Mortification of Spin

Our hosts sit on opposite sides of the table today as Carl welcomes his guest, the Reverend Todd Pruitt, pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. They delve into the evolving challenges faced by pastors over the decades, from social media scrutiny to the changing dynamics of church leadership. 
The ease with which a pastor's reputation can be harmed is now light speed. – Todd Pruitt
Todd shares insights from his extensive experience in ministry, reflecting on the importance of friendships and confidants in navigating pastoral life. 
A life which, where the Lord gives you three, four, five really good friends, is a blessed life indeed. – Carl Trueman
Tune in for a candid conversation that sheds light on the complexities of leading a congregation in today's world.
We are pleased to award three listeners some show swag – a Mortification of Spin poster signed by our very own Carl and Todd. Congratulations to Derrick B. from Aliceville, AL, Brian H. from Vidalia, GA, and Solomon C. from Bridgewater, VA!
Show Notes:
Concise Theology by J. I. Packer

Carl and Todd welcome special guest Melissa Dougherty to the podcast, a Christian apologist best known for her YouTube channel, where she covers a variety of theological topics. Melissa is also the author of the thought-provoking book Happy Lies: How a Movement You Probably Never Heard of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World, in which she shares her insights on the New Thought movement, exploring its seductive nature and how it differs from New Age beliefs. 
New Thought will deceive you before the New Age ever will because New Thought is made to look and sound Christian. – Melissa Dougherty
The discussion explores the historical origins of New Thought, its influence on American evangelicalism, and the implications for contemporary Christian thought. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that encourages listeners to critically engage with the ideas shaping our spiritual landscape.
We are pleased to award three copies of Melissa Dougherty's book, Happy Lies: How a Movement You Probably Never Heard of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World, to our listeners, thanks to the generosity of Zondervan Publishing. Congratulations to Wendy C. from Katy, TX, Adina C. from Novi, MI, and Mike P. from York, PA!
Show Notes:
Check out Melissa’s YouTube channel here. 

Carl and Todd welcome Reverend David McKay to discuss his new book, A Spiritual Checkup for a Healthy Life with Christ. With over four decades of pastoral experience, David shares insights on spiritual health, the importance of living out our faith, and the role of the church in our spiritual journeys. But why does David advocate a spiritual checkup for believers?
Because Christ has done everything for us, he is the foundation of our new life, we have been given a new life that now must be lived out; sometimes said, we are to become what we are. We are righteous in Christ…that needs to be worked out in daily, godly living and there’s always progress to be made in our likeness to Christ. – David McKay
Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that emphasizes the balance between grace and the call to live a godly life.
This book is a really excellent tool for assessing the condition of your heart. – Carl Trueman
We are pleased to award three copies of David McKay’s book, A Spiritual Checkup for a Healthy Life with Christ, to our listeners, thanks to the generosity of Crown & Covenant. Congratulations to our winners: William G. from Bozeman, MT, Jason E. from Ilderton, Ontario, and Josh N. from Conrad, MT!
Sponsor link:
https://www.logos.com/mos

In this episode, Carl and Todd are joined by Francis Maier, a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, to discuss the influential works of Neil Postman. They explore Postman's critiques of technology, particularly in relation to culture and education, and how these ideas resonate with contemporary issues. 
Until people understand that they have the personal responsibility of reform and conversion, there isn't going to be any change in the culture. – Fran Maier
From the effects of social media on anger and despair to the importance of personal responsibility in navigating technology, this conversation delves into the complexities of modern life through the lens of Postman's insights.
We are pleased to award three copies of Neil Postman’s book, Amusing Ourselves to Death, to our listeners, thanks to the generosity of Penguin Publishing. Congratulations to Jan B. from Sweetgrass, MT, Bob W. from Kansas City, MO, and Tom K. from South Bend, IN!
Show Notes:
Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman
Technopoly by Neil Postman
The End of Education by Neil Postman
Building a Bridge to the 18th Century by Neil Postman
Essays by Neil Postman:
“The Parable of Ring Around the Collar”
“Social Science As Moral Philosophy”
“In the Kingdom of Noise,” article by Francis Maier

As technology increasingly blurs the distinction between man and machine, new questions emerge about the future of religion, education, work, politics, and family life. Today, Todd and Carl engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Joshua Pauling, co-author of the book Are We All Cyborgs Now? Reclaiming Our Humanity from the Machine. Together, they explore the implications of technology on humanity, the concept of being a cyborg, and how modern digital environments shape our understanding of human nature. 
The conversation delves into the ethical challenges posed by technological advancements, as well as the opportunities afforded to flourish in the digital age rooted in the sacramental life of the Church and the rich tradition of liberal learning.
Technology is posing tremendous opportunities for getting the word out in ways that weren't possible before, but also tremendous challenges. – Todd Pruitt
We are pleased to award three copies of Joshua Pauling and Robin Phillips’ book, Are We All Cyborgs Now? Reclaiming Our Humanity from the Machine, to our listeners, thanks to the generosity of Basilian Media & Publishing. Congratulations to Patrick P. from Prosper, TX, David H. from Travelers Rest, SC, and Brandon L. from Telford, PA!
Show Notes:
Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman

In this episode of Mortification of Spin, Carl and Todd discuss the pressing issues facing young men today, exploring the need for role models and the church's potential to fill this void. 
The church is a community, and if we're living in a world where young men really lack good role models, there is a tremendous opportunity for the church to speak to that. -- Carl Trueman
They discuss the cultural landscape, the challenges of modern masculinity, and the importance of mentorship within the church community. Join them for a thought-provoking conversation that aims to inspire and encourage young men to embrace their identity and responsibilities in today's world.
We are pleased to award three copies of J.C. Ryle’s book, Thoughts for Young Men, to our listeners, thanks to the generosity of Banner of Truth Publishing. Congratulations to Brian M. from Hampton, NH, David A. from Glennallen, AK, and Mike R. from Victoria, British Columbia!

In this episode of Mortification of Spin, Carl and Todd are joined by their friend, Michael Morales, professor of biblical studies at Greenville Theological Seminary. Together, they discuss Michael's much-anticipated 2-volume commentary on the Book of Numbers, an often-overlooked by preachers and students of the Bible. According to Carl, "If Michael Morales writes it, you need to read it."
Discussing its significance in the biblical narrative and its implications for understanding the covenant community, Morales shares insights on how the Book of Numbers serves as a foundation for ecclesiology and its connections to Christ and the church today. 
The Torah really is the foundation of all of our theology. – Michael Morales
Tune in for a rich conversation that aims to illuminate the depths of this vital text! Perhaps, like Todd, you'll renew your enthusiasm for this middle book of the Pentateuch after listening to their conversation.
Congratulations to the winners of our giveaway! Edison W. from Cedar Lake, IN and Karol O. from Webb City, MO have each won Michael Morales' 2-volume Numbers Commentary, thanks to the generosity of Apollos Publishing.

In this episode, Todd Pruitt and Carl Truman welcome back Lydia Brownback, the director for women's resources at Crossway and a well-known author. They dive into Lydia's journey from seminary to writing and teaching, and how the Lord wove all of these experiences together in her life to prepare her for the work she is now doing. 
Isn't it true that what He is doing in our lives is always preparatory, in some way or another? – Lydia Brownback
Lydia shares her insights on the growth of women's ministries, as well as the inspiration that led her to write her popular book, Flourish: How the Love of Christ Frees Us From Self-Focus. She also addresses the topic of loneliness, something experienced by everyone at some point in their lives, and how churches can address this common issue with their members.
The goal is to incorporate everybody into the larger body so that it feels like family, whatever your stage of life. – Lydia Brownback
Tune in for an engaging conversation covering a wide range of topics that is sure to be insightful and encouraging. 
We are pleased to award three copies of Lydia Brownback’s book, Flourish: How the Love of Christ Frees Us from Self-Focus, to our listeners, thanks to the generosity of Crossway Publishers. Congratulations Leah B. from Canton, GA, Marianne H. from Fuquay Varina, NC, and Carl C. from Lubbock, TX!
 
Show Notes:
Check out more of Lydia’s books at Reformed Resources!
https://reformedresources.org/books/authors/lydia-brownback/

Todd and Carl, now officially an American citizen, dive into the challenging subject of immigration. Together, they explore the theological concept of the "order of love," its implications for prioritizing our obligations to others, and how this intersects with the responsibilities of the State versus the Church. 
The situation is complicated. How do we navigate? How do we develop a hierarchy of loves and obligations that is faithful to Scripture but also handles the complexities that Scripture throws up? – Carl Trueman
In other words, how do we balance our responsibilities to our neighbors and the laws of the land? With references to contemporary issues and personal anecdotes, this episode challenges listeners to consider their perspectives on immigration and community, as Christians and citizens.
We are pleased to award Mortification of Spin swag to three of our listeners, including a t-shirt, a baseball cap, and a mug! Congratulations to John T. from Brandon, MS, Matthew A. from Westfield, MA, and Gill M. from Washington, NJ!

In this episode of Mortification of Spin, Carl and Todd engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Brad Littlejohn, director of Programs and Education at American Compass, about Brad's newly published book, Call to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License.  
Christians in the modern West hear a lot about—and talk a lot about—"freedom." The word has taken on so many meanings that Christians often fail to realize how much our contemporary ideals of freedom stray from what freedom has meant in Scripture and the Christian tradition.
We need to redeem and recover a properly Christian way of thinking about freedom. – Carl Trueman
Today's conversation touches on the Reformation's impact on individual liberty, the tension between authority and conscience, and the contemporary challenges Christians face in understanding freedom. 
As Protestants, we have to care about freedom because it's central to our theological heritage. – Brad Littlejohn
Tune in for an insightful exploration of these critical themes!
Thanks to the generosity of B&H Academic, we are pleased to award three copies of Brad's book, Call to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License, to our listeners. Congratulations to Jonathan M. from Columbia, SC, Nancy J. from Albuquerque, NM, and Sean M. from Asheville, SC!
 
Show Notes:
Call to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License
https://bhacademic.bhpublishinggroup.com/product/called-to-freedom-3/#flipbook-sampler/