Mortification of Spin

The “Lady Writer” who (perhaps unwittingly) bestowed upon our own Todd Pruitt his “Major Pastor” credentials is today’s special guest. Co-host, professor, and rap artist Carl Trueman joins in to welcome Megan Basham, culture reporter for the Daily Wire. All superfluous titles aside, the three discuss an essential topic: the disturbing state of what is currently referred to as "responsible journalism."
Why have the mainstream news and entertainment media become mere PR outlets for the political and cultural elites? When did journalists stop holding our leaders accountable, choosing instead to defend a singular perspective that would make even Orwell blush? Megan takes on her media colleagues and the most controversial topics of the day in this high-energy conversation!

Though pastoral duties call Todd away from the podcast today, Carl nonetheless enjoys a pleasant conversation with Geoffrey Thomas. Our guest is a seminary professor and conference speaker who served over 50 years behind a pulpit in Aberystwyth, Wales. Geoffrey’s outstanding autobiography, In the Shadow of the Rock, recalls the friendships gained and lessons learned over decades of ministering the Word. 
Thomas recalls some of his favorite teachers (John Murray, Cornelius Van Til, et al.), his formative years in the pastorate, and the tale of a close (automotive) encounter with the late J.I. Packer! Thomas’ joy is evident throughout as Carl delights in interviewing one of his heroes. Don’t miss it!
Congratulations to our winners of a free copy of In the Shadow of the Rock: 
*Chris S. of Bowie, MD 
*Keith W. from Guelph, Ontario 
*Tim R. from Cumming, GA

"Major Pastor" Pruitt and "the Reverend Dr." Trueman condescend to welcome Tony Reinke to the podcast. He's a journalist, author, and senior teacher for Desiring God. Tony's focus on Christian theology and ethics has led him to write a number of books examining technology's influences, including his latest: God, Technology, and the Christian Life.
Is technology morally neutral? Has your smartphone truly changed your life? Do the various online platforms shape how we communicate and what we value? Enjoy an eye-opening conversation with the internet's foremost Herman Bavinck fan! 
Congratulations to our winner of a copy of Tony's book:
*Andy N. from Westlake, OH

Jonathan Edwards characterized sin as an unbearable weight that—without the securing hand of God—would inevitably drag the unbeliever down a slippery slope into hell. In recent times, however, many have reduced sin to merely “missing the mark” or “experiencing brokenness.” In his new book, Canadian PCA pastor Mark Jones helps his readers see the neglected doctrine of sin through the eyes of the Puritans rather than in the more psychological ethic of contemporary evangelical culture.
Dr. Jones joins Carl and Todd to discuss the origins of sin and how ignorance of the holiness of God has left so many Christians with such an anemic view of sin. Along the way, Mark reminds us that seeing sin for what it truly is helps the believer more fully appreciate his need for a savior and the powerful grace offered by God.
Congratulations to our winners of Knowing Sin: Seeing a Neglected Doctrine through the Eyes of the Puritans:
*Brad P. from Prattville, AL 
*Enoch C. from Cambridge, MA   
*Scott R. from Syracuse, NY
Show Note
Let Your Sins Be Strong: Luther’s Letter to Melanchthon

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