https://livingthebible.podbean.com How do we separate history from myth? Both atheists and Christians often assume they're worlds apart, but in the early years of Christianity, skeptics and believers shared more common ground than you might imagine. In this podcast, we'll explore the ancient texts, archaeological finds, and scholarly debates that both sides use to argue their case. From examining Roman historians' accounts of Jesus to decoding early Christian writings and the surprising historical parallels, this is your invitation—whether believer or skeptic—to re-examine what you think you know about Christianity’s origins.

]]> Fri, 01 Aug 2025 15:31:25 -0400 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Religion & Spirituality:Christianity 1440 episodic Welcome to Living the Bible where we examine the Bible and Church history to guide our everyday living. Jason Conrad Jason Conrad No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/19370200/Living_the_Bible_logobshp0.png https://livingthebible.podbean.com 144 144 Why Even Atheist Historians Believe in John the Baptist https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/why-even-atheist-historians-believe-in-john-the-baptist/ https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/why-even-atheist-historians-believe-in-john-the-baptist/#comments Fri, 01 Aug 2025 15:31:25 -0400 livingthebible.podbean.com/a7982d14-f57a-3e6c-8756-0461a1acc153 What kind of world crucified Jesus—and why do even atheist historians agree that John the Baptist was real? This episode explores the reign of Emperor Tiberius and the political tensions in Judea that led to the executions of both John and Jesus. Drawing from Roman historians, Jewish records, and archaeological context, we uncover how Rome categorized Christianity as a dangerous superstition—and how its attempt to stop the movement only fueled its spread. Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, this is history you can't ignore.

]]> What kind of world crucified Jesus—and why do even atheist historians agree that John the Baptist was real? This episode explores the reign of Emperor Tiberius and the political tensions in Judea that led to the executions of both John and Jesus. Drawing from Roman historians, Jewish records, and archaeological context, we uncover how Rome categorized Christianity as a dangerous superstition—and how its attempt to stop the movement only fueled its spread. Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, this is history you can't ignore.

]]> Jason Conrad false No 758 17 full The Sons of God: Augustus and the Christ https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/the-sons-of-god-augustus-and-the-christ/ https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/the-sons-of-god-augustus-and-the-christ/#comments Sun, 27 Jul 2025 10:08:26 -0400 livingthebible.podbean.com/a53d559a-bcf1-382b-a43f-af55ffdecd89 What did it mean to call someone “Son of God” in the Roman world—and why would anyone believe it about Jesus? Long before the Gospels were written, Augustus was already called “son of the divine Julius,” “savior,” and even “lord.” This episode explores the world Jesus was born into: a world of emperors, revolts, crosses, and theological propaganda. Drawing from ancient Roman inscriptions, Jewish history, and the imperial cult, we uncover how the earliest claims about Christ weren’t just religious—they were political. Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, this is the forgotten backdrop that changed everything.

]]> What did it mean to call someone “Son of God” in the Roman world—and why would anyone believe it about Jesus? Long before the Gospels were written, Augustus was already called “son of the divine Julius,” “savior,” and even “lord.” This episode explores the world Jesus was born into: a world of emperors, revolts, crosses, and theological propaganda. Drawing from ancient Roman inscriptions, Jewish history, and the imperial cult, we uncover how the earliest claims about Christ weren’t just religious—they were political. Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, this is the forgotten backdrop that changed everything.

]]> Jason Conrad false No 1267 16 full How the 7 Letters Show an Unbroken Continuation of Persecution Since Jesus’ Crucifixion https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/how-the-7-letters-show-an-unbroken-continuation-of-persecution-since-jesus-crucifixion/ https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/how-the-7-letters-show-an-unbroken-continuation-of-persecution-since-jesus-crucifixion/#comments Sat, 21 Jun 2025 17:08:55 -0400 livingthebible.podbean.com/bf11759c-3db9-39d4-bea2-aa3e9b5fd5da Was persecution in the early church just a myth? Some modern scholars say yes—but Paul’s seven undisputed letters tell a different story. In this episode of Living the Bible, we explore how persecution began not with Nero or later emperors, but with Jesus himself—and continued through Paul’s ministry and the churches he wrote to. Long before it was empire-wide, suffering was already the daily reality for early Christians. Join us as we uncover the emotional and historical weight of a movement born under threat.

]]> Was persecution in the early church just a myth? Some modern scholars say yes—but Paul’s seven undisputed letters tell a different story. In this episode of Living the Bible, we explore how persecution began not with Nero or later emperors, but with Jesus himself—and continued through Paul’s ministry and the churches he wrote to. Long before it was empire-wide, suffering was already the daily reality for early Christians. Join us as we uncover the emotional and historical weight of a movement born under threat.

]]> Jason Conrad false No 603 15 full How We Know Paul’s Letters Were Accurately Preserved https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/how-we-know-paul-s-letters-were-accurately-preserved/ https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/how-we-know-paul-s-letters-were-accurately-preserved/#comments Wed, 18 Jun 2025 17:59:54 -0400 livingthebible.podbean.com/80b87548-72be-349f-baf4-a448a6275e29 How do we know the letters of Paul were preserved accurately before the earliest surviving manuscripts? In this episode, we trace the evidence—from early regional circulation and ancient quotations to how these letters were already being treated as Scripture. Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or searching, this episode offers a compelling look at why Paul’s words endured.

]]> How do we know the letters of Paul were preserved accurately before the earliest surviving manuscripts? In this episode, we trace the evidence—from early regional circulation and ancient quotations to how these letters were already being treated as Scripture. Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or searching, this episode offers a compelling look at why Paul’s words endured.

]]> Jason Conrad false No 785 14 full How Accurate Are Paul’s Letters? What the Manuscripts and Scholars Say https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/how-accurate-are-paul-s-letters-what-the-manuscripts-and-scholars-say/ https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/how-accurate-are-paul-s-letters-what-the-manuscripts-and-scholars-say/#comments Sat, 14 Jun 2025 13:15:12 -0400 livingthebible.podbean.com/e4012c20-620e-3121-b365-6ed742c3ea4c Can we really know what Paul wrote nearly 2,000 years ago? In this episode, we dive into the manuscript evidence behind the seven letters that even secular scholars agree are authentically Paul's. Whether you approach the Bible with faith or skepticism, the transmission of these ancient letters offers a rare meeting point where historians and believers find surprising agreement. You’ll hear what the earliest manuscripts say, where they came from, and how much—or how little—has changed over time.

]]> Can we really know what Paul wrote nearly 2,000 years ago? In this episode, we dive into the manuscript evidence behind the seven letters that even secular scholars agree are authentically Paul's. Whether you approach the Bible with faith or skepticism, the transmission of these ancient letters offers a rare meeting point where historians and believers find surprising agreement. You’ll hear what the earliest manuscripts say, where they came from, and how much—or how little—has changed over time.

]]> Jason Conrad false No 622 13 full When Philosophy Clashed with the Cross: Gentile Rejections of the Christ Hymn https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/when-philosophy-clashed-with-the-cross-gentile-rejections-of-the-christ-hymn/ https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/when-philosophy-clashed-with-the-cross-gentile-rejections-of-the-christ-hymn/#comments Mon, 09 Jun 2025 16:02:10 -0400 livingthebible.podbean.com/77bd00a2-e961-3e4e-ae6c-dfb494c53008 Was early Christianity just one of many competing versions of Jesus? In this episode, we follow the historical evidence—not later legends—to uncover the only four divergent groups from the first century. You’ll see how each one arose after the earliest Christian hymn declared Jesus both divine and crucified. As these groups struggled to make sense of that claim, they broke away, rewrote Scripture, and invented new gospels. If you're not a Christian, this episode offers a surprising look at how the earliest Christian beliefs weren’t slowly invented—but fiercely defended.

]]> Was early Christianity just one of many competing versions of Jesus? In this episode, we follow the historical evidence—not later legends—to uncover the only four divergent groups from the first century. You’ll see how each one arose after the earliest Christian hymn declared Jesus both divine and crucified. As these groups struggled to make sense of that claim, they broke away, rewrote Scripture, and invented new gospels. If you're not a Christian, this episode offers a surprising look at how the earliest Christian beliefs weren’t slowly invented—but fiercely defended.

]]> Jason Conrad false No 884 12 full Jesus as Divine Before the Gospels? Only One Early Group Rejected It https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/jesus-as-divine-before-the-gospels-only-one-early-group-rejected-it/ https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/jesus-as-divine-before-the-gospels-only-one-early-group-rejected-it/#comments Fri, 06 Jun 2025 15:00:02 -0400 livingthebible.podbean.com/0352902e-6704-3efb-bc9e-11766ff6dffe In recent years, some have argued that early Christianity was a fragmented movement, with multiple versions of Jesus emerging in the first century—from exalted divine figure to ordinary Jewish teacher. But what if the actual historical data tells a different story? In this episode, we’re not relying on confessional claims—we’re going straight to the earliest sources. What we find is that there weren’t dozens of early Christianities, but just a handful of identifiable divergences—and even those came after a unified proclamation of a divine Christ. Whether you’re a skeptic, historian, or just curious, this episode will test the claim that Christ's divinity was invented gradually—and show what the first-century evidence really says.

]]> In recent years, some have argued that early Christianity was a fragmented movement, with multiple versions of Jesus emerging in the first century—from exalted divine figure to ordinary Jewish teacher. But what if the actual historical data tells a different story? In this episode, we’re not relying on confessional claims—we’re going straight to the earliest sources. What we find is that there weren’t dozens of early Christianities, but just a handful of identifiable divergences—and even those came after a unified proclamation of a divine Christ. Whether you’re a skeptic, historian, or just curious, this episode will test the claim that Christ's divinity was invented gradually—and show what the first-century evidence really says.

]]> Jason Conrad false No 643 11 full A Hymn Older Than the Gospels Calls Jesus Divine https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/a-hymn-older-than-the-gospels-calls-jesus-divine/ https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/a-hymn-older-than-the-gospels-calls-jesus-divine/#comments Sun, 01 Jun 2025 11:47:06 -0400 livingthebible.podbean.com/32e73638-d7d4-3c75-9123-43fafdb9376f Many claim that the idea of Jesus’ divinity was a late invention of the church, evolving decades after his death. But what if the earliest Christians were already worshiping him as divine—within just a few years of the crucifixion? In this episode, we examine a hymn quoted by Paul that predates his letters and the Gospels, showing that high Christology wasn’t a gradual development—it was there from the start. Even atheist scholars agree this poem is one of the earliest pieces of Christian tradition. Could it rewrite the story of how Christianity began?

]]> Many claim that the idea of Jesus’ divinity was a late invention of the church, evolving decades after his death. But what if the earliest Christians were already worshiping him as divine—within just a few years of the crucifixion? In this episode, we examine a hymn quoted by Paul that predates his letters and the Gospels, showing that high Christology wasn’t a gradual development—it was there from the start. Even atheist scholars agree this poem is one of the earliest pieces of Christian tradition. Could it rewrite the story of how Christianity began?

]]> Jason Conrad false No 749 10 full Christianity Before Paul - The Traditions He Inherited https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/christianity-before-paul-the-traditions-he-inherited/ https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/christianity-before-paul-the-traditions-he-inherited/#comments Wed, 28 May 2025 19:44:35 -0400 livingthebible.podbean.com/e93c3616-ffd0-32a4-9cde-046fcaefded3 Was Paul the founder of Christianity? That’s what many skeptics claim—but in this episode, we follow the evidence from Paul’s seven undisputed letters to uncover something older than Paul himself. You’ll hear how historians—both religious and atheist—agree that the core Christian beliefs about Jesus’ death, resurrection, and teachings were already circulating in creeds, hymns, and traditions before Paul ever wrote a word. If you think Christianity was invented by Paul, this episode may surprise you.

]]> Was Paul the founder of Christianity? That’s what many skeptics claim—but in this episode, we follow the evidence from Paul’s seven undisputed letters to uncover something older than Paul himself. You’ll hear how historians—both religious and atheist—agree that the core Christian beliefs about Jesus’ death, resurrection, and teachings were already circulating in creeds, hymns, and traditions before Paul ever wrote a word. If you think Christianity was invented by Paul, this episode may surprise you.

]]> Jason Conrad false No 613 9 full When Atheists and Christians Agree: The 7 Undisputed Letters of Paul https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/when-atheists-and-christians-agree-the-7-undisputed-letters-of-paul/ https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/when-atheists-and-christians-agree-the-7-undisputed-letters-of-paul/#comments Mon, 26 May 2025 11:53:10 -0400 livingthebible.podbean.com/1606962e-5b68-32e3-9842-14d13265fcac What if some of the most outspoken atheists and Christian believers actually agree on something crucial about the New Testament? In this episode of Living the Bible, Jason Conrad explores the seven letters that nearly all scholars—including critics like Bart Ehrman and Richard Carrier—affirm as authentically written by Paul. These letters are the earliest Christian writings we possess, composed just years after Jesus’ crucifixion, and they already contain creeds, quotes from Jesus, and evidence of early worship. Whether you're a skeptic, seeker, or believer, this episode uncovers how history and faith overlap in remarkable ways.

]]> What if some of the most outspoken atheists and Christian believers actually agree on something crucial about the New Testament? In this episode of Living the Bible, Jason Conrad explores the seven letters that nearly all scholars—including critics like Bart Ehrman and Richard Carrier—affirm as authentically written by Paul. These letters are the earliest Christian writings we possess, composed just years after Jesus’ crucifixion, and they already contain creeds, quotes from Jesus, and evidence of early worship. Whether you're a skeptic, seeker, or believer, this episode uncovers how history and faith overlap in remarkable ways.

]]> Jason Conrad false No 497 8 full Response to Agnosticism and Bart Ehrman https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/response-to-agnosticism-and-bart-ehrman/ https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/response-to-agnosticism-and-bart-ehrman/#comments Sat, 28 Dec 2024 22:13:56 -0500 livingthebible.podbean.com/9befae1f-9675-3dc0-9152-698c3a3335af This episode builds a bridge between agnosticism and confidence in the Christian faith.  Bart Ehrman is a world-renowned scholar that champions the agnostic viewpoint and casts doubt on the certainty of Christ's resurrection.  Some of his common arguments are addressed. 

]]> This episode builds a bridge between agnosticism and confidence in the Christian faith.  Bart Ehrman is a world-renowned scholar that champions the agnostic viewpoint and casts doubt on the certainty of Christ's resurrection.  Some of his common arguments are addressed. 

]]> Jason Conrad false No 1304 7 full Foundational Roles of Apostles and Prophets from Eph. 2:19 https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/foundational-roles-of-apostles-and-prophets-from-eph-219/ https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/foundational-roles-of-apostles-and-prophets-from-eph-219/#comments Sun, 22 Dec 2024 15:29:44 -0500 livingthebible.podbean.com/3918b8bf-6113-37ee-85a6-1f8bae4de848 This episode explores the New Testament and the earliest Christian literature on the important roles that apostles and prophets held.  

]]> This episode explores the New Testament and the earliest Christian literature on the important roles that apostles and prophets held.  

]]> Jason Conrad false No 3226 6 full Role of Jewish Law in Christian Living https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/role-of-jewish-law-in-christian-living/ https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/role-of-jewish-law-in-christian-living/#comments Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:28:00 -0500 livingthebible.podbean.com/94c8eeda-f922-349a-b4b8-d6620d006be9 This episode addresses the idea of how Jesus' death annuls the Jewish Law as noted in Ephesians 2:14.  We explore Jesus' view of the Law in the Gospels, the apostles' changing view in Acts, and ultimately Paul's view in his letters.

]]> This episode addresses the idea of how Jesus' death annuls the Jewish Law as noted in Ephesians 2:14.  We explore Jesus' view of the Law in the Gospels, the apostles' changing view in Acts, and ultimately Paul's view in his letters.

]]> Jason Conrad false No 3251 5 full Children of Light, No Regrets https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/children-of-light-no-regrets/ https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/children-of-light-no-regrets/#comments Sun, 08 Dec 2024 13:50:21 -0500 livingthebible.podbean.com/f7393508-80fa-3a2a-926b-eb9c9ade35c8 In this episode, we look carefully at Ephesians 2:1-10 to see the stark difference between the Christian and non-Christian.  It is a difference like light and darkness.  The Christian can live with no regrets, by both experiencing God's love and finding the God's will for their life.

]]> In this episode, we look carefully at Ephesians 2:1-10 to see the stark difference between the Christian and non-Christian.  It is a difference like light and darkness.  The Christian can live with no regrets, by both experiencing God's love and finding the God's will for their life.

]]> In this episode, we look carefully at Ephesians 2:1-10 to see the stark difference between the Christian and non-Christian.  It is a difference like light and darkness.  The Christian can live with no regrets, by both experiencing God’s love and finding the God’s will for their life. Jason Conrad false No 1829 4 full Seeing the Spiritual Realms in Ephesians https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/seeing-the-spiritual-realms-in-ephesians/ https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/seeing-the-spiritual-realms-in-ephesians/#comments Tue, 26 Nov 2024 22:49:55 -0500 livingthebible.podbean.com/1acca28c-2018-3572-8f39-651fbb890fea This episode looks carefully at how 1st century Ephesians would have heard Paul talk about the spiritual realms and the gods that pervaded their culture.  In the end for Paul, there is really only one name that is needed, that of Jesus Christ.

]]> This episode looks carefully at how 1st century Ephesians would have heard Paul talk about the spiritual realms and the gods that pervaded their culture.  In the end for Paul, there is really only one name that is needed, that of Jesus Christ.

]]> Jason Conrad false No 2903 3 full Experiencing Gratitude https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/experiencing-gratitude/ https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/experiencing-gratitude/#comments Sat, 02 Nov 2024 16:56:14 -0400 livingthebible.podbean.com/040b4f4a-6131-3e39-b8eb-8487b503e519 Move beyond hearing and reading about why Christians should be so grateful.  This episode explores the prayer of Ephesians 1:15-20 and the need for experiential knowledge of God's blessings.  

]]> Move beyond hearing and reading about why Christians should be so grateful.  This episode explores the prayer of Ephesians 1:15-20 and the need for experiential knowledge of God's blessings.  

]]> Jason Conrad false No 1386 2 full Christian Gratitude https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/christian-gratitude/ https://livingthebible.podbean.com/e/christian-gratitude/#comments Sat, 19 Oct 2024 16:20:19 -0400 livingthebible.podbean.com/3107552e-8328-3189-99b7-32152859b483 This episode explores how important gratitude is for a healthy life.  The difference between Christian gratitude from the Bible and those views of science without God is brought into sharp contrast.  The Bible story offers us a purpose that is unmatched.

]]> This episode explores how important gratitude is for a healthy life.  The difference between Christian gratitude from the Bible and those views of science without God is brought into sharp contrast.  The Bible story offers us a purpose that is unmatched.

]]> Jason Conrad false No 2107 1 full