Mortification of Spin

The crew heads over to Georgetown in Washington, DC where Carl claims ownership of two of The Exorcist steps. As they contemplate the site, they know demonic activity can be a controversial subject for Christians. Among them two different kinds of people stand out: the deniers and the enthusiasts.Do demons still exist? If so, is it common to see them possessing people? What can we affirm from Scripture about demonic activity at the present time? Todd probably has had some experience with it!It’s important to consider how we relate to the supernatural. To understand how much power and influence demons can really have over people, and how principalities and powers can act differently from place to place. I dare you to join this conversation.We’re giving away copies of Spiritual Warfare: A Biblical and Balanced Perspective by Borgman and Ventura. The copies are a courtesy of Reformation Heritage Books.Show Notes- “The Exorcist” Steps- Bad spiritual warfare theology

Another Brexit. This time it’s a local one, in much smaller proportions, but of no less importance. Carl packs up his memorabilia of 17 years living in the Philadelphia area and teaching at Westminster Theological Seminary. He’ll soon be moving and starting a new job in western Pennsylvania.Todd and Aimee are not worthy to be in the presence of the renowned Carl Trueman, but they do get a chance to ask him a few questions on behalf of all speculators out there!Why the choice to teach undergrads? Why this institution? What classes will he teach, and what other responsibilities will he have? You’re about to get the full scope!Carl’s greatest concern is that he’ll be hugged on campus for being the new kid on the block, but he’s also very excited about the days ahead - which is very unusual for an Englishman like him.We too think this will be a good fit!Better than Carl’s new well fitting job, it’s the book we’re giving away. Sign up for a chance to win a copy of Thriving at College: Make Great Friends, Keep Your Faith, and Get Ready for the Real World!, a gift from Tyndale House Publisher.Show Notes- Grove City College- Todd’s motivation to visit Carl in Western PAWe have the winners of On Guard: Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse at Church by Deepak Reju from our past episode Is It I, Lord?. Lynda O. - Memphis, TNDawn Z. - Fairfax, VAKevin M. - Lancaster, PA

The conspiracy theory continues to develop and Aimee is determined to drive the bad brokenness out of Carl and Todd.Whether bad brokenness, or good brokenness - whatever that means, we must have a biblical anthropology. Or, in simpler terms, a biblical doctrine of what it means to be human. Nailing this down will help us view everyone with dignity and respect and even avoid bandwagons on current issues related to sexuality and race, to name a few.Who are you? Are you merely a social construct? Are you a soul with a body attached to it? Can you still be considered a person without your cognitive faculties? The answers might just drive you to the first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism!Don’t forget: You are who the Bible says you are, a person made in the image of God.Thanks to our friends at Eerdmans Publishing, we can offer some free copies of the great title Created In God’s Image by Anthony Hoekema. Follow the link and sign up for a chance to win one.Show Notes- Pat Robertson’s unbiblical view of personhood and the body- Book - Multiculturalism: Examining the Politics of Recognition by Charles Taylor- Book - The Permissive Society: America, 1941-1965 by Alan Petigny- Book - Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel by Kate Bowler- Book - The Triumph of the Therapeutic: Uses of Faith after Freud by Philip Rieff- Book - Christian Dogmatics edited by Michael Allen and Scott Swain - Chapter 8 - Anthropology by Kally M. Kapic- “What you are now, we once were; what we are now, you shall be.”We’re happy to announce the winners of When Harry Met Sally, which was a gift from Encounter Books Publishing.Traever G. - Trussville, ALJapheth B. - Greenville, OH

After receiving some intel all the way from Belfast, two thirds of the Spin team are on a mission to solve a mystery involving the third member of the team.When the kerfuffle is over, things get serious as they address the topic of the day–an article written by William Boekestein, "Ten Benefits of Church Small Groups".Although some small groups can be unhelpful and even destructive, the Crew focuses on a number of the major benefits of being part of a group with good leadership and oversight. There’s always room for growth in a small church group!Would you like to learn how you can grow in a small group setting? Follow the link and sign up for an opportunity to win a free copy of Iron Sharpens Iron: Leading Bible-Oriented Small Groups that Thrive. They are a generous gift from Christian Focus Publications.Show Notes10 Benefits of Church Small GroupsThese are the winners of Discipleship Explored Leader’s Kit from our episode Christianity Explored. If you didn’t get a free one, you can purchase at thegoodbook.com.Paul W. - Collegeville, PADoug D. - Cary, NCCedric P. - Dorr, MI

Reformed and catholic - how so?No better place to meet Scott Swain for this conversation than Disney’s castle in Orlando. He usually finds inspiration there for his theological writing - I bet you didn’t know that!Scott makes the remarkable claim that in order to be truly protestant, we have to be good catholics in some sense. But don’t get worked up!He talks doctrinal development and Sola Scriptura, Augustine’s understanding of faith and reason, Thomas Aquinas’ view of the role and the relationship between theology and philosophy, and when the Protestant theological method of interpretation became distinct from the Catholic method.Can or should Protestants still be drawing from Aquinas? How has this Roman Catholic theologian and philosopher influenced even our Reformed confession of faith? You might be surprised to learn the practical implications of it all in the private and communal life of Christians and in discipleship. So join us!Also, Baker Academic has gifted some copies of Reformed Catholicity and we’re giving them away. Sign up to win one!____________________________________________________________________________Show NotesWestminster Confession of Faith Chapter 2“What more can He say than to you He hath said”Reformed Catholic by William PerkinsDevelopment of Christian Doctrine by John Henry NewmanOn Christian Teaching by AugustineTrinity, Revelation, and Reading by Scott SwainThese are the winners of the Mortification of Spin posters from our past episode titled Trumping the Law of Liberty?George C. - Midlothian, VAAaron R. - Woodbridge, VAAlex S. - Apex, NCDerrick B. - Ringgold, GADavid J. - Dumfries, VARichard H. - Gilbertsville, PACynthia V. - Lincoln, NEEthan H. - Nampa, IDAndrew M. - Savage, MNJose G. - Elgin, TX

Aimee can barely contain her excitement because Dr. Robert Godfrey is here to talk about the “other Aimee”! Aimee Semple McPherson or “Sister”, as she’s known, has interested Bob for some years. We gather around him to hear about this woman preacher, faith healer, and founder of the Foursquare church, from the early 1900s.What is so fascinating about Sister’s life, and what kind of mark did she leave in American Christianity? What practices have Pentecostals and even our churchs learned and adapted from her?There’s much to be said about the nuanced stories around her personal life. And Dr. Godfrey is more forgiving than Todd when talking about her mysterious disappearance in 1926.Gather around for this interesting conversation.By Dr. Godfrey’s recommendation, we’re giving away Sister Aimee: The life of Aimee Semple McPherson. Follow the link and sign up to win a copy!Show notesWho was Sister Aimee?We have the winners of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: Ethics and the Beginning of Human Life, from our episode When Your Opinion Becomes Our Business.Tom K. - Wellsville, NYTennille B. - Medicine Hat, AlbertaCasey H. - Placerville, CAMrs. Holmes - Soldotna, AKLynda O. - Memphis, TN

The crew is in sunny Florida sipping margaritas this week. They’re pleased to be talking with Ismael Hernandez, the president and founder of Freedom and Virtue Institute. He’s written Not Tragically Colored: Freedom, Personhood, and the Renewal of Black America.Mr. Hernandez tells us what it was like being raised in a militant communist household and what changed after he moved to America. Based on his years of study, observation, and personal experience, Ismael discusses racialism - yes, it is a word, dignity, moral responsibility, and the importance of the family in forming a virtuous individual.The ugliness of false ideologies have permeated not only society, but also the church! But if you listen closely you’ll hear the beauty of the untold history of blacks in America.Follow the link and sign up for a chance to win a copy of Ismael Hernandez’ book Not Tragically Colored.Show Notes- Freedom and Virtue Institute- Self-reliance clubThese are the winners of “Confessing the Faith” from our past episode “The Confession of Our Faith”. If you didn’t get a free copy, you can visit our Reformed Resources to purchase one!Howard S. - Colorado Springs, CODenny S. - Farmington, MNDebora F. - Ephrata, PA

In light of the Larry Nassar child sexual abuse case, the crew talks about Rachael Denhollander and the treatment she’s received from her church leadership. What’s the appropriate response to cases of sexual abuse in the local church? How do you support and love those who have suffered so deeply in this way?Carl and Todd reflect on their primary responsibility as pastors who have taken vows to protect and care for God’s people, while Aimee talks about ways to minister to the wounded. Together, they look at the circumstances surrounding Rachael’s case and do their own soul-searching by asking the question: Is it I, Lord?Join the conversation, and let’s examine what the pastor’s first calling is when a member brings an accusation of abuse to the church.This week we’re giving away On Guard: Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse at Church. The book is a generous gift from our friends at New Growth Press. Please sign up to win a copy!Show Notes/Additional ResourceRachael’s Story

Carl and Aimee have the privilege of talking to Ryan Anderson today. His most recent book is entitled When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment. And it’s provoked, dare we say, strong reactions in the media in just the a few weeks since its publication. But what's the stir all about? Well, we’re about to find out!Today, Dr. Anderson talks about the relationship between gender dysphoria and the overemphasizing of sex stereotypes. He addresses male and female bodily differences and how those differences affect the way we relate in marriage and friendships. What are the factors that determine one’s gender? Physical reality versus emotional feelings of dissatisfaction with one’s body, and if a person can overcome those feelings.The questions are many, but Dr. Anderson walks us through and leaves a picture of how a healthy culture is able to recognize the equal dignity of the sexes. And at the same time, its complementary differences. Lots of ground to cover!Grab a snack and join us in this pleasant and very important conversation.And, of course, we’re giving away copies of Dr. Ryan Anderson’s book When Harry Became Sally which are a gift from our friends at Encounter Books. Sign up for a chance to win one!Show NotesDr. Ryan T. Anderson is the William E. Simon Senior Research Fellow in American Principles and Public Policy of the Heritage Foundation and the Founder and Editor of the Public Discourse Online Journal of the Witherspoon Institute - The Heritage Foundation- The Witherspoon Institute - Public Discourse Online Journal- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) - 5- Transgender Ideology is Riddled with Contradictions. Here Are the Big Ones.- Sex Change: Physically Impossible, Psychosocially Unhelpful, and Philosophically Misguided

Carl is feeling pretty good today — He’s not the only one with a British accent on the show!The crew enjoys the company of two of his fellow countrymen, Barry Cooper and Nate Morgan Locke. One a former comedy writer and performer, the other, from the far land of Spare Oom just outside of Narnia, is recording from the bright city of War Drobe. They work at Christianity Explored developing courses to equip the Church, focusing on personal enrichment, evangelism, and discipleship by studying books of the Bible.How important is evangelism for the Christian?Todd is overly excited about this approach to evangelism. And far be it from him to not give his personal testimony, hardly giving anyone else a chance to talk! But we finally get the full scope from our guests. Please grab your cup of Earl Grey and a biscuit then join this exciting conversation!We’re excited to give away this week Discipleship Explored Leader’s Kit, which was just launched last week. The kit is a courtesy of Christianity Explored Ministries. Sign up to win!Show Notes- Christianity Explored Ministries- Christianity Explored Ministries USA- Discipleship Explored Launch - March 1Winners!!!The Deacon: Biblical Foundations for Today’s Ministry of Mercy, was a book offered as a gift by Reformation Heritage Books in our episode Uniquely Appointed. If you didn’t win a copy, you can purchase one. This is such a helpful resource! Here are the winners of The Deacon:Christopher P. - Fairview, PAEric D. - Washington, DCShawn T. - Abingdon, MDRobert S. - Bridgewater, VACharles B. - Hattiesburg, MSJohn M. - Cincinnati, OHLibby S. - St. Charles, MONick S. - Aubrey, TXAlex S. - Apex, NCTennille B. - Medicine Hat, AB

Smoking or nonsmoking, Democrat or Republican, Trump or never Trump, yoga or stretching? The crew is visiting some hot button issues today! Are Christians allowed to have differing opinions on these topics?God’s Word neither commands nor prohibits smoking nor does it tell us what political party to vote for. But it does give us some guiding principles that allow us to use wisdom when making decisions. But what if a Christian brother has a different view than you?The irony of this episode is that our hosts might have some different opinions about these issues too! Todd gives us three helpful questions to ask ourselves before we think that anything goes just because we are in Christ.Listen to this fun, but very intense discussion on biblical principles and how the Apostle Paul, Aristotle, and the young Michael Allen can help us.The Mortification of Spin Crew is no celebrity in any sense, but we’re giving away some fun posters signed by our hosts. You can sign up for a chance to win one!Show NotesWestminster Confession of Faith chapter 20WinnersWe’re also happy to announce the winners of Rediscovering the Holy Spirit, the giveaway for the show “Charismatics, a Challenge for the Reformed in 2018”. If you haven’t got a copy, please visit our Reformed Resources. There is still time to purchase one.Steven M. from Walton, NYRob G. from Roslyn, PALynda O. from Memphis, TN

When should a church be concerned, or even discipline a member for his personal views on a given issue?Todd, Carl, and Aimee weigh in on problematic personal views of church members. Their discussion is brought on by a PCA elder who holds pro-choice views running for public office. Are issues like abortion, racism, opposition to interracial marriage, a matter of concern to local churches and to denominations? The crew takes into account Christian non-negotiables and secondary issues, and who the persons holding the troubling views are: new believers in need of discipleship or an office bearer in the church? Listen to the connection between the Sixth Commandment, the Westminster Confession and Larger Catechism, the concept of personhood, and man as the image of God.We’re pleased to give away a few copies of the book Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Ethics and the Beginning of Human Life by Megan Best, courtesy of Matthias Media. Please sign up for a chance to win! And while you are there, be sure to browse our store where you will find this title, also for purchase, and other books and audio from trustworthy authors and Alliance speakers.We got winners!!!These are the winners of “The Content of Our Character: A New Vision of Race In America” by Shelby Steele from our recent show Social Justice Black Hole. If you’re not among them, we’ll be offering this title for purchase through our Reformed Resources for the next 4 weeks.Herwyn T. - Airdrie, AlbertaAmdrew M. - Savage - MNBruce P. - Bismarck - NDChristopher A. - Philadelphia - PAJonathan L. - Stanton - CA

We’re honored to be talking with not one, but two Van Dixhoorns today. Chad Van Dixhoorn is a church history professor and pastor. He’s written a book entitled Confessing the Faith, a reader’s guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith. His wife Emily is a mother of five and among other things teaches women’s Bible studies. She’s written a study guide for Confessing the Faith. The two books are meant to introduce Christians with the Confession in an easy-to-read format.What’s the purpose of a confession anyway? The Van Dixhoorns get right to it, emphasizing the richness of our historical heritage and the many ways we can profit from it.Can a document written in the 17th century be pastorally helpful with the tricky ethical questions we struggle with? Does it mention in vitro fertilization, the legitimacy of some medical treatments, or gay marriage? Not directly, but it provides us with foundational principles to answer these questions. Pull up a chair and join us around the Van Dixhoorns kitchen table.We’re giving away some copies of Confessing the Faith reader’s guide and Confessing the Faith study guide. The books are a generous gift from our friends at Banner of Truth. Please enter for a chance to win a copy. But if you don’t, please access our Reformed Resources to purchase one. It’s well worth it!Show NotesThe Minutes and Papers of the Westminster Assembly (1643-1653) - Chad's work.The Minutes and Papers of the Westminster Assembly (1643-1653) - Emily's multi-purpose use of Chad's work. God’s Ambassador: The Westminster Assembly and the Reformation of the English Pulpit (1643-1653)

“Double-Crossing Mud-Muncher”“Warthog-Faced Buffoon”“Cotton-Headed Ninny Muggins”Mortification of Spin is no stranger to insults. The crew share some of the best (and worst) insults received. Across the board, the quality of insults has sharply declined since Martin Luther. Social media is much to blame.But we want to encourage you to keep trying! Do you know what it takes to write a good insult? Do you possess the necessary tools?Now serious though, the Internet has enabled us to type things that we’d never have the courage to say face-to-face. Should we then avoid online disagreements? What about name-calling? Tune in to find out how Aimee became the head of the FOM, about Todd’s elitism, and the way of dying that Carl fears the most.We have a several copies of "Housewife Theologian - How the Gospel Interrupts the Ordinary" by Aimee Byrd of P&R that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.Republocrat: Confessions of a Liberal Conservative by Carl TruemanInsults helper - CarpetbaggerThank God for Bandit Country - Reformation21Threat made to Carl - by Mother Bear and the she-bearsLuther Insulter

Today the crew talks diaconal ministry. Deacons function differently in various denominations. Yet God, in His wisdom, clearly creates this office in the book of Acts. They have a unique role in caring for the physical needs of the congregation. And with counsel and wisdom complement the teaching ministry of the elders.Carl, Todd, and Aimee help us with some misconceptions and answer some major questions: Is the diaconate a stepping stone to the role of elder? How ought deacons be chosen? Can a man be turned down for the office because of his wife?Join us for this conversation! Stick around to the very end, you’ll learn some British slang and Trueman’s First Law!We have a several copies of "The Deacon: Biblical Foundations for Today's Ministry of Mercy" by Cornelis Van Dam courtesy of Reformation Heritage Books that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.Deacon's Training Program with recommended reading material and Westminster Confession of Faith references.London Baptist Confession 1689, Chapter 26 - articles 8 and 9.

Today the Spin team considers a Tim Challies post. There Tim ponders three themes or challenges for Reformed Christians in 2018. (Is that some sort of prophesy?) The crew discusses his third prediction–the growing Charismatic movement inside Reformed-ish circles.Historic confessionalism, or Reformed theology, throughout the centuries has been cessationist - meaning the apostolic gifts have ceased. But some New Calvinists insist that one can be Reformed, yet be an "open but cautious" continuationist. What’s one to make of that? On the other hand, does Reformed mean a denial of a supernatural God? What about the sacraments?Theology does matter and there are consequences to beliefs. Join us for an episode of pixie dust, dental golden filling, fallible prophecies, and the sufficiency of Scripture!We apologize for not being able to offer the book mentioned on the podcast, but you can enter to win this another great title "Rediscovering the Holy Spirit" by Michael Horton courtesy of Zondervan. Enter for your chance to win.

While sipping peach tea in Georgia, the crew chats up Darrell Harrison for a great conversation on justice and race reconciliation. Once in a while Darrell gets into trouble for his writing at Just Thinking… For Myself – and for "applying biblical truth to social, cultural, political, and theological issues in our world". Odd, as his posts with the Alliance at reformation21 have always seemed subdued, but guess that’s compared to our own crew! The conversation goes back and forth but at the end of the day the issue lies on humanity's deepest need to be reconciled to God through Christ and consequently to one another. Darrell shines the light of divine justice on, so called, social justice, calls the church to recapture the biblical language around issues that have spiritual roots, and encourages understanding of those issues within a biblical framework. Darrel and the crew drill into the true mission of the church, the sovereignty of God in the ethnic composition of congregations, man – the image of God, derogatory name calling, and more. Grab your peach tea and join the conversation!We have a several copies of "The Content of Our Character" by Shelby Stelle courtesy of Harper Collins that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.

The Lord impressed upon my heart… The Lord told me… The Lord is calling me to... The Lord is leading me to… These are common church speak when making decisions. The crew has been led to offer some thoughts on them. Is strong conviction or impression the same as God calling? Is there a place for “calling”? What does it look like, and how do we know it’s real? Are there dangers in believing that God is calling one to do this or that? And is “feeling a peace about it” an accurate indicator?There’s no question that God leads His people through sovereign providence, but do we really have an infallible insight into that? Let’s listen in about sanctifying wisdom and the role other believers play in our decision making!We have a several copies of "Just Do Something" by Kevin DeYoung courtesy of Moody Publishers that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.

This week we bring the doctor in! Dr. Mike Emlet recently wrote Descriptions and Prescriptions – A Biblical Perspective on Psychiatric Diagnoses and Medications. He’s trained as a medical doctor, as a pastor, an active counselor, and he teaches counseling. Dr. Emlet seriously cares for people’s body and soul, taking both a biblical and scientific approach to that care.As Christians, should we be skeptical about psychiatric diagnoses and their treatments? Is it helpful to label such approaches as unbiblical? On the other hand, is it proper to dive right into the use of medication, trusting everything related to science and medicine, while ignoring spiritual issues? Dr. Emlet shows us a third way and lays the groundwork for a balanced, biblical approach toward those struggling mentally, spiritually, and physically.Please join us for this informative interview!We have a several copies of "Descriptions and Prescriptions" by Michael Emlet courtesy of New Growth Press that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win. You may purchase copies of "Descriptions and Prescriptions directly from New Growth Press.

For the first time in 25 years, the state of Alabama has a Democrat senator. In a special senate election, Doug Jones defeated Republican Roy Moore, who is fighting sexual misconduct allegations.The crew discusses politics and morality in light of a recent article written by an evangelical commentator who claims Christian black women saved evangelicalism by overwhelmingly voting for Mr. Jones guaranteeing his victory.Should we trade, so far unproven sexual allegations for straightforward immorality, pat ourselves on the back, and celebrate the outcome? And at the very core, what if all the options before us are contrary to Scripture?Even Aimee’s dog has something to say about that one!We have a several copies of "Republocrat" by Carl Trueman courtesy of P&R that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.

After public confession of generational sin and absolution at the hands of the Spin team, Dr. Jonathan Master is ready to talk about pastoral integrity, accountability, disqualifying sin in the minister’s life, and the response from the church. Spoiler: No cover up here!Jon is the host of Theology on the Go - the other podcast of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals! He’s also professor of theology, dean of the School of Divinity at Cairn University, and a minister in the OPC.Today, we're reminded that it’s for good reason that Paul tells Timothy to watch his life and doctrine closely - lives are at stake… eternally! Yet, we can't forget that ministers are sinners too and fellow travelers on the road of sanctification. Jonathan helps us spot the fine line between indwelling sin, humility, and washing dirty laundry in front of the congregation.We have a several copies of "Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome" by Kent and Barbara Hughes courtesy of Crossway that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.

What do we know about Empress Mathilda, or Maud, as she was best known? Well until now, not so much. “The Girl Empress – The Chronicle of Maud” by Amy Mantravadi is a series of historical novels on the life of this fascinating English character of the 12th century.Amy lets Empress Maud tell her own life story. From the extensive historical research Amy has done, we learn much about the time period. But this conversation is not only about Maud, it’s also about a certain modern theologian and church historian. Thanks to Amy, his wish was fulfilled in the character of Karl of Worms - a heroic character with some moral flaws who briefly appears in the pages of this volume. You’ll not believe me if I tell you who it is, you must listen for yourself!We giving away several Mortification of Spin posters. Enter for your chance to win.You may purshase "The Girl Empress: The Chronicle of Maud - Volume I" from Amazon.

Many in the online world are caught in the social media spin cycle of partisan bickering around politics, religion, and celebrity gossip. What is one to think of the frustration, the insults, and the open hostility that have become the normal pattern of response? Do we forget a human being is typing on the other side?Our hosts need help as they consider how to think in this heated environment. There is no one better than Alan Jacobs to provide it! He is the distinguished professor of Humanities at Baylor University and an outstanding writer. His newest book How to Think: A Survival Guide for a World at Odds is a rich resource of well done research on how to navigate life from an Augustinian view of humanity. He might help us not view people as RCOs (Repugnant Cultural Others).Warning, convicting content!We have a several copies of "How to Think" by Alan Jacobs courtesy of Convergent that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.

The crew travels West, picking Hollywood as their destination this week. Unfortunately, the topic is not “holiday” hit movies but the publicity of the Harvey Weinstein sex scandals. Questions are on the table and the discussion is on: Consent among two adults, how is that determined in Hollywood’s environment? Is it fair to say that Weinstein is merely acting upon his industry’s philosophy? How can these sex scandals be so prominent amidst a culture that claims to defend and empower women? What is the solution for these abuses? Will more laws and codes be able to curb the depravity of the human heart? The crew offers some alternatives that Hollywood might not find ideal. Let’s hear what they have to say!We hope you find value in Mortification of Spin. Your gifts enable us to be a strong, independent voice in the contemporary church. Please make a donation.Donate to Mortification of Spin at Razoovar r_params = {"title":"Mortification of Spin","short_description":"Thank you for tuning in to Carl Trueman, Todd Pruitt, and Aimee Byrd as they have a casual conversation about things that count!","long_description":"","color":"#2b2628","errors":false,"image":"true"};var r_protocol=(("https:"==document.location.protocol)?"https://":"http://");var r_path="https://www.razoo.com/javascripts/widget_loader.js";var r_identifier='Mortification-Of-Spin';document.write(unescape("%3Cscript id='razoo_widget_loader_script' src='"+r_path+"' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));

We’re taking a ride in a Mustang GT through Western PA with our special guest T. David Gordon. He’s the professor of religion and Greek at Grove City College, he's also been studying and teaching media ecology for years.T. David offers some astute thoughts on how the media has impacted Johnny. He shows us how pulpits and pews have been affected by cultural illiteracy. Johnny can’t preach, he can’t sing hymns either, and the crew wants to know why. What are the basic elements missing from preaching and why must they not be ignored? He also gives us great insight on the exclusivity of Psalm singing. All that, while listening to the powerful V8 engine and ZZ Top playing on the radio.We have a several copies of "Why Johnny Can't Preach" by T. David Gordon courtesy of P&R Publishing that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.

The crew is playing “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” in the underground bunker as they take a look at the statement “Evangelicalism is as much of a culture as it is a theological movement,” and they discuss the difficult job of defining evangelicalism.What does evangelicalism look like in the broad spectrum? Where do Reformed confessional protestants fit in? How do we separate evangelicals like Joel Osteen and D. A. Carson? Not so simple! "Big Eva" or small, the conversation weighs in on our unity with brothers and sisters from other denominations against the threat of losing denominational identity when we get into the big movement.We have a several copies of "Here We Stand" edited by James Boice that we are giving away courtesy of P&R. Enter for your chance to win.We would also like to offer all listeners to Mortification of Spin a free MP3 download entitled "What Is happening to the Evangelicals".

It’s getting chilly in the Northeast so we head down to the Sunshine State, order a freshly-squeezed orange juice, and sit out in the sun with Michael Allen, professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando to talk about his New Study in Dogmatics volume entitled Sanctification. The crew has many questions for him, and I bet they’re not the only ones.What is holiness, and what does it really mean to become holy? Should moral living be addressed upfront in evangelism? Is there a connection between sanctification and assurance? Michael kindly answers these and more, by connecting sanctification to other fundamental doctrines of Scripture.We have a several copies of "Sanctification" by Michael Allen that we are giving away courtesy of Zondervan. Enter for your chance to win.

What does it take to disqualify a man from ministry? Adultery? Emotional and spiritual abuse? Manipulation? According to cultural Christianity, none of these!If God’s Word is not the rule of faith and life, the moral compass is lost and anything goes! We’re talking about the “come-back” of Mark Driscoll and Tullian Tchividjian to the public life, and worse, to the pulpit after serious public scandals.The gang opens up the issues and answers some of the questions that many of us are asking. What are the qualifications of an office bearer? How seriously should the church and the office bearer take the standards laid out in the pastoral epistles? Are there warning signs one should watch for? Does repentance mean full restoration to ministry?Turn it on, turn it up, and let's see what they’ve got!We have a several copies of "Disciplines of a Godly Man" and "Disciplines of a Godly Woman" by Kent and Barbara Hughes that we are giving away courtesy of Crossway. Enter for your chance to win.

This week the crew hops on their bikes and goes cycling with James White. They try to carry a conversation, but it’s tough to keep up with him! He’s the director of Alpha and Omega Ministries, a Christian apologetics organization, and he wears many hats (literally and figuratively). He’s an author, professor, an elder in his church, and an outstanding worldwide debater.James has been in some hot water lately. We want to know what the hubbub is all about so he fills us in, revealing the (to some) absurd reason why he’s into debates. We hear about the opportunities he’s had to learn from people of diverse belief systems, to teach, and to proclaim the Gospel, adorning it with kindness and hospitality.We have a several copies of "What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Qur'an?" by James White courtesy of Bethany House Publishers that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.

OK, let’s see if we got this right - Todd’s taking off from church because Carl’s giving him a hard time, and Aimee’s doing God’s work Sunday morning by doing Habitat... Well, not really! But they’re talking about some sad, even weird things happening on the Internet.Is it OK to distance yourself from the means of grace when hurt by the local church? What’s the biblical course of action? Community work instead of Sunday worship, yea or nay? The proper understanding of the Church, sacraments, and the Sabbath will shine a light on these questions. Plus, a plea to those suffering mistreatment in their churches.But not everything is doom and gloom - Todd’s church is about to get a sabbatical from him!We have a several copies of "What Is The Mission Of The Church?" by Kevin DeYoung and Greg Gilbert courtesy of Crossway that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.

By popular demand we bring Darryl Hart over from Michigan to the Chesapeake Bay State for a conversation about the fascinating life of J. Gresham Machen. His influence reached the highest levels of the U.S. government in matters of education, alcohol consumption, and military draft to name a few. We can’t help but ask how Machen would had approached issues on civil and religious life in our day.If that’s not enough for you, Darryl also brings up the life of H. L. Mencken and his relationship with Machen. Who was he? Could these two opposite poles have anything in common? You might be surprised!And as pipe smoke fills the room, the tables are turned as the guest takes over, and Carl is put on the spot to answer some serious questions!We have a several copies of "Defending the Faith" by D. G. Hart courtesy of P&R that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.

While on a celeb tour, Carl worked on a cool mustache - maybe compensating for hair loss? In the meantime, Aimee and Todd, two recovering Baptists, tell of their “journey” to Presbyterianism. Todd even wanders into his love for the Book of Church Order. Tune in to get that whole story!But that’s not all folks! The conversation explores the term “redemption” and its meaning. Who or what is the object of redemption? Could God have co-redeemers? Then, what about us redeeming the culture? What does THAT even mean? What does the Bible tell us about God redeeming the present culture? Or will He simply destroy it all and create new heavens and a new earth at His coming? So much to cover!So join us for all these things and to see who's losing hair faster (spoiler alert, it’s not Aimee)!We have a several copies of "Redeemed! Redemption Accomplished" from the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.

This week the crew invites James Dolezal for a crucial conversation on the doctrine of God. James is the assistant professor of Theology in the School of Divinity of Cairn University. In his latest book All That Is in God he defends the classic orthodox doctrine of God while engaging with some contemporary deviations.What is divine simplicity? Why is it so important for the doctrine of the Trinity? What’s the cost of getting it wrong? Can we even have a doctrine of the Trinity without it? The answers are not so simple, but James does a wonderful job taking us back in history and guiding us through.And what do a Capuchin Friar, classic rock, and Thomas Aquinas have in common? Well, you’ll have to listen to find out!We have a several copies of "All That Is In God" by James Dolezal courtesy of Reformation Heritage Books that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.

Is it the end of the world as we know it? Recent natural disasters around the world have once again drawn speculative voices claiming it’s the end times. Yep! And the date now is September 23rd, 2017… Really?How are we to think about natural disasters and personal tragedy? Are they indicators that we’ve come to the end? What do we do when tragedy strikes? God is sovereign, subverts evil for His greater glory and for the ultimate good of Christians. But what motivates God to act in certain ways at certain points and time?So finish up that ice cream in the freezer as the 23rd is approaching fast. And listen in to the very interesting conversation turned argument between Carl and Aimee about the correct pronunciation of the word hurricane.We have a several copies of "Eschatology in Church History" an audio set from the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.

From rocking chairs on Todd’s front porch, our hosts try to sort out the lack of common sense among evangelicals. The mega-market of media is often “guiding” Christians to replace their mama’s basic teaching or their conscience as to what’s right and wrong.Do we need multiple reasons not to send nude selfies, not to shoot grandma, or not to punch the kid at the bus stop? Are we over spiritualizing things and becoming unable to make common sense decisions? What about that voice inside your head? What about The Pogues? Prophetic Rock? Seeing Jesus in Wonder Woman? The conversation continues into the wee hours, and you’re welcome to join in!We have a several copies of "Good News for Anxious Christians: 10 Practical Things You Don'd Have To Do" by Phillip Cary published by Brazos Press that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.Mortification of Spin LiveFor the first time ever (in almost five years), the underground bunker is being cracked open to the public. Aimee opens the door of her home and welcomes you to be part of the conversation with Mortification of Spin on a more intimate level. You can pull up a chair around her dining room table along with Carl and Todd. Join us on Friday September 15 at 1:15PM ET for a live Mortification of Spin podcast recording. Register at alliancelive.org

With the notes coming out of the Music City, the Mortification of Spin Trio decides to chime-in on the Nashville Statement.Who is the intended audience? What do the writers hope to accomplish? Our skeptical English host – who doesn’t sign statements whether he agrees with them or not! – wonders if such statements are even effective?Tune-in as the crew thinks through each of these issues while considering who’s affected by this statement and who’s really on the front line facing the toughest questions. Is it possible to stand firm on sexuality issues without alienating the very people we must witness to?All that and more, including this week’s great giveaway, “The Gospel & Sexual Orientation”, a booklet birthed out of RPCNA Synod Report to provide guidance on the same points addressed by the Nashville Statement!

We’re joined by a familiar guest this week, someone who knows the underground bunker very well. Todd and Aimee try to keep him humble by setting the ground rules right from the start.Having recently returned from his celebrity tour, our special guest, Carl Trueman, uses the opportunity to talk about his newest book “Grace Alone”. He addresses the importance of distinguishing the Protestant and Catholic meanings of “grace” and gives us a brief history of the word.And, being the well respected man that he is, Carl will fill us in on what’s next. This time he’s taking a year off from Westminster Theological Seminary to join Princeton University as a fellow research scholar.Pull up a chair and join our conversation to find out about Carl’s projects this coming year.We have a several copies of "Grace Alone: Salvation as a Gift of God" by Carl Trueman published by Zondervan that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.

Carl’s globetrotting celebrity tour continues! So as Todd polishes off a fresh batch of gospel-centered cupcakes, he and Aimee stare into the bright spotlight of listener questions.What’s the difference between error and heresy? Can we declare someone a heretic? When is appropriate to do so? What's the importance of the creeds in all this? Aimee starts by defining orthodoxy in order to answer these questions and once cornered, Todd rightly turns to the apostle Paul to define the Gospel of Christ and its implications.Join us in this week’s conversation!We have a several copies of "A Christian's Pocket Guide to Justification" by Guy Waters published by Christian Focus that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.

We travel this week to experience real southern charm. And there’s no one better to sit down with for sweet tea and casual conversation than Melissa Kruger, writer and Women’s Ministry Coordinator at Uptown Church in Charlotte, NC.Aimee talks with Melissa about her books The Envy of Eve and Walking with God in the Season of Motherhood. We’ll hear the circumstances in which they were birthed and how they help women. Then Carl and Todd jump in for advice on the most important things OTHER pastors need to understand about women’s ministry. Oh and of course, to brag about how sensitive they are to the women in their own churches! Please pull up a seat and join us!We have a several copies of "Envy of Eve: Finding Contentment in a Covetous World" by Melissa Kruger published by Christian Focus that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.

As Carl and Todd are nowhere to be found, Aimee is left to defend the bunker alone. There she uncovers that very first MoS recording from the grand ole’ days before she was voted in as “one of the guys.” Not at all surprising, they’re talking about a woman, Rosaria Butterfield in particular, and her first book The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert. Join the conversation as we listen to Carl and Todd’s review of this powerful testimony of God’s saving grace and how helpful and instructive it is for the Church. Oh, and Todd’s brief public admission of his dark past as a Baptist.We have a several copies of "The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert" by Rosaria Butterfield published by Crown and Covenant Publications that we are giving away. Enter for your chance to win.

Kelly Kapic, professor of Theological Studies at Covenant College, talks about suffering and bravery. Bravery exemplified by his courage to return to have old skeletons exposed by Aimee. His latest book, Embodied Hope, highlights where grace and goodness is found when suffering from illness and chronic pain strikes. He gives biblical perspective when we ask “why us?” and on finding the right place to lament in the body of Christ. Join the conversation as Kelly shares his next project. Oh yes, and learn how Carl became the hero of his own story in a restaurant fire in Amsterdam. There are pictures to prove it!We have a several copies of "God So Loved, He Gave" by Kelly Kapic published by Zondervan that we are giving away. Be sure to enter for your chance to win.

With Todd away at rehab after PCA General Assembly, Carl and Aimee gab on the 20-year mark of Joshua Harris’ book I Kissed Dating Goodbye, particularly on its impact for the young Christian. Dating - or are we to call it courting? - brings up a lot of questions! Can a guy even take a girl out for a burger without having to propose?Carl answers, as we expect, “It’s the Americans” when the problem of how we see the relationship between the sexes comes up! No fear, Aimee quickly backs him down when she fires back with the true lasting relationship between them.Join us in this “powerful journey.” And along the way, find out what is the most terrifying Bible verse in Carl’s opinion - here’s a hint: kiss.Please, come on a journey with us and make a donation to Mortification of Spin.Donate to Mortification of Spinvar r_protocol=(("https:"==document.location.protocol)?"https://":"http://");var r_path="https://www.razoo.com/javascripts/widget_loader.js";var r_identifier='Mortification-Of-Spin';document.write(unescape("%3Cscript id='razoo_widget_loader_script' src='"+r_path+"' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));

Group therapy is in session and we get to eavesdrop… Carl and Aimee lend their ears to Todd as he pours out his heart about the joys and sorrows of the PCA’s General Assembly. We hear about very important topics; women’s ordination, the Second Commandment, anti-Presbyterian factions in the PCA, and the implications in the life of laity and their role. The outcome is mostly positive as Todd offers up encouragement to fellow PCA-ers. All the while Carl and Aimee once again show jealously for the lack of thrill at any GA the OPC has ever had!We have a several copies of "How Jesus Runs The Church" by Guy Prentiss Waters that we are giving away. Be sure to enter for your chance to win.

The bunker has erupted with trouble - yes, once again! This time the team tries to form a consensus on who's to blame for the therapeutic language of brokenness in contemporary Christianity. Todd blames Aimee and all the women; Carl blames Americans for the “pursuit of happiness” being the chief end of man. In the end they agree on one thing: the theology of the cross informs us that we are sinful and not just broken, damned before a holy God and not just hurting. So time to kick back and tune in!We have a several copies of "Overcoming Sin and Temptation" by By John Owen, Edited by Kelly Kapic and Justin Taylor that we are giving away. Be sure to enter for your chance to win.

Lydia Brownback joins the conversation today to talk about loneliness - that dark cloud that shows no partiality on whom it descends. Lydia is a friend of the Alliance as a one time producer of The Bible Study Hour broadcast and what is now our Think and Act Biblically devotional. While we certainly miss her, she’s now both an author and speaker whose typical audience is women. But her latest book, Finding God in My Loneliness, strikes a chord, both, with men and women. Let’s join in now as Lydia debunks some common myths about loneliness, offers careful critique of singles in the church, and voices the biblical standards at stake in the sexualized culture in which we live.We have a several copies of "Fine China is for Single Women Too" and "Finding God in My Loneliness" by Lydia Brownback that we are giving away. Be sure to enter for your chance to win.

The nauseating activity of church shopping should not be confused with the often necessary need to find a new church. When there are several Gospel preaching churches to choose from, God has given us the ability to think critically to help us discern the right church to attend. Don’t think, what can the church do for me, but rather, what can you do for the church. And, make sure you listen to find out how Carl ended up in the OPC.The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer everyone a free MP3 download entitled "Marks of a Healthy Church" by Mark Dever. Download for free now.

Has social justice taken a prominent stage over sharing the Gospel message? What is social justice anyway? A growing number of Christians are giving voice to social justice. Yet one needs to beware of the snare of liberal camp movements too.Perhaps a good historian could be helpful here. Maybe Carl can recommend one? Join the conversation with Carl, Aimee & Todd!We have a several copies of "Social Justice Isn't What You Think" by Michael Novak published by Encounter Books, that we are giving away. Be sure to enter for your chance to win.

With Carl visiting his mum, Todd and Aimee can finally consider the very real beauty gap between the Brits and the Americans!However, when we pick up the conversation Todd and Aimee return to talk about how the church deals with a repentant sinner versus one that is unrepentant. We all know that sin has consequences, often the teenage girl who gets pregnant or a divorced individual knows this best. It’s such an other worldly thing to simultaneously say; we hate sin, we hate what sin does, and we take sin seriously. But, that we also believe that where sin abounds grace abounds even more because of what Christ has done for us.Isn’t that the beauty of Christianity? Isn’t that what we should be showing to the world?Be sure to listen!The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals would like to offer you a free MP3 download entitled A Psalm of Repentance. Download for free now.

Today’s special guest Rosaria Butterfield was once a bold advocate for the LGBTQ community. Since then, she has come to Christ and married an Evangelical pastor, with whom she has had several children. She has authored two marvelous books about this "unlikely conversion" and one on hospitality.Why hospitality, one might ask. Because it was through Christian hospitality, God, slowly but surely, disarmed and compelled her to faith. Today she opens up her own Christian home to the community so that her family can bear witness and evangelize. On a daily basis, Rosaria's family dines with her neighbors. She is eager to count the cost much like Jesus did.Are you?We have a several copies of "Openness Unhindered: Further Thoughts of and Unlikely Convert on Sexual Identity and Union with Christ" by Rosaria Butterfield published by Crown & Covenant Publishers, that we are giving away. Be sure to enter for your chance to win.

The church has a silent killer, much like when carbon monoxide creeps into your house and you don’t even know it. Why are people coming to your church? Do they want to hear the Bible preached or do they want something more superficial? Is the purpose of the church to meet your individual felt needs? The church is called to provide an ordinary means of grace - those things which it ought to be emphasizing and prioritizing in her ministry. Listen as Carl, Todd, and Aimee discuss those things we should not compromise on, including what kind of car Todd is convinced he needs.We have a several copies of "The courage to be protestant" by David Wells published by Eerdmans Publishing Company, that we are giving away. Be sure to enter for your chance to win.