Mortification of Spin

Latest Episodes:

Missing The Body in Times of Plague Apr 01, 2020

Show notes

This is a special pandemic edition of The Spin, as Carl, Todd, and Aimee record—not just 6 feet away, but—100 miles distant from one another, just to be on the safe side. COVID-19 times can be challenging, and they’ve afforded Todd a new opportunity to complement his pastoral calling. The megachurch minister is now a gifted “Mental Toughness Expert,” and he’s making his services available when churches are unable to meet, due to mandatory isolation. Seriously…what do Christians lose when they can’t meet to worship? Is online “church” a good substitute? What could be the lasting effects of not physically assembling with the saints on the Lord’s Day? And, most intriguingly: is social distancing turning some Roman Catholics into Lutherans? Check our website for valuable resources, and—if you’re so inclined--make a donation to help keep us afloat! Show Notes · Moral Matters: A Philosophy of Homecoming by Mark Dooley

Classics, Doctrinal Differences, Guns and Church Safety Mar 25, 2020

Show notes

The Spin Team gathers once again to answer some of the great questions they’ve received from listeners. The first query concerns must-read classic books from authors long gone. Next, the intrepid trio considers just how many doctrinal differences a congregant should bear in a church before he or she knows that it’s time to move on. Moving to a more controversial topic: Should churches be gun-free zones, or should they have a security team and/or members who are concealed-carrying in case of a threat? The Virginian, the Marylander, and the gun-deprived Englishman offer their two cents...and expect change! We would love to offer our listeners the opportunity to win one of Todd’s “sleeveless T-shirts,” but he would not donate any from his collection. Perhaps that’s for the best. However…we do encourage you to register for the opportunity to win a free copy of Saint Augustine’s Confessions! Show Notes The Church of Christ by James Bannerman Confessions by St. Augustine Pensées by Blaise Pascal The City of God by St. Augustine Church Mother: The Writings of a Protestant Reformer in XVI Century Germany by Katharina Zell The Life of Macrina by Gregory of Nyssa Daily Readings-The Early Church Fathers by Nick Needham Orations by Gregory of Nazianzus A Body of Divinity by Thomas Watson NewAdvent.org The Christian’s Reasonable Service(4 Vol.) by Wilhelmus À Brakel Reformed Dogmatics by Herman Bavinck The Valley of Vision

Denomination Pros, Church Size, and Seminaries Mar 18, 2020

Show notes

This week, the team receives a tall order. Listener Chad is requesting the return of Liam Goligher to the theological boxing ring. Can the outspoken pastor handle another two year-long battle for orthodox doctrine of God? As it has often been the case, the conversation quickly digresses to men’s fashion and colorful pants—that’s trousers, for our British audience. Finally arriving at today’s topic…Carl, Todd, and Aimee share their thoughts about the public fall of a number of non-denominational pastors and leaders, and if such events might drive Christians to consider confessional churches. How do confessional churches differ from the non-denominational? What might the generally smaller size of Reformed congregations indicate about those churches? Last but not least: today’s seminary. Are there limits to academic freedom concerning institutional standards? Does the teaching in the seminary classroom line up with what students pay for, and believed they’d be learning? There’s much to chew on this week! We’re happy to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of the helpful book So You’re Thinking About Going to Seminary by Derek Cooper. Register!

Emotional and Spiritual Abuse, Cont. Mar 11, 2020

Show notes

Due to popular interest, and the large number of allegations emerging across the country, the team continues to address the topics of emotional and spiritual abuse. A broken bone may be evidence in a case of physical abuse, but emotional/spiritual abuse can go undetected, and the victim may be unsure of what he or she is experiencing. What are some indicators of emotional/spiritual abuse, and what may be the characteristics of a manipulator? Is teaching tithing a form of spiritual abuse? What about fear instilled concerning the possible punishment of God? Even the exhortation, correction, and church discipline mandated by Scripture can be applied in an abusive way. Not everything that makes a person uncomfortable is abuse, but the crew brings much clarity to these difficult issues. Show Notes ·Snakes in Suits: When Psychopaths Go to Work by Paul Babiak and Robert Hare ·How to Spot Spiritual Abuse

The Mystery of Incarnation Mar 04, 2020

Show notes

Christ’s incarnation is not solely a topic for discussion at Christmas. So today, the crew explores this great and amazing mystery of Scripture. Were the disciples and others seeing God when they looked at Jesus? The answer to this question reveals much about how one apprehends the doctrine of incarnation, and there is little wonder why so many heresies have sprung from its misunderstanding throughout history. Does Jesus still have a body, or is he currently a spirit? Why is Christ’s human nature so crucial to the work of salvation? What did Jesus take on at the incarnation? Tune in and join us! Show Notes ·Nicene Creed ·Ascension and Ecclesia by Douglas Farrow

Touch Not the Lord’s Anointed Feb 26, 2020

Show notes

The professor, the megachurch pastor, and the housewife theologian (AKA professional potato peeler) gather for a casual chat about a topic that it keeps on giving. Diverse scandals of abuse involving prominent Christian leaders have been occurring quite regularly, a number of which have come from the “Young, Restless, and Reformed” movement, and from the promoters of the “celebrity culture.” How is an abusive leadership born, and how is such behavior nourished? What might be some red flags that a pastor is stepping over boundaries and abusing his congregants? Accountability seems to be the antidote for this issue, but is it always possible? Tune in for a reflection on the potentially devastating effects of ministers' egos left unchecked.

Red, Red Wine Feb 19, 2020

Show notes

Following up last week’s discussion on church discipline, Carl and Aimee bring up the closely related topic of the Lord’s Supper. What does church discipline tell us about the importance of church membership and the Lord’s Supper? Should membership in a church be required in order for a person to partake in the sacrament? Do differences exist within Christian traditions and/or denominations concerning who is allowed at the table? How is the Lord’s Supper served in evangelical churches that do not offer formal church membership? The discussion ends with a reminder of the preparation essential for this solemn, yet celebratory family meal…and, a word about Carl’s ambitious aspirations for retirement. Show Notes ·Ascension and Ecclesia: On the Significance of the Doctrine of Ascension for Ecclesiology and Christian Cosmology by Douglas Farrow ·The Book of Common Prayer We are giving away a few copies of The Lord’s Supper by the Puritan, Thomas Watson. Register for the opportunity to win a free one. The books are a generous gift from our friends at Banner of Truth.

A Mark of a True Church Feb 12, 2020

Show notes

The term “church discipline” might have a negative connotation in the ears of many, but the team wants to dispel some of the misconceptions about it. Just what is “church discipline?” When needed, it’s a component of discipleship. So, when is church discipline necessary and justifiable? Where does the authority to exercise it come from? The fact that church discipline has been abused, and—at times—performed in a cult-like manner also cannot be ignored. So, it’s important to take a close look at the threefold purpose of church discipline and its aftermath, which is different in every case. Toward further understanding, we’re giving away a few copies of Presbytopia - What It Means to be Presbyterian, which is a complimentary gift from our friends at Christian Focus. Register!!

The Care of Souls Feb 05, 2020

Show notes

Todd starts this conversation by setting the ground rules and letting everyone know his preferred pronouns: he, him, and his. The bearded one also claims to have the definitive pronunciation of the author’s name of the book topic of today’s conversation. The Care of Souls by Harold Senkbeil explores the classical (biblical) model of pastoral ministry, as opposed to the contemporary models practiced by the church growth movement which tried to do away with the idea of the pastor as a shepherd. Why is this book such an important read not only for pastors, but for lay people as well? What are the different approaches to pastoral ministry? Can some of them be harmful to the pastor and/or to the congregation? What is The Care of Souls encouraging pastors to do? Listen in and find out! We’re happy to offer you the opportunity to win a free copy of The Care of Souls. Register!! The books are a generous gift from our friends at Lexham Press.

Evangelical Popes, Too Big to Fail Jan 29, 2020

Show notes

Aimee is away, and the boys are feeling empowered today, tossing out random thoughts from the dark recesses of their man cave. Pope Francis’ holy hand slap brings up the topic of unquestionable authority and the lack of accountability among the legions of little evangelical “popes” running around. Elsewhere, 2020 starts with the announcement that James MacDonald will be back preaching once again after being found unfit for ministry and getting fired from his church. What does that say about looking up to high-profile personalities regardless of their character? Such Pope-like personalities exist in their respective traditions in different parts of the world. So, our conversation is taken to the other side of the pond, as the Englishman explains the scandals surrounding the Evangelical Anglican Church in the UK and the catastrophic consequences that it may bring. How do you counsel people who have been disillusioned by the evangelical leaders in their lives? Light a candle and listen in! Show Notes ·The holy hand slap ·Philip Schaff ·J. Frank Norris ·Jonathan Fletcher ·St Helen Bishopsgate Evangelical Anglican Church, London Register for the opportunity to win a free copy of Ordinary by Michael Horton. The copies are a complimentary gift from our friends at Zondervan.

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