In this episode, Carl and Todd are joined by Francis Maier, a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, to discuss the influential works of Neil Postman. They explore Postman's critiques of technology, particularly in relation to culture and education, and how these ideas resonate with contemporary issues. 

Until people understand that they have the personal responsibility of reform and conversion, there isn't going to be any change in the culture. – Fran Maier

From the effects of social media on anger and despair to the importance of personal responsibility in navigating technology, this conversation delves into the complexities of modern life through the lens of Postman's insights.

We are pleased to offer three copies of Neil Postman’s book, Amusing Ourselves to Death, to our listeners, thanks to the generosity of Penguin Publishing. Enter here for the opportunity to win.

Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman

Technopoly by Neil Postman

The End of Education by Neil Postman

Building a Bridge to the 18th Century by Neil Postman

Essays by Neil Postman:

“In the Kingdom of Noise,” article by Francis Maier

As technology increasingly blurs the distinction between man and machine, new questions emerge about the future of religion, education, work, politics, and family life. Today, Todd and Carl engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Joshua Pauling, co-author of the book Are We All Cyborgs Now? Reclaiming Our Humanity from the Machine. Together, they explore the implications of technology on humanity, the concept of being a cyborg, and how modern digital environments shape our understanding of human nature. 

The conversation delves into the ethical challenges posed by technological advancements, as well as the opportunities afforded to flourish in the digital age rooted in the sacramental life of the Church and the rich tradition of liberal learning.

Technology is posing tremendous opportunities for getting the word out in ways that weren't possible before, but also tremendous challenges. – Todd Pruitt

We are pleased to offer three copies of Joshua Pauling and Robin Phillips’ book, Are We All Cyborgs Now? Reclaiming Our Humanity from the Machine, to our listeners, thanks to the generosity of Basilian Media & Publishing. Enter here for the opportunity to win.

Show Notes:

Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman

In this episode of Mortification of Spin, Carl and Todd discuss the pressing issues facing young men today, exploring the need for role models and the church's potential to fill this void. 

The church is a community, and if we're living in a world where young men really lack good role models, there is a tremendous opportunity for the church to speak to that. -- Carl Trueman

They discuss the cultural landscape, the challenges of modern masculinity, and the importance of mentorship within the church community. Join them for a thought-provoking conversation that aims to inspire and encourage young men to embrace their identity and responsibilities in today's world.We are pleased to offer three copies of J.C. Ryle’s book, Thoughts for Young Men, to our listeners, thanks to the generosity of Banner of Truth Publishing. Enter here for the opportunity to win.

In this episode of Mortification of Spin, Carl and Todd are joined by their friend, Michael Morales, professor of biblical studies at Greenville Theological Seminary. Together, they discuss Michael's much-anticipated 2-volume commentary on the Book of Numbers, an often-overlooked by preachers and students of the Bible. According to Carl, "If Michael Morales writes it, you need to read it."

Discussing its significance in the biblical narrative and its implications for understanding the covenant community, Morales shares insights on how the Book of Numbers serves as a foundation for ecclesiology and its connections to Christ and the church today. 

The Torah really is the foundation of all of our theology. – Michael Morales

Tune in for a rich conversation that aims to illuminate the depths of this vital text! Perhaps, like Todd, you'll renew your enthusiasm for this middle book of the Pentateuch after listening to their conversation.

In this episode, Todd Pruitt and Carl Truman welcome back Lydia Brownback, the director for women's resources at Crossway and a well-known author. They dive into Lydia's journey from seminary to writing and teaching, and how the Lord wove all of these experiences together in her life to prepare her for the work she is now doing. 

Isn't it true that what He is doing in our lives is always preparatory, in some way or another? – Lydia Brownback

Lydia shares her insights on the growth of women's ministries, as well as the inspiration that led her to write her popular book, Flourish: How the Love of Christ Frees Us From Self-Focus. She also addresses the topic of loneliness, something experienced by everyone at some point in their lives, and how churches can address this common issue with their members.

The goal is to incorporate everybody into the larger body so that it feels like family, whatever your stage of life. – Lydia Brownback

Tune in for an engaging conversation covering a wide range of topics that is sure to be insightful and encouraging. 

We are pleased to award three copies of Lydia Brownback’s book, Flourish: How the Love of Christ Frees Us from Self-Focus, to our listeners, thanks to the generosity of Crossway Publishers. Congratulations Leah B. from Canton, GA, Marianne H. from Fuquay Varina, NC, and Carl C. from Lubbock, TX!

Show Notes:

Check out more of Lydia’s books at Reformed Resources!

https://reformedresources.org/books/authors/lydia-brownback/

Todd and Carl, now officially an American citizen, dive into the challenging subject of immigration. Together, they explore the theological concept of the "order of love," its implications for prioritizing our obligations to others, and how this intersects with the responsibilities of the State versus the Church. 

The situation is complicated. How do we navigate? How do we develop a hierarchy of loves and obligations that is faithful to Scripture but also handles the complexities that Scripture throws up? – Carl Trueman

In other words, how do we balance our responsibilities to our neighbors and the laws of the land? With references to contemporary issues and personal anecdotes, this episode challenges listeners to consider their perspectives on immigration and community, as Christians and citizens.

We are pleased to award Mortification of Spin swag to three of our listeners, including a t-shirt, a baseball cap, and a mug! Congratulations to John T. from Brandon, MS, Matthew A. from Westfield, MA, and Gill M. from Washington, NJ!

In this episode of Mortification of Spin, Carl and Todd engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Brad Littlejohn, director of Programs and Education at American Compass, about Brad's newly published book, Call to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License.  

Christians in the modern West hear a lot about—and talk a lot about—"freedom." The word has taken on so many meanings that Christians often fail to realize how much our contemporary ideals of freedom stray from what freedom has meant in Scripture and the Christian tradition.

We need to redeem and recover a properly Christian way of thinking about freedom. – Carl Trueman

Today's conversation touches on the Reformation's impact on individual liberty, the tension between authority and conscience, and the contemporary challenges Christians face in understanding freedom. 

As Protestants, we have to care about freedom because it's central to our theological heritage. – Brad Littlejohn

Tune in for an insightful exploration of these critical themes!

Thanks to the generosity of B&H Academic, we are pleased to award three copies of Brad's book, Call to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License, to our listeners. Congratulations to Jonathan M. from Columbia, SC, Nancy J. from Albuquerque, NM, and Sean M. from Asheville, SC!

Show Notes:

Call to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License

https://bhacademic.bhpublishinggroup.com/product/called-to-freedom-3/#flipbook-sampler/

In this poignant episode, Todd and Carl welcome author Whitney Pipkin to discuss her book, We Shall All Be Changed: How Facing Death with Loved Ones Transforms Us. Drawing from her own experience, Whitney sheds light and hope, reminding us that we are not alone in our grief. And she reveals the mysterious way God ministers to and transforms us through death and suffering.

"The places you are most afraid to go, feel most ill-equipped to venture to, are the places Christ has gone before you." – Whitney Pipkin

Tune in as they explore how facing mortality can lead to deeper faith and understanding.

This is coming for each of us. How then shall we live? This is the question that each of us has the opportunity to consider at a funeral, but also when we read the news and when loss is far away, and when it's close, really close to home. – Whitney Pipkin

Thanks to the generosity of Moody Publishing, we are pleased to give away three copies of Whitney Pipkin’s book, We Shall All Be Changed: How Facing Death with Loved Ones Transforms Us. Congratulations to our winners: Katherine A. from Waterman, IL, Greg P. from Greenville, SC, and Timothy S. from Avondale, AZ!

Show Notes:

Whitney Pipkin’s Book https://www.moodypublishers.com/we-shall-all-be-changed/

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. – Proverbs 9:10

Today, Todd and Carl are joined by Chris Ansberry, associate professor at Grove City College, and a colleague of Carl's who refuses to wear socks, much to Carl's chagrin. Wardrobe choices aside, Chris recently wrote a commentary on the Book of Proverbs, published by Zondervan Academic as part of their Exegetical Commentary Series. Wisdom literature seems to be a little bit obscure to many students of the Bible, but Chris has a deep love for these books that have often been marginalized. 

"Proverbs is not only designed to form our intellect, but it's also cultivating and directing our desires, it's shaping our forms of life, it's helping our perception – how do we see people, how do we see the world? So within that realm of ethics, I think that there's a lot in which Proverbs can do for us…I can't read Proverbs without seeing the same sort of moral vision that's on offer in the Sermon on the Mount." – Chris Ansberry

Discover the intricacies of wisdom literature and its place in Christian life and pastoral teaching. Find out how Proverbs can shape ethical understanding and spiritual formation, and how pastors can approach preaching from this often-overlooked biblical text. And find out the answer to Carl's question, "What is the church missing if the pastor never preaches on wisdom literature in general, and specifically if the pastor never preaches on Proverbs?"

Thanks to the generosity of Zondervan Academic, we are pleased to award copies of Chris Ansberry’s Commentary on Proverbs to three of our listeners. Congratulations to Donald T. from Omaha, NE, Keith F. from Troy, IL, and Yulia S. from Mililani, HI!

Zondervan Exegetical Commentary Series:

Chris Ansberry’s Proverbs Commentary: https://zondervanacademic.com/products/proverbs-2

Join Carl and Todd as they tackle the pressing issues of gender ideology and pastoral practice with special guests Mary Rice Hasson and Theresa Farnan from the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Mary and Theresa have worked on a book titled Gender Ideology and Pastoral Practice: A Handbook for Catholic Clergy, Counselors, and Ministerial Leaders, which Carl believes to be immensely valuable for Protestants and Catholics alike. Discover insights from their book as they discuss the challenges facing pastors today, from pronoun use to public education to the influence of social media on youth. 

Our children feel so lonely and alone, so what do they do? They go online, and they find a community of people. So we, as churches – our role has to be that online community. I don't care what denomination you are; if you're not there giving community to your young people, they will go looking for it somewhere, and what they will find is so toxic. – Theresa Farnan

Learn how pastors and churches can equip themselves to address these complex issues with love and truth.

Thanks to the generosity of Notre Dame Press, we are pleased to award two copies of Gender Ideology and Pastoral Practice: A Handbook for Catholic Clergy, Counselors, and Ministerial Leaders to our listeners. Congratulations to Shawn H. from Porter, TX and Hillary H. from Orange City, IA!

Show Notes:

Ethics and Public Policy Center:  https://eppc.org/

Person and Identity Project:  https://personandidentity.com/

Gender, Ideology and Pastoral Practice: A Handbook for Catholic Clergy, Counselors and Ministerial Leaders