Mortification of Spin

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.

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

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/

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/

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/