Libsyn Directory

The U.S. Constitution - Static or Living

Release Date: 01/10/2024

Principle Perspective with Mike Winther

In Christianity, there is a lot of discussion about end times, tribulation, rapture, and similar topics. Mike Winther addresses end times views found in the Bible. The modern church holds different views compared to the traditional perspectives. In this episode, Mike argues in favor of the traditional view rather than the modern interpretation of the end times. He also emphasizes that this topic is not an absolute necessity of the Christian faith. True and honest Christians disagree about the end times and even about what the Bible says regarding them. As believers, this is a subject on which...

Biblical Principles of Government (10a)

Principle Perspective with Mike Winther

In this session, Mike Winther discusses government, relativism, and absolute truth. He talks about how the modern educational system teaches relativism instead of absolute truth. A significant part of the modern world's conflict centers on the debate over the existence of absolute truth. The message of this class is that absolute truths do exist, and there may be more of them than we initially thought. In the first week of this lecture series, Mike explored the proper role of government. The core assumption is that there is a proper role for government, as well as improper roles. We should...

Biblical Principles of Government (9b)

Principle Perspective with Mike Winther

In this ongoing discussion of Biblical Principles of Government, Mike Winther talks about the ongoing battle over history. He begins with a tribute to King Massasoit and explains how the pilgrims bought land from the Native Americans. This tribute eventually evolved into a plaque commemorating the conflict between the pilgrims and the Native Americans, highlighting two different narratives. There is a battle over history. We learn about some interesting aspects of English and early American history from the pilgrims, legal scholars, and early church leaders. Mike emphasizes that in order to...

Biblical Principles of Government (9a)

Principle Perspective with Mike Winther

Mike Winther continues his discussion on Biblical Principles of Government. This episode will focus on history, but he begins the lecture by highlighting two key solutions to our problems: the political solution and the educational solution. All of our efforts to change the world can be divided into these two categories. We either try to change society politically or through education. Unfortunately, we often concentrate all our efforts on the political solution, when focusing on education is the real answer. Spending just one-tenth of what is spent on political campaigns on biblical...

Biblical Principles of Government (8b)

Principle Perspective with Mike Winther

Mike Winther continues his valuable teaching on economics, government, and history in section 8a of his Biblical Principles of Government course. Have you ever wondered how an economy grows? Mike begins by discussing growth, inflation, and increasing the money supply, answering these questions using his ongoing small island economy example. He also addresses incentives to invest and explains how market downturns are less severe when people have substantial savings. Additionally, we learn why a fixed economy would benefit more individuals. After covering economic topics, Mike shifts his focus...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

More Episodes

There was a time in our recent history when two people having a dispute could change another’s mind, by convincing them that what they were proposing was unconstitutional. People respected and obeyed the Constitution. Mike Winther discusses the U.S. Constitution and whether it is a static or living document.

He talks about common problems with current understanding of the Constitution including not knowing what it says, not understanding what it says, or just not caring what it says. He also dives into Constitutional learning. He weaves in current opinion and always goes back to a biblical and scriptural basis for having a principled perspective.

You’ll Learn:

[00:36] Three problems with the American understanding of the Constitution today. 1. Most Americans don't know what the Constitution says. 2. Those that know what it says don't know how to properly interpret it. 3. Then there are those who know what it says and know what it means, but don't agree with it.
[01:15] Decades ago it was very common for most people to support the Constitution.
[01:59] Constitutional learning. The Constitutional law class. This teaches what the courts think about the Constitution.
[03:10] Teaching about the mechanics of the Constitution can be more valuable than Constitutional law. Understanding the principles the Constitution is based on is even more valuable.
[04:09] Philosophies of the Constitution. The original intent. We should maintain the document as it was intended by the founders. This is also called the strict constructionist view.
[05:02] The living breathing document view says that the Constitution needs to be a living and evolving document.
[07:51] How evolutionary theory affects our law and our Constitution.
[10:02] We need to train our kids about the biblical sources of principles. We need to get away from labels and look at the heart of the issue.
[12:36] The source of anything determines its use.
[18:33] There is no discipline more God ordained in the Bible than the civil government.
[19:29] America was unique in identifying that rights come from God.
[25:11] In ancient times authority came from God to Moses to the judges.
[28:43] The better way to govern is to give a list of what can be done or enumerated powers.
[34:02] The Founding Fathers believed that man is corruptible and wanted decentralized power.
[37:02] The states created the federal government, not the other way around.
[39:26] The states granted the government enumerated powers.
[40:56] The states are the source of the Constitution and the ultimate arbiter of power.

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