Best of MoS: Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?

Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary debuted on “The Spin” in 2019 in the person of Michael Morales, the seminary’s professor of Biblical Studies. Who Shall Ascend the Mount of the Lord? is Michael’s latest work on the book of Leviticus, and part of the New Studies in Biblical Theology series by IVP. Don’t dismiss this outstanding book merely on the subject matter! Leviticus is not “the most boring book in the bible,” and you’re about to learn why!
Michael identifies an intriguing theme in Leviticus, along with its relationship to the sacredness of time and the Sabbath. Don’t miss this important perspective on the Pentateuch!

Best of Mortification of Spin: None Greater, Indeed

Matthew Barrett joined us in 2019. He’s associate professor of Christian Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas, MO. Matthew stopped by to chat about his latest work, None Greater: The Undomesticated Attributes of God.
If you’re wondering what Matthew means by the word “undomesticated,” you’re not alone! Could it be that—because of our fallen, limited abilities to apprehend the infinite attributes of God—we tend to try and “tame” Him, or “pull Him down” to our level? Are those immutable attributes what make Him worthy of worship? Don’t miss this thoughtful conversation about the relationship between the doctrine of God and His divine attributes.

Best of MoS - Jesus Becoming Jesus

The crew receives a visit from Fr. Thomas Weinandy. He is a Franciscan Capuchin priest, systematic theologian, long-time professor, and author of many books. In his latest--Jesus Becoming Jesus: A Theological Interpretation of the Synoptic Gospels--Thomas focuses on the doctrine and theology of the synoptic gospels, zooming in closely on the acts of Jesus in his earthly life, and the mysteries of the faith as the Lord becomes Yahweh Saves.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of connecting the saving acts of God in the person of Jesus Christ, and the orthodox doctrines of immutability and impassibility. Hear what Fr. Weinandy says about holding both together in preaching, and what is truly essential for our salvation.
Show Notes
About Thomas Weinandy
Does God Suffer?
Thomas C. Oden
Theologian John Webster

Best of Mortification of Spin - Walking Through Twilight

Mortification of Spin is on holiday in June, so we are enjoying a few powerful episodes of the podcast just one more time. In 2018, Douglas Groothuis joined the conversation. He’s professor of philosophy at Denver Seminary and had recently written a very personal book titled Walking through Twilight - A Wife’s Illness, A Philosopher’s Lament.
Groothuis reflects on his role as his wife's primary caregiver. He shares with us his personal suffering and life’s dynamics in light of her illness, the ministry of the body of Christ, and how God is glorified through it all.
How does one lament biblically? What are some practical ways in which the local church can minister to and help the suffering brother or sister? This topic is one that many of us have or will face one day. Listen closely and learn about lamentation from the tender heart of a philosopher.
Show Notes
Know more about Douglas Groothuis
Dr. Groothuis’ 2015 article
Primary Progressive Aphasia

American Worldview Inventory

The latest Barna Research Institute survey was recently released, and the Magnificent Three break down the results. Although the Barna definition of a “Bible-believing Christian” is a bit broader than ours, the poll results are still quite compelling. It appears the number of believers in fundamental Christian truths has significantly decreased in the past few decades, so the team considers the implications of that change and what factors may have contributed to it. 
 
How can the Church keep its house in order—guarding the minds and souls of God’s sheep? And why is it important to believe the right things about God? Pull up a seat and join us!
 
We are offering you the opportunity to win a free copy of None Greater: The Undomesticated Attributes of God. Register!
 

”Phasing” Back to Church

As many states' governments are talking about a “phased” reopening from the COVID-19 lockdown, our quarantined trio –bound in three different states—is asking some important questions concerning going back to church. When might Christians be able to congregate in person? How will we “do church” as social distancing concerns remain? And, what might we discover when we finally gather? 
The crew considers the ethical dilemma of obeying governing authorities in accordance with the dictates of Romans 13 when—in some cases—such civil obedience might lead to Scriptural disobedience. How might the job of shepherding the flock change for church leaders in these days of new spiritual pathologies and—potentially—difficult financial struggles.
Can we get back to normal now? Then again, what is “normal?” Listen to the end and enjoy the encouraging words of God’s promise to his people. And hear why our Englishman Carl, who has always believed that hugging should be banned, is "living the dream!"
Register for the opportunity to win a copy of the wonderful resource, Living in God’s Two Kingdoms by David VanDrunen. The books are a gift from our friends at Crossway.

Canon, Covenant, and Christology

As they continue “social distancing,” the team gets together virtually with Matthew Barrett. He’s associate professor of Christian Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, executive editor of Credo Magazine, and author and editor of several great theological books. His latest—Canon, Covenant, and Christology—is the topic of today’s conversation.
Barrett encourages us to read Scripture more like Christians and not like deists. We can do so, Matthew suggests, by observing what he calls the “fuller sense”…by recognizing the divine authorial intent, and observing how the story of salvation progresses from the Old to the New Testament…as the ultimate author and character in this story brings all things to culmination.
Barrett explains how Jesus himself uses typology and how it plays a fundamental role in one’s reading and interpretation of Scripture. Don’t miss it!
We have a few copies of Canon, Covenant, and Christology.Register for the opportunity to win one!
 

Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: The Trial

Defendant Aimee Byrd is called in, and the trial has begun. She’s representing herself in the court case, The Patriarchy vs. Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.
It is alleged that the defendant is the ringleader in an underground hysterical feminist movement. Among her crimes: refusing to be barefoot and confined to a yellow wallpapered kitchen making sandwiches for men. Byrd is also considered a dangerous threat for being an avid student of theology, and for possessing the ability to peel and mash a sack of potatoes with her ever-present nunchucks.
Two men are called to play the devil’s advocate by interrogating the defendant. Will the evidence be enough to exonerate Byrd, or will she face the same fate as Anne Hutchinson? 
Listen in as Aimee makes a case for her new book. Be prepared for some surprising statements and to learn that gynocentric interruption is not a medical condition.
Register for an opportunity to win a copy of Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. The books are a courtesy of our friends at Zondervan.

Reformed Road Leads to Rome?

A listener sends a question via paper airplane, in accordance with social distancing guidelines, and the crew responds from the quarantine bunker.
Due to reports of some cases of conversion to Roman Catholicism by a few Reformed ministers, theologians, and laypeople, said listener is intrigued if Reformed Theology tends to steer Protestants towards the Roman Catholic Church—more than, say, the average Baptist or other evangelical beliefs. Can we pinpoint a specific cause or a set of factors as the driving force leading Reformed Christians to Rome? What could be some of the possible attractions of Roman Catholicism? Put on your mask and listen in!
Be sure to visit our website, Reformation21.org, and our store for more resources.

The Ten Commandments of Progressive Christianity

The team is excited to welcome an old friend and returning guest. Michael Kruger is the president of Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC, and professor of New Testament and Early Christianity. He’s contributed much to the Reformed theological world with his writings about the Canon and scriptural authority. Recently, Michael has written on a more popular and ever-current topic.
 
The Ten Commandments of Progressive Christianity is a small, easy to read book that provides a cautionary look at what are, in essence, ten very appealing half-truths. Why is progressivism so attractive and persuasive? Michael talks about false dichotomies…how always assuming the best of people can sometimes be harmful…and how to discern the full system of thought an author draws from. Does Progressivism affirm that questions are more important than answers? Don’t miss Carl’s answer based on a profound quote from the movie Kung Fu!  
We are pleased to give away copies of Michael’s book. Register for the opportunity to win one. The copies are a complimentary gift from our friends at Cruciform Press.