Mortification of Spin

Carl and Todd welcome Justin Poythress, PCA pastor (and former student of Carl’s), to discuss his new book, Who Am I and What Am I Doing with My Life? Finding Stability and Purpose in Jesus. They explore the pressing issues of identity in today's culture, particularly among young men, and how a Christian understanding of identity can provide clarity and confidence amidst confusion. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that tackles the complexities of self-worth, societal expectations, and consider the importance of grounding our identities in Christ.

We are pleased to offer three copies of Justin’s book, Who Am I and What Am I Doing with My Life?, to our listeners, thanks to the generosity of The Good Book Company. Enter here to win.

Today, Carl and Todd engage in a thoughtful conversation about the importance of devotional reading in the Christian life, sharing their personal experiences and recommending various devotional books that have enriched their spiritual journeys. 

Devotional reading can be tremendously encouraging and helpful for your daily walk with Christ. – Todd Pruitt

From the Psalms to the writings of Charles Spurgeon and Matthew Henry, this episode emphasizes the value of structured devotional practices to deepen one's relationship with God. Tune in for insights and recommendations that could transform your quiet time with the Lord! And don’t forget to check the Show Notes below for a complete listing of the titles recommended by Carl and Todd.  

We are pleased to offer three copies of Prayers of the Bible: 366 Devotionals to Encourage Your Prayer Life by Gordon Keddie to our listeners, thanks to the generosity of Crown and Covenant Publishers. Enter here to win.

 

Show Notes:

Recommended Devotional Reading:

Spurgeon & the Psalms, Thomas Nelson Publishing

Reading the Psalms with Luther, Concordia Publishing House

The Valley of Vision, Banner of Truth

The Book of Common Prayer (other online versions available)

Prayers of the Bible by Gordon Keddie, Crown and Covenant Publications

The Pastor in Prayer: A Collection of the Sunday Morning Prayers of Charles Spurgeon, Banner of Truth

Matthew Henry’s A Method for Prayer (or sign up for the daily online devotional email here)

Glorifying and Enjoying God by William Boekestein, Jonathan Landry Cruse & Andrew Miller, Reformation Heritage Books

Daily Doctrine: A One-Year Guide to Systematic Theology by Kevin DeYoung, Crossway Books

Kevin DeYoung is back on Mortification of Spin, this time to discuss his new book, Church History for Everyone, Volume 1, with Todd and Carl. Together, the three amigos delve into the importance of understanding Church history, exploring its relevance to modern Christianity, and the rich narratives that shape our faith. 

This is our family history. It's important to know our family history. –Kevin DeYoung

With humor and insight, the conversation touches on various historical figures, the significance of monasticism, and the lessons that can be drawn from both the celebrated and the flawed characters of our past. Join us for this enlightening journey through the annals of Christian history!

We are pleased to offer three copies of Kevin’s book, Church History for Everyone, Volume 1, to our listeners, thanks to the generosity of Crossway Books. Enter here to win.

 

Show Notes:

Church History for Everyone by Kevin DeYoung

In this episode of Mortification of Spin, Todd and Carl welcome back Neil Shenvi and Patrick Sawyer to discuss their new book, Post Woke: Asserting a Biblical Vision of Race, Gender, and Sexuality. A follow up to their earlier book, Critical Dilemma, Neil and Pat wrote Post Woke to help Christians understand how ideas drawn from critical theory have shaped cultural conversations and practices that are in direct conflict with a Christian worldview.  

"We wanted to point Christians to embracing a fully orbed, deep understanding of race, gender and sexuality from the Bible's perspective."

They delve into the implications of critical theory within the Church and explore how Christians can navigate the complexities of race, gender, and sexuality through a biblical lens. With insights on the current cultural climate and the ongoing influence of wokeness, this conversation is both timely and essential for anyone seeking to understand and respond to these pressing issues.

We are pleased to award three copies of Post Woke to our listeners, thanks to the generosity of Harvest Apologetics. Congratulations to Shari D. from East Haddam, CT, Barbara W. from San Antonio, TX, and Mark C. from Ovieda, FL!

 

Show Notes:

Post Woke by Neil Shenvi and Patrick Sawyer: https://www.harvestapologetics.com/books/post-woke/

Critical Dilemma by Neil Shenvi and Patrick Sawyer: https://criticaldilemma.com/

Carl and Todd welcome Chris Castaldo back to the podcast to shed some light on the apparent trend of young evangelicals converting to Roman Catholicism. Chris, lead pastor of New Covenant Church in Naperville, Illinois, and author of Why Do Protestants Convert?, has some excellent insights into this movement. Together they explore the factors influencing this shift, including the appeal of liturgy, historical rootedness, and the search for intellectual depth in faith. 

We do hear people talking about a desire for more textured liturgy, more historical rootedness, you know, a personal faith that is embodied. – Chris Castaldo

Tune in for insights on how pastors can better equip their congregations to understand these dynamics and build and maintain a strong foundation in their churches.

We are pleased to award a copy of Chris Castaldo’s book, Why Do Protestants Convert?, to one of our listeners, thanks to the generosity of Davenant Publishing. Congratulations to Stephen C. from Georgetown, TX!

 

Show Notes:

Chris Castaldo’s Substack: https://chriscastaldo.substack.com/

Article by Chris:

https://chriscastaldo.substack.com/p/what-mamaw-knew?utm_source=activity_item

Article about conversions in other countries: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2026/04/23/catholicism-has-lost-people-to-religious-switching-in-many-countries-while-protestantism-has-gained-in-some/

Why Do Protestants Convert? https://davenantinstitute.org/davenant-press/why-do-protestants-convert/