After his resurrection, Luke 24 records that Jesus walked with two of his disciples on the road to Emmaus, and during that journey, we’re told that “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” So what OT passages did Jesus likely have in mind as he discussed the Hebrew Bible with these two disciples? Joining me to discuss this question is Jason DeRouchie, research professor of Old Testament and Biblical Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and the author of How to Understand and Apply the Old Testament.

SPECIAL OFFER — If you make a GIFT of any size or upgrade to a PAID subscription, we’ll send you a “pre-release” PDF copy of Shane’s forthcoming book, Luke’s Key Witness.

SHOW NOTES

Books40 Questions About Biblical Theology, Jason DeRouchie & othersHow to Understand & Apply the Old Testament, Jason DeRouchieDelighting in the Old Testament, Jason DeRouchieJesus in the Old Testament, Ian DuguidWalking with Jesus Through His Word, Dennis JohnsonJourneys With Jesus, Dennis JohnsonThe Promised One: Seeing Jesus in Genesis, Nancy GuthrieThe Lamb of God: Seeing Jesus in Exodus & Leviticus, Nancy GuthrieJoseph: A Story of Love, Hate, Slavery, Power & Forgiveness, John Lennox

ArticlesFinding Christ in All of Scripture, Shane RosenthalWhat is the Most Important Thing Taught in the Bible?, Shane RosenthalA New Way of Reading Scripture, Shane RosenthalJustin Martyr on the Importance of Fulfilled Prophecy, Shane RosenthalThe Bethlehem Prophecy: An Exploration of Micah 5:2, Shane RosenthalSprinkled Nations & Speechless Kings, Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe The Bible? (PDF), Shane Rosenthal

AudioComing to Grips with the God of the OT (1), WHI #1584 with Tom EggerComing to Grips with the God of the OT (2), WHI #1585 with Tom EggerIn The Beginning Was the Word, HS #75 with John RonningThe Messiah’s Redemptive Mission, HS #72The Angel of Yahweh, with Matt Foreman & Doug Van DornDecoding The Prophecies of Daniel, HS #68Babylon, Humble Skeptic #66Jacob’s Ladder, HS #63 with Richard Bauckham & Michael HortonThe Earliest Gospel, HS #46 with Mike BrownHow to Read & Interpret the Bible, HS #37 with Mike BrownThe Big Picture, HS #26 with J. Daniel HaysWhat Did the Earliest Christians Believe?, HS # 25 with Dennis Johnson

VideoShane Rosenthal on Frank Turek’s Cross Examined PodcastShane Rosenthal on The Alisa Childers Podcast

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“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” What exactly do these words mean? Some argue that John is hinting at concepts related to Greek philosophy, but is this really the case? What are the Jewish Targums and how do these ancient texts helps us to better understand the meaning of John’s prologue? On this episode, Shane talks with John Ronning, author of The Jewish Targums and John’s Logos Theology.

Click here for detailed notes related to this episode (including quotes from Philo of Alexandria, and the Aramaic Targums.

SHOW NOTES

BooksThe Jewish Targums & John’s Logos Theology, John RonningTargum Isaiah, Jonathan ben UzielThe Messiah of the Targums, Michael B. ShepherdThe Jewish Gospels, Daniel BoyarinThe Angel of the Lord, Foreman & Van DornJourneys with Jesus, Dennis JohnsonThe Son of Man in Early Jewish Literature, Richard BauckhamA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith, Craig EvansA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Gospels, Craig EvansThe Jewish Annotated New Testament, Daniel Boyarin & othersThe Works of Philo, Philo of AlexandriaArticlesThe “I Am” Sayings in John, John RonningThe Targum of Isaiah and the Johannine Literature, John RonningWhen Yahweh Became Flesh And Dwelt Among Us, John RonningHigh & Lifted Up: The Son of Man in John’s Gospel, John RonningFinding Christ in All of Scripture, Shane RosenthalThe Bethlehem Prophecy: An Exploration of Micah 5:2, Shane RosenthalAuthenticating the Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalThe Identity of the Beloved Disciple, Shane RosenthalA New Argument for John’s Identity, Shane RosenthalNotes for Episode #75, Shane RosenthalAudioJewish Views of the Messiah, Humble Skeptic #38 with Daniel BoyarinThe Angel of Yahweh, Humble Skeptic #70 with Foreman & Van DornWere Jews Expecting a Divine Messiah?, WHI #1243 with Craig EvansWere Jews Expecting a Suffering Messiah? Humble Skeptic #47Jacob’s Ladder, Humble Skeptic #63 with Richard Bauckham and othersBabylon, Humble Skeptic Episode #66 Decoding the Prophecies of Daniel, Humble Skeptic #68 The Messiah’s Redemptive Mission, Humble Skeptic #72Signs of the Messiah, Humble Skeptic # 74 with Andreas KöstenbergerWhich John Wrote John? Humble Skeptic #50

SPECIAL OFFER — If you upgrade to a PAID subscription or make a GIFT of any size, we’ll send you a pre-release PDF download of Shane’s forthcoming book, Luke’s Key Witness. When you subscribe, you’ll get instant access to the book here (it’s currently behind a paywall). If you choose the donation option, you’ll receive the PDF via email. Thanks for your support!

Wherever we find references to Babylon in the Bible, we’re frequently reminded of man’s failed attempt to ascend to the heavens. This is due in part to the fact that “Babel” and “Babylon” happen to be the same word in Hebrew. On this edition, Shane walks through a variety of Old Testament passages that relate to this theme and contrasts them with prophecies about Israel’s coming Messiah.

SHOW NOTESTo read various selections from Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, Josephus, and others that Shane cited on this episode, click here.

ArticlesArchaeological Discoveries Related to Nebuchadnezzar II, Shane RosenthalThe Tower of Babel, Shane RosenthalDeciphering the Clues of Revelation, Shane RosenthalNew Life in the New Year, Shane RosenthalJustin Martyr on the Importance of Fulfilled Prophecy, Shane RosenthalIsaiah’s Prophecy of the Messiah’s Birth, Shane RosenthalFinding Christ in All of Scripture, Shane Rosenthal (PDF)Why Should We Believe the Bible?, Shane RosenthalIdentifying Babylon The Great, Shane Rosenthal (coming soon)

BooksBabylonian Life & History, E.A. Wallis Budge—FREEGod Dwells Among Us, G.K. Beale & Mitchell KimThe Temple & The Tabernacle, J. Daniel HaysPierced for Our Transgressions, Andrew Sach & OthersThe Gospel According to Isaiah 53, Bock & GlaserBrave By Faith, Alistair BeggEchoes of Exodus, Roberts & WilsonHim We Proclaim, Dennis JohnsonWe Who Wrestle With God, Jordan Peterson

AudioJacob’s Ladder, with Richard Bauckham, Michael Horton & othersThe Intersection of Church & State, with David Van DrunenThe Big Picture, with J. Daniel HaysHow to Read & Interpret the Bible, with Mike BrownWorship in Spirit & Truth, with G.K. BealeJewish Views of the Messiah, with Daniel BoyarinWere Jews Expecting a Suffering Messiah? Life in a Post-Christian World, with Alistair Begg

VideoExploring Babylon & The Prophecies Against Her, Joel KramerThe Message of Daniel, John LennoxThe Tower of Babel, Jordan Peterson

We Need Your Help!Consider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Use the button below for more information about giving options.

On this year-end episode, Shane talks with Australian pop-singer Liam Cooper about their shared interest in the backstory of Billy Joel’s song, Piano Man. Liam is the creator and frontman of a show called King of the Keys, which features the music of Billy Joel, Elton John, Paul McCartney and others. Earlier this year, Liam had plans to shoot a music video featuring the original piano used by Billy Joel at The Executive Room back in 1973—or so he thought. Shane’s research has led him to re-evaluate things.

SHOW NOTES

Related Episodes & ArticlesThe Pilot Episode, Humble Skeptic #01New Evidence for The Executive Room, Humble Skeptic #55Evidential Reasoning, Humble Skeptic #56Dealing with Discrepancies, Humble Skeptic #57Is My Dad One of the Characters in Piano Man? Shane RosenthalThe Executive Room according to PopSpots, Bob EganHow to Detect Deception, Shane RosenthalThe Virtue of Doubt, Shane Rosenthal

Music & Video LinksProject Magic, Liam Cooper (wedding proposal video)If You Were Here, Liam Cooper (song)Out of the Blue, Liam Cooper (music video)Yellow, Coldplay (music video)I Found The Executive Room Piano, Liam Cooper (interview)Carpool Karaoke, Paul McCartney & James Corden (video)Chin Up, Tomorrow’s a New Year, The Whiskey Wasps (song)Minute to Midnight, Anthony Lazaro (song)King of the Keys, Liam Cooper (website)

This special Christmas edition of the podcast features Shane’s man-on-the-street interviews that he recorded at a local Christmas festival. In particular, he asked whether the holiday, with all its memorable characters, is rooted in mythology, history, or a little of both. In the second half of the program, Shane reads selections from Justin Martyr’s First Apology, which provides insight into the compelling nature of early Christian proclamation.

SHOW NOTES

ArticlesProof of the Gospel (PDF), selections from Justin Martyr, Eusebius & AugustineIsaiah’s Prophecy of the Messiah’s Birth, Shane RosenthalThe Bethlehem Prophecy: An Exploration of Micah 5:2, Shane RosenthalSprinkled Nations & Speechless Kings, Shane RosenthalFinding Christ in All of Scripture (PDF), Shane RosenthalA New Way of Reading Scripture, Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe The Bible? (PDF), Shane RosenthalFirst Apology of Justin Martyr, online text versionBooksThe Writings of Justin Martyr, hardback editionProof of the Gospel, Eusebius of CaesareaThe Jewish Gospels, Daniel BoyarinA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith, Craig EvansA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Gospels, Craig EvansThe Angel of the Lord, Doug Van Dorn & Matt ForemanThe Gospel According to Isaiah 53, Darrell Bock & othersThe Moody Handbook of Messianic Prophecy, Rydelnik & BlumSoul Searching, Christian Smith

AudioThe First Apology of Justin Martyr, FREE AudiobookWhat Child Is This? A Christmas Message by Shane RosenthalJewish Views of the Messiah, Humble Skeptic #38 with Daniel BoyarinWere Jews Expecting a Divine Messiah? WHI 1243 with Craig EvansA Suffering Messiah? WHI-1564 with Craig EvansThe Angel of the Lord (Pt 1), WHI 1566 with Foreman & Van DornThe Angel of the Lord (Pt 2), WHI-1567 with Foreman & Van DornJacob’s Ladder, Humble Skeptic #63Youth Ministry in Crisis, Christian Smith, J.I. Packer, Michael Horton & others

MusicCarol of the Bells, The Whiskey WaspsFor Unto Us, A Child Is Born, from Handel’s MessiahSurely, He Hath Born Our Sins, from Handel’s MessiahO Come, O Come Emmanuel, Ardie’s Son

On this episode, Shane weaves together a variety of interviews he’s recorded over the years related to Genesis 28 and the story of Jacob’s ladder. In particular, the conversations focus on the way the narrative has been completely inverted to become another Tower of Babel tale of our ascent to God, rather than a prophecy of Christ’s descent to us in mercy and grace.

For a gift of any amount to help support the work of The Humble Skeptic podcast, we’ll send you a 12-page PDF resource by Shane Rosenthal titled, “Finding Christ in All of Scripture.” For a preview of this helpful resource, click here.

SHOW NOTES

Related BooksJesus in the Old Testament, Iain DuguidJourneys with Jesus, Dennis JohnsonWho is God? Richard BauckhamPutting Amazing Back Into Grace, Michael HortonJustification, Vo1. 1, Vol. 2, Michael HortonThe Angel of the Lord, Doug Van Dorn & Matt ForemanGenesis: Interpretation, Walter BrueggemannGod Dwells Among Us, G.K. Beale & Mitchell Kim

Related ArticlesFinding Christ in All of Scripture, Shane RosenthalThe Tower of Babel, Shane RosenthalIsaiah’s Prophecy of the Messiah’s Birth, Shane RosenthalThe Bethlehem Prophecy, Shane RosenthalBlessed Are the Pure in Heart? Shane RosenthalThe Story of Us, Shane RosenthalWhat’s the Most Important Thing Taught in the Bible? • Shane RosenthalA New Way of Reading Scripture, Shane RosenthalThe Application of Messianic Prophecy, Richard BauckhamAudio & VideoJacob’s Ladder, R.C. Sproul (video)The Gospel Creed, Humble Skeptic #09Jewish Views of the Messiah, Humble Skeptic #38 with Daniel Boyarin The Angel of Yahweh, HS #70 with Matt Foreman & Doug Van DornWere Jews Expecting a Divine Messiah?, WHI-1243 with Craig EvansHow to Read & Apply the Old Testament, WHI-1568 with Iain DuguidJacob’s Ladder, WHI-207 with Michael HortonClimbing Jacob’s Ladder, WHI-1454 with Sam Allberry & Caleb BassettStairway to Heaven, WHI-1578 with Michael Horton

We Need Your Help!Consider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or by upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Tax-deductible giving options are also available.

On this episode, Shane talks with Peter J. Williams about his book, The Surprising Genius of Jesus, which primarily focuses on the parables of Luke 15. Shane discussed some of these parables on episode 43 earlier this year, but the insights provided by Williams merit a brand new investigation. In short, the more we notice Jesus’ subtle allusions to the Old Testament, the more we’ll understand his teaching and begin to appreciate the depth of his genius. Toward the end of the conversation, the two also discuss questions related to the date of John’s Gospel in light of recent trends among New Testament scholars who are currently reassessing the late date hypothesis.

SHOW NOTES

BooksThe Surprising Genius of Jesus, Peter J. WilliamsCan We Trust The Gospels? Peter J. WilliamsEchoes of Exodus: Tracing the Theme of Redemption, Roberts & WilsonJoseph: A Story of Love, Hate, Slavery, Power & Forgiveness, John LennoxRedating the New Testament, John A.T. RobinsonThe Priority of John, John A.T. RobinsonRethinking the Dates of the New Testament, Jonathan BernierRedating Matthew, Mark & Luke, John WenhamJesus & The Eyewitnesses, Richard BauckhamThe Testimony of the Beloved Disciple, Richard Bauckham

ArticlesWas Jesus a Genius? Peter J. WilliamsFinding Christ in All of Scripture, Shane RosenthalParadigm Shift on The Date of John’s Gospel? Shane RosenthalJohn 5:2 “There is in Jerusalem…”, Shane RosenthalWas John The First Gospel? Ian PaulWhy Are The Birth Stories of Jesus Different? Peter J. WilliamsAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalWater Into Wine? Shane RosenthalScribes of the New Covenant, Shane RosenthalThe Parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus, Shane Rosenthal

Video & AudioThe Surprising Genius of Jesus, Peter Williams (video)Do The Gospels Tell the Same Story?, Peter Williams (video)Can the Old Testament Be Trusted Historically? Peter Williams (video)How to Read & Apply the Old Testament, WHI #1568 with Ian DuguidThe Gospel in Genesis, a WHI series hosted by Shane RosenthalRethinking Jesus’ Parables, Humble Skeptic #43 with Scott ChurnockIs John Late & Unreliable? Humble Skeptic #51 with Daniel Wallace

For More Info About Peter Williams & Tyndale HousePeter Williams is the principal of Tyndale House, which is a Cambridge-based research institute housing one of the world’s most advanced libraries for biblical scholarship. You can find them online at tyndalehouse.com.

We Need Your Help!Donations to The Humble Skeptic podcast are tax-deductible. To make a one-time donation or set up recurring monthly gifts, click here. Another way to support us is by upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack. Subscriptions begin at $5.95 per month or $59 per year (this option is not tax-deductible). Another way to help is to spread the word about The Humble Skeptic podcast! Thanks for your help, and Happy Thanksgiving!

What are we to make of the stories of Jesus recorded in the New Testament Gospels? Are they authentic accounts of his life and teaching, or collections of myths and legends that evolved over time? Shane discusses this with Cambridge New Testament scholar Peter J. Williams, principal of Tyndale House and author of Can We Trust the Gospels?

SHOW NOTES

BooksCan We Trust The Gospels? Peter J. WilliamsThe Surprising Genius of Jesus, Peter J. WilliamsIs Jesus History? John DicksonJesus: A Very Short Introduction, Richard BauckhamJesus & The Eyewitnesses, Richard BauckhamA Doubter’s Guide To Jesus, John DicksonRevisiting the Corruption of the New Testament, Daniel WallaceRedating the New Testament, John A.T. RobinsonThe Gospel of John: A Newly Discovered Commentary, J.B. Lightfoot

ArticlesQuestions About New Testament Manuscripts, Peter J. WilliamsWhy Are The Birth Stories of Jesus Different? Peter J. WilliamsThe Gospels as Authentic Testimony, Richard BauckhamThe Authenticity & Genuineness of the Fourth Gospel, J.B. LightfootIs Luke a Trustworthy Historian? Sir William RamsayOutside the Gospels, What Can We Know About Jesus? Shane Rosenthal?Scribes of the New Covenant, Shane RosenthalAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe The Bible? Shane RosenthalSimon of Cyrene: An Intriguing Archaeological Discovery, Shane Rosenthal

Video & AudioCan We Trust the Gospels? Peter J. Williams (video)New Evidence for the Gospels, Peter J. Williams (video)Evidence for the Resurrection, Peter J. Williams (video)Are the Gospels Reliable?, Peter J. Williams & Bart Ehrman (video)Has the Bible Been Miscopied or Mistranslated? WHI #1377 with Daniel WallaceIs John Late & Unreliable? Humble Skeptic #51 with Daniel WallaceAre the Gospels History or Fiction? Humble Skeptic #52 with John DicksonThe Gospels As Eyewitness Testimony, Humble Skeptic #48 with Richard BauckhamFake or Authentic? Humble Skeptic #10 with Lydia McGrewFaith & Proof, Humble Skeptic 7 with Mike Farley

The Tools & Rules of HistoryOn Friday, November 8th, the Lanier Theological Library hosted a panel discussion at The Stone Chapel on The Tools and Rules of History: How Do We Know What Really Happened? This 90-minute session featured Gary Habermas, Shane Rosenthal, and David McIlroy and was moderated by Mark Lanier. This conversation was live-streamed and you can find the video here.

For More Info About Peter Williams & Tyndale HousePeter Williams is the principal of Tyndale House, which is a Cambridge-based research institute housing one of the world’s most advanced libraries for biblical scholarship. You can find them online at tyndalehouse.com.

We Need Your Help!Help spread the word about The Humble Skeptic podcast by sending a link to your favorite episode to a friend or relative. Also, donations to The Humble Skeptic podcast are tax-deductible. To make a one-time donation or set up recurring monthly gifts, click here. Another way to support us is by upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack. Subscriptions begin at $5.95 per month or $59 per year. FYI, this option is not tax-deductible.

Are miracles possible, or should they be seen as violations of natural laws that all scientifically minded people should reject? Is it true that most scientists reject God? What about faith? Should it be dismissed as a kind of of irrational leap that is essentially the opposite of critical thinking? Shane discusses these questions and more with MIT professor Ian Hutchinson, author of Can a Scientist Believe in Miracles?

SHOW NOTES

BooksCan A Scientist Believe in Miracles?, Ian HutchinsonMonopolizing Knowledge, Ian HutchinsonCan Science Explain Everything? John LennoxFinding Ultimate Reality John LennoxThe Return of the God Hypothesis, Stephen MeyerThe Case Against Accident & Self Organization, Dean Overman

ArticlesScience & Faith: Allies or Enemies? John LennoxWhat is Faith? Shane RosenthalSignature in the Cell, Stephen MeyerIs Science Incompatible with Christianity? Derek RishmawyTaking Science on Faith, Paul DaviesSupersymmetry & The Crisis in Physics, Scientific AmericanHas Belief in God Harmed the Advancement of Science? Craig Parton

VideosThe “Science Refutes God” Debate, Hutchinson, Krauss & ShermerCan A Scientist Believe in Miracles? Ian Hutchinson (Veritas Forum)Is There Knowledge Outside of Science? Ian Hutchinson (Veritas Forum)By Design, Lennox, Behe & Meyer (Uncommon Knowledge)Stephen C. Meyer, The Joe Rogan ExperienceHas Science Buried God? John Lennox (Socrates in the City)Does the Biblical Story of Creation Fit with Science? John LennoxAgainst the Tide, A documentary film featuring John Lennox

AudioReturn of the God Hypothesis,  Shane Rosenthal & Stephen MeyerThe Multiverse & the Mystery of Life’s Origin, Shane Rosenthal & Stephen MeyerJohn Lennox on Faith & Science, Humble Skeptic #41John Lennon on The Problem of Evil, Humble Skeptic #42A Conversation About God, Jordan Peterson & John LennoxCan a Scientist Believe in the Resurrection? R. McLaughlin & Ian Hutchinson

WRITE A POSITIVE REVIEWIf you’re a fan of the show, consider writing a quick note about what you like about the show (preferably via the Apple Podcast app since their reviews are visible in many other podcast portals). The more positive reviews we get, the more exposure we get! 

SUPPORT THIS PODCASTDonations to The Humble Skeptic podcast are tax-deductible. To make a one-time donation or set up recurring monthly gifts, click here. Another way to support this podcast is by upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack. Subscriptions begin at $5.95 per month or $59 per year, however, this option is not tax-deductible.

For two years, Steven Flo was filled with fear and despair. He retreated from the world and even began to hide from sunlight. In vampire-like fashion, he closed all his curtains and lived in what felt like a tomb. Even though he was a Lutheran pastor who often counseled others, during this period he was inconsolable, and began to despair about his own eternal state. If the Gospel was true, it was true for others, but not for him. On this episode, Shane talks with pastor Flo about his descent into darkness.

SHOW NOTES

Related ArticlesAn Overview of TMS, Mayo ClinicWhat is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?, Cleveland ClinicLife & Death, Simonetta CarFaith & Mental Illness, Michael HortonWilliam Cowper: Depression & The Art of Hymn Writing, Barb Duguid

Related BooksThe Unseen Realm | Demons, Michael HeiserPrincipalities & Powers, John W. MontgomeryThe Proof of the Gospel, Eusebius of CaesareaThe Structure of Scientific Revolutions, Thomas KuhnThe Care of Souls, Harold Senkbeil

Related AudioFaith & Mental Illness, White Horse Inn #1213 Darkness My Only Companion, White Horse Inn #1214Death, Ghosts & Views of the Afterlife, Humble Skeptic #31

UPCOMING EVENTS Troy, IllinoisOn Sunday, Nov. 3rd, Shane will be speaking at a youth event from 3:30 to 7:00 pm at Providence Presbyterian Church. Shane will be addressing the topics: “Is Faith Blind?” and “Are There Contradictions in the Gospels?” For more information about this youth event, send a text to 618-820-4908.

Houston, TexasOn Friday & Saturday, Nov. 8-9, Shane will be speaking with Gary Habermas and others at the Lanier Theological Library. The discussion will be centered on the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection as part of the 4th Annual John Warwick Montgomery Lecture in Evidential Apologetics. For more information about this event, click here.

St. Charles, MissouriOn Sunday, Dec. 8th at 6 pm, Shane will discuss some of the challenges related to Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth. Some believe that the account of the census that took place in the days of Quirinius (Luke 2) is at odds with other known historical facts. Did Luke make a mistake or can the apparent contradiction be resolved? This discussion will take place at Christ Presbyterian Church (cpcopc.org).

If you would like to invite Shane Rosenthal to speak at your event, send an email to: INFO at HUMBLESKEPTIC dot COM. 

SUPPORT THIS PODCASTDonations to The Humble Skeptic podcast are tax-deductible. To make a one-time donation or set up recurring monthly gifts, click here. Another way to support this podcast is by upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack. Subscriptions begin at $5.95 per month or $59 per year, however, this option is not tax-deductible.

The Humble Skeptic is a listener-supported podcast. To support this work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.

Jeremy Smith, founder of ReThink315, recently invited Shane to join him for a conversation at a fundraising dinner that took place here in the St. Louis area. During their conversation, Jeremy asked Shane to discuss his conversion to Christianity from a secular Jewish background, along with many other subjects that he frequently covers on The Humble Skeptic podcast. Later in the program, the two take a variety of questions from the audience.

SHOW NOTES

Recommended BooksDefending The Faith, Michael Horton, Shane Rosenthal & OthersThe Jewish Gospels, Daniel BoyarinThe Proof of the Gospel, Eusebius of CaesareaThe Moody Handbook of Messianic Prophecy, Rydelnik & BlumThe Gospel According to Isaiah 53, Bock & GlaserRevisiting the Corruption of The New Testament, Daniel Wallace

Related ArticlesUnity & Diversity in the New Testament, Shane RosenthalMicah 5:2 & The Bethlehem Prophecy, Shane RosenthalIt’s Time to Forget “Faith,” Greg KouklFaith Is Not Wishing, Greg KouklWhat is Faith? Shane RosenthalOn Faith & Doubt, Shane RosenthalIs Faith a Feeling? Shane Rosenthal

Related AudioRethinking Apologetics, Humble Skeptic #23 with Jeremy Smith The Pilot (Billy Joel Episode), Humble Skeptic #01New Evidence for The Executive Room, Humble Skeptic #55Evidential Reasoning, Humble Skeptic #56 with Craig PartonDealing with Discrepancies, Humble Skeptic #57 with J. Warner WallaceGreg Koukl on Blind Faith, Humble Skeptic #18Dealing with Doubt, Humble Skeptic #19

UPCOMING EVENTS Troy, IllinoisOn Sunday, Nov. 3rd, Shane will be speaking at a youth event from 3:30 to 7:00 pm at Providence Presbyterian Church. Shane will be addressing the topics: “Is Faith Blind?” and “Are There Contradictions in the Gospels?” For more information about this event, send a text to 619-820-4908.

Houston, TexasOn Friday & Saturday, Nov. 8-9, Shane will be speaking with Gary Habermas and others at the Lanier Theological Library. The discussion will be centered on the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection as part of the 4th Annual John Warwick Montgomery Lecture in Evidential Apologetics. For more information about this event, click here.

St. Charles, MissouriOn Sunday, Dec. 8th at 6 pm, Shane will discuss some of the challenges related to Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth. Some believe that the account of the census that took place in the days of Quirinius (Luke 2) is at odds with other known historical facts. Did Luke make a mistake or can the apparent contradiction be resolved? This discussion will take place at Christ Presbyterian Church (cpcopc.org).

If you would like to invite Shane Rosenthal to speak at your event, send an email to: INFO at HUMBLESKEPTIC dot COM. 

SUPPORT THIS PODCASTDonations to The Humble Skeptic podcast are tax-deductible. To make a one-time donation or set up recurring monthly gifts, click here. Another way to support this podcast is by upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack. Subscriptions begin at $5.95 per month or $59 per year, however, this option is not tax-deductible.

How should we deal with discrepancies as we piece together evidence on important matters of interest? On this episode Shane talks with retired cold-case detective, J. Warner Wallace about following the evidence wherever it leads, whether in attempting to solve murder cases, resolving disputed claims about the past, or even when it comes to challenging our beliefs about the nature of reality itself. J. Warner Wallace is the author of Cold-Case Christianity, Forensic Faith, and most recently, The Truth in True Crime.

SHOW NOTES

Recommended BooksCold Case Christianity, J. Warner WallaceThe Truth in True Crime, J. Warner WallaceGod’s Crime Scene, J. Warner WallacePerson of Interest, J. Warner WallaceForensic Faith, J. Warner WallaceReligion on Trial, Craig PartonTestimonies to the Truth, Lydia McGrew

Related ArticlesThe Authenticity & Genuineness of The Fourth Gospel, J.B. LightfootIs Luke a Trustworthy Historian?, Sir William RamsayOutside The Gospels, What Can We Know About Jesus? Shane RosenthalConsidering Alternatives to the Resurrection, Shane RosenthalJoanna: Obscure Disciple or Luke’s Key Witness?, Shane RosenthalCan We Trust Luke’s History of the Early Jesus Movement? Shane RosenthalHow to Detect Deception, Shane RosenthalThe Virtue of Doubt, Shane RosenthalHumble Apologetics, Shane Rosenthal

Related AudioThe Pilot Episode, Humble Skeptic #01New Evidence for The Executive Room, Humble Skeptic #55Evidential Reasoning, Humble Skeptic #56Death, Ghosts & Views of the Afterlife, Humble Skeptic #31The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony, Humble Skeptic #48Faith Founded on Facts, Humble Skeptic #15Are the Gospels History? Humble Skeptic #52Questioning Conventional Wisdom, Humble Skeptic #13

UPCOMING EVENTS Milan, ItalyOn Sunday, Oct. 13th, Shane will discuss “The Thing of First Importance” at Chiesa Riformata Filadelfia which is located on the northwest side of Milan. For more info or directions, click here.

St. Louis, MissouriOn Friday, Oct. 18th, Jeremy Smith will talk with Shane about why he lost faith in atheism, along with what it means to be a “humble skeptic” at this year’s ReThink315 fundraising dinner, which will take place at the Missouri Athletic Club in Des Peres. To purchase tickets for this event or for more info, click here.

Troy, IllinoisOn Sunday, Nov. 3rd, Shane will be speaking at a youth event from 3:30 to 7:00 pm at Providence Presbyterian Church. Shane will be addressing the topics: “Is Faith Blind?” and “Are There Contradictions in the Gospels?” For more information about this event, send a text to 619-820-4908.

Houston, TexasOn Friday & Saturday, Nov. 8-9, Shane has been invited to participate in a panel discussion with Gary Habermas and others on the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection. This event will take place at the Lanier Theological Library.

St. Charles, MissouriOn Sunday, Dec. 8th at 6pm, Shane will discuss some of the challenges related to Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth. Some believe that the account of the census that took place in the days of Quirinius (Luke 2) is at odds with other known historical facts. Did Luke make a mistake or can the apparent contradiction be resolved? This discussion will take place at Christ Presbyterian Church (cpcopc.org).

If you would like to invite Shane Rosenthal to speak at your event, send an email to: INFO at HUMBLESKEPTIC dot COM. 

SUPPORT THIS PODCASTDonations to The Humble Skeptic podcast are tax-deductible. To make a one-time donation or set up recurring monthly gifts, click here. Another way to support this podcast is by upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack. Subscriptions begin at $5.95 per month or $59 per year, however, this option is not tax-deductible.

Jesus’ words and deeds are best interpreted in the light of the Old Testament Scripture. Thus, the fact that Jesus said at the temple, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink” (Jn 7:37), makes much more sense when read alongside Exodus 17, in which Yahweh provided life-giving water to the thirsty Israelites. On this program, Shane takes a deep dive into John 7-9 with the help of New Testament scholar Andreas Köstenberger. After discussing the rich Old Testament background that helps to illuminate John’s meaning, the two also discuss whether the story of the woman caught in adultery is an authentic part of the Fourth Gospel or a later addition.

SPECIAL OFFER — If you upgrade to a PAID subscription or make a GIFT of any size, we’ll send you a downloadable PDF copy of Luke’s Key Witness (shown below). When you subscribe, you’ll get instant access to the book here (it’s currently behind a paywall). If you choose the donation option, you’ll receive the PDF via email. Click the image below for a preview. Thanks for your support!

SHOW NOTES

BooksSigns of the Messiah, Andreas J. KöstenbergerEncountering John, Andreas J. KöstenbergerA Theology of John’s Gospel & Letters, Andreas J. KöstenbergerThe Jesus of the Gospels, Andreas J. KöstenbergerTruth Matters, Köstenberger, Bock & ChatrawCommentary on the NT Use of the OT, Carson, Beale & KöstenbergerEchoes of Exodus: Tracing the Theme of Redemption, Roberts & WilsonThe Angel of the Lord, Matt Foreman & Doug Van DornThe Lamb of God: Seeing Jesus in Exodus, Nancy GuthrieJesus in the Old Testament, Iain DuguidJourneys with Jesus, Dennis JohnsonThe Surprising Genius of Jesus, Peter J. WilliamsThe Jewish Gospels, Daniel BoyarinLuke’s Key Witness, Shane Rosenthal

ArticlesThe Date of John’s Gospel: Are We Witnessing a Paradigm Shift? Shane RosenthalFinding Christ in All of Scripture, Shane RosenthalNew Life in the New Year: The Story of Exodus, Shane RosenthalAuthenticating the Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalScribes of the New Covenant, Shane RosenthalOn Faith & History, Shane RosenthalWater Into Wine? Shane RosenthalWhat’s the Point of Jesus’ Parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus? Shane RosenthalA New Way of Reading Scripture, Shane RosenthalThe Identity of the Beloved Disciple, Shane RosenthalA New Argument for John’s Identity, Shane Rosenthal

AudioThe Messiah’s Redemptive Mission, Humble Skeptic #72The Angel of Yahweh, Humble Skeptic #70 with Foreman & Van DornThe Sinai Inscriptions, Humble Skeptic #71 with Michael S. Bar-RonDid The Exodus Ever Happen? Humble Skeptic #69 with David RohlJacob’s Ladder, Humble Skeptic #63 with Richard Bauckham and othersBabylon, Humble Skeptic Episode #66 Decoding the Prophecies of Daniel, Humble Skeptic #68 Jewish Views of the Messiah, HS #38 with Daniel BoyarinStories of Jesus: Can We Trust Them? HS #61 with Peter J. WilliamsWhich John Wrote John? Humble Skeptic #50

VideoLuke’s Key Witness, Shane Rosenthal on The Alisa Childers Podcast

On this program Shane talks with trial attorney Craig Parton about evidential reasoning, which is an outlook that seeks to impartially examine the facts of any particular controversy in order to find the best explanation of those facts. The two apply this type of reasoning to the facts uncovered on last week’s episode about the location of The Executive Room, as well as to the field of Christian apologetics as a whole. Craig Parton is the author of Religion on Trial, The Defense Never Rests, and more recently, The Art of Christian Advocacy.

SHOW NOTES

Recommended BooksThe Art of Christian Advocacy, Craig Parton & John W. MontgomeryReligion on Trial, Craig PartonThe Defense Never Rests, Craig PartonA Treatise on the Law of Evidence, Simon Greenleaf—FREEThe Testimony of The Four Evangelists, Simon Greenleaf—FREEFaith Founded on Fact, John W. MontgomeryJesus & The Eyewitnesses, Richard BauckhamHidden in Plain View, Lydia McGrewTestimonies to the Truth, Lydia McGrewChristianity on Trial, Mark LanierAtheism on Trial, Mark Lanier

Related ArticlesIs Luke a Trustworthy Historian? Sir William RamsayCan We Trust Luke’s History of the Early Jesus Movement? Shane RosenthalConsidering Alternatives to the Resurrection, Shane RosenthalAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalOutside The Gospels, What Can We Know About Jesus? Shane RosenthalSimon of Cyrene: An Archaeological Discovery, Shane RosenthalWho is Sergius Paulus? Shane RosenthalHow to Detect Deception, Shane RosenthalThe Virtue of Doubt, Shane RosenthalOn Faith & Doubt, Shane Rosenthal

Related AudioIs Faith A Feeling? Shane Rosenthal & Craig PartonReligion on Trial, Shane Rosenthal & Craig PartonThe Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony, Shane Rosenthal & Richard BauckhamThe Four Gospels: History or Fan Fiction? Shane Rosenthal & Lydia McGrewAtheism on Trial, Shane Rosenthal & Mark LanierFaith Founded on Facts, Shane Rosenthal & John Lennox & OthersAre the Gospels History? Shane Rosenthal & John DicksonQuestioning Conventional Wisdom, Shane Rosenthal & David RohlThe Jesus of History, Shane Rosenthal

UPCOMING EVENTS Milan, ItalyOn Sunday, Oct. 13th, Shane will be speaking at Chiesa Riformata Filadelfia on the northwest side of Milan. For more info or directions, click here.

St. Louis, MissouriOn Friday, Oct. 18th, Shane will be the keynote speaker at the ReThink315 fundraising dinner, which will take place at the Missouri Athletic Club in Des Peres. To purchase tickets for this event or for more info, click here.

Troy, IllinoisOn Sunday, Nov. 3rd, Shane will be speaking at a youth event from 3:30 to 7:00 pm at Providence Presbyterian Church. Shane will be addressing the topics: Is Faith Blind?, and Are There Contradictions in the Gospels? For more information about this youth event, send a text to 619-820-4908.

Houston, TexasOn Friday & Saturday, Nov. 8-9, Shane will be participating in a panel discussion on the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection, featuring Gary Habermas and others. This event will take place at the Lanier Theological Library.

If you would like to invite Shane Rosenthal to speak at your event, send an email to: INFO at HUMBLESKEPTIC dot COM. 

SUPPORT THIS PODCASTDonations to The Humble Skeptic podcast are tax-deductible. To make a one-time donation or set up recurring monthly gifts, click here. Another way to support this podcast is by upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack. Subscriptions begin at $5.95 per month or $59 per year, however, this option is not tax-deductible.

The Pilot Episode of The Humble Skeptic podcast was launched in October of 2022, and on that program, Shane told his Dad’s story of seeing Billy Joel perform at a piano bar in Los Angeles. If you’ve had a chance to listen to that episode, you know the story (if not, you should listen to that show first). On this program, Shane discusses some of the new evidence that has recently come to light about the location of The Executive Room, and talks with John Gibson about his memories of the famous piano bar.

SHOW NOTES

Related ResourcesThe Pilot Episode, Humble Skeptic Ep. #1 Is My Dad One of the Characters in Billy Joel’s Piano Man? Shane RosenthalThe Life & Times of an Angry Young Man, Hank BordowitzHow to Detect Deception, Shane RosenthalThe Virtue of Doubt, Shane RosenthalOn Faith & Doubt, Shane Rosenthal

Related LinksThe Executive Room According to PopSpots, Bob EganThe Legacy of the O.J. Simpson Murder Trial, John GibsonJohn & Sandy Gibson’s role in the Billy Joel story, Hank BordowitzPiano Man—Billy Joel, Hank BordowitzABC’s 20/20 Segment on Billy JoelLiam Cooper’s Interview with a former owner of The Executive RoomLiam Cooper’s King of the Keys TrailerBilly Joel’s Piano Man (sign at the very end says: “Bill Martin at the piano”)An Interview with Billy Joel, The Library of Congress

MusicThe song that appears at the very end of the podcast (in the additional material that appears after the close of the program) is “Along the Way,” by The Hunts.

According to the Library of Congress (see link above), Billy Joel stated that The Executive Room is now “a bank or an insurance building.” The image above is of The Pierce National Life building, which is an insurance company, and according to the replica also shown above, at one time it also happened to be a bank building. This also matches one of the statements that Shane’s dad mentioned on the Pilot Episode. And when Shane sent a picture of this building to John Gibson (after he volunteered the information about it being located in the lobby of a large office building), he wrote back saying, “Oh, that looks like the building!”

SUPPORT THIS PODCASTClick here to make a one-time gift or to upgrade to a paid subscription via Substack. Subscriptions begin at $5.95 per month or $59 per year. Thanks for your support!

According to Rebecca McLaughlin, many of the beliefs of our contemporary culture can be summarized into a kind of “secular creed.” Though Christians will agree with some parts of this creed and disagree with others, it’s important to note that many of the assumptions underlying this “statement of faith” are rooted in Christian soil. So how did Jesus completely reshape the moral imagination of Western culture? Shane discusses this with Dr. McLaughlin, who is the author of numerous books including Confronting Christianity, and The Secular Creed.

SHOW NOTES

Related BooksThe Secular Creed & Confronting Christianity, Rebecca McLaughlinDominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World, Tom HollandThe Righteous Mind & The Anxious Generation, Jonathan HaidtChristianity & Liberalism, J. Gresham MachenThe Secularist Heresy, Harry BlamiresEarly Christian Writings, The Apostolic Fathers

Related ArticlesHow Christianity Killed Infanticide, Rebecca McLaughlinAn Ancient Letter from a Soldier to His Wife (scroll to bottom right)The Epistle to Diognetus (see chapters 5 & 9).Why I Was Wrong About Christianity, Tom HollandPentecost Skewers Racism, Rebecca McLaughlinCan We Trust the Gospels: A Review, Rebecca McLaughlinLiberalism or Christianity?, J. Gresham MachenThe Tower of Babel & The Virtue of Doubt, Shane Rosenthal

Related VideosThe Secular Creed, Rebecca McLaughlinChristianity is Returning, Tom Holland & Justin BrierleyHow St. Paul Changed the World, Tom Holland & N.T. WrightJesus Through the Eyes of Witnesses, Rebecca McLaughlinSexuality & Identity, Rebecca McLaughlin & Sam AllberryRelated PodcastsThe Gospel Creed, Humble Skeptic #9On Persuasion, John Dickson on the research of Jonathan HaidtSame-Sex Attraction, Sam Allberry & Michael HortonIdentity in a Post-Christian Culture, Humble Skeptic #33The Woke Revolution, Humble Skeptic #34Navigating the Currents of Aggressive Secularism, Humble Skeptic #36Is Faith Irrational? & Is Faith Blind? Humble Skeptic #2 and #3Is Faith a Feeling? Humble Skeptic #4

UPCOMING EVENTS MILAN, ITALYOn Sunday, Oct. 13th, Shane will be speaking at Chiesa Riformata Filadelfia on the northwest side of Milan. For more info or directions, click here.

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURIOn Friday, Oct. 18th, Shane will be the keynote speaker at the ReThink315 fundraising dinner, which will take place at the Missouri Athletic Club in Des Peres. To purchase tickets for this event or for more info, click here.

TROY, ILLINOISOn Sunday, Nov. 3rd, Shane will be speaking at a youth event from 3:30 to 7:00 pm at Providence Presbyterian Church. Shane will be addressing the topics: Is Faith Blind?, and Are There Contradictions in the Gospels? For more information about this youth event, send a text to 619-820-4908.

HOUSTON, TEXASOn Friday & Saturday, Nov. 8-9, Shane will be participating in a panel discussion on the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection, featuring Gary Habermas and others. This event will take place at the Lanier Theological Library.

If you would like to invite Shane Rosenthal to speak at your event, send an email to: INFO at HUMBLESKEPTIC dot COM. 

Support This Podcast!Donations to The Humble Skeptic podcast are tax-deductible. To make a one-time donation or set up recurring monthly gifts, click here or use the QR code below. Another way to support this podcast is by upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack. Subscriptions begin at $5.95 per month or $59 per year, however, this option is not tax-deductible. Thanks for your support!

If you haven’t heard The Pilot Episode yet, be sure to fix that before Sept 3rd! Featuring an interview with a special guest whose name you just might recognize, this episode will revisit questions related to the location of The Executive Room.

Some Christians in our day push back against the idea of “the separation of church and state,” but David VanDrunen argues that, in reality, this is a crucial distinction taught throughout the Bible. So what is the proper view of government from a Christian perspective and how should we think about the relationship between theology and politics? Shane talks with Dr. VanDrunen about these and other issues he addresses in his book Politics After Christendom: Political Theology in a Fractured World.

SHOW NOTES

Recommended BooksPolitics After Christendom, David VanDrunenLiving in God’s Two Kingdoms, David VanDrunenNatural Law: A Short Companion, David VanDrunenDivine Covenants & Moral Order, David VanDrunenNatural Law & The Two Kingdoms, David VanDrunen

Recommended ArticlesParadise Lost, David VanDrunenThe Tower of Babel, Shane RosenthalChristianity & Politics, William Bennet, Os Guinness & Others

Recommended AudioA Biblical Theology of Civil Government, David VanDrunenThe Rise & Fall of Christendom, David VanDrunenTheocracy or Liberalism? David VanDrunenResponsible Citizens, Patient Sojourners, David VanDrunenThe Political Implications of Original Sin, WHI #1597 with M. McClymondThe Woke Revolution, Humble Skeptic #34 with Os GuinnessLive Not By Lies, Humble Skeptic #35 with Rod Dreher

UPCOMING EVENTS MILAN, ITALYOn Sunday, Oct. 13th, Shane will be speaking at Chiesa Riformata Filadelfia on the northwest side of Milan. For more info or directions, click here.

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURIOn Friday, Oct. 18th, Shane will be the keynote speaker at the ReThink315 fundraising dinner, which will take place at the Missouri Athletic Club in Des Peres. To purchase tickets for this event or for more info, click here.

TROY, ILLINOISOn Sunday, Nov. 3rd, Shane will be speaking at a youth event from 3:30 to 7:00 pm at Providence Presbyterian Church. Shane will be addressing the topics: Is Faith Blind?, and Are There Contradictions in the Gospels? For more information about this youth event, send a text to 619-820-4908.

HOUSTON, TEXASOn Friday & Saturday, Nov. 8-9, Shane will be participating in a panel discussion on the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection, featuring Gary Habermas and others. This event will take place at the Lanier Theological Library.

For more information, or to invite Shane Rosenthal to speak at your next event, send an email to: INFO at HUMBLESKEPTIC dot COM. 

SUPPORT THIS PODCASTConsider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Click here for more information about giving options.

According to John Dickson, “Christianity is unlike other religions in that it gambles its plausibility on supposed historical events. Christians,” he writes, “don’t merely say otherworldly things like ‘Heaven is open to all,’ but they also say things like, ‘Christ suffered under Pontius Pilate,’ and statements of this kind aren’t immune from historical scrutiny.” So, what are the considerations involved in assessing the historical value of the Gospels? How can we be sure these ancient texts really are what they claim to be? On this episode, Shane talks with Undeceptions host, John Dickson, who received a PhD in the field of ancient history, and who is the author of Is Jesus History?

• The clip in which John Dickson mentioned his openness to an earlier date for the Fourth Gospel appeared on Episode 126 of his Undeceptions podcast.

• The quote from Princeton scholar, James Charlesworth was taken from his book, Jesus As Mirrored in John. You can find additional quotes by Charlesworth and other advocates of an earlier date for John here.

• To read Shane’s recent article mentioned at the end of this episode featuring an archaeological discovery related to Joanna & Theophilus, click here.

SHOW NOTES

Related BooksIs Jesus History? John DicksonA Doubters Guide to Jesus, John DicksonA Doubters Guide to the Bible, John DicksonCan We Trust The Gospels? Peter J. WilliamsRedating the New Testament, John A.T. RobinsonRethinking the Dates of the New Testament, Jonathan BernierJesus & The Eyewitnesses, Richard BauckhamTestimonies to the Truth, Lydia McGrewThe Righteous Mind, Jonathan Haidt

Related ArticlesJoanna: An Obscure Disciple, or Luke’s Key Witness? Shane RosenthalJohn 5:2 “There is in Jerusalem…”, Shane Rosenthal & othersThe Authenticity & Genuineness of the Fourth Gospel, J.B. LightfootIs Luke a Trustworthy Historian, Sir William RamsayAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalOutside The Gospels, What Can We Know About Jesus? Shane RosenthalWater Into Wine? Shane RosenthalOn Faith & History, Shane RosenthalScribes of the New Covenant, Shane RosenthalThe Identity of the Beloved Disciple, Shane RosenthalCan We Trust Luke’s History of the Early Jesus Movement? Shane RosenthalSimon of Cyrene: An Intriguing Archaeological Discovery, Shane RosenthalThe Mormonization of American Christianity, Shane Rosenthal

Other Related ResourcesIs John’s Gospel Late & Unreliable? Humble Skeptic #51The Jesus of History, Humble Skeptic #12The Gospel Creed, Humble Skeptic # 9The Gospels As Eyewitness Testimony, Humble Skeptic #48Questioning The Fourth Gospel, Humble Skeptic #49Faith Founded on Facts (1), Humble Skeptic #15Faith Founded on Facts (2), Humble Skeptic. #16Authenticating The Book of Acts, Humble Skeptic #24New Evidence for the Gospels, Peter J. Williams (video)

UPCOMING EVENTS Milan, ItalyOn Sunday, Oct. 13th, Shane will be speaking at Chiesa Riformata Filadelfia on the northwest side of Milan. For more info or directions, click here.

St. Louis, MissouriOn Friday, Oct. 18th, Shane will be the keynote speaker at the ReThink315 fundraising dinner, which will take place at the Missouri Athletic Club in Des Peres. To purchase tickets for this event or for more info, click here.

Troy, IllinoisOn Sunday, Nov. 3rd, Shane will be speaking at a youth event from 3:30 to 7:00 pm at Providence Presbyterian Church. Shane will be addressing the topics: Is Faith Blind?, and Are There Contradictions in the Gospels? For more information about this youth event, send a text to 619-820-4908.

Houston, TexasOn Friday & Saturday, Nov. 8-9, Shane will be participating in a panel discussion on the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection, featuring Gary Habermas and others. This event will take place at the Lanier Theological Library.

For more information, or to invite Shane Rosenthal to speak at your next event, send an email to: INFO at HUMBLESKEPTIC dot COM. 

We Need Your Help!Consider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Click here for more information about giving options. Also, if you’re a fan of the show, consider writing a brief review to let others know what you like about it (preferably via the Apple Podcast app since their reviews can be seen in other podcast portals). The more positive reviews we get, the more exposure we get!

NOTE: Some clips from this interview with John Dickson were previously featured on episodes 2, 15 & 16 of The Humble Skeptic podcast.

Many scholars over the past century have claimed that John’s Gospel is the least historically reliable since it was written in the late first century. Essentially, they’ve argued that this text tells us more about the beliefs of the church in that period than it does about the historical Jesus. On this episode, Shane talks with New Testament scholar Daniel Wallace about evidence that points to a much earlier date, along with other matters related to the historical reliability and faithful transmission of the Fourth Gospel.

John 5:2 “There is in Jerusalem…”Are we beginning to see a paradigm shift taking place related to the dating of the Fourth Gospel? In his 2019 book, Jesus Mirrored in John, Princeton scholar James Charlesworth writes:

John is not a late composition…I am convinced that the earliest edition of John—the first edition—may antedate 70 CE. Why? It is because the author knew Jerusalem intimately, providing many architectural details which only thirty years ago we imagined were literary inventions…All the reasons that require a late date for the Gospel of John (sometime after 90 CE) have vanished. There is no longer a consensus regarding the date of John…Is it possible, then, to observe a paradigm shift…? Yes.

To see an exhaustive list of scholars who have argued for an early date for John’s Gospel from Johann Bengel to George van Kooten, click below. The quotes presented primarily interact with John’s present tense language in John 5:2, and I also feature comments from a variety of scholars who remain unconvinced.

SHOW NOTES

Recommended BooksRevisiting the Corruption of the New Testament, Daniel WallaceRedating the New Testament, John A.T. RobinsonThe Priority of John, John A.T. RobinsonRethinking the Dates of the New Testament, Jonathan BernierRedating Matthew, Mark & Luke, John WenhamNICNT Commentary on The Gospel of John (1995), Leon MorrisConcordia Commentary: John 1:1-7:1, William WeinrichCan We Trust The Gospels? Peter J. WilliamsThe Testimony of the Beloved Disciple, Richard BauckhamJesus & The Eyewitnesses, Richard BauckhamGreek Grammar Beyond the Basics, Daniel Wallace

Recommended ArticlesJohn 5:2 & The Date of The Fourth Gospel, Daniel WallaceJohn 5:2 (Part 2) & John 5:2 (Part 3), Daniel WallaceThe Gospel of John: An Introduction, Daniel WallaceThe Authenticity & Genuineness of the Fourth Gospel, J.B. LightfootThe Four Gospels as Authentic Testimony, Richard BauckhamWater Into Wine? Shane RosenthalAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalThe Identity of the Beloved Disciple, Shane RosenthalJoanna: Luke’s Key Witness? Shane RosenthalJohn 5:2 “There is in Jerusalem…”, Shane RosenthalA Paradigm Shift on the Date of John’s Gospel? Shane Rosenthal

Other Related ResourcesHas the Bible Been Miscopied or Mistranslated? Daniel Wallace, WHI #1377The Gospels As Eyewitness Testimony, Humble Skeptic #48 with Richard BauckhamQuestioning The Fourth Gospel, Humble Skeptic #49 with Richard Bauckham Which John Wrote John? Humble Skeptic #50 Stories of Jesus: Can They Be Trusted? Humble Skeptic #61 with Peter J. WilliamsSimply Genius, Humble Skeptic #62 with Peter J. WilliamsThe Jesus of History, with John Dickson Humble Skeptic #12New Evidence for the Gospels, Peter J. Williams (video)Are the Gospels Reliable? Peter J. Williams & Bart Ehrman (video)

Write a Positive ReviewIf you’re a fan of the show, consider writing a brief review to let others know what you like about it (preferably via the Apple Podcast app since their reviews can be seen in other podcast portals). The more positive reviews we get, the more exposure we get!

We Need Your Help!Consider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Use the button below for more information about giving options

On this episode, Shane walks through some of the internal and external evidence related to his investigation of The Identity of the Beloved Disciple. This builds on some of the ideas introduced on the last episode with Richard Bauckham, but this discussion of the authorship of the Fourth Gospel takes a significantly deeper dive. As you’ll see, the result of this exploration has surprising implications for the authenticity and historical reliability of all four Gospels—and, of course, John in particular.

SHOW NOTES

Recommended BooksThe Witness of St. John to Christ, Stanley Leathes — FREEThe Testimony of the Beloved Disciple, Richard BauckhamJesus & The Eyewitnesses, Richard BauckhamThe Identity of John the Evangelist, Dean FurlongThe New Testament in Its World, N.T. Wright & Michael BirdThe Gospel of St. John: A Newly Discovered Commentary, J.B. LightfootJohn The Son of Zebedee, The Life of a Legend, Alan CulpepperThe Johannine Question, Martin Hengel

Recommended ArticlesThe Identity of the Beloved Disciple, Shane RosenthalA New Argument for John’s Identity, Shane RosenthalAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalWater Into Wine?, Shane RosenthalOutside The Gospels, What Can We Know About Jesus?, S. RosenthalCan We Trust Luke’s History of the Early Jesus Movement?, S. RosenthalSimon of Cyrene: An Intriguing Archaeological Discovery, S. RosenthalScribes of the New Covenant, Shane RosenthalThe Parable of Lazarus, Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe The Bible?, Shane Rosenthal

Other Related ResourcesQuestioning The Fourth Gospel, Humble Skeptic Ep. #49The Gospels As Eyewitness Testimony, Humble Skeptic Ep. #48The Jesus of History, Humble Skeptic Ep. #12Fake or Authentic?, Humble Skeptic Ep. #10Authenticating the Book of Acts, Humble Skeptic Ep. #24Faith Founded on Facts (1), Humble Skeptic Ep. #15Faith Founded on Facts (2), Humble Skeptic Ep. #16This above episode makes a case for an earlier dating of John’s Gospel

Write a Positive ReviewIf you’re a fan of the show, consider writing a brief review to let others know what you like about it (preferably via the Apple Podcast app since their reviews can be seen in other podcast portals). The more positive reviews we get, the more exposure we get!

We Need Your Help!Consider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Use the button below for more information about giving options.

Many scholars over the centuries have questioned the historical value of John’s Gospel. Since it is assumed to be very late, it’s often argued that John’s narrative contains “theology, not history.” Richard Bauckham argues that the author of this text should be seen as a credible eyewitness of the events he reports, but that a careful look at both the internal and external evidence reveals that this Gospel was written by a lesser-known figure named John the Elder. Shane discusses this with Professor Bauckham and interacts with other scholars (including D.A. Carson, Craig Blomberg, Andreas Kostenberger, and Lydia McGrew) who take the traditional view of authorship.

SHOW NOTES

Recommended BooksThe Testimony of the Beloved Disciple, Richard BauckhamJesus & The Eyewitnesses, Richard BauckhamMagdala of Galilee: A Jewish City, Richard BauckhamThe Identity of John the Evangelist, Dean Furlong

Recommended ArticlesThe Identity of the Beloved Disciple, Shane RosenthalAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalWater Into Wine?, Shane RosenthalOutside The Gospels, What Can We Know About Jesus?, S. RosenthalScribes of the New Covenant, Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe The Bible?, Shane RosenthalJesus & The Eyewitnesses: A Review, Shane Rosenthal

Other Related ResourcesThe Gospels As Eyewitness Testimony, Humble Skeptic Ep. #48The Jesus of History, Humble Skeptic Ep. #12Fake or Authentic?, Humble Skeptic Ep. #10Authenticating the Book of Acts, Humble Skeptic Ep. #24Faith Founded on Facts (1), Humble Skeptic Ep. #15Faith Founded on Facts (2), Humble Skeptic Ep. #16

Write a Positive ReviewIf you’re a fan of the show, consider writing a brief review to let others know what you like about it (preferably via the Apple Podcast app since their reviews can be seen in other podcast portals). The more positive reviews we get, the more exposure we get!

We Need Your Help!Consider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Use the button below for more information about giving options.

Many New Testament scholars argue that the Gospels were told orally for the better part of a century before they were finally written down, and as such, they tell us more about later Christian beliefs than they do the life of Jesus. Cambridge scholar Richard Bauckham has argued that this entire approach to Jesus research has officially reached a dead end and that the Gospels are rooted in reliable eyewitness testimony. Shane discusses these claims with Dr. Bauckham.

SHOW NOTES

Recommended BooksJesus & The Eyewitnesses, Richard BauckhamJesus: A Very Short Introduction, Richard BauckhamThe Testimony of the Beloved Disciple, Richard BauckhamGospel Women, Richard BauckhamCan We Trust The Gospels?, Peter J. WilliamsTestimonies to the Truth, Lydia McGrew

Recommended ArticlesThe Gospels as Authentic Testimony, Richard BauckhamIs Luke a Trustworthy Historian?, William RamsayJohn 5:2 There is in Jerusalem, Shane RosenthalOutside The Gospels, What Can We Know About Jesus?, Shane RosenthalScribes of the New Covenant, Shane RosenthalCan We Trust Luke’s History of the Early Jesus Movement?, S. RosenthalWater Into Wine?, Shane RosenthalOn Faith & History, Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe The Bible?, Shane RosenthalAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalJesus & The Eyewitnesses: A Review, Shane RosenthalConsidering Alternatives to the Resurrection, Shane Rosenthal

Other Related ResourcesIs John’s Gospel Late & Unreliable?, Humble Skeptic #51The Jesus of History, Humble Skeptic Ep. #12Faith Founded on Facts, Humble Skeptic Ep. #15Fake or Authentic?, Humble Skeptic Ep. #10Authenticating the Book of Acts, Humble Skeptic Ep. #24New Evidence for the Gospels, Peter J. Williams (video)Evidence for the Resurrection, Peter J. Williams (video)Are the Gospels Reliable?, Peter J. Williams & Bart Ehrman (video)

Upcoming Events• Shane will be speaking at the ReThink315 College Camp which will take place on the campus of St. Louis University, July 16-19, 2024.

• On Wed. Sept. 18th, Shane will discuss the question, “Is Faith Blind & Irrational?” at an event in Cedar City, Utah (more details coming soon).

• For more information, or to invite Shane Rosenthal to speak at your next event, send an email to: INFO at HUMBLESKEPTIC dot COM. 

Write a Positive ReviewIf you’re a fan of the show, consider writing a brief review to let others know what you like about it (preferably via the Apple Podcast app since their reviews can be seen in other podcast portals). The more positive reviews we get, the more exposure we get!

We Need Your Help!Consider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Use the button below for more information about giving options.

What did ancient Jews believe about the mission of their Messiah? Were they expecting a kind of warrior king who would defeat the Gentiles and reign as king over all the earth, or one who would atone for sin through his own sacrificial death? On this episode, Shane discusses these questions as he interacts with a variety of texts from the Dead Sea Scrolls and other sources that give us insight into the way Jews before and after the time of Jesus attempted to interpret some of the messianic prophecies recorded in the pages of the Old Testament.

To download a PDF copy of the lecture slides for this presentation, use the link below:

SHOW NOTES

Related ArticlesSprinkled Nations & Speechless Kings, Shane RosenthalA Dead Sea Scroll Hymn on the Suffering Servant, Shane RosenthalFinding Christ in All The Scriptures, Shane RosenthalProof of the Gospel, Quotes from Eusebius, Augustine & othersWhy Should We Believe The Bible? (PDF), Shane RosenthalDid Palm Trees Grow in Jerusalem at the Time of Jesus?, Shane RosenthalWhere Was Jesus Crucified?, Shane RosenthalConsidering Alternatives to the Resurrection, Shane RosenthalRelated BooksHolman Quicksource Guide to the Dead Sea Scrolls, Craig EvansA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith, Craig EvansA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Gospels, Craig EvansJosephus, Jewish War Vol. III, (This edition includes some Slavonic material)Josephus’ Jewish War and its Slavonic Version, Henry & Kate LeemingThe Gospel According to Isaiah 53, Darrell Bock & othersThe Jewish Gospels, Daniel BoyarinThe Jewish Annotated New Testament, Daniel Boyarin & others“Son of Man” in Early Jewish Literature, Richard BauckhamThe Jewish Targums & John’s Logos Theology, John RonningThe Angel of the Lord. Doug Van Dorn & Matt ForemanThe Moody Handbook of Messianic Prophecy, Rydelnik & BlumThe Life & Times of Jesus The Messiah, Alfred EdersheimProof of the Gospel, Eusebius of Caesarea

Related AudioJewish Views of the Messiah, Humble Skeptic # 38 with Daniel BoyarinWhat Did the Earliest Christians Believe? Humble Skeptic #25The Earliest Gospel, Humble Skeptic #45 Were Jews Expecting a Divine Messiah?, WHI #1243 with Craig EvansThe Gospel Creed, Humble Skeptic #9Locating Golgotha, Humble Skeptic #17 with David RohlWhat Child Is This? Humble Skeptic (bonus episode)

Write a Positive ReviewIf you’re a fan of the show, consider writing a brief review to let others know what you like about it (preferably via the Apple Podcast app since their reviews can be seen in other podcast portals). The more positive reviews we get, the more exposure we get!

We Need Your Help!Consider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Tax-deductible giving options are also available.

In 1833, Thomas Starkie observed, “It so rarely happens that witnesses of the same transaction perfectly and entirely agree in all points connected with it, that an entire and complete coincidence in every particular…engenders suspicion.” On this special Easter edition of the podcast, Shane airs an interview he recorded with Lydia McGrew about differences that exist between the four Gospels related to Jesus’ resurrection, and whether those differences can be reconciled.

SHOW NOTES

ArticlesConsidering Alternatives to the Resurrection, Shane RosenthalJoanna: Luke’s Key Witness? Shane RosenthalBart Ehrman on Jesus & The Claim of Resurrection, Shane RosenthalPassover & The Last Supper, Shane RosenthalWhere Was Jesus Crucified?, Shane RosenthalAre We Witnessing a Paradigm Shift on John’s Gospel? Shane RosenthalThe Compelling Nature of Corroborated Testimony, Shane RosenthalSimon of Cyrene: An Intriguing Archaeological Discovery, Shane RosenthalThe Authenticity & Genuineness of the Fourth Gospel, J.B. LightfootIs Luke a Trustworthy Historian?, Sir William RamsayCan We Trust Luke’s History of the Early Jesus Movement? Shane RosenthalWhat is the Most Important Thing Taught in the Bible?, Shane Rosenthal

BooksTestimonies to the Truth, Lydia McGrewHidden in Plain View, Lydia McGrewThe Mirror or the Mask, Lydia McGrewJesus & The Eyewitnesses, Richard BauckhamEaster Enigma, John WenhamThe Doubters Guide to Jesus, John DicksonCan We Trust the Gospels? Peter J. WilliamsOn The Resurrection Vol. 1: Evidences, Gary HabermasOn The Resurrection Vol. 2: Refutations, Gary Habermas

AudioFake or Authentic? with Lydia McGrewAuthenticating the Book of Acts, with Lydia McGrewThe Messiah’s Redemptive Mission, Shane RosenthalStories of Jesus: Can We Trust Them? with Peter J. WilliamsAre The Gospels History or Fiction? with John DicksonIs John’s Gospel Late & Unreliable?, with Daniel WallaceThe Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony, with Richard BauckhamLocating Golgotha, with David RohlEvidential Reasoning, with Craig PartonDealing with Discrepancies, with J. Warner WallaceThe Jesus of History & The Gospel Creed

VideoThe Resurrection of Jesus, Peter J. WilliamsPeter J. Williams vs Bart Ehrman on the Reliablity of the NTThe Tools & Rules of History, with Gary Habermas, David McIlroy & Shane RosenthalMark Lanier moderated this panel discussion at the Lanier Theological Library in Houston Texas. The forum was inspired by the release of two exhaustive volumes on the historicity of Jesus’ Resurrection by Dr. Habermas: On The Resurrection Vol. 1: Evidences, and On The Resurrection Vol. 2: Refutations.

Who Is Jesus? Bridging Diverse Voices, St. Louis, MO, April 24th.Shane Rosenthal and Michael McClymond will be defending the historic Christian view of Jesus at this Christian / Muslim conversation which will take place at St. Louis Community College Meramec (located at 11333 Big Bend Rd, in Kirkwood, MO). The purpose is to highlight some of the differences between Christian and Muslim perspectives related to Jesus’ identity and mission and to take questions from students. This event is brought to you by St. Louis Community College in partnership with ReThink315. Click here for more info.

Share with Friends & FamilyIf you’re a fan of the show, please share with others and consider posting a link to this episode via your social media feed. Just copy the URL of this page, paste it into your feed, and write a few words. Also, consider writing a positive review of this podcast via the Apple Podcast app, or your preferred podcast portal. The more reviews we get, the more exposure we get! Thanks for your help!

Make a One-Time Gift or Upgrade to a Paid SubscriptionConsider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Tax-deductible giving options are also available.

Galatians is one of the earliest NT epistles and it records one of the oldest controversies in church history. Surprisingly, these early Christians weren’t involved in a dispute about Jesus’ divinity, his death, burial, or even his resurrection from the dead. Rather, the controversy was specifically rooted in the implications of all these foundational beliefs. If Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah, then how should we apply the Law of Moses moving forward? Should Gentiles be circumcised, keep Kosher, and rest on the Sabbath? Shane Rosenthal discusses these questions with T. David Gordon, author of Promise, Law, Faith: Covenant-Historical Reasoning in Galatians.

SHOW NOTES

Recommended BooksPromise, Law, Faith, T. David GordonChoose Better, T. David GordonPaul & The Law, Brian S. Rosner40 Questions About Christians & Biblical Law, Thomas SchreinerSacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored, Mike Brown & Z. Keele

Related ArticlesThe Coin & The Covenant, Shane RosenthalThe Acts 2 Controversy, Shane RosenthalA New Way of Reading Scripture, Shane RosenthalFinding Christ in All The Scriptures, Shane RosenthalWhat’s the Most Important Thing in the Bible?, S RosenthalWhy Johnny Can’t Preach, T. David Gordon

Related AudioThe Earliest Gospel, Humble Skeptic #45 How to Read & Interpret The Bible, Humble Skeptic #37What Did the Earliest Christians Believe?, Humble Skeptic #25The Gospel Creed • Humble Skeptic #9The Effect of Media & Technology, Humble Skeptic #30Distracting Ourselves to Death, T. David Gordon on WHI

Write a Positive ReviewIf you’re a fan of the show, consider writing a brief review to let others know what you like about it (preferably via the Apple Podcast app since their reviews can be seen in other podcast portals). The more positive reviews we get, the more exposure we get!

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What is the earliest Gospel in existence? It’s not Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John; according to Paul, the oldest Gospel is actually found in the book of Genesis. In Galatians 3:8 he boldly declares that the gospel of Jesus had been proclaimed in advance to Abraham. So what specific passages from Genesis did he have in mind? How did the promises given to Abraham differ from the covenant that was later ratified at Mt. Sinai? Were Old Testament saints saved by works or simply by trusting the promise? Shane discusses these questions and more with Mike Brown, co-author of Sacred Bond, Covenant Theology Explored.

SHOW NOTES

Related ArticlesOutside the Gospels, What Can We Know About Jesus?, S. RosenthalFinding Christ in All The Scriptures, Shane RosenthalExploring Covenant Theology, Mike Brown & Zach KeeleWhat’s the Most Important Thing in the Bible?, S RosenthalWhy Should We Believe the Bible?, Shane RosenthalSprinkled Nations & Speechless Kings, Shane RosenthalA New Way of Reading Scripture, Shane Rosenthal

Related BooksSacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored, Mike Brown & Z. KeeleJourneys with Jesus, Dennis JohnsonChrist From Beginning to End, Hunter & WellumThe Proof of the Gospel, Eusebius of CaesareaPromise, Law, Faith, T. David GordonThe Angel of the Lord, Van Dorn & Foreman

Related AudioThe Galatian Controversy, Humble Skeptic #46What Did The Earliest Christians Believe?, Humble Skeptic #25Jewish Views of the Messiah, Humble Skeptic #38The Angel of Yahweh, Humble Skeptic #70 with Foreman & Van DornHow to Read & Apply the Old Testament, S. Rosenthal & Iain DuguidThe Big Picture, Humble Skeptic #26 The Gospel Creed • Humble Skeptic #9

During this episode, Shane read a quote from Bono. Here’s the larger context, which was originally included as part of an introduction to the Psalms:

“Psalm 40 is interesting in that it suggests a time in which grace will replace karma, and love replace the very strict laws of Moses (i.e. fulfill them). I love that thought. David, who committed some of the most selfish as well as selfless acts, was depending on it. That the scriptures are brim full of hustlers, murderers, cowards, adulterers, and mercenaries used to shock me; now it is a source of great comfort.” Click here to read Bono’s entire essay.

Write a Positive ReviewIf you’re a fan of the show, consider writing a brief review to let others know what you like about it (preferably via the Apple Podcast app since their reviews can be seen in other podcast portals). The more positive reviews we get, the more exposure we get!

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Abdu Murray is a lawyer who was raised in a Muslim home. Though he used to argue with Christians about the superiority of Islam, after a long and careful consideration of the evidence, he eventually left the religion of his youth and converted to Christianity. On this episode, Shane talks with Abdu about his conversion experience and many other topics he addresses in his books, Grand Central Question, and Saving Truth: Finding Meaning & Clarity in a Post-Truth World.

SHOW NOTES

Related BooksSaving Truth, Abdu MurrayGrand Central Question, Abdu MurrayMore Than a White Man’s Religion, Abdu MurraySeeking Allah, Finding Jesus, Nabeel QureshiPost Christian, Gene VeithStrange New World, Carl TruemanTactics, Greg KouklThe Story of Reality, Greg KouklStreet Smarts, Greg KouklRelated ResourcesAbdu Murray on Confirmation Bias (video)Truth is More Than a Feeling, Abdu Murray (article)Pluralism, Confusion & The Roads to God, Abdu MurrayAll Rise with Abdu Murray (podcast)Humble Apologetics, Shane Rosenthal (article)Recovering the Art of Persuasion, Shane Rosenthal (article)On Faith & Doubt, Shane Rosenthal (article)The Virtue of Doubt, Shane Rosenthal (article)Why Should We Believe The Bible?, Shane Rosenthal (article)Greg Koukl on Street Smarts, Humble Skeptic, Ep. 27 (podcast)Rethinking Apologetics, Humble Skeptic, Ep. 23 (podcast)Is Faith Irrational?, Humble Skeptic, Ep. 02 (podcast)

Write a Positive ReviewIf you’re a fan of the show, consider writing a brief note to let others know what you like about it (preferably via the Apple Podcast app since their reviews are visible in many other podcast portals). The more positive reviews we get, the more exposure we get! 

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Jesus frequently taught in a way that provoked questions. This is one of the reasons his parables are sometimes difficult to understand since they were actually meant to be confusing and disorienting. On this episode, Shane discusses the purpose of Jesus’ parables with his former pastor, Scott Churnock, and together they walk through the significance of the stories found in Luke 15, including The Lost Coin, The Lost Sheep, and The Lost Sons.

SHOW NOTES

Related ArticlesDead Men Can’t Dance, Scott ChurnockThe Parable of Old & New Treasures, Shane RosenthalThe Parable of The Rich Man & Lazarus, Shane RosenthalThe Parable of The Good Samaritan, D.A. CarsonIntroduction to the Parables, Craig Blomberg

Related ResourcesLost & Found: The Parables of Luke 15, Scott Churnock (audio)The Surprising Genius of Jesus, Peter J. Williams (book)The Prodigal God, Tim Keller (book)The Cross & The Prodigal, Kenneth Bailey (book)The Explosive Power of Jesus’ Parables, Albert Mohler Jr. (book)The Parables of Jesus, David Wenham (book)The Purpose of the Parables, D.A. Carson (video)The Parables of Jesus, R.C. Sproul (video series)What Do Jesus’ Parables Mean?, R.C. Sproul (booklet)

Write a Positive ReviewIf you’re a fan of the show, consider writing a brief review to let others know what you like about it (preferably via the Apple Podcast app since their reviews can be seen in other podcast portals). The more positive reviews we get, the more exposure we get! 

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How does the Christian worldview explain the problem of evil, and how does this perspective differ from other major worldview options? What are we to think about the challenges related to artificial intelligence, and how could these challenges potentially change our world? Shane Rosenthal discusses these and other questions with Oxford mathematician John Lennox, author of Suffering Life’s Pain, and 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity.

SHOW NOTESBooks by John LennoxSuffering Life’s Pain: Facing Moral & Natural EvilFinding Ultimate Reality2084: AI & The Future of HumanityJoseph: A Story of Love, Hate, & ForgivenessCan Science Explain Everything?God & Stephen HawkingCosmic ChemistryGunning for GodAgainst The FlowSeven Days That Divide The World

Other Recommended Books & ResourcesThe Universe Next Door, James SireNaming the Elephant: Worldview as a Concept, James SireWhy Good Arguments Often Fail, James SireThe Story of Reality, Greg KouklGod & The Problem of Evil, Five ViewsGreg Koukl on The Problem of Evil (podcast)Against the Tide, A Documentary Featuring John Lennox

Consider Writing a Positive ReviewIf you’re a fan of the show, consider writing a quick note about what you like about the show (preferably via the Apple Podcast app since their reviews are visible in many other podcast portals). The more positive reviews we get, the more exposure we get! 

Upcoming Events• Shane will be speaking at The Cross & Resurrection conference in the Memphis area on March 22-24, 2024 (click here for more info).

• The Humble Skeptic and ReThink315 will host a free apologetics conference titled, Conversations That Matter, featuring Greg Koukl, Shane Rosenthal, and Jeremy Smith on April 5-6, 2024 at Concord Church in St. Louis.

• Greg Koukl, Shane Rosenthal & Jeremy Smith will be speaking on apologetics-related topics at The Fellowship of Wildwood in the greater St. Louis area on April 7, 2024.

• For more information, or to invite Shane Rosenthal to speak at your next event, use the following address: INFO at HUMBLESKEPTIC dot COM. 

We Need Your Help!Consider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). You can also support the show by purchasing Humble Skeptic merch.

Are faith and science opposed to one another, or do scientific investigations sometimes lead us to ask questions of religious significance? How are we to account for the origin of our finely-tuned universe, and how do we explain the complex amount of information embedded in our own DNA? Is it rational to believe in miracles, or the narratives recorded in the Bible? On this episode, Shane discusses these issues and more with Oxford mathematician, John Lennox, author of Can Science Explain Everything?

Listen to Part 2 of this Conversation: John Lennox on Evil & The Challenge of AI

SHOW NOTES

Books by John LennoxCan Science Explain Everything?God & Stephen HawkingCosmic ChemistryGunning for GodFinding Ultimate RealityAgainst The FlowSeven Days That Divide The World2084: AI & The Future of Humanity

Other Recommended BooksThe Return of the God Hypothesis, Stephen MeyerCan A Scientist Believe in Miracles?, Ian HutchinsonThe Case Against Accident, Dean OvermanCan We Trust The Gospels?, Peter J. WilliamsThe Book of Acts in the Setting of Hellenistic History, Colin HemerJesus & The Eyewitnesses, Richard BauckhamJesus: A Very Short Introduction, Richard Bauckham

Recommended Articles & ResourcesOrigin of Life: $10 Million Prize, Perry MarshallHas Science Buried God? John Lennox (video)By Design, John Lennox, Michael Behe & Stephen Meyer (video)Martin Heidegger on The Relation of Faith & Science (video clip)Return of the God Hypothesis (Pt. 1), (Pt. 2) Stephen Meyer (podcast) Can A Scientist Believe in Miracles, Ian Hutchinson (podcast)New Evidence for the Gospels, Peter J. Williams (video)What is Faith?, Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe The Bible?, Shane RosenthalAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalAuthenticating The Book of Acts, Lydia McGrew (podcast)

Consider Writing a Positive ReviewIf you’re a fan of the show, consider writing a quick note about what you like about the show (preferably via the Apple Podcast app since their reviews are visible in many other podcast portals). The more positive reviews we get, the more exposure we get! 

Upcoming Events• Shane will be speaking at The Cross & Resurrection conference in the Memphis area on March 22-24, 2024 (click here for more info).

• Greg Koukl, Shane Rosenthal & Jeremy Smith will be speaking on apologetics-related topics at The Fellowship of Wildwood in the greater St. Louis area on April 7, 2024.

• For more information, or to invite Shane Rosenthal to speak at your next event, use the following address: INFO at HUMBLESKEPTIC dot COM. 

We Need Your Help!Consider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year).

On this edition of the Humble Skeptic podcast, Shane continues his conversation with Dr. Mike Farley of Covenant Theological Seminary, and together they answer questions from the live audience.

SHOW NOTES

Recommended ArticlesWhy Should We Believe The Bible?, Shane RosenthalAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalThe Mormonization of American Christianity, Shane RosenthalHow to Detect Deception, Shane RosenthalWhat is Faith?, Shane RosenthalHistory & Faith, J. Gresham Machen

Recommended BooksCan We Trust The Gospels?, Peter J. WilliamsIs Jesus History?, John DicksonHidden in Plain View, Lydia McGrewTestimonies To The Truth, Lydia McGrewWhy I Trust The Bible, William MounceConfronting Christianity, Rebecca McLaughlinA Good & True Story, Paul GouldThe Reason for God, Tim Keller

Related AudioWhy Should We Trust The Bible (Pt. 1), with Mike FarleyFaith & Proof, with Mike FarleyProof of the Gospel, with Mike FarleyQuestioning Conventional Wisdom, with David RohlFake or Authentic?, with Lydia McGrewTruth Unites podcast, featuring Gavin OrtlandUndeceptions podcast, featuring John Dickson

Consider Writing a Positive ReviewIf you’re a fan of the show, consider writing a quick note about what you like about the show (preferably via the Apple Podcast app since their reviews are visible in many other podcast portals). The more positive reviews we get, the more exposure we get!

Upcoming Events• Shane will be speaking at The Cross & Resurrection conference in the Memphis area on March 22-24, 2024 (click here for more info).

• Greg Koukl, Shane Rosenthal & Jeremy Smith will be speaking on apologetics-related topics at The Fellowship of Wildwood on April 7, 2024.

• For more information, or to invite Shane Rosenthal to speak at your next event, use the following address: INFO at HUMBLESKEPTIC dot COM.

We Need Your Help!Consider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Tax-deductible giving options are also available.

There are a variety of purported “holy books” out there in the spiritual marketplace, so why should we trust the Bible over the others? How do we know this book isn’t simply a collection of myths and legends or the ravings of lunatics? Shane Rosenthal discusses these questions and more with Dr. Mike Farley who is the Visiting Professor of Applied Theology at Covenant Theological Seminary.

SHOW NOTES

Recommended ArticlesIs Luke a Trustworthy Historian?, William RamsayWhy Should We Believe The Bible?, Shane RosenthalCan We Trust Luke as a Historian?, Shane RosenthalAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalThe Mormonization of American Christianity, Shane RosenthalHow to Detect Deception, Shane RosenthalWhat is Faith?, Shane RosenthalHistory & Faith, J. Gresham Machen

Recommended Books & ResourcesCan We Trust The Gospels?, Peter J. WilliamsA Doubter’s Guide to Jesus, John DicksonJesus & The Eyewitnesses, Richard BauckhamCan We Still Believe The Bible?, Craig BlombergHidden in Plain View, Lydia McGrewTestimonies To The Truth, Lydia McGrewProof of The Gospel, Eusebius of CaesareaAgainst the Tide, a documentary featuring John Lennox}

Related EpisodesFaith & Proof, with Mike FarleyProof of the Gospel, with Mike FarleyQuestioning Conventional Wisdom, with David RohlIs Faith Irrational?Is Faith Blind?

Upcoming Events• Shane will be speaking at The Cross & Resurrection conference in the Memphis area on March 22-24, 2024 (click here for more info).

• Greg Koukl, Shane Rosenthal & Jeremy Smith will be speaking on apologetics-related topics at The Fellowship of Wildwood on April 7, 2024.

• For more information, or to invite Shane Rosenthal to speak at your next event, use the following address: INFO at HUMBLESKEPTIC dot COM.

We Need Your Help!Consider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Tax-deductible giving options are also available.

Daniel Boyarin is a professor of Talmudic Culture at U.C. Berkeley who argues that many Jews before the time of Jesus were expecting a divine-human Messiah who would suffer on behalf of his people. These ideas are not only found throughout the Hebrew Bible, but we also discover them in a variety of ancient Jewish texts written before the rise of Christianity. On this episode, Shane Rosenthal talks with Dr. Boyarin about these and many other views that he presents in his book, The Jewish Gospels: The Story of the Jewish Christ.

SHOW NOTES

For a gift of any amount to help support the work of The Humble Skeptic podcast we’ll send you “Finding Christ in All the Scriptures,” a 12-page PDF resource by Shane Rosenthal. For a preview of this helpful resource, click here.

Related BooksThe Jewish Gospels, Daniel BoyarinThe Jewish Annotated New Testament, (includes material from Boyarin)The Jewish Targums & John’s Logos Theology, John RonningA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith, Craig EvansA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Gospels, Craig EvansProof of the Gospel, Eusebius of CaesareaThe Angel of the Lord, Foreman & Van DornJesus in the Old Testament, Iain DuguidThe Gospel According to Isaiah 53 • Darrell Bock & othersThe Moody Handbook of Messianic Prophecy • Rydelnik & BlumThe Life & Times of Jesus The Messiah • Alfred Edersheim

Related ArticlesFinding Christ in All The Scriptures • Shane RosenthalIsaiah’s Prophecy of the Messiah’s Birth, Shane RosenthalPassover & The Last Supper, Shane RosenthalA New Way of Reading Scripture • Shane RosenthalA Dead Sea Scroll Hymn on the Suffering Servant • Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe The Bible? • Shane RosenthalWhat’s the Most Important Thing in the Bible?, Shane RosenthalA New Way of Reading Scripture, Shane RosenthalThe Application of Messianic Prophecy, Richard Bauckham

Related AudioThe Angel of Yahweh, Humble Skeptic #70 with Foreman & Van Dorn Jacob’s Ladder, Humble Skeptic #63 with Richard Bauckham and othersDid The Exodus Ever Happen? Humble Skeptic #69 with David RohlBabylon, Humble Skeptic Episode #66 Decoding the Prophecies of Daniel, Humble Skeptic #68 Were Jews Expecting a Divine Messiah?, WHI #1243 with Craig EvansHow to Read & Apply the Old Testament, WHI #1568 with Iain DuguidWhat Did The Earliest Christians Believe? HS #25 with Dennis JohnsonThe Big Picture, Humble Skeptic #26 with J. Daniel HaysWhat Child Is This? Humble Skeptic (bonus episode)

Music Heard on This EpisodeO Come O Come Emmanuel • Ardie Son, from his Album, DecemberWhat Child is This • Ardie Son, from his Album, DecemberCarol of the Bells • Will Taylor, from his Album, A Mandolin Christmas

We Need Your Help!Consider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or by upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Tax-deductible giving options are also available.

On this episode of The Humble Skeptic podcast, Shane talks with Mike Brown, one of the authors of Sacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored, about common errors to avoid when reading and interpreting Scripture. They also discuss a variety of interpretive tools that will make your study of the Bible more effective.

SHOW NOTES

Finding Christ in All The Scriptures — A New PDF resourceIn John 5:39, Jesus famously told the religious leaders of his day, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life, but it is they that bear witness of me.” What are the implications of this verse, and how can it change the way we read and understand the entire Bible? That’s the focus of this PDF resource by Shane Rosenthal which you can receive by making a gift of any size.

Related BooksSacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored • Mike Brown & Zach KeeleKnowing Scripture • R.C. SproulJourneys with Jesus • Dennis JohnsonExegetical Fallacies • D.A. CarsonEchoes of Exodus • Alistair Roberts & Andrew WilsonThe Angel of the Lord • Doug Van Dorn & Matt ForemanAccording to Plan • Graeme GoldsworthyThe Promised One: Seeing Jesus in Genesis • Nancy GuthrieLamb of God: Seeing Jesus in Exodus • Nancy GuthrieThe Unfolding Mystery • Edmund ClowneyGod Dwells Among Us • G.K. Beale & Mitchell Kim

Related ArticlesExploring Covenant Theology • Mike Brown & Zach Keele (interview)What’s the Most Important Thing Taught in the Bible? • Shane RosenthalThe Story of Us • Shane RosenthalA New Way of Reading Scripture • Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe the Bible? • Shane Rosenthal

Related AudioWhat Did The Earliest Christians Believe? • Humble Skeptic Ep. 25The Big Picture • Humble Skeptic Ep. 26The Gospel Creed • Humble Skeptic Ep. 09How to Read & Apply the Old Testament • WHI-1568Failed Bible Heroes • WHI-1572

We Need Your Help!Consider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Tax-deductible giving options are also available.

On this episode Shane discusses a number of scenes from the book of Exodus and shows how they point to Christ and his ultimate redemptive mission. Jesus is the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, the bread of life, the living water, the light of the world, and the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep.

SHOW NOTES

ArticlesFinding Christ in All of Scripture, Shane RosenthalNew Life in the New Year: The Story of Exodus, Shane RosenthalPassover, The Last Supper & The Day of Crucifixion, Shane RosenthalWhere Was Jesus Crucified?, Shane RosenthalConsidering Alternatives to the Resurrection, Shane RosenthalBart Ehrman on Jesus & The Claim of Resurrection, Shane RosenthalDid Palm Trees Grow in Jerusalem at the Time of Jesus? Shane RosenthalSimon of Cyrene: An Intriguing Archaeological Discovery, Shane RosenthalThe Date of John’s Gospel: Are We Witnessing a Paradigm Shift? Shane RosenthalLuke’s Key Witness, Shane Rosenthal

BooksEchoes of Exodus: Tracing the Theme of Redemption, Roberts & WilsonThe Angel of the Lord, Matt Foreman & Doug Van DornChrist in All of Scripture (5 Book Series), Foreman & Van DornThe Lamb of God: Seeing Jesus in Exodus, Nancy GuthrieJesus in the Old Testament, Iain DuguidJourneys with Jesus, Dennis JohnsonThe Surprising Genius of Jesus, Peter J. WilliamsThe Jewish Gospels, Daniel BoyarinThe Jewish Targums & John’s Logos Theology, John RonningA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith, Craig EvansA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Gospels, Craig EvansProof of the Gospel, Eusebius of Caesarea

AudioSigns of the Messiah, Humble Skeptic # 74 with Andreas KöstenbergerThe Angel of Yahweh, Humble Skeptic. #70 with Foreman & Van DornThe Sinai Inscriptions, Humble Skeptic #71 with Michael S. Bar-RonDid The Exodus Ever Happen? Humble Skeptic #69 with David RohlJacob’s Ladder, Humble Skeptic #63 with Richard Bauckham and othersBabylon, Humble Skeptic Episode #66 Decoding the Prophecies of Daniel, Humble Skeptic #68 How to Read & Apply the Old Testament, WHI #1568 with Iain DuguidWere Jews Expecting a Suffering Messiah? Humble Skeptic #47Jewish Views of the Messiah, Humble Skeptic #38 with Daniel BoyariinStories of Jesus: Can We Trust Them? Humble Skeptic #61 with Peter J. Williams

VideoThe Tools & Rules of History, with Gary Habermas, David McIlroy & Shane RosenthalOn November 8th, 2024, trial attorney Mark Lanier moderated this panel discussion at the Lanier Theological Library in Houston Texas. The forum was inspired by the release of two exhaustive volumes on the historicity of Jesus’ Resurrection by Dr. Habermas: On The Resurrection Vol. 1: Evidences, and On The Resurrection Vol. 2: Refutations.

Share with Friends & FamilyIf you’re a fan of the show, please share with others and consider posting a link to this episode via your social media feed. Just copy the URL of this page, paste it into your feed, and write a few words. Also, consider writing a positive review of this podcast via the Apple Podcast app, or your preferred podcast portal. The more reviews we get, the more exposure we get! Thanks for your help!

Make a One-Time Gift or Upgrade to a Paid SubscriptionConsider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Tax-deductible giving options are also available. Click here for more information.

What is a good definition of “culture,” and why is it so effective at conforming us to believe certain things, and to behave in certain ways? How do we protect ourselves and the next generation from the negative influences of our increasingly secular culture? On this episode, Shane Rosenthal discusses these issues and more with Brett Kunkle, founder of Maven, and co-author of A Practical Guide to Culture.

SHOW NOTES

Resources by Brett KunkleA Practical Guide to Culture and A Student’s Guide to Culture (books)The Ambassador’s Guide to Mormonism (booklet)A Motivating Mormon Roleplay (article & video)Don’t Just Doubt Your Faith, Doubt Your Doubts (article)Five Tools to Equip Your Kids (article)Do Pronouns Matter? (article)Brett Kunkle Interviews his Co-Author John Stonestreet (podcast)Maventruth.com (Brett Kunkle’s website)

Other Related ResourcesThe Lost Tools of Learning, Dorothy Sayers (article)Creed or Chaos?, Dorothy Sayers (article)Recovering the Art of Persuasion, Shane Rosenthal (article)What is Faith? Shane Rosenthal (article)The Virtue of Doubt, Shane Rosenthal (article)Be a Berean!, Shane Rosenthal (article)So The Next Generation Will Know, McDowell & Wallace (book)Post Christian: A Guide to Contemporary Thought, Gene Veith (book)

We Need Your Help!Consider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Tax-deductible giving options are also available.

The word “totalitarianism” describes a political system in which the state has total authority over every aspect of life. In regimes of this kind, external conformity is just the first step—what they really want is your soul. According to Rod Dreher, we’re now seeing the rise of a new “soft totalitarianism” which is closer to Huxley’s Brave New World, than Orwell’s 1984. In soft totalitarianism, conformity is achieved by manipulating access to things like status and comfort, often by means of a social credit system. On this program, Shane Rosenthal talks with Rod Dreher about these and other disturbing trends that he outlines in his bestselling book, Live Not By Lies, which also happens to be the subject of a forthcoming documentary series.

SHOW NOTES

Resources by Rod DreherLive Not By Lies (book)The Axis of the Human Heart (essay)Exclude the Excluders! (essay)Live Not By Lies, Rod Dreher on The Jordan Peterson Podcast (video)The Fog of Propaganda: Rod Dreher on American Thought Leaders (video)

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn ResourcesLive Not By Lies (essay)A World Split Apart (Harvard commencement address)One Word of Truth (Nobel Prize speech)Solzhenitsyn at Harvard: The Address & Responses (book)The Solzhenitsyn Reader (book)A Portrait of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, David Aikman (Mars Hill Audio) The Christian Humanism of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (Mars Hill Audio)Aleksander Solzhenitsyn: A Brief Autobiography (essay)

Other Related ResourcesLive Not By Lies: The Documentary Series (video preview)We Are Repaganizing, Louise Perry (essay)Why I Am Now a Christian, Ayaan Hirsi Ali (essay)Yes, The West is Becoming More Like China, N.S. Lyons (essay)Post Christian: A Guide to Contemporary Thought, Gene Veith (book)Post Christian, featuring Shane Rosenthal & Gene Veith (podcast)Modern Fascism: Liquidating the Christian Worldview, Gene Veith (book)The False Gospel of Fascism, Shane Rosenthal & Gene Veith (podcast)The Rise & Triumph of the Modern Self, Carl Trueman (book)Politics & Original Sin, Shane Rosenthal & Michael McClymond (podcast)How to Detect Deception, Shane Rosenthal (essay)

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Fifty years ago, Os Guinness released his book, The Dust of Death, which offered a piercing analysis of the sixties counterculture movement with its revolutionary ideas about human nature and sexual liberation. In his preface to a new edition of this work, Guinness argues that during this tumultuous decade, “many of the seeds of today’s most radical ideas were sown, only to flower more recently in their most destructive forms.” Shane Rosenthal talks with Os about many of his observations and predictions from a half-century ago, as well as how these radical ideas eventually became mainstream.

SHOW NOTES

Resources by Os GuinnessThe Dust of Death, and Last Call for Liberty (books)The Magna Charta of Humanity and Fools Talk (books)We’re All Children of the 60’s (article - TGC)I Believe in Doubt (article - Ligonier)A Free People’s Suicide (video - Socrates in the City)The Magna Charta of Humanity (video - Socrates in the City)The Future of Freedom (podcast - WHI)Additional Resources by Os Guinness (website)

Other Related ResourcesOs Guinness: The Christian Public Intellectual, John Shelton (article)Let’s Be Civil About It, Michael Horton & Os Guinness (article - MR)Time for Truth, Ryan Glomsrud (article - MR)Be a Berean!, Shane Rosenthal (article)The Virtue of Doubt, Shane Rosenthal (article)Live Not By Lies, Rod Dreher (book)Modern Fascism, Gene Veith (book)The False Gospel of Fascism, S. Rosenthal & Gene Veith (podcast)The Political Implications of Original Sin, Rosenthal & McClymond (podcast)

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As discussed on recent episodes, when it comes to religion and worldview preferences, most people tend to follow their own internal feelings, intuitions, and experiences. But what are the larger social implications of this increasing emphasis on the subjective? According to Carl Trueman, in today’s culture of “expressive individualism,” the idea of conforming to anything external—anything outside the “self”—has come to be seen as “inauthentic.” As a result of this cultural shift, identity is now being formed by a person’s internal feelings and desires rather than by external considerations, including nature itself. Shane Rosenthal talks with Dr. Trueman about this and many other issues he addresses in his book, The Rise & Triumph of the Modern Self.

SHOW NOTES

Resources by Carl TruemanThe Rise & Triumph of the Modern Self & Strange New World (books)Dylan Mulvany and the Real Clash of Civilizations (article - First Things)In Our Chaotic Age, Some Atheists are Rethinking Secularism (article)6 Ways Christians Can Respond to Our Strange New World (article - TGC)The Genesis of Gender (podcast)Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age (podcast)

Other Related ResourcesThe Mormonization of American Christianity, Shane Rosenthal (article)The Story of Us, Shane Rosenthal (article)What is Faith?, Shane Rosenthal (article)Liberalism or Christianity?, J. Gresham Machen (article)Is Faith a Feeling?, The Humble Skeptic, Episode 4Religion on Trial, The Humble Skeptic, Episode 5Faith & Experience, The Humble Skeptic, Episode 28

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In his 1923 classic, Christianity & Liberalism, J. Gresham Machen argued that the liberal churches of his day had abandoned everything distinctive about Christianity in favor of a non-redemptive religion that was rooted in moralism and personal experience. According to Michael J. Kruger, contemporary liberal and progressive Churches are making the same crucial mistakes a century later. On this episode, Shane talks with Dr. Kruger about his book, The Ten Commandments of Progressive Christianity.

SHOW NOTES

Resources by Michael J. KrugerThe Ten Commandments of Progressive Christianity (book)The Question of Canon & Canon Revisited (books)Surviving Religion 101 & Christianity at the Crossroads (books)A Review of The Ten Commandments of Progressive Christianity (article)No, the Church Didn’t Create the Bible, Kruger & Carson (video)Keeping the Faith in College, (podcast)

Other Related ResourcesChristianity & Liberalism, J. Gresham Machen (book)Liberalism or Christianity?, J. Gresham Machen (article)History & Faith, J. Gresham Machen (article)Is Luke a Trustworthy Historian?, Sir William Ramsay (article)What Do Progressive Christians Believe? Alisa Childers (article)Why Should We Believe the Bible?, Shane Rosenthal (article)What is Faith?, Shane Rosenthal (article)The Story of Us, Shane Rosenthal (article)American Gospel: Christ Crucified (video)Progressive Christianity: Another Gospel? (podcast)

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On this edition of The Humble Skeptic podcast, we’ll contrast popular beliefs about ghosts and the afterlife with the views presented in the Old and New Testaments. Joining Shane to discuss this important topic is Dr. Michael McClymond, who is the professor of Modern Theology at St. Louis University, and the author of numerous books including Familiar Stranger: An Introduction to Jesus of Nazareth, and The Devil’s Redemption: A New History & Interpretation of Christian Universalism.

SHOW NOTES

Resources by Michael McClymondThe Devil’s Redemption & Familiar Stranger (books)Exploring the Theology of Richard Rohr (article)Original Sin: A Tool for Decoding Human Nature (article)The Untold Story of Purgatory (podcast episode)Does Everyone Go to Heaven? (podcast episode)

Other Related ResourcesUnseen Realities, R.C. SproulThe Story of Us, Shane RosenthalWhat is Faith?, Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe the Bible?, Shane RosenthalKarma vs. Grace (podcast episode)Heaven in Pop Culture (podcast episode)

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T. David Gordon served as a professor of Media Ecology at Grove City College for several decades, and as laptops, smartphones, and social media arrived on the scene in successive waves, he and his colleagues began to notice a change in students’ ability to pay attention and to process the various reading assignments. Shane discusses this with Dr. Gordon along with some of the issues he addresses in an article he recently wrote titled, “The Material is Not Immaterial.”

SHOW NOTES

Related ArticlesThe Material is Not Immaterial, by T. David GordonMedia Ecology for the Family, by T. David GordonWhy Johnny Can’t Preach (article), by T. David GordonA Discussion of Postman’s Amusing Ourself to Death, by T.D. GordonAn Interview with Neil Postman, Modern Reformation Yes, It’s the Phones (and Social Media), by Jean Twenge

Related BooksWhy Johnny Can’t Preach, by T. David GordonAmusing Ourselves to Death, and Technopoly, by Neil PostmanUnderstanding Media, by Marshal McLuhanGeneration Me, and iGen, by Jean TwengeLife on the Screen, and Alone Together, by Sherry TurkleDistracted: The Erosion of Attention, by Maggie Jackson

Related PodcastsSocial Media, Technology & Cultural Decline, T. David Gordon on WHI Distracting Ourselves to Death, T. David Gordon on WHIPop Culture, Technology & Worship, T. David Gordon on WHIYouth Ministry & Youth Culture, T. David Gordon on WHIRecovering Focus in a Distracted Time, Maggie Jackson on WHI

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How can we know whether religious experiences are authentic, or just a trick of the brain? And if they really are supernatural, how we be sure that they emanate from the God of the Bible, as opposed to the Koran? Too often we allow our experiences to confirm that which we already believe. On this episode, Shane discusses this with believers from a wide variety of faiths and also airs the second half of his conversation with Dr. J.R. Miller, author of One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism.

SHOW NOTESRelated ResourcesMore Than Cake, J.R. Miller’s SubstackOne Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, J.R. Miller (book)The Mormonization of American Christianity, Shane RosenthalActs 2 & The Tongues Controversy, Shane RosenthalThe Story of Us, Shane RosenthalThe Megachurch Century, Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe the Bible?, Shane Rosenthal

Related EpisodesFaith & Experience (Part 1), The Humble Skeptic #28Is Faith a Feeling?, The Humble Skeptic #4Religion on Trial, The Humble Skeptic #5Faith & Proof, The Humble Skeptic #7Proof & The Gospel, The Humble Skeptic #8The Gospel Creed, The Humble Skeptic #9

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Mormons know their religion is true because they experience a “burning in the bosom.” Pentecostal Christians believe they have proof of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit because they speak in tongues. So how are we to know which religious experiences are truly authentic? Is experience a proper way to ground faith in the first place? On this episode, Shane talks with Dr. J.R. Miller, co-founder of The Center for Cultural Apologetics about his book, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, which traces the history of the “subjective turn” that has taken root in many Christian circles over the past few centuries.

SHOW NOTESRelated ResourcesMore Than Cake, J.R. Miller’s SubstackOne Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, J.R. Miller (book)The Mormonization of American Christianity, Shane RosenthalActs 2 & The Tongues Controversy, Shane RosenthalThe Story of Us, Shane RosenthalThe Megachurch Century, Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe the Bible?, Shane Rosenthal

Related EpisodesFaith & Experience (Part 2), The Humble Skeptic #29Is Faith a Feeling?, The Humble Skeptic #4Religion on Trial, The Humble Skeptic #5Faith & Proof, The Humble Skeptic #7Proof & The Gospel, The Humble Skeptic #8The Gospel Creed, The Humble Skeptic #9The Jesus of History, The Humble Skeptic #12

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Have you ever noticed that conversations about religion and politics tend to produce more heat than light? Because most of us are aware of this, we tend to avoid conversations relating to our deepest convictions. So how can we discuss our beliefs with others in a way that ends up producing more light than heat? How do we have difficult conversations on controversial topics such as the use of personal pronouns? On this episode, Shane talks with Greg Koukl about his forthcoming book Street Smarts: Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Questions.

SHOW NOTES

Recommended BooksStreet Smarts, Greg KouklThe Story of Reality, Greg KouklTactics, Greg KouklLive Not By Lies, Rod Dreher

Recommended ArticlesI’d Like to Have an Argument, Please, by Greg KouklRecovering the Art of Persuasion, by Shane RosenthalIron Curtain Diary, by Greg Koukl

Recommended AudioGreg Koukl on Blind FaithDealing with DoubtGreg Koukl on The Problem of EvilWalking in Wisdom Toward OutsidersLive Not By Lies (Shane’s full interview with Rod Dreher)

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On this episode, Shane talks with Mori Michael S. Bar-Ron about his research project related to the Sinai inscriptions discovered throughout the Sinai Peninsula. Though these inscriptions resemble Egyptian hieroglyphs, they’re actually written in what scholars refer to as “proto-Sinaitic” or “proto-Alphabetic” script. Mori Michael has been working on these inscriptions for the better part of a decade and argues that they are best treated as a form of paleo-Hebrew. In fact, when they are read this way, they end up providing external corroboration for some of the details recorded in the book of Exodus.

SHOW NOTES

Related BooksResearches in Sinai, W.M. Flinders Petrie — FREELegendary Kings, David Rohl (e-book)Exodus: Myth or History? David Rohl (e-book)Redating the Exodus & Conquest, John BimsonBiblical Archaeology, David E. GravesThe Ancient Near East, James B. Pritchard (ed.)

Related ArticlesThe Golden Calf, David RohlSinai 351 & 360, Michael S. Bar-RonThe Mt. Ebal Curse Tablet, Michael S. Bar-RonThe Seal of Joseph, Michael S. Bar-RonThe Origins of Israel in Canaan, John BimsonArchaeological Data & The Dating of the Patriarchs, John BimsonThe Cylinder Seal from Tell el-Dab’a, Edith PoradaHebrew: The World’s Oldest Alphabet, Douglas PetrovichA Cuneiform Cylinder of Nebuchadnezzar II, Shane RosenthalSimon of Cyrene: An Archaeological Discovery, Shane RosenthalWater Into Wine: An Archaeological Assessment, Shane Rosenthal

Related AudioDid The Exodus Ever Happen? Humble Skeptic #69 with David RohlQuestioning Conventional Wisdom (1), HS #13 with David RohlQuestioning Conventional Wisdom (2), HS #14 with David RohlLocating Golgotha, Humble Skeptic #17 with David RohlThe Big Picture, Humble Skeptic #26 with J. Daniel HaysFaith Founded on Facts, HS #15 with Lennox, Bauckham, etc.The Jesus of History, Humble Skeptic #12Babylon, Humble Skeptic #66

Related VideoMichael Bar-Ron on the Sinai Inscriptions, Patterns of EvidenceDavid Rohl on the Sinai Inscriptions, Patterns of EvidenceThe World’s Earliest Alphabet, Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near EastThe First Alphabet, Patterns of EvidenceThe Moses Controversy, Patterns of EvidenceA to Z: The First Alphabet, Nova (PBS)The Mt. Ebal Curse Tablet (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6)

The Cylinder Seal Discovered at Tell el-Dab’a

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Have you ever been puzzled by things you read in the Bible? For example, why does the book of Exodus spend so much time walking through all the meticulous details related to the Tabernacle? On this episode, Shane Rosenthal talks with J. Daniel Hays about the Bible’s grand narrative, which helps us to understand all the individual puzzle pieces. Dr. Hays is the senior professor of Old Testament at Southwestern Baptist Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas, and he’s the author of The Temple and the Tabernacle: A Study of God’s Dwelling Places from Genesis to Revelation.

SHOW NOTES

Recommended BooksThe Temple & The Tabernacle, J. Daniel HaysA Christian’s Guide to Evidence for the Bible, J. Daniel HaysGod Dwells Among Us, G.K. Beale & Mitchell KimThe Temple & The Church’s Mission, G.K. BealeJesus in the Old Testament, Iain DuguidJourneys with Jesus, Dennis JohnsonThe Angel of the Lord, Doug Van Dorn & Matt Foreman

Recommended ArticlesFinding Christ in All of Scripture, Shane RosenthalWhat’s the Most Important Thing in the Bible? Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe the Bible?, Shane RosenthalThe Story of Us, Shane Rosenthal A New Way of Reading Scripture, Shane RosenthalThe Tower of Babel, Shane RosenthalBlessed Are the Pure in Heart? Shane Rosenthal

Recommended AudioJacob’s Ladder, Humble Skeptic #63 with Richard Bauckham and othersBabylon, Humble Skeptic Episode #66 Did The Exodus Ever Happen? Humble Skeptic #69 with David RohlJewish Views of the Messiah, Humble Skeptic #38 with Daniel Boyarin The Gospel Creed, Humble Skeptic #09How to Read & Apply the Old Testament, WHI-1568 with Iain DuguidWhat Did The Earliest Christians Believe? HS #25 with Dennis JohnsonStories of Jesus: Can They Be Trusted? HS #61 with Peter J. Williams

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What were some of the notable features of the earliest Christian sermons? What sort of things did they have in common, and how do they compare with the messages we’re likely to hear in Christian circles today? Shane Rosenthal discusses these questions and more with Dr. Dennis Johnson, author of The Message of Acts in the History of Redemption, and Let’s Study Acts.

SHOW NOTES• Recommended books by Dennis Johnson: Journeys with Jesus, The Message of Acts in the History of Redemption, Let’s Study Acts, Walking With Jesus Through His Word, and Him We Proclaim.

• Related articles by Shane Rosenthal: “Can We Trust Luke’s History of the Early Jesus Movement?”, “The Story of Us”, “On Faith & History”, “Why Should We Believe The Bible?”, “What is Faith?”, and “How to Detect Deception?”

• Related episodes: “Authenticating the Book of Acts”, “Faith & Certainty”, “Faith & Proof”, “Proof of the Gospel”, “The Gospel Creed”, and “The Jesus of History.”

• The image above featuring the Jerusalem Temple from the vantage point of Solomon’s Portico is a production of Archaeology Illustrated (used by permission). According to John 10:23, Acts 3:11, and 5:12, Jesus and his followers frequently met in this area.

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Is the book of Acts a collection of stories and legends about the lives of the apostles, or is it a trustworthy and reliable history of the earliest days of the church? Is there any external evidence that helps to corroborate its claims? Shane Rosenthal discusses these questions and more with Dr. Lydia McGrew, author of Hidden in Plain View: Undesigned Coincidences in the Gospels and Acts.

SHOW NOTESRecommended BooksHidden in Plain View, Lydia McGrewTestimonies to the Truth, Lydia McGrewThe Mirror or The Mask, Lydia McGrewThe Eye of the Beholder, Lydia McGrewThe Book of Acts, F.F. BruceThe Book of Acts in the Setting of Hellenistic History, Colin HemerSt. Paul The Traveller and Roman Citizen, William RamsayPictures of The Apostolic Church, William RamsayThe Trustworthiness of the New Testament, William Ramsay

Related ArticlesIs Luke a Trustworthy Historian?, William RamsayCan We Trust Luke’s History of the Early Jesus Movement?, Shane RosenthalWho is Sergius Paulus?, Shane RosenthalOn Faith & History, Shane RosenthalAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe The Bible?, Shane RosenthalHow to Detect Deception?, Shane Rosenthal

Related EpisodesFake or Authentic? (1)Fake or Authentic? (2)Faith Founded on Facts (1)Faith Founded on Facts (2)Faith & CertaintyThe Jesus of History

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In 1Pet. 3:15, Peter famously says, “Always be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies in you.” In many ways, this has become the standard prooftext for the apologetic enterprise, but have we really understood all that this verse has to teach us? Shane discusses this question and many other related issues with Jeremy Smith, the founder and president of ReThink315.

SHOW NOTES• For more information about Jeremy Smith and the mission of ReThink315, click here.

• Related articles by Shane Rosenthal: “Recovering the Art of Persuasion”, “What is Faith?”, “On Faith & Doubt”, and “Why Should We Believe The Bible?”

• Related episodes: “Power or Persuasion?”, “Questioning Your Faith”, “Dealing with Doubt”, “Greg Koukl on Blind Faith”, “Is Faith Irrational?” and “Is Faith Blind?”

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