The Humble Skeptic

In his famous prologue, Luke indicates that his Gospel is addressed to a “most excellent Theophilus.” As others had done, Luke decided to write an orderly account about the things Jesus had accomplished “among us.” So, was Luke suggesting that both he and Theophilus had witnessed some of these events? And since Theophilus was described with such an honorific title, is it possible to see him as the Jerusalem high priest mentioned by...

On the last episode, Dr. T.C. Schmidt argued that there are good reasons to believe the two passages about Jesus found in the writings of Josephus are authentic. On this program, Shane continues his conversation and inquires about the Slavonic edition of Josephus’ works, as well as other references to Jesus found in the Talmud and other ancient texts. Dr. Schmidt is the author of Josephus & Jesus: New Evidence for the One Called Ch...

Many scholars argue that the famous passage about Jesus in the writings of Josephus should be dismissed and set aside as a later interpolation by a Christian Scribe. But after his own detailed investigation of this subject, Dr. T.C. Schmidt concluded that this passage has been largely misunderstood. In his new book published by Oxford University Press, he presents compelling new evidence that this passage is not a later addition, b...

According to many Christians today, faith isn’t based on external facts or evidence, but is considered an internal, subjective feeling, intuition, or experience. But is this taught anywhere in the Bible? What about other religious texts and traditions? Shane Rosenthal explores these questions and more and talks with Craig Parton, author of Religion on Trial. Note: This is Humble Skeptic episode #4, which was originally released on ...

When asked to define the word “faith,” the majority of Christians polled at a variety of Christian events and gatherings described it a “blind leap.” But is this idea taught anywhere in the Bible? On this episode of The Humble Skeptic, Shane examines the arguments and passages that some Christians use in support of blind faith. This is Humble Skeptic episode #3 which was originally released on Nov. 22, 2022.

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While we’re taking a short summer break, we’ve decided to re-release some of our favorite episodes, starting with the first program in our series on “faith.” Many people today claim that faith is “believing in things without evidence,” but is this really the case? On this episode of The Humble Skeptic, we’ll take a deep dive into the true definition of faith. This episode was originally released on Nov. 15, 2022.

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After his resurrection, Luke 24 records that Jesus walked with two of his disciples on the road to Emmaus, and during that journey, we’re told that “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” So what OT passages did Jesus likely have in mind as he discussed the Hebrew Bible with these two disciples? Joining me to discuss this question is Jason DeRouchie, r...

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

Jesus’ words and deeds are best interpreted in the light of the Old Testament Scripture. Thus, the fact that Jesus said at the temple, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink” (Jn 7:37), makes much more sense when read alongside Exodus 17, in which Yahweh provided life-giving water to the thirsty Israelites. On this program, Shane takes a deep dive into John 7-9 with the help of New Testament scholar Andreas Köstenberger. ...

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

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

SHOW NOTES

ArticlesFinding Christ in All of Scripture, Shane RosenthalNew Life in the New Year: The Story o...

On this episode, Shane talks with Mori Michael S. Bar-Ron about his research project related to the Sinai inscriptions discovered throughout the Sinai Peninsula. Though these inscriptions resemble Egyptian hieroglyphs, they’re actually written in what scholars refer to as “proto-Sinaitic” or “proto-Alphabetic” script. Mori Michael has been working on these inscriptions for the better part of a decade and argues that they are best t...

According to Ex. 13:21, as the people of Israel made their way out of Egypt, we’re told that Yahweh went before the people of Israel in a pillar of cloud and fire. What’s odd, however, is that the next chapter tells us it was the “angel of God” who went before the host of Israel in the pillar (Ex 4:19). So, how do we explain the difference between these two passages? Did an angel lead the people out of Egypt, or was it Yahweh himse...

The foundational narrative behind Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection is the story of Exodus. After all, Jesus is presented in the Gospels as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world,” and was put to death on the eve of Passover. But what if the Israelite exodus from Egypt never really happened? On this episode, Shane talks with Egyptologist David Rohl about why so many contemporary scholars conclude that Israel’s ...

On this episode, Shane explores some of the fascinating prophecies found in the book of Daniel and discusses how they have been interpreted (and misinterpreted) both before and after the time of Jesus. He also interacts with audio clips related to this subject from interviews he’s recorded with Talmud scholar Daniel Boyarin, and New Testament scholar, Craig Evans.

Click here to read selections from the Dead Sea Scrolls, Eusebius, Ca...

Shane concluded the last episode with a brief clip from an interview he recorded years ago with respected author and theologian, J.I. Packer. On this program, he decided to feature more of that conversation, while also weaving together other interviews and man-on-the-street segments related to the prevalence of narcissistic beliefs and attitudes in American Christianity.

Additional authors featured in this program:Thomas Ascol (3:2...

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

SHOW NOTESTo read various selections from Ire...

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

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