The Humble Skeptic

Truth Isn't Afraid of Questions

Shane Rosenthal was raised in a Jewish home but became an atheist at a very early age. Some years later, however, he ended up losing faith in atheism and converted to Christianity. On this podcast, he talks with people from a wide variety of worldviews and perspectives in order to explore the beliefs and ideas that shape our lives. www.humbleskeptic.com

  1. 3 GG FA

    The Cambridge Declaration

    In an attempt to make churches more attractive and relevant, over the decades, many pastors effectively stopped preaching and teaching the contents of the Bible, and this has resulted in a significant decrease in basic Bible literacy among Christians across all denominations. Thirty years ago today, a diverse group of leaders and theologians met in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to address this and other challenges, and they produced an important document called The Cambridge Declaration. This program features audio from the 1996 meeting featuring R.C. Sproul, James M. Boice, David Wells, Michael Horton, Gene Veith, W. Robert Godfrey, and others. SHOW NOTES BooksHere We Stand, 2026 edition, Jim Boice & Ben Sasse (editors)No Place for Truth, David WellsGod in the Wasteland, David WellsReaching Out Without Dumbing Down, Marva DawnPeculiar Speech, Peculiar Speech, William WillimonChristless Christianity, Michael HortonThe Christian Mind, Harry BlamiresChristianity & Liberalism, J. Gresham MachenCreed or Chaos? by Dorothy Sayers — FREE ArticlesThe Cambridge Declaration (also via PDF download here)Background to The Cambridge Declaration, WikipediaThe 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 Gordon AudioThe Living Church, WHI #317 with Ervin DugganDoctrine, Worship & Life, WHI #323 with Jim BoiceCatechesis, Preaching & Vocation, WHI #317 with Gene VeithThe Courage to Be Protestant, WHI #913 with David WellsGrounded in the Gospel, WHI #986 with J.I. PackerYouth Ministry in Crisis, WHI 1204 with Christian Smith & othersA Debate with Robert Schuller, WHI # 103You Foolish Galatians! WHI #140 includes Shane’s street interviewsAn Interview with R.C. Sproul, WHI #909The Preached Word, WHI 972 with William WillimonJacob’s Ladder, Humble Skeptic #63Christian Narcissism, Humble Skeptic #67 with J.I. Packer & othersThe Effect of Media & Technology, Humble Skeptic #30 VideoBen Sasse on Uncommon Knowledge with Peter RobinsonBen Sasse on Interesting Times with Ross DouthatBen Sasse on Life Cancer & The Gospel, with Mike Horton 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. Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

    1h 19m
  2. 3 APR

    Lazarus

    On this episode, Shane highlights some of the intriguing parallels that exist between the parable of Lazarus recorded in Luke 16 and the account of the raising of Lazarus in John 11. Since both texts involve a man named Lazarus as well as the subject of resurrection, it’s worth considering that these two stories may in fact be related. During this exploration, Shane talks with Richard Bauckham, author of Jesus & The Eyewitnesses, and T.C. Schmidt, author of Josephus & Jesus. SPECIAL OFFER For a gift of any size, you’ll receive a pre-release PDF download of Shane’s forthcoming book, Luke’s Key Witness, along with a 30-page PDF resource titled The Identity of the Beloved Disciple. If you’re already a paid subscriber, you’ll be able to access both resources via the above links. To donate or subscribe, use the green button below. SHOW NOTES Related EpisodesQuestioning The Fourth Gospel, #49 with Richard BauckhamDid Josephus Ever Mention Jesus? #77 with T.C. SchmidtWho is Theophilus? #79 with Peter. BoltRethinking Jesus’ Parables, #43 with Scott ChurnockSimply Genius (a discussion of the Parables), #62 with Peter J. Williams Stories of Jesus: Can They Be Trusted? #61 with Peter J. WilliamsAre The Gospels History or Fiction? #52 with John DicksonFaith Founded on Facts, Episode #15What Did the Earliest Christians Believe?, #25 with Dennis JohnsonThe Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony, #48 with Richard BauckhamWhich John Wrote John? Episode #50 Locating Golgotha, #17 with David RohlThe Messiah’s Redemptive Mission Episode #72Reconciling the Resurrection Accounts, #73 with Lydia McGrew Related ArticlesThe Parable of Lazarus, Shane RosenthalThe Identity of the Beloved Disciple, Shane RosenthalConsidering Alternatives to the Resurrection, Shane RosenthalBart Ehrman on Jesus & The Claim of Resurrection, Shane RosenthalThe Implications of 70 AD on the Date of the Gospels & Acts, Shane RosenthalA Pre-70 Date for the Gospels & Acts, Shane RosenthalThe Date of John’s Gospel, Revisited, Shane RosenthalCan We Trust Luke’s History of the Early Jesus Movement? Shane RosenthalAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalOn Faith & History, Shane RosenthalPassover, The Last Supper & The Day of Crucifixion, Shane RosenthalWhere Was Jesus Crucified?, Shane RosenthalThings Completely Fulfilled Among Us, Shane Rosenthal Related BooksJosephus & Jesus, T.C. Schmidt — FREEJesus & The Eyewitnesses, Richard BauckhamThe Fate of the Dead, Richard BauckhamCan We Trust The Gospels? Peter J. WilliamsIs Jesus History? John DicksonTestimonies to the Truth, Lydia McGrewLuke: A Commentary, Peter G. Bolt The Surprising Genius of Jesus, Peter J. WilliamsProof of the Gospel, Eusebius of Caesarea Related VideoHistory, Archaeology & Luke’s Most Excellent TheophilusAn Archaeological Discovery Sheds Light on the Gospel of LukeHave Archaeologists Discovered Biblical Bethsaida?Can We Trust the Gospels? Peter J. Williams New Evidence for the Gospels, Peter J. Williams Evidence for the Resurrection, Peter J. Williams Are the Gospels Reliable?, Peter J. Williams & Bart EhrmanThe Tools & Rules of History, Gary Habermas & Shane Rosenthal & others Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

    33 min
  3. 7 GEN

    The Bar That Inspired Piano Man

    After watching a new HBO documentary on the life of Billy Joel, Shane decided to reopen his investigation of the bar that inspired Piano Man. The question he posed on the pilot episode was whether his dad had visited the famous bar back in 1973, and whether he might even be one of the characters mentioned in the song. This program features Shane’s original exploration, along with selections from interviews he’s recorded since that time. In the final segment, he engages with individuals involved in this new documentary, which takes his investigation to a whole new level. SHOW NOTES ArticlesIs My Dad One of the Characters in Piano Man? Shane RosenthalThe Executive Room According to Bob Egan, Pop Spots Related EpisodesThe Executive Room: New Evidence, #55 with John GibsonEvidential Reasoning, #56 with Craig PartonDealing with Discrepancies, #57 with J. Warner WallaceYear-End Special, #65 with Liam CooperThe Pilot Episode, #01 (Shane’s original investigation) VideoAnd So It Goes, HBO documentary series on the life of Billy JoelAnd So It Goes (Trailer) A Recent Note from a Paid Subscriber:“I’m a listener from the UK, and have listened to just about all of your podcasts. I have to say that yours is my favourite podcast, and love the depth and detail you go into. You have great guests and conversations that I find immensely valuable to refer to. Thank you for all the great content you provide. Well done, Shane!” — Alex Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

    1h 7m
  4. 22/12/2025

    The Annunciation & Incarnation

    On this episode, Shane walks through selections from the first two chapters of Luke’s Gospel as he highlights the significance of Jesus’ birth and redemptive mission. He also takes time to reflect on the meaning of the numerous Old Testament prophecies and promises that are alluded to throughout Luke’s account of the things that have been “fulfilled among us.” Click here for detailed notes related to this episode. SHOW NOTES ArticlesDetailed notes for this episode, Shane RosenthalIsaiah’s Prophecy of the Messiah’s Birth, Shane RosenthalThe Bethlehem Prophecy: An Exploration of Micah 5:2, Shane RosenthalJustin Martyr on the Importance of Fulfilled Prophecy, Shane RosenthalProof of the Gospel (PDF), selections from Justin Martyr, Eusebius & AugustineFinding Christ in All of Scripture (PDF), Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe The Bible? (PDF), Shane RosenthalIsrael: The Story Behind Jacob’s New Name, Shane RosenthalArchaeological Discoveries Related to Nebuchadnezzar II, Shane RosenthalA Pre-70 Date for the Gospels & Acts, Shane RosenthalThe Implications of 70 AD on the Date of the Gospels & Acts, Shane RosenthalThe Date of John’s Gospel, Revisited, Shane RosenthalIs Luke a Trustworthy Historian?, Sir William Ramsay BooksJesus in the Old Testament, Iain DuguidJourneys with Jesus, Dennis JohnsonEchoes of Exodus: Tracing the Theme of Redemption, Roberts & WilsonThe Angel of the Lord, Matt Foreman & Doug Van DornThe Jewish Gospels, Daniel BoyarinA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Gospels, Craig EvansProof of the Gospel, Eusebius of CaesareaLuke’s Key Witness, Shane Rosenthal AudioChristmas: Legend or History? episode #64The Messiah’s Redemptive Mission, episode #72In the Beginning was the Word, episode #75 with John RonningThe Angel of Yahweh, episode #70 with Foreman & Van DornDid The Exodus Ever Happen? episode #69 with David RohlJacob’s Ladder, episode #63 with Richard Bauckham and othersBabylon, episode #66 Decoding the Prophecies of Daniel, episode #68 Signs of the Messiah, episode #74 with Andreas KöstenbergerJewish Views of the Messiah, episode #38 with Daniel Boyarin VideoDiscovering Bethsaida, Shane RosenthalRethinking Luke’s Prologue, Shane RosenthalProphecies of The Messiah’s Birth, You Can Handle The Truth Support this Podcast with a Year-End GiftConsider 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

    26 min
  5. 15/10/2025

    A Forensic Approach to the Gospels

    Throughout his various writing projects, J. Warner Wallace encourages his readers to study the Gospels forensically—that is, to always be on the lookout for evidence, either of deception on the one hand, or of authentic eyewitness testimony on the other. On this episode, Shane talks with him about some of the evidence he discovered when he read the Gospels for the first time and which ultimately led to his conversion to the Christian faith. They also discuss issues related to the dating of the four Gospels and some of the interpretive possibilities related to identifying Luke’s Theophilus. For more information about J. Warner Wallace, visit his website coldcasechristianity.com During this episode, Shane referenced his recent webinar on the prologue of Luke’s Gospel. A video recording of this presentation is available here for paid subscribers. To upgrade to a paid subscription, click here. SHOW NOTES ArticlesWhy I Know The Gospels Were Written Early, J. Warner WallaceThe Date of John’s Gospel, Revisited, Shane RosenthalThe Implications of 70 AD, Shane RosenthalA Pre-70 Date for the Gospels & Acts, Shane RosenthalWho is Theophilus? Notes to Ep. #79, Peter Bolt and othersHow to Detect Deception, Shane RosenthalThe Authenticity & Genuineness of The Fourth Gospel, J.B. LightfootAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalIs Luke a Trustworthy Historian? Sir William RamsayOutside The Gospels, What Can We Know About Jesus? Shane RosenthalCan We Trust Luke’s History of the Early Jesus Movement? Shane RosenthalOn Faith & History, Shane Rosenthal EpisodesDealing with Discrepancies, Episode #57 with J. Warner WallaceThe Case for Early Gospels, Cold Case Christianity podcastLuke, Theophilus & Joanna, Episode #80 with Jim SibleyWho is Theophilus? Episode #79 with Peter BoltDid Josephus Ever Mention Jesus? Episode #77 with T.C. SchmidtJesus in Josephus & Other Ancient Texts, Episode #78 with T.C. SchmidtThe Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony, Episode #48 with Richard BauckhamFaith Founded on Facts, Episode #15 with Lennox, Bauckham, and othersStories of Jesus: Can They Be Trusted? Episode. #61 with Peter J. WilliamsAre the Gospels History or Fiction? Episode #52 with John DicksonQuestioning Your Faith, Episode #21 with Fikrit Bocek, pastor of Izmir, TurkeyDeath, Ghosts & Views of the Afterlife, Episode #31 with Michael McClymondThe Gospel Creed, Episode #9 BooksCold Case Christianity, J. Warner WallaceThe Truth in True Crime, J. Warner WallaceForensic Faith, J. Warner WallacePerson of Interest, J. Warner WallaceJesus & The Eyewitnesses, Richard BauckhamReligion on Trial, Craig PartonTestimonies to the Truth, Lydia McGrewCan We Trust The Gospels? Peter J. WilliamsRedating the New Testament, John A.T. RobinsonRedating Matthew, Mark & Luke, John WenhamRethinking the Dates of the New Testament, Jonathan BernierLuke’s Key Witness, Shane Rosenthal VideosCan You Trust Bible Manuscripts? J. Warner WallaceHas the Bible Changed Over Time? J. Warner WallaceDoes Christianity Have Evidence? J. Warner WallaceIs Jesus in the Old Testament? J. Warner Wallace Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

    44 min
  6. 24/09/2025

    Luke, Theophilus & Joanna

    In a chapter he wrote for the Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith, Jim Sibley argued that Luke’s Theophilus was likely a Jewish high priest. In fact, he says this Theophilus may have been deposed from office in 41 AD because of his favorability toward the growing Christian movement. He also believes that Luke’s Joanna was likely the granddaughter of this same Theophilus. Dr. Sibley joins Shane to discuss these issues and more. During this episode, Shane referenced an upcoming livestream presentation related to the prologue of Luke’s Gospel. A video recording of this webinar is now available here. SHOW NOTES BooksA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith, Jim Sibley & othersA Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Gospels, Jim Sibley & othersThe Undercover Messiah & His Coming Kingdom, Jim SibleyThe Moody Handbook on Messianic Prophecy, Rydelnik & BlumLuke: A Commentary, Peter G. BoltThe Gospel According to Luke, James R. EdwardsLukan Authorship of Hebrews (ebook), David Allen Gospel Women, Richard BauckhamCan We Trust The Gospels? Peter J. WilliamsTestimonies to the Truth, Lydia McGrewLuke’s Key Witness, Shane Rosenthal ArticlesWho is Theophilus? Notes to Ep. #79, Peter Bolt, Johann Michaelis, etc.Is Luke a Trustworthy Historian? Sir William RamsayCan We Trust Luke’s History of the Early Jesus Movement? Shane RosenthalOn Faith & History, Shane RosenthalWho is Sergius Paulus? Shane RosenthalSimon of Cyrene: An Intriguing Archaeological Discovery, Shane RosenthalThe Implications of 70 AD, Shane RosenthalA Pre-70 Date for the Gospels & Acts, Shane RosenthalThe Date of John’s Gospel, Revisited, Shane RosenthalOutside the Gospels, What Can We Know About Jesus? Shane Rosenthal EpisodesWho is Theophilus? Episode #79 with Peter BoltDid Josephus Ever Mention Jesus? Episode #77 with T.C. SchmidtJesus in Josephus & Other Ancient Texts, Episode #78 with T.C. SchmidtDid the Exodus Ever Happen? Episode #69 with David RohlLocating Golgotha, Episode #17 with David RohlStories of Jesus: Can They Be Trusted? Episode. #61 with Peter J. WilliamsAre the Gospels History or Fiction? Ep. #52 with John DicksonThe Gospel Creed, Episode #9 Faith Founded on Facts, Episode #15 VideoRethinking Luke’s Prologue, a webinar by Shane RosenthalThe Alisa Childers Podcast featuring Shane RosenthalCross Examined with Frank Turek featuring Shane RosenthalF4F with Chris Rosebrough featuring Shane Rosenthal Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

    38 min
  7. 05/09/2025

    Who Is Theophilus?

    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 Josephus? Joining Shane to discuss these questions and more is Dr. Peter G. Bolt, author of Luke: A Commentary, published by The Gospel Coalition. For detailed notes related to this episode, click here. SPECIAL OFFER — For a gift of any size, we’ll send you a pre-release PDF download of Shane’s book, Luke’s Key Witness, along with a 35-page PDF resource titled Josephus & His World. If you’re already a paid subscriber, you can access both resources here. To donate or subscribe, click here. SHOW NOTES BooksLuke: A Commentary, Peter G. Bolt — FREEGospel Women, Richard BauckhamLiving Footnotes in the Gospel of Luke, Luuk van de WegheThe Historical Tell, Luuk van de WegheRedating the New Testament, John A.T. RobinsonRedating Matthew, Mark & Luke, John WenhamCan We Trust The Gospels? Peter J. WilliamsTestimonies to the Truth, Lydia McGrewLuke’s Key Witness, Shane RosenthalGod’s Grace Inscribed on the Human Heart, Peter Bolt (editor)The above book features Dr. Bolt’s essay on Joanna & Theophilus ArticlesDetailed Notes for Episode #79Is Luke a Trustworthy Historian? Sir William RamsayCan We Trust Luke’s History of the Early Jesus Movement? Shane RosenthalOn Faith & History, Shane RosenthalWho is Sergius Paulus? Shane RosenthalSimon of Cyrene: An Intriguing Archaeological Discovery, Shane RosenthalThe Implications of 70 AD, Shane RosenthalA Pre-70 Date for the Gospels & Acts, Shane RosenthalThe Date of John’s Gospel, Revisited, Shane RosenthalOutside the Gospels, What Can We Know About Jesus? Shane Rosenthal EpisodesDid Josephus Ever Mention Jesus? Episode #77 with T.C. SchmidtJesus in Josephus & Other Ancient Texts, Episode #78 with T.C. SchmidtDid the Exodus Ever Happen? Episode #69 with David RohlLocating Golgotha, Episode #17 with David RohlStories of Jesus: Can They Be Trusted? Episode. #61 with Peter J. WilliamsAre the Gospels History or Fiction? Ep. #52 with John DicksonThe Gospel Creed, Episode #9 Faith Founded on Facts, Episode #15 Video — featuring Shane Rosenthal, discussing Luke’s Key WitnessThe Alisa Childers PodcastCross Examined with Frank TurekYou Can Handle The TruthF4F with Chris Rosebrough Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

    37 min
  8. 23/08/2025

    Jesus in Josephus & Other Ancient Texts

    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 Christ, newly released by Oxford University Press. Click here for detailed notes related to this episode. SPECIAL OFFERS To get a FREE copy of T.C. Schmidt’s book, Josephus & Jesus, click here. Also, when you upgrade to a paid subscription or make a gift of any size, we’ll send you a 35-page PDF resource titled Josephus & His World, which includes selections from the Slavonic edition of Josephus’ work mentioned in this episode. You’ll also receive a pre-release copy of Luke’s Key Witness. If you’re already a paid subscriber, you can download both of these resources here. To donate or subscribe, use the link below. SHOW NOTES BooksJosephus & Jesus, T.C. Schmidt (click here to purchase hardcopy)The Jewish War, Vol III, Josephus (appendix includes Slavonic material)Can We Trust The Gospels? Peter J. WilliamsIs Jesus History? John DicksonJesus & The Eyewitnesses, Richard BauckhamA Doubter’s Guide To Jesus, John DicksonTestimonies to the Truth, Lydia McGrewLuke’s Key Witness, Shane Rosenthal ArticlesNotes for Episode #78 & Josephus & His World, Shane RosenthalOutside The Gospels, What Can We Know About Jesus? Shane RosenthalThe Egerton Papyrus, Early Christian WritingsPassover & the Last Supper, Shane RosenthalWhere Was Jesus Crucified? Shane RosenthalOn Faith & History, Shane RosenthalA Pre-70 Date for the Gospels & Acts, Shane RosenthalThe Implications of 70 AD on the Date of the Gospels & Acts, Shane RosenthalThe Date of John’s Gospel, Revisited, Shane RosenthalIs Luke a Trustworthy Historian? Sir William RamsayCan We Trust Luke’s History of the Early Jesus Movement? Shane RosenthalAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane Rosenthal AudioDid Josephus Ever Mention Jesus? ep. #77 with T.C. SchmidtFaith Founded on Facts ep. #15 with John Lennox and othersStories of Jesus: Can They Be Trusted? ep. #61 with Peter J. WilliamsAre the Gospels History or Fiction? ep. #52 with John DicksonThe Gospels As Eyewitness Testimony, ep. #48 with Richard BauckhamFake or Authentic? ep. #10 with Lydia McGrewAuthenticating The Book of Acts, ep. #24 with Lydia McGrewLocating Golgotha, ep. #17 with David RohlThe Jesus of History, ep. #12The Gospel Creed, ep. # 9 Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

    44 min

Descrizione

Shane Rosenthal was raised in a Jewish home but became an atheist at a very early age. Some years later, however, he ended up losing faith in atheism and converted to Christianity. On this podcast, he talks with people from a wide variety of worldviews and perspectives in order to explore the beliefs and ideas that shape our lives. www.humbleskeptic.com

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