Biblical Principles of Government (8a)
Principle Perspective with Mike Winther
As Mike Winther continues his Biblical Principles of Government series, we'll explore practical components about how the world works while increasing our intellectual inquiry. All of this is so we can gain a better understanding of how we can make a difference. He kicks off the show by discussing whether the topics covered in the series really matter. For many Christians, they don't. Everything is already seen as a foregone conclusion. This is a view that people have held since the second century AD. If your answer is yes, this matters, then what are you going to do? This lecture will...
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Biblical Principles of Government (7b)
Principle Perspective with Mike Winther
Mike Winther continues his conversation from last week about charity, highlighting God's plan for generosity and the importance of sharing. He differentiates between God's model of voluntary charity and the concept of forced charity, such as Marxism, which he claims is not genuine charity. He compares the government's approach to God's model, beginning the episode by referencing scriptural passages that outline God's vision. Mike also examines God's "safety net," which includes working, helping one's family, and seeking support from the church. Another critical topic he dives into is the...
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Biblical Principles of Government (7a)
Principle Perspective with Mike Winther
In this discussion, Mike Winther explores the significant topic of charity. Mike approaches this subject with caution to ensure that our actions align not only with our intentions but also with what God intends. He discusses the arguments for both large and small government structures, highlighting two main reasons why government expansion occurs. Mike examines what the Bible says about charity and assisting the poor, and he contrasts God’s model of charity with that of Karl Marx. Additionally, Mike addresses the issue of inflation, the increase in the money supply, and rising prices. We...
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Biblical Principles of Government (6b)
Principle Perspective with Mike Winther
This episode of the series begins by discussing the 2007 and 2008 housing bubble, a topic that remains highly relevant today. During that period, prices were skyrocketing and interest rates were low, leading people to refinance and sink deeper into debt. When the collapse occurred, proponents of big government blamed the free market and called for increased regulation. Mike dives into the causes of this housing bubble, highlighting the manipulation of interest rates, the pricing of money, and the economic stimulation by the Federal Reserve. He discusses how low interest rates and the selling...
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Biblical Principles of Government (6a)
Principle Perspective with Mike Winther
Mike Winther kicks off Section 6a of "Biblical Principles of Government" with a poignant quote from Thomas Jefferson: "It's strangely absurd to suppose that a million human beings collected together are not under the same moral laws which bind each of them separately." This assertion underlines the principle of The Collective Application of God's Commands. Mike dives into the concepts of individualism and collectivism, explaining individualism as dealing with individuals, whereas collectivism addresses the group as a whole. He highlights the role of government as a collective entity that...
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Biblical Principles of Government (5b)
Principle Perspective with Mike Winther
Last week, Mike Winther discussed the biblical view of property, the definition of property, and the question of whether private property should even exist. Throughout this series of lectures, he has been using the example of an island to illustrate each concept. Today, we return to the island to vote on redistributing money from the island's wealthy family to its poorer counterpart. In essence, our island has adopted a somewhat socialist approach, redistributing wealth from the rich to the poor. This change necessitates the introduction of an IRS agent and a social worker, leading to...
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Biblical Principles of Government (5a)
Principle Perspective with Mike Winther
In the words of Samuel Adams, one of the fathers of the American Revolution, The natural rights of the colonists are these: first, a right to life; secondly, to liberty; thirdly, to property; and lastly, to support and defend them in the best manner they can. Our journey began with the theme of origins, followed by the theme of nature. Tonight, we turn our attention to property. We will explore the biblical view of property, define what property is, discuss how we manage property, and debate whether private property should exist. We dive into the multifaceted concept of property through a...
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Biblical Principles of Government (4b)
Principle Perspective with Mike Winther
In this section of Mike Winther’s class on Biblical Principles of Government. Mike dives into economics with the goal of making economics useful to us. We explore the strategies communist leader Khrushchev purportedly advocated for undermining our economy through the gradual introduction of socialism. Mike emphasizes how societal readiness for change often emerges from discontent with the current state of affairs, suggesting that instigating dissatisfaction is a precursor to change. The lecture covers both microeconomics and macroeconomics, with Mike providing a tangible example of...
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Biblical Principles of Government (4a)
Principle Perspective with Mike Winther
Welcome to Section 4a of Mike Winther's continuing lecture series on the Biblical Principles of Government. In this segment, Mike embarks on an examination of Samuel Chapter 8, focusing on the events following the Israelites' entry into the promised land, which was preceded by a significant 40-year period of wandering in the wilderness. This period began after the Israelites sent spies to scout the land of Canaan, and, upon receiving a discouraging report, the majority chose not to trust in God’s promise. Contrarily, only two spies, Caleb and Joshua, remained optimistic and faithful to...
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Biblical Principles of Government (3b)
Principle Perspective with Mike Winther
Mike Winther continues his series of lectures on the Biblical Principles of Government. Today, we dive into the sources of authority. God is identified as a source of authority, a truth we understand through scripture. The Bible is also proposed as the foundation for authority within family governance, as well as in civil and church contexts. If God is not considered the source of authority, then who or what would fill that role? He discusses democracy and the principle of majority rule. Mike draws a distinction between large-scale (big) government and small-scale (small) government,...
info_outlineThe study of economics is often viewed as a battle between two worldviews. Proverbs 11:1 underscores this, stating, "A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight." This verse not only condemns dishonesty but also accentuates the importance of integrity. This theme is a central focus in this lecture by Mike Winther on basic economic principles.
Economics becomes particularly fascinating when viewed in the context of this larger conflict. Mike presents a perspective distinct from the common narratives on energy policy, healthcare, prices, and recession found in the news. The Bible offers solutions to our current economic challenges, and Mike discusses the benefits of understanding and embracing a biblical worldview.
You’ll Learn:
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[00:41] Proverbs 11:1 The lord abhors dishonest scales. Accurate weights are his delight.
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[01:26] We are battling between honest weights and measures and dishonest weights and measures.
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[01:47] What if you or someone you knew had the solution to America's healthcare crisis? Would it be important for society to know these solutions?
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[02:31] The Bible contains the economic solutions for all of our current problems.
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[03:35] Mike talks about why the biblical worldview isn't taught frequently enough from the pulpit.
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[07:26] Parents need to be hands on with what their kids are being taught.
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[09:52] Economics is an evangelistic field of study. Every academic discipline is a field for evangelism.
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[10:59] The invisible hand is God.
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[11:53] Economics is really the rules of the house. Economics is the study of property. It's the study of resources.
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[15:11] Are money issues moral issues?
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[16:54] Microeconomics is the study of economics related to a household or business.
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[17:23] Macroeconomics is the study of an entire economy. Economic laws and truths apply in both fields.
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[19:43] Mike talks about scarcity and supply and demand.
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[20:06] Capital is the key to the study of economics. It's the means of production. It can also be excess production.
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[22:53] Excess production is profit.
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[23:48] There are two broad economic systems in the world. There's the free market economy or laissez-faire. To be left alone or government hands off.
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[24:34] The other economic system is socialism. From each according to his ability to each according to his need. This implies a central pooling of resources.
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[25:36] The common pooling of resources is mandatory and forced.
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[27:11] Communism is a form of socialism. Karl Marx gives 10 ways on how to bring socialism to a system.
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[28:11] Eight of these points have to do with the abolition and infringement of private property.
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[31:25] The free market system is the only system compatible with God given rights.
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[36:20] Economic schools of thought. Keynesian economics is really socialist economics. It's an economic model of government control.
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[37:01] The Austrian School of economics is the purest version of free market economics.
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[40:26] Who benefits from economic transactions?
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[42:49] Money is a key concept of economics. Money is a medium of exchange, a store of value, and a unit of measurement.
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[44:16] The five important qualities of money include having intrinsic value, durability, divisibility, transportability, and scarcity.
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[49:57] Mike talks about how inflation is a form of theft.
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[52:17] Supply and demand. As prices go up, businesses supply more. A lot of people will buy an affordable product. Where supply and demand meet on the curb is where the price should be.