Mortification of Spin

As newly-minted grandfather Carl Trueman settles into his cardigan sweater and comfortable shoes, the always-youthful and vibrant Todd Pruitt steps up to help welcome a special guest. Terry Johnson is the 34-year senior minister of Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah, Georgia, and a respected author. Terry’s latest release—Understanding Family Worship—is a companion piece to his landmark 2009 book on family devotions.

Why can it be difficult for parents—especially dads—to initiate and take the lead in family worship? Families enjoyed daily devotionals throughout Christian history, so what has changed in recent generations? Terry makes a convincing and detailed argument for why your family needs to gather for worship and how it might be done in your own home. 

Congratulations to our winners of Terry Johnson’s Understanding Family Worship: Its History, Theology, and Practice: 

*Benjamin C. of Pittsburgh, PA 

*Taylor K. from Huntsville, AL   

*Vernon G. of Sparks, NV   

*Nathan A. of Dyer, IN

No longer concerned about offending his boss, Carl welcomes his friend and fellow professor (and former Grove City provost) David Ayers for a return visit to the infamous virtual bunker. With a COVID-y Todd maintaining a few hundred miles of social distancing, the three sit down to discuss the subject matter of David’s forthcoming book, After the Revolution: Sex and the Single Evangelical.

In the book, Dr. Ayers provides the Christian heirs of the sexual revolution a resource to understand their challenges and social context to find a way forward. Has the Church lost its savor in providing the clear teaching of Scripture on such matters? Is the answer ultimately found in simply turning back the clock? Our guest and hosts provide satisfying answers to these questions and others.

We’d like to congratulate the winners of copies of David’s landmark book, Christian Marriage: A Comprehensive Introduction:

*James M. from Cottage Grove, MN

*Laura S. from Grand Rapids, MI

*Job D. from Woodstock, GA

*Isaac B. from Pinedale, WY

*Julian G. from Pine Island, FL

Best-selling author (the Reverend Dr.) Carl Trueman steps away from his world book tour, condescending just long enough to share his thoughts with Todd Pruitt on the topics of institutional coffee mugs, Reformed seminaries, and the mujahideen. But it’s a different type of combatant on our co-hosts’ radar: the culture warrior. 

Is it a term of endearment or a dismissive insult? How do “culture warriors” differ from “activists?” The dynamic duo reminds us that Christians need to be engaged–using the right tactics in the proper battles. 

Congratulations to our winners of Thaddeus Williams' Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth:

*Mary D. from Pocomoke, MD   

*Coleman E. from Tucker, GA 

*Marilyn J. from Adamsville, TN

Your favorite grumpy, middle-aged pod partners welcome a good friend, and—according to Carl—the mastermind behind the marketing and sales department at Banner of Truth publishing. Pat Daly has been one of the fast-moving wheels at Banner for quite some time, but—this coming summer—he’ll assume the duties of a vice president at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Before he departs, Pat talks about the current state of Christian publishing and his encouraging view of its future, particularly in Reformed circles.

Daly comments on the notion that “Puritans are hard to read,” takes the opportunity to make some recommendations, and reveals the distinctive process of choosing Banner’s next publication. On a more personal note, Carl reveals to listeners one of Pat’s great hidden talents. Don’t miss it!

We are pleased to congratulate our winners of a free copy of “A Body of Divinity”, one of the greatest Puritan classics:

*Hal P. from Brandon, MS 

*Robert A. from Buffalo,NY 

*Daren D. from Beaverton, MI

Keeping up with all that’s happening in the evangelical world is a real challenge! Today our intrepid hosts tackle one of the latest examples of dysfunction at the intersection of church and culture. This week’s head-shaker comes courtesy of Life Church, pastored by Craig Groeschel. It’s the newest, super-cool, and innovative approach to “doing church”: the metaverse. Yes, it’s virtual reality (VR) church, where one can “worship” from the comfort of home wearing jammies and goggles while being represented in the “sanctuary” by a personal graphic avatar.

What is the metaverse, and what do its creators say is its primary purpose? What are the critics saying about VR and its effects on individuals and society? Are there biblical implications when a church creates a virtual reality campus? Todd and Carl discuss the deep human needs of physical presence and personal interaction no virtual experience can fulfill. 

Congratulations to our winners of a free copy of A Place to Belong, Learning to Love the Local Church by Megan Hill:

*Bill B. from Olathe, KS   

*Nord Z. from Camden, IN     

*Daniel K from York Haven, PA

Together for the Gospel (T4G) directors have announced that they will be meeting for the final time in 2022, triggering a wide-ranging discussion on parachurch organizations. Todd waxes nostalgic as he recalls the many years he attended T4G and how those conferences influenced his life and ministry. Today, Pastor Pruitt shares his thoughts about the ministry’s dissolution as our two friends reflect on the current challenges that Gospel unity is facing everywhere. You don’t want to miss Carl’s analogy about the OPC and pest control. Listen in!

Congratulations to our winners of free copies of Nine Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever:

Bruce J. from West Springfield, MA

Rod R. from Rose Hill, KS

Philip J. from Lenexa, KS

After a few weeks of solo hosting chores, Carl and Todd are back together and ready to tackle some pressing current affairs. The hot button issues of the day include the notions of “personhood” and “identity” as represented by Revoice, the PCA study committee report, and the opposition to passing overtures 23 and 37 to amend the Book of Church Order. Is the definition of “identity” ambiguous or unclear in the proposed overtures, or are some ministers backpedaling on what they previously affirmed to be true? An objective question requires a clear-cut and unequivocal answer, so Todd poses his queries to Carl, who—literally—“wrote the book” on issues of identity.

Check out our previous episode with Fred Greco addressing the PCA Overtures.

Congratulations to our winners of Kevin DeYoung’s book, What Does the Bible Really Teach About Homosexuality? 

Eddie B. from Rocky Mount, NC

Chris B. from Camp Hill, PA

James C. from Chicago, IL

Now that we’ve adjusted to the new biweekly schedule for Mortification of Spin, we present one final encore of Theology on the Go. Carl and Todd return with a new episode next week, and then every other week thereafter. Thanks for listening!

Jonathan and James welcome a very special guest today. J. V. Fesko is the Harriet Barbour Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS. The Need for Creeds Today is one of Fesko’s most recent works and the topic of today’s conversation. 

Fesko defines four different ways Christians view creeds, as he argues that creeds are not only a wise and helpful practice for the wellbeing of the church, but a necessity for the being of the church! What does it mean to “give the sense,” and what does it have to do with catechizing the next generations?

The Blessings of the Faith series recently published by P&R is a valuable resource highlighting the distinctives of the Presbyterian and Reformed faith. The series, written for Church laity as an introduction to Presbyterian ecclesiology and polity, is particularly helpful for Christians with backgrounds in other traditions.

Carl’s guest is Jason Helopoulos, editor of the series and author of Covenantal Baptism. He’s the senior pastor of University Reformed Church in East Lansing, MI. Jason shares his love for the sacrament of covenantal baptism and explains how his perspective on the subject has changed since his seminary days. What does baptism represent in the Reformed tradition? How is the concept of judgment associated with baptism? Do we pray with our children or for our children? Don’t miss this very insightful discussion. 

Congrats to our winners of complimentary copies of Jason's Covenantal Baptism: 

*Joan H. from Huron, OH   

*Bradley E. from Anthem, AZ

Mortification of Spin is now a biweekly podcast. As we adjust to the new schedule, we’d like to introduce you to another Alliance podcast: Theology on the Go, with Jonathan Master and James Dolezal. Another new episode of MoS is coming November 24th.

Dale Ralph Davis has been a minister at a few traditional Reformed churches in the US. For some time, he was Old Testament professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS. Dale lives a much quieter life now, and is happy to chat with Jonathan and James about one of his remarkable books, entitled The Word Became Fresh - How to Preach from the Old Testament Narrative Texts.

What is it about some OT narrative texts that intimidates many from preaching through them? What would be the possible negative effects on a church that does not receive the full revelation of God’s Word, including what Davis calls these “nasty narratives?”