David Sheppard's particular blend of interests single him out as unique among Anglican bishops. An outstanding sportsman as well as a dedicated cleric, many will remember him first and foremost as an English cricket captain. Others will recall his ecumenical strengths and his partnership with the Roman Catholic Archbishop, Derek Warlock, when they were both incumbents in Liverpool.

Matthew’s portrait of Jesus communicates the importance of the human element of Jesus’s existence. While Mark’s Jesus may be the most human, Matthew was most interested in the human story of Jesus among the Gospel authors. This narrative critical examination of Matthew’s portrait prioritizes the human element of Jesus’s story. He purposely balances the human and transcendent so that he can reinforce the reader’s belief in Jesus and hope that Jesus’s life can be imitated.

Scott Yenor argues that David Hume's reputation as a skeptic is greatly exaggerated and that Hume's skepticism is a moment leading Hume to defend common life philosophy and the humane commercial republic. Gentle, humane virtues reflect the proper reaction to the complex mixture of human faculties that define the human condition.