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. JAN 7

    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 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)A Forensic Approach to the Gospels, #81 with J. Warner WallaceIs Faith Irrational? Humble Skeptic #02Is Faith Blind? Humble Skeptic #02Is Faith a Feeling? #03 with Craig Parton Religion on Trial, #04 with Craig Parton ArticlesIs My Dad One of the Characters in Piano Man? Shane RosenthalThe Executive Room According to Bob Egan, Pop SpotsHow to Detect Deception, Shane RosenthalWhat is Faith? (PDF), Shane RosenthalThe Virtue of Doubt, Shane RosenthalHumble Apologetics, Shane Rosenthal 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

  2. 12/22/2025

    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

  3. 10/15/2025

    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

  4. 09/24/2025

    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

  5. 09/05/2025

    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

  6. 08/23/2025

    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

  7. 08/14/2025

    Did Josephus Ever Mention Jesus?

    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, but was original to Josephus. On this edition, Shane talks to him about his new book, which is titled. Josphus and Jesus: New Evidence for the one called Christ. Listen to Part 2 of Shane’s Conversation with Dr. T.C. Schmidt SPECIAL OFFERS To get a FREE copy of T.C. Schmidt’s brand new book, Josephus & Jesus: New Evidence for the One Called Christ, click here. Also, when you upgrade to a paid subscription, we’ll send you a 30+ page PDF resource that highlights many of the important events documented by Josephus from the time of Daniel to the destruction of Jerusalem. If you are already a subscriber, you can download this resource here. If you’d like to become a paid subscriber, use the link below. SHOW NOTES BooksJosephus & Jesus, T.C. Schmidt (click here for a hardcopy)Josephus: The Essential Works, edited by Paul MaierSon of Man Volume 1, Richard BauckhamCan 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 ArticlesOn Faith & History, Shane RosenthalOutside The Gospels, What Can We Know About Jesus? 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 RosenthalNew Evidence for a Historical Moses? 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 RosenthalThe Gospels as Authentic Testimony, Richard Bauckham AudioJesus in Josephus & Other Ancient Texts, ep. #78 with T.C. SchmidtJesus Proof? Undeceptions with John Dickson featuring T.C. SchmidtStories 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. #24with Lydia McGrewThe Gospel Creed, ep. #9Faith Founded on Facts, ep. #15The Jesus of History, ep. #12 — featuring an earlier discussion of Josephus VideoRichard Bauckham on Josephus, Give Me an AnswerHistory Channel program on Josephus, The Naked ArchaeologistCan 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 Ehrman Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

    55 min

  8. 08/05/2025

    Is Faith a Feeling?

    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 Dec. 6, 2022. SPECIAL OFFER: What is Faith? This 20-page PDF resource by Shane Rosenthal walks through many of the issues covered on this episode, and includes all the supporting documentation in case you’d like to research things further yourself. We’ll send you a link to download this PDF when you upgrade to a paid subscription or make a gift of any size. Click here for more info. SHOW NOTES ArticlesIs Faith a Feeling? Shane RosenthalThe Mormonization of American Christianity, Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe the Bible?, Shane RosenthalDoes Hebrews 11:1 Teach Blind Faith?, Shane RosenthalIs My Dad Mentioned in Billy Joel’s “Piano Man”?, Shane RosenthalBe a Berean!, Shane RosenthalOn Faith & Doubt, Shane RosenthalHow to Detect Deception, Shane RosenthalThe Story of Us, Shane Rosenthal EpisodesReligion on Trial, Humble Skeptic #5 with Craig PartonThe Pilot Episode, Humble Skeptic #1 — The Billy Joel episodeNew Evidence for The Executive Room, HS #55 with John GibsonEvidential Reasoning, Humble Skeptic #56 with Craig PartonFaith & Experience, Humble Skeptic #28Is Faith Blind? Humble Skeptic#3Is Faith Irrational? Humble Skeptic #2Faith Founded on Facts, Humble Skeptic #15Are The Gospels History or Fiction? Humble Skeptic #52Dealing with Doubt, Humble Skeptic #19 BooksReligion on Trial, Craig Parton,Habits of the Heart, Robert Bellah et al1984, George OrwellGod in the Whirlwind, David WellsFaith is Not Wishing, Greg KouklTestimonies to the Truth, Lydia McGrewCan We Trust The Gospels? Peter J. WilliamsIs Jesus History? John Dickson 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. Books Currently For Sale in Our New & Used Bookstore (US Only) Every purchase helps to support this podcast. We’ll even throw in a Humble Skeptic coaster with every purchase! Redating the New Testament, John A.T. Robinson • $45The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia in their Local Setting, Colin J. Hemer • $40The Deconstruction of Christianity, Alisa Childers & Tim Barnett • $24The Great De-Churching, Jim Davis & Michael Graham • $20 Click one of the links above to get more info about a book or to purchase via Ebay. Click here for additional books, including a complete set of the New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT) by Eerdmans, featuring respected scholars such as F.F. Bruce, Leon Morris, Philip Hughes, Herman Ridderbos, and others. LIMITED TIME OFFER — U.S. Residents Only! The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture (30 Vol. Softcover Set) We’ll send you a brand new boxed set for a donation of $675 to support the work of The Humble Skeptic. This commentary series retails for over $1,500, and is currently listed on Amazon for over $1,400. This donation is not tax-deductible. Get full access to The Humble Skeptic at www.humbleskeptic.com/subscribe

    41 min
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5
out of 5
259 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Truth Isn't Afraid of Questions
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    91
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Scholars in Residence, LLC
  • Show Website
    The Humble Skeptic

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