Historical Jesus

Mythicism is a controversial, alternative, provocative, fringe theory supported by a small group of dedicated, active and vocal scholars and mythicists who argue that the Gospels present a fictitious historical narrative. One such controversial Mythicist argues that Christianity began almost one hundred years after the imagined death of Jesus and was born out of a mélange of clashing second...

In biblical times, leprosy was often viewed as a divine punishment, a mark of sin or impurity. Such beliefs fostered fear, ostracism, and discrimination. The biblical portrayals of leprosy reinforced a narrative that associated it with moral wrongdoing, leading to social exclusion and isolation. But what is Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s Disease? And how exactly does scripture employ t...

A New Testament figure venerated as a saint in a number of Christian traditions, Nicodemus is depicted in the Gospel of John as a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin who is drawn to hear Jesus's teachings. Owing to his insistence on a hearing for Jesus according to Jewish law, Nicodemus is sometimes referred to as 'defender of Jesus.' Books by Bishop Robert Barron available at https://amzn.to/4...

In 1553, England’s Tudors prepare to explore and settle in America, but the battle rages on to determine if the English colonization will be done under the Protestant regime of Lady Jane Grey or the Catholic banner of Queen Mary I (1516-53-58). Enjoy this HISTORICAL JESUS Extra — The STORY of AMERICA. Check out the YouTube version of this episode which has accompanying visuals includin...

Aztec and Maya civilizations changed radically after the Christian conquest of Mexico by the Spanish in the name of Nuestra Senora (Our Lady), Mary, Mother of Jesus. Enjoy this ENCORE Presentation!  Books by Bishop Robert Barron available at https://amzn.to/44W7nwN   ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markv...

Let's explore spiritual interpretations of Mary learning that she would become the mother of Jesus. Enjoy this ENCORE Presentation! Books by Bishop Robert Barron available at https://amzn.to/44W7nwN   ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet   SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon usi...

An 84-year-old woman who was a pious fixture in Jerusalem, never left the temple, worshiping there day and night, fasting and praying. According to the Gospel of Luke, the Prophetess Anna appears during the presentation of Jesus at the Temple. Enjoy this ENCORE Presentation! The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, celebrated on February 2nd, marks 40 days after Christmas, commemorating when Mar...

In 1553, England’s Tudors prepare to explore and settle in America, but the battle rages on to determine if the English colonization will be done under the Protestant regime of Lady Jane Grey or the Catholic banner of Queen Mary I (1516-53-58). Enjoy this HISTORICAL JESUS Extra — The STORY of AMERICA. Check out the YouTube version of this episode which has accompanying visuals includin...

According to the Gospel of Luke, the Holy Spirit has made the prophet Simeon—a righteous and devout man—a promise that he won't die until he has seen the Messiah. Enjoy this ENCORE Presentation! Books by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson available at https://amzn.to/46ORT00 Gospel of Luke available at https://amzn.to/45vVii4   ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when join...

Not long after the birth of Jesus, Joseph and Mary adhered to three Jewish ceremonies: Circumcision, performed on the eighth day, for all male children; Purification from childbirth for Mary, 40 days after her son's birth; and Consecration of the firstborn in the Temple, in recognition that the firstborn son belongs to the Lord. Enjoy this ENCORE Presentation! Books by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson availabl...

How do we separate myth from fact in ancient history? How do we do this when it comes down to one of the most beloved and well-known stories of all time—The Nativity? What were the Biblical Magi names? Let’s rejoin Scott Rank of the History Unplugged podcast and conclude our search. Enjoy this ENCORE Presentation! History Unplugged podcast available at https://amzn.to/3YthqYx Mystery o...

Tudor King Henry VIII died in 1547 leaving England’s Crown to his son Edward VI (1537-47-53) whose short reign led to the royal ascension of his two sisters and the imminent exploration and colonization of America. Prior to King Henry’s death he had built the Mary Rose (1511-45), a technologically advanced sailing vessel that contributed to the future world domination of the English Na...

Many Christians celebrate how a bright star in the sky led the Magi - also known as the Three Wise Men - to visit the baby Jesus after he had been born. But, how do we separate myth from fact in ancient history? How do we do this when it comes down to one of the most beloved and well-known stories of all time—The Nativity? Let’s rejoin Scott Rank of the History Unplugged podcast and co...

Three Kings' Day - also known as Epiphany, is a special date for many Christians as it's when the faithful celebrate how a bright star in the sky led the Magi - also known as the Three Wise Men - to visit the baby Jesus after he had been born. But, how do we separate myth from fact in ancient history? How do we do this when it comes down to one of the most beloved and well-known stories of all tim...

Three Kings' Day is a Christian feast day that annually falls on January 6th (also known as Epiphany). It is a special date for many Christians as it's when the faithful celebrate how a bright star in the sky led the Magi - also known as the Three Wise Men - to visit the baby Jesus after he had been born. But, how do we separate myth from fact in ancient history? How do we do this when it comes do...

His reign is often seen as a prelude to and the forerunner of the British Empire and English activities on the North American continent. Certainly, without the institutional changes he brought, the wars he fought, and the religious differences he ushered into his country, England, and therefore Britain likely would have never risen to the status she ultimately achieved. His life was rocked by repe...

The Septuagint sometimes referred to as the 'Greek Old Testament' or 'The Translation of the Seventy' and often abbreviated as the Roman numeral number LXX, is the earliest extant Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible from the original Hebrew. Let's learn more from the History of the Papacy podcast with Steve Guerra and Garry Stevens of the History in the Bible podcast.  History of the Papacy...

The Torah is known as the Pentateuch or the Five Books of Moses by Christians and was extensively used by the Gospel writers. The term Septuagint, meaning “seventy,” actually refers to the seventy-two translators—six from each tribe of Israel—involved in translating the Torah during the Second Temple period, in the third century BC. Let's learn more about all this from the...

The Gospel of Matthew's genealogy is a treasure trove of symbolism, revealing essential truths about Jesus' heritage and mission. In a culture where lineage was synonymous with identity, let’s learn along with the Hearing Jesus podcast, how Matthew strategically crafts his genealogy as a bridge connecting the messianic promises to their fulfillment in Jesus. This was pivotal for the Jewish a...

The celebrated epoch that was Tudor England helped shape the early exploration and colonization of America. Join me as we take a deep dive into Tudor England and its Great Transatlantic Explorers. Enjoy this HISTORICAL JESUS Extra — The STORY of AMERICA. Check out the YouTube version of this episode which has accompanying visuals including maps, charts, timelines, photos, illustrations, and...

Saint Nicholas was an early Christian bishop of Greek descent from the maritime city of Myra in modern-day Turkey during the time of the Roman Empire. His legendary habit of secret gift-giving gave rise to the traditional model of Saint Nick, better known as Santa Claus. Little is known about the historical Saint Nicholas. The earliest accounts of his life were written centuries after his death an...

Jesus used parables throughout his ministry to communicate and connect with different groups of people and to challenge conventional wisdom and encourage his audience to consider a deeper meaning. His parables, however, often left listeners confused or puzzled. History in the Bible podcast at  https://amzn.to/3ZuHAwO Garry Stevens books available at https://amzn.to/3ZAM19f   Catholic Ans...

George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) was a German-British Baroque composer. His most famous work, the 1742 oratorio Messiah with its "Hallelujah" chorus, is among the most popular works in choral music. The text from Messiah was compiled from the King James Bible and the Book of Common Prayer. Handel was born, raised, and trained in German Prussia but settled in England  where he spent the bulk...

Analysis of the 1843 classic Charles Dickens (1812-70) story and its Christian themes. Check out the YouTube version of this episode at https://youtu.be/wyPf-XSB30Y  which has accompanying visuals including maps, charts, timelines, photos, illustrations, and diagrams.  Hillsdale College podcast at https://amzn.to/41xTRBp The Hillsdale College Online Courses podcast at https://amzn.to/4gh...

As we embark on new exciting adventures and travel to other parts of the continent let’s first examine the Legacy of Spanish and French Florida. Enjoy this HISTORICAL JESUS Extra — The STORY of AMERICA. Check out the YouTube version of this episode which has accompanying visuals including maps, charts, timelines, photos, illustrations, and diagrams at: https://youtu.be/K-GXjBLovH4 http...