The Humble Skeptic

Stories of Jesus: Can They Be Trusted? Nov 19, 2024

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.

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God & Science: Are Miracles Possible? Nov 12, 2024

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? Shanediscusses 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

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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.

Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

Into the Darkness... Oct 30, 2024

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.

Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

An Evening with The Humble Skeptic Oct 22, 2024

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.

Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

Dealing with Discrepancies Oct 01, 2024

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.

Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

Evidential Reasoning Sep 17, 2024

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.

Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

The Executive Room: New Evidence for Billy Joel's Famous Piano Bar Sep 03, 2024

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 Joel Liam Cooper’s Interview with a former owner of The Executive Room Liam Cooper’s King of the Keys Trailer Billy 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!”

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.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORTDonations 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!

Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

Christianity & The Secular Creed Aug 06, 2024

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.

Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

The Intersection of Church & State Jul 02, 2024

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.

Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

Are the Gospels History or Fiction? Jun 05, 2024

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.

Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

Is John's Gospel Late & Unreliable? May 14, 2024

May 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. Note: A few clips of this interview were featured on episode 16, but here we’re presenting the entire conversation.

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 WallaceJohn 5:2 “There is in Jerusalem…”, Shane Rosenthal & othersAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalWater Into Wine? Shane RosenthalThe Identity of the Beloved Disciple, Shane RosenthalOutside The Gospels, What Can We Know About Jesus? Shane RosenthalCan We Trust Luke’s History of the Early Jesus Movement? Shane RosenthalSimon of Cyrene: An Intriguing Archaeological Discovery, Shane RosenthalThe Authenticity & Genuineness of the Fourth Gospel, J.B. Lightfoot

Other Related ResourcesHas the Bible Been Miscopied or Mistranslated? Daniel Wallace, WHI #1377Which John Wrote John? Humble Skeptic #50 Questioning The Fourth Gospel, Humble Skeptic #49The Gospels As Eyewitness Testimony, Humble Skeptic #48The Jesus of History, Humble Skeptic #12New Evidence for the Gospels, Peter J. Williams (video)Are the Gospels Reliable? Peter J. Williams & Bart Ehrman (video)An Interview with D.A. Carson, WHI #1456The Historical Reliability of John’s Gospel, Craig Blomberg, WHI #1462

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Which John Wrote John? Apr 23, 2024

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 (FREE)The 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 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!

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Questioning The Fourth Gospel Apr 02, 2024

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.

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The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony Mar 27, 2024

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.

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Were Jews Expecting a Suffering Messiah? Mar 19, 2024

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, 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 #17What Child Is This?, a bonus episode of the Humble Skeptic

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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The Galatian Controversy Mar 12, 2024

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!

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.

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The Earliest Gospel Mar 05, 2024

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 #38How 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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Follow The Evidence Feb 20, 2024

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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Rethinking Jesus' Parables Feb 13, 2024

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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John Lennox on Evil & The Challenge of AI Jan 30, 2024

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 Evil Finding Ultimate Reality 2084: AI & The Future of Humanity Joseph: A Story of Love, Hate, & Forgiveness Can Science Explain Everything?God & Stephen Hawking Cosmic Chemistry Gunning for God Against The Flow Seven 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.

Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

John Lennox on Faith & Science Jan 23, 2024

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 Hawking Cosmic Chemistry Gunning for God Finding Ultimate Reality Against The Flow Seven Days That Divide The World 2084: 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).

Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

Why Should We Trust The Bible (Pt. 2) Jan 16, 2024

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.

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Why Should We Trust The Bible? (Pt. 1) Jan 09, 2024

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}

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.

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Jewish Views of The Messiah Dec 19, 2023

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 EvansThe Angel of the Lord • Doug Van Dorn & Matt ForemanThe Gospel According to Isaiah 53 • Darrell Bock & othersThe Moody Handbook of Messianic Prophecy • Rydelnik & BlumThe Life & Times of Jesus The Messiah • Alfred EdersheimProof of the Gospel • Eusebius of Caesarea

Related ArticlesFinding Christ in All The Scriptures • 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 RosenthalProof of the Gospel • Quotes from Eusebius, Augustine & othersThe Application of Messianic Prophecy, Richard Bauckham

Related AudioWhat Child Is This? • A Christmas Message by Shane RosenthalWere 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 Dorn

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

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How to Read & Interpret the Bible Dec 12, 2023

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

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Navigating the Currents of an Aggressively Secular Culture Dec 05, 2023

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)

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Live Not By Lies Nov 28, 2023

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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The Woke Revolution Nov 21, 2023

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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Identity in a Post-Christian Culture Nov 14, 2023

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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Christianity vs. Liberal/Progressive Theology Nov 07, 2023

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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Death, Ghosts & Views of the Afterlife Oct 31, 2023

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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The Effects of Media & Technology Oct 17, 2023

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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Faith & Experience (Part 2) Sep 26, 2023

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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Faith & Experience (Part 1) Sep 12, 2023

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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Greg Koukl on Street Smarts Aug 29, 2023

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 Faith Dealing with Doubt Greg Koukl on The Problem of Evil Walking in Wisdom Toward Outsiders Live Not By Lies (Shane’s full interview with Rod Dreher)

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The Big Picture Aug 08, 2023

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. Beale

Recommended ArticlesWhat’s the Most Important Thing in the Bible?, Shane RosenthalThe Story of Us, Shane Rosenthal A New Way of Reading Scripture, Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe the Bible?, Shane Rosenthal

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What Did the Earliest Christians Believe? Jul 25, 2023

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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Authenticating the Book of Acts Jul 11, 2023

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

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Rethinking Apologetics Jun 27, 2023

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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Power or Persuasion? Jun 13, 2023

On this episode of The Humble Skeptic, Shane talks with Dr. Adam Duker about his interest in the study of comparative religion, as well as some of his unique experiences teaching this subject at The American University in Cairo. In particular, he relates a story that he was directly involved with a few years ago which became international news.

SHOW NOTES• To read news articles related to the international incident involving Dr. Duker, use the following links: Fire, ARA, RNS, Fox News, Alex Morey, and Julia Duin. Also, Dr. Duker is currently looking for an attorney to assist with his case, so if you or someone you know might be able to help, send an email to infoAThumbleskepticDOTcom.

• Relevant episodes: “Questioning Your Faith”, “Religion on Trial”, “Dealing with Doubt”, “Greg Koukl on Blind Faith”, “Is Faith Irrational?” and “Is Faith Blind?”

• Relevant articles by Shane Rosenthal: “Recovering the Art of Persuasion”, “What is Faith?”, “How to Detect Deception”, “On Faith & Doubt”, “Why Should We Believe The Bible?”

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Questioning Your Faith May 30, 2023

On this program, Shane talks with Fikret Bocek who currently serves as the pastor of a Christian church in Izmir, Turkey. Fikret was raised as a Sunni Muslim, and during this episode he tells the story of the time in which he began to question his faith. In this process, he began to explore both the Koran and the Bible, and ultimately this led to his conversion to Christianity.

SHOW NOTES• For more information about Fikret Bocek, click here. For information about Global Church Ministries, which he referenced at the end of this episode, click here.

• To listen to Shane’s interview with Sarabeth Kapusta referenced at the beginning of this episode, click here. You can also read her new essay, “Reconstructing My Faith.”

• Related episodes: “Religion on Trial”, “Dealing with Doubt”, “Greg Koukl on Blind Faith”, “Is Faith Irrational?”, “Is Faith Blind?”, and “Is Faith a Feeling?”

• Related articles by Shane Rosenthal: “What is Faith?”, “Why Should We Believe The Bible?”, “How to Detect Deception”, “On Faith & Doubt” and “On Faith & History.”

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Dealing with Spiritual Abuse May 16, 2023

On this episode, Shane talks with Sarabeth Kapusta about her experience growing up in a cult that in her words “masqueraded as a Baptist church.” Sarabeth is the host of Reconstructing Your Faith, which is a podcast designed to help those who’ve been affected by various forms of spiritual abuse.

SHOW NOTES• For more information about Sarabeth Kapusta’s podcast, click here. To listen to the two episodes of Reconstructing Your Faith featuring Shane Rosenthal, use these links: Part 1, and Part 2. When Sarabeth’s autobiographical essay becomes available, it will be linked here.

• Related episodes: “Dealing with Doubt”, “Greg Koukl on Blind Faith”, “Is Faith Irrational?”, “Is Faith Blind?”, “Is Faith a Feeling?”

• Related articles by Shane Rosenthal: “I believe—help my unbelief”, “Is Faith a Feeling?”, “On Faith & Doubt”, “What is Faith?”, “Why Should We Believe The Bible?”, “How to Detect Deception” and “On Faith & History.”

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Dealing with Doubt May 02, 2023

Is it okay to question your faith or to express doubts about your religious convictions? On this episode, Shane explores a fascinating scene from Luke 7 in which John the Baptist questions whether Jesus is the promised Messiah. Shane discusses the implications of this passage with Greg Koukl and Alisa Childers, and he also hears from Sarabeth Kapusta of the Reconstructing Your Faith podcast who shares her experience of being raised in a cult where questions were off-limits and doubt was a sin.

SHOW NOTES• If you’d like to explore this topic further, be sure to check out Shane’s two-part article “On Faith & Doubt” referred to in this episode and Greg Koukl’s excellent article: “Faith is Not Wishing” Other related articles include: “The Virtue of Doubt”, “What is Faith?”, “Why Should We Believe The Bible?”, “How to Detect Deception”, and “On Faith & History.” Also, check out Sarabeth Kapusta’s article, “Reconstructing My Faith.”

• For more information about the guests who appear on this episode, use the following links: Greg Koukl (Stand to Reason), Alisa Childers (alisachilders.com — Shane appears on episode #190), Sarabeth Kapusta (Reconstructing Your Faith — Shane appears on episode #19).

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Greg Koukl on Blind Faith Apr 25, 2023

On this episode of The Humble Skeptic, Shane talks with Greg Koukl about the way faith is misunderstood in our day. In fact, he argues that the English word “faith” has evolved to such an extent that Christians should probably stop using it altogether. Greg is the founder and president of Stand to Reason and the author of The Story of Reality, Tactics, and Faith is Not Wishing.

SHOW NOTES• Related Humble Skeptic episodes: “Is Faith Irrational?”, “Is Faith Blind?”, “Is Faith a Feeling?”. To listen to an interview Shane recorded with Greg about his book Tactics, click here. To listen to an interview related to the problem of evil, click here.

• Resources by Greg Koukl: Faith Is Not Wishing, Tactics, The Story of Reality, and “Truth Is Not Ice Cream, Faith Is Not Wishing” (Audio Lecture).

• Recommended articles by Shane Rosenthal, “What is Faith?”, “Why Should We Believe The Bible?”, “On Faith & History”, “How to Detect Deception”, and “Authenticating The Fourth Gospel.”

• To order a copy of The Proof of The Gospel by Eusebius of Caesarea, click here. To download a free PDF document containing quotes from Eusebius, Justin Martyr and Augustine related to this episode, click here.

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Bonus Episode: Evidence & Faith (Part 4) Apr 14, 2023

On this bonus edition of The Humble Skeptic podcast, Shane reads lessons 9 & 10 of Richard Whately’s Introduction to Christian Evidences.

SHOW NOTES • Click here to access an online version of Richard Whately’s Introduction to Christian Evidences. If you would like to obtain a paperback reprint, click here.

• Recommended articles by Shane Rosenthal, “Why Should We Believe The Bible?,” “How to Detect Deception,” “Authenticating The Fourth Gospel,” and “On Faith & History.”

• To watch a video lecture by Peter J. Williams on “New Evidence the Gospels Were Based on Eyewitness Accounts,” click here.

• For more info about The Humble Skeptic vision and how you can help, click here.

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Locating Golgotha Apr 05, 2023

Most translations of the New Testament refer to Golgotha as “The Place of the Skull.” But is this correct? On this episode of The Humble Skeptic podcast, Shane Rosenthal talks with Egyptologist David Rohl about a variety of historical and textual clues that help us to better understand, not only the precise location of Golgotha, but also it’s meaning and significance.

SHOW NOTES• Recommended articles by Shane Rosenthal, “Where Was Jesus Crucified?,” “How to Detect Deception,” “Authenticating The Fourth Gospel,” “Why Should We Believe The Bible?,” “On Faith & History,” and “Did Palm Trees Grow in Jerusalem?”

• Recommended books by David Rohl, Exodus: Myth or History,and Legendary Kings: The Real Bible Unearthed(which is currently only available in Kindle format).

• To listen to Shane’s previous interviews with David Rohl, use the following links: “Questioning Conventional Wisdom Part 1” and “Part 2”, “Exodus, Myth or History?”, and “The Search for the Historical Joseph.”

• To find out more about the Joanna ossuary or the chiastic structure of Luke 24:1-12, check out some of the slides from Shane’s lecture: “Who is Joanna?” To read a journal article about the ossuary, click here. For further reading see: Gospel Women, by Richard Bauckham, and Who Are Joanna & Theophilus, by Richard Anderson.

• To read the Journal of the American Medical Association article, “On The Physical Death of Jesus Christ” click here.

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Faith Founded on Facts (Part 2) Mar 28, 2023

On this episode, Shane continues weaving together various interviews he’s recorded on topics related to the reasons Christians can have confidence in the portrait of Jesus presented in the New Testament Gospels. During this podcast, you’ll hear from Peter J. Williams, Richard Bauckham, John Dickson, D.A. Carson, Craig Blomberg, Lydia McGrew, and Daniel Wallace.

SHOW NOTES

Related AudioFor Part 1 of this discussion, click here. For the complete interview with Richard Bauckham, click here, and here. For the complete interview with Daniel Wallace and other resources related to an early date for John’s Gospel, click here.

Related BooksCan We Trust The Gospels? Peter J. WilliamsJesus & The Eyewitnesses, Richard BauckhamJesus: A Very Short Introduction, Richard BauckhamTestimony of The Beloved Disciple, Richard BauckhamIs Jesus History? John DicksonA Doubter’s Guide To Jesus, John DicksonThe Gospel According to John, D.A. CarsonIntroduction to the New Testament, D.A. CarsonCan We Still Believe The Bible? Craig BlombergThe Historical Reliability of the Gospels, Craig BlombergRevisiting the Corruption of the New Testament, Daniel WallaceRedating the New Testament, John A.T. Robinson

Related ArticlesThe Gospels as Authentic Testimony, Richard BauckhamThe Gospel of John: An Introduction, Daniel WallaceYou Can Trust the Four Gospels, Craig BlombergThe Authenticity & Genuineness of the Fourth Gospel, J.B. LightfootAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalWater Into Wine? Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe The Bible? Shane RosenthalOutside The Gospels, What Can We Know About Jesus? Shane RosenthalHow to Detect Deception, Shane RosenthalCan We Trust Luke’s History of the Early Jesus Movement? Shane RosenthalSimon of Cyrene: An Intriguing Archaeological Discovery, Shane RosenthalUndesigned Coincidences, Lydia McGrew & Shane Rosenthal

Other Related ResourcesNew Evidence for the Gospels, Peter J. Williams (video)Are the Gospels Reliable? Peter J. Williams & Bart Ehrman (video)Authenticating The Book of Acts, Humble Skeptic #24 with Lydia McGrewAn Interview with D.A. Carson, Shane Rosenthal, WHI #1456The Historical Reliability of John’s Gospel, Craig Blomberg, WHI #1462Has the Bible Been Miscopied or Mistranslated? Daniel Wallace, WHI #1377

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Faith Founded on Facts (Part 1) Mar 21, 2023

On this episode, Shane weaves together several interviews he’s recorded over the years on topics related to the Christian view of “faith,” how it’s grounded in the facts of the real world, and why we can be confident that it’s true. So during this podcast, you’ll hear from scholars such as John Lennox, Peter J. Williams, Richard Bauckham, John Dickson, and D.A. Carson.

SHOW NOTES

Related AudioFor Part 2 of this discussion, click here. For the complete interview with Richard Bauckham, click here, and here. For the complete interview with John Lennox, click here, and here.

Recommended BooksCan We Trust The Gospels? Peter J. WilliamsThe Surprising Genius of Jesus, Peter J. WilliamsJesus & The Eyewitnesses, Richard BauckhamJesus: A Very Short Introduction, Richard BauckhamTestimony of The Beloved Disciple, Richard BauckhamIs Jesus History? John DicksonA Doubter’s Guide To Jesus, John DicksonCan Science Explain Everything? John LennoxGunning for God, John LennoxThe Gospel According to John, D.A. CarsonIntroduction to the New Testament, D.A. Carson

Recommended ArticlesThe Gospels as Authentic Testimony, Richard BauckhamYou Can Trust the Four Gospels, Craig BlombergThe 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?Can We Trust Luke’s History of the Early Jesus’ Movement? Shane RosenthalAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe The Bible? Shane RosenthalHow to Detect Deception, Shane RosenthalOn Faith & History, Shane Rosenthal

Other Related ResourcesAgainst the Tide, John Lennox (documentary)Has Science Buried God? John Lennox (video)By Design, John Lennox, Michael Behe & Stephen Meyer (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)Authenticating The Book of Acts, Lydia McGrew (podcast)

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Questioning Conventional Wisdom (Part 2) Mar 14, 2023

On this episode, we’ll pick up where we left off last week with Egyptologist, David Rohl. During this part of the conversation, Shane talks with Dr. Rohl about various archaeological discoveries which he argues are connected to the lives Saul and David. Later in the program, the discussion shifts to the recent discovery of the Mt Ebal curse tablet, as well as to questions related to the history and chronology of events recorded in the New Testament.

Click here to listen to Part 1

SHOW NOTES• To order an English edition of The Amarna Letters, click here.

• To watch a series of videos featuring Scott Stripling’s discussion of the recently discovered Mt. Ebal curse tablet, use the following links: 1) The Altar, 2) Curses & Covenants, 3) The Name of God, 4) Translating, 5) Biblical Archaeology, 6) The Future

• To order a copy of David Rohl’s book, Legendary Kings (currently only available in Kindle format)click here; for Exodus: Myth or History, click here.

• To order a series of lectures by David Rohl on video, click here. To order The Patterns of Evidence: Exodus documentary featuring Dr. Rohl, click here.

• Shane interviewed David Rohl on two other occasions, and you can find those interviews here.

• Click here to read Shane’s article “Where Was Jesus Crucified,” and here to listen to Shane’s discussion of this topic with David Rohl on Episode 17.

• Reference was made on this program to the work of John A.T. Robinson who famously argued for a pre-70 date for all the NT documents in his book, Redating the New Testament. Shane also discussed Robinson’s work in his conversation with Daniel Wallace on episode 51: Is John’s Gospel Late & Unreliable?, and interacts with his views (along with many others) in the following post: John 5:2 “There is in Jerusalem”

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Questioning Conventional Wisdom (Part 1) Mar 07, 2023

On this episode, Shane tells the story of Egyptologist David Rohl by weaving together various interviews and audio clips over the past few decades related to his research into the New Chronology. In the second half of the program, Shane talks with Dr. Rohl about a number of fascinating discoveries that he writes about in his latest book, Legendary Kings: The Real Bible Unearthed.

Click here to Begin Part 2

SHOW NOTES

• To order a copy of David Rohl’s latest book, Legendary Kings (which is currently only available in Kindle format)click here, and to order a copy of Exodus: Myth or History, click here.

• To order a video copy of some of David Rohl’s lectures, click here. To order The Patterns of Evidence: Exodus documentary featuring David Rohl, click here.

• If you’d like to listen to Shane’s previous interviews with David Rohl, you can find them here.

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The Jesus of History Feb 21, 2023

On this episode, Shane interacts with statements made on a History Channel documentary about the reference to Jesus in the writings of Josephus. Some claim that the passage is a complete forgery, while others argue that the passage was mildly interpolated. So, outside the Gospels, what can we really know about Jesus from history? Do the Gospels qualify as history, or should they be set aside as works of religious propaganda?

SHOW NOTES• For further reading on this topic, check out Shane’s articles: “On Faith & History,” “Why Should We Believe the Bible?”, and “Authenticating the Fourth Gospel.”

• If you’d like to listen to other interviews related to this episode, check out Shane’s interview with John Dickson (author of A Doubter’s Guide to Jesus), as well as his conversation with Daniel Boyarin (author of The Jewish Gospels). If you’d like to hear the full discussion related to Josephus, here’s a link to the complete interview with Paul Maier.

• The clips featuring Simcha Jacobovici originally appeared on this episode of The Naked Archaeologist. 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). Use the button below for more information about giving options.

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Fake or Authentic? (Part 2) Feb 14, 2023

How can we tell whether a painting signed by Claude Monet is authentic or not? Similarly, how can we know for certain that the New Testament Gospels aren’t fictional stories, but real historical accounts of the life of Jesus? On this episode, Shane Rosenthal continues his conversation of this subject with Dr. Lydia McGrew, author of Testimonies to the Truth: Why You Can Trust the Gospels.

SHOW NOTES

• For further reading on this topic, check out Testimonies to the Truth: Why You Can Trust the Gospels, and Hidden in Plain Viewby Lydia McGrew. See also Shane’s articles How to Detect Deception, and Authenticating the Fourth Gospel.

• Click here to listen to Shane’s interview with Richard Bauckham, author of Jesus & The Eyewitnesses, on the topic of the reliability of John’s Gospel, and here to listen to his discussion with New Testament scholar Daniel Wallace regarding an early date for John’s Gospel.

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Fake or Authentic? (Part 1) Feb 07, 2023

How can we know whether the New Testament Gospels are authentic accounts of the life of Jesus, as opposed to fictional documents written as a part of some larger hoax or conspiracy? Shane Rosenthal discusses this question with Dr. Lydia McGrew, author of Testimonies to the Truth: Why You Can Trust the Gospels.

Click here to begin Part 2

SHOW NOTES• Click here to order a copy of Lydia McGrew’s new book, Testimonies to the Truth: Why You Can Trust the Gospels, and here to read an article by Shane Rosenthal that outlines his interpretation of the parable of The Rich Man & Lazarus.

• Lydia McGrew also appeared on Episode 24 of The Humble Skeptic: Authenticating the Book of Acts.

• For more info about The Humble Skeptic vision and how you can help, click here.

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Bonus Episode: Evidence & Faith (Part 3) Feb 03, 2023

On this bonus edition of The Humble Skeptic podcast, Shane reads lessons 6 through 8 of Richard Whately’s Introduction to Christian Evidences.

SHOW NOTES • Click here to access an online version of Richard Whately’s Introduction to Christian Evidences. If you would like to obtain a paperback reprint, click here.

• Click here to read Shane’s article, “Why Should We Believe The Bible?”

• For more info about The Humble Skeptic vision and how you can help, click here.

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To Listen to PART 4 of Evidence & Faith, click below:

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Bonus Episode: Evidence & Faith (Part 2) Jan 27, 2023

On this special bonus edition of The Humble Skeptic podcast, Shane continues reading selections from the Introduction to Christian Evidences by Richard Whately.

SHOW NOTES • Click here to access an online version of Richard Whately’s Introduction to Christian Evidences. If you would like to obtain a paperback reprint, click here.

• Other related articles include: Why Should We Believe The Bible?, What is Faith?, History & Faith, Authenticating the Fourth Gospel, and On Faith & Doubt.

• For more info about The Humble Skeptic vision and how you can help, click here.

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To Listen to Part 3 of Evidence & Faith click below:

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The Gospel Creed Jan 24, 2023

Did the story of Jesus evolve over time? Did he even exist in the first place? On this episode, Shane explores the beliefs of the world’s first Christians through an in-depth investigation of the earliest Christian creed cited by Paul in 1st Corinthians 15.

SHOW NOTES• Click here to download a PDF document containing the Dead Sea Scroll material referenced during this episode. If you would like to order a modern English translation of the Dead Sea Scrolls, we recommend this edition.

• Click here to listen to Episode 15, Faith Founded on Facts.

• For more info about The Humble Skeptic vision and how you can help, click here.

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Bonus Episode: Evidence & Faith (Part 1) Jan 20, 2023

On this special bonus edition of The Humble Skeptic podcast, Shane Rosenthal plays some Beethoven and reads selections from the Introduction to Christian Evidences by Richard Whately.

SHOW NOTES • Program update: OFFICIAL episodes are released most Tuesdays — BONUS episodes, occasional Fridays.

• Click here to access an online version of Richard Whately’s Introduction to Christian Evidences. If you would like to obtain a paperback reprint, click here.

• Click here to read Shane’s article, “Why Should We Believe The Bible?”

• For more info about The Humble Skeptic vision and how you can help, click here.

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To Listen to Part 2 of Evidence & Faith, click below:

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Proof of the Gospel Jan 10, 2023

On this episode, Shane Rosenthal continues his conversation with Dr. Mike Farley of Covenant Seminary in St. Louis about the relationship between faith and proof. What does the Bible itself say about this issue, and how was faith promoted during the first few centuries of the Christian Church? That’s the focus of this edition of The Humble Skeptic podcast.

SHOW NOTES• To order a copy of Eusebius’ book, The Proof of The Gospel, click here. Also, if you would like to read an article related to the topic of this episode, check out Shane’s article, “Why Should We Believe The Bible?”

• To download a free PDF document containing select quotations from Justin Martyr, Eusebius, and Augustine mentioned during this episode, click here.

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Faith & Proof Jan 03, 2023

What is the relationship between faith and proof? Shane Rosenthal discusses this question with Dr. Mike Farley of Covenant Theological Seminary. How did the Israelites come to believe that Moses really spoke with God, and how did his writings become so authoritative among the ancient Hebrews? Was it just a leap of faith? That’s the focus of this edition of The Humble Skeptic podcast.

SHOW NOTES• If you would like to read further on this topic, start with Shane’s article “Why Should We Believe the Bible?” For a more in-depth treatment, we recommend Proof of the Gospel by Eusebius of Caesarea.

• Reference was made on this episode to an interview Shane conducted with Daniel Boyarin, author of The Jewish Gospels. You can listen to that conversation here.

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Faith & Certainty Dec 27, 2022

What do you believe about God and the afterlife? How certain are you that your beliefs are true, particularly when compared with all the other faith and worldview options that happen to be out there? Can we have certainty about our deepest convictions? On this edition of The Humble Skeptic podcast, Shane Rosenthal discusses these questions and more with Dr. Dennis Johnson, author of Journeys with Jesus, and Let’s Study Acts.

SHOW NOTESFor a gift of any amount, we’ll send you a 20 page downloadable copy of What is Faith? by Shane Rosenthal. There are currently two ways to give: 1) Make a gift directly to The Humble Skeptic by clicking here — these gifts are not currently tax deductible, but this option will become available soon! 2) Upgrade to a paid subscription through Substack using the green button below.

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The Humble Skeptic podcast in association with the Memphis Apologetics Group will be hosting a conference titled Questions of Faith on Feb. 24-26, 2023. This conference will be held at the Richland Association Reformed Presbyterian Church in Rosemark, TN, which is 25 minutes north of Memphis. Click here for more information (though the conference is free, registration is required).

The lengthy quote from Princeton New Testament scholar, J. Gresham Machen was adapted from a series of lectures he delivered to the Bible League of Great Britain in 1932. This material was later published under the title, The Importance of Christian Scholarship which you can find here. These lectures were later reprinted and included in The Selected Shorter Writings of J. Gresham Machen as well as What is Christianity?

Dennis Johnson has written two books related to the book of Acts: The Message of Acts in the History of Redemption, and Let’s Study Acts. Also, his bookJourneys with Jesus is a very helpful introduction to reading the entire Bible in a Christ-centered way.

If you’re a fan of this podcast and you still haven’t rated the show or written a review, please consider doing so today via the Apple podcast app (the more positive reviews we get, the more exposure we get — and the next few weeks are crucial).

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What Child Is This? Dec 18, 2022

On this special Christmas edition of The Humble Skeptic podcast, Shane takes a break from his current series on “Questions of Faith” and plays a Christmas sermon he recently preached on Micah chapter 5.

SHOW NOTES

For Further ReadingFinding Christ in All of Scripture,Shane Rosenthal (PDF)Why Should We Believe The Bible?, Shane Rosenthal (article)A New Way of Reading Scripture, Shane Rosenthal (article)The Jewish Gospels, Daniel Boyarin (book)Is Jesus in the Old Testament?, Ian Duguid (booklet)Four Principles for Reading the Old Testament, Ian Duguid (article)Journeys with Jesus, Dennis Johnson (book)Proof of the Gospel, Eusebius of Caesarea (book)The Moody Handbook of Messianic Prophecy, Rydelnik & Blum (book)Echoes of Exodus, Roberts & Wilson (book)The Angel of the Lord, Foreman & Van Dorn (book)Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament, Nancy Guthrie (book series)

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Religion on Trial Dec 13, 2022

In his book, Religion on Trial, Craig Parton says that “Religions are worldviews. They claim to address the primary questions of our existence—where we came from, where we are going, and why we are going where we are going.” In that sense he says, “Everyone is religious, because everyone has a worldview, even if that worldview is that we came from a totally purposeless beginning and are returning to dust.” But, how can we determine whether a given worldview happens to be true? That’s the focus of this special bonus episode of The Humble Skeptic podcast.

SHOW NOTES

For a gift of any size (using the tip jar above), we’ll send you a copy of What is Faith? by Shane Rosenthal.

To listen to a White Horse Inn conversation featuring Shane Rosenthal, Craig Parton and others on the eyewitness testimony found in the Fourth Gospel, click here.

To order a copy of Religion on Trial by Craig Parton, click here.

To order a copy of The Testimony of The Evangelists by Simon Greenleaf, click here.

To read an online edition of A Brief Outline of The Evidences of The Christian Religion by Archibald Alexander, click here.

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Is Faith a Feeling? Dec 06, 2022

According to many Christians today, faith isn’t based on external facts or evidence, but instead is thought of as an internal subjective feeling, intuition, or experience. But is this idea biblical? Does the Bible ever say that faith is related to our feelings? Where do other religious traditions stand on this issue? Shane Rosenthal investigates these questions and talks with Craig Parton, author of Religion on Trial.

SHOW NOTESRecommended ReadingIs Faith a Feeling?, Shane Rosenthal (article)Why Should We Believe the Bible?, Shane Rosenthal (article)What is Faith?, Shane Rosenthal (20 page PDF resource)Religion on Trial, Craig Parton (book)Habits of the Heart, Robert Bellah et al (book)God in the Whirlwind, David Wells (book)1984, George Orwell (book)

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Is Faith Blind? Nov 23, 2022

When Shane Rosenthal recently polled close to a hundred Christians at a variety of different events, the overwhelming majority described faith as a “blind leap.” But is this idea taught anywhere in Scripture? On this episode of The Humble Skeptic, Shane examines the arguments and passages that some people use in support of the idea that faith is blind.

SHOW NOTES

Recommended ReadingDoes Hebrews 11:1 Teach Blind Faith?, Shane RosenthalWhat is Faith?, Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe the Bible?, Shane RosenthalThe Mormonization of American Christianity, Shane RosenthalBe a Berean!, Shane RosenthalThe Virtue of Doubt, Shane Rosenthal

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Is Faith Irrational? Nov 15, 2022

New atheists such as Richard Dawkins and others frequently claim that “faith is belief in the absence of evidence,” but is this really the case? On this episode of The Humble Skeptic podcast, Shane Rosenthal takes a deep dive into the true definition of faith and interacts with a variety of perspectives.

SHOW NOTES

• Shane Rosenthal has written a 20-page downloadable PDF document titled, What is Faith? (which you can access here). This e-booklet walks through the issues discussed on this program (complete with supporting documentation).

• The audio clip featuring Greg Koukl was taken from a lecture titled “Truth Is Not Ice Cream, Faith Is Not Wishing” which you can order here. Greg has also written an article titled Faith Is Not Wishing, which you can find here.

• Below is the Google Ngram chart referenced during this episode. This tool charts the occurrence of words or phrases in all the scanned books that Google has in its database. The graph below illustrates the fact that the phrases “blind faith” and “leap of faith,” came to prominence in the 19th and 20th centuries.

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Pilot Episode of The Humble Skeptic Podcast Oct 04, 2022

On this pilot episode, Shane Rosenthal discusses what it means to be a "humble skeptic," and tells a story that helps to explain his overall approach for this new podcast.

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