Risen Jesus
Mike Licona
The Risen Jesus podcast with Dr. Mike Licona equips people to have a deeper understanding of the Gospel, history, and New Testament studies.
A Fresh Look at Inerrancy: Part two
September 3, 2024
What are compositional devices? How do they affect our view of inerrancy? What does the Bible say about inspiration and inerrancy? In this episode, Dr. Mike Licona discusses his contention that the common evangelical definition of inerrancy, as outlined in the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy
A Fresh Look at the Doctrine of Inerrancy
August 27, 2024
What are compositional devices? How do they affect our view of inerrancy? What does the Bible say about inspiration and inerrancy? In this episode, Dr. Mike Licona discusses his contention that the common evangelical definition of inerrancy, as outlined in the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy
What Can Be Learned From Contemporary, Non-Scriptural Greco-Roman writings?
August 26, 2024
In this episode, Dr. Mike Licona walks the listener through some of the discoveries revealed in his new book Jesus, Contradicted. By examining Greco-Roman writings contemporary with the gospels, Dr. Licona has identified common writing techniques of the times that shed light on what we read apparent
Ancient Greco-Roman Story-Telling and the Gospels
July 29, 2024
Do apparent contradictions in the gospels mean we can’t trust them as reliable sources of information about the person and life of Christ? Dr. Mike Licona tackles this important question by examining ancient Greco-Roman biography, the genre to which the gospels belong, and the conventions used by au
Lydia McGrew Answered! Conclusion
July 5, 2024
In this episode, the final part in an 8 part series, Dr. Licona reviews and summarizes the problems with Lydia McGrew’s methodological interpretation of the Gospels. Then he argues that compositional devices is compatible with the biblical doctrine of inspiration. Finally, he pastorally guides us to
Lydia McGrew Answered! On Gospel Differences
June 26, 2024
In this episode, part 7 in an 8 part series, Dr. Licona reviews several events in the Gospels to demonstrate how compositional devices are more plausible explanations than the explanations embraced by Lydia Mcgrew: forced harmonizations, or worse, that errors had occurred. These audio clips are take
Lydia McGrew Answered! More Methodological Missteps
June 21, 2024
In this episode, Dr. Licona walks us through more missteps by Lydia Mcgrew, including false dichotomies on the issues of chronological narration, and between compositional devices and Undesigned Coincidences This is part 6 in a series of 8. These audio clips are taken from Dr. Licona’s YouTube chann
Lydia McGrew Answered! On Plutarch
June 19, 2024
In this episode, part 5 in an 8 part series, Dr. Licona patiently deconstructs Lydia McGrew’s contrived flow chart for determining when it is safe to consider if a compositional device has been employed. He also shows how she approaches ancient historical sources with her own pre-conceived views, an
Lydia McGrew Answered! Black & White Thinking
June 17, 2024
In this episode, part 4 in an 8 part series, Dr. Licona demonstrates Lydia McGrew’s rigid approach that’s founded upon her presumptions pertaining to ancient historical reporting. Her black and white thinking leads to an all-or-nothing approach, exaggerated opinions, and inaccurate conclusions about
Lydia McGrew Answered! On Paraphrase
June 13, 2024
In this episode, Dr. Licona gives attention to Lydia McGrew's contentions that historians in antiquity would not have employed the literary exercises taught in the compositional textbooks by Theon, Quintilian, and others. This is part 3 in a series of 8. These audio clips are taken from Dr. Licona’s
Lydia McGrew Answered! Are the Gospels Greco-Roman Biographies?
June 10, 2024
In this episode, part 2 of 8 in a series, Dr. Licona answers Lydia McGrew's contention that the Gospels are not affiliated with Greco-Roman biography. He demonstrates that she misinterprets ancient writers on the subject, fails to consider the degree of literacy required for composition, and misinte
Lydia McGrew Answered! An Introduction
June 7, 2024
In this episode, part 1 of 8 in a series, Dr. Licona describes his research on Gospel differences and introduces us to a critical assessment of his work by Lydia McGrew, a Christian apologist. These audio clips are taken from Dr. Licona’s YouTube channel, originally published in 2020.
Finding the Validity of the Resurrection of Jesus
May 2, 2024
In this episode, Dr. Licona discusses his process for finding the validity of the resurrection while writing his book, “The Resurrection of Jesus: A New Historiographical Approach.” This interview was conducted by Wintery Knight and Desert Rose on March 23rd, 2024.
S6E10 - The Empty Tomb
September 16, 2021
In this season finales to season 6 of the Risen Jesus Podcast, Mike Licona and Kurt Jaros discuss the evidence of the empty tomb, alternative theories to resurrection, and the timeline of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. [0:00] Intro [1:19] Why the Empty Tomb is Important [2:08] Scholars who
S6E9 - James
September 6, 2021
James, the brother of Jesus, helps to provide to us with significant data regarding the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Dr. Licona unpacks several key passages in this episode relating to James. [0:00] Intro [0:40] Why James is Important [2:12] Mark 3:20-21 [5:59] Different Interpretati
S6E8 - Paul on the Resurrection - Part 2
September 1, 2021
We conclude our mini-series on Paul's thoughts about the resurrection in his letters. Dr Licona walks us through letters that are undisputed writings of Paul, some that are disputed, and some more words that change meaning depending on who you talk to. Tune in! [0:00] Intro [0:59] Philippians 3:21
S6E7 - Paul's Thoughts on His Conversion and Our Resurrection
August 23, 2021
We continue our discussion from the last episode by doing a word study on biblical writing concerning Paul's conversion story and his thoughts on the future resurrection. Did they differ from the teachings of Christianity at the time? Mike Licona guides us through the text on this issues. Mike Lico
S6E6 - Jesus Appears to Paul
August 19, 2021
Paul's eyewitness account of Jesus provide us with some of the most compelling evidence within the historical bedrock. Dr. Licona unpacks these appearances from Paul's writings. [0:00] Intro [1:04] The Reasons Paul Relates to Historical Bedrock [5:13] Saul VS Paul [6:29] Paul as Eyewitness [9:45] P
S6E5 - Postmortem Appearances
August 18, 2021
Christianity claims that Jesus Christ appeared after his death and resurrection to several parties. Dr. Licona explores the data set we have concerning that claim. [0:00] Intro [1:40] The Earliest Report of Christ’s Postmortem Appearances [2:42] The Kind of Appearance Paul is Talking About [6:10] T
S6E4 - The Fact of the Crucifixion
August 4, 2021
In this episode, we take a look at one of the most certain facts in history - the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. What evidence do we have to support this claim? Dr. Licona explains. [0:00] Intro [1:53] The Data for the Crucifixion of Jesus [7:40] Objection: Non-Christian sources simply used the
S6E3 - Jesus Predicts his Death and Resurrection
July 26, 2021
Jesus's predictions of his own death and resurrection are of great interest to scholars and debated among them. Is it reasonable to infer that Jesus did, indeed, predict his fate or is it something that was fabricated later? Dr. Licona unpacks these claims. [0:00] Intro [1:03] Jesus Predicting his
S6E2 - Jesus, Eschatological Agent
July 23, 2021
What does it mean that Jesus believed he was God's eschatological agent? What do people have to say about his identity as a miracle worker or exorcist? Are these ideas connected? Find about these things and more as Dr. Licona unpacks these topics in this episode. [0:00] Intro [0:55] Eschatological
S6E1 - Intro to Historical Bedrock
July 21, 2021
Welcome to beginning of season six of the Risen Jesus Podcast! We'll be spending the season unpacking the chapter from Dr Licona's book on Historical Bedrock. Join us for this introduction to the topic. [0:00] Intro [2:14] Historical Bedrock [6:21] Using Consensus to evaluate Data [7:53] Making a C
S5E10 - Season Finale
December 28, 2020
Welcome to the Finale of Season 5. In this episode, Mike recaps this season and specifically the heart behind his investigative method. He has a word for apologists who plan to appeal to the Gospels and also discusses what is next on his professional schedule. Mike Licona is associate professor of
S5E9 - Non-Canonical Christian Literature PT2
December 21, 2020
We continue our discussion on Non-canonical Christian sources. Mike Licona is associate professor of theology at Houston Baptist University. HBU offers a fully accredited Master of Arts degree in Christian Apologetics that can be completed entirely online or on the HBU campus in Houston. For more i
S5E8 - Non-Canonical Christian Literature
December 14, 2020
Join us as we explore some apocryphal books in the Christian community and their evidential bearing on the resurrection of Jesus. Mike Licona is associate professor of theology at Houston Baptist University. HBU offers a fully accredited Master of Arts degree in Christian Apologetics that can be co
S5E7 - Apostolic Fathers
December 7, 2020
Several early church fathers wrote on the Resurrection of Christ. What can we learn from these apostolic fathers? Are their writings reliable? Mike Licona is associate professor of theology at Houston Baptist University. HBU offers a fully accredited Master of Arts degree in Christian Apologetics t
S5E6 - Non-Christian Sources
November 30, 2020
What do historical sources outside of the Christian community have to say about the resurrection? We'll walk through several ancient historians and their writings. Mike Licona is associate professor of theology at Houston Baptist University. HBU offers a fully accredited Master of Arts degree in Ch
S5E5 - Oral Formulas
November 23, 2020
We continue our dive into the oral formulas of the early Church that have been preserved in scripture. Mike Licona is associate professor of theology at Houston Baptist University. HBU offers a fully accredited Master of Arts degree in Christian Apologetics that can be completed entirely online or
S5E4 - Pre-Pauline Tradition
November 16, 2020
What traditions and sources do we have for our faith from before the penning of the Gospels? In this episode, we discuss the early Christian community and some of the sources they provided. Mike Licona is associate professor of theology at Houston Baptist University. HBU offers a fully accredited M
S5E3 - Paul of Tarsus
November 9, 2020
In this episode, we explore the testimony, conversion, and letters of Paul of Tarsus as historical sources. Mike Licona is associate professor of theology at Houston Baptist University. HBU offers a fully accredited Master of Arts degree in Christian Apologetics that can be completed entirely onlin
S5E2 - Canonical Gospels as Historical Sources
November 2, 2020
Welcome to Season 5 Episode 2! In this season, we are diving into the historical sources pertaining to the resurrection of Jesus and discussing how probable or helpful some of them are. In this episode, we discuss the reliability of the Canonical Gospels as historical sources for the resurrection of
S5E1 - Intro to Historical Sources on the Resurrection
November 2, 2020
Welcome to Season 5! In this season, we'll be diving into the historical sources pertaining to the resurrection of Jesus and discussing how probable or helpful some of them are. Mike Licona is associate professor of theology at Houston Baptist University. HBU offers a fully accredited Master of Art
S4E8 - Do Extraordinary Claims Require Extraordinary Evidence? [SEASON FINALE]
April 9, 2020
Is there a greater BURDEN OF PROOF for MIRACLE CLAIMS? Do extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence? In the final episode of this season of the Risen Jesus Podcast, Dr. Licona addresses these questions. Mike Licona is associate professor of theology at Houston Baptist University. HBU offe
S4E7 - Historians and Miracles: James D G Dunn and A J M Wedderburn
April 2, 2020
In this episode of the Risen Jesus Podcast, Dr. Licona and Kurt discuss the contentions of New Testament scholars James DG Dunn and AJM Wedderburn that historians cannot investigate miracle claims. Dr. Licona discusses why he thinks Dunn and Wedderburn are mistaken. Mike Licona is associate profess
S4E6 - Mike Licona discusses Dr. Ehrman on Miracles: PT 2
March 26, 2020
In this episode Dr Licona continues his discussion on Dr. Bart Ehrman and what he has to say about the nature of miracles. The Risen Jesus podcast with Dr. Mike Licona equips people to have a deeper understanding of the Gospel, history, and New Testament studies. The program is hosted by Dr. Kurt J
S4E5 - Mike Licona discusses Dr. Ehrman on Miracles: PT 1
March 19, 2020
In this episode Dr Licona discusses his relationship with Dr. Bart Ehrman and what he has to say about the nature of miracles. The Risen Jesus podcast with Dr. Mike Licona equips people to have a deeper understanding of the Gospel, history, and New Testament studies. The program is hosted by Dr. Ku
S4E4 - Mike discusses John P. Meier on Miracles
March 12, 2020
Can we say that miracles happened theologically but not know it historically? In this episode Dr. Licona looks at John P. Meier’s claims about miracles and history. The Risen Jesus podcast with Dr. Mike Licona equips people to have a deeper understanding of the Gospel, history, and New Testament st
S4E3 - C. B. McCullagh vs. Mike Licona on Miracles
March 5, 2020
C. B. McCullagh is a big name in historical method. What did he think about miracle claims? Listen in as Dr. Licona explains. The Risen Jesus podcast with Dr. Mike Licona equips people to have a deeper understanding of the Gospel, history, and New Testament studies. The program is hosted by Dr. Kur
S4E2 - Hume on Miracles
February 27, 2020
Are Hume’s objections to miracle claims valid? Listen in as Dr. Licona deconstructs Hume’s naturalistic framework. The Risen Jesus podcast with Dr. Mike Licona equips people to have a deeper understanding of the Gospel, history, and New Testament studies. The program is hosted by Dr. Kurt Jaros and
S4E1 - The Historian and Miracles
February 20, 2020
In the introductory episode of season 4, Dr. Mike Licona lays out various definitions and instances of what a miracle could be and addresses whether or not historians are allowed to investigate miracle claims. The Risen Jesus podcast with Dr. Mike Licona equips people to have a deeper understanding
S3E8 - Season Finale
September 11, 2019
Dr. Mike Licona and Kurt Jaros review the topics covered in season 3 as well as come of Mike's personal confessions and reflections after finishing his book, "The Resurrection of Jesus: A New Historiographical Approach." The Risen Jesus podcast with Dr. Mike Licona equips people to have a deeper un
S3E7 - The Postmodern Historian | Risen Jesus Podcast
September 4, 2019
Postmodernism presents many ideas that clash with the practice of studying history. Dr Licona discusses how one with a postmodernist perspective might view historical fact and research. What are the shortcomings and benefits of this type of worldview? The Risen Jesus podcast with Dr. Mike Licona eq
S3E6 - Arguments to the Best Explanation
August 28, 2019
When discussing a candidate for "best explanation" there are several factors we should take into consideration (explanatory scope, plausibility, etc). Dr. Licona discusses what the various criteria are for arguments to the best explanation and how they apply to the resurrection. The Risen Jesus pod
S3E5 - Methods of Approaching Ancient Text
August 21, 2019
In this episode, Dr. Licona discusses various ways we can approach ancient texts when studying history. Is history classified as "science"? How does probability factor into our view of history? The Risen Jesus podcast with Dr. Mike Licona equips people to have a deeper understanding of the Gospel,
S3E4 - The Uncertainty of Historical Knowledge
August 14, 2019
How much certainty is required to believe a fact? What is a fact? Can we have absolute certainty? Dr. Licona explains how to navigate the spectrum of certainty and how it applies to history. The Risen Jesus podcast with Dr. Mike Licona equips people to have a deeper understanding of the Gospel, his
S3E3 - Transcending Horizons
August 7, 2019
While it's important for us to understand our horizons, the next step is learning how to detach from them. Dr. Licona walks through the methodology of doing history apart from our biases and what it means to reach "historical consensus". The Risen Jesus podcast with Dr. Mike Licona equips people to
S3E2 - Horizons | Risen Jesus Podcast
July 31, 2019
According to Dr. Licona we all look at the world through the lens of "horizons" - even the best historians. What are horizons? Does it affect the way we practice history and view texts like the Bible? The Risen Jesus podcast with Dr. Mike Licona equips people to have a deeper understanding of the G
S3E1 - What is History?
July 24, 2019
In the season 3 premiere, Dr. Mike Licona addresses the concepts of History from his book, "The Resurrection of Jesus: A New Historiographical Approach". What is History exactly? Who do we trust? Why should we care about history when it comes to the Christian faith? Tune in! The Risen Jesus podcast
S2E7 - Synoptic Problem - Concluding Implications [Season Finale]
April 10, 2019
Mike Licona closes out season 2 by discussing important topics that the Synoptic Gospels impact; including inspiration, inerrancy, and undesigned coincidences. The Risen Jesus podcast with Dr. Mike Licona equips people to have a deeper understanding of the Gospel, history, and New Testament studies
S2E6 - The "Q" Source
April 3, 2019
What is "Q"? Is it a common source of the gospels? It's own gospel? How should we view the other gospels in light of Q? On this episode, Dr. Licona discusses the Q source, it's content, and alternative hypotheses. The Risen Jesus podcast with Dr. Mike Licona equips people to have a deeper understan
S2E5 - Markan Priority
March 27, 2019
In a followup to the previous episode's topic, Mike Licona discusses Markan Priority (the counterpoint to Matthean Priority). Why is Markan Priority the prevalent view among scholars and what evidence is there to support this? The Risen Jesus podcast with Dr. Mike Licona equips people to have a dee
S2E4 - Matthean Priority
March 20, 2019
In this episode, Dr. Licona explores the idea of Matthean Priority (the hypothesis that the gospel of Matthew was written first). Who holds this hypothesis and what does it mean for other views on the gospel? The Risen Jesus podcast with Dr. Mike Licona equips people to have a deeper understanding
S2E3 - Observations of the Synoptic Problem | Part 2
March 13, 2019
In this episode, Dr. Licona continues discussing some of the observations we see from looking at the writing style of the synoptic gospels (such as editorial fatigue and parenthetical remarks) and how these things suggest a relationship between them. The Risen Jesus podcast with Dr. Mike Licona equ
S2E2 - Observations of the Synoptic Problem | Part 1
March 6, 2019
In this episode, Dr. Licona discuses some of the inferences one can make from looking at the writing style of the synoptic gospels. What types of observations are there to suggest a relationship between them? The Risen Jesus podcast with Dr. Mike Licona equips people to have a deeper understanding
S2E1 - Introduction to the Synoptic Problem
February 27, 2019
At the beginning of season 2, we talk with Dr. Licona about the relationship between Matthew, Mark, and Luke - also known as the synoptic gospels. What's the best way for us to view the differences between these three perspectives? The Risen Jesus podcast with Dr. Mike Licona equips people to have
S1E8 - Advice for Future Apologetics (Season 1 Finale)
December 17, 2018
In the Season 1 Finale, Mike gives his advice to new apologists. Listen for helpful tips, perhaps most importantly having a spirit of humility. Season 2 kicks off in February 2019, so stay tuned!
S1E7 - The Dream Team
December 10, 2018
Did you know that Mike led a small group which was integral in Nabeel Qureshi’s conversion? David Wood was a part of that group, too. Get the details on the Dream Team in this episode.
S1E6 - Mentoring Experience
December 3, 2018
Mike says he wouldn't be where he is in his studies and public speaking without the help of mentors. Listen to Mike as he details his experience and explains the importance of mentoring.
S1E5 - Reflections on Debating
November 26, 2018
Mike is one of the few Christian apologists who debates non-Christians. Why does he do it, how does he prepare, and what are his goals in debating? Be sure to subscribe to catch every episode of the podcast.
S1E4 - Why is Christian Apologetics Important?
November 19, 2018
Why do some Christians throw shade on Christian apologetics? Listen to Dr. Licona discuss some of the ways the Bible addresses apologetics and why every person should be prepared to give a answer for the hope within (1 Peter 3:15). Be sure to subscribe to catch every episode of the podcast.
S1E3 - Dealing with Doubt
November 12, 2018
Mike is a second-guesser. Doubt is a part of his story. How does he overcome it? Listen to our third episode. Be sure to subscribe to catch every episode of the podcast.
S1E2 - Mike's Interest in Gospel Studies
November 5, 2018
Mike has given talks on a variety of apologetic issues, but he's a true scholar of history and the Gospels. Be sure to subscribe to catch every episode of the podcast.
S1E1 - Mike's Background
October 29, 2018
In the inaugural episode of the Risen Jesus podcast, Kurt Jaros asks Mike about his upbringing, educational background, and more!