Podcast appearances and mentions of Craig A Evans

In this episode, we are joined by Craig A. Evans, the John Bisagno Distinguished Professor of Christian Origins at Houston Baptist University. As a prolific biblical scholar and writer, Craig is credited with contributing to more than 70 books and over 600 journal articles and reviews… Craig actively participates in archaeological digs and Holy Land tours – and he is eager to share his knowledge with students and truth seekers across the globe. Want to find out about the latest archaeological discoveries and how they are providing more context for the Gospels? Click play now! Tune in now to uncover: Intriguing archeological findings that coincide with the Bible. What the remains of ancient synagogues can reveal about Biblical history. The coherence of the Gospels and archeological evidence. Biblical figures that have been proven to exist by archaeologists. An estimation of when the Gospels were written. You can learn more about Craig by visiting his website here! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Boost Your Brainpower with 15% OFF!  Fuel your mind with BrainSupreme Supplements and unlock your full potential. Get 15% OFF your order now using this exclusive link: brainsupreme.co/discount/findinggenius Hurry—your brain deserves the best!

Author and Scholar Dr Craig A. Evans joins Michael to discuss his book, A Handbook on The Jewish Roots of The Christian Faith. Links Mentioned: A Handbook on The Jewish Roots of The Christian Faith by Dr. Craig A. Evans More about Dr. Craig A. Evans To read the show notes, click here.

In this podcast Martin chats to New Testament theologian and author Dr Chris Tilling about who Jesus was, and how historically accurate the Bible is. Is Jesus in the Old Testament? Can the New Testament be trusted? Did Jesus really claim to be God? These are just a few of the questions we try and answer. (Also available on YouTube: search Horley Baptist) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYfxvPAWkO0 Here are a list of books that Chris recommends if you want to study this subject further: Brant Pitre, The Case for Jesus: The Biblical and Historical Evidence for Christ (New York: Image, 2016) A couple of books by Peter J. Williams Can We Trust the Gospels? (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 2018) The Surprising Genius of Jesus: What the Gospels Reveal about the Greatest Teacher (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 2023) One on the divinity of Jesus in response to Bart Ehrman: Michael F. Bird, Craig A. Evans, Simon J. Gathercole, Charles H. Hill, and Chris Tilling, How God Became Jesus: The Real Origins of Belief in Jesus' Divine Nature. A Response to Bart Ehrman (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2014)

The Bible provides an essential framework for religious history, but there is still much that we don't know about that time. As archeologists continue to make discoveries, more evidence and context for the Bible is arising. In this episode, Craig A. Evans sits down to enlighten us on this fascinating subject… Craig is an internationally recognized scholar, teacher, author, ​and speaker known for his contribution to work on the Gospels, the Historical Jesus, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the archaeology of the New Testament. He is also the John Bisagno Distinguished Professor of Christian Origins at Houston Baptist University. Jump in now to find out: Fascinating archeological discoveries that inform Biblical teachings.  The role that synagogues played in the time of Jesus.  The amount of Biblical topography excavated to date.  Dates of the earliest Gospel writings. You can learn more about Craig by visiting his website here! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/38oMlMr

In this episode, we are joined by Craig A. Evans, the John Bisagno Distinguished Professor of Christian Origins at Houston Baptist University. As a prolific biblical scholar and writer, Craig is credited with contributing to more than 70 books and over 600 journal articles and reviews… Craig actively participates in archaeological digs and Holy Land tours – and he is eager to share his knowledge with students and truth seekers across the globe. Want to find out about the latest archaeological discoveries and how they are providing more context for the Gospels? Click play now! Tune in now to uncover: Intriguing archeological findings that coincide with the Bible.  What the remains of ancient synagogues can reveal about Biblical history.  The coherence of the Gospels and archeological evidence.  Biblical figures that have been proven to exist by archaeologists.  An estimation of when the Gospels were written.  You can learn more about Craig by visiting his website here! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

Red Letter sections in the Bible are attributed to the actual words of Christ.  In this series, special guests will be teaching on red letter passages about which they are passionate. Today, Bill welcomes author and professor Craig A. Evans to teach on the sinful woman who anointed Jesus. Luke 7:36-50. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

In this episode, we explore what little we know of the mysterious group of Jewish Christians known as the Ebionites.Sources/Suggested Reading:Brakke, David (2012). "Gnostics: Myth, Ritual, and Diversity in Early Christianity". Harvard University Press.Chilton, Bruce & Craig A. Evans (ed.) (1998). Studying the historical Jesus: Evaluations of the state of Current Research. Brill.Ehrman, Bart (2005). "Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew". OUP USA.Holmén, Tom & Stanley E. Porter (ed.) (2011). Handbook for the study of the historical Jesus. Volume 1. Brill.Levine, Amy-Jill; Dale C. Allison Jr. & John Dominic Crossan (2006). The Historical Jesus in Context. Princeton University Press.#Ebionites #Jesus #Christianity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it even possible to say anything new about Jesus of Nazareth?  Craig E. Evans says "yes" if you look at the life of Jesus through the lens of its Jewish roots.  Craig joins Afternoons to discuss his book, "A Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Gospels." Then Bill is joined by Greg Headington to complete his series on the book of  James.

Georgene gives a recap of the news and continues to look at election outcomes.  then a conversation with Craig A. Evans, Ph.D. editor of , A Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Gospels (Hendrickson)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we talk about Jesus, who is was and if he even existed.Sources/Suggested Reading:Chilton, Bruce & Craig A. Evans (ed.) (1998). Studying the historical Jesus: Evaluations of the state of Current Research. Brill.Ehrman, Bart D. (2013). Did Jesus Exist?: The Historical Argument for Jesus of Nazareth. HarperOne.Holmén, Tom & Stanley E. Porter (ed.) (2011). Handbook for the study of the historical Jesus. Volume 1. Brill.Levine, Amy-Jill; Dale C. Allison Jr. & John Dominic Crossan (2006). The Historical Jesus in Context. Princeton University Press.#Jesus #History #ProjectHistoricity Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Professor Craig A Evans (CraigAEvans.com) is a new testament scholar and author of over 90 books. He approaches the story of the traveling Tabernacle with humor and insight into the biblical record, answering questions like, "Why is it called the Temple Mount?" with serious answers.

Professor Craig A Evans (CraigAEvans.com) is a new testament scholar and author of over 90 books. He approaches the story of the traveling Tabernacle with humor and insight into the biblical record, answering questions like, "Why is it called the Temple Mount?" with serious answers.

Dr. Craig A. Evans joins Cale to share breaking news about recent archaeological discoveries. They look at:  A second synagogue in Magdala The authenticity of Dead Sea scroll manuscripts A second man crucified in his foot.

Can we trust what's written down and copied about Jesus? You'll want to hear today's podcast episode where Rob is joined by Dr. Craig A. Evans, a brilliant scholar and teacher in areas of apologetics including archaeology, to talk about original manuscripts about Jesus and why they can be trusted. He's the director of Strategic Studies and Distinguished Professor of Christian Origins at Houston Baptist University.  He's authored hundreds of articles and reviews and has published more than seventy books. Professor Evans has given lectures at Cambridge, Durham, Oxford, Yale, and many other universities, colleges, seminaries, and museums, such as the Field Museum in Chicago and the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa. He also regularly lectures and gives talks at popular conferences and retreats on the Bible and Archaeology, and Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Evans has appeared many times in television programs on History Channel, BBC, Dateline NBC, and others. Dr. Evans served as consultant on the National Geographic Society's Gospel of Judas project and for The Bible television miniseries. He also participates annually in archeological digs in the Middle East and volunteer-teaches at schools world-wide. Professor Evans and his wife Ginny live in Richmond, Texas, and have two grown daughters and a grandson. Visit christianthinkers.com and craigAevans.com to learn more about Dr. Evans and his ministry.

A look at the headlines, and a classic discussion with Craig A. Evans, Ph.D.Jesus and the Manuscripts: What We Can Learn from the Oldest Texts (Hendrickson Publishers)  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Craig A. Evans PhD, DHabil, is a John Biasgno Distinguished Professor of Christian Origins at Houston Baptist University, in Texas. He is the author and editor of over ninety books and has appeared in more than one hundred television documentaries and news programs. See: www.craigaevans.com Buy Jesus and the Manuscripts: https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Manuscripts-Craig-Evans/dp/168307162X YouTube: https://youtu.be/A0NOmgt7Uas Please consider becoming a Patron! I am a full-time student, so your support helps make our content better and provides me Ramen money. Patreon (Thanks!): https://www.patreon.com/AdherentApologetics YouTube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO8jj_CQwrRRwwwXBndo6nQ/join

A lot going on in the news; we'll take a look. And a conversation with Craig A. Evans, Ph.D., Jesus and the Manuscripts: What We Can Learn from the Oldest Texts (Hendrickson). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode we discuss the canon of Scripture and why we can know what we're reading is truly God's Word. Is Today's Bible What Was Originally Written with Dr. Craig A. Evans https://tinyurl.com/ncfjdtv7 

On today's episode we speak with special guest Dr. Craig A. Evans, a New Testament scholar, prolific author, and popular teacher/speaker, well-known for his contribution to work on the Gospels, the Historical Jesus, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and archaeology of the New Testament. Fragments of Truth Documentary https://faithlife.com/fragments-of-truth Craig A. Evans Official Website https://www.craigaevans.com YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJv4Crm2hkT7oICgcify16Q Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DrCraigAEvans Twitter https://twitter.com/DrCraigAEvans

Who was St. Patrick, really? A new archaeological discovery of Dead Sea Scroll fragments was made in the “Cave of Horror”.  Biblical scholar Dr. Craig A. Evans joins Cale to talk about what this new finding means. Karen Moran talks with Cale about the powerful prayer called The Breastplate of St. Patrick. All show notes at The Truth About St. Patrick & New Dead Sea Scroll Fragments - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Who was St. Patrick, really? A new archaeological discovery of Dead Sea Scroll fragments was made in the “Cave of Horror”.  Biblical scholar Dr. Craig A. Evans joins Cale to talk about what this new finding means. Karen Moran talks with Cale about the powerful prayer called The Breastplate of St. Patrick.

On today's episode we speak with special guest Dr. Craig A. Evans, a New Testament scholar, prolific author, and popular teacher/speaker, well-known for his contribution to work on the Gospels, the Historical Jesus, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and archaeology of the New Testament. Fragments of Truth Documentary https://faithlife.com/fragments-of-truth Craig A. Evans Official Website https://www.craigaevans.com YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJv4Crm2hkT7oICgcify16Q Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DrCraigAEvans Twitter https://twitter.com/DrCraigAEvans

Dr. Craig A. Evans joins Cale to discuss the top 10 biblical archaeological discoveries of 2020. Some of the findings might surprise you!

Dr. Craig A. Evans joins Cale to discuss the top 10 biblical archaeological discoveries of 2020. Some of the findings might surprise you!     All show notes at Top Biblical Archaeological Discoveries of 2020 - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

Are the biblical manuscripts reliable? Cale sits down with Bible scholar Dr. Craig A. Evans to address, With so many manuscripts how can we have confidence in the reliability of the text? Is there any evidence that Jesus was married? What are the differences between manuscripts of the Bible and manuscripts of the Quran? Latin […]

Are the biblical manuscripts reliable? Cale sits down with Bible scholar Dr. Craig A. Evans to address, With so many manuscripts how can we have confidence in the reliability of the text? Is there any evidence that Jesus was married? What are the differences between manuscripts of the Bible and manuscripts of the Quran? Latin […] All show notes at Can We Trust the Biblical Manuscripts? - This podcast produced by Relevant Radio

I interview theologian Dr. Craig A. Evans, co-author of Can We Trust the Bible on the Historical Jesus?, which is based on a debate Dr. Evans had some years ago with Dr. Bart Ehrman. (My apologies on the sound quality of the interview itself. We experienced technical difficulties.) For more about Craig Evans and his work visit craigaevans.com. Buy a copy of Can We Trust the Bible on the Historical Jesus? here. Listen to my previous conversations with Dr. Bart Erhman in episodes 51 (Jesus, Interrupted), 200 (How Jesus Became God), 244 (Jesus Before the Gospels) and 299 (Heaven and Hell). Plus: President Donald Trump is in the hospital with covid-19, a fitting conclusion to months of neglect, lies and denial. It's looking inevitable that Judge Amy Coney Barrett will be confirmed on the Supreme Court (if not before the election, certainly before the inauguration) to replace the late Ruth Bader Ginsberg. The Democrats don't have the votes to stop her confirmation, and very little in the way of parliamentary maneuvers that might slow down the process. Legitimate questions still remain about how Judge Barrett's religious beliefs might influence her judicial rulings--but fundamentalists certainly expect it to have an influence; otherwise, why are they so excited about her? Finally, potentially good news for Dave Warnock (interviewed in episode 293 back in January 2020), who is suffering from ALS and originally thought he might have as little as two years to live. His doctors are exploring additional diagnoses and the (admittedly slim) possibility that effective treatments may be available to him. We wish him luck. Theme music courtesy of Body Found. Follow American Freethought on the intertubes: Website: AmericanFreethought.com  Twitter: @AMERFREETHOUGHT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/21523473365/ Libsyn Classic Feed: https://americanfreethought.libsyn.com/rss Contact: john@americanfreethought.com Support the Podcast: PayPal funds to sniderishere@gmail.com

In this episode, I continue my discussion with Craig A. Evans.

The last hours of Jesus' life are focal points within the Gospels. But are they historical? What about the burial of Jesus? The exchange for Barabbas? Do the criteria of embarrassment help or hinder these narratives? In part 1 of my investigation, I sit down with Dr. Craig A. Evans of Houston Baptist University and begin the dialogue on one of the most significant events in Christian history. Or is it?

New Testament scholar, prolific author, and popular teacher/speaker, Craig A. Evans is well-known for his contribution to work on the Gospels, the Historical Jesus, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and archaeology of the New Testament. He regularly appears in documentaries, TV, and radio interviews. He lectures extensively and participates in archaeological digs and Holy Land tours. For decades, his engaging style in live events, teaching, media, and the written word has brought the Bible to life for countless students, popular audiences, and seekers.

New Testament scholar, prolific author, and popular teacher/speaker, Craig A. Evans is well-known for his contribution to work on the Gospels, the Historical Jesus, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and archaeology of the New Testament. He regularly appears in documentaries, TV, and radio interviews. He lectures extensively and participates in archaeological digs and Holy Land tours. For decades, his engaging style in live events, teaching, media, and the written word has brought the Bible to life for countless students, popular audiences, and seekers.

The Beauty of the Church in the Old & New Testament a Lecture with David Hoffelmyer and Aaron White - S2 Ep 10 Introduction to this Episode: This lecture session highlights C. S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters and the transitions to the Church in the Old and New Testament. David Hoffelmyer mentions several passages in Bible to support his argument and he points the Westminster Confession of Faith to bring his argument home. He delivers his lecture in a way that all can understand and relate. Dr. Aaron White adds to this lecture by highlighting the early church gatherings featured in the book of Acts. Aaron was featured in season two on his essay, but during this lecture he brings out a question "What about the gathered church in the New Testament in the book of Acts?" Aaron expands his essay and gives a little bit more on the early church gatherings. About the Teaching Elders: Aaron W. White (PhD, Bristol University) is pastor of First Presbyterian Church in South Charleston, Ohio. He and his wife, Sarah, have been married for 13 years and have six kids. Aaron's passion is to combine the responsible and thorough study of God's Word with contextual strategy to see God's people grow into the depth of character and breadth of influence to bring the gospel to their respective settings. Aaron has published one book called The Earliest Perceptions of Jesus in Context (co-edited with Craig A. Evans and David Wenham, Bloomsbury/T&T Clark, 2018), and has two others in preparation; Who Created Christianity? (coedited with Craig A. Evans, Hendrickson), and The Prophets Agree: The Function of the Book of the Twelve in Acts (Brill). Pastor Dave is excited to be learning the Christian life together with his family and his church family at Trinity Presbyterian Church here in Sparta. Dave grew up in Northwest Missouri and gradually migrated southeast for college at Mizzou in Columbia. Following his marriage to Christina Brunette, he worked as a teacher and completed seminary studies at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis. Now, as an ordained pastor, Dave is passionate about Jesus and learning to follow him alongside the people of TPC. When Dave isn't doing “pastor stuff” he likes to play guitar and sing with his wife Christina, read good fiction or history, go for a run, or play with his kids. Highlights to consider: As mentioned, this lecture is filled with bible verses that talk about the church. Extend your personal study and read this verses at your leisure. Exodus 28:1-5 Leviticus 16:1-5 1 Kings 6 Ezra 3:10-13 Psalm 48 PURCHASE YOUR COPY OF THE BEAUTY OF THE LOCAL CHURCH BY CLICKING HERE! Ministry to Sponsor: Are you or your congregation considering taking a trip to the Holy Land? I urge you to contact Christy Lundy with Bucket List Travels for your travel itinerary and planning from A to Z. Christy can be reached on Facebookor email Platforms:Google Spotify Stitcher PocketCasts --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/elderqueen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/elderqueen/support

#86Dr. Craig A. Evans: Facing Hard Questions about the Bible by Wesley Seminary Podcast

Season 1 Episode 3 - Early Church Gatherings in Acts Introduction to Episode: During episode 3 of season 2, we take a look at the early church in Acts. During our conversation, we break down Acts chapter 2 in a way that the common person can intellectually understand the meaning of Acts. Join us as we deliver great content to your ears. Co-Host: Aaron W. White (PhD, Bristol University) is pastor of First Presbyterian Church in South Charleston, Ohio. He and his wife, Sarah, have been married for 13 years and have six kids. Aaron's passion is to combine the responsible and thorough study of God's Word with contextual strategy to see God's people grow into the depth of character and breadth of influence to bring the gospel to their respective settings. Aaron has published one book called The Earliest Perceptions of Jesus in Context (co-edited with Craig A. Evans and David Wenham, Bloomsbury/T&T Clark, 2018), and has two others in preparation; Who Created Christianity? (coedited with Craig A. Evans, Hendrickson), and The Prophets Agree: The Function of the Book of the Twelve in Acts (Brill). Podcast Episode Summary: In Acts, we see that the Holy Spirit is calling us together. During this dialogue, we discuss several Greek terms used in Acts and how the fit with the text. Aaron gives us the six major characteristics of the gatherings of Acts and then closes out the conversation with who to read Acts as if you are in the middle east during that time period. Ezekiel 36 Acts 2, 10, 11, 15, 16:35 Amos 9 Ministry to Sponsor: Are you or your congregation considering taking a trip to the Holy Land? I urge you to contact Christy Lundy with Bucket List Travels for your travel itinerary and planning from A to Z. Christy can be reached on Facebook or email Platforms: GoogleSpotifyStitcherPocketCasts --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/elderqueen/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/elderqueen/support

How does Archaeology relate to the New Testament and the life of Jesus? What is the value of "material culture" (i.e., archaeological evidence) for interpreting Jesus and the Gospels? Have many people mentioned in the bible been confirmed as historical figures due to new archaeological discoveries? Dr. Craig A. Evans answers these and many other questions in this exciting and informative interview. Learn how archaeological evidence enlightens our understanding of the life and death of Jesus and the culture in which he lived.  

How does Archaeology relate to the New Testament and the life of Jesus? What is the value of “material culture” (i.e., archaeological evidence) for interpreting Jesus and the Gospels? Have many people mentioned in the bible been confirmed as historical figures due to new archaeological discoveries? Dr. Craig A. Evans answers these and many other […] The post Jesus In Archeology with Dr. Craig Evans appeared first on Cross Examined - Christian Apologetic Ministry | Frank Turek | Christian Apologetics | Christian Apologetics Speakers.

In honor of our fiftieth episode, we have opened the floodgates for listener feedback and questions. By happenstance, all of the questions have theological themes around scripture, the nature of salvation, and faith reconstruction and deconstruction. The hosts dive into a personal discussion of these issues and conclude with a hard conversation on both the death of Justice Scalia and what it means to love your enemies.   Listener Feedback Questions (02:04) Current Events Segment (01:01:04) RELEVANT LINKS   02:04 - “I'm not sure if you could fit this one into one topic! But I'd like to hear your guys' take on extra biblical writings like the Gospels of Thomas and Mary, The Lost Books of Enoch, etc. Are they to be taken as scripture? Are they blasphemy? Or did the Council of Nicaea just see them as unworthy, because of their messages?” - Dakota from Facebook   Council of Nicaea (Wikipedia Article) The Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pagels (Book - Amazon Affiliate Link) Gnosticism (Wikipedia Article) Docetism (Wikipedia Article) The Gospel of Thomas (Ancient Text) It’s Time to Give the Gospel of Thomas Its Due (Patheos Blog Post) Fabricating Jesus: How Modern Scholars Distort the Gospels by Craig A. Evans (Book - Amazon Affiliate Link)   25:51 - “Can there be collective salvation, or is it individual salvation?” 30:50 - “Is Jesus the only way to heaven?”   Barack Obama on Collective Salvation (YouTube Video) Walter Rauschenbusch (Author - Amazon Affiliate Link) Images of Illness in the Gospel of Luke: Insights of Ancient Medical Texts by Annette Weissenrieder (Book Amazon Affiliate Link) Journeys by Heart, Christology of Erotic Power by Rita Nakashima Brock (Book - Amazon Affiliate Link) 51:24 - “What are some elements of your faith that have stayed the same during your transition away from mainstream evangelicalism? (for all three hosts to answer, please)” -Mia from Facebook   Leaving Evangelicalism – East of Eden – 001 (Irenicast Episode)   Reflections on the Academy, Ego, and Being in the World (Blog Post on Proverbs 29:18 from Mona’s Blog) THANK YOU   Thank you to Mike Golin for our intro and outro music.  Check out his band Soulwise. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU   Thank you for supporting the podcast!  Your ratings, reviews and feedback are not only encouraging to us personally, but they help others find the show.  If you appreciate the content we provide please rate, review and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes and Stitcher.   Join our conversations on faith and culture by interacting with us through the following links:   Read Us on our blog An Irenicon Email Us at podcast@irenicast.com Follow Us on Twitter and Google+ Like Us on Facebook Listen & Subscribe to Us on iTunes, Stitcher, SoundCloud and TuneIn Speak to Us on our Feedback Page See Us on Instagram Support Us on Amazon Love Us This post may contain affiliate links.  An Irenicon is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

In this episode, Dr. Craig A. Evans and I discuss the surprising and bold methodological claims about doing history in chapter 4 of Dr. Ehrman's How Jesus Became God. Along the way we bring up such topics as Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon,  the historicity of the New Testament gospels, the views of David Hume (pictured above) on belief in miracles, the probability of miracles, Paul's religious experiences, writing outside of one's area of expertise, and the usable life of ancient papyri. Here's part of the discussion of Hume in Paley's Evidences of Christianity that I refer to: But the short consideration which, independently of every other, convinces me that there is no solid foundation in Mr. Hume's conclusion, is the following. When a theorem is proposed to a mathematician, the first thing he does with it is to try it upon a simple case, and if it produce a false result, he is sure that there must be some mistake in the demonstration. Now to proceed in this way with what may be called Mr. Hume's theorem. If twelve men, whose probity and good sense I had long known, should seriously and circumstantially relate to me an account of a miracle wrought before their eyes, and in which it was impossible that they should be deceived: if the governor of the country, hearing a rumour of this account, should call these men into his presence, and offer them a short proposal, either to confess the imposture, or submit to be tied up to a gibbet; if they should refuse with one voice to acknowledge that there existed any falsehood or imposture in the case: if this threat were communicated to them separately, yet with no different effect; if it was at last executed; if I myself saw them, one after another, consenting to be racked, burnt, or strangled, rather than live up the truth of their account;--still if Mr. Hume's rule be my guide, I am not to believe them. Now I undertake to say that there exists not a sceptic in the world who would not believe them, or who would defend such incredulity. Instances of spurious miracles supported by strong apparent testimony undoubtedly demand examination; Mr. Hume has endeavoured to fortify his argument by some examples of this kind. I hope in a proper place to show that none of them reach the strength or circumstances of the Christian evidence. In these, however, consists the weight of his objection; in the principle itself, I am persuaded, there is none. This episode is also available on youtube. Links: Paley's Evidences of Christianity. David Hume's chapter of his Enquiry in which he argues that it is never rational to believe any report of a miracle, modernized by philosopher Jonathan Bennett (starts on p. 55). Hume's Abject Failure by John Earman. A blog post on Dr. Bart Ehrman's methodology by Dr. Michael J. Kruger. How God Became Jesus - the evangelical response book to which Dr. Evans contributed.

In How Jesus Became God, Dr. Bart Ehrman argues that we should doubt the New Testament reports that Jesus was buried in a tomb, and that this tomb was found empty on the third day after Jesus' crucifixion. (Dr. Ehrman and I discussed this briefly in episode 35.) In this episode, I discuss Ehrman's arguments on this with Dr. Craig Evans, who wrote a chapter about these arguments in the response book How God Became Jesus. Dr. Evans brings to bear some fascinating historical and archaeological evidence. Comparing the two, it seems to me that Dr. Evans has the stronger case. Do you agree? Why or why not? You can also listen to this episode on youtube. Some relevant links for this episode: Dr. Craig A. Evans's website From Jesus to the Church: The First Christian Generation Jesus and His World: The Archaeological Evidence Fabricating Jesus: How Modern Scholars Distort the Gospels Archaelogist Dr. Jodi Magness. Paul's possible incorporation of an early creed in 1 Corinthians 15. The burial rules in Deuteronomy 21. A 2011 debate between Drs. Evans and Ehrman. And a written review of it.

Today's interview is with Biblical scholar Professor Craig Evans. He talks about his background and how he got into this area of scholarship (Jesus, the Gospels and Biblical manuscripts), what impresses him most about the Bible, handling manuscripts, the quest for the historical Jesus (and its overall timeline), the scholarly opinion on the "Jesus never existed" claim, the consensus of scholarship (and why scholarship is important), the contemporary distortion of Jesus, the demonstrable flaws in the thinking of particular scholars, evaluating presuppositions, a case for the reliability of the Gospels, the contrasting view of the "other" gospels, how to investigate the miracle claims within the Gospels, responding to the "failed apocalyptic prophet" objection, the faults in Bart Ehrman's reasoning, advice for those taking their Biblical studies seriously, the do's and don'ts of arguing for Bible reliability, and more.  Enjoy.