Principle Perspective with Mike Winther 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 education could significantly influence the outlooks of future generations. Mike also emphasizes the importance of reading physical books, underlining, and bookmarking the best passages.

Mike kicks off the history portion by breaking down the etymology of the word "history." He discusses how history is important to God and uses the Bible as an example. Mike then explores the six philosophical views of history that shape how people perceive it. We learn that history is the study of the consequences of ideas. Mike strives to make history interesting and ties it back to the Biblical Principles we cherish.

You’ll Learn:
[01:02] The political and educational solutions to our problems. We either try to change society politically or through education. [01:41] Sometimes we get our focus wrong and put all of our effort on the political solution and neglect education. [05:32] If we spent 1/10 of what is spent on political campaigns on education and teaching High School students this course, it would change society. [12:16] Mike talks about the importance of reading and how we all need to be readers. [16:06] History and the etymology of the word. His story or the working out of God's story. [19:15] History is important to God. Just try to find a book in the Bible that isn't about history. [19:44] Psalm 78 and Joshua 4 and Judges 5 and the New Testament. [22:23] Mike talks about the six philosophical views of history that frame how people view history. [23:15] The state of society, good or bad. Early time and later time. This charts the views of History. [23:46] 1. The random view of History. Things are sometimes better and sometimes worse. [24:13] 2. The pendulum view of History where we swing from one extreme to another. [24:51] 3. The evolutionary progress view. This is where everything evolves over time and gets better. [25:39] The first three views of history are atheist or agnostic. The next three are compatible with Christianity. [25:41] He also talks about what all Christians agree on. [27:13] 4. The pessimistic view. Things get worse and worse until the second coming. [27:46] 5. The neutral view. We're not getting more or less righteous, things just vacillate back and forth. [28:08] 6. The optimistic view. Over time, the church has more influence, and the level of righteousness improves. [28:46] Psalm 110 [36:37] History is simply the study of the consequences of ideas. It gets exciting when you think about the stuff that really happened. [37:48] The Magna Carta was the first time a king was seriously challenged. [38:36] The Great Charter was the start of a multi-millennial challenge to the power of the king. [39:46] Mike shares the history before the landing of the Mayflower. [40:30] The Gutenberg Bible gave more people access to read God's word.  [42:28] Separatists were people who were tired of the Church of England and were separating. The Puritans were trying to purify and solve all the flaws. [43:11] The pilgrims lived in Holland before they came to Plymouth. John Robinson preached all of God's words.  [44:14] The number one reason they left Holland was because their children were too influenced by the secular nature of Holland. The fifth reason was to evangelize the natives of North America. [48:20] The Mayflower Compact. The first constitution in the US. [51:51] The providential view of history says that Providence or God in

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 to education.

He explores the biblical view of whom we teach and how we teach. He also shares concepts both inside and outside the Overton window, the differences between Puritans and separatists, what parents know about teachers, and many other intriguing ideas and examples. As usual, this lecture is as relevant today as it was when it was first recorded.
You’ll Learn:
[00:41] If we didn't have inflation or the money supply increased, how would the economy grow? [00:55] Thinking the economy can't grow without inflation is a Keynesian philosophy. [01:06] Mike goes back to the island example to illustrate his point.  [02:18] He talks about how the value of money can increase and help retirees and all of us with a motivation to save and invest. [04:20] Education. Deuteronomy 6:4 [05:47] Who gets education? Who do we educate? How do we educate? [07:28] Mike shares concepts outside the Overton window. [10:04] He talks about Puritan versus separatist. [14:35] kids learn to read and write to properly decipher the word of God. [19:16] What do parents know about their children's teachers?  [21:43]  In 1831, Tocqueville said that it's rare to find a student who hasn't had teaching about the Constitution of the United States. There also weren't government schools. [27:06] Mike talks about the State having more authority over our children's education. The idea of switching the Overton window from private to public education. [33:38] What we teach our kids in high school matters because it affects what they believe later on when they become adults and start deciding for themselves. [34:38] We need to look at education and ask what the ideal should be. [35:25] It should be an ideal that the education of our kids is Christian and private. [38:32] When you put the word state in a school it means it's a government school. [38:54] Why is our educational system feeling? Socialism and communism. What it teaches.  [39:38] Mike shares quotes by Martin Luther. [40:24] AA Hodge quotes on government education.  [41:48] Strategy: Decrease public education. Increase private education. Don't fund the enemy. Vote down the school bond issues. We need to fund good ideas. Educate yourself. Educate others. Your Resources: Books to browse Biblical Principles of Government (1a) Biblical Principles of Government (1b) Biblical Principles of Government (2a) Biblical Principles of Government (2b) Biblical Principles of Government (3a) Biblical Principles of Government (3b) Biblical Principles of Government (4a) Biblical Principles of Government (4b) Biblical Principles of Government (5a) Biblical Principles of Government (5b) Biblical Principles of Government (6a) Biblical Principles of Government (6a) Biblical Principles of Government (7a) Biblical Principles of Government (7b) Biblical Principles of Government (8a)

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 highlight why it matters and what actions you may want to take.
You’ll Learn:
[00:52] Does the stuff that we've been talking about matter?  [01:19] For a lot of Christians, the stuff doesn't matter. [01:37] If the answer is yes, what are you going to do? [02:11] Matthew 10:16 [05:57] Mike makes a chart with two extremes like 0% government and 100% government. He also makes a chart with philosophical positions and the number of people with those views. [08:15] With extreme positions the vast majority of our population will fall in the middle of a bell curve. [13:05] His chart shows how candidates move towards the middle majority in a way that makes the two political parties similar.  [15:29] Political parties and candidates will try to position their beliefs and what they tell you as close to the hump in the bell curve as possible. [17:53] The political solutions in America actually aren't political solutions. We're not going to change America at the voting booth. [19:15] We need to move up by educating people and changing hearts and minds. [21:55] The dialectic is a philosophy or explanation of how history works. [23:19] The thesis and antithesis do battle. Neither side wins but there is a blending. [29:33] The real victory goes to the bold.  [33:52] Every issue has unthinkables on both sides. [37:00] If you want to persuade someone, you need to ask whether they're in the Overton window. [37:32] The public opinion bubble. The concept of the dialectic. The concept of the Overton window. These are three accurate ways of analyzing how change happens in society. [38:34] America is as America thinks. [40:44] Hearing policy options over and over will move someone's Overton window. [42:57] Sharing ideas is the start to shifting public opinion. [43:06] How do we move the population bubble? How do we do these things to change the course of civilization? [44:09] Number one thing is we need God's help. Promote truth and a Biblical perspective. [44:32] You don't need immediate results. Go for the long haul. You can accomplish a lot if you don't care who gets the credit. [48:44] The elections are just the fuel gauge.  
Your Resources: Books to browse Biblical Principles of Government (1a) Biblical Principles of Government (1b) Biblical Principles of Government (2a) Biblical Principles of Government (2b) Biblical Principles of Government (3a) Biblical Principles of Government (3b) Biblical Principles of Government (4a) Biblical Principles of Government (4b) Biblical Principles of Government (5a) Biblical Principles of Government (5b) Biblical Principles of Government (6a) Biblical Principles of Government (6a) Biblical Principles of Government (7a) Biblical Principles of Government (7b)

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 church's role in charitable work. He references passages from "Bringing in the Sheaves" while discussing the ongoing struggle against poverty. Additionally, he touches on the enumerated powers of the federal government and how states contribute to defining these powers. Ultimately, he brings all his teachings back to biblical principles, emphasizing their importance over government policies.
You’ll Learn:
[00:41] James 1:26 talks about pure and faultless religion and caring for widows and orphans. 1st Timothy 6:17 talks about the same.  [02:44] The idea of being willing to share is God's plan. [03:04] 2nd Thessalonians 3:10. If man will not work, he shall not eat. [04:23] 1st Timothy 5:7 is about providing for your relatives. [05:00] God's safety net is you work, and you take care of your family. [05:34] There are three layers to God's "safety net" including individual hard work, family, and the church. [06:22] Ezekiel 16:29 The first sin is not helping the needy. [07:39] Taking care of the poor and needy is a Christian mandate. [07:54] Charity. 1. Giving to those with real need. 2. Giving voluntarily. 3. Giving out of love. [09:37] If Christians do charity correctly, Jesus and the church get the credit. [12:02] Institutions and mechanisms for charity. Self-reliance. Family. Church. Other voluntary non-Christian organizations. [13:00] Who gets charity? The widow, orphan, alien, and disabled. [13:50] Charity should be voluntary, local, and glorifying to God. [16:23] The war on the poor. LBJ declared a war on poverty in the 1960s. The alm's race had begun. [20:10] Presidents suggest spending Congress approves the budget. We can't collectively lump all the spending in one group or another. [22:54] The Deacon role is to take care of the Widow, orphan, and alien. [24:16] The states enumerate powers that they gave to the federal government. [26:48] Davy Crockett was a member of the US House of Representatives. [34:12] Redistribution frequently takes from people who are worse off than the ones getting the distribution. [37:25] The power of the truth of Christianity. [40:02] Providing charity is a difficult task. [42:05] The concepts of this class build each week and weave together like a fabric. [49:00] There's a battle over who provides the charity. As a church, we need to contend with that. Your Resources: Books to browse Biblical Principles of Government (1a) Biblical Principles of Government (1b) Biblical Principles of Government (2a) Biblical Principles of Government (2b) Biblical Principles of Government (3a) Biblical Principles of Government (3b) Biblical Principles of Government (4a) Biblical Principles of Government (4b) Biblical Principles of Government (5a) Biblical Principles of Government (5b) Biblical Principles of Government (6a) Biblical Principles of Government (6a) Biblical Principles of Government (7a) Bringing in the Sheaves

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 learn how inflation lowers the standard of living and serves as another means of wealth redistribution. The discussion also covers the influence of the wealthy and the pivotal meeting at Jekyll Island that led to the establishment of the Federal Reserve. Often, the solutions we devise are part of the problem itself. We further explore how inflation negatively impacts savings.

You’ll Learn:
[01:03] What happens when we increase the money supply? 
[02:34] Inflation reduces our standard of living and is another method of redistribution of wealth.
[03:16] Inflation is a hidden tax and even a moral evil.
[09:08] Mike talks about the private rail car taking the wealthy men who established the Federal Reserve to Jekyll Island. This gives monopoly control over our currency and interest rates to the semi-public semi-private institution.
[10:41] The Federal Reserve Act was sold as something to help the little guy. It actually did just the opposite.
[12:55] Mike talks about campaign finance reforms and how they backfired. It led to longer terms of office for the incumbents.
[16:17] Mike shares a hypothetical scenario that compares kids stealing a widows savings to losing savings when inflation is higher than interest rates. 
[18:14] We have an ethical obligation to do something when we know an evil is occurring.
[21:01] Mike talks about how the government finances deficits. Methods include bonds, borrowing from foreign investors, and having the Federal Reserve create money in exchange for a bond.
[26:14] Debt is a bad thing. 
[27:21] There's a battle over the size of the government. 
[28:08] When people's safety feels threatened they allow the government to get bigger. We also expand government to help the poor.
[29:09] Who gets charity? Who gives charity? What are the standards for charity? 
[30:03] Deuteronomy 10:17 through 19. Deuteronomy 14:28. Deuteronomy 24:19.
[38:10] The practical applications of this course are going to multiply. It's always a good idea to look at principles.
[42:26] Should we be forced to pay for someone else's education against our will?
[46:30] Is there a right to freedom of movement? What are the circumstances where you could legitimately reject someone from coming here?
[46:57] Individualism says the individual is most important. Collectivism says the group is most important.
 
Your Resources: Books to browse
Biblical Principles of Government (1a)
Biblical Principles of Government (1b)
Biblical Principles of Government (2a)
Biblical Principles of Government (2b)
Biblical Principles of Government (3a)
Biblical Principles of Government (3b)
Biblical Principles of Government (4a)
Biblical Principles of Government (4b)
Biblical Principles of Government (5a)
Biblical Principles of Government (5b)
Biblical Principles of Government (6a)
Biblical Principles of Government (6a)
The Creature from Jekyll Island

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 of loan bundles led to the ultimate collapse, emphasizing that government control over the economy tends to exaggerate normal economic fluctuations. Mike explains why Keynesian economics exacerbates inflationary periods.

The episode also explores the pitfalls of government banking systems and discusses why these issues should be of concern from a Christian perspective. Mike further analyzes economic principles such as supply and demand before shifting focus to healthcare. He describes how government actions increased demand and how third-party payers escalated spending. We also learn Mike’s solutions to these problems, consistently linking back to a biblical viewpoint.

You’ll Learn:
[00:50] In 2007 and 2008, the price of real estate was escalating rapidly. Interest rates were low and people were refinancing and taking cash out.
[01:44] Whenever there's an economic problem, there's a battle between those who want big government and those who want small government.
[02:01] Dropping interest rates and more people can buy. Rates kept dropping. They were manipulating interest rates or the price of money.
[04:58] In free markets, interest rates go up and down and draw money in and out of banks. It balances the economy.
[08:41] Why were lenders making bad lending decisions? An example. 
[14:37] Why 0% interest rates contribute to bad loans.
[16:54] When rates drop, people buy more houses. When people stop buying, the economy begins to slow.
[17:57] When people with high debt were unable to pay their loans, it began a chain reaction.
[18:34] Keynesian economics makes the trenches deeper and the inflationary periods worse.
[20:37] Mike talks about government required reserve ratios for banks and the government taking over banks. 
[23:33] Mike breaks down supply and demand and how prices work.
[24:52] If healthcare prices are going up, demand is exceeding supply.
[26:05] How the government limits the supply of doctors in America.
[28:42] We have a scarcity of doctors, and they are working more hours.
[29:30] Medicaid passed in 1967 or 1968. Demand went up and prices increased. Medicare was also passed.
[32:20] When there's a third party payer, we're never as cautious about how we spend the money.
[33:55] Insurance only makes sense, when we insure the unlikely.
[36:34] The number of people hired for ObamaCare was greater than the number of doctors and nurses in America.
[37:33] We need more people to buy their own insurance. 
[40:21] Mike shares another example.
 
Your Resources: Books to browse
Biblical Principles of Government (1a)
Biblical Principles of Government (1b)
Biblical Principles of Government (2a)
Biblical Principles of Government (2b)
Biblical Principles of Government (3a)
Biblical Principles of Government (3b)
Biblical Principles of Government (4a)
Biblical Principles of Government (4b)
Biblical Principles of Government (5a)
Biblical Principles of Government (5b)
Biblical Principles of Government (6a)