Mortification of Spin

Today, Todd and Carl welcome back theology professor N. Gray Sutanto to the podcast. They discuss the profound contributions of Herman Bavinck, drawing on the new book, The Essential Herman Bavinck: A Reader and Commentary, to which Gray contributed. The conversation delves into Bavinck's legacy, his approach to engaging with contemporary issues, and the relevance of his theological insights in today's pluralistic society. 

Bavinck was trying to not only capture but also transmit the scholastic reform orthodox tradition for the modern age. – Gray Sutanto

From Bavinck's thoughts on the interplay between faith and science to his vision for Christian engagement in public life, this conversation is rich with insights for anyone interested in Reformed theology and its application in the modern world.

If you're like me, and if you've worked your way through the multi-volume dogmatics that Bavinck wrote, something like this could be very helpful for you. – Todd Pruitt

If you’d like to get a copy of The Essential Herman Bavinck for your library, Baker Publishing Group is generously offering Mortification of Spin listeners 40% off and free shipping from July 29 to August 31, 2026! To get your copy, click this link and enter the code ACEBAVINCK at checkout! US Residents only.

Today, our listeners ask the questions, and our fearless hosts, Carl and Todd, have the answers. From the debate on church security measures to the topic of compassion fatigue among pastors, they tackle a variety of subjects that resonate with our audience. They even engage in a humorous discussion about the implications of discovering alien life and its potential impact on faith. Join Carl and Todd for some serious reflection mixed with a little humor – you know, the usual.

Carl and Todd engage in a heartfelt conversation with Leigh Fitzpatrick Snead, author of Infertile but Fruitful: Finding Fulfillment When You Can't Conceive. Leigh shares her personal journey through infertility and adoption, offering insights into the emotional struggles faced by couples yearning for children. Knowing that those suffering from infertility too often do so in silence, isolation, and even shame, Leigh wrote her book with a desire to encourage couples who are struggling with these issues.

I wanted people to feel... not to feel alone. – Leigh Snead

The discussion also delves into broader bioethical issues surrounding marriage, procreation, and the importance of understanding infertility from a compassionate perspective. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of family, faith, and hope.

Thanks to the generosity of Sophia Institute Press, we are pleased to offer three copies of Leigh’s book to our listeners. Enter here to win. 

 

Show Notes:

Leigh Snead’s website: https://leighfitzpatricksnead.com/about/

Carter Snead’s book on bioethics: What It Means To Be Human

Some fight to recover Christian culture; others abandon any hope of transforming culture. Both mindsets are at odds with the early church. The apostles weren't seeking to convert cultures but people, because God's Word cultivates its own culture--the culture of the Word. When the Word is sown, the culture is grown. 

Carl and Todd sit down with returning guests, Harold Senkbeil and Lucas Woodford, to discuss their latest book, The Culture of God's Word: Faithful Ministry in a Post-Christian Society. They explore the necessity of a biblically-rooted approach to ministry amidst a rapidly changing cultural landscape, emphasizing the importance of Scripture over contextualization. 

If evangelism is only about contextualization, then you don’t need the Word of God. – Lucas Woodford

Join us as we delve into the dynamics of preaching, the centrality of worship, and the necessity of a stubborn commitment to proclaim God's Word. 

Thanks to the generosity of Lexham Press, we are pleased to award three listeners a copy of Harold and Lucas’s book, The Culture of God’s Word. Congratulations to Isaac S. from Crittenden, KY, Diane T. from Muncy, PA, and Jane M. from Rockland, ME!

 

Show Notes:

Books referenced:

The Care of Souls by Harold Senkbeil

Pastoral Leadership for the Care of Souls by Harold Senkbeil

The Desecration of Man by Carl Trueman

Wonderfully Made by John Kleinig

In this thought-provoking episode of Mortification of Spin, hosts Todd and Carl engage in a critical conversation about Israel, the Jewish people, and the rising tide of anti-Semitism. They explore the historical context of anti-Semitic sentiments, the troubling connections to certain movements, and the theological perspectives surrounding the future of the Jewish people as indicated in Scripture. 

We need to treat Jewish unbelievers the same way we treat Gentile unbelievers. They need Jesus and they need to be evangelized. – Todd Pruitt

Tune in for a nuanced examination of a complex issue that is more relevant than ever.

 

Show Notes:

Christian Witness to Israel:  CWINA.org/publications