Mortification of Spin

Carl and Todd continue their engaging conversation about Carl's new book, The Desecration of Man: How the Rejection of God Degrades Our Humanity. Today, they delve into the implications of modernity on human dignity, exploring the tension between freedom and belonging, and the significance of being made in the image of God. The discussion also addresses contemporary issues surrounding reproductive technology and its impact on our understanding of humanity. 
I would say that's why anthropology is so critical. If you don't have an understanding of what it means to be a human being, then you're going to have all “the sky is the limit” to what technology can do.  – Carl Trueman
We were pleased to award two listeners a copy of Carl’s book, The Desecration of Man: How the Rejection of God Degrades Our Humanity, thanks to the generosity of Sentinel Publishing. Congratulations to Keith D. from Strong, ME and Michael L. from Wheaton, IL!

Carl has come out with yet another book, and today, he and Todd sit down for Part 1 of a two part discussion about The Desecration of Man: How the Rejection of God Degrades Our Humanity. In The Desecration of Man, Carl argues that modern man’s crisis of meaning stems from a rejection of a simple fact—that he was made in the image of God. 
The revolutions of modernity have proved in the long run to be fundamentally dehumanizing. – Carl Trueman
Todd and Carl explore the cultural implications of modernity's rejection of God, touching on topics such as abortion, gender identity, and the significance of human dignity. Drawing on insights from various intellectuals and a critique of contemporary society, this episode challenges listeners to consider the moral foundations of humanity and the necessity of reconsecrating our understanding of personhood through a Christian lens.
We were pleased to award two listeners a copy of Carl’s book, The Desecration of Man: How the Rejection of God Degrades Our Humanity, thanks to the generosity of Sentinel Publishing. Congratulations to Amelia G. from Harrisonburg, VA, and John W. from Van, TX!
Show Notes:
Episodes referenced by Carl and Todd:
https://mortificationofspin.podbean.com/e/feminism-against-progress/
https://mortificationofspin.podbean.com/e/five-lies-of-our-anti-christian-age/

Carl and Todd welcome philosopher J. Budziszewski to discuss his insightful new book, The Pandemic of Lunacy: How to Think Clearly When Everyone Around You Seems Crazy. They delve into the current societal confusion surrounding morality, ethics, and identity, exploring the philosophical underpinnings of these issues. 
The confusion in the society has caused us to dig deeper and to think more thoroughly about these things, but the desire to perpetuate the lunacy has also caused the other side to dig deeper and come up with much more elaborate justifications. – J. Budziszewski
With a blend of humor and serious inquiry, the conversation reveals how the church can respond to contemporary challenges with clarity and conviction.
We were pleased to award three listeners a copy of Pandemic of Lunacy, authored by J. Budziszewski. Congratulations to Daniel F. from Elizabethton, TN, Kevin A. from Bakersfield, CA, and Catherine N. from Chillicothe, OH! 
 
Show Notes:
Creed & Culture Publishing: https://creedandculture.com/

In this episode of Mortification of Spin, Carl and Todd welcome Ryan Anderson, president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, to discuss the critical topic of religious freedom in America. As the nation grapples with challenges to this fundamental right, they delve into its historical context, the implications of recent political climates, and the intersection of religious liberty with contemporary social issues. 
Justice and the common good need to be maintained, and you want to have as much religious liberty as possible consistent with that. – Ryan Anderson
Join us for an engaging conversation that explores the nuances of faith, freedom, and the future of religious rights in a changing world.
We are pleased to award three listeners a copy of, Tearing Us Apart: How Abortion Harms Everything and Solves Nothing, co-authored by Ryan Anderson and Alexandra Desanctis. Congratulations to Ethan A. from Janesville, WI, Jacob M. from Montgomery, AL, and Peter M. from Kalamazoo, MI!
 
Show Notes:
Articles referenced by Ryan Anderson:
https://www.nationalaffairs.com/publications/detail/proxy-wars-over-religious-liberty
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/religious-liberty-isnt-enough-11612125595
https://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2020/07/67142/

Todd and Carl engage in an interesting discussion about the church calendar and its role in the Reformed Protestant tradition. They explore the historical context of the church calendar, its significance, and the nuances of its acceptance among different denominations. 
I think observation of the church calendar should be a matter of, should we say, congregational conscience. My own view on it has softened over the years in that I used to be very much the Puritan, you know… I've changed my opinion… – Carl Trueman
They examine the pedagogical benefits of observing the calendar while addressing concerns about legalism, with a particular focus on Advent and Lent. Tune in for a rich conversation that challenges and inspires listeners to consider the implications of the church calendar in their worship practices.
Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Crossway Books, we have awarded three copies of Kevin DeYoung’s beautiful board book for children, The Biggest Story: Advent. Congratulations to JD W. from Bridgewater, VA, Georgie M. from Sunnyvale, CA, and Maretta H. from Grottoes, VA.
 

Carl and Todd are a bit giddy as they talk to astronaut Jeffrey Williams, the subject of the new biography, Zero Gravity, by Chris Anderson. Spending 534 days in space across four missions, Jeff not only broke records but captured stunning images of Earth—offering a powerful perspective on God’s handiwork in the universe and His love for humanity revealed in Christ.
From the challenges of living in zero gravity to the camaraderie among crew members, Jeff offers a unique perspective on life as an astronaut. He also discusses his faith journey and how it intersects with his scientific career, providing insights into the relationship between science and Christianity. Don't miss this fascinating conversation!
Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Church Works Media, we are pleased to award three of our listeners a copy of Jeff William’s biography, Zero Gravity, by Chris Anderson. Congratulations to Cheryl B. from Norristown, PA, Brad K. from Pagosa Springs, CO, and Greg P. from Greenville, SC. 
Show Notes:
Book site: https://churchworksmedia.com/product/zero-gravity/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Zero-Gravity-Story-Astronaut-Williams/dp/B0FN3Y2323YouTube trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eB7HYFexkY0
 
Jeff also wrote a book about his experiences in space that you may want to check out:
https://www.cph.org/the-work-of-his-hands

Carl and Todd sit down with Devan Patel to discuss the hot topic of artificial intelligence. A legal and political strategist in Washington, D.C., an adjunct professor of law at Notre Dame Law School, and the senior advisor of public policy and ethics at the American Security Fund, Devan advises on religious and scholarly engagement to ensure that AI development and use are ethical, human-centric, and rooted in Western civilizational values. 
Self-described as "not the happy, fun guy," Devan dives into the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Together, they discuss the alarming rise of AI companion chatbots, particularly those aimed at children, exploring the potential dangers and moral dilemmas they present. 
Patel sheds light on the urgent need for accountability in AI development and the importance of integrating ethical considerations into technology. Don't miss this sobering and thought-provoking conversation on the intersection of AI, ethics, and human values!
Show Notes:
To find out more about Devan Patel’s publications/speaking engagements: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devannpatel/
American Security Fund: https://www.americansecurityfund.com/

Based on the current state of the church and the challenges faced by congregations today, many Christians find themselves asking, "When should I consider leaving my church?" Or, "When does my church need to leave the denomination?" Carl and Todd discuss these topics today, touching on reasons an individual should (or should not) consider leaving a church, as well as the implications of leaving a denomination, such as those that have occurred recently within the Anglican Communion, including the GAFCON movement. 
When do you know that a church is apostate?...It becomes apostate when it either denies the gospel positively…or denies the gospel practically, and that means when the rules are the rules, but it becomes absolutely impossible to apply them. – Carl Trueman
Join them as they navigate these complex issues and provide insights for Christians seeking to maintain their faith in a rapidly changing world.
We are pleased to award three listeners a copy of J.I. Packer’s book, Concise Theology, courtesy of our friends at Crossway Publishing. Congratulations to Anthony M. from Coatesville, PA, Justin C. from Lebanon, PA, and Cathryne S. from Fuquay Varina, NC!
 
Show Notes:
GAFCON: https://gafcon.org/

Carl and Todd are pleased to welcome returning guest, Robert Letham, to the podcast to discuss his new book, The Eternal Son. The Eternal Son is the second of a planned trilogy on the Father, Son, and Spirit that will complement Letham’s prizewinning book, The Holy Trinity.
The conversation delves into the critical issues surrounding Christology and the importance of understanding the doctrine of the Trinity in contemporary evangelicalism. Letham highlights the historical heresies that continue to influence modern beliefs and emphasizes the necessity of systematic theology for both pastors and laypeople. Tune in for an enlightening exploration of faith, doctrine, and the rich heritage of Christian theology!
We are pleased to award two listeners a copy of Robert Letham’s book, The Eternal Son, courtesy of our friends at P&R Publishing. Congratulations to Sarabeth K. from Lynchburg, VA and Dan G. from Eugene, OR!
 
Show Notes:
Books by Robert Letham:
The Holy Trinityhttps://reformedresources.org/the-holy-trinity-revised-and-expanded-paperback/
The Eternal Sonhttps://reformedresources.org/the-eternal-son-paperback/
The Holy Spirithttps://reformedresources.org/the-holy-spirit-paperback/

Todd and Carl engage in a lively discussion about the cultural influences shaping evangelicalism today. They explore the phenomenon of 'Gig Eva,' a term coined by Carl in an article he recently wrote, to describe the new landscape of evangelical influence that has shifted from traditional conference settings to the informal and often chaotic realm of social media. The conversation touches on the implications of this shift, including the rise of celebrity influencers and the dangers of online discourse.
The game is not actually the upbuilding of the church. The game is the upbuilding of personal platforms and excluding those we don't approve of from market share. – Carl Trueman
Join them as they navigate these pressing issues and reflect on the true essence of Christian community.
We are pleased to award three listeners a copy of Guy Water’s book, How Jesus Runs the Church, courtesy of our friends at P&R Publishing. Congratulations to Grant B. from Hart, MI, Jon M. from Olathe, KS, and Jaime O. from Fayette, AL.
 
Show Notes:
To read Carl’s article, “Goodbye ‘Big Eva,’ Hello ‘Gig Eva,’” visit https://firstthings.com/goodbye-big-eva-hello-gig-eva/