In this thought-provoking episode of Mortification of Spin, hosts Todd and Carl engage in a critical conversation about Israel, the Jewish people, and the rising tide of anti-Semitism. They explore the historical context of anti-Semitic sentiments, the troubling connections to certain movements, and the theological perspectives surrounding the future of the Jewish people as indicated in Scripture. 

We need to treat Jewish unbelievers the same way we treat Gentile unbelievers. They need Jesus and they need to be evangelized. – Todd Pruitt

Tune in for a nuanced examination of a complex issue that is more relevant than ever.

Show Notes:

Christian Witness to Israel:  CWINA.org/publications

Todd and Carl engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Brian Cosby, pastor, author, and YouTube influencer, about the concept of biblical masculinity. They explore the importance of the roles of men in today's society, addressing the challenges and crises facing young men as they seek to understand their identity and responsibilities. 

The more I thought about it…really distilling down those fundamental callings of a man…it’s not a fundamental identity – that would be in Jesus for the Christian – but certainly the fundamental calling is a duty for men to provide for and protect not only himself, but also his family, his church, and his community. – Brian Cosby

With insights from Brian's new book, Provide and Protect: A Guide for Men in a World of Weakness, Wokeness, and Compromise, this episode offers a compelling look at the need for men to step up as providers and protectors in a world filled with confusion and compromise.

We are pleased to offer listeners the opportunity to win a copy of Brian’s book, Provide and Protect, thanks to the generosity of Mindster Media. Enter here to win.

Show Notes:

Brian’s YouTube channel: Provide & Protect

Richard Phillips’ book: Masculine Mandate

Mindster Media: https://mindstirmedia.com/

Carl and Todd engage in a lively discussion today with returning guest Michael Morales, a professor of Biblical Studies at Greenville Theological Seminary. They delve into the concept of God's glory, drawing from Donnie Berry’s book, The Earth Will Be Filled: A Biblical Theology of the Glory of God, which was edited by Michael. According to Donnie Berry, glory refers to all the things the triune God is full of—his wisdom, love, creativity, beauty, strength, compassion, justice, life, joy—made manifest for us to see, to experience, to respond to, and, perhaps most surprisingly, to participate in. 

The glory of God is the core of who He is, His goodness as God defines it. – Michael Morales

Discover how the glory of God is a central theme that runs through Scripture, and why it is crucial to see how it is at the heart of the gospel and of the entire story of the Bible. 

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at IV Press, we are pleased to offer three copies of The Earth Will Be Filled to our listeners. Enter here to win. 

Today, Carl and Todd engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the difficult issue of church discipline. They explore the historical context of church discipline, its necessity for maintaining the integrity of the church, and the challenges pastors face in implementing it. With personal anecdotes and theological insights, they shed light on how discipline serves not only the church community but also the individual believer. 

The church disciplines for three reasons, one of which is the recovery of the offender…the second reason is it sends a message to members of the church and to those outside of the church that certain behaviors, certain opinions are not tolerable…the third reason and, I think, perhaps the most important one is it vindicates the name of Christ in public. – Carl Trueman

Tune in for a deep dive into a topic that often goes unaddressed in many congregations!

Carl and Todd continue their engaging conversation about Carl's new book, The Desecration of Man: How the Rejection of God Degrades Our Humanity. Today, they delve into the implications of modernity on human dignity, exploring the tension between freedom and belonging, and the significance of being made in the image of God. The discussion also addresses contemporary issues surrounding reproductive technology and its impact on our understanding of humanity. 

I would say that's why anthropology is so critical. If you don't have an understanding of what it means to be a human being, then you're going to have all “the sky is the limit” to what technology can do.  – Carl Trueman

We were pleased to award two listeners a copy of Carl’s book, The Desecration of Man: How the Rejection of God Degrades Our Humanity, thanks to the generosity of Sentinel Publishing. Congratulations to Keith D. from Strong, ME and Michael L. from Wheaton, IL!

Carl has come out with yet another book, and today, he and Todd sit down for Part 1 of a two part discussion about The Desecration of Man: How the Rejection of God Degrades Our Humanity. In The Desecration of Man, Carl argues that modern man’s crisis of meaning stems from a rejection of a simple fact—that he was made in the image of God. 

The revolutions of modernity have proved in the long run to be fundamentally dehumanizing. – Carl Trueman

Todd and Carl explore the cultural implications of modernity's rejection of God, touching on topics such as abortion, gender identity, and the significance of human dignity. Drawing on insights from various intellectuals and a critique of contemporary society, this episode challenges listeners to consider the moral foundations of humanity and the necessity of reconsecrating our understanding of personhood through a Christian lens.

We were pleased to award two listeners a copy of Carl’s book, The Desecration of Man: How the Rejection of God Degrades Our Humanity, thanks to the generosity of Sentinel Publishing. Congratulations to Amelia G. from Harrisonburg, VA, and John W. from Van, TX!

Show Notes:

Episodes referenced by Carl and Todd:

https://mortificationofspin.podbean.com/e/feminism-against-progress/

https://mortificationofspin.podbean.com/e/five-lies-of-our-anti-christian-age/

Carl and Todd welcome philosopher J. Budziszewski to discuss his insightful new book, The Pandemic of Lunacy: How to Think Clearly When Everyone Around You Seems Crazy. They delve into the current societal confusion surrounding morality, ethics, and identity, exploring the philosophical underpinnings of these issues. 

The confusion in the society has caused us to dig deeper and to think more thoroughly about these things, but the desire to perpetuate the lunacy has also caused the other side to dig deeper and come up with much more elaborate justifications. – J. Budziszewski

With a blend of humor and serious inquiry, the conversation reveals how the church can respond to contemporary challenges with clarity and conviction.

We were pleased to award three listeners a copy of Pandemic of Lunacy, authored by J. Budziszewski. Congratulations to Daniel F. from Elizabethton, TN, Kevin A. from Bakersfield, CA, and Catherine N. from Chillicothe, OH! 

Show Notes:

Creed & Culture Publishing: https://creedandculture.com/

In this episode of Mortification of Spin, Carl and Todd welcome Ryan Anderson, president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, to discuss the critical topic of religious freedom in America. As the nation grapples with challenges to this fundamental right, they delve into its historical context, the implications of recent political climates, and the intersection of religious liberty with contemporary social issues. 

Justice and the common good need to be maintained, and you want to have as much religious liberty as possible consistent with that. – Ryan Anderson

Join us for an engaging conversation that explores the nuances of faith, freedom, and the future of religious rights in a changing world.

We are pleased to award three listeners a copy of, Tearing Us Apart: How Abortion Harms Everything and Solves Nothing, co-authored by Ryan Anderson and Alexandra Desanctis. Congratulations to Ethan A. from Janesville, WI, Jacob M. from Montgomery, AL, and Peter M. from Kalamazoo, MI!

Show Notes:

Articles referenced by Ryan Anderson:

https://www.nationalaffairs.com/publications/detail/proxy-wars-over-religious-liberty

https://www.wsj.com/opinion/religious-liberty-isnt-enough-11612125595

https://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2020/07/67142/

Todd and Carl engage in an interesting discussion about the church calendar and its role in the Reformed Protestant tradition. They explore the historical context of the church calendar, its significance, and the nuances of its acceptance among different denominations. 

I think observation of the church calendar should be a matter of, should we say, congregational conscience. My own view on it has softened over the years in that I used to be very much the Puritan, you know… I've changed my opinion… – Carl Trueman

They examine the pedagogical benefits of observing the calendar while addressing concerns about legalism, with a particular focus on Advent and Lent. Tune in for a rich conversation that challenges and inspires listeners to consider the implications of the church calendar in their worship practices.

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Crossway Books, we have awarded three copies of Kevin DeYoung’s beautiful board book for children, The Biggest Story: Advent. Congratulations to JD W. from Bridgewater, VA, Georgie M. from Sunnyvale, CA, and Maretta H. from Grottoes, VA.

Carl and Todd are a bit giddy as they talk to astronaut Jeffrey Williams, the subject of the new biography, Zero Gravity, by Chris Anderson. Spending 534 days in space across four missions, Jeff not only broke records but captured stunning images of Earth—offering a powerful perspective on God’s handiwork in the universe and His love for humanity revealed in Christ.

From the challenges of living in zero gravity to the camaraderie among crew members, Jeff offers a unique perspective on life as an astronaut. He also discusses his faith journey and how it intersects with his scientific career, providing insights into the relationship between science and Christianity. Don't miss this fascinating conversation!

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Church Works Media, we are pleased to award three of our listeners a copy of Jeff William’s biography, Zero Gravity, by Chris Anderson. Congratulations to Cheryl B. from Norristown, PA, Brad K. from Pagosa Springs, CO, and Greg P. from Greenville, SC. 

Jeff also wrote a book about his experiences in space that you may want to check out:

https://www.cph.org/the-work-of-his-hands