Mortification Of Spin

In ancient Greece, paideia was a rich educational experience that compelled students to broader comprehension and deeper discussion. Today, the Paideia Center offers a fresh and informal means of theological discipleship. It’s just been launched by RTS/Orlando, so Michael Allen returns to fill us in.   How does the Center work? Where does it meet? What are the costs? Turn it on, turn it up, and don’t miss how Carl has worked this into his January Disney vacation. It's a small world, after all.  Show Notes:  All you need to know about the Paideia Center.  The Paideia Center is pleased to offer a number of free registrations to their online or local groups across the country. Sign up for the opportunity to participate in one of them!

As the school year ends, another graduating class looks to the next step in education. So, the crew turns to Alex Chediak, who teaches engineering and physics at California Baptist University.The multi-talented Alex is also an outstanding writer. He’s the author of Thriving at College, and the team wants to know about his observations—both as a student, and now as a professor—on issues young adults face as they leave home to take on college…and life.How can parents help prepare their children for the new freedoms they’re about to experience? What kind of school is a good fit: Christian or secular? Alex provides satisfying answers for students seeking to glorify God, wherever they’re planted.Show NotesLearn more about Alex Thriving at College: Make Great Friends, Keep Your Faith, and Get Ready for the Real WorldBeating the College Debt TrapPreparing Your Teens for CollegeThanks to Tyndale House Publishers, we’re giving away copies of Alex’s book Thriving at College. Sign up for the opportunity to win one!

Sean Morris checks in. He’s the academic dean of BRITE: the Blue Ridge Institute for Theological Education. How valuable is having a biblical institute in your backyard when you can’t leave everything behind to pursue a traditional seminary education elsewhere? Sean discusses the cooperative effort of local churches, mentorship versus traditional seminary model, the advantages of in-classroom education, and more. From pastors to lay men and women leading small groups and bible studies, BRITE is for everyone!Show Notes Blue Ridge Institute for Theological Education Historic Church DocumentsThanks to our friends at IVP Academic, we’re giving away copies of A Little Book for New Theologians, by Kelly Kapic. Sign up, and you might win one!

The relationship between pastors, elders, and deacons impacts the church, and the results can be nurturing or divisive.The crew chats about the function of each church office, and what those office holders can do to encourage one another, and thus maintain and improve the health of the local body.Todd, Carl, and Aimee discuss whether personalities should be considered when choosing men to serve, and just what can go right…or wrong!From past horror stories to present leadership bliss, the team offers helpful advice. Pull up a chair and join in! However, be advised: Carl’s been sharpening his rhetorical sword, and he’s ready to pounce!Thanks to our friends at P&R, we’re giving away copies of The Elder and His Work by David Dickson. Please sign up for the opportunity to win.

Douglas Groothuis joins the conversation. He’s professor of philosophy at Denver Seminary and has recently written a very personal book titled Walking through Twilight - A Wife’s Illness, A Philosopher’s Lament.Groothuis reflects on his role as his wife's primary caregiver. He shares with us his personal suffering and life’s dynamics in light of her illness, the ministry of the body of Christ, and how God is glorified through it all.How does one lament biblically? What are some practical ways in which the local church can minister to and help the suffering brother or sister? This topic is one that many of us have or will face one day. Listen closely and learn about lamentation from the tender heart of a philosopher.Please sign up for the opportunity to win a free copy of Walking Through Twilight - A Wife’s Illness, A Philosopher’s Lament. The books are a generous gift from our friends at IVP Books. Show NotesKnow more about Douglas GroothuisDr. Groothuis’ 2015 articlePrimary Progressive Aphasia 

The crew heads over to Georgetown in Washington, DC where Carl claims ownership of two of The Exorcist steps. As they contemplate the site, they know demonic activity can be a controversial subject for Christians. Among them two different kinds of people stand out: the deniers and the enthusiasts.Do demons still exist? If so, is it common to see them possessing people? What can we affirm from Scripture about demonic activity at the present time? Todd probably has had some experience with it!It’s important to consider how we relate to the supernatural. To understand how much power and influence demons can really have over people, and how principalities and powers can act differently from place to place. I dare you to join this conversation.We’re giving away copies of Spiritual Warfare: A Biblical and Balanced Perspective by Borgman and Ventura. The copies are a courtesy of Reformation Heritage Books.Show Notes- “The Exorcist” Steps- Bad spiritual warfare theology

Another Brexit. This time it’s a local one, in much smaller proportions, but of no less importance. Carl packs up his memorabilia of 17 years living in the Philadelphia area and teaching at Westminster Theological Seminary. He’ll soon be moving and starting a new job in western Pennsylvania.Todd and Aimee are not worthy to be in the presence of the renowned Carl Trueman, but they do get a chance to ask him a few questions on behalf of all speculators out there!Why the choice to teach undergrads? Why this institution? What classes will he teach, and what other responsibilities will he have? You’re about to get the full scope!Carl’s greatest concern is that he’ll be hugged on campus for being the new kid on the block, but he’s also very excited about the days ahead - which is very unusual for an Englishman like him.We too think this will be a good fit!Better than Carl’s new well fitting job, it’s the book we’re giving away. Sign up for a chance to win a copy of Thriving at College: Make Great Friends, Keep Your

The conspiracy theory continues to develop and Aimee is determined to drive the bad brokenness out of Carl and Todd.Whether bad brokenness, or good brokenness - whatever that means, we must have a biblical anthropology. Or, in simpler terms, a biblical doctrine of what it means to be human. Nailing this down will help us view everyone with dignity and respect and even avoid bandwagons on current issues related to sexuality and race, to name a few.Who are you? Are you merely a social construct? Are you a soul with a body attached to it? Can you still be considered a person without your cognitive faculties? The answers might just drive you to the first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism!Don’t forget: You are who the Bible says you are, a person made in the image of God.Thanks to our friends at Eerdmans Publishing, we can offer some free copies of the great title Created In God’s Image by Anthony Hoekema. Follow the link and sign up for a chance to win one.Show Notes- Pat Robertson’s unbiblical view o

After receiving some intel all the way from Belfast, two thirds of the Spin team are on a mission to solve a mystery involving the third member of the team.When the kerfuffle is over, things get serious as they address the topic of the day–an article written by William Boekestein, "Ten Benefits of Church Small Groups".Although some small groups can be unhelpful and even destructive, the Crew focuses on a number of the major benefits of being part of a group with good leadership and oversight. There’s always room for growth in a small church group!Would you like to learn how you can grow in a small group setting? Follow the link and sign up for an opportunity to win a free copy of Iron Sharpens Iron: Leading Bible-Oriented Small Groups that Thrive. They are a generous gift from Christian Focus Publications.Show Notes10 Benefits of Church Small GroupsThese are the winners of Discipleship Explored Leader’s Kit from our episode Christianity Explored. If you didn’t get a free one, you can purchase at thegoodbook.c

Reformed and catholic - how so?No better place to meet Scott Swain for this conversation than Disney’s castle in Orlando. He usually finds inspiration there for his theological writing - I bet you didn’t know that!Scott makes the remarkable claim that in order to be truly protestant, we have to be good catholics in some sense. But don’t get worked up!He talks doctrinal development and Sola Scriptura, Augustine’s understanding of faith and reason, Thomas Aquinas’ view of the role and the relationship between theology and philosophy, and when the Protestant theological method of interpretation became distinct from the Catholic method.Can or should Protestants still be drawing from Aquinas? How has this Roman Catholic theologian and philosopher influenced even our Reformed confession of faith? You might be surprised to learn the practical implications of it all in the private and communal life of Christians and in discipleship. So join us!Also, Baker Academic has gifted some copies of Reformed Catholicity and we

Aimee can barely contain her excitement because Dr. Robert Godfrey is here to talk about the “other Aimee”! Aimee Semple McPherson or “Sister”, as she’s known, has interested Bob for some years. We gather around him to hear about this woman preacher, faith healer, and founder of the Foursquare church, from the early 1900s.What is so fascinating about Sister’s life, and what kind of mark did she leave in American Christianity? What practices have Pentecostals and even our churchs learned and adapted from her?There’s much to be said about the nuanced stories around her personal life. And Dr. Godfrey is more forgiving than Todd when talking about her mysterious disappearance in 1926.Gather around for this interesting conversation.By Dr. Godfrey’s recommendation, we’re giving away Sister Aimee: The life of Aimee Semple McPherson. Follow the link and sign up to win a copy!Show notesWho was Sister Aimee?We have the winners of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: Ethics and the Beginning of Human Life, from our episode W

The crew is in sunny Florida sipping margaritas this week. They’re pleased to be talking with Ismael Hernandez, the president and founder of Freedom and Virtue Institute. He’s written Not Tragically Colored: Freedom, Personhood, and the Renewal of Black America.Mr. Hernandez tells us what it was like being raised in a militant communist household and what changed after he moved to America. Based on his years of study, observation, and personal experience, Ismael discusses racialism - yes, it is a word, dignity, moral responsibility, and the importance of the family in forming a virtuous individual.The ugliness of false ideologies have permeated not only society, but also the church! But if you listen closely you’ll hear the beauty of the untold history of blacks in America.Follow the link and sign up for a chance to win a copy of Ismael Hernandez’ book Not Tragically Colored.Show Notes- Freedom and Virtue Institute- Self-reliance clubThese are the winners of “Confessing the Faith” from our past episode “The C

In light of the Larry Nassar child sexual abuse case, the crew talks about Rachael Denhollander and the treatment she’s received from her church leadership. What’s the appropriate response to cases of sexual abuse in the local church? How do you support and love those who have suffered so deeply in this way?Carl and Todd reflect on their primary responsibility as pastors who have taken vows to protect and care for God’s people, while Aimee talks about ways to minister to the wounded. Together, they look at the circumstances surrounding Rachael’s case and do their own soul-searching by asking the question: Is it I, Lord?Join the conversation, and let’s examine what the pastor’s first calling is when a member brings an accusation of abuse to the church.This week we’re giving away On Guard: Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse at Church. The book is a generous gift from our friends at New Growth Press. Please sign up to win a copy!Show Notes/Additional ResourceRachael’s Story 

Carl and Aimee have the privilege of talking to Ryan Anderson today. His most recent book is entitled When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment. And it’s provoked, dare we say, strong reactions in the media in just the a few weeks since its publication. But what's the stir all about? Well, we’re about to find out!Today, Dr. Anderson talks about the relationship between gender dysphoria and the overemphasizing of sex stereotypes. He addresses male and female bodily differences and how those differences affect the way we relate in marriage and friendships. What are the factors that determine one’s gender? Physical reality versus emotional feelings of dissatisfaction with one’s body, and if a person can overcome those feelings.The questions are many, but Dr. Anderson walks us through and leaves a picture of how a healthy culture is able to recognize the equal dignity of the sexes. And at the same time, its complementary differences. Lots of ground to cover!Grab a snack and join us in this ple

Carl is feeling pretty good today — He’s not the only one with a British accent on the show!The crew enjoys the company of two of his fellow countrymen, Barry Cooper and Nate Morgan Locke. One a former comedy writer and performer, the other, from the far land of Spare Oom just outside of Narnia, is recording from the bright city of War Drobe. They work at Christianity Explored developing courses to equip the Church, focusing on personal enrichment, evangelism, and discipleship by studying books of the Bible.How important is evangelism for the Christian?Todd is overly excited about this approach to evangelism. And far be it from him to not give his personal testimony, hardly giving anyone else a chance to talk! But we finally get the full scope from our guests. Please grab your cup of Earl Grey and a biscuit then join this exciting conversation!We’re excited to give away this week Discipleship Explored Leader’s Kit, which was just launched last week. The kit is a courtesy of Christianity Explored Ministries. S

Smoking or nonsmoking, Democrat or Republican, Trump or never Trump, yoga or stretching? The crew is visiting some hot button issues today! Are Christians allowed to have differing opinions on these topics?God’s Word neither commands nor prohibits smoking nor does it tell us what political party to vote for. But it does give us some guiding principles that allow us to use wisdom when making decisions. But what if a Christian brother has a different view than you?The irony of this episode is that our hosts might have some different opinions about these issues too! Todd gives us three helpful questions to ask ourselves before we think that anything goes just because we are in Christ.Listen to this fun, but very intense discussion on biblical principles and how the Apostle Paul, Aristotle, and the young Michael Allen can help us.The Mortification of Spin Crew is no celebrity in any sense, but we’re giving away some fun posters signed by our hosts. You can sign up for a chance to win one!Show NotesWestminster Con

When should a church be concerned, or even discipline a member for his personal views on a given issue?Todd, Carl, and Aimee weigh in on problematic personal views of church members. Their discussion is brought on by a PCA elder who holds pro-choice views running for public office. Are issues like abortion, racism, opposition to interracial marriage, a matter of concern to local churches and to denominations? The crew takes into account Christian non-negotiables and secondary issues, and who the persons holding the troubling views are: new believers in need of discipleship or an office bearer in the church? Listen to the connection between the Sixth Commandment, the Westminster Confession and Larger Catechism, the concept of personhood, and man as the image of God.We’re pleased to give away a few copies of the book Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Ethics and the Beginning of Human Life by Megan Best, courtesy of Matthias Media. Please sign up for a chance to win! And while you are there, be sure to browse our s

We’re honored to be talking with not one, but two Van Dixhoorns today. Chad Van Dixhoorn is a church history professor and pastor. He’s written a book entitled Confessing the Faith, a reader’s guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith. His wife Emily is a mother of five and among other things teaches women’s Bible studies. She’s written a study guide for Confessing the Faith. The two books are meant to introduce Christians with the Confession in an easy-to-read format.What’s the purpose of a confession anyway? The Van Dixhoorns get right to it, emphasizing the richness of our historical heritage and the many ways we can profit from it.Can a document written in the 17th century be pastorally helpful with the tricky ethical questions we struggle with? Does it mention in vitro fertilization, the legitimacy of some medical treatments, or gay marriage? Not directly, but it provides us with foundational principles to answer these questions. Pull up a chair and join us around the Van Dixhoorns kitchen table.We’re

“Double-Crossing Mud-Muncher”“Warthog-Faced Buffoon”“Cotton-Headed Ninny Muggins”Mortification of Spin is no stranger to insults. The crew share some of the best (and worst) insults received. Across the board, the quality of insults has sharply declined since Martin Luther. Social media is much to blame.But we want to encourage you to keep trying! Do you know what it takes to write a good insult? Do you possess the necessary tools?Now serious though, the Internet has enabled us to type things that we’d never have the courage to say face-to-face. Should we then avoid online disagreements? What about name-calling? Tune in to find out how Aimee became the head of the FOM, about Todd’s elitism, and the way of dying that Carl fears the most.We have a several copies of "Housewife Theologian - How the Gospel Interrupts the Ordinary" by Aimee Byrd of P&R that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.Republocrat: Confessions of a Liberal Conservative by Carl TruemanInsults helper - CarpetbaggerThank God fo

Today the crew talks diaconal ministry. Deacons function differently in various denominations. Yet God, in His wisdom, clearly creates this office in the book of Acts. They have a unique role in caring for the physical needs of the congregation. And with counsel and wisdom complement the teaching ministry of the elders.Carl, Todd, and Aimee help us with some misconceptions and answer some major questions: Is the diaconate a stepping stone to the role of elder? How ought deacons be chosen? Can a man be turned down for the office because of his wife?Join us for this conversation! Stick around to the very end, you’ll learn some British slang and Trueman’s First Law!We have a several copies of "The Deacon: Biblical Foundations for Today's Ministry of Mercy" by Cornelis Van Dam courtesy of Reformation Heritage Books that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.Deacon's Training Program with recommended reading material and Westminster Confession of Faith references.London Baptist Confession 1689, Chapter