Mortification of Spin

Tom Rudelius had science and an Ivy League pedigree—why did he need God? Immersed in his physics studies at Cornell, he never thought much about God until his brother, a new convert to Christianity, challenged him to explore faith. Tom joins Carl and Todd to discuss his new book, Chasing Proof, Finding Faith, where he traces his journey to unexpected faith, through subsequent doubt and anxiety. “I think that what God really wants from us is that we would give him our allegiance, even in the midst of our doubts. And I think that’s the sort of faith that God really calls us to – the sort of faith that says, ‘God, I will take your side, even amidst the doubts. I will choose to give you my life and to follow you, even if I’m questioning.’”  Though he never found absolute proof of God or Christianity, he ultimately concluded that the existing evidence for both is compelling and compatible with science. Tune in to this fascinating conversation, and find out why Carl compared him to Martin Luther! Thank you to Tyndale Press for providing a few giveaway copies of Chasing Proof, Finding Faith for our listeners. Congratulations to our winners: Joseph S. from West Chester, PA, Barbara S. from Lancaster, PA, and Michael C. from Evansville, IN!   Show Notes: Tom recommends this book for those who are interested in investigating Christianity: Letters from a Skeptic: A Son Wrestles with His Father's Questions about Christianity  

Special guest Lauren McAfee, co-editor of 'Created in the Image of God', discusses the importance of recognizing human dignity and the societal implications of being made in the image of God. The conversation covers pressing cultural issues, equal dignity for all individuals, and the responsibility to uphold human worth in various aspects of life.

Ryan Anderson and Alexandra DeSanctis discuss how abortion has harmed society and healthcare, post the overturn of Roe v. Wade. They highlight the emotional struggles of couples facing difficult pregnancies and emphasize the importance of well-informed choices. The conversation also touches on the impact of abortion on culture and the challenges faced by the pro-life movement.

Returning to the podcast today is Jonathan Landry Cruse to discuss his new book, The Character of Christ, with Todd and his plaid waistcoat-wearing partner, Carl. In this practical and applicable book, Jonathan examines the godly attributes of the fruit of the Spirit in the Lord’s example, showing us that we can bear true fruit for God only by our union with the life-giving Vine. Be sure to tune in, and as a bonus, you’ll also get a mini-class on Scottish tartans! Thanks to our friends at Banner of Truth for providing three giveaway copies of The Character of Christ for our listeners, and congratulations to the winners: Christa V. from Appleton, WI, Lori E. from Kenna, WV, and Stephen S. from Springfield, VA!

Joseph Minich discusses his book 'Bulwarks of Unbelief' and argues that the rise in atheism is due to a felt absence of God. Topics covered include Charles Taylor's exploration of belief in God, the impact of technology on identity, and the concept of a 'God instinct' and human agency.

Guest Christopher Yuan, author of The Holy Sexuality Project, discusses his personal journey of conversion from being an agnostic gay man. They also discuss the importance of homeschooling, equipping children with the right thinking, and breaking down walls when discussing sexuality with parents and children.

Author and scholar of Christianity, Thaddeus Williams, joins Carl and Todd to discuss his bold book, Don't Follow Your Heart, which challenges the cultural emphasis on self-worship. They delve into the challenges faced by young Christians, the rise of self-worship in society, and the need to break free from this worldview. The hosts also recommend the book, highlighting its practical insights on breaking the ten commandments of self-worship.

Todd acts as solo host today as Carl, clad in the latest fashions from J.Crew (thanks to his wife), shifts to the other side of the table to discuss John Owen’s book for which he recently wrote the foreword, The Doctrine of Justification by Faith. Owen’s classic work presents one of the most rigorous defenses of the Reformed doctrine of justification. While technical and challenging, Carl argues that it is well worth reading and offers suggestions for those new to Owen.  Thank you Reformation Heritage Books for providing giveaway copies of The Doctrine of Justification by Faith by John Owen, with an introduction by Carl Trueman, and congratulations to our winners: Mark J. from Stanfield, NC, Jeffrey T. from Haltom City, TX, and Jordan H. from Roanoke, VA!   Show Notes: The Doctrine of Justification by Faith: https://reformedresources.org/the-doctrine-of-justification-by-faith-paperback/ For those new to John Owen, Carl recommends the following books: Knowing God:  https://reformedresources.org/knowing-god-paperback/ https://reformedresources.org/the-mortification-of-sin-dealing-with-sin-in-your-life-paperback/ https://reformedresources.org/the-glory-of-christ-paperback/ https://reformedresources.org/gospel-ministry-paperback/ https://reformedresources.org/gospel-life-paperback/ Banner of Truth Puritan Paperbacks: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/christian-living/puritan-paperback-series/

The PCA has been the subject of much buzz on the podcast, but today it’s the OPC’s turn to grab the spotlight. Carl and Todd sit down with David Nakhla and Tim Hopper, deacons in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, to talk about the ways the OPC is working to create a network of deacons within the OPC and how they seek to train and encourage deacons in their local church.   Show Notes: In case you haven’t heard about The Reformed Deacon, you can find it on most podcast players or by going to: thereformeddeacon.org.  You can find out more about the OPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries by going to OPCCDM.org. Thank you to this month's sponsor Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Explore which theological degree best fits you at SBTS.EDU/EXPLORE.

Mary Harrington, author of Feminism Against Progress, shares her transformation from a feminist to a skeptic of progress. She redefines women's liberation as an economic transition rather than progress. The hosts discuss the impact of her book on their thinking, challenging the narrative of progress theology and embracing the truthful understanding of our createdness.