Mortification of Spin

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 offer three listeners a copy of Jonathan Cruse’s book, Paradox People, courtesy of P&R Publishing. Enter here for the opportunity to win.   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

Engaging in a heartfelt discussion, the hosts dive into the intertwining challenges of pastoral ministry and criticism. They explore suffering as a vital component of spiritual growth, drawing insights from Apostle Paul's letters. Humor and sincerity shine through as they tackle the emotional toll of ministry relationships. With practical advice, they emphasize the importance of responding to criticism with meekness and confidence, encouraging pastors to embrace their vulnerabilities while staying true to their calling.

It’s no secret that addictive digital technologies like smartphones and social media apps are harming a generation of kids socially, mentally, and even physically. But a workable solution seems elusive. After all, don’t kids need phones, and won’t they be vulnerable or socially isolated without tech? Clare Morell, author of the new book, The Tech Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones, argues that the answer is no.  A smartphone-free childhood is necessary to effectively protect our kids. – Clare Morell Carl and Todd engage in a thought-provoking and vitally important discussion with Clare, fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and director of its Technology and Human Flourishing Project. Together, they touch on critical issues surrounding smartphones and their impact on children and teens. The smartphone with the combination of social media is, I think, the most destructive technology we’ve ever put in the hands of our children…ever. – Todd Pruitt Clare argues that there is a better way! Tune in for practical strategies parents can take to free kids from smartphones, even if you’ve already given them, and how to sustain that lifestyle over the long term.    We are pleased to award three listeners a copy of Clare’s book, The Tech Exit, courtesy of Penguin Books. Congratulations to our listeners: Chance W. from Hattiesburg, MS, Peder H. from Bozeman, MT, and Warner L. from Notre Dame, IN!    Show Notes: To order Clare’s book and access a discussion guide for the book, as well as a practical tip sheet: https://thetechexit.com  Clare’s blogging platform https://claremorell.substack.com You can find Clare at the Ethics & Public Policy Center https://eppc.org/author/clare_morell/

The dynamic duo of Todd and Carl engage in a fascinating discussion with Caleb Morell, assistant pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., and author of the book, A Light on the Hill: The Surprising Story of How a Local Church in the Nation's Capital Influenced Evangelicalism. They explore the rich history of Capitol Hill Baptist Church, located just blocks away from the center of American power, its rich 150-year history, and its significant influence on evangelicalism in America.  Caleb shares insights into the church's resilience, its response during historical challenges, and the importance of faithfulness to the gospel in a changing cultural landscape.  There’s something really practical to take away from history. – Caleb Morell Don't miss this enlightening conversation that will encourage listeners to invest in their local churches and preserve the gospel for the next generation. We are pleased to award three listeners a copy of Caleb’s book, courtesy of our friends at Crossway Books. Congratulations to James W. from Dawsonville, GA, Cary S. from Plano, TX, and Joshua T. from Kansas City, MO!

Our hosts sit on opposite sides of the table today as Carl welcomes his guest, the Reverend Todd Pruitt, pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. They delve into the evolving challenges faced by pastors over the decades, from social media scrutiny to the changing dynamics of church leadership.  The ease with which a pastor's reputation can be harmed is now light speed. – Todd Pruitt Todd shares insights from his extensive experience in ministry, reflecting on the importance of friendships and confidants in navigating pastoral life.  A life which, where the Lord gives you three, four, five really good friends, is a blessed life indeed. – Carl Trueman Tune in for a candid conversation that sheds light on the complexities of leading a congregation in today's world. We are pleased to award three listeners some show swag – a Mortification of Spin poster signed by our very own Carl and Todd. Congratulations to Derrick B. from Aliceville, AL, Brian H. from Vidalia, GA, and Solomon C. from Bridgewater, VA! Show Notes: Concise Theology by J. I. Packer

Carl and Todd welcome special guest Melissa Dougherty to the podcast, a Christian apologist best known for her YouTube channel, where she covers a variety of theological topics. Melissa is also the author of the thought-provoking book Happy Lies: How a Movement You Probably Never Heard of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World, in which she shares her insights on the New Thought movement, exploring its seductive nature and how it differs from New Age beliefs.  New Thought will deceive you before the New Age ever will because New Thought is made to look and sound Christian. – Melissa Dougherty The discussion explores the historical origins of New Thought, its influence on American evangelicalism, and the implications for contemporary Christian thought. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that encourages listeners to critically engage with the ideas shaping our spiritual landscape. We are pleased to award three copies of Melissa Dougherty's book, Happy Lies: How a Movement You Probably Never Heard of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World, to our listeners, thanks to the generosity of Zondervan Publishing. Congratulations to Wendy C. from Katy, TX, Adina C. from Novi, MI, and Mike P. from York, PA! Show Notes: Check out Melissa’s YouTube channel here. 

Carl and Todd welcome Reverend David McKay to discuss his new book, A Spiritual Checkup for a Healthy Life with Christ. With over four decades of pastoral experience, David shares insights on spiritual health, the importance of living out our faith, and the role of the church in our spiritual journeys. But why does David advocate a spiritual checkup for believers? Because Christ has done everything for us, he is the foundation of our new life, we have been given a new life that now must be lived out; sometimes said, we are to become what we are. We are righteous in Christ…that needs to be worked out in daily, godly living and there’s always progress to be made in our likeness to Christ. – David McKay Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that emphasizes the balance between grace and the call to live a godly life. This book is a really excellent tool for assessing the condition of your heart. – Carl Trueman We are pleased to award three copies of David McKay’s book, A Spiritual Checkup for a Healthy Life with Christ, to our listeners, thanks to the generosity of Crown & Covenant. Congratulations to our winners: William G. from Bozeman, MT, Jason E. from Ilderton, Ontario, and Josh N. from Conrad, MT! Sponsor link: https://www.logos.com/mos