Mortification of Spin

Todd and Carl engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Brian Cosby, pastor, author, and YouTube influencer, about the concept of biblical masculinity. They explore the importance of the roles of men in today's society, addressing the challenges and crises facing young men as they seek to understand their identity and responsibilities. The more I thought about it…really distilling down those fundamental callings of a man…it’s not a fundamental identity – that would be in Jesus for the Christian – but certainly the fundamental calling is a duty for men to provide for and protect not only himself, but also his family, his church, and his community. – Brian Cosby With insights from Brian's new book, Provide and Protect: A Guide for Men in a World of Weakness, Wokeness, and Compromise, this episode offers a compelling look at the need for men to step up as providers and protectors in a world filled with confusion and compromise. We are pleased to offer listeners the opportunity to win a copy of Brian’s book, Provide and Protect, thanks to the generosity of Mindster Media. Enter here to win. Show Notes: Brian’s YouTube channel: Provide & Protect Richard Phillips’ book: Masculine Mandate Mindster Media: https://mindstirmedia.com/

Todd and Carl engage in a lively discussion about the cultural influences shaping evangelicalism today. They explore the phenomenon of 'Gig Eva,' a term coined by Carl in an article he recently wrote, to describe the new landscape of evangelical influence that has shifted from traditional conference settings to the informal and often chaotic realm of social media. The conversation touches on the implications of this shift, including the rise of celebrity influencers and the dangers of online discourse. The game is not actually the upbuilding of the church. The game is the upbuilding of personal platforms and excluding those we don't approve of from market share. – Carl Trueman Join them as they navigate these pressing issues and reflect on the true essence of Christian community. We are pleased to award three listeners a copy of Guy Water’s book, How Jesus Runs the Church, courtesy of our friends at P&R Publishing. Congratulations to Grant B. from Hart, MI, Jon M. from Olathe, KS, and Jaime O. from Fayette, AL. Show Notes: To read Carl’s article, “Goodbye ‘Big Eva,’ Hello ‘Gig Eva,’” visit https://firstthings.com/goodbye-big-eva-hello-gig-eva/

Jonathan Landry Cruse, pastor of Community Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo, MI, returns to the podcast with Todd and Carl to discuss his latest book, Paradox People: Learning to Live the Beatitudes. Together they explore the significance of the Beatitudes in today’s culture. In fact, Jonathan says, when we embrace the paradoxical character preached by Jesus in the Beatitudes, we experience rich and surprising blessings. We are meant to live these ways for the sake of the world, so we have a responsibility to the world, but it starts here, it starts with us. I need to take seriously these characteristics and say, I need to live this way; that’s how I can be most helpful to the world. And it’s going to look a lot different than what a lot of popular voices are saying right now in the Christian community, especially what you find on X or Twitter. Because it’s about meekness, it’s about humility, gentleness, and that is just as nonsensical today as it was 2,000 years ago. – Jonathan Landry Cruse Their conversation touches on the complexities of human identity, the role of technology, and the challenges faced by Christians in a rapidly changing world. Join us as we unpack how the Beatitudes can guide us in embodying Christian character amidst cultural tensions. We are pleased to award three listeners a copy of Jonathan Cruse’s book, Paradox People, courtesy of P&R Publishing. Congratulations to James M. from Waynesboro, PA, Buzz H. from Seattle, WA, and Julian S. from Sugar Land, TX! Show Notes: To check out Jonathan Cruse’s books, including Paradox People, click the link below: https://reformedresources.org/authors/jonathan-cruse/

In light of recent tragic events, Carl and Todd engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the complexities of forgiveness in the wake of tragedy. They reflect on the recent memorial service for Charlie Kirk and the profound act of forgiveness demonstrated by his widow, Erica Kirk. The conversation delves into the nature of forgiveness, the challenges it presents, and its implications within the Christian faith. I think oftentimes what we mean when we say we forgive someone who's done something wicked to us is not that we want them to escape justice, it's not that we think that, well, now we can have a perfectly reconciled relationship with that person. But oftentimes what we mean, and I'm sure it's what Erica Kirk meant, was, by God's grace, I'm not going to hate this person, and I'm not going to be overcome with bitterness, and I'm going to pray for this person's soul. – Todd Pruitt Join us as we explore the intersection of faith, justice, and the human experience in this deeply relevant topic. We awarded three listeners a copy of Chris Brauns’ book, Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds, courtesy of Crossway Publishing. Congratulations to Sarah D. from Bridgewater, VA, Karl S. from Live Oak, TX, and Ping Y. from Johns Creek, GA!

It’s no secret that addictive digital technologies like smartphones and social media apps are harming a generation of kids socially, mentally, and even physically. But a workable solution seems elusive. After all, don’t kids need phones, and won’t they be vulnerable or socially isolated without tech? Clare Morell, author of the new book, The Tech Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones, argues that the answer is no. A smartphone-free childhood is necessary to effectively protect our kids. – Clare Morell Carl and Todd engage in a thought-provoking and vitally important discussion with Clare, fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and director of its Technology and Human Flourishing Project. Together, they touch on critical issues surrounding smartphones and their impact on children and teens. The smartphone with the combination of social media is, I think, the most destructive technology we’ve ever put in the hands of our children…ever. – Todd Pruitt Clare argues that there is a better way! Tune in for practical strategies parents can take to free kids from smartphones, even if you’ve already given them, and how to sustain that lifestyle over the long term. We are pleased to award three listeners a copy of Clare’s book, The Tech Exit, courtesy of Penguin Books. Congratulations to our listeners: Chance W. from Hattiesburg, MS, Peder H. from Bozeman, MT, and Warner L. from Notre Dame, IN! Show Notes: To order Clare’s book and access a discussion guide for the book, as well as a practical tip sheet: https://thetechexit.com Clare’s blogging platform https://claremorell.substack.com You can find Clare at the Ethics & Public Policy Center https://eppc.org/author/clare_morell/

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 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