Mortification of Spin

Abraham Kuyper and Herman Bavinck sparked a theological tradition in the Netherlands that came to be known as Neo-Calvinism. While studies in neo-Calvinism have focused primarily on its political and philosophical insights, its theology has received less attention. Carl and Todd welcome Cory Brock and Gray Sutanto to discuss their new book, by the same name as this podcast, which provides a thoroughly theological introduction to neo-Calvinism, which many consider much needed. We were provided three copies of their book for giveaway, courtesy of Lexham Press, and the winners are Chris C. from Weyers Cave, VA, Michael Y. from Rolling Hills Estates, CA, and Austin V. from Mount Jackson, VA. Congratulations!

The recent horrific murders at a Nashville Christian school compel Carl and Todd to discuss how believers should respond in the face of such inexplicable tragedy. It’s safe to say that most people—believers included—don’t consider in advance what they might say or do when answers are few. Our hosts offer precious biblical insight and pastoral experience to help us understand how we might represent Christ to others in such painful circumstances. Recent guest Mark Talbot knows well what it means to suffer loss. Crossway provided a copy of Mark’s landmark book When the Stars Disappear as a giveaway, and the winner was Melody P. from Matthews, NC. Congratulations!

“Citizen Carl” Trueman flies without a co-pilot as he interviews author Leah Savas. She joins the legendary Marvin Olasky in writing The Story of Abortion in America: A Street-Level History, 1652-2022. The book offers a unique historical perspective that digs deep between the milestones of the abortion journey in the US and the laws that shaped it to provide insight into the cultural aspects of the story. Crossway Publishers graciously provided a number of copies of the book for a giveaway. Congratulations to the winners: Mark H. from Hampton, VA, Kevin G. from Harbeson, DE, and Kim D. from Knoxville, TN.

As international best-selling author Carl Trueman enjoys a few days among the “jet set” in Rome, faithful pastor and co-host Todd Pruitt sits down with guest Michael Allen. Dr. Allen serves as professor of systematic theology and academic dean at Reformed Theological Seminary Orlando. Despite his better judgment, Allen returns to the podcast to chat about his two newest books, released concurrently. Today’s conversation touches on themes guiding each book, including how the fear of the Lord should influence theological method and how the knowledge of God is communicated through the Word of God.  Thanks to T&T Clark Publishers for providing two copies of Dr. Allen’s The Fear of the Lord: Essays on Theological Method for giveaway, and congratulations to our winners: Diane S. from Franklin, TN and Jakub N. from Knoxville, TN.

Carl is flying solo as host for today's podcast and—after a few moments of linguistic snobbery—finds time in his "shed-jule" to interview Abigail Favale. She's a professor at the University of Notre Dame and author of The Genesis of Gender: A Christian Theory. Dr. Favale explains that current "gender theory" finds its roots in feminist and postmodern thought, and is now reshaping language, law—perhaps even our own self-perceptions. Today's guest dares to define such words as "woman" and "man" and reminds us that biblical paradigms should lead Christians in how to live beyond cultural notions of gender identity.  Ignatius Press provided three giveaway copies of Abigail's book, The Genesis of Gender. Our winners were Jason P. from Hudson, OH, Michael H. from Monterey, CA, and Jeffrey S. from Cary, NC. Congratulations!

After reminding listeners of the great public service they provide through this podcast, the beneficent Messrs. Pruitt and Trueman welcome a special guest. Mark Jones is a PCA pastor serving in British Columbia, CA, and the author of numerous books. His most recent work is a two-volume set updating and explaining Stephen Charnock’s classic Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God. Jones’ unabridged presentation is designed to encourage and instruct theologians and laypersons alike with a greater understanding of Charnock’s insights and Bible exegesis and—in turn—provide an enhanced appreciation of who God truly is. Crossway Publishing provided a pair of giveaway copies of Mark’s book, The Existence and Attributes of God. Our winners were: *Brandi H. from Fort Morgan, CO  *Ken S. from Murrysville, PA

You’re familiar with non-Christian teachings that simply reject traditional Bible truth. Perhaps just as dangerous are Christian teachings that distort the Gospel, twist Scripture, and introduce New Age and mystical thinking into the faith. Authors Holly Pivec and R. Douglas Geivett expose one such set of fringe teachings that have quickly become mainstream in their new book, Counterfeit Kingdom: The Dangers of New Revelation, New Prophets, and New Age Practices in the Church. Carl and Todd welcome Holly and Doug for a discussion of the New Apostolic Reformation, or NAR, offering practical suggestions for those who are influenced by the movement or suspect its presence in their own churches. As always, the best way to spot a counterfeit faith is to be intimately familiar with the genuine article! We congratulate the winners of a copy of the book, courtesy of B&H Publishing:  *Charles S. from Philadelphia, PA    *Jerod H. from Newcastle, WA  *Howard Q. from Asheville, NC

Christian understanding of the Holy Spirit ranges from calling Him an “it,” to claiming the Spirit is a mere independent force operating in the universe. Systematic and historical theology professor Robert Letham reminds us that the Holy Spirit is holy God, a person of the triune Godhead operating in perfect harmony and inseparably with the Father and Son. In his latest book, Dr. Letham skillfully addresses disputed beliefs about, and perceptions of, The Holy Spirit. Congratulations to our winners of Dr. Letham's book, courtesy of P&R Publishing: *Isaiah H. in Colorado Springs, CO *Caleb K. from Lynchburg, VA *Reed D. of Montgomery, AL

Our intrepid podcasters set out to answer one of life’s most pressing questions: Mello Yello® or Mountain Dew®? This specific gastronomic dilemma should quickly identify today’s special guest. Kevin DeYoung’s dietary list may read like the kid’s menu at Denny’s®, but his theological scholarship is unparalleled. The famed pastor, professor, and author once again places his reputation at risk to visit with Spin-Meisters Carl and Todd. Dr. DeYoung is one of the speakers for the 2023 Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology (PCRT) in East Lansing, MI, and Bryn Mawr, PA. On today’s episode, Kevin discusses this year’s theme—Here We Stand: The Five Solas of the Reformation—as he deftly avoids questions about fine cigars and chicken nuggets. Alliance Publishing congratulates our winners of copies of the book Our Sovereign God, edited by James Montgomery Boice: *Daniel B. from Winfield, IL  *Brian R. from Greenville, SC  *William L. from Auburn, AL

Many churches have men in the pulpit who care for the flock, remembering they are "shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood." Their ministries can be a resource for unity, healing, and growth for a congregant. But in recent years, several high-profile cases of abuse have been reported—and there are many more we don't hear about. Often, the victims of such abuse are compelled to suffer in silence. Michael Kruger serves as a professor and president at the Charlotte campus of Reformed Theological Seminary, and he—once again—places his reputation in jeopardy by appearing on this podcast. With his new book, Michael seeks to help leaders and laypersons identify and deal with the problems that may be caused by spiritual abuse in their church. All as Todd continues to proselytize for your conversion to Presbyterianism. Congrats to our winners of a copy of Michael's book, Bully Pulpit: Confronting the Problem of Spiritual Abuse in the Church, courtesy Zondervan Reflective: *John H. from Rio Rancho, NM  *Pete T. from Mt. Vernon, OH  *Jonathan H. from Tampa, FL