Mortification of Spin

The Spin Squad strikes again! The current mission is to put the kibosh on the latest trend in evangelicalism: the dreaded “personality tests.”

 What are the origins of the Enneagram? Can people really be defined and perfectly fit into one of its nine categories? Should Christians rely on such tests, like the Myers-Briggs, for direction in life and ministry? 

 Since all nine Enneagram categories are pretty positive, you’ll discover just how great you really are, and how much awesomeness you can offer to your local church and beyond! Carl swears that this is very much an “American thing;” he’s taken the test, and didn’t fit any of the categories. Even John Paul II has something to say about such fads. Listen in!

Kevin Vanhoozer joins the team for a conversation about his latest book Hearers and Doers: A Pastor’s Guide to Making Disciples through Scripture and Doctrine. Kevin is the Research Professor of Systematic Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a prolific author. In Hearers and Doers, Kevin draws the connection between doctrine, discipleship and pastoral ministry for spiritual wholeness.

Is discipleship an optional part of Christianity? Tune in for this fascinating conversation about the cultural secularization of the idea of wellness (as opposed to the biblical definition), and its relationship to discipleship.

While Todd is having some Tex-Mex with friends at the PCA General Assembly, Carl and Aimee take a look at the latest resolutions and issues happening there, and at the Southern Baptist Convention, because—frankly—nothing interesting ever happens in the OPC!

The stalwart duo discusses the structure of ecclesiastical bodies, the function of committee reports, and how much binding power they have. C & A also assess the power of parachurch organizations, and all the hubbub among celebrity pastors on Twitter. Who needs reality shows, with all the Christian drama on social media! 

Despite Carl’s incessant prayers, the Lord has not granted the desires of his heart concerning his co-hosts! Nevertheless, he’s learning to be content with Todd and Aimee. Does God always listen to the prayers of His people? If so, why don’t we always get a positive outcome? What, then, is the purpose of praying?

Along with their thoughts on prayer, the trio reflects on the spin that death has taken on in these modern days. Are there lessons to be learned as we stand in the presence of a dead or dying loved one?

Who would have thought a few years ago that today, blogging would be considered a great intellectual exercise…in comparison to the complex ideas we now try to discuss in 280 characters or less?

The ugliness of Christians belittling other Christians on social media can be disheartening, indeed. But is there any salvageable reason for keeping a Twitter or Facebook account? The trio comes out to discuss the topic, among others. Our spin-killers touch on the self-promotion of failed ministers who left wreckage behind them, and are now capitalizing on their comeback stories of “grace and redemption.” How have Christians come to ignore the biblical qualifications of church leaders where a ‘Christian celebrity’ is concerned?