Q&A 2: Peanut Butter Eschatology, Death, Criticism, and More

To put the brakes on the Spin, the crew is addressing some very important questions sent by the listeners…like this, from Scott S. in Orlando: Will there be peanut butter in the new heaven and new earth? And, if so—creamy or crunchy? The theological implications are staggering.It’s totally OK if you don’t like the way your pastor parts his hair, or even his choice of psychedelic print ties, but is it a good enough reason to leave your church? On a more somber note: How does one talk to a three year old about death? We cover public critique/criticism dos and don’ts…the difference between criticizing a bad idea and attacking the person behind the idea…even whether a seminary education is imperative for someone already in pastoral ministry. Hey, you asked; now pull up a seat and listen to what Carl really thinks about one of the most popular of American foods.Vocab Words· Haggis, Carl’s replacement for peanut butter · Chip ButtyLooking for a good book to read, or an audio series to gift this Christmas season? Browse our Reformed Resources page, and enjoy the sale on a number of titles.

Susie Spurgeon’s Life and Legacy

Most people have heard of the famous Charles H. Spurgeon, also known as the “Prince of Preachers.” Ray Rhodes dug deeper—delving into Spurgeon’s family life—and found Spurgeon’s greatest earthly treasure: his wife, Susannah. Ray serves as pastor of Grace Community Church in Dawsonville, GA and is president of Nourished in the Word Ministries. It was during his doctoral studies that Pastor Rhodes decided to do a deeper research on the marriage and spirituality of the Spurgeons. He found some very surprising facts about “Susie,” and uncovered how she lived such a busy and productive life alongside Charles—perhaps, even more so, after his death.In Susie, Ray tells an amazing story of commitment, encouragement, poor health, faithfulness in trials, and much more. And if you appreciate book pictures like Todd, this biography puts the icing - and the cherry - on the cake!We are pleased to give away a few copies of Susie, The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon.Sign up! They are a complimentary gift from Moody Publishers.Congratulations to the winners of Nancy Guthrie’s book Even Better than Eden from our episode,No Going Back!Tom K. - Harrisburg, NCSherry W. - Memphis, TNLisa K. - Elk Grove Village, ILJoshua L. - Chesapeake Beach, MD

Heavenly Minded, Earthly Good

The crew sits down with Michael Allen to chat about his latest, Grounded in Heaven - Recentering Christian Hope and Life on God. Allen is the John Dyer Trimble Professor of Systematic Theology and academic dean at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando. He’s also a multiple-time guest, making the professor a real Spin survivor!This time around, Michael challenges the contemporary idea of a new heaven and new earth with a more classical, Reformed term: visio Dei, or beatific vision. Does he mean that you can be so heavenly-minded that you’re no earthly good? How does being heavenly-minded inform the way we face life struggles? Allen gets personal answering these queries, and debunks a myth that heavenly-minded people are uninvolved or unproductive in social affairs. Michael keeps building his case, and even uses the word - wait for it - asceticism! Obviously, you don’t wanna miss this conversation…but, have a dictionary close at hand!Show Notes·The Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life by John Calvin·The words of Jesus in Matt. 13:44-46; Matt. 10:38-39; Matt 6:33We are pleased to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of Grounded in Heaven, which is a generous gift of Eerdmans Publishing. Also, Dr. Allen and the Paideia Center for Theological Discipleship are offering five free registrations for their conference in Orlando this January (each, a $99 value). Register here for the opportunity to win one, if you intend to go!Congratulations to the winners of Still Protesting: Why the Reformation Matters, from our episode More Dangerous Than Yoga?Angelia C. - Bedford, VAMatt H. - Colorado Springs, COYvonne S. - Centreville, VA

The Making of a Minister

Westminster Seminary California is a confessional institution committed to supplying churches with Bible specialists--and we’re about to find out how they do it.The crew shares a sit-down with Dr. Joel Kim. He’s the president of WSC, and passionate about the great mission and privilege of preparing men and women to serve. Joel’s happy to share his thoughts about the vital role of the local church working in partnership with the seminary in the making of ministers. Also on the table: how do churches deal with the moral and ethical issues of ministers-to-be who graduate with student debt? Do those churches have a role to fulfill concerning financial support? Dr. Kim offers compelling food for thought.We’re pleased to give away Journeys With Jesus: Every Path in the Bible Leads Us to Christ by WSC faculty member, Dr. Dennis Johnson. Please register for the opportunity to win a free copy; they’re a generous gift from our friends at P&R Publishing.Congratulations to the winners of Jesus Becoming Jesus:Jeremy C. - Harrison, TNLewis N. - Watkinsville, GA

Dear Comrade,

It seems that reading comprehension difficulties are on the rise. That might be due partly to the great technological advancement of social media, and the ability one has these days to communicate, and discuss profound ideas pertaining to life and death, in just 280 characters.Mortification of Spin understands the issue, and steps up to the plate to help those with difficulty comprehending Carl’s article, “Is Tim Keller a Marxist?” In this episode, Carl--once again--affirms his distaste for the city, and for Transformationalism...all, while defending a man (who happens to like both) from unfair accusations. Confused? You won’t be, after this episode of “The Spin!”Truly yours,The CrewShow NotesIs Tim Keller a Marxist?How to Think by Alan JacobsWe have 3 copies of Alan Jacobs' book to give away! To win a copy of How to Think, register here.

No Going Back!

No Going Back!Aimee finally gets an ally! Interestingly enough, she’s the only other woman ever to receive the esteemed title of “honorary guy” on the podcast: author and speaker, Nancy Guthrie.Nancy joins the crew today to dismiss some misconceptions about the Garden of Eden, and help us with a biblical understanding of our eternal destination. Are believers on their way back to Eden--back to the same state Adam and Eve were in before the fall? Nancy shows us that what’s truly ahead for God’s children is Even Better than Eden! Listen as Nancy shares her passion for biblical theology, and how Genesis 3 answered many of the personal questions she asked amid painful life circumstances.=========Show Notes·More about Nancy·2 Corinthians 5:17·A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New by G. K. Beale·Kingdom Prologue: Genesis Foundations for a Covenantal Worldview by Meredith Kline·Images of the Spirit by Meredith Kline·Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments by Geerhardus Vos·Last Things First by J. V. Fesko·Covenant Theology Audio Lecture Series by J. Ligon Duncan·Adam and the Bible lecture by Lane Tipton Register for the opportunity to win a free copy of Nancy’s Even Better Than Eden. The copies are a generous gift from our friends at Crossway. Congrats to our winners of Between Wittenberg and Geneva by Carl Trueman and Robert Kolb, from the episode Two Traditions:Kevin M. Lancaster, PAThomas G. Mascoutah, ILJennifer L. Mclean, VA

More Dangerous than Yoga?

It’s that time of the year again when our dear, innocent children are initiated in Satanism through the practice of trick or treating. Well…OK, not really!But indeed, some questions come back around every year, and opinions about Halloween are diverse enough to create a squabble between Carl, Todd, and Aimee. Halloween, or Fall Festival? “Trick or treat,” “trunk or treat,” or “Reformation celebration?” Should young ones dress as Superman or Moses? Should horror movies be avoided, or do they possess some redeeming value? Could a celebration like Halloween help us think about realities such as death and evil, or are we simply trivializing them through the media of entertainment?Todd shares the most frightening thing he’s ever heard, as Aimee announces her candy distribution plan, and Carl—well, you must listen to find out!Show NotesParadise Lost by John MiltonIt is October 31st, so we’re giving away copies of Still Protesting: Why the Reformation Matters by D.G. Hart, which is a generous gift from our friends at Reformation Heritage Books. Register for the opportunity to win one!  

Jesus Becoming Jesus

Still in the boonies of western Pennsylvania, 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 NotesAbout Thomas WeinandyDoes God Suffer?Thomas C. OdenTheologian John WebsterRegister at ReformedResources.org for the opportunity to win a free copy of Jesus Becoming Jesus: A Theological Interpretation of the Synoptic Gospels. The copies are a generous donation of The Catholic University of America Press.

Q&A: Visuals, Songs, and Social Media

The crew is running for the hills…of western Pennsylvania! And, it’s in the newly renovated bunker that Aimee is training the guys on trendy teenage lingo. Meanwhile, listeners are tweeting Byrd with some good questions about visual versus auditory presentations of the gospel, bad songs in college chapel, and the limitations of social media interactions.Can we really engage in constructive discussion of complex issues in 280 characters? Listen to Todd’s words, and learn how to keep him accountable!This podcast is brought to you solely by the generous financial support of listeners like you. Please donate if you’re able!

Two Traditions

A Presbyterian and a Lutheran walk into a bar, and…they write a book together! We’re pleased to feature the one and only Carl Trueman, introducing his latest tome, Between Wittenberg and Geneva, co-authored with renowned Lutheran scholar Robert Kolb.As the two record their written correspondence, they find much upon which to agree—though the differences between the Reformed and Lutheran traditions cannot be overlooked. Recovering the priorities of the Reformation is no small task, yet the authors converse with much grace, as they show us the points of doctrine that are worth fighting for. Listen in, as Carl shares the most important agreement and disagreement between the traditions…and, how to satisfactory offend others with just two fingers.Our apologies for the technical difficulties in the opening moments of the program.Show NotesThe Book of ConcordIf you’d like the opportunity to win a copy of Between Wittenberg and Geneva, register now!! The copies have been generously donated by our friends of Baker Academic.