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 have a framework for determining what the proper role of government is. God's commands and prohibitions that apply to individuals also apply to groups, including the government. Any exceptions to this rule must be clearly outlined in scripture. We can always look to the Bible to see what powers are given to the government or magistrate. The civil government adjudicates disputes, protects our rights, and defends us from foreign invasion. Mike reviews some concepts from previous episodes and introduces new material on foreign policy and war. He shares how biblical principles that apply to individuals on a small scale also apply to groups and governments. You’ll Learn: [00:56] Government, relativism, and absolute truth. Our modern education is teaching our kids relativism, not absolute truth. [02:05] There are absolute truths. We should have a framework for deciding what the proper role of government is. [03:21] The collective application of God's commands. God's command applies to us individually and collectively. [06:09] The civil government adjudicates disputes between individuals. Each institution has tools given to them by scripture. These include the power of the rod for the family government, excommunication for the church government, and power of the sword for the civil government. [07:07] The government is also here to protect our rights. [13:17] The law is needed to bring salvation, social order, and help us identify who God is. [13:49] R. J. Rushdoony is one of Mike's favorite authors.  [18:39] Foreign policy and war. The use of the sword.  [23:47] What applies on the small scale also applies on the big scale. [26:00] If we are wronged in a non-violent way we turn the other cheek. [29:29] The biblical principle of self-defense. [34:34] Mike talks about the US drone strikes in Pakistan. [37:23] Mike talks about constitutional wars and unconstitutionally declared wars. If we're going to go to war they should be constitutionally declared. [41:20] He also touches on Brexit and the European Union. [45:17] Mike gives an example about how division is better than one central power. [46:56] The more power, the more temptation to sin. 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) Biblical Principles of Government (8b) Biblical Principles of Government (9a) Biblical Principles of Government (9b) R. J. Rushdoony: A Patriarch for Modern Theonomy Institutes of Biblical Law (Vol. 1-3)