The Will Spencer Podcast

Dr. Joe Rigney is a Fellow of Theology at New Saint Andrews College. In his controversial bestselling book "The Sin of Empathy" (Canon Press) he argues that empathy becomes sinful when divorced from truth and biblical standards.

In our conversation, Dr. Rigney explains how weaponized empathy manipulates through emotional validation demands rather than genuine care. He describes how many Christians have internalized a "progressive gaze" that judges their faithfulness by secular approval rather than biblical standards.

The episode explores practical alternatives to toxic empathy, including Christ-centered compassion that stays anchored to truth while genuinely caring for hurting people.

1. Empathy becomes sinful when untethered from truth and biblical standards of compassion.
2. Weaponized empathy manipulates through emotional blackmail, demanding validation over truth-seeking.
3. Christians must resist the progressive gaze that judges faithfulness by secular approval.
4. True compassion involves staying anchored to reality while helping those who suffer.
5. Playing the victim differs from being a victim - Christ suffered without self-pity.
6. Good pretending means acting as your Spirit-filled self would in difficult situations.

• "The Sin of Empathy" - https://a.co/d/fKGbwti
• "Leadership and Emotional Sabotage" - https://a.co/d/9C2obRX
• "Live Like a Narnian" - https://a.co/d/bFfV1rD
• "Lewis on the Christian Life" - https://a.co/d/bKPdHea
• https://canonplus.com/ - use code WADE for $0.99 first month

• "A Failure of Nerve" by Edwin Friedman - https://a.co/d/iOlbrzf
• "Against Empathy" by Paul Bloom - https://a.co/d/2gTyntc
• "Toxic Empathy" by Allie Beth Stuckey - https://a.co/d/2gTyntc
• "Shepherds for Sale" by Meg Basham - https://a.co/d/aD7uiLy

The Will Spencer Podcast was formerly known as "The Renaissance of Men."

I spent twenty years in the New Age. This is what I learned on the way out.

13 chapters, study guide, practices inventory, 30+ book bibliography.

A new section on Christian apologetics to the New Age is in production. Buy now at $29 and get the upgrade free when the price goes to $49.

https://willspencer.co/exit

I mentor men one-on-one through 12 weeks of biblical mentorship, with daily accountability.

If you've built something real but you're stuck at a transition that competence alone can't solve, book a free clarity call:

https://willspencer.co/mentorship

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James Lindsay is an author and founder of "New Discourses," and he's studied the influence of Gnostic ideas on Western politics and culture.

In this conversation, he explains how ancient mystical traditions transformed during the Enlightenment into social and political movements that promise to elevate humanity to higher levels of consciousness.

Lindsay argues that both woke leftism and emerging radical right-wing movements share the same underlying Gnostic patterns of claiming special knowledge and dividing the world into enlightened elites versus the masses. The discussion reveals how these ideas have parasitized both religious faith and secular reason, the two pillars that built Western civilization.

1. Three religions of the West: Faith, reason, and a secret third - Gnosticism - that parasitizes both legitimate traditions.
2. Modern Gnosticism transformed: During the Enlightenment, spiritual mysticism became social mysticism, replacing spirit world with sociological forces.
3. Gnostic parasite operates through: Fear, desperation, and resentment, attaching to good impulses in faith and reason systems.
4. Wizard circle creates hyper-reality: Distorts logical and moral perception, making people believe they have secret knowledge others lack.
5. Woke right mirrors woke left: Same Gnostic patterns of critical consciousness, us-versus-them thinking, and elite knowledge claims.
6. Faith and reason must shake hands: America's founding principles require both biblical faith and rational inquiry working together against mysticism.

• Ep. 1 - The Negation of the Real
• Ep. 2 - The Gnostic Parasite
• Ep. 3 - As Below, So Above
• "Hegel and the Hermetic Tradition" by Magee

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The Will Spencer Podcast was formerly known as "The Renaissance of Men."

I spent twenty years in the New Age. This is what I learned on the way out.

13 chapters, study guide, practices inventory, 30+ book bibliography.

A new section on Christian apologetics to the New Age is in production. Buy now at $29 and get the upgrade free when the price goes to $49.

https://willspencer.co/exit

I mentor men one-on-one through 12 weeks of biblical mentorship, with daily accountability.

If you've built something real but you're stuck at a transition that competence alone can't solve, book a free clarity call:

https://willspencer.co/mentorship

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Courtenay Turner is a podcast host and aerial acrobatic performer who studies esoteric influences on modern society. In our conversation she explains how algorithms create feedback loops that program people's perceptions, connecting topics from education reform to transhumanism.

She traces philosophical movements like Game B and Dark Enlightenment back to ancient mystery schools, showing how they drive society toward a technological singularity. The episode also explores how reading primary sources reveals truths that secondary interpretations often obscure or misrepresent.

1. Algorithmic feedback loops on social media create personalized "silos" that distort reality and program users' perceptions of the world.
2. The School Choice movement may be a strategy to bring all education under government control, executing plans laid out by Alice Bailey.
3. Primary source reading provides clearer understanding of philosophical movements than relying on potentially biased secondary interpretations.
4. The push for psychedelics appears coordinated with studies discrediting SSRIs, potentially replacing one pharmaceutical control with another.
5. Various movements including Game B and Dark Enlightenment represent different paths toward the same technological singularity goal.
6. Identity politics functions by weaponizing compassion to divide people into tribal groups that can more easily be turned against each other.

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• "Committee of 300" by John Coleman
• "Black Sun" by Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke
• "The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America by Charlotte Iserbyt

The Will Spencer Podcast was formerly known as "The Renaissance of Men."

I spent twenty years in the New Age. This is what I learned on the way out.

13 chapters, study guide, practices inventory, 30+ book bibliography.

A new section on Christian apologetics to the New Age is in production. Buy now at $29 and get the upgrade free when the price goes to $49.

https://willspencer.co/exit

I mentor men one-on-one through 12 weeks of biblical mentorship, with daily accountability.

If you've built something real but you're stuck at a transition that competence alone can't solve, book a free clarity call:

https://willspencer.co/mentorship

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This episode marks a key moment in my journey, as I share the joyful news of my engagement to Tamara! This is also a milestone that dovetails with the evolution of this podcast.

I'm also announcing a shift in the format of the show, specifically discontinuing my extended monologue intros. They may no longer serve the intended purpose of honoring my guests.

This change is driven by a genuine desire to allow my conversations to shine without my extended opining, in the hopes that it may create a more authentic listening experience for our audience.

As I navigate this new chapter, I'm grateful to you, my listeners, for the support received from you. And I'm excited for the journey to come.

We return to regular interviews next week.

-Will

The Will Spencer Podcast was formerly known as "The Renaissance of Men."

I spent twenty years in the New Age. This is what I learned on the way out.

13 chapters, study guide, practices inventory, 30+ book bibliography.

A new section on Christian apologetics to the New Age is in production. Buy now at $29 and get the upgrade free when the price goes to $49.

https://willspencer.co/exit

I mentor men one-on-one through 12 weeks of biblical mentorship, with daily accountability.

If you've built something real but you're stuck at a transition that competence alone can't solve, book a free clarity call:

https://willspencer.co/mentorship

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Aly Dee ‪aka RealFemSapien joined the podcast to discuss motherhood, marriage, and the unexpected vulnerability new mothers face after childbirth. She explained how having children reveals fundamental differences between men and women, often testing marriages in ways couples aren't prepared for.

Aly also shared how social media can negatively impact new mothers, suggesting that women need strong community support rather than digital connection during the postpartum period. She closed with advice on dating in the modern world, encouraging people to disconnect from social media and focus on real-world relationships instead.

1. Motherhood reveals the physical vulnerability women experience and their need for community support, especially during postpartum.
2. Marriage often faces its first major test after having children as couples discover fundamental differences between men and women.
3. Social media algorithms can negatively impact postpartum women, making screen time management crucial for maternal wellbeing.
4. Women derive increasing fulfillment from family over time, while market-based identity often yields diminishing returns.
5. Many women delay childbearing because of career or dating challenges, sometimes facing fertility struggles later.
6. Getting offline and pursuing real-world connections produces better dating outcomes than following social media advice.

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Matthew Everhard, a PCA pastor and author, emphasizes the crucial distinction between worship that honors God and the increasingly popular trend of "worshiptainment" that prioritizes entertainment over reverence.

In our discussion, we dig into his recent book, "Worshiptainment: The Modern Church's Golden Calf," where he critiques contemporary worship practices that stray from biblical teachings. Everhard articulates the importance of adhering to the Regulative Principle of worship, which insists that worship should be grounded solely in what God commands.

Our conversation also explores the implications of these practices on the spiritual well-being of congregants and the church as a whole. This episode is a compelling exploration of faith, worship, and the responsibilities of church leaders in today's changing landscape.

Takeaways:

1. Matthew emphasizes the importance of adhering to biblical principles in worship practices, specifically criticizing the trend of 'worshiptainment' in modern churches.
2. He articulates the Regulative Principle of worship, which asserts that worship should only include elements explicitly commanded by God in Scripture.
3. Throughout the discussion, the need for expository preaching is highlighted, as it ensures that congregants receive a deep and meaningful understanding of biblical texts.
4. The podcast addresses the dangers of celebrity culture among pastors and the importance of humility and integrity in church leadership.
5. Everhard also discusses the significance of community and personal relationships within the church, advocating for a church environment where members actively participate in worship rather than being passive consumers.
6. Finally, the episode underscores the necessity for churchgoers to critically evaluate their worship practices and seek out churches that prioritize biblical fidelity over entertainment.

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• Buy "Worshiptainment" on Amazon

The Will Spencer Podcast was formerly known as "The Renaissance of Men."

I spent twenty years in the New Age. This is what I learned on the way out.

13 chapters, study guide, practices inventory, 30+ book bibliography.

A new section on Christian apologetics to the New Age is in production. Buy now at $29 and get the upgrade free when the price goes to $49.

https://willspencer.co/exit

I mentor men one-on-one through 12 weeks of biblical mentorship, with daily accountability.

If you've built something real but you're stuck at a transition that competence alone can't solve, book a free clarity call:

https://willspencer.co/mentorship

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Jason Mironchuck, host of Mironchuck Now, presents a compelling thesis regarding the current societal shift towards what he terms “vengeful sons.”

Together we explore the intricate dynamics of cultural transformation, tracing a trajectory from the oppressive “tyrannical father” archetype, through the “devouring mother,” and into the present state characterized by the anger and disillusionment of young men.

Mironchuck articulates how these archetypes influence contemporary masculinity and societal structures, suggesting that the rising tide of male resentment is a reaction to systemic failures and cultural upheaval.

1. We've transitioned from the Devouring Mother era to the Vengeful Son era, characterized by directed resentment and revolutionary impulse.
2. The Vengeful Son spirit is dangerous because it feels like justice while actually being harmful vengeance.
3. Modern anger often stems from pride and vainglory - we're upset because things didn't work out as we wanted.
4. The antidote to cultural breakdown is "return, repent, redeem" - modeling Christ rather than revolution
5. A peaceful heart ripples outward, affecting others through mimetic desire for good rather than destruction.
6. Focus on fulfilling the duties of your God-given roles rather than seeking influence over abstract cultural forces.

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The Will Spencer Podcast was formerly known as "The Renaissance of Men."

I spent twenty years in the New Age. This is what I learned on the way out.

13 chapters, study guide, practices inventory, 30+ book bibliography.

A new section on Christian apologetics to the New Age is in production. Buy now at $29 and get the upgrade free when the price goes to $49.

https://willspencer.co/exit

I mentor men one-on-one through 12 weeks of biblical mentorship, with daily accountability.

If you've built something real but you're stuck at a transition that competence alone can't solve, book a free clarity call:

https://willspencer.co/mentorship

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Pastor Doug Wilson joins for the 6th edition of Will & Doug's Book Club, this time with a discussion about the impact of human folly as articulated in Carlo Cipolla's book, "The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity." The book explores the nature of stupidity, its pervasive presence across all demographics, and its implications for institutional building and leadership.

Pastor Wilson & I explore how economic policies, such as tariffs, intertwine with the challenges of navigating contemporary societal dynamics, particularly for those engaged in institution-building. Pastor Wilson's perspective offers a valuable framework for understanding the interplay between individual actions and broader institutional health.

1. Pastor Doug Wilson emphasizes the significance of recognizing and managing human stupidity within institutions, as it is an inherent challenge that leaders must confront.
2. The conversation delves into the concept that the number of foolish individuals is consistently greater than one might anticipate, regardless of the demographic being examined.
3. Wilson discusses the necessity of institutional immune systems that can withstand heretical teachings and moral decay to ensure the survival and integrity of churches and organizations.
4. The episode highlights the importance of loving one's neighbor and enemy, while also recognizing the need for church discipline to maintain the moral fabric of the institution.
5. A distinction is made between 'apostles' who seek to disrupt and 'refugees' who come seeking help, emphasizing the need for churches to welcome those in need while guarding against harmful influences.
6. The dialogue explores how societal and economic pressures can lead to feelings of disenfranchisement among young men, and how a supportive community can help mitigate these challenges.

"The Basic Laws of Human Stupidity" - by Carlo Cipolla

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The Will Spencer Podcast was formerly known as "The Renaissance of Men."

I spent twenty years in the New Age. This is what I learned on the way out.

13 chapters, study guide, practices inventory, 30+ book bibliography.

A new section on Christian apologetics to the New Age is in production. Buy now at $29 and get the upgrade free when the price goes to $49.

https://willspencer.co/exit

I mentor men one-on-one through 12 weeks of biblical mentorship, with daily accountability.

If you've built something real but you're stuck at a transition that competence alone can't solve, book a free clarity call:

https://willspencer.co/mentorship

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Mike Gendron joins the podcast to discuss the critical issue of salvation and the teachings of the Catholic Church. He shares his journey from being a devout Catholic to becoming a biblical apologist, emphasizing the stark contrast between Catholic doctrine and scriptural truths regarding salvation.

Gendron argues that many evangelicals are leaving their faith for Catholicism, often due to misunderstandings of scripture and the allure of tradition. Through his extensive experience, he aims to equip listeners with the knowledge to respond biblically to the growing influence of Catholicism in society.

Ultimately, he encourages a return to the authority of Scripture as the foundation for understanding faith and salvation.

Takeaways:

1. Mike Gendron emphasizes the importance of relying solely on Scripture for understanding salvation, contrasting it with Catholic teachings that include additional requirements.
2. The episode discusses the alarming trend of evangelical Protestants converting to Catholicism, often due to dissatisfaction with modern Protestant practices.
3. Gendron shares personal experiences that led him to abandon Catholicism, focusing on the transformative power of the Gospel as revealed in the Bible.
4. The dialogue stresses that true assurance of salvation is found in faith alone in Christ, rather than in religious rituals or sacraments that Catholicism promotes.

ProclaimingTheGospel.org

My new evolution video

Liberal atheist TAKEDOWNNNNN!

The Will Spencer Podcast was formerly known as "The Renaissance of Men."

I spent twenty years in the New Age. This is what I learned on the way out.

13 chapters, study guide, practices inventory, 30+ book bibliography.

A new section on Christian apologetics to the New Age is in production. Buy now at $29 and get the upgrade free when the price goes to $49.

https://willspencer.co/exit

I mentor men one-on-one through 12 weeks of biblical mentorship, with daily accountability.

If you've built something real but you're stuck at a transition that competence alone can't solve, book a free clarity call:

https://willspencer.co/mentorship

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Dr. Jared Longshore, Associate Pastor at Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, and the Dean of New St. Andrews College, explores the pressing issues facing young Christian men in today's society.

In this discussion, he highlights the detrimental effects of modern cultural influences on masculinity and the importance of adhering to timeless standards of Christian virtue, particularly through the lens of J.C. Ryle's writings.

Longshore emphasizes the necessity for young men to cultivate a deep sense of personal accountability and moral integrity, rather than succumbing to the distractions and pitfalls prevalent in contemporary society.

He advocates for a return to foundational practices that promote holiness and responsible manhood, echoing Ryle's call for men to engage in the ongoing battle for righteousness.

Takeaways:

1. Dr. Longshore emphasizes the necessity for young men to engage in meaningful work and avoid the distractions of online communities, which can lead to isolation and ineffectiveness.
2. He discusses the timeless relevance of J.C. Ryle's writings, particularly 'Holiness' and 'Thoughts for Young Men', as essential resources for understanding Christian masculinity.
3. The conversation highlights the importance of community and accountability in fostering virtuous behavior among young men in today's society.
4. Longshore advocates for a proactive approach to masculinity, urging young men to take responsibility for their lives and families, rather than blaming external factors for their circumstances.

• "Amusing Ourselves to Death" - Neil Postman
• "Iron Will" - movie
• "Orthodoxy" - GK Chesterton
• "The Crisis of Our Age" - Pitrim Sorokin
• "The City of God" - Augustine
• "That Hideous Strength" - CS Lewis
• "No Time To Be Dumb" - Rachel Jankovic

• JaredRLongshore.com
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The Will Spencer Podcast was formerly known as "The Renaissance of Men."

I spent twenty years in the New Age. This is what I learned on the way out.

13 chapters, study guide, practices inventory, 30+ book bibliography.

A new section on Christian apologetics to the New Age is in production. Buy now at $29 and get the upgrade free when the price goes to $49.

https://willspencer.co/exit

I mentor men one-on-one through 12 weeks of biblical mentorship, with daily accountability.

If you've built something real but you're stuck at a transition that competence alone can't solve, book a free clarity call:

https://willspencer.co/mentorship

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