BibleThinker with Mike Winger

Episode 39 – What are the different views of Genesis? 10 Qs with Mike Winger
Date: December 27, 2024

Episode Overview

In this episode, Mike Winger takes on one of the most debated topics among Christians: the interpretation of Genesis, specifically the creation accounts. Mike systematically unpacks at least ten different interpretations held by believing Christians, explores the nuances of each, and responds to listener questions on theology, biblical interpretation, and Christian living. Throughout, Mike emphasizes clarity, respect for differing views, and the importance of focusing on the core message of Scripture rather than making every interpretive disagreement a gospel issue.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to Genesis Interpretations (00:01–02:30)

• Mike sets the tone by clarifying that the aim isn’t to promote one view but to create awareness of the diversity among Christians regarding Genesis.
• Key point: "The question, when we ask how do we interpret Genesis? We're not asking whether it's true, we're asking what does it mean?" (A, 01:03)

2. Major Christian Views on Genesis Creation Accounts (02:30–29:00)

Mike details a wide spectrum of views, nuanced with key figures and organizations associated with each.

A. Young Earth Creationism (YEC) (02:30–06:30)

• Belief in six literal 24-hour days of creation; Earth is 6,000–10,000 years old.
• Genealogies in Genesis are taken as literal and unbroken.
• Often associated with Answers in Genesis and Ken Ham.
• "This is the view that the earth was made in seven literal days, 24 hour periods." (A, 02:45)

B. 24-Hour Days, Appearance of Age (06:30–09:30)

• The days are literal, but God made the universe with “appearance of age.”
• Analogy: Adam and Eve were created as adults, not infants.
• Challenges: Not just age but apparent events (like ancient supernovas) baked into creation may imply deception.

C. Day-Age View / Old Earth Creationism (09:30–13:30)

• Days ("yom") in Genesis are interpreted as long epochs or ages.
• Supported by Hugh Ross and Reasons to Believe.
• Allows for an old universe (billions of years), sometimes coupled with belief in special acts of creation.
• "It's some period of time. So it's in order. God created these same things, but over an indetermined period of time." (A, 10:22)

D. Intermittent Day View (13:30–14:20)

• Each “day” is a 24-hour period, but spans of indeterminate time could occur between days.

E. Gap Theory (14:20–16:50)

• A gap exists between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2, during which a catastrophe occurs.
• Sometimes linked to the fall of Satan.
• "Genesis 1 is not the creation account beyond verse 1 anyways. It's the reforming account. That's the gap theory." (A, 15:40)

F. Non-Concordist / Temple or Sacred Space View (16:50–20:30)

• Genesis describes God designating functions (not material origins).
• Influenced by John Walton: God creates a "temple" for His presence.
• "He's not actually creating them as in material creation... Rather he's assigning them function and giving them a name." (A, 18:30)

G. Genealogical Adam / Special Creation within Evolving Hominids (20:30–23:30)

• Adam and Eve seen as a special creation (or election) within a wider population of humans/hominids.
• Supported by Joshua Swamidass and others.
• "So it fits with evolution, all this stuff of evolution, not just parts of it. Then you have a special garden, a special creation, perhaps of Adam and Eve..." (A, 21:56)

H. Analogical Day View (23:30–24:30)

• Genesis “days” are analogies for God’s work-rest patterns, not literal time periods.

I. Framework Hypothesis (24:30–28:00)

• Genesis is structured for theological messaging, not history.
• Supported by Michael Heiser and others.
• Emphasizes monotheism, equality, theological symbolism.
• "It's not meant to be a historical account...Michael Heiser would promote this kind of thing." (A, 25:00)
• Key Quote: “All sin is not the same. All sin is not punished the same. That is a myth. It is not scriptural.” (A, 01:52:00)

J. Mytho-history View (28:00–34:00)

• William Lane Craig’s view: Genesis 1–11 are a genre called "mytho-history"—real events conveyed using archetypes and mythic structure.
• Adam and Eve are historical, but other details may be archetypal.
• "When normal people hear the word myth, they think, oh, you mean it didn't happen? It's not true. That's not what they mean..." (A, 29:15)

3. Big Picture Takeaways on Genesis Debate (34:00–39:00)

• Christians can legitimately hold a range of these views without losing orthodoxy.
• “Real Christians can be in every one of these categories. Real believers can fit in every single one of these categories. Genuine Christians.” (A, 34:55)
• Don’t turn every interpretive issue into a gospel issue.
• "Let’s not turn everything into a gospel issue. It’s just not." (A, 38:00)
• Mike encourages charity, humility, and focus on Christ above secondary disagreements.

4. Listener Q&A Highlights

Q2: Moses & the Golden Calf – Why does God call Israel "your people" to Moses? (39:00–44:00)

• This language frames Moses as an intercessor—prefiguring Christ as mediator.
• "It's a beautiful thing. I think there's a Christology that's going on there." (A, 43:20)

Q3: Seventh-Day Adventists, Immortal Soul, and Pagan Roots (44:00–49:00)

• Mike addresses claims that belief in the immortal soul is pagan and leads to spiritism.
• “This is name calling. This is trying to scare people away from a theology that you don’t agree with, using name calling and scare tactics.” (A, 48:20)

Q4: Christians and Yoga — Can it be redeemed as worship? (49:00–58:00)

• Physical movements aren’t inherently evil; intent and context matter.
• Warns against deliberately adopting pagan practices for Yahweh (cites Deut 12:30-31).
• Distinguishes between "coincidentally pagan" and "distinctly pagan" practices.
• "If this desire to do stretches while meditating and praying to God...derives from some internal desire to copy what the yoga people are doing...don't do it." (A, 57:00)

Q5: Can Christ’s Death Save Angels? (Colossians 1:19–20) (58:00–62:30)

• Christ’s redemption applies to fallen humanity, not angels.
• No examples in Scripture of redeemed angels; their fall is permanent.
• “That seems more irredeemable. Just a theory. It's a difference, at least between humans and angels.” (A, 61:15)

Q6: Is "Feeling the Spirit Moving" Biblical? (62:30–65:30)

• Sometimes our emotions align with the Spirit’s prompting, but don’t equate feelings with the Spirit by default.
• "Good emotions equals the Holy Spirit is not a biblical concept." (A, 63:30)

Q7: Are We Guilty of Unknown Sins? (Leviticus 5, Luke 12:48) (65:30–71:40)

• Unintentional or unknown sins still require atonement; awareness increases accountability, but lack of awareness does not erase guilt.
• “All sin is not punished the same...but this doesn’t mean there’s no accountability.” (A, 69:45)

Q8: How Long Should Prayers Be? Must I Pray for Everyone? (71:40–76:40)

• Social media amplifies exposure to needs, but "it’s not my job to pray for every single person on the planet..."
• Advocates for a healthy, manageable, non-legalistic prayer life.

Q9: Revelation 14:12 — Salvation by Works? (76:40–81:00)

• Keeping God’s commandments flows logically from genuine faith; not about earning, but evidence of faith.

Q10: From Intellectual Belief to Real Relationship with God (81:00–end)

• Transition involves active repentance, practicing spiritual disciplines, and trusting God’s Word over fleeting feelings.
• “When I read it in Scripture and I see God’s love for me...this hits my heart in a way that is real.” (A, 84:45)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "You can be a real Christian and think it was a local flood instead of a global [one]. Now, let me say this. That doesn't mean you're right… but it doesn't mean you're not a Christian." (A, 35:35)
• "Let's not turn everything into a gospel issue. It's just not." (A, 38:00)
• “Good emotions equals the Holy Spirit is not a biblical concept.” (A, 63:30)
• "All sin is not the same. All sin is not punished the same. That is a myth. It is not scriptural." (A, 69:45)
• "Giving false hope to people in [the church] condemns them because it keeps them in darkness while telling them they’re in light." (A, 81:55)
• "Maybe you're not realizing this, but if you are a Christian, you have an incredible relationship with God." (A, 86:45)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Segment Description | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:01 | Episode introduction, importance of interpreting Genesis | | 02:30 | Young Earth Creationism | | 06:30 | 24-hour Days, Appearance of Age | | 09:30 | Day-Age / Old Earth views | | 13:30 | Intermittent Day View | | 14:20 | Gap Theory | | 16:50 | Sacred Space / Temple (Non-Concordist) View | | 20:30 | Genealogical Adam | | 23:30 | Analogical Day View | | 24:30 | Framework Hypothesis/Theology-Only readings | | 28:00 | Mytho-history View | | 34:00 | Can Christians disagree on Genesis and be orthodox? | | 39:00 | Q&A starts: Moses, the golden calf, and parental metaphors | | 44:00 | Immortal soul, Seventh-Day Adventist critique | | 49:00 | Christians, yoga, and pagan practices | | 58:00 | Can angels be saved? Christ's atonement and the heavenly realm | | 62:30 | "Feeling the Spirit moving" biblically examined | | 65:30 | Are we guilty for unknown sins? | | 71:40 | How much should Christians pray, and for whom? | | 76:40 | Revelation 14:12 and works vs. faith | | 81:00 | Moving from head knowledge to heart relationship with God | | 87:30 | Closing prayer and reflection |

Tone & Style

Mike Winger maintains a conversational, approachable, and respectful tone. He’s careful to separate his own opinions from those of the broader church and stresses humility. He frequently reminds listeners that core Christian identity is not determined by these secondary debates.

Final Encouragement

Mike closes by emphasizing:

• God's love is the foundation of relationship.
• Don’t measure your standing by feelings but by Scripture’s promises.
• Pursue God in prayer, the Word, and active faith for a dynamic relationship.

This episode is perfect for Christians seeking a deeper, non-dogmatic understanding of Genesis, or anyone wrestling with interpretive questions and the boundaries of faith and orthodoxy.