The Skeptics’ Bible Project

In this episode, John and Ben dive into the latest controversy—the Oklahoma “Trump Bible” scandal. Yes, apparently, there’s only one Bible now that’s deemed holy enough: the Trump Bible. Because if there’s one thing Oklahoma politicians want you to believe, it’s that the Bible is just a little better with a “MAGA” twist. John and Ben ask the big questions: Why this Bible, and only this one? And while we’re at it, is teaching the Bible in public schools a great idea anyway? Then, the duo takes another stroll down Testify Lane, revisiting the YouTube critic who’s made it his mission to call out Bart Ehrman. This time, he’s riled up over the contradictions in the Gospels’ resurrection stories. Who exactly showed up at the tomb—just Mary, a couple of random women, or the whole cast of characters? And who did they see—a man, an angel, two angels, two men, or was it just a vacant tomb rental? And, of course, who did they go and tell? Testify insists Ehrman’s missing the “obvious” harmony in these accounts. Who’s really being misleading here?

In this episode, John and Ben dive headfirst into the YouTube drama surrounding our favorite Biblical scholar, Bart Ehrman. YouTuber, known as Testify, throws some heavy accusations Ehrman’s way, claiming he’s a “radical” who is finding Gospel contradictions where there are none. According to Testify, Ehrman is bent on tearing down Christianity—all while hiding behind a “consensus.” Listen as they break down Testify’s bold claims to see who’s really playing fast and loose with the facts, and whether the truth is getting lost in the crossfire. Buckle up! Link To Testify’s Video: https://youtu.be/jGEs4Pk0Jjs

In this episode, John and Ben start by discussing President Jimmy Carter’s controversial view about Jesus and homosexuality. They break down what he said and why it’s caused a stir. Then, they turn their attention to the Epistle of James and explore the theory that it was actually written by Jesus’ brother. Is there any solid evidence for this, or is it just another biblical family myth? Of course, no episode would be complete without addressing the supposed feud between James and Paul. Was it a genuine clash of ideas, or just another case of two religious figures butting heads? And, in the “Bible Says What?” segment, they tackle one of the more uncomfortable parts of scripture: God’s unsettling approval of genocide. Because, you know, nothing says divine wisdom like wiping out entire populations.

In this week’s episode, Ben and John tackle the puzzles of Second Peter. First up, they ponder whether Peter himself could actually be the scribe behind his supposed second epistle. Spoiler: they’re not convinced—a fisherman with a penchant for literary flair? And then there’s the whole issue of Peter’s apparent plagiarism of Jude. Did he run out of original ideas, or is this just celestial copy-pasting? Plus, the duo dives into Peter’s casual name-dropping of Enoch. If Peter quotes him, does that make Enoch’s words scripture by association, or is this just ancient fan fiction? Lastly, they dissect the notion that Second Peter might just be a smokescreen for a botched prophecy. Tune in for a dose of dubious authorship debates and questionable biblical claims.

In the latest edition of their forgery series, John and Ben tackle the question: Did Peter actually write any of the works attributed to him? The evidence isn't looking promising. For starters, literacy wasn't exactly Peter's strong suit according to biblical accounts. So, does 1 Peter bear the hallmarks of a Galilean fisherman? Spoiler: not likely. And In their "Bible Says What?" segment, John and Ben explore the Gospel of Matthew to uncover who really gets blamed for the crucifixion of Jesus. Is it the Romans, the Jews, or someone else entirely? This episode promises some surprising revelations and deep dives into biblical texts.

Join Ben and John for part two of their exploration into the so-called toxic legacy of the Pastoral epistles. They’ll dive back into the ever-clear-as-mud topic of being “saved through childbirth” and, believe it or not, finally give their definitive verdict on Pauline authorship. Plus, don’t miss their Bible vs. Bible segment, where they tackle the hotly debated, absolutely crucial issue of Jesus’ donkey ride into Jerusalem. Tune in for what promises to be a modestly enlightening discussion!

John and Ben kick things off by calling out the idea bandits who brazenly pilfer their segment concepts without so much as a nod in their direction. Then join in as they dive headfirst into a controversy that’s sure to upset at least three scholars: the shocking revelation that the pastoral epistles of First and Second Timothy and Titus might just be Paul-free zones. Apparently, apostolic authorship is more of a suggestion than a rule. Then, strap in for a wild ride on their segment "Bible Says What?" where they explore the thoroughly normal, not-at-all-questionable phenomenon of mass hallucinations among the Galatians. Was it divine intervention, or did everyone just skip breakfast?

In this episode, John and Ben tackle the “who really wrote it?” mystery of two of Paul's so-called undisputed epistles. They dive into the issue of slavery in Philemon without pulling any punches, and they ponder over the seemingly unanswerable question: How many letters from Paul ended up at the Corinthian church’s doorstep anyway? Then they switch gears to chew over the U.S. Supreme Court's pick-and-choose attitude towards religious freedom. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it? And, because we know you love it, there’s another round of “Bible Says What?!” where we dig up the parts of the scripture that make you go, “Hmm…”

Ben and John delve into the complexities surrounding the authorship of 2 Thessalonians, presenting scholarly evidence that challenges its authenticity. They explore the distinctive differences between this letter and those universally accepted as Paul's work, shedding light on the nuances that fuel this debate. Also they examine the enigmatic character of the man of lawlessness. Plus, a fresh segment of "Bible Says What?"

In part one of our series on forgeries in the Bible John and Ben ask, did the apostle Paul write Ephesians and Colossians? We dig deep into the scholarship and find some surprising info. But first we discus an exciting new manuscript discovery. Then later on another installment of Bible Vs. Bible, We look at a what could be a big contradiction found in the Pauline epistles.

Most people know comedian Julia Sweeney from her time as a member of the Saturday Night Live cast, but she is also a student of historical criticism of the Bible. She has an extremely “Hollywood” take on the literary production of the Gospels. John, Liz and Ben react to her amazing “successive draft” theory, where she see’s the Gospels as progressing book to book like a series of film script revisions, complete with added “pizazz” and exaggerations. Then John, Liz and Ben dive into a new edition of Bible vs. Bible where Jesus dying words are different depending on which gospel you read. Is it a contradiction?

When you ask many evangelicals for evidence of their claims they will often cite a book called, Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell. He is the influential author who has sold millions of books around the world. He built his reputation on being a skeptic won over to Christ by the evidence. For over 50 years he has provided evangelicals a resource to defend the Bible as historical truth. Are his claims substantiated by the evidence he presents? John and Ben are skeptical. They dissect Josh’s arguments point by point to show that they don’t stand up to historical criticism.

When you ask many evangelicals for evidence of their claims they will often cite a book called, Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell. He is the influential author who has sold millions of books around the world. He built his reputation on being a skeptic won over to Christ by the evidence. For over 50 years he has provided evangelicals a resource to defend the Bible as historical truth. Are his claims substantiated by the evidence he presents? John and Ben are skeptical. They dissect Josh’s arguments point by point to show that they don’t stand up to historical criticism.

When you ask many evangelicals for evidence of their claims they will often cite a book called, Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell. He is the influential author who has sold millions of books around the world. He built his reputation on being a skeptic won over to Christ by the evidence. For over 50 years he has provided evangelicals a resource to defend the Bible as historical truth. Are his claims substantiated by the evidence he presents? John and Ben are skeptical. They dissect Josh’s arguments point by point to show that they don’t stand up to historical criticism.

When you ask many evangelicals for evidence of their claims they will often cite a book called, Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell. He is the influential author who has sold millions of books around the world. He built his reputation on being a skeptic won over to Christ by the evidence. For over 50 years he has provided evangelicals a resource to defend the Bible as historical truth. Are his claims substantiated by the evidence he presents? John and Ben are skeptical. They dissect Josh’s arguments point by point to show that they don’t stand up to historical criticism.

When you ask many evangelicals for evidence of their claims they will often cite a book called, Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell. He is the influential author who has sold millions of books around the world. He built his reputation on being a skeptic won over to Christ by the evidence. For over 50 years he has provided evangelicals a resource to defend the Bible as historical truth. Are his claims substantiated by the evidence he presents? John and Ben are skeptical. They dissect Josh’s arguments point by point to show that they don’t stand up to historical criticism.

When you ask many evangelicals for evidence of their claims they will often cite a book called, Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell. He is the influential author who has sold millions of books around the world. He built his reputation on being a skeptic won over to Christ by the evidence. For over 50 years he has provided evangelicals a resource to defend the Bible as historical truth. Are his claims substantiated by the evidence he presents? John and Ben are skeptical. They dissect Josh’s arguments point by point to show that they don’t stand up to historical criticism.

When you ask many evangelicals for evidence of their claims they will often cite a book called, Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell. He is the influential author who has sold millions of books around the world. He built his reputation on being a skeptic won over to Christ by the evidence. For over 50 years he has provided evangelicals a resource to defend the Bible as historical truth. Are his claims substantiated by the evidence he presents? John and Ben are skeptical. They dissect Josh’s arguments point by point to show that they don’t stand up to historical criticism.

When you ask many evangelicals for evidence of their claims they will often cite a book called, Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell. He is the influential author who has sold millions of books around the world. He built his reputation on being a skeptic won over to Christ by the evidence. For over 50 years he has provided evangelicals a resource to defend the Bible as historical truth. Are his claims substantiated by the evidence he presents? John and Ben are skeptical. They dissect Josh’s arguments point by point to show that they don’t stand up to historical criticism.

When you ask many evangelicals for evidence of their claims they will often cite a book called, Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell. He is the influential author who has sold millions of books around the world. He built his reputation on being a skeptic won over to Christ by the evidence. For over 50 years he has provided evangelicals a resource to defend the Bible as historical truth. Are his claims substantiated by the evidence he presents? John and Ben are skeptical. They dissect Josh’s arguments point by point to show that they don’t stand up to historical criticism.