Mortification Of Spin

Carl is on his very best behavior today—his boss is in the house!David Ayers is professor of sociology, and interim provost of Grove City College. He joins us, not to talk about Carl’s performance at work (which could be very interesting), but about his own recent work: Christian Marriage: A Comprehensive Introduction.What makes this book distinctive? David addresses marriage, not simply from a philosophical perspective, but sociologically as well. He looks at the definition and the purpose of marriage, going back to God’s original design, as stated in major orthodox confessions and doctrinal standards.Adding a bit of heat to the mix, the conversation turns to the place of children in marriage, and a few suggestions on how to make wise decisions regarding a prospective spouse. You’re also about to find out Carl’s new “suggested” title and position at the college. As always, the podcast is worth the price of admission!We’re happy to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of Christian Marriage: A Comprehe

Liam Goligher is back. He’s one of the speakers at the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology, coming up this March in Grand Rapids and April in Philadelphia. The theme of the conference this year is Redemption Accomplished and Applied.From the comfort of his living room couch, Liam chats with the Spin Team about one of his messages—"Sanctification by Grace”—and how that process is vitally connected to classical theism. What do we lose in sanctification when we minimize the doctrine of God? This conversation flips from the sacred, to the silly, and back again. Don’t miss it!Show NotesScripture and Metaphysics: Aquinas and the Renewal of Trinitarian Theology (Challenges in Contemporary Theology) by Matthew LeveringRegister for the opportunity to win free registration for the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology to hear Liam Goligher, Kevin DeYoung, Ian Hamilton, David Murray, and others.

The rising degradation of human life cannot be overlooked, as—recently—we witnessed New York’s governor signing an abortion bill into law as legislators celebrated their newly-expanded “right” to kill the unborn. If that wasn’t bad enough, a few days later Virginia’s legislators introduced an even more radical bill calling for abortion up to, and during, the process of the baby’s delivery.Have you asked yourself, ‘how did we get here?’ How can such a vile act become acceptable—even celebrated—by a “civilized” society? The crew has an insightful discussion about what defines “personhood,” according to Scripture, and the purpose of human life.What is our mandate as Christians, and how does the idea of covenant speak to this issue? How can the Church carry on God’s design for humanity, while witnessing to the secular world?In today’s episode, an unusual character—a prominent NYC pastor—receives kudos for speaking out against the new abortion law. Guess who?Show NotesDefending Life: A Moral and Legal Case Against

About three years ago, the Reformed quarters of the Internet were consumed with a fiery debate over the doctrine of the Trinity. Fast forward, and we find the Spin revisiting the topic today with Glenn Butner. He’s assistant professor of theology and Christian ministry at Sterling College, and author of The Son Who Learned Obedience: A Theological Case Against the Eternal Submission of the Son.In his book, Glenn deals with the main question: Is Jesus in eternal submission to the Father, as the second divine Person of the Trinity? Or, was His submission only in His human life on earth, as a result of the incarnation? The topic is a critical one, for its implications can have a domino effect, knocking over a number of essential Christian doctrines.Is there a problem in appealing to the doctrine of the Trinity to answer questions about the roles of husbands and wives? What roles do confessionalism and tradition play in this matter? You’re about to find out! Show NotesCouncil of Constantinople of 381 ADBiblicism

One can only wonder what a Mortification of Spin band would look and sound like. But today it’s not about music; it’s about the most popular Mortification of Spin episodes of 2018.After a few minutes of squabbling between Todd and Aimee about toxic masculinity, razor commercials, and more, we finally get into our topic. The crew does a recap of each of “the five greatest,” and recognize that the issues addressed by those programs continue to be relevant now, and are unlikely to go away any time soon.The trio issues a triple-dog-dare to any leading voice in the “Reformedosphere” to grab a MoS mic and speak against recent events—particularly in the PCA—regarding the blending of race with sexual identity issues. It’s all in this week’s podcast!BTW: We are grateful for all of the guests who risked their reputations in 2018 to appear on the Spin!Listen Again#5 episode#4 episode#3 episode#2 episode#1 episodeThe Spin crew and the Paideia Center are pleased to give away some free signups for the spring 2019 local and

Back in the bunker, the three amigos meet with Julie Roys. Julie is the embodied combination of Sherlock Holmes and Lois Lane. She’s a longtime investigative reporter committed to uncovering the truth, and—much like Carl, Todd, and Aimee—interested in “mortifying the spin” concerning issues in the contemporary church.Julie has achieved some notoriety for her investigative work and her latest coverage on the alleged spiritual abuse, intimidation, misappropriation of funds, etc. surrounding Harvest Bible Chapel and Pastor James MacDonald. Unfortunately, this isn’t a unique case. The fabulous four discuss the devastating effects on the Church when disqualified men remain in leadership without being confronted, and the shame it brings to the name of Christ. Join us!Show NotesAbout Julie RoysHard Times at Harvest - World Magazine articleThe Broken TwigThe Elephant’s DebtThanks to our friends at Reformation Heritage Book we can offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of An Able and Faithful Ministry: Samuel Mi

What do you do when you make a mistake that affects, perhaps, over a million people in their youth; an error that would cause many to regret their decisions more than 20 years later?The crew grabs some popcorn to watch and discuss Joshua Harris’ documentary, I Survived “I Kissed Dating Goodbye”. The intrepid trio is ready to comment on the “Purity Culture”, those responsible for its proliferation, and its long-term ramifications. Along the way, our heroes offer insight on the cultivation of virtue and morality, and alternative means to correct our errors. Grab a snack and buckle in!We’re offering Sex, Dating, and Relationships: A Fresh Approach by Hiestand and Thomas. Register for the opportunity to win a free copy. The book is a complimentary gift from our friends at Crossway.Congratulations to the winners of Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible from our episode The King’s False Friends. Thanks to Lexham Press and Jones Literary for the copies!Joe C. - North Richland Hills, TXVicki, W. - Ha

Some churches are taking a break from worship on the Lord’s Day, and the crew brings the topic under the spotlight. A sound, biblical doctrine of worship, and of the means of grace, are essential to the understanding of why God’s people gather on the Lord’s Day. It’s how we recognize and appreciate the benefits we receive from the Lord through the preaching of His word, through the Lord’s supper, the fellowship of the believers, and more.Of course, there are some inevitable and unexpected events that might compel a small church to cancel a service. But, can the same events provide the reason for a church of hundreds, or even thousands, to call off the assembly? Don’t miss this important discussion of the Sabbath!Show NotesTHE 2000 BAPTIST FAITH & MESSAGEVIII. The Lord's DayWestminster Confession of FaithChapter 21 - 7 & 8We are pleased to offer a few copies of Good News We Almost Forgot by Kevin DeYoung, which are a generous gift from our friends at Moody Publishers. Register for the opportunity to wi

Listener Sam has called upon the crew to address missions, in light of the terribly sad death of missionary John Chau in the North Sentinel Island. The topic has stirred up strong emotions and opinions about missions in the media; it has even compelled Todd to resume Tweeting.The death of Mr. Chau has been compared to Jim Elliot’s, but the crew disagrees, and is willing to explain why. General preparedness, and the ability to handle Scripture, begs the question whether missionaries need to be ordained ministers. Carl offers some thoughts on that, and on the disadvantage of solo missionaries (making a case for missions teams), while conceding to Aimee that women are fundamental for missions work.Who’s responsible to prepare missionaries - the denomination, or missions agencies? You’re about to witness what transpires when Todd works hard not to offend people, but Carl incites him to action nonetheless!Show NotesArticle topic of the conversationThanks to the generosity of our friends from Banner of Truth, we ca

Is “out with the old, in with the new” something you can do with parts of the Bible? The crew takes a look at a statement made by Andy Stanley, suggesting that Christians “unhitch” the Old Testament from their faith. Meanwhile, Carl digs into his historical archives and pulls a file of someone who made the same statement some 1,850 years ago.Imagine what Paul and the apostles would have had left if they had “unhitched” from the Old Testament and the Jewish historical tradition; what would Jesus have been talking about with the men on the road to Emmaus if He had done the same?Can we completely ditch the Ten Commandments, and affirm that Jesus gave only one command: to love one another? Listen in to hear how Stanley’s statements play out when the whole counsel of the Bible is considered.ResourcesGod Dwells Among Us by G.K. Beale and Mitchell KimFrom Eden to the New Jerusalem by Desmond AlexanderWe recommend God Dwells Among Us as one of the best resources on this topic, and we’re pleased to give away a few cop

After a delicious Christmas dinner and dessert, Aimee, Carl, and Todd relax around the fireplace and answer some Christmas ‘letters’ from listeners. For example: Are nativity scenes with baby Jesus in the manger a second commandment violation? Some attribute the origin of Christmas to a pagan tradition, and the Christmas church service as an infringement of the regulative principle of worship. The crew give their views on those, as well as some thoughts on the Reformed position of Advent, and “making room for Jesus in your heart” during this time of the year.Todd’s cultural insensitivity is remarkable, but he redeems himself by offering the sole criteria for a children’s Christmas pageant. Wanna know who’s the most personable of the three, and Carl’s alias on Twitter? Don’t miss this episode!We are pleased to give away few copies of Love Came Down at Christmas by Sinclair Ferguson. If you’d like the opportunity to win one, register here. The copies are a complimentary gift from our friends at The Good Book Co

This week’s destination is the Evergreen State of Washington. The crew meets with Mark Ward, author of Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible. In his book, Mark considers—on one hand—the value of the KJV, and what we lose when we put aside the still most-read bible translation in the US. On the other hand, what happens when we cling to James’ Authorized Version with an unhealthy degree of loyalty?What’s best: dynamic equivalence, or more literal translations? Mark gives his honest opinion, along with some pros and cons pointing back to intelligibility for the sake of edification. Betwixt all this, Dr. Ward shares a crash course on dead words and “false friends.” Don’t miss it!Show Notes· More about Mark Ward· King James Only Movement/Controversy· Elizabethan vocab (for amusement purposes only)Thanks to Jones Literary and Lexham Press, we are able to offer to our listeners the opportunity to win a free copy of Mark Ward’s Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible. Register now! 

To put the brakes on the Spin, the crew is addressing some very important questions sent by the listeners…like this, from Scott S. in Orlando: Will there be peanut butter in the new heaven and new earth? And, if so—creamy or crunchy? The theological implications are staggering.It’s totally OK if you don’t like the way your pastor parts his hair, or even his choice of psychedelic print ties, but is it a good enough reason to leave your church? On a more somber note: How does one talk to a three year old about death? We cover public critique/criticism dos and don’ts…the difference between criticizing a bad idea and attacking the person behind the idea…even whether a seminary education is imperative for someone already in pastoral ministry. Hey, you asked; now pull up a seat and listen to what Carl really thinks about one of the most popular of American foods.Vocab Words· Haggis, Carl’s replacement for peanut butter · Chip ButtyLooking for a good book to read, or an audio series to gift this Christmas season? Br

Most people have heard of the famous Charles H. Spurgeon, also known as the “Prince of Preachers.” Ray Rhodes dug deeper—delving into Spurgeon’s family life—and found Spurgeon’s greatest earthly treasure: his wife, Susannah. Ray serves as pastor of Grace Community Church in Dawsonville, GA and is president of Nourished in the Word Ministries. It was during his doctoral studies that Pastor Rhodes decided to do a deeper research on the marriage and spirituality of the Spurgeons. He found some very surprising facts about “Susie,” and uncovered how she lived such a busy and productive life alongside Charles—perhaps, even more so, after his death.In Susie, Ray tells an amazing story of commitment, encouragement, poor health, faithfulness in trials, and much more. And if you appreciate book pictures like Todd, this biography puts the icing - and the cherry - on the cake!We are pleased to give away a few copies of Susie, The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon.Sign up! They are a complimentary gift from Moody Publi

The crew sits down with Michael Allen to chat about his latest, Grounded in Heaven - Recentering Christian Hope and Life on God. Allen is the John Dyer Trimble Professor of Systematic Theology and academic dean at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando. He’s also a multiple-time guest, making the professor a real Spin survivor!This time around, Michael challenges the contemporary idea of a new heaven and new earth with a more classical, Reformed term: visio Dei, or beatific vision. Does he mean that you can be so heavenly-minded that you’re no earthly good? How does being heavenly-minded inform the way we face life struggles? Allen gets personal answering these queries, and debunks a myth that heavenly-minded people are uninvolved or unproductive in social affairs. Michael keeps building his case, and even uses the word - wait for it - asceticism! Obviously, you don’t wanna miss this conversation…but, have a dictionary close at hand!Show Notes·The Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life by John Calvin·The

Westminster Seminary California is a confessional institution committed to supplying churches with Bible specialists--and we’re about to find out how they do it.The crew shares a sit-down with Dr. Joel Kim. He’s the president of WSC, and passionate about the great mission and privilege of preparing men and women to serve. Joel’s happy to share his thoughts about the vital role of the local church working in partnership with the seminary in the making of ministers. Also on the table: how do churches deal with the moral and ethical issues of ministers-to-be who graduate with student debt? Do those churches have a role to fulfill concerning financial support? Dr. Kim offers compelling food for thought.We’re pleased to give away Journeys With Jesus: Every Path in the Bible Leads Us to Christ by WSC faculty member, Dr. Dennis Johnson. Please register for the opportunity to win a free copy; they’re a generous gift from our friends at P&R Publishing.Congratulations to the winners of Jesus Becoming Jesus:Jeremy C

It seems that reading comprehension difficulties are on the rise. That might be due partly to the great technological advancement of social media, and the ability one has these days to communicate, and discuss profound ideas pertaining to life and death, in just 280 characters.Mortification of Spin understands the issue, and steps up to the plate to help those with difficulty comprehending Carl’s article, “Is Tim Keller a Marxist?” In this episode, Carl--once again--affirms his distaste for the city, and for Transformationalism...all, while defending a man (who happens to like both) from unfair accusations. Confused? You won’t be, after this episode of “The Spin!”Truly yours,The CrewShow NotesIs Tim Keller a Marxist?How to Think by Alan JacobsWe have 3 copies of Alan Jacobs' book to give away! To win a copy of How to Think, register here.

No Going Back!Aimee finally gets an ally! Interestingly enough, she’s the only other woman ever to receive the esteemed title of “honorary guy” on the podcast: author and speaker, Nancy Guthrie.Nancy joins the crew today to dismiss some misconceptions about the Garden of Eden, and help us with a biblical understanding of our eternal destination. Are believers on their way back to Eden--back to the same state Adam and Eve were in before the fall? Nancy shows us that what’s truly ahead for God’s children is Even Better than Eden! Listen as Nancy shares her passion for biblical theology, and how Genesis 3 answered many of the personal questions she asked amid painful life circumstances.=========Show Notes·More about Nancy·2 Corinthians 5:17·A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New by G. K. Beale·Kingdom Prologue: Genesis Foundations for a Covenantal Worldview by Meredith Kline·Images of the Spirit by Meredith Kline·Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments by Geerhardus Vo

It’s that time of the year again when our dear, innocent children are initiated in Satanism through the practice of trick or treating. Well…OK, not really!But indeed, some questions come back around every year, and opinions about Halloween are diverse enough to create a squabble between Carl, Todd, and Aimee. Halloween, or Fall Festival? “Trick or treat,” “trunk or treat,” or “Reformation celebration?” Should young ones dress as Superman or Moses? Should horror movies be avoided, or do they possess some redeeming value? Could a celebration like Halloween help us think about realities such as death and evil, or are we simply trivializing them through the media of entertainment?Todd shares the most frightening thing he’s ever heard, as Aimee announces her candy distribution plan, and Carl—well, you must listen to find out!Show NotesParadise Lost by John MiltonIt is October 31st, so we’re giving away copies of Still Protesting: Why the Reformation Matters by D.G. Hart, which is a generous gift from our friends a

Still in the boonies of western Pennsylvania, the crew receives a visit from Fr. Thomas Weinandy. He is a Franciscan Capuchin priest, systematic theologian, long-time professor, and author of many books. In his latest--Jesus Becoming Jesus: A Theological Interpretation of the Synoptic Gospels--Thomas focuses on the doctrine and theology of the synoptic gospels, zooming in closely on the acts of Jesus in his earthly life, and the mysteries of the faith as the Lord becomes Yahweh Saves.The conversation emphasizes the importance of connecting the saving acts of God in the person of Jesus Christ, and the orthodox doctrines of immutability and impassibility. Hear what Fr. Weinandy says about holding both together in preaching, and what is truly essential for our salvation.Show NotesAbout Thomas WeinandyDoes God Suffer?Thomas C. OdenTheologian John WebsterRegister at ReformedResources.org for the opportunity to win a free copy of Jesus Becoming Jesus: A Theological Interpretation of the Synoptic Gospels. The copies