Believe it or not, our hosts can be positive every once in a while. This week, they sit down to chat about the encouraging outcomes of this year’s PCA General Assembly. What happened at the GA that is giving Todd such encouragement about the future of the denomination? (It’s been well-documented that Carl couldn’t care less!) Todd explains the dynamics inside a denomination comprised of “tribes” (as some have called them) that have different interests and goals for the future. For example, some are committed to reforming Presbyterianism and its distinctives, while others see a more progressive kind of evangelicalism for the PCA. Todd reviews the “overtures” voted on at the Assembly and what they mean in the big picture. Overall, it’s an encouraging affirmation of biblical standards and reformed doctrine. To complement today’s topic, we would like to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of Kevin DeYoung’s book Men and Women in the Church, A Short, Biblical, Practical Introduction. Register! The copies are a complimentary gift from our friends at Crossway.

Mortification of Spin

PCA General Assembly: A Positive Note

Despite the inestimable success of his most recent book, Carl finds himself “cancelled” by a school where he was to deliver a speech. It’s an outcome that raises Dr. Trueman to an even higher level of recognition; he’s now almost as important as Ryan T. Anderson, who was famously cancelled by Amazon! Now, Carl and Todd hope their special guest won’t be “cancelled” for merely being in their company. Michael Kruger is the president of Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, and professor of New Testament and Early Christianity. Although Michael is a scholar and has written some heavyweight theological volumes, he’s also penned some phenomenal books with a pastoral tone. Michael’s latest is Surviving Religion 101, which he says is--for a number of reasons--one of his most personal. This letter-format book is intended not only to help Christians survive the assault on their beliefs on campus, but many other challenges of college life. Confronting doubts, apologetics training, the role of the church in the life of the college student, philosophical and worldview issues—all are on the table as part of this great conversation. Listen in, and tell a friend to do so as well! We are giving away a few copies of Surviving Religion 101. Register for the opportunity to win one. The books are a generous gift from our friends at Crossway.

Keeping the Faith in College

Carl publicly concedes that he’s no match for our special guest’s husband after losing their “mustard-colored trouser” Facebook contest a few years ago. That guest is Catherine Stewart, and she’s the editor of Surviving the Fishbowl: Letters to Pastor’s Kids. Catherine reveals what motivated her to lead the project, assembling an exceptional host of contributors.  There is no doubt that pastor’s kids face many unique challenges just for being “PKs." Catherine reminds us that there is also great joy and opportunities for growth as they learn to love and serve the church. How should pastors and their wives talk to their kids about the occasional difficulties and discouragement that are part of pastoral ministry? On the other hand, how can the church be mindful and supportive of the pastor’s kids? We’re happy to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of Surviving the Fishbowl. You must register to enter! The giveaway copies are a generous gift from our friends at Reformation Heritage Books.  

Surviving the Fishbowl

While Todd laments knowing Carl far too long, the professor tries to boost his brand by mentioning that he was recently referred to as “one of God’s gifts to humanity.” With egos finally in check, the pair introduce today’s guest. Proving they can’t resist a good squabble, our dynamic duo welcomes Thaddeus Williams who recently wrote Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth. The acclaimed book debates whether Critical Race Theory is best understood as a comprehensive worldview rivaling Christianity or a useful tool to spot injustice. So, what is true oppression and how does Jesus define it? Who is a victim by Critical Race Theory standards? You’ll enjoy this captivating conversation! Register for the opportunity to win a free copy of Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth. The books are a generous gift from our friends at Zondervan.

(In)Justice and Truth

Once again Carl and Todd welcome a guest brave enough to make a return visit to the lions’ den. Craig Carter is research professor of theology at Tyndale University and theologian in residence at Westney Heights Baptist Church in Ajax, Ontario. Craig is renowned for producing some very fine work on recovering Trinitarian classical theism and classical metaphysics. His newest book is Contemplating God with the Great Tradition, the follow-up volume to 2018’s Interpreting Scripture with the Great Tradition. Dr. Carter grounds his theological argument for this book on the doctrine of God as expounded in the book of Isaiah. Why is this section so critical for the retrieval of classical theism in the Protestant tradition and what is its correlation to the Nicene Creed? What exactly is classical theism, and from whom does it encounter resistance? Some may say that classical theism “doesn’t preach,” meaning that it’s irrelevant and impractical for the Christian life. Find out why the professor politely disagrees! We are pleased to give away copies of Contemplating God with the Great Tradition. Register for the opportunity to win one! The books are a complimentary gift from our friends at Baker Academic. Show Notes · Interpreting Scripture with the Great Tradition

Contemplating God with the Great Tradition

After Carl’s Freudian slip concerning his being a pastor, our resident minister (not TE) quickly recovers and gets back on track by introducing his sidekick and their special guest. Benjamin Fischer is a missionary priest of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, as well as the rector of Christ the Redeemer, a congregation in the Anglican Church of North America (ACNA) and the associate professor of Literary History at Northwest Nazarene University. Ben has translated and edited Being a Pastor: Pastoral Treatises of John Wycliffe, and he sits down with Carl and Todd to discuss who Wycliffe was and why we should be interested in his work. We may know and enjoy some of Wycliffe’s legacy through a host of Reformers, but there’s much more to this translator, priest, and theologian than meets the eye. We’re happy to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of Being a Pastor. Register! The books are a generous gift from our friends at The Davenant Press. 

Wycliffe on Being a Pastor

With the PCA General Assembly approaching soon, Todd needs to decompress…so, Carl meets him at our mythical “local pub” to act as his therapist. Of course, Professor Trueman doesn’t miss the chance to snub his old friend, and “rub in” the fact that Todd belongs to a boring and uncontroversial denomination (as if!). The call to love the brethren and be charitable toward one another is not only an honorable act—it’s a biblical command. But what happens when those words are used in a different context to persuade people to endorse positions that are cultural or political, rather than biblical? The two amigos discuss the content of a letter with questionable content that was anonymously sent to PCA ministers and elders preceding the General Assembly. Providing a foundation for understanding, Todd describes what some call the “Revoice Theology,” and shares his thoughts about what the upcoming GA means for the future of the denomination. As a premium and sign of hope, we’re pleased to be giving away a free membership to the Orthodox Presbyterian Church! Second prize is TWO free memberships (joking...we’re joking)! There are, however, a few acts of contrition the winners will have to perform in order to seal the deal…

The Manifesto Jubilee

Our precocious pair shares a discussion of “Pride Month,” when big corporations, the media, and others strive to display their unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ movement. Carl and Todd take on everything from cartoons, to advertisements, to countless other means employed by “gender activists” to indoctrinate society and shape our children at a very early age. How might we develop persuasive apologetic arguments using Scripture, natural revelation, and natural law to defend a biblical view of human sexuality? Why are some strands of Protestantism opposed to the implications of natural law? Show Notes · Biblical Natural Law: A Theocentric and Theological Approach by Matthew Levering We would like to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of A Biblical Case for Natural Law by David VanDrunen. Register today! The books are a generous gift from our friends at Acton Institute. 

Natural Law, General Revelation, and Pride Month

Todd is thrilled to fly solo today as Carl dons his bathing attire (BMP) to soak up some much-needed sun at the Jersey shore. It’s just as well; Dr. Trueman doesn’t really get along with cheerful guests! Todd is delighted to share a fun conversation with Lisa Updike, the decidedly cheerful director of Children’s Ministry at Covenant Presbyterian Church (where Todd also serves). Lisa works closely with the discipleship ministry of the PCA and is the author of three wonderful children’s books. She talks about what seemed to be the focus of children’s ministries in the US for the past many years, and the pressing need to turn that around into equipping children to live in today’s world.  Should children know about the nature of suffering? How do we teach them? Should they be in “children’s church” or “adult church”? What can parents do to prepare their children for Sunday services? How can churches equip parents to teach children at home? Lisa shares some wonderful advice on such topics and suggests how we might equip our children to defend themselves—even engage—in the culture wars that have come to our doors. Show Notes and Resources ·The Bible is Not Boring! by Lisa Updike ·Church is Not Boring! by LIsa Updike ·About Being a Boy or a Girl: Discussing Gender and Marriage With Little Ones in Light of God’s Word by Lisa Updike ·Lisa’s Worship Service material (at the bottom of the linked webpage) ·Children and Suffering material ·SkitGuys.com

Children, Church is Not Boring!

Anthony Selvaggio joins Carl and Todd today. He’s the pastor of Rochester Christian Reformed Church in NY, as well as a conference speaker and author. Considering Job: Reconciling Sovereignty and Suffering is the title of Anthony’s most recent book, and the topic of our conversation. The book of Job is one of the most complex found in Scripture, in part for its paradoxical nature in dealing with suffering. Anthony shares why he believes we should know this book well. Job brings to our attention questions about Satan and his activity in a way that is unlike most other books of the Bible. Does Scripture promise earthly well-being to those who do good and earthly discomforts for those who do evil? How do we make sense of what happened to Job? We are giving away a few copies of Considering Job, Reconciling Sovereignty and Suffering. Register for the opportunity to win one. The copies are a generous gift from our friends at Reformation Heritage Books.

Suffering, Sovereignty, and the Book of Job

Carl and Todd sit down to chat with an old friend. Sandy Finlayson is the library director and professor of Theological Bibliography at Westminster Theological Seminary. Carl leads the conversation by describing the genesis of the Free Church of Scotland and the men who led what was called “The Great Disruption.” Among them, we find Thomas Chalmers, one of the main leaders of the movement and the subject of Sandy’s academic interest.  In the Church of Scotland, who had the right to call a minister to the congregation–the state, the head of the church, or the parishioners? The many different opinions on the subject led to some denominational schism. Even if Scottish history is not your cup of tea, you will appreciate—and enjoy learning about—the Scotsman Thomas Chalmers’ public and private life, and about Presbyterian heritage. We are giving away some free copies of Chief Scottish Man. Register for the opportunity to win one! The copies are a generous gift from our friends at Evangelical Press Books.

Chief Scottish Man

Our special guest today is a prolific author, editor, mom of 4, pastor’s wife, and pastor’s daughter. Megan Hill joins Carl and Todd for an energetic conversation about her most recent book, Partners in the Gospel: 50 Meditations for Pastors’ and Elders’ Wives. Through her writing, Megan offers comfort and encouragement to wives as they encounter the joys and challenges of ministering alongside their husbands. Hill offers questions for reflection, topics to be lifted in prayer, and recommended action to be taken to challenge our natural sinful tendencies. Is there a specific and defined role for pastors’ and elders’ wives? How might they deal with criticism and loneliness, counseling their children while enduring scrutiny and high expectations from other church members? Megan shares sage advice learned from her parents that might very much enrich your life. Take note! Show Notes  •A Place to Belong: Learning to Love the Local Churchby Megan Hill • Megan was a speaker at the 2021 Quakertown Women’s Conference Contentment in Christ We are pleased to be giving away a few copies of Partners in the Gospel.Register for the opportunity to win one!The books are a generous gift from our friends at P&R. Partners in the Gospel is available for purchase at Reformed Resources.

Partners in the Gospel

Carl and Todd can truly say that they have “arrived” when they have the privilege to chat with former Cosmopolitan magazine writer Sue Ellen Browder! Our guest played an important role in the feminist movement and “sexual revolution” of the 1970s, 80s, and beyond. Sue’s story is compelling as she tells us about her “double life” as a happily married woman raising children, tending her garden, and baking fresh bread while writing made-up stories on feminism and sexual liberation. Can a media outlet really have a manual on how to write fake news to accomplish the desired outcome? You’ll hear about some of those stories today. Browder explains the radically distinctive movements that were at play in the 1960s and early 70s—the “Sexual Revolution” and the “Women’s Movement” that later united to achieve a common goal—and you can probably guess just what their purpose was! Hear how Sue came to realize what she was doing, turned from that path to make things right, and now offers sage advice for parents and young people living in today’s society. Show Notes Sex and the Catholic Feminist by Sue Ellen Browder We’re pleased to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of Sue’s bookSubverted: How I Helped the Sexual Revolution Hijack the Women's Movement. Register!!!!The books are a gift from our friends at Ignatius Press.

Redemption from the Powerful Art of Selling Fake News

Walking away from the faith is a phenomenon as old as humanity itself…but a recent “twist” has emerged in how some high-profile Christians choose to abandon their beliefs. Today, Todd attempts to school Carl on the cyber world of TikTok as the dynamic duo discusses one recent and disturbing “deconversion.” The two are talking about Abraham Piper; he’s the son of John Piper, the well-known pastor and founder of the ministry Desiring God. Abraham has attracted a lot of attention as he uses the big platforms of social media and prominent publications to spread his personal story, mock Christianity, and profit from it all. With Abraham being just one of several influencers to publicly “deconvert” here of late, what does it say about them…about us…about the faith in general, and our fascination with “Christian celebrities? Listen and weigh in on this tragic topic. Register for the opportunity to win a free copy of the fresh-off-the-press book, “Surviving Religion 101: Letters to a Christian Student on Keeping the Faith in College” by Michael Kruger. The copies are a generous gift from our friends at Crossway.

The Celebration of Apostasy

“A thorn in the side of the Archbishop of York.” That’s how our special guest is introduced today. Reverend Melvin Tinker was the vicar of St. John’s Newland in England for many years. He’s now the director of Theology of the Christ Church Network and the author of an amazing book entitled That Hideous Strength, addressing cultural Marxism in society and in the church. Now in a second expanded edition, the book challenges Christians to understand the culture in which they are ministering and the battle they face against the “War of Position." How has the Church contributed to the spreading of Marxist ideas, and what must be done to reverse it? How crucial is language in ideological warfare? Pull up a chair and join this conversation of ultimate relevance and importance!   Show Notes ·Antonio Gramsci’s War of Position  ·Sir David Lindsey ·“Useful Idiot” political jargon Register for the opportunity to win a free copy of That Hideous Strength. The copies are a generous gift from our friends at EP Books.

How the West Was Lost

Mortification of Spin is a weekly casual conversation about things that count. Carl Trueman, Todd Pruitt, and Aimee Byrd serve up a humorous, informal podcast with bite. Join this engaging and thought-provoking conversation on the challenges the Church faces and what counts in the Christian life. Served up with a healthy dose of germane cultural references. Hear for yourself if British accents carry more weight...

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Mortification of Spin

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