Mortification of Spin

Tim Witmer, author of The Shepherd’s Toolbox, joins the podcast to discuss innovative shepherding challenges. They explore investing in men for pastoral ministry and the advantages of long-term pastoral service. Plus, they announce the winners of a giveaway of Tim Witmer's book.

Should Christians be involved politically? “How can they not be?” asks David Innes when he sits down with Carl and Todd to discuss the upcoming Prince George’s Conference on Reformed Theology, The Political Christian: Citizens of Heaven in the City of Man. Partisan politics has divided our country and, sadly, even our churches. How are we to think biblically about government and our role in it?  Thank you P&R Publishing for providing copies of David Innes’ book, Christ and the Kingdoms of Men, for a giveaway. Congratulations to the winners: Maggie C. from Slippery Rock, PA, Isaac H. from Bloomfield, CT, and Aaron S. from South Royalton, VT!   Show Notes: To find out more about the Prince George’s Conference on Reformed Theology, September 29-30, 2023 in Washington, D.C. and to register to attend, visit https://www.alliancenet.org/thepoliticalchristian.

Discusses the recent PCA General Assembly, highlighting its charitable and constructive atmosphere. Explores a controversial incident in the OPC and the role of social media. Delves into the controversy of transgender surgeries and the church's role in civil affairs. Talks about the current state of the PCA and a book giveaway.

Today is the battle of the podcasts as the hosts of Mortification of Spin welcome the hosts of Kids Talk Church History to discuss their growing podcast, the importance of studying church history, and to debate Scottish vs. English culture and Bronte vs. Austen. Despite Todd’s best attempts, Emma and Linus don’t seem too intimidated by the international scope of the podcast, but Emma’s grandmother is a different story! We're pleased to announce the winners of the giveaway for Simonetta Carr's award-winning book, Church History, courtesy of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books: Matthew M. from Youngstown, OH, Alycia W. from Denver, PA, and Casey H. from Levittown, PA.   Show Notes: KidsTalkChurchHistory.org

Nancy Pearsey joins Carl and Todd to discuss her important new book, The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes. Books have appeared with titles like I Hate Men and Are Men Necessary? Mainstream news organizations publish articles like "Why Can't We Hate Men?" T-shirts are sold with messages like "So Many Men, So Little Ammunition.” And Christian men, in particular, are being singled out despite social science data indicators. When did the script against masculinity become so toxic, and what effect is it having on men today?  Thank you Baker Publishing Group for providing three giveaway copies of Nancy Pearcey's book for our listeners! And congratulations to our winners: Adam P. from Raleigh, NC, Michaiah S. from Huntsville, AL, and Cathryne S. from Fuquay Varina, NC!     Show Notes: Nancy Pearcey is the author of the upcoming book The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes. Her most recently published book is Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality. Her earlier books include The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and two ECPA Gold Medallion Award Winners: How Now Shall We Live (coauthored with Harold Fickett and Chuck Colson) and Total Truth. Her books have been translated into 19 languages. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. A former agnostic, Pearcey has spoken at universities such as Princeton, Stanford, USC, and Dartmouth. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual." To order a copy of Nancy’s book, The Toxic War on Masculinity, visit: https://reformedresources.org/the-toxic-war-on-masculinity-how-christianity-reconciles-the-sexes-hardcover/  

Andrew Walker, an Associate Professor of Christian Ethics and editor of the book Social Conservatism for the Common Good, joins the conversation. He dives into the evolving nature of social conservatism and highlights the polarization of contemporary social issues compared to past decades. The talk emphasizes bridging complex moral inquiries, defending biblical truths, and the importance of Christians articulating their beliefs in today's world. Funny quirks in ministry also get a mention, adding a light touch to these serious discussions.

Carl and Todd welcome Matthew Barrett back to the podcast for the fourth time…or is it the fifth?…to discuss his latest book. Many Protestants are confused about what it means to be Protestant. The Reformation as Renewal offers a fresh history of the Reformation to help Protestants understand their origin and identity. Far from being the clean break many paint it or the schism others would have us believe it to be, Matthew argues that the Reformers sought to restore the teachings of the one holy catholic and apostolic church during the Reformation. Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Zondervan, we were able to give away three copies of Matthew’s book to the following listeners: Chris S. from Ransom Canyon, TX, David H. from New Milford, CT, and Tom K. from Harrisburg, NC! Show Notes This podcast has been sponsored by SBTS. Explore which theological degree best fits you at SBTS.EDU/EXPLORE.   

A lively discussion begins with the hosts humorously choosing their attire before diving into the heavy topics of Satan and demons. They explore diverse beliefs within Christianity, contrasting exorcisms with modern views. Cultural perceptions, particularly from African and Haitian traditions, reveal rich interpretations of the demonic realm. The hosts tackle the psychological aspects of demonic influence on behavior, while emphasizing personal moral responsibility. They also promote audience engagement through a giveaway of a thought-provoking book on the subject.

Carl and Todd sit down with long-time friend and Theology on the Go podcast host, Jonathan Master, to discuss his latest book, Reformed Theology. In this practical book, Jonathan provides a helpful primer for church leaders, study groups, and anyone who wants a well-rounded and concise overview of Reformed theology. Now what was it that Carl said that had Jonathan so concerned? Tune in and find out. Thank you to our friends at P&R Publishing for providing three copies of Jonathan's book for giveaway. The winners of the drawing are Tiffany C. from Poncha Springs, CO, John P. from Chickamauga, GA, and Chip B. from Baltimore, MD.  

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!