Mortification of Spin

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RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
EVERY TWO WEEKS

Mortification of Spin is a casual conversation about things that count. Todd Pruitt and Carl Trueman deliver a humorous, informal podcast with bite. Listen for engaging and thought-provoking conversations on the challenges facing the Church and the Christian, and decide for yourself if words spoken in a British accent truly carry more weight…

8 HR AGO

Religious Freedom

In this episode of Mortification of Spin, Carl and Todd welcome Ryan Anderson, president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, to discuss the critical topic of religious freedom in America. As the nation grapples with challenges to this fundamental right, they delve into its historical context, the implications of recent political climates, and the intersection of religious liberty with contemporary social issues. Justice and the common good need to be maintained, and you want to have as much religious liberty as possible consistent with that. – Ryan Anderson Join us for an engaging conversation that explores the nuances of faith, freedom, and the future of religious rights in a changing world. We are pleased to offer listeners an opportunity to win a copy of, Tearing Us Apart: How Abortion Harms Everything and Solves Nothing, co-authored by Ryan Anderson and Alexandra Desanctis. Enter here to win. Show Notes: Articles referenced by Ryan Anderson: https://www.nationalaffairs.com/publications/detail/proxy-wars-over-religious-liberty https://www.wsj.com/opinion/religious-liberty-isnt-enough-11612125595 https://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2020/07/67142/

32 min
11 FEB

The Church Calendar: Yay or Nay?

Todd and Carl engage in an interesting discussion about the church calendar and its role in the Reformed Protestant tradition. They explore the historical context of the church calendar, its significance, and the nuances of its acceptance among different denominations. I think observation of the church calendar should be a matter of, should we say, congregational conscience. My own view on it has softened over the years in that I used to be very much the Puritan, you know… I've changed my opinion… – Carl Trueman They examine the pedagogical benefits of observing the calendar while addressing concerns about legalism, with a particular focus on Advent and Lent. Tune in for a rich conversation that challenges and inspires listeners to consider the implications of the church calendar in their worship practices. Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Crossway Books, we would like to offer listeners an opportunity to win a copy of Kevin DeYoung’s beautiful board book for children, The Biggest Story: Advent. Enter here to win.

28 min
28 JAN

Zero Gravity

Carl and Todd are a bit giddy as they talk to astronaut Jeffrey Williams, the subject of the new biography, Zero Gravity, by Chris Anderson. Spending 534 days in space across four missions, Jeff not only broke records but captured stunning images of Earth—offering a powerful perspective on God’s handiwork in the universe and His love for humanity revealed in Christ. From the challenges of living in zero gravity to the camaraderie among crew members, Jeff offers a unique perspective on life as an astronaut. He also discusses his faith journey and how it intersects with his scientific career, providing insights into the relationship between science and Christianity. Don't miss this fascinating conversation! Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Church Works Media, we are pleased to offer three of our listeners the opportunity to win a copy of Jeff William’s biography, Zero Gravity, by Chris Anderson. Enter here to win. Show Notes: Book site: https://churchworksmedia.com/product/zero-gravity/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Zero-Gravity-Story-Astronaut-Williams/dp/B0FN3Y2323 YouTube trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eB7HYFexkY0 Jeff also wrote a book about his experiences in space that you may want to check out: https://www.cph.org/the-work-of-his-hands

31 min
14 JAN

AI: Should We Be Concerned?

Carl and Todd sit down with Devan Patel to discuss the hot topic of artificial intelligence. A legal and political strategist in Washington, D.C., an adjunct professor of law at Notre Dame Law School, and the senior advisor of public policy and ethics at the American Security Fund, Devan advises on religious and scholarly engagement to ensure that AI development and use are ethical, human-centric, and rooted in Western civilizational values. Self-described as "not the happy, fun guy," Devan dives into the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Together, they discuss the alarming rise of AI companion chatbots, particularly those aimed at children, exploring the potential dangers and moral dilemmas they present. Patel sheds light on the urgent need for accountability in AI development and the importance of integrating ethical considerations into technology. Don't miss this sobering and thought-provoking conversation on the intersection of AI, ethics, and human values! Show Notes: To find out more about Devan Patel’s publications/speaking engagements: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devannpatel/ American Security Fund: https://www.americansecurityfund.com/

29 min
31/12/2025

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

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/

30 min
17/12/2025

The Eternal Son

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/

30 min
03/12/2025

Gig Eva

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/

28 min
19/11/2025

What's the Big Deal About Creeds?

Today, Todd is joined by Timothy Winterstein, pastor and author of the new book, Worshiped & Glorified: A Study of the Nicene Creed. Celebrating its 1700th anniversary this year, the summary of Christian faith known as the Nicene Creed has been a fixture in the church for centuries and is still recited in worship to this day. Todd and Timothy explore the significance of creeds in the Christian faith, their role in binding us to Scripture, and the historical context surrounding the development of the Nicene Creed. The Nicene Creed is a particular way of telling that scriptural story that binds us to the Scriptures. – Timothy Winterstein Timothy shares insights from his book, emphasizing how the creed shapes our worship and understanding of God, as well as what it means to confess faith in Him together at a deeper level. We are pleased to award three listeners a copy of Timothy Winterstein's book, Worshiped & Glorified: A Study of the Nicene Creed, courtesy of Concordia Publishing House. Congratulations to Marty P. from Sanford, NC, Steve O. from Midlothian, VA, and Micah B. from Oakland, ME. Show Notes: Check out Timothy’s podcast which he co-hosts with his brother, Jay: https://www.saintsandcinema.com/

34 min

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Carl Trueman

Host
Todd Pruitt

Host

Mortification of Spin is a casual conversation about things that count. Todd Pruitt and Carl Trueman deliver a humorous, informal podcast with bite. Listen for engaging and thought-provoking conversations on the challenges facing the Church and the Christian, and decide for yourself if words spoken in a British accent truly carry more weight…