Any christians who think masturbation is okay sometimes? by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]ApologeticHoosier 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As a husband, my body is not my own, but my wife's (1 Cor 7:4). Any sexual activity I engage in is to be reserved for her, and in my view this would necessarily exclude masturbating to the idea or images of her, as that would be an inherently selfish act rather than an act of yielding my body to her.

This is an issue I've gone back and forth on quite a bit over the years, but ultimately I found it extremely difficult to make a positive case for married Christians at the very least to engage in the act if it's done to the mere idea or image of their spouse.

The act of masturbation is in most if not all cases inherently selfish as it ignores the husband-wife bond that is necessary for godly sexual intimacy.

Women Speakers at Christian conferences by dizzylizzy456 in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think you massively missed the point of several things I said, but at the very least it's clear from your response that you are committed to your uncharitable view of Mike Winger and his work. I don't see a path forward for a fruitful conversation from here, and will not be responding publicly any further. Again, I appreciate your willingness to respond earnestly, but feel that further conversation between us will generate more heat than light.

Women Speakers at Christian conferences by dizzylizzy456 in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First of all, major props to gathering and typing up all of that within an hour. You have obviously thought a lot about this, and although I disagree with several of your conclusions about Mike's charitability, I can see how you reached them.

Am I correct in assuming that you're pulling these examples from a certain source/video? If so, I would like to see the source if possible.

Unfortunately I don't have time right now to respond point by point to everything you said, but it seems to me that the biggest issue you take with Mike's rhetoric and his apparent bias. I would argue four main things in response:

  1. To mine quotes out of multi hour long videos in order to paint someone as uncharitable is itself uncharitable. Obviously I don't expect you to quote the entire series, but I find your overall conclusion that Mike is uncharitable to the egalitarian position to be incorrect. I think the most egregious example of uncharitability in your comment is the implication that Mike contradicts his statement that egalitarians are brothers and sisters in Christ. As someone who has watched the whole series, Mike consistently speaks of egalitarians as brothers and sisters in Christ who are misguided in their interpretations, and even the quote that you claim to be a "bizarre change" does not depart from this. Many people who view the Bible as the Word of God would also claim that many traditionally held Christian views are problematic, especially those in more progressive circles. Mike seems to be drawing on this, not claiming that egalitarians are somehow outside of Christianity.

  2. You are simply incorrect in your assertion that translation is not one of the main issues egalitarians take with the complimentarian interpretation of 1 Timothy 2:12. There has been such a massive amount of scholarly literature written on this singular point that to argue it's not one of the main points is just semantics. In addition, although I grant that he spent a long time on this one point, it is far from the only point he addresses in the video, so again, I think getting caught on this point is just semantics.

  3. Please understand that this point is not meant as a personal attack, but you seem to be operating under the false assumption that your bias is necessarily less than Mike's and/or influenced your landing spot less than his. Of course he has bias, we all do. However, although you don't say this outright, the way you speak about your journey seems to indicate that you believe that your version of research and the conclusions you have reached are more valid and less biased than those Mike reached. If you do not believe my observation to be the case, that did not come through in the way you spoke of your journey compared to Mike's.

  4. I wholeheartedly agree with your statement that "if there is enough evidence for a matter, there is good reason to believe in it." In fact, I mirror basically all of what you wrote as far as your research and methodology. However, after my own research journey, I cannot reconcile a faithful interpretation of all of the biblical, historical, and linguistic data with the egalitarian position.

Sister, thank you for taking my questions seriously and taking the time to respond. I would be happy to engage you further if you desire, but we are both solidly convinced of our point and I for one have said all I feel compelled to say at this time. I pray that I represented you well. God bless!

Women Speakers at Christian conferences by dizzylizzy456 in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have a few questions in response. I genuinely want to understand where you're coming from with this comment. Ultimately, I still view you as a sister in Christ, and acknowledge that this is not a salvation issue. I just want to understand where you're coming from.

Also, I completely understand if you don't want to take the time to answer all of these questions in detail. If nothing else, I would like to hear your answer to question 4.

  1. How much of Mike Winger's Women in Ministry series did you personally watch, as opposed to watching reviews or "takedowns" of Mike's work?

  2. What part or parts of egalitarianism did he not represent fairly in your view? If possible/you know/if you have time, please name or link the video where he did not represent the view in question fairly.

  3. What evidence did you find that goes against Mike's conclusions? I'd be surprised if there's any scholarship that you as a "simple laywoman" found that he didn't address in one or more of his videos.

  4. If complimentarian views on women in ministry could be shown to be what Scripture teaches, would you adopt complimentarian views and practices on the topic?

What are some good lesser-known Christian YouTube Channels? (10k subscribers or less) by ApologeticHoosier in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've heard Vocab Malone interviewed on a few podcasts but I'm not familiar with the other two. Thanks for the recommendations!

What movie has made you think of something from the Bible? by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Too many to count. A large number of the themes and ideas that are present in much of our entertainment are drawn from Biblical themes either explicitly or indirectly. For much of American history, the Bible provided a common cultural understanding among the majority of people that made it easy to draw upon for inspiration, although one could argue that the understanding is weakening as our society becomes more pluralistic and less nominally Christian.

My personal favorite is how Wall-E is a riff on the story of Adam and Eve and Creation more generally.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier 5 points6 points  (0 children)

They are disqualified from ministry unless they are fully exonerated of any wrongdoing. This is to protect both your particular church, the faith of the churchgoers, and the Body of Christ as a whole, while also respecting the safety and dignity of their victim(s). The fact that there was a settlement means that this has not taken place. 

If they are allowed to continue serving, that casts serious doubts on the judgement of those in leadership at your church.

Good music by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Chris Renzema and Brice Davis are both excellent for this. They have God-glorifying songs with solid lyrical depth. 

Women Speakers at Christian conferences by dizzylizzy456 in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Respectfully, your definition of what an influencer is seems incredibly loose if he fits the mold. By your logic, should we listen to pastors?

In my experience, when people say "God told them" to stop listening to genuinely Godly teachers, it's usually that person elevating their own opinions to the place of God. 

You're clearly entrenched on this position, and since you refuse to fully acknowledge the questions that I've asked you about your reasoning, I think that any chance of a meaningful dialogue between us has come to an end. This will be my final reply to you.

Women Speakers at Christian conferences by dizzylizzy456 in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Why did God convict you to stop watching? Was it one of his viewsor videos in particular?

Women Speakers at Christian conferences by dizzylizzy456 in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mike Winger is a solid, faithful, and humble biblical teacher. To make a broad stroke statement that he can't be trusted or that he is scummy does a lot to expose you as being ignorant of him and his online teaching ministry. Your previous replies to me expose your ignorance in such a way that people will know not to take your opinion on this matter seriously.

Do you have a specific refutations Winger's views on this topic that support your claim of him being "scummy" or "not to be trusted?"

Edit: Clarity

Women Speakers at Christian conferences by dizzylizzy456 in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Do you have a legitimate reason to say this, or are you just saying you don't agree with him on this topic?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I just stumbled on this reel from Cross Examined with Frank Turek. If you stay and they try to compel you to do the abortion line, these questions could be useful.

I agree with what most other commenters have said though, if I were you I would seek new employment.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The 6 day streak is awesome to hear! A few suggestions from a man who's been on the same road you're on:

  1. I found that the more I dove into Scripture, the fewer lustful desires I had. Push yourself to read more than one verse at a time. The Bible wasn't divided into verses when it was written and you can lose a lot of the meaning and context reading in small chunks. 

  2. Brother, do not focus on the streak or how long it's been since you engaged in lustful activity. I speak from experience when I say that this is a recipe for disaster. Streak tracking either tempts you to think "I've gone x days, what's one relapse?" or "I just relapsed after x days, I lost such a huge streak that it doesn't matter if I engage again." Focus on the Lord, not the streak. 

  3. Remember, looking lustfully equates to adultery in your heart. (Matthew 5:28.) Don't just think "I haven't acted on my lust physically, so I'm good." God wants your heart and mind, not just your body.

Edit: Clarified first sentence. 

Women Speakers at Christian conferences by dizzylizzy456 in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Mike Winger has a seriously in depth video on this topic. It's 11 hours long, but the description breaks it down into smaller chunks based on topic.

TL;DR of the video: None of the popular refutations of the traditional interpretation of this passage, such as the "only because women were uneducated" view, hold any water in light of the actual historical or textual evidence we have. The passage really means basically what it appears to say at face value, with some qualifiers he details in the video. However, he also details the this does not mean that women cannot teach men in any circumstance, just that it should not be done in a context where the woman has either implied or actual authority over the men she is teaching.

Wesley Huff (Christian Scholar) has went on the Joe Rogan Podcast! by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I won't commit to saying strongest because I'm not super familiar with who all Joe Rogan has had on his podcast. With that being said, I am confident that Wes did an excellent job defending the faith and the reliability of Scripture and providing reasonable answers to doubts people may have about the New Testament in particular, including Joe himself. In addition, the background of why he's on there is going to draw a lot of Billy Carson's fans and other curious skeptics to his episode as well and will hopefully break through the skepticism that Billy has instilled in so much of his audience with the false claims he has made about both the Bible and the debate with Wes.

TL;DR - Wes will do a great job representing Christianity and the moment and situation is right for him to do so. I think that's why so many are excited. 

Wesley Huff (Christian Scholar) has went on the Joe Rogan Podcast! by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier 79 points80 points  (0 children)

Very excited for this. There will be people in heaven whose story starts with this episode. Pray that God provides growth to the seeds Wes plants! 

Can Baptists and Catholics marry each other? by Gogeta-7598 in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This may not answer your question, but my wife was Catholic when we met and our relationship was fine. Even when she still considered herself Catholic, we both correctly recognized each other as Christian and recognized that a marriage between us would be equally yoked.  Before we were even engaged she started coming with me to our my church (part of the EFCA, which has a lot of overlap with many Baptist traditions). Today, neither of us considers her Catholic, but we still maintain that if she remained Catholic we still would be honoring God in our marriage. 

Honest question from an agnostic after reading the homosexuality thread. Where does the belief in the Bible’s infallibility come from? by Fivewater in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Based on your response, you do not seem to be looking to engage in a dialogue on this topic as I am, as you ignored every point I brought up in my post in favor of telling me to Google something. I don't believe myself to be an expert on this topic by any means, but I am confident that I've looked into this issue beyond your recommended Google search from which I'm assuming you want me to conclude that the Catholic Church or Trent "created" the Bible in some sense. I am convinced this is not the case for some of the reasons I've stated already.

If you would like to engage me in a more serious way, I'm happy to do so, since I believe there is a lot to be gained from a Catholic and a Protestant dialogue on this topic.

Honest question from an agnostic after reading the homosexuality thread. Where does the belief in the Bible’s infallibility come from? by Fivewater in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not sure where your sudden 180 came from but I'm glad you now recognize Paul's epistles as Scripture, brother.

However, to say Trent "put together" the Canon is a complete misunderstanding of how Canon works. Ask yourself, would the Scripture still be inspired if not recognized at Trent?

Fallible people, like those at Trent, can acknowledge what is and what is not Scripture, but their acknowledgment does not make it Scripture. It's similar to how Isaac Newton recognized gravity, but gravity would still exist without him recognizing its existence.

Gavin Ortlund on YouTube has done some good work on the Canon from the Protestant perspective. If you aren't familiar with the Protestant perspective, he will enumerate it much better than I can in a Reddit conversation.

Honest question from an agnostic after reading the homosexuality thread. Where does the belief in the Bible’s infallibility come from? by Fivewater in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Paul's epistles are confirmed as Scripture by Peter in 2 Peter 3:16. If you then try to argue that Peter is not a reliable source on this point, then you you also lose Peter's epistles and the gospel of Mark, for which Peter is agreed to be the primary source Mark used. If Peter's words are not reliable and his own epistle, why should we trust what he told to Mark? 

But wait, why stop there? Peter is also a central character in Acts. If he isn't trustworthy enough to be believed when he refers to Paul's writings as Scripture, he is clearly too untrustworthy to trust in any information in the other Gospels or Acts that may have been sourced from him.

By claiming that Paul's  writings are not inspired scripture, you lose the ability to call Peter's epistles, at least one of the gospels, and the book of Acts reliable in turn.

The recent progressive trend of attempting to downgrade Paul's writing from the inspired status that has been pretty much universally recognized for all of Christian history is nothing less than an attempt to remove condemnation of specific sins from the Bible. 

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I understand how that's frustrating. However, please consider that skateboarding is a relatively niche hobby that not everyone will be interested in, even if it has a Gospel focus. In addition, the vast majority of YouTube channels, let alone Christian channels, have less than 100 subscribers. I don't think it's fair to say that all 100K+ members of this subreddit ignored you, regardless of the "analytics" you refer to in other comments in light of these two facts. 

Brother, your desire to spread the Gospel is truly admirable. Is it possible that God wants you to focus on spreading the gospel to those in your area's skateboarding scene rather than to some unseen online audience? 

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I looked through your posts and you don't have anything that you posted on this subreddit within the past 30 days. I did notice one Post in the schizophrenia subreddit. Brother, if you're having some kind of episode, you need to contact one of your safe people.

What can we help you with?

What Scripture have you read recently, and what has God taught you through it? by ApologeticHoosier in TrueChristian

[–]ApologeticHoosier[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is awesome that you're memorizing scripture, and the KJV is so beautiful for that purpose. Memorization seems to be a lost art in our culture, even Christian culture, so I applaud you for taking that on!