Galatians is one of the earliest NT epistles and it records one of the oldest controversies in church history. Surprisingly, these early Christians weren’t involved in a dispute about Jesus’ divinity, his death, burial, or even his resurrection from the dead. Rather, the controversy was specifically rooted in the implications of all these foundational beliefs. If Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah, then how should we apply the Law of Moses moving forward? Should Gentiles be circumcised, keep Kosher, and rest on the Sabbath? Shane Rosenthal discusses these questions with T. David Gordon, author of Promise, Law, Faith: Covenant-Historical Reasoning in Galatians.

SHOW NOTES

Recommended BooksPromise, Law, Faith, T. David GordonChoose Better, T. David GordonPaul & The Law, Brian S. Rosner40 Questions About Christians & Biblical Law, Thomas SchreinerSacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored, Mike Brown & Z. Keele

Related ArticlesThe Coin & The Covenant, Shane RosenthalThe Acts 2 Controversy, Shane RosenthalA New Way of Reading Scripture, Shane RosenthalFinding Christ in All The Scriptures, Shane RosenthalWhat’s the Most Important Thing in the Bible?, S RosenthalWhy Johnny Can’t Preach, T. David Gordon

Related AudioThe Earliest Gospel, Humble Skeptic #45 How to Read & Interpret The Bible, Humble Skeptic #37What Did the Earliest Christians Believe?, Humble Skeptic #25The Gospel Creed • Humble Skeptic #9The Effect of Media & Technology, Humble Skeptic #30Distracting Ourselves to Death, T. David Gordon on WHI

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!

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What is the earliest Gospel in existence? It’s not Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John; according to Paul, the oldest Gospel is actually found in the book of Genesis. In Galatians 3:8 he boldly declares that the gospel of Jesus had been proclaimed in advance to Abraham. So what specific passages from Genesis did he have in mind? How did the promises given to Abraham differ from the covenant that was later ratified at Mt. Sinai? Were Old Testament saints saved by works or simply by trusting the promise? Shane discusses these questions and more with Mike Brown, co-author of Sacred Bond, Covenant Theology Explored.

SHOW NOTES

Related ArticlesOutside the Gospels, What Can We Know About Jesus?, S. RosenthalFinding Christ in All The Scriptures, Shane RosenthalExploring Covenant Theology, Mike Brown & Zach KeeleWhat’s the Most Important Thing in the Bible?, S RosenthalWhy Should We Believe the Bible?, Shane RosenthalSprinkled Nations & Speechless Kings, Shane RosenthalA New Way of Reading Scripture, Shane Rosenthal

Related BooksSacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored, Mike Brown & Z. KeeleJourneys with Jesus, Dennis JohnsonChrist From Beginning to End, Hunter & WellumThe Proof of the Gospel, Eusebius of CaesareaPromise, Law, Faith, T. David GordonThe Angel of the Lord, Van Dorn & Foreman

Related AudioThe Galatian Controversy, Humble Skeptic #46What Did The Earliest Christians Believe?, Humble Skeptic #25Jewish Views of the Messiah, Humble Skeptic #38The Angel of Yahweh, Humble Skeptic #70 with Foreman & Van DornHow to Read & Apply the Old Testament, S. Rosenthal & Iain DuguidThe Big Picture, Humble Skeptic #26 The Gospel Creed • Humble Skeptic #9

During this episode, Shane read a quote from Bono. Here’s the larger context, which was originally included as part of an introduction to the Psalms:

“Psalm 40 is interesting in that it suggests a time in which grace will replace karma, and love replace the very strict laws of Moses (i.e. fulfill them). I love that thought. David, who committed some of the most selfish as well as selfless acts, was depending on it. That the scriptures are brim full of hustlers, murderers, cowards, adulterers, and mercenaries used to shock me; now it is a source of great comfort.” Click here to read Bono’s entire essay.

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!

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Abdu Murray is a lawyer who was raised in a Muslim home. Though he used to argue with Christians about the superiority of Islam, after a long and careful consideration of the evidence, he eventually left the religion of his youth and converted to Christianity. On this episode, Shane talks with Abdu about his conversion experience and many other topics he addresses in his books, Grand Central Question, and Saving Truth: Finding Meaning & Clarity in a Post-Truth World.

SHOW NOTES

Related BooksSaving Truth, Abdu MurrayGrand Central Question, Abdu MurrayMore Than a White Man’s Religion, Abdu MurraySeeking Allah, Finding Jesus, Nabeel QureshiPost Christian, Gene VeithStrange New World, Carl TruemanTactics, Greg KouklThe Story of Reality, Greg KouklStreet Smarts, Greg KouklRelated ResourcesAbdu Murray on Confirmation Bias (video)Truth is More Than a Feeling, Abdu Murray (article)Pluralism, Confusion & The Roads to God, Abdu MurrayAll Rise with Abdu Murray (podcast)Humble Apologetics, Shane Rosenthal (article)Recovering the Art of Persuasion, Shane Rosenthal (article)On Faith & Doubt, Shane Rosenthal (article)The Virtue of Doubt, Shane Rosenthal (article)Why Should We Believe The Bible?, Shane Rosenthal (article)Greg Koukl on Street Smarts, Humble Skeptic, Ep. 27 (podcast)Rethinking Apologetics, Humble Skeptic, Ep. 23 (podcast)Is Faith Irrational?, Humble Skeptic, Ep. 02 (podcast)

Write a Positive ReviewIf you’re a fan of the show, consider writing a brief note to let others know what you like about it (preferably via the Apple Podcast app since their reviews are visible in many 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).

Jesus frequently taught in a way that provoked questions. This is one of the reasons his parables are sometimes difficult to understand since they were actually meant to be confusing and disorienting. On this episode, Shane discusses the purpose of Jesus’ parables with his former pastor, Scott Churnock, and together they walk through the significance of the stories found in Luke 15, including The Lost Coin, The Lost Sheep, and The Lost Sons.

SHOW NOTES

Related ArticlesDead Men Can’t Dance, Scott ChurnockThe Parable of Old & New Treasures, Shane RosenthalThe Parable of The Rich Man & Lazarus, Shane RosenthalThe Parable of The Good Samaritan, D.A. CarsonIntroduction to the Parables, Craig Blomberg

Related ResourcesLost & Found: The Parables of Luke 15, Scott Churnock (audio)The Surprising Genius of Jesus, Peter J. Williams (book)The Prodigal God, Tim Keller (book)The Cross & The Prodigal, Kenneth Bailey (book)The Explosive Power of Jesus’ Parables, Albert Mohler Jr. (book)The Parables of Jesus, David Wenham (book)The Purpose of the Parables, D.A. Carson (video)The Parables of Jesus, R.C. Sproul (video series)What Do Jesus’ Parables Mean?, R.C. Sproul (booklet)

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).

How does the Christian worldview explain the problem of evil, and how does this perspective differ from other major worldview options? What are we to think about the challenges related to artificial intelligence, and how could these challenges potentially change our world? Shane Rosenthal discusses these and other questions with Oxford mathematician John Lennox, author of Suffering Life’s Pain, and 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity.

SHOW NOTESBooks by John LennoxSuffering Life’s Pain: Facing Moral & Natural EvilFinding Ultimate Reality2084: AI & The Future of HumanityJoseph: A Story of Love, Hate, & ForgivenessCan Science Explain Everything?God & Stephen HawkingCosmic ChemistryGunning for GodAgainst The FlowSeven Days That Divide The World

Other Recommended Books & ResourcesThe Universe Next Door, James SireNaming the Elephant: Worldview as a Concept, James SireWhy Good Arguments Often Fail, James SireThe Story of Reality, Greg KouklGod & The Problem of Evil, Five ViewsGreg Koukl on The Problem of Evil (podcast)Against the Tide, A Documentary Featuring John Lennox

Consider Writing a Positive ReviewIf you’re a fan of the show, consider writing a quick note about what you like about the show (preferably via the Apple Podcast app since their reviews are visible in many other podcast portals). The more positive reviews we get, the more exposure we get! 

Upcoming Events• Shane will be speaking at The Cross & Resurrection conference in the Memphis area on March 22-24, 2024 (click here for more info).

• The Humble Skeptic and ReThink315 will host a free apologetics conference titled, Conversations That Matter, featuring Greg Koukl, Shane Rosenthal, and Jeremy Smith on April 5-6, 2024 at Concord Church in St. Louis.

• Greg Koukl, Shane Rosenthal & Jeremy Smith will be speaking on apologetics-related topics at The Fellowship of Wildwood in the greater St. Louis area on April 7, 2024.

• For more information, or to invite Shane Rosenthal to speak at your next event, use the following address: 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). You can also support the show by purchasing Humble Skeptic merch.

Are faith and science opposed to one another, or do scientific investigations sometimes lead us to ask questions of religious significance? How are we to account for the origin of our finely-tuned universe, and how do we explain the complex amount of information embedded in our own DNA? Is it rational to believe in miracles, or the narratives recorded in the Bible? On this episode, Shane discusses these issues and more with Oxford mathematician, John Lennox, author of Can Science Explain Everything?

Listen to Part 2 of this Conversation: John Lennox on Evil & The Challenge of AI

SHOW NOTES

Books by John LennoxCan Science Explain Everything?God & Stephen HawkingCosmic ChemistryGunning for GodFinding Ultimate RealityAgainst The FlowSeven Days That Divide The World2084: AI & The Future of Humanity

Other Recommended BooksThe Return of the God Hypothesis, Stephen MeyerCan A Scientist Believe in Miracles?, Ian HutchinsonThe Case Against Accident, Dean OvermanCan We Trust The Gospels?, Peter J. WilliamsThe Book of Acts in the Setting of Hellenistic History, Colin HemerJesus & The Eyewitnesses, Richard BauckhamJesus: A Very Short Introduction, Richard Bauckham

Recommended Articles & ResourcesOrigin of Life: $10 Million Prize, Perry MarshallHas Science Buried God? John Lennox (video)By Design, John Lennox, Michael Behe & Stephen Meyer (video)Martin Heidegger on The Relation of Faith & Science (video clip)Return of the God Hypothesis (Pt. 1), (Pt. 2) Stephen Meyer (podcast) Can A Scientist Believe in Miracles, Ian Hutchinson (podcast)New Evidence for the Gospels, Peter J. Williams (video)What is Faith?, Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe The Bible?, Shane RosenthalAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalAuthenticating The Book of Acts, Lydia McGrew (podcast)

Consider Writing a Positive ReviewIf you’re a fan of the show, consider writing a quick note about what you like about the show (preferably via the Apple Podcast app since their reviews are visible in many other podcast portals). The more positive reviews we get, the more exposure we get! 

Upcoming Events• Shane will be speaking at The Cross & Resurrection conference in the Memphis area on March 22-24, 2024 (click here for more info).

• Greg Koukl, Shane Rosenthal & Jeremy Smith will be speaking on apologetics-related topics at The Fellowship of Wildwood in the greater St. Louis area on April 7, 2024.

• For more information, or to invite Shane Rosenthal to speak at your next event, use the following address: 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).

On this edition of the Humble Skeptic podcast, Shane continues his conversation with Dr. Mike Farley of Covenant Theological Seminary, and together they answer questions from the live audience.

SHOW NOTES

Recommended ArticlesWhy Should We Believe The Bible?, Shane RosenthalAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalThe Mormonization of American Christianity, Shane RosenthalHow to Detect Deception, Shane RosenthalWhat is Faith?, Shane RosenthalHistory & Faith, J. Gresham Machen

Recommended BooksCan We Trust The Gospels?, Peter J. WilliamsIs Jesus History?, John DicksonHidden in Plain View, Lydia McGrewTestimonies To The Truth, Lydia McGrewWhy I Trust The Bible, William MounceConfronting Christianity, Rebecca McLaughlinA Good & True Story, Paul GouldThe Reason for God, Tim Keller

Related AudioWhy Should We Trust The Bible (Pt. 1), with Mike FarleyFaith & Proof, with Mike FarleyProof of the Gospel, with Mike FarleyQuestioning Conventional Wisdom, with David RohlFake or Authentic?, with Lydia McGrewTruth Unites podcast, featuring Gavin OrtlandUndeceptions podcast, featuring John Dickson

Consider Writing a Positive ReviewIf you’re a fan of the show, consider writing a quick note about what you like about the show (preferably via the Apple Podcast app since their reviews are visible in many other podcast portals). The more positive reviews we get, the more exposure we get!

Upcoming Events• Shane will be speaking at The Cross & Resurrection conference in the Memphis area on March 22-24, 2024 (click here for more info).

• Greg Koukl, Shane Rosenthal & Jeremy Smith will be speaking on apologetics-related topics at The Fellowship of Wildwood on April 7, 2024.

• For more information, or to invite Shane Rosenthal to speak at your next event, use the following address: 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). Tax-deductible giving options are also available.

There are a variety of purported “holy books” out there in the spiritual marketplace, so why should we trust the Bible over the others? How do we know this book isn’t simply a collection of myths and legends or the ravings of lunatics? Shane Rosenthal discusses these questions and more with Dr. Mike Farley who is the Visiting Professor of Applied Theology at Covenant Theological Seminary.

SHOW NOTES

Recommended ArticlesIs Luke a Trustworthy Historian?, William RamsayWhy Should We Believe The Bible?, Shane RosenthalCan We Trust Luke as a Historian?, Shane RosenthalAuthenticating The Fourth Gospel, Shane RosenthalThe Mormonization of American Christianity, Shane RosenthalHow to Detect Deception, Shane RosenthalWhat is Faith?, Shane RosenthalHistory & Faith, J. Gresham Machen

Recommended Books & ResourcesCan We Trust The Gospels?, Peter J. WilliamsA Doubter’s Guide to Jesus, John DicksonJesus & The Eyewitnesses, Richard BauckhamCan We Still Believe The Bible?, Craig BlombergHidden in Plain View, Lydia McGrewTestimonies To The Truth, Lydia McGrewProof of The Gospel, Eusebius of CaesareaAgainst the Tide, a documentary featuring John Lennox}

Related EpisodesFaith & Proof, with Mike FarleyProof of the Gospel, with Mike FarleyQuestioning Conventional Wisdom, with David RohlIs Faith Irrational?Is Faith Blind?

Upcoming Events• Shane will be speaking at The Cross & Resurrection conference in the Memphis area on March 22-24, 2024 (click here for more info).

• Greg Koukl, Shane Rosenthal & Jeremy Smith will be speaking on apologetics-related topics at The Fellowship of Wildwood on April 7, 2024.

• For more information, or to invite Shane Rosenthal to speak at your next event, use the following address: 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). Tax-deductible giving options are also available.

Daniel Boyarin is a professor of Talmudic Culture at U.C. Berkeley who argues that many Jews before the time of Jesus were expecting a divine-human Messiah who would suffer on behalf of his people. These ideas are not only found throughout the Hebrew Bible, but we also discover them in a variety of ancient Jewish texts written before the rise of Christianity. On this episode, Shane Rosenthal talks with Dr. Boyarin about these and many other views that he presents in his book, The Jewish Gospels: The Story of the Jewish Christ.

SHOW NOTES

For a gift of any amount to help support the work of The Humble Skeptic podcast we’ll send you “Finding Christ in All the Scriptures,” a 12-page PDF resource by Shane Rosenthal. For a preview of this helpful resource, click here.

Related BooksThe Jewish Gospels, Daniel BoyarinThe Jewish Annotated New Testament, (includes material from Boyarin)The 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 CaesareaThe Angel of the Lord, Foreman & Van DornJesus in the Old Testament, Iain DuguidThe Gospel According to Isaiah 53 • Darrell Bock & othersThe Moody Handbook of Messianic Prophecy • Rydelnik & BlumThe Life & Times of Jesus The Messiah • Alfred Edersheim

Related ArticlesFinding Christ in All The Scriptures • Shane RosenthalIsaiah’s Prophecy of the Messiah’s Birth, Shane RosenthalPassover & The Last Supper, Shane RosenthalA New Way of Reading Scripture • Shane RosenthalA Dead Sea Scroll Hymn on the Suffering Servant • Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe The Bible? • Shane RosenthalWhat’s the Most Important Thing in the Bible?, Shane RosenthalA New Way of Reading Scripture, Shane RosenthalThe Application of Messianic Prophecy, Richard Bauckham

Related AudioThe Angel of Yahweh, Humble Skeptic #70 with Foreman & Van Dorn Jacob’s Ladder, Humble Skeptic #63 with Richard Bauckham and othersDid The Exodus Ever Happen? Humble Skeptic #69 with David RohlBabylon, Humble Skeptic Episode #66 Decoding the Prophecies of Daniel, Humble Skeptic #68 Were Jews Expecting a Divine Messiah?, WHI #1243 with Craig EvansHow 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 HaysWhat Child Is This? Humble Skeptic (bonus episode)

Music Heard on This EpisodeO Come O Come Emmanuel • Ardie Son, from his Album, DecemberWhat Child is This • Ardie Son, from his Album, DecemberCarol of the Bells • Will Taylor, from his Album, A Mandolin Christmas

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). Tax-deductible giving options are also available.

On this episode of The Humble Skeptic podcast, Shane talks with Mike Brown, one of the authors of Sacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored, about common errors to avoid when reading and interpreting Scripture. They also discuss a variety of interpretive tools that will make your study of the Bible more effective.

SHOW NOTES

Finding Christ in All The Scriptures — A New PDF resourceIn John 5:39, Jesus famously told the religious leaders of his day, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life, but it is they that bear witness of me.” What are the implications of this verse, and how can it change the way we read and understand the entire Bible? That’s the focus of this PDF resource by Shane Rosenthal which you can receive by making a gift of any size.

Related BooksSacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored • Mike Brown & Zach KeeleKnowing Scripture • R.C. SproulJourneys with Jesus • Dennis JohnsonExegetical Fallacies • D.A. CarsonEchoes of Exodus • Alistair Roberts & Andrew WilsonThe Angel of the Lord • Doug Van Dorn & Matt ForemanAccording to Plan • Graeme GoldsworthyThe Promised One: Seeing Jesus in Genesis • Nancy GuthrieLamb of God: Seeing Jesus in Exodus • Nancy GuthrieThe Unfolding Mystery • Edmund ClowneyGod Dwells Among Us • G.K. Beale & Mitchell Kim

Related ArticlesExploring Covenant Theology • Mike Brown & Zach Keele (interview)What’s the Most Important Thing Taught in the Bible? • Shane RosenthalThe Story of Us • Shane RosenthalA New Way of Reading Scripture • Shane RosenthalWhy Should We Believe the Bible? • Shane Rosenthal

Related AudioWhat Did The Earliest Christians Believe? • Humble Skeptic Ep. 25The Big Picture • Humble Skeptic Ep. 26The Gospel Creed • Humble Skeptic Ep. 09How to Read & Apply the Old Testament • WHI-1568Failed Bible Heroes • WHI-1572

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). Tax-deductible giving options are also available.