Mortification of Spin

Evil has plagued humanity since the Garden of Eden…and has obviously clouded Carl's judgement. In today’s conversation, the brash Brit attempts to pass as a native Texan, just because he’s been to a Willie Nelson concert at Billy Bob’s wearing cowboy boots and a Stetson. Take a moment to picture the hideous spectacle… Todd, a true native of the Lone Star State, welcomes recent Texas transplant Scott Christensen for a conversation about his most recent work, What about Evil. In the book, Scott addresses the perennial question: “If God exists, and if He’s good, then why does He allow evil?” Perhaps the answer may be found in the unchanging nature of God. Join us for a most useful discussion! We are pleased to offer our listeners the opportunity to win a free copy of What about Evil? Register! Show Notes · About Scott Christensen

Carl and Todd meet to discuss a prevalent problem in the church: spiritual abuse. We know it happens, but pinpointing spiritual abuse in the church—then, working to resolve it--requires a great deal of care and wisdom.  What actually constitutes “spiritual abuse?” Do being confronted, offended, or simply hearing something you don’t like count as forms of abuse? How has the therapeutic culture we live in changed the conversation, even the language employed? Who are more likely to be abused--ministers or congregants? Our hosts weigh in with insight based on personal experience, and offer advice about tools that could help curb abuse in the church. Show Notes ·Evangelicals and Race Theory by Carl Trueman

Michael Hanby is associate professor of Religion and Philosophy of Science at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at the Catholic University of America. Dr. Hanby is in today to discuss recent societal changes that are taking place at breakneck speed.  The concept of gay marriage may seem almost conservative these days, considered alongside the issues we all now face. How have once unthinkable sexual standards so quickly become the norm in the political and public sphere? How should one think and operate in a society experiencing such rapid change? Show Notes · The Brave New World of Same Sex Marriage article by Michael Hanby · The Abolition of Man and Woman article by Michael Hanby · The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis

CRT (Carl R. Trueman) joins co-host Todd Pruitt, who is primed and ready for today’s discussion of…CRT! Critical Race Theory has seeped into the church—even reaching some more conservative branches of Protestantism—and it’s rapidly gaining ground. What is critical race theory? Carl makes the connection with identity politics as he describes his recent article that demonstrates CRT is another seductive facet of Marxism, trying to solve the problem of evil using oppressor/oppressed categories.  How should the church work through issues of race without failing to address the other challenges of our day? Are “victim and victimizer” biblical concepts? Don’t miss this timely conversation! Show Notes ·Evangelicals and Race Theory by Carl Trueman ·American political activist, philosopher, and author Angela Davis ·Reclaiming the Atonement: An Orthodox Theology of Redemption by Patrick Henry Reardon  ·Carl’s review of Race and Covenant by Gerald McDermott

With Todd hopelessly delayed by an extended hair styling appointment, Carl alone sits down to chat with our special guest. At the table is Andrew Walker, associate professor of Christian Ethics and Apologetics, associate dean of the School of Theology, and executive director of the Carl F. H. Henry Institute for Evangelical Engagement, all at Southern Baptist Seminary. Andrew’s also an editor and writer for several publications. Simply put, Andrew is an expert in making the Gospel practical, plausible, real, and effective in the daily affairs of modern society—the very topic of today’s conversation. Andrew defines Natural Law, explaining how it informs morality, free speech, and religious freedom—each, an area of great concern for every American.  Show Notes · About Andrew T. Walker · Liberty for All by Andrew T. Walker upcoming book

Life is full of tragedy, sadness, and suffering. Scripture is replete with such stories from Genesis to Revelation. Why is there suffering? Why do Christians suffer? Is there any hope to be found in the midst of suffering? Carl and Todd sit down with Mark Talbot, associate professor of Philosophy at Wheaton College, who has written a very helpful book entitled When the Stars Disappear: Help and Hope from the Stories of Suffering in Scripture. Mark shares the reasons he wrote the book, and an interesting perspective on suffering…including how humans dealt with suffering in times past, and the way we see and deal with suffering in the present. Pull up a seat and join us for this personal and relatable conversation. Show Notes ·Acts 27 and 28  ·“When Suffering is Redemptive/Redeeming a Life of Paralysis,” a free download from ReformedResources.org  We have several copies of When the Stars Disappear that we would like to give away. Register for the opportunity to win one. The books are a generous gift from our friends at Crossway.

Worship is a sacred privilege for Christians, and how we approach worship is key to revealing what we believe about our relationship with the transcendent God. With that understanding in mind, Carl and Todd invite Jonathan Cruse to talk about his book, titled What Happens When We Worship. Jonathan is an ordained minister in the OPC, and pastors Community Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo, MI. Cruse helps his readers—both young and old, seasoned believers and those new to the faith—to understand the elements of worship, all that is taking place while we worship, and why certain aspects are done as they are in the Reformed tradition. It’s a rich book, written that every Christian might grasp the wonder and awe of worship.

Brad Littlejohn and Colin Redemer join Carl and Todd for a conversation about the Davenant Institute, and to reflect on the state of education in general and of theological education in particular in the United States. You’ll learn the meaning behind the name of the institution, which was founded to solve a supply and demand problem.  Brad and Colin believe that God’s simplicity, aseity, eternality, immutability, and impassibility are concepts that should be shared with the laity. What’s more, the Davenant duo makes a compelling case that learning is not simply a matter of utilitarianism, as it is “sold” by educational institutions today. Our guests explain the real value and purpose of education, and how they coincide with the philosophy of teaching and programs offered by Davenant Institute. We’re partnering with The Davenant Institute to offer a few free copies of one of their publications titled Without Excuse: Scripture, Reason, and Presuppositional Apologetics. Register for the opportunity to win one. Show Notes · Ad Fontes Magazine · The Davenant Institute Resources

Keeping track of the beautiful cities in South Carolina is not an easy task, but Todd finally gets it right as he introduces today’s guest. Jon Payne is the pastor of Christ Church Presbyterian in Charleston, SC, and serves as the executive coordinator of the Gospel Reformation Network (GRN).  Jon explains what the Gospel Reformation Network is, what brought this group of PCA pastors and elders together about eight years ago, and the pressing issues of the day that keep them standing firm in the purpose of upholding biblical fidelity. Payne shares the vision of GRN, explains the difference between a supporting network and a lobbying group inside the denomination, and announces the upcoming GRN event in May. Oh, and—once again--you’ll notice Carl’s delight in not being like those troubled PCAers! We are pleased to be giving away copies of A Faith Worth Defending: The Synod of Dort’s Enduring Heritage. Register for the opportunity to win one. The books are a generous gift from our friends at Reformation Heritage Books Show Notes ·Gospel Reformation Network

Our intrepid (and never tepid) co-hosts welcome good friend Linda Finlayson to the mix. She’s a well-known writer of children’s books, who—for the second time—risks her reputation by sitting down with Carl and Todd to talk about her latest release.  God’s Bible Timeline: The Big Book of Biblical History is the second volume in the series and it’s just off the press. The book combines some of the author’s passions, like church history and her love of teaching children. Linda discusses the idea behind the book, how she addresses difficult passages of Scripture in a way that’s appropriately worded for children, and the resources that laid the foundation of her work. As a big fan of pictures and book illustrations, Todd gives Linda high praise, and recommends the book as a Christmas gift for both young and old. We are happy to give away a few copies of God’s Bible Timeline. Register for the opportunity to win one.The books come courtesy of our friends at Christian Focus Publications.