriage? Man and Woman: A Defense: . *Joe G. of Meridien, ID *Donald T. from Omaha, NE *Brian M. of Annapolis, MD