The Humble Skeptic

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.

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.

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 JoelLiam Cooper’s Interview with a former owner of The Executive RoomLiam Cooper’s King of the Keys TrailerBilly 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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.