Richard Dawkins is not respected even by fellow atheists as a philosopher of religion. Atheist philosopher Michael Ruse says The God Delusion "makes me ashamed to be an atheist."

Setting up Dawkins' credibility before addressing his arguments

The Free Thinking Argument: if naturalism is true, humans cannot freely think; but humans can freely think; therefore naturalism is false — and the best explanation is the biblical God.

Introduction to interview with Dr. Tim Stratton on the argument from free will for God's existence

Overview: Mark 11:22-25 is the #1 Word of Faith verse. Winger approaches it by sidebaring the Kenneth Copeland debate to first understand the passage in its original context, then apply it.

Introduction to Mark Series pt 43 on prayer, faith, and Mark 11:22-25

Mark 11:27-33 reveals a striking parallel between the Sanhedrin's authority claims and modern Roman Catholic magisterial claims — not as a "hypocrite" jab, but as a pattern Jesus addresses.

Introduction to Mark Series pt 44 on authority, the Sanhedrin, and Roman Catholicism

The Parable of the Vineyard (Mark 12:1-12) is Jesus's most backhanded parable — told directly to the Sanhedrin, predicting they'll reject and kill God's Son, be destroyed, and be replaced. They know it's about them but can't use it in court.

Introduction and overview of Mark 12:1-12

Mark 12:13-17 ("Render to Caesar") is one of the most political NT passages — the Pharisees and Herodians try to trap Jesus with a question about the poll tax, and Jesus's answer gives principles for Christian politics.

Introduction to Mark Series pt 47 on the tribute to Caesar

A controversy exists in NT scholarship over whether gospel authors used "literary devices" from Greco-Roman biography that allowed them to change facts. Dr. Lydia McGrew argues against this; Mike Licona argues for it.

Introduction to the literary devices controversy with Dr. Lydia McGrew

The Mirror Bible by François Du Toit is the worst Bible translation Winger has ever seen — not just inaccurate but anti-gospel, inverting Scripture to teach that humans are already divine and don't need to be born again.

Introduction to review of the Mirror Bible translation

Overview: Interview with Neil Shenvi on Critical Race Theory. The culture has real racism problems, but CRT distorts the problem and offers solutions that create more injustice. The goal is to think biblically, not politically.

Introduction to CRT discussion with Neil Shenvi

Penal substitutionary atonement (PSA) is under attack by influential figures who call it "cosmic child abuse" and "pagan." Isaiah 53 is the key passage they avoid. Winger builds the case that Isaiah 53 clearly teaches PSA.

Introduction to the penal substitutionary atonement series focusing on Isaiah 53

Progressive Christians are the modern counterpart of the Sadducees — not atheists, but religious liberals who call themselves Christians while rejecting resurrection, judgment, hell, the supernatural, and biblical authority.

Introduction to Mark Series pt 48 on the Sadducees and progressive Christianity

Mark 12:38-44 is Jesus's warning about fake spirituality in leadership and money-grubbing preachers, paired with the widow's offering showing what genuine sacrificial giving looks like. This is a pervasive, ongoing danger.

Introduction to Mark Series pt 51 on the scribes and the widow's mite

Mark 13:5-13 lists things that are NOT signs of Jesus's second coming — wars, earthquakes, pandemics, famines. Jesus is expressly warning against premature messianic expectations, but Christians consistently misuse these verses as signs.

Introduction to Mark 13:1-13 on things that are NOT signs of the end

Re-Introduction

Q&A question

Can we Only Attend Smaller Groups?: I’m an introvert and have never felt comfortable at large Bible studies with people I don’t know. Do I have to enjoy large group studies? Is it OK to stick to small studies with one or two others?

Q&A question: Can we Only Attend Smaller Groups?

Comparing Paul & Joseph Smith: Compared with Paul, is Joseph Smith such a novelty? E.g., they both had a vision of Jesus only they reported on, introduced new teachings, weren’t prophesied of by Jesus, and were martyred as result of ministry.

Q&A question: Comparing Paul & Joseph Smith

Fellowshipping as an Introvert: I am worried that being an introvert is keeping me from congregating in the church. Does this mean that I'm truly not saved? Where is the joy that I'm supposed to have in the Lord? Please help.

Q&A question: Fellowshipping as an Introvert

Led by the Spirit vs. our Own Feelings: My mom changed her name recently. She felt God was giving her a new name. She often feels led by the Spirit where I don't agree. Any advice for those times, and should I introduce her by new name?

Q&A question: Led by the Spirit vs. our Own Feelings

Did Jonah Actually Die?: Did Jonah die? I was introduced to this theory by social media and was surprised to see a lot of people think he died and was risen based off of Jonah 2:1-6, Jewish tradition, and The Sign of Jonah.

Q&A question: Did Jonah Actually Die?

Introduction & Overview

The abomination of desolation is one of the hardest passages in the entire gospel of Mark, touching on eschatology, Daniel's prophecy, and whether its fulfillment is past (70 AD) or future. Winger introduces a futurist position while acknowledging in-house Christian disagreement.

Intro to Mark 13:14-23 study; sets up the interpretive stakes

The claim that Jesus was never buried in a known tomb (made by scholars like Bart Ehrman) is a minority position that, if true, would undercut the empty tomb argument for the resurrection. Winger's goal is to show the burial is historically well-supported and that Ehrman's case relies on selective use of sources.

Why the burial of Jesus matters for the resurrection argument; Ehrman's challenge introduced

Apologetics — rigorously engaging the hard questions of the Christian faith — saved Winger's own faith when he was seriously doubting in his 20s. His guest Jonathan Mclatchie makes the case for a "maximal data argument" for the resurrection, as opposed to the more common "minimal facts" approach, arguing it is more compelling because it involves far more lines of evidence.

Introduction: apologetics as faith-saving; maximal vs. minimal facts approach to the resurrection