Mortification of Spin

Carl from his pulpit and Todd from his heavily armed bunker kick off a new Mortification of Spin series, The Bully Pulpit. In this first episode, in light of a recent hypersexualized musical performance, Todd asks if the church has any credibility on sexual ethics and decency? Or does an unabashed desire for self promotion lie behind such public sexual escapades? Are pastors guilty of the same behavior when they promote themselves or their latest book in the pulpit or on Facebook? We need to be careful not to erode the boundary of what is appropriate for the public sphere and what is a appropriate for the private sphere or we are just as guilty as the pornographers.

If you get heartburn over the mention of the word "liturgy," you may find some proverbial antacid in the thoughtful conversation between our hosts on this episode of The Mortification of Spin. In fact, Carl and Todd remind us that our churches are all liturgical in one way or another - the question is whether we are basing the order and structure of our worship on Scripture or whether we're simply, shall we say, flying by the seat of our pants. Can the seat of our pants sufficiently guide us in corporate worship that is Christ-centered? If you've never opened The Book of Common Prayer, buckle up and listen in...you're bound to learn quite a bit from this helpful podcast. Free Resource from Alliance of Confessing EvangelicalsHumble Suggestions for Reformed Worship by Richard PhillipsRev. Richard Phillips, speaking at the 2006 Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology, teaches on the practice of reformed worship. This discussion is helpful for pastors and church members who desire to see our worship reformed according to the Bible's standards. Mentioned on Calming Liturgical Heartburn A Method for Prayer by Matthew HenryAnd check out the Alliance's Matthew Henry Project. The Book of Common Prayer The Valley of Vision by Arthur G. Bennet Leading in Prayer by Hughes Oliphant Old Christ-Centered Worship by Bryan Chapell Thoughts on Public Prayer by Samuel Miller

Todd and Carl interview Aimee Byrd in an attempt to answer the question: can anything good really come out of West Virginia? Mrs. Byrd is the popular blogger, now published author and self-identified "Housewife Theologian." If you're picturing a woman - pregnant, barefoot and in the kitchen - pouring over commentaries and studying Greek while mixing up a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies, you're probably only slightly stereotyping. Aimee herself admits to being quite ordinary. In fact, she believes that everyone is a theologian and that doctrine is a very real part of everyday life. If you're as important as Carl, then you already have a copy of her pre-released book. But in case you aren't, you better listen in to this episode of The Mortification of Spin... Housewife Theologan book winners!J. Lynn - Temple, GAA. Larson - Athens, GAE. Laczny - Appleton, WIB. Bishop - Nine Mile Falls, WAA. Murphy - Toledo, OHD. Narva - Rockford, MIL. Skillman - Vermilion, OHK. Gray - Jacksonville, FLR. Amador - Hamler, OHT. Helfers - Pekin, ILP. Williamson - Bellingham, WAK. Weeks - Savannah, MON. Larsen - Indianapolis, INM. Van Drunen - Hudson, OHC. Daniell - Douglasville, GAL. Huffman - Cresson, TXD. Carlson - Mariposa, CAB. Richardson - Philadelphia, PAD. Esh - Willow Street, PAK. Cozzi - Bow, NHWinners will be contacted by email. Click here to purchase Aimee Byrd's new book Housewife Theologan.

Your favorite comedian/theologians, Todd Pruitt and Carl Trueman, team up yet again - this time to answer some important questions about how the church should be run and who should be running it. We'll learn that faithful teaching, a willingness to contend for truth and godly maturity are all important characteristics of a good pastor or elder. But women listeners won't be surprised to learn what Todd and Carl eventually conclude...that the way an elder treats his wife may be the best indicator of his ability to lead well. Free resource from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals The Westminster Assembly on Marriage and Divorce a free MP3 by Richard Gamble.

This episode of The Mortification of Spin takes on a more serious tone as Todd and Carl offer a pastoral approach to the sensitive topic of spousal abuse. In tragic cases of abuse within the church, where does the dividing line between church discipline and civil law exist? Does abuse stand as justifiable, biblical grounds for divorce? During their thoughtful discussion, the hosts answer these questions and more, offer helpful book recommendations on this challenging topic, and (surprisingly) reveal what's right about feminism. Free resource from the Alliance of Confessing EvangelicalsGod's Design for Marriage and Sex by Richard Phillips Mentioned on What is the Church To Do?The Stain That Stays by Armstrong John Marriage: Sex in the Service of God by Christopher Ash Married for God: Making Your Marriage the Best it Can be by Christopher Ash

Todd and Carl interview Steve Nichols, author and professor of Christianity and Culture at Lancaster Bible College, and they respectfully dub their guest the "Peter Pan of reformed theology." While Steve may look young, he is certainly insightful when it comes to this episode's topics of discussion: the doctrine of Scripture and the current relevancy of church history. If you can put up with the hosts' frequent wise cracks, listen in to hear Steve raise what he calls the compelling question of the modern age. Mentioned on Can I Trust the Bible? Ancient Word, Changing World by Stephen Nichols Bonhoeffer on the Christian Life: From the Cross, for the World by Stephen Nichols Martin Luther: A Guided Tour of His Life and Thought by Stephen Nichols J. Gresham Machen: A Guided Tour of His Life and Thought by Stephen Nichols The Reformation: How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World by Stephen Nichols Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

Is there such a thing as a tan Englishman? Todd and Carl debate the issue momentarily before focusing their attention on the recent news surrounded Pope Francis' universalist comments. If you're not familiar with the term "anonymous Christian" (don't worry...we weren't either), listen in and learn how the Pope's flawed theology has been plaguing the church from Justin Martyr in the 2nd century to misguided modern day teachers like Rob Bell. Is there a difference between universalism and inclusivism? What's the real problem with the Roman Catholic Church? Our hosts will answer these questions and more in this "no guest needed" edition of your favorite reformed podcast! Free resource from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals We Are Beggars: Luther's Famous Last Words by Carl TruemanThis is one of the Seminar Messages from the 2012 Quakertown Regional Conference on Reformed Theology, Alone: The Solas of the Reformation. This message is brought by Carl Trueman. Mentioned on Anonymous Christians Anyone? Reformation: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow by Carl Trueman

As Todd and Carl report from "The Batcave" to offer a solemn critique of Andy Stanley's book, Deep and Wide, the hosts discuss the biblical role of the church, Jesus' example and the definition of happiness. While both the topic and their critique are serious, the musical interludes certainly are not. If you've ever wondered how the church should relate to the culture around it and what the song "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" could possibly have to do with it, you'll love this episode of The Mortification of Spin! Free resource from the Alliance of Confessing EvangelicalsHappy, Though Poor by Dr. BarnhouseJoy is the blessing of being at peace with God, and this is by believing in Jesus Christ as one's Savior and having Him remove the burden of sin and guilt from one's life. One may be poor by the world's standards, but belonging to Jesus now and for eternity is true wealth. Mentioned on Happiness Questing Deep & Wide: Creating Churches Unchurched People Love to Attend by Andy Stanley Deliberate Church: Building Your Ministry on the Gospel [IX Marks] by Mark Dever

Carl and Todd sit down with a special guest—children's book author Simonetta Carr. A successful teacher, writer, and homeschooling mother of eight kids, Simonetta is undoubtedly busy but denies being any sort of "supermom." As Todd and Carl interview their guest, you'll learn about her passion for communicating doctrine through church history's powerful stories and dynamic characters. With several books already published and a few more in the works, her writings are a great resource not only for children but also for adults like Todd and Carl, who tend only to read books with lots of pictures. Show Notes: Books by Simonetta Carr https://reformedresources.org/books/simonetta-carr/

Todd Pruitt and Carl Trueman meet with PCA church planter, Jon “No Gain” Payne, to discuss the struggles, victories and overall philosophy of biblical church planting. All jokes about skinny jeans and soy lattes aside, the hosts jump right in and ask the tough questions. What does the gospel-centered, reformed version of this ministry look like in an age when church planting is considered “sexy” and glamorous? Jon outlines 8 essential keys to building a proper biblical foundation for any church. While he speaks with excitement about his and his family’s upcoming move to Charleston, SC, he also recognizes that flashy gimmicks will not be the means through which God builds His church. Jon is stepping out in faith and obedience and relying on the means of ordinary grace alone.Free resource from the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals How to Have a Healthy Church, free pdf booklet by James BoiceWhat should be the distinguishing marks of the Church of Jesus Christ? What should be its most important characteristic? How do we know when our church is healthy? James Boice answers these important questions as he works through John 17. Mentioned on No pain, No gain, No churchA Faith Worth Teaching: The Heidelberg Catechism's Enduring Heritage by Jon D. Payne and Sebastian HeckThe Lectio Continua Project edited by Jon D. PayneIn the Splendor of Holiness: Rediscovering the Beauty of Reformed Worship for the 21st Century by Jon D. PayneOur Southern Zion: A History of Calvinism in the South Carolina Low Country, 1690-1990

What do good theology, Pelagius, fish-n-chips, and suffering have in common? The answer is today's guest, the most extraordinary Welsh mind since Pelagius: Dr. Derek Thomas. After a bit of banter and an impressive bit of Welsh, Derek sits down with Carl and Todd to discuss preaching—specifically, Calvin's sermons on Job and the theology of preaching. Show notes Calvin's Teaching on Job: Proclaiming the Incomprehensible God by Derek Thomas https://www.amazon.com/Calvins-Teaching-Job-Proclaiming-Incomprehensible/dp/1857929225

With no students to teach, Steven Nichols, research professor of Christianity and Culture at Lancaster Bible College, joins Todd and Carl on Mortification of Spin to discuss Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Was Bonhoeffer an Evangelical? Was he even a Christian? At what point are his writings helpful for us? Steve demonstrates that Dietrich Bonhoeffer is an important Christian thinker whose life and death lend weight to his writings. Bonhoeffer has earned the right to be heard whether we agree, disagree, love, or hate him. Show Notes Bonhoeffer on the Christian Life by Steven Nichols

On Mortification of Spin, Todd Pruitt and Carl Trueman talk about the necessity of dressing up in order to attend church on Sunday and how that standard must be maintained at all costs. However, both aim to avoid conflict but understand that only through conflict will the church be around in 53 years. Listen right now to this episode of Mortification of Spin and Carl will tell you the correct way to pronounce controversy. Free resource from the Alliance of Confessing EvangelicalsDownload the free message Conflict and Triumph by Dr. Donald Barnhouse.An exploration of the great conflict going on between good and evil within the spiritual realm, Dr. Barnhouse carefully traces this vast spiritual conflict back to the period before the beginning of recorded time. Mentioned on Necessary ControversiesFools Rush In Where Monkeys Fear To Tread, by Carl TruemanWestminster Theological Seminary

Todd Pruitt and Carl Trueman discuss the recent publication of Rosaria Champagne Butterfield’s Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert. Dr. Butterfield, a former Lesbian professor, came to faith in Jesus Christ through the ministry of an unassuming Reformed pastor and his family. Not only so, but she has come all the way from radical professor to home-schooling pastor’s wife in an exclusive psalm singing denomination. Free resource from the Alliance of Confessing EvangelicalsDownload the message The Conversion of Saul by Dr. James Boice. Use coupon code emezym.He watched the killing of Stephen, the first martyr. He went on to do everything he could to stamp out the newly formed Christian church. We would not expect him to become a convert a missionary and an apostle, but that is what God did. After Paul knew that Jesus was the Son of God, the first action he took was to tell others. This is exactly what everyone who wants a vital spiritual life must do. Mentioned on Unsensational Supernatural Unlikely ConversionSecret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria ButterfieldRegulative Principle: With Reverence and Awe by D.G. HartMetrical Psalms: http://metricalpsalms.homestead.com/Acts 29Mark DriscollConfessions of a Reformission Rev.Broad evangelicalism: Real Scandal of the Evangelical Mind, by Carl Trueman

Hosts Carl Trueman and Todd Pruitt discuss the evangelical fascination with being cool. The problem with being cool is that it is the overarching culture or zeitgeist that determines what is cool and what is not. Christians are called to be conformed to the image of the Son and this implies some very uncool ramifications which come in for consideration during this interesting conversation. Mentioned on The Birth of the CoolGod's Words: Studies of Key Bible Themes by J. I. PackerYoung, Restless, Reformed: A Journalist's Journey with the New Calvinists by Collin HansenThe Lost Message of Jesus by Steve Chalke

Hosts Carl Trueman and Todd Pruitt discuss the tragedy of suffering in a fallen world. While recognizing the reality of natural evil (such as illness and earthquakes), the conversation focuses on moral evil in which human beings inflict on one another intentional malice. The truth of the matter is that we live in a world where evil things happen. Mentioned on The King’s Court JesterA Place for Weakness: Preparing Yourself for Suffering

Hosts Carl Trueman and Todd Pruitt have a friendly conversation about things that matter. In this episode the hosts discuss the temptation for Christians to poorly imitate the cultural fashions of the world around them. Rather, Christians are called to fulfill their callings as unto the Lord. The conversation then turns to the nature of sanctification or how the Christian relates to the OT law. Is sanctification simply a matter of getting used to one’s justification or does it involve a daily dying to sin and living to righteousness? Mentioned in Rock Star Pastors in Las VegasLeft Behind filmLuther's Legacy: Salvation and English Reformers, 1525-1556Jesus + Nothing = EverythingThe Book of Concord: The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran ChurchThe Creedal Imperative