Mortification of Spin

Carl Trueman, author and Grove City College professor, discusses his new book The Desecration of Man and cultural theology. He explores how modernity’s rejection of God impacts human dignity. They tackle topics like abortion, gender identity, secular intellectuals returning to religion, and why Christianity offers a reconsecrated view of personhood.

J. Budziszewski, philosopher and professor known for work on ethics and natural law, discusses moral confusion in modern culture. He traces intellectual roots of widespread misbeliefs. He talks about sexuality, personhood, and teaching morality to young people. He emphasizes clearer thinking, conscience, and how to respond with accessible arguments.

Ryan Anderson, president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center and author on religious liberty and bioethics. He discusses the need for a presidential commission on religious freedom. Conversation covers how religious liberty affects diverse faiths, clashes over gender, marriage, and medical conscience, and the legal balancing of liberty with justice and public order.

A lively debate about the origins and place of the church calendar in Reformed practice. They weigh Puritan objections and argue for congregational conscience. The conversation highlights Advent and Lent, exploring pedagogical benefits and potential abuses. Practical worship rhythms, seasonal preaching choices, and how a congregation might observe holy weeks are also discussed.

Jeff Williams, former NASA astronaut who spent 534 days in space and now speaks on faith and science. He recalls life in zero gravity, the physical costs of long missions, launches and emergencies, and the tight camaraderie aboard the ISS. He also traces his faith journey, ministry work, and how his space perspective shapes conversations about science and creation.

In this engaging discussion, Devan Patel, a legal and political strategist, dives into the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. He raises alarm over AI companion chatbots for children, warning they can manipulate relationships and encourage self-harm. Patel emphasizes the urgent need for accountability in AI development, critiquing current market pressures and regulatory struggles. He advocates for collaboration among faith leaders, scholars, and tech to ensure human-centric AI, offering resources for parents to educate themselves on the risks.

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 Trinity https://reformedresources.org/the-holy-trinity-revised-and-expanded-paperback/ The Eternal Son https://reformedresources.org/the-eternal-son-paperback/ The Holy Spirit https://reformedresources.org/the-holy-spirit-paperback/

Todd and Carl dive into the cultural shifts impacting evangelicalism today, introducing the concept of 'Gig Eva.' This new term highlights the move from traditional conferences to the chaotic world of social media. They discuss the rise of celebrity influencers and the dangers of outrage culture amplifying extreme voices. The duo reflects on accountability in the church and the need for healthier, truth-seeking communities, contrasting platform-building motives with genuine church growth.

Timothy Winterstein, a Lutheran pastor and author, joins to discuss the Nicene Creed's significance as it celebrates its 1700th anniversary. He explores how creeds bind Christians to Scripture and prevent divergent interpretations. Winterstein argues that, far from undermining Scripture, creeds clarify contested readings and shape our understanding of God. Delving into historical controversies, he highlights the pivotal role of precise language in defining Christian doctrine, emphasizing the creed's enduring authority in worship and faith.