In this episode, Todd flies solo with guest John Wilsey, a professor of church history at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and author of the thought-provoking book, Religious Freedom: A Conservative Primer. In his book, John addresses urgent questions about religious freedom in America today. How have conservatives historically understood the meaning of religious freedom? How do Americans who identify as conservative now think about religious freedom in this era? What are the differences between the historical and contemporary views, and how do those differences shape fights about religious freedom today? Todd and John explore the historical context of religious freedom in America and its implications for the church today, examining America's unique blend of religion and liberty, the dangers of an established church, and the importance of preserving religious freedom for the flourishing of the church and society. Disestablishment is the best way forward for the church. – Todd Pruitt Tune in for this timely and thought provoking conversation. We are pleased to offer three listeners a copy of John Wilsey’s book, Religious Freedom: A Conservative Primer, courtesy of Eerdman’s Publishing. Enter here for the opportunity to win.   Show Notes: Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville

Todd and Carl sit down today to engage in a candid discussion about the complexities and challenges of pastoral ministry, particularly in relation to suffering and criticism.  Suffering is not a bug within the ministry system; it's actually going to be a feature of ministry. – Todd Pruitt They explore the insights of the Apostle Paul, especially from his letters to the Corinthians, and how his experiences can guide modern pastors through their own trials. With humor and sincerity, they delve into the necessity of being open-hearted in ministry, the burden of criticism, and the importance of maintaining a gentle spirit in the face of adversity. Join them for a thoughtful conversation that aims to encourage both pastors and those who support them. We are pleased to offer three listeners a copy of Doug Kelly’s book, New Life in the Wasteland: 2 Corinthians on the Cost and Glory of Christian Ministry, courtesy of Christian Focus Publishing. Enter here for the opportunity to win.

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 offer three listeners a copy of Clare’s book, The Tech Exit, courtesy of Penguin Books. Enter here for the opportunity to win.   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/

The dynamic duo of Todd and Carl engage in a fascinating discussion with Caleb Morell, assistant pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., and author of the book, A Light on the Hill: The Surprising Story of How a Local Church in the Nation's Capital Influenced Evangelicalism. They explore the rich history of Capitol Hill Baptist Church, located just blocks away from the center of American power, its rich 150-year history, and its significant influence on evangelicalism in America.  Caleb shares insights into the church's resilience, its response during historical challenges, and the importance of faithfulness to the gospel in a changing cultural landscape.  There’s something really practical to take away from history. – Caleb Morell Don't miss this enlightening conversation that will encourage listeners to invest in their local churches and preserve the gospel for the next generation. We are pleased to offer three listeners a copy of Caleb’s book, courtesy of our friends at Crossway Books. Enter here for the opportunity to win.

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 offer three listeners some show swag – including a Mortification of Spin poster signed by our very own Carl and Todd. Enter here for the opportunity to win. Show Notes: Concise Theology by J. I. Packer

Carl and Todd welcome special guest Melissa Dougherty to the podcast, a Christian apologist best known for her YouTube channel, where she covers a variety of theological topics. Melissa is also the author of the thought-provoking book Happy Lies: How a Movement You Probably Never Heard of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World, in which she shares her insights on the New Thought movement, exploring its seductive nature and how it differs from New Age beliefs.  New Thought will deceive you before the New Age ever will because New Thought is made to look and sound Christian. – Melissa Dougherty The discussion explores the historical origins of New Thought, its influence on American evangelicalism, and the implications for contemporary Christian thought. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that encourages listeners to critically engage with the ideas shaping our spiritual landscape. We are pleased to offer three copies of Melissa Dougherty's book, Happy Lies: How a Movement You Probably Never Heard of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World, to our listeners, thanks to the generosity of Zondervan Publishing. Enter here for the opportunity to win. Show Notes: Check out Melissa’s YouTube channel here. 

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 offer 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. Enter here for the opportunity to win. Sponsor link: https://www.logos.com/mos

In this episode, Carl and Todd are joined by Francis Maier, a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, to discuss the influential works of Neil Postman. They explore Postman's critiques of technology, particularly in relation to culture and education, and how these ideas resonate with contemporary issues.  Until people understand that they have the personal responsibility of reform and conversion, there isn't going to be any change in the culture. – Fran Maier From the effects of social media on anger and despair to the importance of personal responsibility in navigating technology, this conversation delves into the complexities of modern life through the lens of Postman's insights. We are pleased to offer three copies of Neil Postman’s book, Amusing Ourselves to Death, to our listeners, thanks to the generosity of Penguin Publishing. Enter here for the opportunity to win. Show Notes: Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman Technopoly by Neil Postman The End of Education by Neil Postman Building a Bridge to the 18th Century by Neil Postman Essays by Neil Postman: “The Parable of Ring Around the Collar” “Social Science As Moral Philosophy” “In the Kingdom of Noise,” article by Francis Maier

As technology increasingly blurs the distinction between man and machine, new questions emerge about the future of religion, education, work, politics, and family life. Today, Todd and Carl engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Joshua Pauling, co-author of the book Are We All Cyborgs Now? Reclaiming Our Humanity from the Machine. Together, they explore the implications of technology on humanity, the concept of being a cyborg, and how modern digital environments shape our understanding of human nature.  The conversation delves into the ethical challenges posed by technological advancements, as well as the opportunities afforded to flourish in the digital age rooted in the sacramental life of the Church and the rich tradition of liberal learning. Technology is posing tremendous opportunities for getting the word out in ways that weren't possible before, but also tremendous challenges. – Todd Pruitt We are pleased to offer three copies of Joshua Pauling and Robin Phillips’ book, Are We All Cyborgs Now? Reclaiming Our Humanity from the Machine, to our listeners, thanks to the generosity of Basilian Media & Publishing. Enter here for the opportunity to win.   Show Notes: Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman

In this episode of Mortification of Spin, Carl and Todd discuss the pressing issues facing young men today, exploring the need for role models and the church's potential to fill this void.  The church is a community, and if we're living in a world where young men really lack good role models, there is a tremendous opportunity for the church to speak to that. -- Carl Trueman They discuss the cultural landscape, the challenges of modern masculinity, and the importance of mentorship within the church community. Join them for a thought-provoking conversation that aims to inspire and encourage young men to embrace their identity and responsibilities in today's world.We are pleased to offer three copies of J.C. Ryle’s book, Thoughts for Young Men, to our listeners, thanks to the generosity of Banner of Truth Publishing. Enter here for the opportunity to win.

In this episode of Mortification of Spin, Carl and Todd are joined by their friend, Michael Morales, professor of biblical studies at Greenville Theological Seminary. Together, they discuss Michael's much-anticipated 2-volume commentary on the Book of Numbers, an often-overlooked by preachers and students of the Bible. According to Carl, "If Michael Morales writes it, you need to read it." Discussing its significance in the biblical narrative and its implications for understanding the covenant community, Morales shares insights on how the Book of Numbers serves as a foundation for ecclesiology and its connections to Christ and the church today.  The Torah really is the foundation of all of our theology. – Michael Morales Tune in for a rich conversation that aims to illuminate the depths of this vital text! Perhaps, like Todd, you'll renew your enthusiasm for this middle book of the Pentateuch after listening to their conversation.

In this episode, Todd Pruitt and Carl Truman welcome back Lydia Brownback, the director for women's resources at Crossway and a well-known author. They dive into Lydia's journey from seminary to writing and teaching, and how the Lord wove all of these experiences together in her life to prepare her for the work she is now doing.  Isn't it true that what He is doing in our lives is always preparatory, in some way or another? – Lydia Brownback Lydia shares her insights on the growth of women's ministries, as well as the inspiration that led her to write her popular book, Flourish: How the Love of Christ Frees Us From Self-Focus. She also addresses the topic of loneliness, something experienced by everyone at some point in their lives, and how churches can address this common issue with their members. The goal is to incorporate everybody into the larger body so that it feels like family, whatever your stage of life. – Lydia Brownback Tune in for an engaging conversation covering a wide range of topics that is sure to be insightful and encouraging.  We are pleased to offer three copies of Lydia Brownback’s book, Flourish: How the Love of Christ Frees Us from Self-Focus, to our listeners, thanks to the generosity of Crossway Publishers. Enter here for the opportunity to win.   Show Notes: Check out more of Lydia’s books at Reformed Resources! https://reformedresources.org/books/authors/lydia-brownback/

Todd and Carl, now officially an American citizen, dive into the challenging subject of immigration. Together, they explore the theological concept of the "order of love," its implications for prioritizing our obligations to others, and how this intersects with the responsibilities of the State versus the Church.  The situation is complicated. How do we navigate? How do we develop a hierarchy of loves and obligations that is faithful to Scripture but also handles the complexities that Scripture throws up? – Carl Trueman In other words, how do we balance our responsibilities to our neighbors and the laws of the land? With references to contemporary issues and personal anecdotes, this episode challenges listeners to consider their perspectives on immigration and community, as Christians and citizens. We are pleased to offer Mortification of Spin swag to three of our listeners, including a t-shirt, a baseball cap, and a mug! Enter here for the opportunity to win.

In this episode of Mortification of Spin, Carl and Todd engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Brad Littlejohn, director of Programs and Education at American Compass, about Brad's newly published book, Call to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License.   Christians in the modern West hear a lot about—and talk a lot about—"freedom." The word has taken on so many meanings that Christians often fail to realize how much our contemporary ideals of freedom stray from what freedom has meant in Scripture and the Christian tradition. We need to redeem and recover a properly Christian way of thinking about freedom. – Carl Trueman Today's conversation touches on the Reformation's impact on individual liberty, the tension between authority and conscience, and the contemporary challenges Christians face in understanding freedom.  As Protestants, we have to care about freedom because it's central to our theological heritage. – Brad Littlejohn Tune in for an insightful exploration of these critical themes! Thanks to the generosity of B&H Academic, we are pleased to offer three copies of Brad's book, Call to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License. Enter here for the opportunity to win one.   Show Notes: Call to Freedom: Retrieving Christian Liberty in an Age of License https://bhacademic.bhpublishinggroup.com/product/called-to-freedom-3/#flipbook-sampler/

In this poignant episode, Todd and Carl welcome author Whitney Pipkin to discuss her book, We Shall All Be Changed: How Facing Death with Loved Ones Transforms Us. Drawing from her own experience, Whitney sheds light and hope, reminding us that we are not alone in our grief. And she reveals the mysterious way God ministers to and transforms us through death and suffering. "The places you are most afraid to go, feel most ill-equipped to venture to, are the places Christ has gone before you." – Whitney Pipkin Tune in as they explore how facing mortality can lead to deeper faith and understanding. This is coming for each of us. How then shall we live? This is the question that each of us has the opportunity to consider at a funeral, but also when we read the news and when loss is far away, and when it's close, really close to home. – Whitney Pipkin Thanks to the generosity of Moody Publishing, we are pleased to offer three copies of Whitney Pipkin’s book, We Shall All Be Changed: How Facing Death with Loved Ones Transforms Us. Enter here for the opportunity to win one.   Show Notes: Whitney Pipkin’s Book https://www.moodypublishers.com/we-shall-all-be-changed/

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. – Proverbs 9:10 Today, Todd and Carl are joined by Chris Ansberry, associate professor at Grove City College, and a colleague of Carl's who refuses to wear socks, much to Carl's chagrin. Wardrobe choices aside, Chris recently wrote a commentary on the Book of Proverbs, published by Zondervan Academic as part of their Exegetical Commentary Series. Wisdom literature seems to be a little bit obscure to many students of the Bible, but Chris has a deep love for these books that have often been marginalized.  "Proverbs is not only designed to form our intellect, but it's also cultivating and directing our desires, it's shaping our forms of life, it's helping our perception – how do we see people, how do we see the world? So within that realm of ethics, I think that there's a lot in which Proverbs can do for us…I can't read Proverbs without seeing the same sort of moral vision that's on offer in the Sermon on the Mount." – Chris Ansberry   Discover the intricacies of wisdom literature and its place in Christian life and pastoral teaching. Find out how Proverbs can shape ethical understanding and spiritual formation, and how pastors can approach preaching from this often-overlooked biblical text. And find out the answer to Carl's question, "What is the church missing if the pastor never preaches on wisdom literature in general, and specifically if the pastor never preaches on Proverbs?" Thanks to the generosity of Zondervan Academic, we are pleased to offer three copies of Chris Ansberry’s Commentary on Proverbs. Enter here for the opportunity to win one. Show Notes: Zondervan Exegetical Commentary Series: Old Testament: https://zondervanacademic.com/promotions/zec#1151215 New Testament: https://zondervanacademic.com/promotions/zec#1151637 Chris Ansberry’s Proverbs Commentary: https://zondervanacademic.com/products/proverbs-2

Join Carl and Todd as they tackle the pressing issues of gender ideology and pastoral practice with special guests Mary Rice Hassan and Teresa Farnan from the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Mary and Teresa have worked on a book titled Gender Ideology and Pastoral Practice: A Handbook for Catholic Clergy, Counselors, and Ministerial Leaders, which Carl believes to be immensely valuable for Protestants and Catholics alike. Discover insights from their book as they discuss the challenges facing pastors today, from pronoun use to public education to the influence of social media on youth.  Our children feel so lonely and alone, so what do they do? They go online, and they find a community of people. So we, as churches – our role has to be that online community. I don't care what denomination you are; if you're not there giving community to your young people, they will go looking for it somewhere, and what they will find is so toxic. – Teresa Farnan Learn how pastors and churches can equip themselves to address these complex issues with love and truth. Thanks to the generosity of Notre Dame Press, we are pleased to offer two copies of Gender  Ideology and Pastoral Practice: A Handbook for Catholic Clergy, Counselors, and Ministerial Leaders to our listeners. Enter here for the opportunity to win one. Show Notes: Ethics and Public Policy Center:  https://eppc.org/ Person and Identity Project:  https://personandidentity.com/ Gender, Ideology and Pastoral Practice: A Handbook for Catholic Clergy, Counselors and Ministerial Leaders

Todd and Carl, the self-proclaimed Hall and Oates of podcasting, spend a few minutes reflecting on the longevity of Mortification of Spin – "We've been doing this for over a decade now. Easily we must be one of the longest-standing podcast partnerships in history." They then turn their attention to today's returning guest and their friend, Kevin DeYoung, to discuss his latest book, Daily Doctrine: A One-Year Guide to Systematic Theology. Deemed by Todd to be his "Book of the Year,” this daily devotional has been designed to make systematic theology clear and accessible for the everyday Christian. Daily devotions are a huge privilege and a tremendous powerhouse for Christian living. – Carl Trueman The conversation delves into the importance of understanding systematic theology, the value of daily devotions, and how Kevin's book aims to equip lay Christians with the historic vocabulary of the church. Thanks to the generosity of Crossway Publishing, we are pleased to offer three copies of Kevin DeYoung's book, Daily Doctrine: A One-Year Guide to Systematic Theology, to our listeners. Enter here for the opportunity to win one. Show Notes: Daily Doctrine: A One-Year Guide to Systematic Theology https://reformedresources.org/daily-doctrine-a-one-year-guide-to-systematic-theology-hardcover

Todd is pretty excited to have today’s guest on “his podcast,” who is none other than his Mortification of Spin co-host, Carl Trueman. Together, they discuss Carl’s latest book, To Change All Worlds: Critical Theory from Marx to Marcuse, where Carl examines the historical roots of critical theory, its evolution, and its impact on contemporary culture.  I wanted to produce a book that was not a kind of “goodies” and “baddies” book…Everybody coming to critical theory has their opinion on whether the critical theorists are good guys or bad guys. I didn’t really want to address that. What I wanted to do was look at critical theory through the historical lens and say, okay, why did this group of men start thinking this way? What was going on? What sources are they using? What problems are they trying to address or questions are they asking in order to get below the surface? – Carl Trueman Todd and Carl discuss some key figures of critical theory, such as Marx, Hegel, and Freud, and how they and other early critical theorists shaped modern thought. What are the implications for Christians today? Tune in to find out! Thanks to the generosity of B&H Academics, we are pleased to offer a copy of Carl’s book to our listeners. Enter here for the opportunity to win one.   Show Notes: To Change All Worlds: Critical Theory from Marx to Marcuse https://reformedresources.org/to-change-all-worlds-critical-theory-from-marx-to-marcuse-hardcover/

Carl and Todd welcome Yannick Imbert and Iain Wright to discuss their new book, Reclaiming the Dark Ages: How the Gospel Light Shone from 500 to 1500. An often overlooked period, Yannick and Iain challenge the notion of the "Dark Ages" by highlighting key Christian figures and their contributions to church history including Leo the Great, Anselm of Canterbury, and Jan Hus.  We wanted to take a selection of church leaders across that thousand years...to show that God was not sitting on his hands for a thousand years. – Iain Wright Discover how God’s work continued throughout this millennium and why these historical insights are relevant today. Whether you're a history enthusiast or new to church history, this episode offers a captivating exploration of faith across centuries. Even we who are decidedly Reformed can actually acknowledge that there were Christians prior to the 16th century. – Carl Trueman Thanks to the generosity of Christian Focus Publications, we are pleased to offer three copies of Yannick and Iain’s book to our listeners. Enter here for the opportunity to win one.   Show Notes: Reclaiming the Dark Ages: How the Gospel Light Shone from 500 to 1500