Mortification of Spin

This week, we reach “across the pond” for insight on the much-anticipated critical biography of Dutch theologian Herman Bavinck. James Eglinton, the Meldrum Senior Lecturer in Reformed Theology at New College, the University of Edinburgh, wrote the bio. Eglinton is acknowledged for his pivotal role in extending Bavinck’s popularity outside the Dutch-speaking world.  James tells us where and when his interest in the life of Bavinck began, and what it was about the Dutch theologian that first caught Eglinton’s attention. Bavinck was a man of his day, very much attuned to modernity and its challenges, yet sensitive to the theological needs of a broad spectrum of laypeople. What more can we learn from this intriguing figure, and why should Christians care about Bavinck today?  We are excited to give away copies of Bavinck: A Critical Biography.Register for the opportunity to win one. The books are a complimentary gift from Baker Academic.

The dynamic duo today becomes a trio, as a third pessimist—that is, a third realist—joins in. Rod Dreher is an American writer and editor, culture critic, and the author of several books, including The Benedict Option and the freshly released Live Not By Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents. Rod’s book is a wakeup call for Christians about ideas that have become prevalent in American society…notions already adopted in other countries that have proven to be a threat to civil liberties.  Is there still hope to turn from what he calls “soft totalitarianism”? What’s the course of action for Christians to preserve the faith in such an intolerant society, where words and actions are becoming highly surveilled and dealt with “accordingly?” Live Not By Lies is timely and absolutely relevant for Christian dissidents. You can’t afford to miss this conversation! We’re giving away a number of copies of Live Not By Lies. Register for the opportunity to win one! The books are a complimentary gift from Sentinel, a division of Penguin Books.

After revealing some details of their personal lives, Carl and Todd get down to business. Seems a disturbing phenomenon is plaguing churches all over the country. Since the lockdown, many Christians have become too comfortable with worshipping from home over a screen…dressed in their jammies, eating donuts, and—quite possibly—not really worshipping at all.  Does it really matter? What are people missing by not going back to church as restrictions are slowly being lifted? Our favorite duo discuss the meaning and importance of “being bodily present” for the different traditions like the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and the Protestant. Is there any place for live streaming, and any reason not to physically gather for worship? It’s time to weigh in. Oh, and notice who’s playing the optimist this time!

Carl Trueman’s The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self - Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution hasn’t even been released, and—already—it’s the best-selling book of 2020! It is, at least, according to the hosts of this program. Yes, the author feels he’s found a pot of gold, and is buying that dream villa in Venice with the royalties. At the same time, co-host Todd feels privileged as he possesses an advanced copy of this treasure and believes he’ll be enjoying a free stay at his friend's Mediterranean estate.  The runaway cultural train is gaining speed, and revolutionary changes that used to take decades to develop seem to be happening at a breakneck pace—especially, where matters of sexual identity are concerned. From Augustine to Rousseau and Marx, and from Descartes to Bruce Jenner, Carl Trueman traces the thoughts underlying the modern view of the self...helping us understand the present, and preparing us to navigate the days ahead. The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self is available for pre-order. Visit Reformed Resources to place your order.

The state of California has gathered its pitchforks and torches and they’re coming after Grace Community Church, pastored by John MacArthur. The COVID-19 pandemic has opened doors to all kinds of government regulations, including—to no one’s surprise—restrictions on worship gatherings. The feud between Grace Community Church and the state of California rages on, and our dynamic duo is focusing on the fine line between obedience to Scripture and obedience to the limited, God-given power of the civil magistrate. Has the state of California overstepped the boundaries of religious freedom, supplanting the authority of the Scriptures and of the Church? The issue has captured a lot of attention on social media with as many different opinions as the number of people offering them.  As we’re on the subject, we have a few copies to give away of a new release by Concordia Publishing House, Faith in the Shadow of a Pandemic.Register for the opportunity to win one.

Carl Trueman and Todd Pruitt discuss the value of leisure reading and suggest a few outstanding titles. Todd’s dramatic reading at the conclusion of the podcast is worth the price of admission! Perhaps we should put it another way… You’ll enjoy reading A Christian Guide to the Classics, by Leland Ryken. Enter to win a copy!

When couples struggle with the pain of infertility, surrogacy may be one of the available options. Is surrogacy as simple as finding a “carrier” for your baby, or are there more considerations to bear in mind?  Carl and Todd sit down with Adeline Allen, associate professor of law at Trinity Law School. Adeline raises some questions about the moral, Christian ethical, and lawful implications of surrogacy. It is biblical that Christians would strive to raise godly offspring, but does the means of surrogacy justify that end? How are pastors to help their congregants to think through such a sensitive issue? There’s much to be discerned from this thoughtful and important episode.

Carl and Todd are virtually visiting the beautiful state of Georgia, sipping some peach sweet tea with Rev. David Hall. David is the senior pastor at Midway Presbyterian Church in the Atlanta area, the hot spot for a yearly conference on reformed worship emphasizing the simplicity of worship and the centrality of preaching. Due to changes in state guidelines, this year’s event was canceled, so David chats instead with our heroes about the newest social phenomenon: Puritanical perfectionism. At issue, the emergence of a secular kind of absolute morality, which punishes violators to the fullest extent of “woke” standards, leaving the perpetrator without any chance for redemption or forgiveness. Is this “new morality” a good thing for society? David reviews the “Five Points of Neo-Perfectionism,” discussing each in light of their social implications.  We have free copies of David’s book titled “The Arrogance of the Modern” that we would love to share with our listeners. Register for the opportunity to win one.

The emperor of California has granted Joel Kim a temporary release to join Carl and Todd for a short conversation. The gathering happens at the usual spot—in front of an Ann Taylor boutique—so that the wives may have a good time as the men whine and opine!  Joel is the president of Westminster Seminary California, and he has some peculiar challenges ahead of him regarding the upcoming academic year at WestCal. Kim shares some of the changes the seminary made to accommodate the needs of the students, and what he’s foreseeing as temporary solutions to keep a certain level of continuity and normalcy in the months ahead.  What does Kim think about online education? Tune in for this clear-cut conversation to hear about WestCal’s focus and commitment in forming pastors despite the challenges of COVID.  We have copies of With All Your Heart: Orienting your Mind, Desires, and Will toward God by WestCal professor Craig Troxel that we would like to give away. Register for the opportunity to win a free copy.

Our dynamic duo brings in Chad Vegas with a plan to dig up some dirt he has on Big Eva without raising any controversy. But who are we kidding? Chad is currently the pastor of Sovereign Grace Church of Bakersfield, CA, and was a pioneer in the Young, Restless, and Reformed (YRR) movement. We’re riveted by his words as Chad tells us what it was like in the early days of the movement. Vegas speaks kindly of the friendships forged during his time in YRR, the support he and his family received from those friends, and the lessons learned. Still, Chad raises some fair concerns about the direction the movement was heading when he left it. What were some factors that contributed to Chad’s exit from the YRR? Why did he move toward a more Reformed theology? Buckle in for a gripping episode, chock full of confessions, book endorsement repentance, statues being taken down from seminary squares, redemption, and much more! We are happy to offer you the opportunity to win a copy of The Creedal Imperative by our very own Carl Trueman. Register!!