Mortification of Spin

Jeff Williams, former NASA astronaut who spent 534 days in space and now speaks on faith and science. He recalls life in zero gravity, the physical costs of long missions, launches and emergencies, and the tight camaraderie aboard the ISS. He also traces his faith journey, ministry work, and how his space perspective shapes conversations about science and creation.

In this engaging discussion, Devan Patel, a legal and political strategist, dives into the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. He raises alarm over AI companion chatbots for children, warning they can manipulate relationships and encourage self-harm. Patel emphasizes the urgent need for accountability in AI development, critiquing current market pressures and regulatory struggles. He advocates for collaboration among faith leaders, scholars, and tech to ensure human-centric AI, offering resources for parents to educate themselves on the risks.

Based on the current state of the church and the challenges faced by congregations today, many Christians find themselves asking, "When should I consider leaving my church?" Or, "When does my church need to leave the denomination?" Carl and Todd discuss these topics today, touching on reasons an individual should (or should not) consider leaving a church, as well as the implications of leaving a denomination, such as those that have occurred recently within the Anglican Communion, including the GAFCON movement.  When do you know that a church is apostate?...It becomes apostate when it either denies the gospel positively…or denies the gospel practically, and that means when the rules are the rules, but it becomes absolutely impossible to apply them. – Carl Trueman Join them as they navigate these complex issues and provide insights for Christians seeking to maintain their faith in a rapidly changing world. We are pleased to offer three listeners a copy of J.I. Packer’s book, Concise Theology, courtesy of our friends at Crossway Publishing. Enter here for the opportunity to win.   Show Notes: GAFCON: https://gafcon.org/

Carl and Todd are pleased to welcome returning guest, Robert Letham, to the podcast to discuss his new book, The Eternal Son. The Eternal Son is the second of a planned trilogy on the Father, Son, and Spirit that will complement Letham’s prizewinning book, The Holy Trinity. The conversation delves into the critical issues surrounding Christology and the importance of understanding the doctrine of the Trinity in contemporary evangelicalism. Letham highlights the historical heresies that continue to influence modern beliefs and emphasizes the necessity of systematic theology for both pastors and laypeople. Tune in for an enlightening exploration of faith, doctrine, and the rich heritage of Christian theology! We are pleased to offer three listeners a copy of Robert Letham’s book, The Eternal Son, courtesy of our friends at P&R Publishing. Enter here for the opportunity to win.   Show Notes: Books by Robert Letham: The Holy Trinity https://reformedresources.org/the-holy-trinity-revised-and-expanded-paperback/ The Eternal Son https://reformedresources.org/the-eternal-son-paperback/ The Holy Spirit https://reformedresources.org/the-holy-spirit-paperback/

Todd and Carl dive into the cultural shifts impacting evangelicalism today, introducing the concept of 'Gig Eva.' This new term highlights the move from traditional conferences to the chaotic world of social media. They discuss the rise of celebrity influencers and the dangers of outrage culture amplifying extreme voices. The duo reflects on accountability in the church and the need for healthier, truth-seeking communities, contrasting platform-building motives with genuine church growth.

Timothy Winterstein, a Lutheran pastor and author, joins to discuss the Nicene Creed's significance as it celebrates its 1700th anniversary. He explores how creeds bind Christians to Scripture and prevent divergent interpretations. Winterstein argues that, far from undermining Scripture, creeds clarify contested readings and shape our understanding of God. Delving into historical controversies, he highlights the pivotal role of precise language in defining Christian doctrine, emphasizing the creed's enduring authority in worship and faith.

Jonathan Landry Cruse, pastor of Community Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo, MI, returns to the podcast with Todd and Carl to discuss his latest book, Paradox People: Learning to Live the Beatitudes. Together they explore the significance of the Beatitudes in today’s culture. In fact, Jonathan says, when we embrace the paradoxical character preached by Jesus in the Beatitudes, we experience rich and surprising blessings.  We are meant to live these ways for the sake of the world, so we have a responsibility to the world, but it starts here, it starts with us. I need to take seriously these characteristics and say, I need to live this way; that’s how I can be most helpful to the world. And it’s going to look a lot different than what a lot of popular voices are saying right now in the Christian community, especially what you find on X or Twitter. Because it’s about meekness, it’s about humility, gentleness, and that is just as nonsensical today as it was 2,000 years ago. – Jonathan Landry Cruse Their conversation touches on the complexities of human identity, the role of technology, and the challenges faced by Christians in a rapidly changing world. Join us as we unpack how the Beatitudes can guide us in embodying Christian character amidst cultural tensions.  We are pleased to award three listeners a copy of Jonathan Cruse’s book, Paradox People, courtesy of P&R Publishing. Congratulations to James M. from Waynesboro, PA, Buzz H. from Seattle, WA, and Julian S. from Sugar Land, TX!   Show Notes: To check out Jonathan Cruse’s books, including Paradox People, click the link below: https://reformedresources.org/authors/jonathan-cruse/

Today, Carl and Todd are joined by John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Center and co-host of the new documentary, “Truth Rising,” with Os Guinness. Featuring powerful stories and expert insights, it challenges viewers to recognize the cultural moment we’re in, stand firm in biblical truth, and choose courage over fear.  Christians need to embrace this time and place that we're in as their calling. – John Stonestreet This episode explores the urgent need for Christians to engage with contemporary issues and the importance of understanding truth. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges listeners to embrace their calling in today's complex world. The Colson Center has generously made this documentary available to all and it can be viewed at https://www.truthrising.com/.   Show Notes: Colson Fellows Program: https://www.colsonfellows.org/

In a heartfelt discussion, Carl and Todd tackle the complexities of forgiveness after tragedy, reflecting on Erica Kirk's profound act at her husband's memorial. They question if forgiveness is possible without repentance and clarify the distinction between personal forgiveness and civic justice. The duo digs into varied degrees of forgiveness, appropriate boundaries, and the ongoing struggle it entails. Their insights challenge listeners to think about how faith, justice, and human emotions intertwine, emphasizing that true forgiveness is often a gradual journey.

In this episode, Todd flies solo with guest John Wilsey, a professor of church history at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and author of the thought-provoking book, Religious Freedom: A Conservative Primer. In his book, John addresses urgent questions about religious freedom in America today. How have conservatives historically understood the meaning of religious freedom? How do Americans who identify as conservative now think about religious freedom in this era? What are the differences between the historical and contemporary views, and how do those differences shape fights about religious freedom today? Todd and John explore the historical context of religious freedom in America and its implications for the church today, examining America's unique blend of religion and liberty, the dangers of an established church, and the importance of preserving religious freedom for the flourishing of the church and society. Disestablishment is the best way forward for the church. – John Wilsey Tune in for this timely and thought provoking conversation. We were pleased to award two listeners a copy of John Wilsey’s book, Religious Freedom: A Conservative Primer, courtesy of Eerdman’s Publishing. Congratulations to Kyle A. from Clarksville, IN and Noah G. from Minneapolis, MN!   Show Notes: Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville