Mystic-skeptic Radio Show

Raiders of the Unknown Presents: The Judaisms of Jesus’ Followers: An Introduction to Early Christianity in its Jewish ContextBook Narration, we present chapter 4 as part of our audio-documentary series on enigmatic subjects. The Jewish sect which ascribed Jesus the title of Messiah was eventually transformed into a non-Jewish movement wholly separated from its Jewish context. The transformation was not instantaneous, and there were deviating or at the least parallel streams of Jesus supporters early on. A critical mistake which has been made, in my opinion, is the assumption that the Jesus movement was uniform even among its early Jewish followers. Analyzing the original movement(s) in the first centuries of the Common Era can reveal how the schism between Judaism and Christianity evolved. This book explores the fascinating world of Jewish life in the Second Temple Era and the Jewish groups that endorsed Jesus' messianic claims.Mystic-Skeptic Radio produces programs such as Uncensored & Raiders of t

Raiders of the Unknown Presents: The Judaisms of Jesus’ Followers: An Introduction to Early Christianity in its Jewish Context Book Narration, we present the first three chapters as part of our audio-documentary series on enigmatic subjects. The Jewish sect which ascribed Jesus the title of Messiah was eventually transformed into a non-Jewish movement wholly separated from its Jewish context. The transformation was not instantaneous, and there were deviating or at the least parallel streams of Jesus supporters early on. A critical mistake which has been made, in my opinion, is the assumption that the Jesus movement was uniform even among its early Jewish followers. Analyzing the original movement(s) in the first centuries of the Common Era can reveal how the schism between Judaism and Christianity evolved. This book explores the fascinating world of Jewish life in the Second Temple Era and the Jewish groups that endorsed Jesus' messianic claims.Mystic-Skeptic Radio produces programs such as Uncensored &a

In this week’s show we present a study of Abraham Joshua Heschel’s most important book called "The Heavenly Torah." The civil rights activist who walked with Martin Luther King in Selma, wrote a series of books on Jewish mysticism and tradition which are relevant to our current state of affairs. In the wake of the most gruesome attack on Jewish Americans last week in Pittsburg at the Tree of Life synagogue; we must strive to understand these members of our society. At a time when Jews are maligned by politicians, Middle East activists and white supremacists, I would like to inform our audience about the intellectual and religious heritage of the Jewish people. In this introduction to Judaism we discuss the richness of this ethno-religious civilization and how Jewish concepts are foundational to the two other major religions.  As the spiritual ancestors of Christians and Muslims, modern day Jews are part of the ancient and historical community known in the Bible as the Israelites or Hebrews. The book

In this week’s show we discuss the election results and the gains obtained by the National Democratic Party in the Senate with Tennessee delegate Bob Hayes. He is a member of the Lawrence County Democratic Party, a former church community worker and hospice chaplain.Mystic-Skeptic Radio produces programs such as Uncensored & Raiders of the Unknown. Some of the ongoing series are: Jesus The Israelite, Anti-Semitism Rising & Paul's Legacy (all available on our YouTube channels). In the past 8 years we have featured academics (Amy Jill Levine) , presidential candidates( Howie Hawkins), Commentators (Jay Michaelson) , Advocates (Vanessa Guillen), Scholars(John Dominic Crossan) and Holistic Healers (Rosemary Gladstar). We have taken deep dives on the topics of human trafficking, ancient civilizations, demonology and the occult, social movements, controversial topics and many of the current affairs affecting our society. Join us as as we explore the mystic-skeptic mind space…

In this week’s show our guest is Zachary Foster. He is the host of Middle East Tonight a satirical show about the Middle East on YouTube. He discusses the Saudi Kingdom and how timely is his lampooning of the House of Saud based on the latest developments in the news.Mystic-Skeptic Radio produces programs such as Uncensored & Raiders of the Unknown. Some of the ongoing series are: Jesus The Israelite, Anti-Semitism Rising & Paul's Legacy (all available on our YouTube channels). In the past 8 years we have featured academics (Amy Jill Levine) , presidential candidates( Howie Hawkins), Commentators (Jay Michaelson) , Advocates (Vanessa Guillen), Scholars(John Dominic Crossan) and Holistic Healers (Rosemary Gladstar). We have taken deep dives on the topics of human trafficking, ancient civilizations, demonology and the occult, social movements, controversial topics and many of the current affairs affecting our society. Join us as as we explore the mystic-skeptic mind space…

In this week’s show our guest is Zachary Foster. He recently finished his Ph.D in Near Eastern Studies at Princeton and has launched a satirical show about the Middle East, his most recent programs are about Palestine and the Saudi Kingdom. Mr. Foster’s dissertation is about the history of the name “Palestine”, history and geography books written about it, maps made of it, and people who identified with it.  He is interested in Palestinian identity and how this term became popular in the early 20th century. He hosts "Middle East Tonight" on YouTube.We discuss during our program how comedy can be a good way to handle controversial subjects as well as the response of Social Justice Warriors and Propagandists on both sides of the Palestine/Israel issue (one of the topics on his show).Mystic-Skeptic Radio produces programs such as Uncensored & Raiders of the Unknown. Some of the ongoing series are: Jesus The Israelite, Anti-Semitism Rising & Paul's Legacy (all available on our YouTube chann

This week's show includes a presentation by me at the 39th Texas State Hispanic Geneological and Historical Conference where I spoke on September 29, this last week end. This presentation is called The Vanishing CryptoJew. Enjoy!Mystic-Skeptic Radio produces programs such as Uncensored & Raiders of the Unknown. Some of the ongoing series are: Jesus The Israelite, Anti-Semitism Rising & Paul's Legacy (all available on our YouTube channels). In the past 8 years we have featured academics (Amy Jill Levine) , presidential candidates( Howie Hawkins), Commentators (Jay Michaelson) , Advocates (Vanessa Guillen), Scholars(John Dominic Crossan) and Holistic Healers (Rosemary Gladstar). We have taken deep dives on the topics of human trafficking, ancient civilizations, demonology and the occult, social movements, controversial topics and many of the current affairs affecting our society. Join us as as we explore the mystic-skeptic mind space…

In this week's show our topic is what is Ayahuasca, its history and the impact it has on those who have experimented with this substance. Our guest is Ryan Ratigan our previous co-host and one of the founders of our program. We delve into the possible healing properties and side effects or risks. We hope this conversation is informational and will give our listeners a first hand account of the way this root/plant combination affects practitioners of South American indigenous spirituality and those interested in alternative medicine.Mystic-Skeptic Radio produces programs such as Uncensored & Raiders of the Unknown. Some of the ongoing series are: Jesus The Israelite, Anti-Semitism Rising & Paul's Legacy (all available on our YouTube channels). In the past 8 years we have featured academics (Amy Jill Levine) , presidential candidates( Howie Hawkins), Commentators (Jay Michaelson) , Advocates (Vanessa Guillen), Scholars(John Dominic Crossan) and Holistic Healers (Rosemary Gladstar). We have tak

In this week's show our guest is Julian Vaughn, researcher of consciousness, spirt and technology. He has a very diverse background and is interested in neuroscience, what is known as neurolink, psychology and the relationship between consciousness and technology. He discusses with us the concept of "singularity" and what the futurists and others see as the risks of technology.Mystic-Skeptic Radio produces programs such as Uncensored & Raiders of the Unknown. Some of the ongoing series are: Jesus The Israelite, Anti-Semitism Rising & Paul's Legacy (all available on our YouTube channels). In the past 8 years we have featured academics (Amy Jill Levine) , presidential candidates( Howie Hawkins), Commentators (Jay Michaelson) , Advocates (Vanessa Guillen), Scholars(John Dominic Crossan) and Holistic Healers (Rosemary Gladstar). We have taken deep dives on the topics of human trafficking, ancient civilizations, demonology and the occult, social movements, controversial topics and many

Raiders of the Unknown Presents:  James Brother of Jesus, this is the first audio-documentary of our series on enigmatic subjects. In the past three decades many books have been written about this enigmatic figure and we are still at a loss to understand a complete picture of his person. There is even less historical data on James that there is on Jesus; however he is a crucial character in the saga of Jewish Christianity, early Christian tradition and the bridge between the many Second Temple Judaisms and Rabbinic Judaism as it is known today. According to the Jewish historian Josephus who joined the ranks of the Roman Empire after leading charge against them in the first century: “And so he convened the judges of the Sanhedrin, and brought before them the brother of Jesus, the one called Christ, whose name was James, and certain others, and accusing them of having transgressed the law delivered them up to be stoned. Those of the inhabits of the city who were considered the most fair-minded and who were stri

In this week's episode our guest is Concepcion Miranda, Prevention Educator for the Houston Area Women's Center. We discuss the topic the relationship between violent shootings and domestic violence. This bilingual interview addresses the problem of violent behavior and how it affects individuals and groups of people. For more information on how to support survivors of domestic violence: www. hawc.orgPhoto Credit: Mystic-Skeptic Media at Santa Fe, TX High School MemorialMystic-Skeptic Radio produces programs such as Uncensored & Raiders of the Unknown. Some of the ongoing series are: Jesus The Israelite, Anti-Semitism Rising & Paul's Legacy (all available on our YouTube channels). In the past 8 years we have featured academics (Amy Jill Levine) , presidential candidates( Howie Hawkins), Commentators (Jay Michaelson) , Advocates (Vanessa Guillen), Scholars(John Dominic Crossan) and Holistic Healers (Rosemary Gladstar). We have taken deep dives on the topics of human trafficking, ancient

In this week's show our guest is P. Gabriel Lumbroso. Born in Paris, France, a descendent of a long line of the Lumbroso family who have an extensive Jewish history. Surviving descendants of the Carvajal family killed by the Inquisition in Mexico for practicing Judaism, moved to Italy and finally Tunisia. Mr. Lumbroso, a grandson of the chief Rabbi of Tunis, is a Jewish Christian singer and speaker who shares his experience and struggle to stay connected to his heritage.Mystic-Skeptic Radio produces programs such as Uncensored & Raiders of the Unknown. Some of the ongoing series are: Jesus The Israelite, Anti-Semitism Rising & Paul's Legacy (all available on our YouTube channels). In the past 8 years we have featured academics (Amy Jill Levine) , presidential candidates( Howie Hawkins), Commentators (Jay Michaelson) , Advocates (Vanessa Guillen), Scholars(John Dominic Crossan) and Holistic Healers (Rosemary Gladstar). We have taken deep dives on the topics of human trafficking, ancient civil

In this week's show we discuss "The Gabriel Revelation Tablet" with Israel Khnol. This stone tablet found in the desert, provides us with insights into the development of Jewish mystical writings. This archeological artifact is a historical document that attests to the messianic trends in ancient times. Israel Khnol discusses the connection between the Gabriel Revelation and other mystical books written around the Second Temple period. He also addresses the relationship of this discovery to the Dead Sea Scrolls and early Christianity.Mystic-Skeptic Radio produces programs such as Uncensored & Raiders of the Unknown. Some of the ongoing series are: Jesus The Israelite, Anti-Semitism Rising & Paul's Legacy (all available on our YouTube channels). In the past 8 years we have featured academics (Amy Jill Levine) , presidential candidates( Howie Hawkins), Commentators (Jay Michaelson) , Advocates (Vanessa Guillen), Scholars(John Dominic Crossan) and Holistic Healers (Rosemary Gladstar).

In this final show of the season, democratic delegate Bob Hayes and I discuss current affairs. Our focus is both the democratic primaries in Tennessee and Texas to gun violence in public places in the U.S. Bob brings his unique perspective as a Hospice Chaplain, Progressive Evangelical Christian and supporter of Bernie Sanders and other left-leaning democrats as compared to the centrist establishment of the DNC.Mystic-Skeptic Radio produces programs such as Uncensored & Raiders of the Unknown. Some of the ongoing series are: Jesus The Israelite, Anti-Semitism Rising & Paul's Legacy (all available on our YouTube channels). In the past 8 years we have featured academics (Amy Jill Levine) , presidential candidates( Howie Hawkins), Commentators (Jay Michaelson) , Advocates (Vanessa Guillen), Scholars(John Dominic Crossan) and Holistic Healers (Rosemary Gladstar). We have taken deep dives on the topics of human trafficking, ancient civilizations, demonology and the occult, social movements, controvers

In this week’s show we have a special treat for our listeners. Our guest Roy Rodriguez joins us like every year to do a special program for my birthday. We discuss the politics, gangster life, stereotypes and action heroes.In the past years we have done Comedy and Tragedy Comedy and Controversy this time we deal with Comedy and Cynicism.Mystic-Skeptic Radio produces programs such as Uncensored & Raiders of the Unknown. Some of the ongoing series are: Jesus The Israelite, Anti-Semitism Rising & Paul's Legacy (all available on our YouTube channels). In the past 8 years we have featured academics (Amy Jill Levine) , presidential candidates( Howie Hawkins), Commentators (Jay Michaelson) , Advocates (Vanessa Guillen), Scholars(John Dominic Crossan) and Holistic Healers (Rosemary Gladstar). We have taken deep dives on the topics of human trafficking, ancient civilizations, demonology and the occult, social movements, controversial topics and many of the current affairs affecting our society. Join us as

In this week's show our topic is Kabbalah or Jewish Mysticism. Our guest is Jay Castro a student of Judaism and someone who has attended classes at the Kabbalah Center. In this show I share research on Kabbalistic thought. The following is my research on Kabbalistic thought.Kabbalah means to receive. According Jewish sources this could be part of the "oral law" a sacred tradition handed down throughout the generationsMystic-Skeptic Radio produces programs such as Uncensored & Raiders of the Unknown. Some of the ongoing series are: Jesus The Israelite, Anti-Semitism Rising & Paul's Legacy (all available on our YouTube channels). In the past 8 years we have featured academics (Amy Jill Levine) , presidential candidates( Howie Hawkins), Commentators (Jay Michaelson) , Advocates (Vanessa Guillen), Scholars(John Dominic Crossan) and Holistic Healers (Rosemary Gladstar). We have taken deep dives on the topics of human trafficking, ancient civilizations, demonology and the occult, social

In this week’s show our guest is Sid George a native Houstonian, with undergraduate degrees in physics, economics, and an MBA. He has studied Western Civilization and religious study of religions for many years and leads a discussion group on the historical Jesus. Our topic the Mithras-Christ Cult, according to Mr. George christianity is derived from the Greek mystery religion known as the cult of Mithras his findings come from the books "The Mysteries of Mithra"By Franz Cumont and "The Origins of the Mithraic Mysteries" by David Ulansey.Mystic-Skeptic Radio produces programs such as Uncensored & Raiders of the Unknown. Some of the ongoing series are: Jesus The Israelite, Anti-Semitism Rising & Paul's Legacy (all available on our YouTube channels). In the past 8 years we have featured academics (Amy Jill Levine) , presidential candidates( Howie Hawkins), Commentators (Jay Michaelson) , Advocates (Vanessa Guillen), Scholars(John Dominic Crossan) and Holistic Healers (Rosemary G

In this week’s show our guest is Sid George a native Houstonian, with undergraduate degrees in physics, economics, and an MBA. He has studied Western Civilization and religious study of religions for many years and leads a discussion group on the historical Jesus. Our topic the Mithras-Christ Cult, according to Mr. George christianity is derived from the Greek mystery religion known as the cult of Mithras his findings come from the books "The Mysteries of Mithra"By Franz Cumont and "The Origins of the Mithraic Mysteries" by David Ulansey.Mystic-Skeptic Radio produces programs such as Uncensored & Raiders of the Unknown. Some of the ongoing series are: Jesus The Israelite, Anti-Semitism Rising & Paul's Legacy (all available on our YouTube channels). In the past 8 years we have featured academics (Amy Jill Levine) , presidential candidates( Howie Hawkins), Commentators (Jay Michaelson) , Advocates (Vanessa Guillen), Scholars(John Dominic Crossan) and Holistic Healers (Rosemary G

In this week's show our topic is Making Ancestral Connections through Genealogy. The presentation was given by Dr. Peter Tarlow, the Chairman of the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission. This event took place Houston Holocaust Museum Houston on April 24, 2018. This lecture is a follow-up to our previous program regarding Crypto-Jews of Central and South America, this time he focuses on the history of persecution in Spain and Portugal and how this is connected to the Shoa (or what is known in non-Jewish circles as the Holocaust).Mystic-Skeptic Radio produces programs such as Uncensored & Raiders of the Unknown. Some of the ongoing series are: Jesus The Israelite, Anti-Semitism Rising & Paul's Legacy (all available on our YouTube channels). In the past 8 years we have featured academics (Amy Jill Levine) , presidential candidates( Howie Hawkins), Commentators (Jay Michaelson) , Advocates (Vanessa Guillen), Scholars(John Dominic Crossan) and Holistic Healers (Rosemary Gladstar). We have take

In this week’s show the topic is Maimonides on Crypto-Judaism. This presentation took place in 2010 in San Antonio during the 20th Annual Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies Conference. I presented on this subject to discover some insights on the halachic (Jewish legal) status of Crypto-Jews. I explored the writings of the halakhic master Maimonides, one of his works Iggeret ha-Shemad (Letter on Martyrdom) stands out regarding his perspective on the Anusim of his time. Maimonides writes:“Now if he did not surrender himself to death but transgressed under duress and did not die, he did not act properly and under compulsion he profaned G-d’s name. However, he is not to be punished by any of the seven means of retribution. Not a single instance is found in the Torah in which a forced individual is sentenced to any of the punishments, whether the transgression was light or grave. Only he who acts voluntarily is subject as Scripture directs: "But the person…who acts defiantly…that soul shall be cut off" (N