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Mike Winger idea 2021-04-09

The Mandela Effect cannot explain the disciples' confidence in the resurrection

Hypothetical question from Ethan Hawking about whether the Mandela Effect could account for disciples' resurrection belief.

1 Corinthians 15 1 Corinthians 15 Apologetics Burden of proof
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-09

How to evaluate scholarship that challenges traditional OT interpretation through cultural/linguistic arguments

Question from True West about scholarship that challenges OT translations and cultural understandings.

James 3:1 Galatians (uncircumcision passage) Hermeneutics James 3:1 Biblical scholarship
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-23

James 1:15 — desire conceived becomes sin; sin full-grown brings death. The passage primarily warns against blaming God for temptation and shows sin's natural progression.

Q8 from Kristen: James 1:15 says sin when full-grown "gives birth to death" — what does "death" mean for those in Christ?

James 1:13-15 Richard Carrier James 1:13-15 progressive Christianity
Mike Winger idea 2021-03-12

Responding to online skeptics who call God evil and Christianity irrational: focus on one argument, watch for dumping tactics

Q9 from Dora Ashby: Skeptics say belief in God is irrational, that Christians must approve of rape and torture, and that God is evil. How to respond?

apologetics atheism debate strategy
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-30

The faith (with definite article) refers to the body of Christian doctrine, not personal belief.

Question 1 from Tanya; Mike explains the phrase the faith in Ephesians 4.

Jude 3 1 Timothy 6:21 word study Jude 3 the faith
Mike Winger idea 2021-04-30

God physically appearing to everyone would not necessarily eliminate unbelief; unbelief is often a heart issue, not an evidence problem.

Question 8 from Amanda about why God does not appear physically and audibly to eliminate all unbelief.

Romans 1 John 5 John 1 apologetics Matt Dillahunty unbelief
Mike Winger idea 2020-01-08

Drew claims religious people invented doctrines to morally justify killing animals. John turns this around: on Drew's evolutionary morality, survival-promoting beliefs ARE morality — so religion doing this would be moral by his own framework. Also, most non-religious people eat meat too, so religion isn't the explanation.

Response to Q3 — evolutionary morality is self-defeating

animal suffering evolutionary morality
Mike Winger idea 2020-02-19

Q&A: Family members with distorted gospels — separate fellowship/church from family. 1 Peter teaches a wife should stay committed to an unbelieving husband. Family is not the same as church partnership; maintain relationship while not partnering in false ministry.

Q&A — family with distorted beliefs

1 Peter (wives and husbands) 1 Corinthians (church discipline) family vs fellowship 1 Peter (wives and husbands) 1 Corinthians (church discipline)
Mike Winger idea 2020-03-04

Q: Why can an atheist be a "better person" than a Christian? Because humans have free will. But our standard for "good person" is skewed — we judge by how someone treats us, ignoring whether they love God. Rejecting the Creator is a massive moral failure regardless of philanthropy. We evaluate select pockets while ignoring what matters most to God.

Q&A — atheists being "better" than Christians

free will free will
Mike Winger idea 2020-04-08

What to do to be saved (Romans 10:9): (1) "Believe in your heart" = intellectual belief PLUS reliance/trust (Greek pisteuo = entrust). Know the resurrection is true AND rely on Christ for salvation. (2) "Confess Jesus is Lord" = honest commitment to his authority, not just saying words. Lordship means he's your boss, king, authority. Repentance = turning from rebellion to yielding to God.

How to respond — belief and confession

Romans 10:9 repentance repentance Romans 10:9
Mike Winger idea 2020-05-06

Where McDowell agrees with Candida Moss: many Christians overstate early persecution. There wasn't official statewide persecution until 3rd-4th centuries. Moss correctly notes that many martyrdom accounts are exaggerated. But she takes the correction too far by dismissing all early persecution evidence.

Agreement with Moss — overstated persecution

Candida Moss Myth of Persecution persecution vs prosecution
Mike Winger idea 2020-05-06

The Apostles' willingness to suffer demonstrates sincerity even without formal recantation opportunities. They knew what they were signing up for: Jesus told them they'd be brought before governors and kings (Matthew 10). They watched Stephen die, John the Baptist get executed, and Jesus himself crucified. They repeatedly chose to keep preaching despite imprisonment and beatings (Acts).

Sincerity without formal recantation opportunities

Matthew 10 apostolic martyrdom Matthew 10 sincerity of apostles
Mike Winger idea 2020-08-21

Gender dysphoria: (1) it's a false belief about identity that shouldn't be fed by dressing as the opposite sex — that reinforces the delusion. (2) Our culture causes harm by affirming transgender identity instead of helping people overcome dysphoria. (3) Presenting as the opposite sex perpetrates a deception on others. (4) Overcoming it involves embracing God-given identity and challenging extreme/stereotypical views of masculinity and femininity.

Gender dysphoria — biblical response

gender dysphoria transgender identity
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-15

Argument 1 — "We're all atheists, some just go one god further" — is logically absurd. Believing in one God IS the defining difference between monotheism and atheism; it's not a minor distinction.

First argument from Dawkins: the "one less god" argument

circular reasoning atheism circular reasoning
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-15

Argument 3 — Nietzsche's "atheism is instinctual" — backfires because sociological research shows religious belief is actually natural and atheism must be trained. Also applies a double standard on evidence.

Third argument from Nietzsche: atheism as instinct

circular reasoning atheism Matt Dillahunty
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-21

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

naturalism naturalism arguments for God
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-21

Premise 3 defense: if external forces determine your beliefs, you lose justification for knowledge. You become a "bag of beliefs, none of which are up to the bag." The mad scientist thought experiment illustrates this.

Detailed defense of the most attacked premise

determinism determinism consciousness
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-21

Premise 4 is self-evident: to argue that humans CANNOT rationally infer knowledge claims is itself a rational inference — it's self-defeating. Some things are properly basic beliefs that don't require proof.

Defense of premise 4 and discussion of properly basic beliefs

Alvin Plantinga self-refuting argument properly basic beliefs
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Your part in prayer is faith, but GOD does the miracles — the power is not in your words or your belief, but in God's response. Forgiveness of others and repentance of sin are prerequisites for effective prayer.

Analysis of active/passive language in Mark 11 and the forgiveness requirement

1 Peter 3:7 Mark 11:25 Matthew 5:23-24 1 Peter 3:7 Mark 11:25 Matthew 5:23-24
Mike Winger idea 2020-09-28

Faith for miracles is different from saving faith — it's initiated by God (a spiritual gift), not fabricated by the believer. Jesus had a responsive ministry to the Father, not initiatory. You respond to what the Spirit reveals.

Theological framework: miracle-faith as God-initiated response, not self-generated belief

1 Corinthians 12:8-11 John 5:19 1 John 5:14 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 John 5:19 1 John 5:14
Mike Winger idea 2020-10-26

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

Bible translations Mirror Bible Mirror Bible
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-16

The Sadducees: no resurrection, no judgment, no afterlife, no angels/spirits; aristocratic minority of educated elites; publicly pretended to be faithful Jews while privately rejecting core beliefs. Modern progressives follow the exact same pattern.

Detailed profile of the Sadducees and their modern parallels

John Dominic Crossan Alisa Childers Josephus Josephus
Mike Winger idea 2020-11-16

Jesus agreed with the Pharisees on 4 points (supernatural worldview, resurrection, Scripture authority, messianic focus of OT) but disagreed on 3 (traditions as doctrine, authority claims, works-righteousness). Jesus agreed with the Sadducees on NOTHING.

Summary: Jesus vs. Pharisees vs. Sadducees mapped to modern groups

Roman Catholicism sola scriptura resurrection
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-04

Adam Buried Beneath where Jesus Crucified?: I heard on a program by the National Geographic that there’s a belief out there that Adam was buried beneath where Jesus was crucified. They say when Jesus died, His blood flowed down into the ground and through some cracks inside a tomb where Adam was buried, and Adam was resurrected from that. I am trying to find out where this belief even started, why it was started, and if there is any Biblical or Historical evidence to suggest that this ever happened. Have you ever heard of this, and do you know of any resources on this subject that might help me?

Q&A question: Adam Buried Beneath where Jesus Crucified?

Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-04

Should Pro-Life = Immigration Support?: Do you think that being pro-life means that I should also support immigration/refugee resettlement due to the pro-life belief that children should be taken care of regardless of circumstances?

Q&A question: Should Pro-Life = Immigration Support?

abortion
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

Witnessing to Mormon Family Members: I'm a Christian who is married to a non-practicing Mormon who still bases his beliefs on LDS doctrine. I think I want to go into apologetics (largely inspired by you), but I don't think my husband will approve. I also feel called to evangelize my Mormon in-laws, but I struggle to get past their feelings-based testimony and their beliefs about who Jesus is and salvation. Any advice on my apologetic aspirations in my specific circumstances, and on the best way to surmount these LDS hurdles?

Q&A question: Witnessing to Mormon Family Members

marriage Jesus salvation
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-11

Can we Compare Jesus & the Tree of Life?: What's your view on the comparison between Jesus and the Tree of Life? It came to me in a dream, and I googled it and found that it was exclusively an Orthodox belief.

Q&A question: Can we Compare Jesus & the Tree of Life?

Jesus
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-18

About Leaving a Church: Is it necessary to ask your church to remove your name from its records if you are leaving due to false teaching/beliefs? I wonder if that’s what God means when He says “come out of her.”

Q&A question: About Leaving a Church
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-25

Why does John and Other Passages Not Mention Repentance?: If repentance is required to be saved, why is it not mentioned in the Gospel of John and other evangelical texts like Acts 16: 31 and Romans 10? Can repentance be somewhat synonymous with belief?

Q&A question: Why does John and Other Passages Not Mention Repentance?

Romans 10 repentance Romans 10 angels
Mike Winger idea 2021-06-25

About Orthodox Beliefs: What do Orthodox Christians believe vs. Protestants? Is their doctrine as problematic as Catholic doctrine? (I heard Hank Hanegraaf converted to it.)

Q&A question: About Orthodox Beliefs

Roman Catholicism
Mike Winger idea 2021-07-30

Can Christians Attend JW Weddings?: Is it ok to attend a wedding of a Jehovah’s Witness? My colleague is a JW and she is getting married in 3 weeks. I was wondering if it’s ok for me to attend because of the belief system.

Q&A question: Can Christians Attend JW Weddings?

Jehovah's Witnesses
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-06

Difference: Doubt vs. Unbelief: What is the difference biblically between doubt & unbelief? Are either of them a sin?

Q&A question: Difference: Doubt vs. Unbelief

doubt and faith
Mike Winger idea 2021-08-06

Are Non-Believers Morally Superior?: How should I respond to the attitude of, “So-and-so is moral without a belief in God - therefore, they are better than someone who needs religion to be good”?

Q&A question: Are Non-Believers Morally Superior?
Mike Winger idea 2021-09-24

About Evidence & Belief: Imagine if someone asked you, “Would you be willing to disbelieve in God if the evidence led there?” What would your response be? Are we obligated to say yes? Does that dishonor God?

Q&A question: About Evidence & Belief

apologetics
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-08

Does Forgiveness Challenge Responsibility?: My grandma rejects Christianity because she claims relying on the forgiveness of a savior teaches us that we don’t have to be responsible for our own actions. How can I help her untangle that belief?

Q&A question: Does Forgiveness Challenge Responsibility?

forgiveness
Mike Winger idea 2021-10-29

Help with Doubts & Unbelief: How do you stop doubting that God exists or that Christianity is the true religion out of many, especially Islam? Sometimes my faith wanders from belief to unbelief. Any tips?

Q&A question: Help with Doubts & Unbelief

Islam
Mike Winger idea 2022-01-21

Overcoming Fear while Witnessing: I am currently attending a public school, and I’m wondering how I am supposed to speak the Word and truth of God when I fear that I will be shut down if I let my true beliefs be heard. Any advice?

Q&A question: Overcoming Fear while Witnessing

evangelism
Mike Winger idea 2022-03-11

Is the Trinity Clearly Taught in the OT?: Is there a reason why a doctrine as important as the Trinity isn't EXPLICITLY declared in the Old Testament, especially the Torah, seeing as belief in the second person is paramount for salvation?

Q&A question: Is the Trinity Clearly Taught in the OT?

Trinity salvation
Mike Winger idea 2022-04-08

Did David Not Understand Heaven?: In Psalm 6:5 David asks God to spare his life because "For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who will give you praise?" Does David not have a belief or understanding of Heaven at this point in his life?

Q&A question: Did David Not Understand Heaven?

Psalm 6 David Psalm 6
Mike Winger idea 2022-04-08

Does John 6 Teach Faith as a Work?: I recently watched your Calvinism series and you didn't address John 6: 28-29 where Jesus calls belief "work.” I don't think it defeats Romans 3: 27. What do you think?

Q&A question: Does John 6 Teach Faith as a Work?

John 6 Romans 3 Jesus Calvinism John 6
Mike Winger idea 2022-04-15

Is Evolution Contrary to Belief in God?: I've noticed many people don't believe in God because of evolution. Is evolution contrary to God? Could God really have created the earth in 6 literal days? Can God “speed up” the creation process?

Q&A question: Is Evolution Contrary to Belief in God?

creation evolution
Mike Winger idea 2022-04-15

Witnessing Opportunity vs. Spiritual Trap!: I met some Muslims who were evangelizing, and I went up to them to challenge their beliefs. They invited me to a Ramadan dinner at a mosque. Should I go, or would that be a spiritual trap?

Q&A question: Witnessing Opportunity vs. Spiritual Trap!

Islam angels
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-13

Do we “Just Believe” to be Saved?: To be saved, all we need to do is believe? Like how I believed that Santa was real when I was younger? Or is there more to this belief?

Q&A question: Do we “Just Believe” to be Saved?
Mike Winger idea 2022-05-13

Is a Belief in God an Attempt to Personalize the Impersonal?: An atheist claims: “Belief in God is what happens when social brains try to explain an impersonal universe. Personal explanations for impersonal events fail to deal with logic of uncertainty.” Any help?

Q&A question: Is a Belief in God an Attempt to Personalize the Impersonal?

atheism
Mike Winger idea 2022-06-03

Can we Only Have Belief through the Spirit?: “Only by the Spirit can one believe” … Can this be considered gaslighting unbelievers and a way of compensating for a lack of enough evidence? Please help my pain, I'm struggling.

Q&A question: Can we Only Have Belief through the Spirit?

evangelism apologetics
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-01

Spiritual vs. Political Progressivism: Isn't Progressive Christianity simply the outcome of forcing progressive/leftist ideology onto Christianity? Should we even make the distinction between politically & religiously progressive beliefs?

Q&A question: Spiritual vs. Political Progressivism

progressive Christianity
Mike Winger idea 2022-07-15

About Anglo/British Israelism: What are your thoughts on Anglo-Israelism or British Israelism? It is the belief that America and the British commonwealth are physical descendants of Israel.

Q&A question: About Anglo/British Israelism

Israel
Mike Winger idea 2022-08-19

How to Reach Catholic Family Members: I’m a new believer, and my wife is a Catholic. Married 5 years. We have 2 very young baby daughters. How do I win my wife to Christ if she grew up rigidly Catholic? I can't break past her typological beliefs.

Q&A question: How to Reach Catholic Family Members

Roman Catholicism marriage
Mike Winger idea 2022-09-16

Should We Require a Sign from God Before Belief?: How would you respond if someone you love said something like, "I won't believe in any God unless He performs a supernatural miracle right in from of me”?

Q&A question: Should We Require a Sign from God Before Belief?

miracles
Mike Winger idea 2022-09-30

Was Aaron Punished In Place of Moses?: In the book of Numbers, why did God punish Aaron for unbelief when Moses is the one who struck the rock?

Q&A question: Was Aaron Punished In Place of Moses?

Moses Aaron
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