The Humble Skeptic

In 1833, Thomas Starkie observed, “It so rarely happens that witnesses of the same transaction perfectly and entirely agree in all points connected with it, that an entire and complete coincidence in every particular…engenders suspicion.” On this special Easter edition of the podcast, Shane airs an interview he recorded with Lydia McGrew about differences that exist between the four Gospels related to Jesus’ resurrection, and whether those differences can be reconciled.SHOW NOTESArticlesConsidering Alternatives to the Resurrection, Shane RosenthalJoanna: Luke’s Key Witness? Shane RosenthalBart Ehrman on Jesus & The Claim of Resurrection, Shane RosenthalPassover & The Last Supper, Shane RosenthalWhere Was Jesus Crucified?, Shane RosenthalAre We Witnessing a Paradigm Shift on John’s Gospel? Shane RosenthalThe Compelling Nature of Corroborated Testimony, Shane RosenthalSimon of Cyrene: An Intriguing Archaeological Discovery, Shane RosenthalThe Authenticity & Genuineness of the Fourth Gospel, J.B. LightfootIs Luke a Trustworthy Historian?, Sir William RamsayCan We Trust Luke’s History of the Early Jesus Movement? Shane RosenthalWhat is the Most Important Thing Taught in the Bible?, Shane RosenthalBooksTestimonies to the Truth, Lydia McGrewHidden in Plain View, Lydia McGrewThe Mirror or the Mask, Lydia McGrewJesus & The Eyewitnesses, Richard BauckhamEaster Enigma, John WenhamThe Doubters Guide to Jesus, John DicksonCan We Trust the Gospels? Peter J. WilliamsOn The Resurrection Vol. 1: Evidences, Gary HabermasOn The Resurrection Vol. 2: Refutations, Gary HabermasAudioFake or Authentic? with Lydia McGrewAuthenticating the Book of Acts, with Lydia McGrewThe Messiah’s Redemptive Mission, Shane RosenthalStories of Jesus: Can We Trust Them? with Peter J. WilliamsAre The Gospels History or Fiction? with John DicksonIs John’s Gospel Late & Unreliable?, with Daniel WallaceThe Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony, with Richard BauckhamLocating Golgotha, with David RohlEvidential Reasoning, with Craig PartonDealing with Discrepancies, with J. Warner WallaceThe Jesus of History & The Gospel CreedVideoThe Resurrection of Jesus, Peter J. WilliamsPeter J. Williams vs Bart Ehrman on the Reliablity of the NTThe Tools & Rules of History, with Gary Habermas, David McIlroy & Shane RosenthalMark Lanier moderated this panel discussion at the Lanier Theological Library in Houston Texas. The forum was inspired by the release of two exhaustive volumes on the historicity of Jesus’ Resurrection by Dr. Habermas: On The Resurrection Vol. 1: Evidences, and On The Resurrection Vol. 2: Refutations.Who Is Jesus? Bridging Diverse Voices, St. Louis, MO, April 24th.Shane Rosenthal and Michael McClymond will be defending the historic Christian view of Jesus at this Christian / Muslim conversation which will take place at St. Louis Community College Meramec (located at 11333 Big Bend Rd, in Kirkwood, MO). The purpose is to highlight some of the differences between Christian and Muslim perspectives related to Jesus’ identity and mission and to take questions from students. This event is brought to you by St. Louis Community College in partnership with ReThink315. Click here for more info.Share with Friends & FamilyIf you’re a fan of the show, please share with others and consider posting a link to this episode via your social media feed. Just copy the URL of this page, paste it into your feed, and write a few words. Also, consider writing a positive review of this podcast via the Apple Podcast app, or your preferred podcast portal. The more reviews we get, the more exposure we get! Thanks for your help!Make a One-Time Gift or Upgrade to a Paid SubscriptionConsider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Tax-deductible giving options are also available. Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

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 NOTESArticlesFinding Christ in All of Scripture, Shane RosenthalNew Life in the New Year: The Story of Exodus, Shane RosenthalPassover, The Last Supper & The Day of Crucifixion, Shane RosenthalWhere Was Jesus Crucified?, Shane RosenthalConsidering Alternatives to the Resurrection, Shane RosenthalBart Ehrman on Jesus & The Claim of Resurrection, Shane RosenthalDid Palm Trees Grow in Jerusalem at the Time of Jesus? Shane RosenthalSimon of Cyrene: An Intriguing Archaeological Discovery, Shane RosenthalThe Date of John’s Gospel: Are We Witnessing a Paradigm Shift? Shane RosenthalJoanna: Luke’s Key Witness? Shane RosenthalBooksEchoes of Exodus: Tracing the Theme of Redemption, Roberts & WilsonThe Angel of the Lord, Matt Foreman & Doug Van DornChrist in All of Scripture (5 Book Series), Foreman & Van DornThe Lamb of God: Seeing Jesus in Exodus, Nancy GuthrieJesus in the Old Testament, Iain DuguidJourneys with Jesus, Dennis JohnsonThe Surprising Genius of Jesus, Peter J. WilliamsThe Jewish Gospels, Daniel BoyarinThe Jewish Targums & John’s Logos Theology, John RonningA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith, Craig EvansA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Gospels, Craig EvansProof of the Gospel, Eusebius of CaesareaAudioThe Angel of Yahweh, Humble Skeptic. #70 with Foreman & Van DornThe Sinai Inscriptions, Humble Skeptic #71 with Michael S. Bar-RonDid The Exodus Ever Happen? Humble Skeptic #69 with David RohlJacob’s Ladder, Humble Skeptic #63 with Richard Bauckham and othersBabylon, Humble Skeptic Episode #66 Decoding the Prophecies of Daniel, Humble Skeptic #68 How to Read & Apply the Old Testament, WHI #1568 with Iain DuguidWere Jews Expecting a Suffering Messiah? Shane RosenthalJewish Views of the Messiah, with Daniel BoyariinStories of Jesus: Can We Trust Them? with Peter J. WilliamsThe Jesus of History & The Gospel CreedLocating Golgotha, with David RohlVideoThe Tools & Rules of History, with Gary Habermas, David McIlroy & Shane RosenthalOn November 8th, 2024, trial attorney Mark Lanier moderated this panel discussion at the Lanier Theological Library in Houston Texas. The forum was inspired by the release of two exhaustive volumes on the historicity of Jesus’ Resurrection by Dr. Habermas: On The Resurrection Vol. 1: Evidences, and On The Resurrection Vol. 2: Refutations.Who Is Jesus? Bridging Diverse Voices, St. Louis, MO, April 24th.Shane Rosenthal and Michael McClymond will be defending the historic Christian view of Jesus at this Christian / Muslim conversation which will take place at St. Louis Community College Meramec (located at 11333 Big Bend Rd, in Kirkwood, MO). The purpose is to highlight some of the differences between Christian and Muslim perspectives related to Jesus’ identity and mission and to take questions from students. This event is brought to you by St. Louis Community College in partnership with ReThink315. Click here for more info.Share with Friends & FamilyIf you’re a fan of the show, please share with others and consider posting a link to this episode via your social media feed. Just copy the URL of this page, paste it into your feed, and write a few words. Also, consider writing a positive review of this podcast via the Apple Podcast app, or your preferred podcast portal. The more reviews we get, the more exposure we get! Thanks for your help!Make a One-Time Gift or Upgrade to a Paid SubscriptionConsider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Tax-deductible giving options are also available. Click here for more information. Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

On this episode, Shane talks with Mori Michael S. Bar-Ron about his research project related to the Sinai inscriptions discovered throughout the Sinai Peninsula. Though these inscriptions resemble Egyptian hieroglyphs, they’re actually written in what scholars refer to as “proto-Sinaitic” or “proto-Alphabetic” script. Mori Michael has been working on these inscriptions for the better part of a decade and argues that they are best treated as a form of paleo-Hebrew. In fact, when they are read this way, they end up providing external corroboration for some of the details recorded in the book of Exodus.SHOW NOTESRelated BooksResearches in Sinai, W.M. Flinders Petrie — FREEThe Inscriptions of Sinai, Alan H. Gardiner — FREELegendary Kings, David Rohl (e-book)Exodus: Myth or History? David Rohl (e-book)Redating the Exodus & Conquest, John BimsonBiblical Archaeology, David E. GravesThe Ancient Near East, James B. Pritchard (ed.)Related ArticlesThe Golden Calf, David RohlSinai 351 & 360, Michael S. Bar-RonThe Mt. Ebal Curse Tablet, Michael S. Bar-RonThe Seal of Joseph, Michael S. Bar-RonThe Origins of Israel in Canaan, John BimsonArchaeological Data & The Dating of the Patriarchs, John BimsonThe Cylinder Seal from Tell el-Dab’a, Edith PoradaHebrew: The World’s Oldest Alphabet, Douglas PetrovichA Cuneiform Cylinder of Nebuchadnezzar II, Shane RosenthalSimon of Cyrene: An Archaeological Discovery, Shane RosenthalWater Into Wine: An Archaeological Assessment, Shane RosenthalRelated AudioDid The Exodus Ever Happen? Humble Skeptic #69 with David RohlQuestioning Conventional Wisdom (1), HS #13 with David RohlQuestioning Conventional Wisdom (2), HS #14 with David RohlLocating Golgotha, Humble Skeptic #17 with David RohlThe Big Picture, Humble Skeptic #26 with J. Daniel HaysFaith Founded on Facts, HS #15 with Lennox, Bauckham, etc.The Jesus of History, Humble Skeptic #12Babylon, Humble Skeptic #66Related VideoMichael Bar-Ron on the Sinai Inscriptions, Patterns of EvidenceDavid Rohl on the Sinai Inscriptions, Patterns of EvidenceThe First Alphabet, Patterns of EvidenceThe Moses Controversy, Patterns of EvidenceA to Z: The First Alphabet, Nova (PBS)The Mt. Ebal Curse Tablet (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6)The Cylinder Seal Discovered at Tell el-Dab’aTo contribute to Michael Bar-Ron’s GoFundMe campaign: Click HereUPCOMING EVENTSThe Messianic Hope, Memphis, TN, April 11-13Shane Rosenthal will be giving a series of talks related to Christ’s fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy at this conference in Rosemark, TN. Click here for more info.Who Is Jesus? Bridging Diverse Voices, St. Louis, MO, April 24th.Shane Rosenthal and Michael McClymond will be defending the historic Christian view of Jesus at this Christian / Muslim conversation which will take place at St. Louis Community College Meramec (located at 11333 Big Bend Rd, in Kirkwood, MO). The purpose is to highlight some of the differences between Christian and Muslim perspectives related to Jesus’ identity and mission and to take questions from students. This event is brought to you by St. Louis Community College in partnership with ReThink315. Click here for more info.Share with Friends & FamilyIf you’re a fan of the show, please share with others and consider posting a link to this episode via your social media feed. Just copy the URL of this page, paste it into your feed, and write a few words. Also, consider writing a positive review of this podcast via the Apple Podcast app, or your preferred podcast portal. The more reviews we get, the more exposure we get! Thanks for your help!Make a One-Time Gift or Upgrade to a Paid SubscriptionConsider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Tax-deductible giving options are also available. Click here for more information. Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

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 himself? On this episode, Shane discusses these questions and more with Matt Foreman and Doug Van Dorn, authors of The Angel of the Lord: A Biblical, Historical, and Theological Study.For a gift of any amount to help support the work of The Humble Skeptic podcast, we’ll send you a 12-page PDF resource titled “Finding Christ in All of Scripture.” Click here for a preview.SHOW NOTESRelated BooksThe Angel of the Lord, Foreman & Van DornChrist in All of Scripture (5 Book Series), Foreman & Van DornJesus in the Old Testament, Iain DuguidJourneys with Jesus, Dennis JohnsonEchoes of Exodus: Tracing the Theme of Redemption, Roberts & WilsonJoseph: A Story of Love, Hate, Slavery, Power & Forgiveness, John LennoxThe Surprising Genius of Jesus, Peter J. WilliamsThe Jewish Gospels, Daniel BoyarinThe Jewish Targums & John’s Logos Theology, John RonningA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith, Craig EvansA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Gospels, Craig EvansProof of the Gospel, Eusebius of CaesareaRelated ArticlesFinding Christ in All of Scripture, Shane RosenthalNew Life in the New Year: The Story of Exodus, Shane RosenthalIsaiah’s Prophecy of the Messiah’s Birth, Shane RosenthalPassover & The Last Supper, Shane RosenthalWhere Was Jesus Crucified?, Shane RosenthalWater Into Wine? Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe The Bible? (PDF), Shane RosenthalWhat’s the Most Important Thing in the Bible?, Shane RosenthalA New Way of Reading Scripture, Shane RosenthalRelated AudioDid The Exodus Ever Happen? Humble Skeptic #69 with David RohlJewish Views of the Messiah, Humble Skeptic #38 with Daniel BoyarinWere Jews Expecting a Divine Messiah?, WHI #1243 with Craig EvansJacob’s Ladder, Humble Skeptic #63 with Richard Bauckham and othersBabylon, Humble Skeptic Episode #66 Decoding the Prophecies of Daniel, Humble Skeptic #68 How to Read & Apply the Old Testament, WHI #1568 with Iain DuguidWhat Did The Earliest Christians Believe? HS #25 with Dennis JohnsonThe Big Picture, Humble Skeptic #26 with J. Daniel HaysStories of Jesus: Can They Be Trusted? HS #61 with Peter J. WilliamsThe Gospel Creed, Humble Skeptic Episode #9UPCOMING EVENTSThe Messianic Hope, Memphis, TN, April 11-13Shane Rosenthal will be giving a series of talks related to Christ’s fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy at this weekend conference in Rosemark, TN. Click here for more information.Who Is Jesus?: Bridging Diverse Voices, St. Louis, MO, April 24th.Shane Rosenthal and Michael McClymond will be defending the historic Christian view of Jesus at this Christian / Muslim conversation which will take place at St. Louis Community College Meramec (located at 11333 Big Bend Rd, in Kirkwood, MO). The purpose is to highlight some of the differences between Christian and Muslim perspectives related to Jesus’ identity and mission and to take questions from students. This event is brought to you by St. Louis Community College in partnership with ReThink315. Click here for more info.Share with Friends & FamilyIf you’re a fan of the show, please tell others about the show, and consider posting a link to this episode via your social media feed. Just copy the URL of this page, paste it into your feed, and write a few words. Also, consider writing a positive review of this podcast via the Apple Podcast app, or your preferred podcast portal. The more reviews we get, the more exposure we get! Thanks for your help!Make a One-Time Gift or Upgrade to a Paid SubscriptionConsider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Tax-deductible giving options are also available. Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

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 foundational story is rooted in mythology, and why they are blind to clear and convincing evidence in support of the Exodus narrative.Click here for detailed notes related to this episode.Click here to listen to Shane’s interview with John Lennox on the story of Joseph.SHOW NOTESRelated BooksExodus: Myth or History? David Rohl — Hard copies are out of print, and used copies are expensive so this link is to the Kindle edition. However, his earlier book, A Test of Time, covers the same material and used copies are available at a much more reasonable price.Legendary Kings, David RohlRedating the Exodus & Conquest, John Bimson — FREEWhen Did It Happen? John BimsonBiblical Archaeology, David E. GravesThe Ancient Near East, James B. Pritchard (ed.)Echoes of The Exodus, Wilson & RobertsJoseph: A Story of Love, Hate & Forgiveness, John LennoxThe Structure of Scientific Revolutions, Thomas KuhnThe Complete Works of Josephus, Flavius JosephusRelated ArticlesIs The Exodus a Myth? Bart Ehrman (cited in commentary)The Origins of Israel in Canaan, John BimsonArchaeological Data & The Dating of the Patriarchs, John BimsonRulers of Foreign Lands, Archaeology Magazine Is Luke a Trustworthy Historian?, Sir William RamsayThe Authenticity & Genuineness of the Fourth Gospel, J.B. LightfootArchaeological Discoveries Related to Nebuchadnezzar II, Shane RosenthalWater Into Wine: An Archaeological Assessment, Shane RosenthalSimon of Cyrene: An Intriguing Archaeological Discovery, Shane RosenthalOutside the Gospels, What Can We Really Know About Jesus? Shane RosenthalParadigm Shift: The Date of John’s Gospel, Shane RosenthalNew Life in the New Year: A Brief Account of the Exodus, Shane RosenthalRelated AudioQuestioning Conventional Wisdom (1), HS #13 with David RohlQuestioning Conventional Wisdom (2), HS #14 with David RohlLocating Golgotha, Humble Skeptic #17 with David RohlJohn Lennox on the Story of Joseph, White Horse Inn #1582Stories of Jesus: Can We Trust Them? Humble Skeptic #61 with Peter J. WilliamsAre The Gospels History or Fiction? Humble Skeptic #52 with John DicksonIs John’s Gospel Late & Unreliable?, Humble Skeptic #51 with Daniel WallaceQuestioning The Fourth Gospel, Humble Skeptic #49 with Richard BauckhamThe Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony, Humble Skeptic #48 with Richard BauckhamFaith Founded on Facts, Humble Skeptic #15 with Lennox, Dickson, Bauckham, etc.Related VideoJoseph’s Arrival in Egypt, David Rohl and James HoffmeierJoseph’s Palace & Pyramid Tomb, David RohlEvidence of Israelite Slavery in Egypt, David Rohl and James HoffmeierPatterns of Evidence: Exodus, documentary film featuring David Rohl and othersDavid Rohl Lectures, to purchase the complete set of lectures click here UPCOMING EVENTSThe Messianic Hope, Memphis, TN, April 11-13Shane Rosenthal will be giving a series of talks related to Christ’s fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy at this weekend conference in Rosemark, TN. Click here for more information.Who Is Jesus?: Bridging Diverse Voices, St. Louis, MO, April 24th.Shane Rosenthal and Michael McClymond will be defending the historic Christian view of Jesus at this Christian / Muslim conversation which will take place at St. Louis Community College Meramec (located at 11333 Big Bend Rd, in Kirkwood, MO). The purpose is to highlight some of the differences between Christian and Muslim perspectives related to Jesus’ identity and mission and to take questions from students. This event is brought to you by St. Louis Community College in partnership with ReThink315. Click here for more info.Share with Friends & FamilyIf you’re a fan of the show, please tell others about the show, and consider posting a link to this episode via your social media feed. Just copy the URL of this page, paste it into your feed, and write a few words. Also, consider writing a positive review of this podcast via the Apple Podcast app, or your preferred podcast portal. The more reviews we get, the more exposure we get! Thanks for your help!Make a One-Time Gift or Upgrade to a Paid SubscriptionConsider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Tax-deductible giving options are also available. Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

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, Calvin, and other sources cited on this program along with additional related material. Also, DONORS and PAID Subscribers can download a BONUS PDF featuring “An Overview Chart of Daniel’s Visions.”SHOW NOTESRelated ArticlesDeciphering the Clues of Revelation (Pt 1), (Pt 2), (Pt 3), (Pt 4), (Pt 5), Shane RosenthalArchaeological Discoveries Related to Nebuchadnezzar II, Shane RosenthalJustin Martyr on the Importance of Fulfilled Prophecy, Shane RosenthalIsaiah’s Prophecy of the Messiah’s Birth, Shane RosenthalThe Bethlehem Prophecy: An Exploration of Micah 5:2, Shane RosenthalSprinkled Nations & Speechless Kings, Shane RosenthalFinding Christ in All The Scriptures, Shane RosenthalProof of the Gospel, Quotes from Eusebius, Augustine & othersWhy Should We Believe The Bible? (PDF), Shane RosenthalExploring Covenant Theology, Mike Brown & Zach KeeleRelated BooksThe Jewish Gospels, Daniel BoyarinSon of Man in Early Jewish Literature, Richard BauckhamGuide to the Dead Sea Scrolls, Craig EvansThe Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith, Craig EvansThe Jewish Roots of the Gospels, Craig EvansProof of the Gospel, Eusebius of CaesareaA Handbook of Messianic Prophecy, Rydelnik & BlumThe Gospel According to Isaiah 53, Darrell Bock & othersJourneys with Jesus, Dennis JohnsonChrist From Beginning to End, Hunter & WellumRelated AudioBabylon, Humble Skeptic #66Jewish Views of the Messiah, HS #38 with Daniel BoyarinWere Jews Expecting a Divine Messiah? WHI #1243 with Craig EvansWere Jews Expecting a Suffering Messiah?, HS #47How to Read & Apply the Old Testament, WHI #1568 with Iain DuguidWhat Did the Earliest Christians Believe? HS #25The Big Picture, Humble Skeptic #26 with J. Daniel HaysThe Intersection of Church & State, HS #53 with David VanDrunenWhy Should We Trust The Bible? HS #39 with Mike FarleyHow to Read & Interpret the Bible, HS #37 with Mike BrownAlistair Begg on the Book of Daniel, WHI #1603 with Shane RosenthalJacob’s Ladder, Humble Skeptic #63UPCOMING EVENTSThe Messianic Hope, Memphis, TN, April 11-13Shane Rosenthal will be giving a series of talks related to Christ’s fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy at this weekend conference in Rosemark, TN. The conference is free, but registration is required (a registration page and more info will be available soon).Who Is Jesus? (A Christian & Muslim Conversation), St. Louis, MO, April 24th.Shane Rosenthal and Michael McClymond will be defending the historic Christian view of Jesus at this event which will take place at St. Louis Community College Meramec (located at 11333 Big Bend Rd, in Kirkwood, MO). The purpose is to highlight some of the differences between Christian and Muslim perspectives related to Jesus’ identity and mission and to take questions from students. This event is brought to you by St. Louis Community College in partnership with ReThink315. Click here for more info.Share with Friends & FamilyIf you’re a fan of the show, please tell others about the show, and consider posting a link to this episode via your social media feed. Just copy the URL of this page, paste it into your feed, and write a few words. Also, consider writing a positive review of this podcast via the Apple Podcast app, or your preferred podcast portal. The more reviews we get, the more exposure we get! Thanks for your help!Make a One-Time Gift or Upgrade to a Paid SubscriptionConsider supporting The Humble Skeptic podcast by making a one-time gift or upgrading to a paid subscription via Substack ($5.95 per month, $59 per year). Tax-deductible giving options are also available. Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

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 (3:22), Scott McKnight (3:54; 7:06), Andy Crouch (4:08; 6:01), William Willimon (4:25; 5:10), R.C. Sproul (4:40), Anthony J. Carter (6:20), Roger E. Olson (6:40), Bryan Chapell (7:19), Jean Twenge (13:45), Christian Smith (29:49), Marva Dawn (31:12).SHOW NOTESBooksKnowing God, J.I. PackerSoul Searching, Christian SmithChristless Christianity, Michael HortonReaching Out Without Dumbing Down, Marva DawnPeculiar Speech, Peculiar Speech, William WillimonThe Christian Mind, Harry BlamiresThe Narcissism Epidemic, Twenge & CampbellChristianity & Liberalism, J. Gresham MachenCreed or Chaos? by Dorothy Sayers — FREEArticlesThe Story of Us, Shane RosenthalThe Megachurch Century, Shane RosenthalThe Tower of Babel, Shane RosenthalThe Mormonization of American Christianity, Shane RosenthalFinding Christ in All of Scripture (PDF), Shane RosenthalLiberalism or Christianity?, J. Gresham MachenThe Importance of Christian Scholarship, by J. Gresham MachenTheologically, This Country is in a State of Utter Chaos, Dorothy SayersWhy Johnny Can’t Preach, T. David GordonAudioJacob’s Ladder, Humble Skeptic #63Babylon, Humble Skeptic #65The Earliest Gospel, Humble Skeptic. #45The Effect of Media & Technology, Humble Skeptic #30Grounded in the Gospel, WHI #986 with J.I. PackerAn Interview with R.C. Sproul, WHI #909The Preached Word, WHI 972 with William WillimonTeen Spirituality, WHI #730 with Christian SmithAlmost Christian, WHI #1017 with Kenda Creasy DeanGetting Over Yourself, WHI #1588 with Dean InserraThe Narcissism Epidemic, WHI #956 with Jean TwengeVideoAmerican Gospel: Christ AloneAmerican Gospel: Christ CrucifiedWe 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. Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

Wherever we find references to Babylon in the Bible, we’re frequently reminded of man’s failed attempt to ascend to the heavens. This is due in part to the fact that “Babel” and “Babylon” happen to be the same word in Hebrew. On this edition, Shane walks through a variety of Old Testament passages that relate to this theme and contrasts them with prophecies about Israel’s coming Messiah.SHOW NOTESTo read various selections from Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, Josephus, and others that Shane cited on this episode, click here.ArticlesArchaeological Discoveries Related to Nebuchadnezzar II, Shane RosenthalThe Tower of Babel, Shane RosenthalDeciphering the Clues of Revelation, Shane RosenthalNew Life in the New Year, Shane RosenthalJustin Martyr on the Importance of Fulfilled Prophecy, Shane RosenthalIsaiah’s Prophecy of the Messiah’s Birth, Shane RosenthalFinding Christ in All of Scripture, Shane Rosenthal (PDF)Why Should We Believe the Bible?, Shane RosenthalIdentifying Babylon The Great, Shane Rosenthal (coming soon)BooksBabylonian Life & History, E.A. Wallis Budge—FREEGod Dwells Among Us, G.K. Beale & Mitchell KimThe Temple & The Tabernacle, J. Daniel HaysPierced for Our Transgressions, Andrew Sach & OthersThe Gospel According to Isaiah 53, Bock & GlaserBrave By Faith, Alistair BeggEchoes of Exodus, Roberts & WilsonHim We Proclaim, Dennis JohnsonWe Who Wrestle With God, Jordan PetersonAudioJacob’s Ladder, with Richard Bauckham, Michael Horton & othersThe Intersection of Church & State, with David Van DrunenThe Big Picture, with J. Daniel HaysHow to Read & Interpret the Bible, with Mike BrownWorship in Spirit & Truth, with G.K. BealeJewish Views of the Messiah, with Daniel BoyarinWere Jews Expecting a Suffering Messiah? Life in a Post-Christian World, with Alistair BeggVideoExploring Babylon & The Prophecies Against Her, Joel KramerThe Message of Daniel, John LennoxThe Tower of Babel, Jordan PetersonWe 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. Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

On this year-end episode, Shane talks with Australian pop-singer Liam Cooper about their shared interest in the backstory of Billy Joel’s song, Piano Man. Liam is the creator and frontman of a show called King of the Keys, which features the music of Billy Joel, Elton John, Paul McCartney and others. Earlier this year, Liam had plans to shoot a music video featuring the original piano used by Billy Joel at The Executive Room back in 1973—or so he thought. Shane’s research has led him to re-evaluate things.SHOW NOTESRelated Episodes & ArticlesThe Pilot Episode, Humble Skeptic #01New Evidence for The Executive Room, Humble Skeptic #55Evidential Reasoning, Humble Skeptic #56Dealing with Discrepancies, Humble Skeptic #57Is My Dad One of the Characters in Piano Man? Shane RosenthalThe Executive Room according to PopSpots, Bob EganHow to Detect Deception, Shane RosenthalThe Virtue of Doubt, Shane RosenthalMusic & Video LinksProject Magic, Liam Cooper (wedding proposal video)If You Were Here, Liam Cooper (song)Out of the Blue, Liam Cooper (music video)Yellow, Coldplay (music video)I Found The Executive Room Piano, Liam Cooper (interview)Carpool Karaoke, Paul McCartney & James Corden (video)Chin Up, Tomorrow’s a New Year, The Whiskey Wasps (song)Minute to Midnight, Anthony Lazaro (song)King of the Keys, Liam Cooper (website) Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

This special Christmas edition of the podcast features Shane’s man-on-the-street interviews that he recorded at a local Christmas festival. In particular, he asked whether the holiday, with all its memorable characters, is rooted in mythology, history, or a little of both. In the second half of the program, Shane reads selections from Justin Martyr’s First Apology, which provides insight into the compelling nature of early Christian proclamation. SHOW NOTESArticlesProof of the Gospel (PDF), selections from Justin Martyr, Eusebius & AugustineIsaiah’s Prophecy of the Messiah’s Birth, Shane RosenthalThe Bethlehem Prophecy: An Exploration of Micah 5:2, Shane RosenthalSprinkled Nations & Speechless Kings, Shane RosenthalFinding Christ in All of Scripture (PDF), Shane RosenthalA New Way of Reading Scripture, Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe The Bible? (PDF), Shane RosenthalFirst Apology of Justin Martyr, online text versionBooksThe Writings of Justin Martyr, hardback editionProof of the Gospel, Eusebius of CaesareaThe Jewish Gospels, Daniel BoyarinA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith, Craig EvansA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Gospels, Craig EvansThe Angel of the Lord, Doug Van Dorn & Matt ForemanThe Gospel According to Isaiah 53, Darrell Bock & othersThe Moody Handbook of Messianic Prophecy, Rydelnik & BlumSoul Searching, Christian SmithAudioThe First Apology of Justin Martyr, FREE AudiobookWhat Child Is This? A Christmas Message by Shane RosenthalJewish Views of the Messiah, Humble Skeptic #38 with Daniel BoyarinWere Jews Expecting a Divine Messiah? WHI 1243 with Craig EvansA Suffering Messiah? WHI-1564 with Craig EvansThe Angel of the Lord (Pt 1), WHI 1566 with Foreman & Van DornThe Angel of the Lord (Pt 2), WHI-1567 with Foreman & Van DornJacob’s Ladder, Humble Skeptic #63Youth Ministry in Crisis, Christian Smith, J.I. Packer, Michael Horton & othersMusicCarol of the Bells, The Whiskey WaspsFor Unto Us, A Child Is Born, from Handel’s MessiahSurely, He Hath Born Our Sins, from Handel’s MessiahO Come, O Come Emmanuel, Ardie’s Son Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe