Mortification of Spin

Todd’s been summoned to host a popular TV show, but Carl and Aimee guarantee that they can handle this week’s episode without his coaching. The two have learned a few things this past year that they’re willing to share. Carl discusses how pleasantly different 2019 was for him at his new job, the completion of the biggest projects of his adult life thus far, Hugh Hefner’s “contribution” to modern society, and more. Aimee’s research for her upcoming book on discipleship has taught her—among many other things—how to take criticism in a polarized (social media) world. The dynamic duo discusses true confessionalism, slander, online polemics, and navigating through it all. Hear about the books of 2019 that you’ll want to read, or read again. You may even wish to give the corresponding episodes another listen!   Show Notes ·A 2020 message to Todd Pruitt ·Introducing Evangelical Theology by Daniel Treier ·Interpreting Scripture with the Great Tradition by Craig Carter ·The Mosaic of Atonement by Joshua McNall ·Resourcing Theological Anthropology by Marc Cortez ·The Forsaken Monarch by Amy Mantravadi ·Theological Negotiations by Douglas Farrow ·God Visible by Brian Daley ·John Macnab by John Buchan  ·Witch Wood by John Buchan ·“Evangelical Elites Are Out of Touch” by Carl Trueman

The three Spinners are back in the bunker to recommend a book and discuss its highlights. The topic of this conversation is actually a textbook titled Introducing Evangelical Theology by Daniel J. Treier, published by Baker Academic. Written for all kinds of theology students—from small reading groups, to Sunday school teachers and academic students—Introducing Evangelical Theology is written in a simple, yet not simplistic way, and provides a great foundation from which to retrieve some much needed theological grammar.  The team offers input about the saggy knees and the misnumbered fingers and toes of the people depicted on the cover…on the greatness of the “one sentence thesis” intro to every chapter…and, on the richness of the glossary. This is a book that you’ll want to read! Visit the link and register for the opportunity to win a free copy of Introducing Evangelical Theology by Daniel J. Treier. The copies are a complimentary gift from our friends at Baker Academic.

Guess who’s on the Christmas naughty list? That’s right--all three Spinners! Aimee’s compared to Yoko Ono, Carl gets blamed for it, and Todd justifies his patriarchal household decisions. When the banter is finally over, we get to today’s topic: the resurgence of classical theism. What is classical theism? The crew discusses its ancient origins and the recent interest in its return, not only on the academic level, but among lay people as well. Can the doctrine of God be something understood at the popular level, and even have practical implications? How do the two natures of Christ shape our understanding of God’s impassibility…and, why is it important that we understand this well?  The conversation ends with a plea to presbyteries to keep the theological mutualism taught in some Reformed seminaries out of the pulpits. Listen to learn more...    Show Notes ·None Greater: The Undomesticated Attributes of God by Matthew Barrett ·Post-Reformation Reformed Dogmatics by Richard Muller ·Credo Magazine series on the Doctrine of God ·The Five Theological Orations by Gregory of Nazianzus  ·Interpreting Scripture With The Great Tradition by Craig Carter ·Simply God by Peter Sanlon We’re giving you the opportunity to win a great resource about today’s topic. Register for the opportunity to receive a free copy of Sam Renihan’s God Without Passions - A Primer. The copies are a generous gift from our friends at Reformed Baptist Academic Press.

Emily Zinos of the Ask Me First Minnesota Family Council returns to the bunker following her outstanding appearance on “Gender Confusion.” This time, Emily brings along her good friend Natasha Chart, who is on the board of directors of the Women’s Liberation Front - WoLF.  What do a conservative Roman Catholic and a radical feminist have in common? Both believe that biology determines sex, and that women deserve protection. Emily and Natasha are members of Hands Across the Aisle, and—as the title suggests—they join forces with women from across the political spectrum to oppose gender identity ideology. The pair has written an extremely helpful resource guide for parents. Together, they tackle some important questions and tell us why identity politics is detrimental to women.  Why has the transgender movement been so successful? Have we really thought through the lasting consequences of such ideology? Our guests are here to walk us through the answers.  Show Notes Download “Responding to the Transgender Issue - Parent Resource Guide” Ask Me First Minnesota Family Council Women’s Liberation Front - WoLF Hands Across the Aisle - Resources

Another curious word game introduction sets the stage for answering a few listener questions. Tackled today: Liturgical dance, Carl’s colorful pants and his “Christian journey,” Todd’s no-book deal, studio cough switches, and more. Seriously: are the children of believers considered to be Christians, merely by virtue of being born to believing parents? Or, are they “little heathens?” The crew talks about the Presbyterian and Baptist views on the subject. On another matter: how can we appreciate our heroes from the past without ignoring their faults—involvement with slavery and anti-Semitic views, to name a few? Carl, Todd, and Aimee navigate an episode that evolves from the silly to the sublime! Show Notes · The Sacrifice of Praise by Herman Bavinck

Great questions keep coming from our listeners, and the Spin Team speaks ex cathedra, putting to rest once and for all a few queries related to this topic. Is there a true tension between being missional and being confessional? What does it mean to be missional in the current context? The crew addresses a few schools of thought related to the use of the term missional, some of the dangers of its misuse, and the real mission of the church, according to Matthew 28.But that’s not all! Our trio addresses the other side of the fence and discusses how one can [wrongly] excuse apathy for his neighbor and the world under the pretense of confessionalism. Shall we find the balance?

The college professor, the housewife theologian from “Mary-land,” and the PCA pastor/conspiracy theorist invite David White to join them in the bunker for a superb conversation about God, You, and Sex: A Profound Mystery. David is a pastor, author of several books, and has served in several capacities at Harvest USA for 19 years. David shares what he believes is missing from other books on Christian sexuality. Is marriage the answer and/or cure for unmet sexual desires, or are there sexual struggles in that union as well? What are some of the sexually-related challenges that children and parents alike face in this technological age? David shares some thoughts on the importance of sex in marriage being rooted in doctrine, and the power of strong local communities to uphold biblical ethics and accountability.  Show Notes Harvest USA Buy God, You, and Sex We are happy to give you the opportunity to win a free copy of God, You, and Sex.Just register! The copies are a generous gift from Harvest USA and New Growth Press.

After the crew concludes that #EpsteinDidNotKillHimself, and plays a fun rhyming word game, it’s time to address some serious questions from our listeners.  Among today’s topics: War and Just War Theory. Is there truly such a thing as a “just war?”  What is pacifism, and are different forms of it? What should be the relationship between church and state in matters of war?  Changing gears…What are some books that everyone should read before high school graduation? From classic literature to modern, there are some great picks! Show NotesThe City of God by Augustine of HippoWuthering Heights by Emily BronteThe Man Who Was Thursday by G. K. Chesterton The Pilgrim’s Progress by John BunyanGod Breathed by Rut Etheridge III Episode with MoSChristless Christianity by Michael HortonConfessions by Augustine of Hippo

Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary debuts on “The Spin” with the presence of Michael Morales, the seminary’s professor of Biblical Studies. Who Shall Ascend the Mount of the Lord? is Michael’s latest work on the book of Leviticus, and part of the New Studies in Biblical Theology series by IVP. Don’t dismiss this outstanding book merely on the subject matter! Leviticus is not “the most boring book in the bible,” and you’re about to learn why!Michael identifies an intriguing theme in Leviticus, along with its relationship to the sacredness of time and the Sabbath. Don’t miss this important perspective on the Pentateuch!Show Notes·The Book of Leviticus - The New International Commentary on the Old Testament by Gordon Wenham·Leviticus, Numbers - The NIV Application Commentary by Roy Gane ·Jacob MilgromWe have a few copies of Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord? Register for the opportunity to win a free one!

The Spin Team—yes, the fashion guru, the pastor to the “furries,” and the lead singer of the punk band “Feminist Outrage Machine”—have not one, but two special guests today! Kelly Kapic and Brian Fikkert, both at Covenant College, have authored Becoming Whole: Why the Opposite of Poverty isn’t the American Dream.Becoming Whole brings further insight into topics explored in Brian’s book, When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor, by giving the reader a greater picture of what it means to live a good life in light of God’s transcendence.Is economic growth the solution for the world’s problems? How can the Church be a good and faithful neighbor: helping the poor, without compromising the truthfulness of the Gospel while simultaneously avoiding the pitfalls of Christian liberalism? Can we proclaim a form of good news that has nothing to do with this physical world today? Don’t miss a truly fascinating discussion! Show Notes·When Helping Hurts by Brian FikkertWe’re happy to give away a few copies of Becoming Whole. Register for the opportunity to win one!