Podcasts about Pagans

Something surprising is happening to religious belief in America: It's no longer trending downward. Are Americans becoming more religious? On this episode of “Interesting Times,” Ross sits down with the demographer and former pastor Ryan Burge to discuss the myths and realities of religious revival and debate whether the future belongs to ortho bros or Pagans.01:32 - A new era of American religion08:19 - The shifting gender balance in religion13:38 - Class, education and social trust18:48 - Tarot, astrology, and UFOs: Post-Christian spirituality22:40 - The decline of the Seven Sisters28:27 - Politics in the pews40:29 - The religious and political America of 2050(A full transcript of this episode is available on the Times website.)Thoughts? Email us at interestingtimes@nytimes.com. Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel, Interesting Times with Ross Douthat. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

Our Election in Christ (3) (audio) David Eells, 1/14/26 I'm going to continue to speak on our election in Christ and how God has chosen Israel, and who Israel is in the New Testament. In (1Co.15:22) For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. Everybody who abides in Christ is going to be made alive, so it's important for us to know what it means to be “in Christ.” Does it mean, “I accepted Jesus as my Savior”? It could be, but it might not be. Some people truly want Jesus to be their Savior. They are truly repenting and believing, while other people are merely parroting words. Did you know that the Bible says salvation and eternal life were not given to you? (Gal.3:16) Now to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. The promise that God gave to Abraham was only to Abraham and Christ. And the promise of eternal life was given to Christ; it was not given to us. The gift of eternal life is in Christ. God didn't give the gift of eternal life into your hand outside of Christ. He gave that gift in Christ and only if you are abiding in Christ do you have that gift. The “once saved, always saved” believers think that they have been given a gift of eternal life which is outside of Christ, but that's not Biblical. (1Jn.5:11) And the witness is this, that God gave unto us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. The eternal life that God gave us is in Jesus. The only way you can have it is to be in Jesus because the promise wasn't to you, it was to the seed of Abraham, “as of one.” That seed is Christ. (12) He that hath the Son hath the life; he that hath not the Son of God hath not the life. Let's face it, some only have religion. Jesus said, (Joh.15:1) I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. No man is going to pluck you out of Jesus' hand; the Father is the Husbandman and He is the One Who is going to pluck up the plant. (2) Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away.... There are people whom we have considered to be Christians who are not Christians. They may have started out with Christ, but they have not come to Him. (2) Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit. (3) Already ye are clean because of the word which I have spoken unto you. (4) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; so neither can ye, except ye abide in me. (5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for apart from me ye can do nothing. (6) If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch.... He is “cast forth” from where? He is “cast forth” from being in Christ. He said, “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away.” If you are bearing fruit (Galatians 5:22,23; Ephesians 5:8-10), you are in Christ and have nothing to worry about. If you are not bearing fruit, it's because you are not abiding in Him. “To abide” means “to endure,” “to persist,” “to continue,” “to remain,” “to be steadfast.” To abide in Christ is to abide in His Word. It is to have ears to hear His Word (Matthew 11:15; Mark 4:9; Romans 11:8; etc.) (Joh.15:6) If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. (7) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (8) Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and [so] shall ye be my disciples. It's in bearing fruit that you are proven to be a disciple. You can come into Christ, but you won't stay there if you don't bear fruit. (2Jn.9) Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son. The “once saved, always saved” crowd believes that after you step over the line, that's it, but Jesus said that if you don't bear fruit, you are not My disciple and you are going to be cast forth as a branch. The word translated “elect” and the word translated “chosen” are the exact same word. The Greek word eklektos is translated sometimes as “chosen” and sometimes as “elect.” It's many who are called but few who are chosen. Jesus speaks about the man who made it into the marriage feast, but didn't have on the wedding garment. (Mat.22:11) But when the king came in to behold the guests, he saw there a man who had not on a wedding-garment: (In Rev 19:8 the wedding garment was “the righteous acts of the saints”, which also represents our fruit.) (12) and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless. (13) Then the king said to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and cast him out into the outer darkness; there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth. (14) For many are called, but few chosen. Those who are abiding in the Kingdom are the ones who are bearing fruit and are chosen, or eklektos, or “elect.” The elect are all called and once they are saved, they are always going to be saved, but “many are called.” Among the called, there are those who don't bear fruit and there are those who bear fruit. Those who bear fruit are chosen. God said in (Hos.11:1) When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. You say, “He was talking about Jesus.” No, He was primarily talking about the children of Israel and then it was used of Jesus. He called them out of Egypt and into the wilderness, and then He tried or tested them. Some bore fruit and went into the Promised Land, and those were the elect. Those who died in the wilderness, in type, had been called, but they were not the elect; they were not chosen. (Num.32:11) Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob; because they have not wholly followed me: (12) save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, and Joshua the son of Nun; because they have wholly followed the Lord. Joshua and Caleb bore fruit and were chosen. Here's a good example of this: (Rom.11:26) And so all Israel shall be saved.... Is that all of natural Israel? No, because (Rom.9:27) … If the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, it is the remnant that shall be saved. So, who is “all Israel” who is going to be saved? (Rom.11:19) Thou wilt say then, Branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. The “branches” that were broken off are the natural Jews who would not believe. (20) Well; by their unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by thy faith. Paul is talking about the Gentiles who are standing in the vine by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: (21) for if God spared not the natural branches, neither will he spare thee. So, where is unconditional eternal security?? (22) Behold then the goodness and severity of God: toward them that fell, severity; but toward thee, God's goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. (23) And they also, if they continue not in their unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again. In the New Testament, “all Israel” is those natural Jews who believe and those Gentiles who are grafted into the vine by their faith. All the people who were broken off for unbelief were not Israel, but all of true spiritual Israel is going to be saved. Look what Paul said about the end of the Jewish Covenant: (Rom.11:5) Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant (This is speaking of a remnant of Jews.) according to the election of grace. (6) But if it is by grace, it is no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. (7) What then? that which Israel seeketh for, that he obtained not; but the election obtained it, and the rest were hardened. He said a remnant of natural Israel was elect, but Israel as a whole did not obtain grace. The called who were not the elect were hardened and the elect obtained grace because they believed. This was at the end of the Jewish Covenant. Now we are coming to the end of the mostly Gentile Covenant, and today “Israel” is the Gentile church and the few Jews; I.e., all who are “circumcised in heart.” (Rom.11:7) What then? that which the “Israel of God”(As a type of this Church) seeketh for, that he obtained not; but the election obtained it, and the rest were hardened. Is that Scriptural? Yes, because the Bible plainly says that the lukewarm are going to be spewed out of the body (Revelation 3:16) and there will be a great falling away (Revelation 12:4). Pagans can't fall away. Those people who fall away have to have been believers first, or they could not have fallen away, and the Lord is not coming until the falling away comes to purify the Church. (2Th.2:2) To the end that ye be not quickly shaken from your mind, nor yet be troubled, either by spirit, or by word, or by epistle as from us, as that the day of the Lord is just at hand; (3) let no man beguile you in any wise: for [it will not be,] except the falling away come first, and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition who was reprobated. The same statement can be made of the Gentile era because the elect are going to obtain grace to bear fruit and the rest are going to be hardened. The rest are going to fall away, exactly as Jesus showed in the Parable of the Sower. This should really give you the fear of the Lord. By the faith that God has given us, we are responsible to take God's grace and put it to work in our lives. We are responsible for obeying what we see in the New Testament, not in “Church.” Everybody who abides in the vine, which is Jesus, whether it's the remnant of natural Israel or whether it's the remnant of the Gentiles, is true Israel. And “all Israel” shall be saved because all true Israel is the elect, regardless of race. At the end of the Jewish Covenant, Jesus came to prove who the elect remnant was among the Jews. Jesus said, (Joh.16:21) A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but when she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for the joy that a man is born into the world. (22) And ye therefore now have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one taketh away from you. Our personal man-child is born to us as the fruit of Christ being manifest through us to the world. All who exercise faith in the promises will bear His fruit, which looks like Him. In these days, the corporate Man-child body, in whom is the full manifestation of Jesus, is coming to prove who the first fruits elect remnant is in the Church, and the Man-child is going to use the same method that Jesus used to bring this nature to the Church. What was Jesus' method? (Mat.13:10) And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? In other words, “Why are you saying things to them that are so hard to understand?” (11) And he answered and said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. (12) For whosoever hath, to him shall be given.... “Whosoever hath” what? Well, if we go back three verses, we'll find the answer: (9) He that hath ears, let him hear. It's like when something makes perfect sense to you, but when you try to explain it to other people, somehow they just can't understand what you're saying unless they have the gift of faith. You see, Jesus' method for separating the elect from the non-elect was to preach the Word and when He preached the Word, the elect understood because they had ears. (Mat.13:12) For whosoever hath, to him shall be given (If you have ears, it's going to be given to you. Sometimes we do not hear the word of the Lord with the respect that we should have. God is speaking.), and he shall have abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that which he hath. People who don't have ears to hear are going to lose what understanding they do have. Remember what happened to the servant who was given the one talent? (Mat.25:14) For [it is] as [when] a man, going into another country, called his own servants (The Greek word there is doulous and it actually means “bondslaves.”), and delivered unto them his goods. (15) And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his several ability; and he went on his journey… (24) And he also that had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou didst not sow, and gathering where thou didst not scatter; (25) and I was afraid, and went away and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, thou hast thine own. (26) But his lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I did not scatter; (This servant had no ears; his knowledge was false. His Lord did scatter it, to him. He didn't realize that all was given to him by grace. It did not come by their works. Many think they own what they have.) (27) thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back mine own with interest (or fruit). The servant with the one talent didn't bring forth any fruit from what was given to him. The Lord took away the one talent from him and gave it to the servant who had the 10 talents. (Mat.25:28) Take ye away therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him that hath the ten talents. (29) For unto every one that hath (ears) shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away. Again, a person who doesn't bear fruit is not “harkening,” which means “to hear and obey,” unto the voice of the Lord, and even what they do have is going to be taken away from them. Jesus told us, (Mat.10:34) Think not that I came to send peace on the earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. That “sword” separated the righteous from the wicked, and the wicked from their demons. That was a good thing because a little leaven leavens the whole lump (Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:21; 1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 5:9). (Jer.48:10) Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord negligently; and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood. Now, there are a lot of preachers who are not going to cut anyone with the Word; it's too easy to lose tithes that way and so they aren't going to step on anyone's feet. Your sword is supposed to separate. The Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword and it divides. (Heb.4:12) For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. The Word divides the carnal from the spiritual. Jesus wasn't trying to explain things to people who didn't have ears to hear. Even if He had given it to them, as we've seen, they could not have kept it. (Luk.13:23) And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that are saved? And he said unto them, (24) Strive to enter in by the narrow door (Many pass up the narrow door of grace until it is too late.): for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able. (25) When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, open to us; and he shall answer and say to you, I know you not whence ye are; (26) then shall ye begin to say, We did eat and drink in thy presence, and thou didst teach in our streets; (27) and he shall say, I tell you, I know not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. Well, they were walking with Jesus, but they had not come to Him, just as Judas walked with Him and did miracles and signs but was an unrepentant thief until he couldn't turn back. Jesus warned us (Mat.7:21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. How could they do these miracles if He didn't “know” them? It's because Jesus gave them authority to do those works (Matthew 28:18-19; Luke 9:1). You see, “knowing about” someone is not the same as “knowing” someone. “Knowing you” is like the relationship Adam had with Eve. He knew Eve. This is a personal relationship with the Lord, like a husband knows his wife. “I never knew you” is what Jesus will say about a person who was doing the work of God, but was not giving good ground to the seed. Some people think they surely must be acceptable to God because they are doing the work of God. No, you can do the work of God and yet totally fail in your personal relationship with God. Personally, someone can be a total failure in their life of obedience to God, but they can still go cast out demons and do many mighty works. It's not gifts that open the door to the Kingdom, folks, it's fruit. He said that many are going to seek to enter in, but they will not be able. When the five foolish virgins came to the marriage feast after the door was shut, they called out, (Mat.25:11) … Lord, Lord, open to us. (12) But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Were they Christians? Yes, they were Christians and they did start out and seek to enter in, but they did not bear fruit. In a way, at the end of the Jewish Dispensation, the Lord was getting up to close the door, and Jesus was a part of God closing that door. Though all of those Jews, according to the Old Testament, were Covenant people, all but a remnant were rejected at that time, and God closed the door. Here we are at the end of the Gentile Covenant and the exact same thing is getting ready to happen again, which lets us know that we have to bear fruit. What's the difference between the called who don't bear fruit and the called who do bear fruit? The called who do bear fruit are the elect among the called because they abide in Christ by their faith, and therefore they receive more grace. Those who don't abide in Christ eventually lose even what grace they have. Hopefully, they will return when they receive the greater knowledge that is coming. Grace comes by faith. The only difference between those who bear fruit and those who don't bear fruit is that some walk by faith in the truth and some do not. There's no use in worrying, “Am I the elect or am I not the elect?” The only way you are going to prove that you are the elect is to walk by faith. You have that choice; everyone who is among the called has the choice to walk by faith or not to walk by faith. Why did Jesus rebuke His disciples for their unbelief? Did Jesus rebuke them because they couldn't walk by faith? Did He rebuke them because they weren't the elect? No, He rebuked them because they could walk by faith, but they were not walking by faith at that moment. He does the same with us sometimes when we are not walking by faith. But notice that they repented and He didn't remember their sins against them. (Joh.17:6) I manifested thy name unto the men whom thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them to me; and they have kept thy word. He said that they were obedient disciples. Jesus doesn't remember our sins against us, either, but He wants us to repent and walk by faith. So don't get caught up in, “Am I just called and not elect?” All you have to do is walk by faith because, if you walk by faith, you will bear fruit and you will be the elect. We are here in this wilderness to walk by faith and to prove that we are ‘Joshua and Caleb'. The Jews who convert to Christianity have no problem with predestination, calling and election because that's what they have been taught all of their lives. It's the Gentiles who have a problem with it because it's so foreign to their thinking. (Deu.7:6) For thou art a holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples that are upon the face of the earth. (7) The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all peoples: (8) but because the Lord loveth you, and because he would keep the oath which he sware unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. There are answers here to some theological problems if you believe that history repeats. As Jesus said, (Mat.5:18) … Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished. And Paul told us, (1Co.10:11) Now these things happened unto them by way of example; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come. One theological problem is all the prophecies we've heard about the coming great revivals because people feel that God has failed unless He converts a large number of humanity. We can see here, if God has failed in the New Testament, He certainly did fail the Old Testament, but God wasn't going after large numbers. In fact, He picked the fewest of all peoples to be His people. He was after quality and not quantity. Some people think that God is out to convert the people of the world, yet Jesus prophesied, (Mat.7:13) Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. (14) For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it. Even though Jesus will “compel” many to come in, He didn't prophesy that great masses of humanity would be running into the Kingdom of Heaven over the course of time. Another theological problem for people is the classic question, “What about the heathens in deepest, darkest Africa? What is God going to do about them?” Well, we just saw that back in the days when God chose Israel and even all through the Old Testament, they were a small group of people compared to the rest of the world. If you had asked one of them that question, they would have replied, “What are you talking about? Don't you understand that God has chosen Israel?” And if you repeated your question, “Yes, but what about the heathens in the deepest, darkest Africa who have never heard about God?” They would have replied again, “Don't you understand? God has chosen Israel.” The Jews understood this. If you give people this answer today, they don't understand, but the Jews did understand because they were raised with the predestination doctrine. Now, I do have a couple of answers for this problem: one is election and the other is conscience. Let me point out that God said He was going to judge people according to their conscience, but first, I'd like to clarify something here. He's talking in this Scripture about Christians coming to God, as opposed to the Jews who were with God under the Law. And so He says, (Rom.2:15) In that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness therewith, and their thoughts one with another accusing or else excusing [them]; (16) in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men, according to my gospel, by Jesus Christ. A person's conscience is either going to accuse or excuse them. We know this text is talking about Christians because they are the only ones “who show the work of the Law written in their hearts.” But the rest of the world is going to be judged according to conscience, too, and conscience won't put any of us in Heaven. Jesus said, (Mat.24:37) And as [were] the days of Noah, so shall be the coming of the Son of man. If God did the same thing He did in the days of Noah, some would find grace and the rest would find justice. Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8). He was elect; he found grace and the rest found justice. God did no wrong for the rest had defiled their conscience they were born with. Remember what Jesus spoke in the Parable of the Husbandman, who went out at different hours and hired people to work in his vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16). The people who were hired last worked for only one hour, while the rest of them worked through the heat of the day. When it came time to pay the people, the husbandman called the last first and paid them a shilling and then He paid everyone else a shilling. But those who were hired first were unhappy. (Mat.20:11) And when they received it, they murmured against the householder, (12) saying, These last have spent [but] one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat. (13) But he answered and said to one of them, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a shilling? (14) Take up that which is thine, and go thy way; it is my will to give unto this last, even as unto thee. (15) Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? or is thine eye evil, because I am good? That's the Lord's reasoning. God is never going to do less than justice, and in fact, God is almost always merciful. He doesn't have to be merciful, but at the least, He's always going to do justice. We've received God's grace, but we don't deserve it; it's a gift of God. When God judges, the world will receive righteous judgment (Acts 17:31), but true Christians will receive grace. Praise the Lord! So the answer to “What about the heathen in deepest, darkest Africa?” is that the heathen in Africa are going to be judged according to their conscience. Their conscience will either condemn them or excuse them. Everyone in the world has a conscience, but for some, their conscience has condemned them until it became quiet and just gave up condemning them. Their conscience finally became hardened, you see, because they rebelled against it. God has chosen the few and He's always chosen the weak among men in the next two verses. (1Co.1:25) Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. (26) For behold your calling, brethren, that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: So we see that God is clearly speaking of calling weak men. Then the translators, who probably didn't consider themselves weak and foolish, added things in the text over and over in the next three verses, which they italicized, showing it was not in the original text. Clearly, God is not speaking of things but MEN. So when we read them without things but with minor corrections from the Numeric Pattern, the text fits together and makes sense. (27) But God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things strong; (28) and the base things of the world, and the things despised, did God choose, [yea] and them things that are not, that he might bring to nought those things that are: (29) that no flesh should glory before God. Clearly, He chose weak and the base men so no one can brag. He wants to prove His power to save. He has always chosen small and weak Israel. Even in the New Testament, spiritual Israel, those who are after the same faith as Abraham, is still the only one who is chosen. (Psa.147:19) He showeth his word unto Jacob, His statutes and his ordinances unto Israel. (20) He hath not dealt so with any nation; And as for his ordinances, they have not known them. Praise ye the Lord. Not showing the nations His ordinances and statutes in the Old Testament is the equivalent of not giving someone “ears to hear” the Gospel in the New Testament. Jesus told the Jews in (Joh.6:44) No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him... And (37) All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. God is not wrong by giving mercy to some and reaching out with the good news to bring them into the ark, no more than He was wrong when He brought those few into the ark in Noah's day. God is not wrong. And in many cases, God does not open the ears of people and He hardens hearts, and He hides things from “the wise and capable.” (Isa.45:15) Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour. You may ask, “What's His method of hiding things?” Well, the devil is one. (2Co.4:3) And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled in them that perish: (4) in whom the god of this world (The devil is the god of this world because the world copies and thus worships him.) hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn [upon them]. The devil has permission to do this. Also, (Mat.11:25) At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding (This is speaking of the Pharisees, Sadducees and their students.), and didst reveal them unto babes: (26) yea, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in thy sight. (27) All things have been delivered unto me of my Father: and no one knoweth the Son, save the Father; neither doth any know the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son willeth to reveal [him]. So it pleased the Father to hide some things, and in this text, He talks about hiding them even from religious people. There truly is a supernatural blindness on people. You've probably seen it when you try very simply to share the Gospel or a revelation from God with people, but somehow they just can't see it. And you look upon them almost in awe, wondering, “Why can't they see it? It's so simple.” Of course, it's simple to you because you have a gift they don't have. You have the gift of hearing.

On this episode, Razib talks to returning guest, Francis Young, a historian who teaches at Oxford. Young specialises in the history of religion and belief from ancient times to the present day, and provides expert indexes for academic books and translates medieval and early modern Latin. He holds a PhD from Cambridge University and is the author, editor or co-author of over 20 books. On his last visit to the podcast, he discussed his book Pagans in the Early Modern Baltic, an account of the practices and persistence of Baltic paganism down to the 16th-century, the age of the Renaissance and Reformation. Today he discusses his new book, Silence of the Gods: The Untold History of Europe's Last Pagan Peoples. Razib and Young first discuss what it means to be "pagan" in a European context, first during Classical Antiquity, but more recently in Northern Europe down to the early modern period. Young discusses how it is difficult to understand and define paganism without reference to Christianity, which was a major force in shaping the nature of pagan religion in Northern Europe. Razib asks about the specific nature of northeast Baltic paganism, and in particular, the late survivals of pre-Christian religion among Lithuanians and Estonians, and the differences between the two groups. Young explains his understanding of different religious practices and the various forms of non-Christian practice that persisted among different groups, including mixed "creole" identities. Razib also inquires about the Mari El, a Finnic group in the Urals that might be the only continuously officially pagan people in Europe, as well as evidence Young reports that Estonian peasants were never truly fully Christianized.

Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, host Dcn. Harrison Garlick, along with guests Alec Bianco and Sean Berube, explore St. Basil the Great's letter To Young Men, on the Right Use of Greek Literature, passionately arguing that Christians—especially young men—should actively read pagan classics like Homer, Plato, and Hesiod. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.comCheck out our LIBRARY OF WRITTEN GUIDES to the great books.Drawing on personal testimonies, the trio explains how these pre-Christian texts strengthened their own faith, trained natural virtue, sharpened Scripture reading, and revealed seeds of the Logos planted by divine providence. Through vivid analogies—leaves preparing fruit, bees gathering honey, and despoiling the Egyptians—they, supported by St. Jerome's defense, contend that pagan literature is not a threat but a providential gift that grace perfects, forming the soul, evoking wonder, and equipping believers to engage the world with confidence and love.SummaryThe conversation highlights how pagan texts address universal human questions—virtue, meaning, fate, and the divine—preparing the soul for revelation, much as leaves nourish fruit on a branch or mirrors help the immature soul see itself. St. Basil's analogies are unpacked: pagan literature as a shallow pool for beginners, bees selectively gathering honey from flowers, and the need to discriminate good from harmful elements through the standard of Christ. Examples include Odysseus's restraint with Nausicaa as a model of natural virtue and Socrates's near-Christian insights on non-retaliation. The guests stress that grace perfects nature, so training in natural virtue via pagan examples elevates rather than diminishes the supernatural call, challenging modern sloth and low expectations of human potential.Providence is a recurring theme: Hebrew faith and Greek reason converged under Roman order to prepare the world for Christ; parallels in myths (floods, giants, serpents) and the Hellenization of Scripture (Septuagint, New Testament in Greek) show God working through pagan culture. References to Tolkien, Lewis, and Justin Martyr's logos spermatikos underscore that truth found anywhere belongs to Christians. Music and athletics are explored as parallels—pagan modes and contests can form the soul when approached with discernment, just as Doric tunes sobered revelers in Pythagoras's story.The discussion shifts to St. Jerome's Letter 70, defending the use of secular literature against accusations of defiling the Church. Jerome cites Moses educated in Egyptian wisdom, Paul quoting pagan poets, and analogies like despoiling the Egyptians or David wielding Goliath's sword—Christianity takes the best of pagan thought and conquers paganism with it. His provocative image of shaving the captive woman (Deuteronomy) to make secular wisdom a “matron of the true Israel” illustrates stripping away seductive errors to reveal underlying beauty and truth.Ultimately, the episode frames engagement with pagan literature as an act of love: understanding providence, nurturing what is good, evangelizing by meeting souls where they are, and ascending toward the Logos who permeates all reality. The tone is confident and joyful, rejecting both puritanical fear and uncritical consumption in favor of prudent, Christ-centered discernment.KeywordsChristians read pagans, pagan literature Christians, St Basil pagan literature, St Basil Greek literature, why Christians read Homer, why Christians read Plato, classical education Christianity, great books Christianity, and pagan classics faith. Long-tail keywords to target specific searches are should Christians read pagan literature, why young Christian men read

The Winter Solstice is sacred in many of the cultures that inspire modern Pagans.  Join your host for a brief journey through the significance of this time of year, the importance of sacred time, and more!Want to support this podcast and my other work?  Sign up for my Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/c/wayw... or contribute to my KoFi here: https://ko-fi.com/ryansmithwfiI am teaching classes on Inclusive Nordic Spirituality!  You can find out more and sign up at this link: http://www.onblackwings.com/classes

Es war einmal ein Gedanke, der leise begann und weit trug. Ein Gedanke, der fragte, warum Geschichten Menschen seit Jahrtausenden tragen. In dieser Folge öffnen wir den Kreis für die alte Kunst des Erzählens. Heidentum, Naturspiritualität und Animismus verweben sich mit Märchen, Sagen und Bildern, die tiefer wirken als jede Anleitung.Wir sprechen darüber, wie Resilienz durch Geschichten wächst. Wie Kinder und Erwachsene über Erzählungen lernen, sich selbst zu halten. Wie Heilung geschieht, wenn Worte Bilder werden und Bilder zu inneren Wegen. Paganismus zeigt sich hier als gelebte Erfahrung. Paganismus gestalten bedeutet, sich erinnern, lauschen, deuten.Wir folgen Spuren, die vertraut wirken und doch neu erscheinen. Der Weihnachtsmann tritt aus dem Schatten moderner Erzählungen hervor und zeigt ein älteres Gesicht. Ein Hüter von Übergängen, ein Wanderer zwischen Welten. Die Drei Könige erscheinen als Sinnbilder von Selbstermächtigung, Entscheidungskraft und innerer Ausrichtung. Heiden erkennen darin archetypische Bewegungen, die bis heute wirken.Auch die scheinbar dunklen Figuren erhalten Stimme. Die Stiefmutter tritt aus der Ecke der Angst und zeigt ihre Aufgabe als Wächterin von Reifung und Grenze. Geschichten ordnen das Leben, ohne es zu zähmen. Sie lehren durch Erfahrung, durch Bilder, durch Wiederholung. So wirkt Naturspiritualität im Alltag, im Dorf, im Wald, im eigenen Inneren.Wir fragen, was geschieht, wenn die Welt voller Geschichten erscheint. Wenn jede Begegnung eine Sage trägt. Wenn Landschaften sprechen. Wenn der Winter bleibt und Tiefe schenkt, Stille schenkt, Sammlung schenkt. Animismus wird spürbar als Beziehung zu allem Lebendigen.Zu Gast ist Carsten Kiehne vom „Sagenhafter Harz“. Gemeinsam wandern wir durch alte Erzählräume, durch Berge, Täler und innere Landschaften. Worte werden zu Fackeln. Bilder zu Wegmarken. Geschichten zu Gefährten.Diese Folge lädt ein, das sagende Hören wiederzuentdecken. Für Heiden, für Pagans, für Menschen mit Sinn für Tiefe. Wer Geschichten folgt, findet Kraft. Wer zuhört, erinnert sich. Wer erzählt, gestaltet Welt.Der Thingcast wird zum Märchenkreis. Und jedes Märchen beginnt genau hier.Hier geht es zur Webseite von Carsten Kiehne: http://reiki-im-harz.de/sagenhafter-harz/

To celebrate Christmas this year, the gang discuss the recently-discovered Lewis work, “A Christmas Sermon for Pagans”.[Show Notes]

Is it wrong to celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25th?The target of his ministry is to clearly communicate the gospel of grace to unbelievers and solid Bible teaching to believers in order to nurture them to grow and walk in fellowship with Jesus Christ. Josiah and his family are supported by people who believe in the gospel and want to see it preached and defended.SUPPORT FEMI: femionline.com/donateINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/focus_pod/OUR YOUTH CAMP: gracefarmonline.com

Most of the original 13 States of the United States excluded Jews, Muslims, Pagans, and Atheists from holding office. Why did they do this? Dr. Taylor Marshall explains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How would you feel if everything you knew about the various popular holidays throughout the year were lies manufactured to divert your attention from their very real and sacred meaning? Depending on who you are, that knowledge could be revelatory or very disturbing and controversial…Lara Day explores the not-so-great truth behind the various popular holidays many of us celebrate, how they evolved into opportunities to control you and what you can do to reclaim those sacred practices this week on Spirit Gym.Learn more about Lara's work and classes at her website and on social media via Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.For Spirit Gym listeners: Save $100 on a Neurogenic Qigong session with Lara (her unique blend of qigong healing and tension and trauma releasing neurogenic tremor work) by letting her know you listened to this podcast! (Special offers from Spirit Gym guests are time-sensitive and at their discretion to redeem after 30 days.)Timestamps3:27 A new publisher and important additions to Lara's 13 Sacred Nights Oracle deck.8:10 “Maybe it's time to consciously choose how we celebrate our holidays.”11:17 The four-layer cake of bad changes to our holidays.23:52 Why do many people get so defensive about their manufactured holiday traditions?31:18 The trick or treat origins of Halloween.40:54 Lara and her daughter have created their own Halloween ritual: An altar for celebrating dead relatives and loved ones.49:11 The origins of Thanksgiving in America, thanks to Sarah Josepha Hale.56:50 Open your heart with this very simple practice from Paul.1:02:43 Cooking.1:10:36 Why was Christmas once outlawed in the 17th century?1:19:53 “We were worried that if we told them we knew, maybe they'd think there's no point in having Christmas anymore.”1:24:45 You can reset the Christmas season for your family and celebrate it your way.Resources13 Sacred Nights Oracle: A Yearly Solstice Tradition by Lara DayAdyashantiFind more resources for this episode on our website.Music Credit: Meet Your Heroes (444Hz), Composed, mixed, mastered and produced by Michael RB Schwartz of Brave Bear MusicThanks to our awesome sponsors:PaleovalleyBIOptimizers US and BIOptimizers UK PAUL15Organifi CHEK20Wild PasturesKorrect SPIRITGYMPique LifeCHEK Institute We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases using affiliate links.

“Was Jesus born in a barn?” This question leads to a discussion about the circumstances of Christ’s birth, including the uncertainty surrounding the exact location. Other topics include the number of wise men mentioned in St. Matthew, the implications of December 25th for the nativity, and the significance of lambs wrapped in swaddling bands as a symbol of Jesus as the Lamb of God. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 04:00 – Jesus was born in a barn? 10:00 – We really have no idea where Jesus was born 14:45 – There were exactly three wise men in St. Matthew 17:00 – Can't be Dec 25 because it is winter and no sheep are in the fields. 18:43 – We shouldn't celebrate Christmas because it is based on a pagan festival. 22:36 – Pagans have denied the virgin birth — claiming Jesus was an illegitimate birth. 29:15 – Lambs were wrapped in swaddling bands — thus pointing to Jesus as the Lamb of God 33:30 – Angels were all hovering in the air above the Shepherds 36:42 – Did St. Francis get the idea of the Christmas nativity scene from German? 41:58 – Was the virgin birth actually in a house? 46:02 – Was Jesus already named Jesus prior to being born? 48:08 – How do we respond to the claim that Mary was not a virgin and was forced upon by a Roman soldier?

It's Thursday, December 11th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark UK Supreme Court: Religious education in Ireland unlawful The U.K. Supreme Court ruled last month that religious education in Northern Ireland is unlawful. State-funded primary schools in Northern Ireland currently include religious education in the curriculum. Schools also have a time of daily worship. However, the U.K. Supreme Court ruled the curriculum was not “objective, critical and pluralistic.” In response, Christian Concern is defending Christian education in schools. Listen to comments from Steve Beegoo, Head of Education at Christian Concern.  BEEGOO: “Parents, don't retreat. There is an authority that is truly higher than even our courts that we must appeal to and that we must obey. We must stand for truth and to obey Jesus Christ.” In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, “Let the children come to Me, and do not hinder them.” Fewer British Christians, more pagans The Institute for the Impact of Faith in Life released a new survey on adults in Britain who changed religion.  Christianity experienced the most losses with people usually becoming atheist. Islam saw a modest net gain, mostly from Christianity. Also, movements like Paganism, Wicca, and broad spiritualism saw noticeable growth.  The study said, “Media reports over the past decade document a visible revival of Pagan and Wiccan practices in Britain, particularly among women over 30 and those disillusioned with organized religion but seeking ethical and emotional coherence.” Isaiah 8:19-20 says, “And when they say to you, ‘Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,' should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Spanish court acquits 21 pro-lifers A court in Spain acquitted 21 pro-life activists on Tuesday. Authorities had arrested the pro-lifers back in 2022 for praying outside an abortion mill. They were participating in a 40 Days for Life prayer chain in the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz. The ruling stated, “There is no doubt that the defendants did nothing more than exercise their right to free assembly. … The defendants conducted themselves at all times in an exemplary, peaceful manner.” 71 U.S. abortion mills closed this year In the United States, 23 independent abortion mills closed this year as of October. That's up from 12 closures last year. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, 100 locations closed. Independent abortion mills are not affiliated with Planned Parenthood and account for 58% of abortions in the U.S.  Life News reports that Planned Parenthood has closed 48 locations so far this year. Dept. of Justice supports Christian students who spoke truth The U.S. Department of Justice supported two Christian students on Monday in a court case involving transgenderism. Virginia's Loudoun County School Board previously suspended the two male students. They had simply objected to a girl, pretending to be a boy, in their locker room. Harmeet Dhillon is Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the Justice Department. She said, “Loudoun County's decision to advance and promote gender ideology tramples on the rights of religious students who cannot embrace ideas that deny biological reality.” Frustrated homesellers pulling homes off market Realtor.com released their November 2025 Monthly Housing Market Trends Report. The report found that home prices are rising in traditionally affordable metros. Meanwhile, expensive metros are seeing price drops. The market has also seen record de-listings as frustrated sellers pull their homes off the market without a sale. Realtor.com noted, “One home was de-listed for about every 3 to 4 new listings nationally.” Fellowship of Christian Athletes distributed 244,000 Bibles this year And finally, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes distributed over 244,000 Bibles this year across the U.S. and 68 other countries. That's up from 219,000 last year.  The achievement is due to 900 FCA camps worldwide, 23,000 huddle groups, and about 400 FCA sports club teams.  A Fellowship of Christian Athletes spokesman told The Christian Post, “FCA's overarching aim is to reach coaches and athletes with the Gospel, help them grow spiritually and then enable them to help others do the same. We believe this spiritual foundation extends beyond sports, positively influencing teammates, schools, families and entire communities.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, December 11th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

I chat to my new friend Swailes- a witch from my own county of Yorkshire. We met at The Festival Of The Unexplained and we have done nothing but chat each time we have met. This is a frank and often emotional interview about Swailes' experiences of life, death and the paranormal.Welcome to The Bell Witch Podcast – Your magickcal guide to Witchcraft in the 21st Century, proudly part of The Darkcast Network. Celebrated as the Podcast of the Year for 2024/25 by Pagans of the North and the Hubhopper Awards 2024 winner for Best Documentary, TBWP brings you captivating content every two weeks, seamlessly blending magical insights and pagan wisdom for our fast-paced lives.Join Swailes, affectionately known as @Friendlygreenwitch11.11, as she shares her enchanting Yorkshire accent and heartfelt passion for spirituality and witchcraft. Whether you're a novice in the craft or an experienced wiccan seeking to deepen your practice, TBWP offers invaluable resources for living a vibrant pagan life.Dive into a diverse array of topics, including Kundalini energy, sigils, folklore, mythology, paranormal investigations, spells, manifestation techniques, ghosts, reiki, herbalism, feminism in witchcraft, occult and esoteric practices, spirituality, astrology, meditation, spellcraft, and holistic wellbeing, along with parenting tips for today's modern witches.Each episode features alternating segments: 'Solitary Witch' for personal explorations and 'MootLoot' episodes featuring dynamic pagan guests. Together, they provide cutting-edge insights into magical living.Connect with us at thebellwitchpodcast@yahoo.com (mailto:thebellwitchpodcast@yahoo.com) or through our Linktree (https://linktr.ee/friendlygreenwitch) for all social media and podcast platforms.Join our Patreon for exclusive bonus content: The Bell Witch Podcast on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/TheBellWitchPodcast].Enjoy our theme music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay, and consider supporting the show through donations at PayPal (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/FriendlyGreenWitch).Listen to us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iTunes, PodFinder, Amazon Music, Podchaser, Podbean, Pocket Casts, Overcast, and more.Help us grow by leaving ratings and reviews – your stars make our podcast shine!Stay magical, witches! ✨

Schattenarbeit besitzt eine eigene Magie. Sie hebt etwas an, das lange ruhte, und bringt ein Leuchten hervor, das viele Heiden tief im Inneren kennen. In dieser Folge betreten wir gemeinsam einen Raum, der Heidentum und Naturspiritualität unmittelbar spürbar macht. Worte entstehen aus Erfahrungen, aus Begegnungen, aus Momenten, in denen das eigene Leben einen neuen Klang erhält.Wir sprechen über die Wege, die Menschen im Paganismus gestalten. Über die Kunst, ehrlich zu sich zu werden. Über diesen stillen Stolz, der wächst, wenn jemand zum ersten Mal erkennt, wie viel Kraft im eigenen Schatten steckt. Animismus begleitet dieses Gespräch, denn alles wirkt mit – Körper, Atem, Geschichte, Jahreszeit. Jede Regung erzählt etwas über Wandel und über das, was sich im Inneren formt.Schattenarbeit zeigt Schönheit. Sie legt die Linien des Gesichts frei, die Energie des Körpers, die Klarheit des Blicks. Menschen beginnen zu strahlen, wenn sie ihre Muster verstehen. Beziehungen gewinnen Tiefe. Entscheidungen gewinnen Richtung. Das Leben bekommt Präsenz. So entsteht ein paganes Lebensgefühl, das aus Echtheit besteht und aus dem Mut, sichtbar zu werden.Im Gespräch öffnen sich Erinnerungen aus Gruppenarbeit, Ritualen, persönlichen Übergängen. Erfahrungen von Überforderung verwandeln sich in Erkenntnisse. Alte Loyalitäten lösen sich. Neue Haltungen entstehen. In solchen Momenten entsteht Paganismus, der wächst, weil Menschen ihn leben. Heiden gestalten ihre Spiritualität durch das, was sie in sich erkennen.Diese Folge richtet sich an alle, die Naturspiritualität als Weg der Selbsterkenntnis sehen. An alle, die spüren, dass Entwicklung ein körperliches Ereignis ist. An alle, die Schattenarbeit als Quelle von Schönheit erleben wollen. Schönheit im Ausdruck. Schönheit in der Haltung. Schönheit im Mut.Schattenarbeit macht glücklich, weil sie das eigene Wesen befreit. Sie macht schön, weil sie den Menschen erhellt. Sie macht stark, weil sie das Leben vertieft.Dies ist eine Einladung an Pagans, die ihren Weg gestalten und ihr inneres Feuer klar sehen möchten.

In this episode, we read C.S. Lewis' "A Christmas Sermon for Pagans." Why does the post-Christian person need to become pagan again to be prepared to hear the gospel? How has a mechanistic view of nature led us to kill each other? Why do we reject the good news that Jesus ended the need for guilt-offerings, sin-sacrifices, and fear about the afterlife? What happened as a consequence of moderns pushing heavenly truth out of the material world? What is the message of Christmas that offers a cure for all that ails us? SHOW NOTES:  A Christmas Sermon for Pagans https://ia601205.us.archive.org/24/items/c.-s.-lewis-a-christmas-sermon-for-pagans-1946/C.%20S.%20Lewis%20-%20A%20Christmas%20Sermon%20for%20Pagans%201946_text.pdf    More from 1517: Support 1517 Podcast Network: https://www.1517.org/donate-podcasts 1517 Podcasts: http://www.1517.org/podcasts 1517 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1517org 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/1517-podcast-network/id6442751370 1517 Events Schedule: https://www.1517.org/events 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education: https://academy.1517.org/   What's New from 1517: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional https://shop.1517.org/products/9781964419916-coming-home-for-christmas  Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi https://shop.1517.org/products/9781964419312-face-to-face  Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird https://www.amazon.com/Untamed-Prayers-Devotions-Christ-Psalms/dp/1964419263  Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales https://shop.1517.org/collections/new-releases/products/9781964419039-remembering-your-baptism  Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug https://shop.1517.org/products/9781964419152-sinner-saint    More from the hosts: Donovan Riley https://www.1517.org/contributors/donavon-riley  Christopher Gillespie https://www.1517.org/contributors/christopher-gillespie   CONTACT and FOLLOW: Email mailto:BannedBooks@1517.org  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BannedBooksPod/  Twitter https://twitter.com/bannedbooks1517   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@BannedBooks Rumble https://rumble.com/c/c-1223313  Odysee https://odysee.com/@bannedbooks:5 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banned-books/id1370993639  Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ahA20sZMpBxg9vgiRVQba  Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1370993639/banned-books    MORE LINKS: Tin Foil Haloes https://t.me/bannedpastors Warrior Priest Gym & Podcast https://thewarriorpriestpodcast.wordpress.com   St John's Lutheran Church (Webster, MN) - FB Live Bible Study Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/356667039608511  Gillespie's Sermons and Catechesis http://youtube.com/stjohnrandomlake  Donavon's Substack https://donavonlriley.substack.com Gillespie's Nostr https://primal.net/p/nprofile1qqszfrg80ctjdr0wy5arrseu6h9g36kqx8fanr6a6zee0n8txa7xytc627hlq   Gillespie Coffee https://gillespie.coffee   Gillespie Media https://gillespie.media  

There is a single thread running through these lives and sayings, like a hidden vein of gold through rough stone. It is the fierce and terrifying command of Christ to love those who wrong us, to turn every injury into an open door to the Kingdom, and to see in every enemy the physician of our soul. In Saint Longinos we see what it means when love has completely displaced fear. He receives the men sent to kill him as honored guests. He feeds them, questions them gently, and when he learns they are to be his executioners, his heart does not recoil. He does not expose them, does not flee, does not calculate how to save his life. He rejoices. He calls them bearers of good things. He sees their swords as the keys that will unlock the true homeland, the Jerusalem on high. The hospitality he offers them becomes the doorway to his martyrdom, and his martyrdom becomes the consummation of that hospitality. He has so fully handed his life to Christ that those who come to destroy him are welcomed as friends. In Saint Theodora, there is a quieter, but no less burning, heroism. Those who envy her virtue set a trap for her and quietly send her into danger at night, hoping she will be devoured by beasts. God turns the malice back on itself. A wild animal guides her like a gentle servant and later nearly kills the doorkeeper, whom she then rescues, heals, and restores. When the superior asks who sent her into such danger, she protects her brothers and hides their sin. She will not expose them, even when the truth would justify her and reveal their cruelty. She bears their malice in silence and lets grace fall on those who had wished her dead. Her humility is as great a wonder as the miracle. Abba Motios shows us what reconciliation looks like in a heart that has allowed grace to ripen over time. He has been opposed, wounded, and driven away. Yet when he hears that the very brother who grieved him has come, he does not hesitate. He breaks down the door of his own hermitage in his eagerness to meet him. He prostrates, embraces, entertains, and rejoices in the one who had been the cause of his exile. The one who injured him becomes the occasion of his elevation to the episcopacy. The doorway to deeper sanctity is opened not by separation, but by reconciliation freely embraced. The conclusion is inescapable and sobering. To keep a grudge is to consent to spiritual death. To hold tightly to injury is to loosen our hold on Christ. Rancor darkens the mind, gives demons room to rest, and drives true spiritual knowledge away, like smoke driving out bees. Yet the same stories also breathe hope. Every wrong remembered can be turned into prayer. Every face that stirs distress can become the face for whom I beg mercy. Every memory of injury can be transformed into an occasion for thanksgiving, if I accept it as medicine from the hand of Christ. The elders tell me to send a gift to the one who insults me, to pray fervently for the one who harms me, to keep my countenance joyful when meeting those who speak against me, to refuse even the secret delight when misfortune falls on someone who has hurt me. This is not softness. It is crucifixion. It is the slow, deliberate choice to let Christ's mind and heart take shape in me, until I can look at those who betray me and say with truth: you are the cause of blessings for me. If I want to belong to Christ, then I must learn to see every enemy as a hidden benefactor, every wound as a gate, every slight as a purifying fire. The saints do not simply tell me to let go of resentment. They show me how far love can go, and how much is at stake. Between Longinos and those who killed him, between Theodora and her envious brothers, I am being asked to choose which heart will become my own. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:02:49 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Volume II Page 317 Section C 00:03:37 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Philokaliaministries.org/blog 00:08:36 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Volume II Page 317 Section C 00:10:26 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Volume II Page 317 Section C 00:11:21 Myles Davidson: Pope Leo visiting St. Charbel's tomb in Lebanon recently 00:11:29 Adam Paige: Reacted to "Pope Leo visiting St…" with

Are you grieved at how secularism has invaded our culture and stolen so many of our Christian traditions? I am!  On this first Sunday in Advent, we'll talk about how to preserve and share the true meaning of Christmas with others. Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn more.To find Tom on Instagram, Facebook, TiKTok, and elsewhere, go to linktr.ee/tomthepreacher

This video is titled "Cults and Witchcraft with Melissa Fortner" from the channel Conversations with Strangers. It is a two-hour interview discussing Melissa Fortner's journey from being a licensed therapist and academic to joining a witchcraft cult, leaving it, and becoming an entrepreneur.Here is a summary of the key discussion points from the interview:

The Outer Realm welcomes back Morgan Daimler Date: November 21th, 2025 EP: 640 TOPIC: We will discuss the world of Dreams. She will talk about Dream Reality, Encounters, Visitations, Premonitions, Lucid Deaming and much more! Contact for the show - theouterrealmcontact@gmail.com Michelle Desrochers and The Outer Realm :https://linktr.ee/michelledesrochers_ Please support us by Liking, Subscribing, Sharing and Commenting. Thank you all !!! About Morgan: -Morgan Daimler teaches classes on Irish myth and magical practices, fairies, and related subjects in the United States and internationally. She has been published in multiple anthologies as well as in Witches and Pagans magazine and Pagan Dawn magazine, and she is one of the world's foremost experts on all things Fairy. Besides the titles available through Moon Books Morgan has a high fantasy novel 'Into Shadow' through Cosmic Egg and has self-published books of Old and Middle Irish language translations, and has an urban fantasy/paranormal romance series called Between the Worlds. Morgan has also presented papers on fairies and on fairies and witches at several university conferences. If you enjoy the content on the channel, please support us by subscribing: Thank you All A formal disclosure: The opinions and information presented or expressed by guests on The Outer Realm Radio and Beyond The Outer Realm are not necessarily those of the TOR, BTOR Hosts, Sponsors, or the United Public Radio Network and its producers. Although the content may be interesting, it is deemed "For Entertainment Purposes" . We are always respectful and courteous to all involved. Thank you, we appreciate you all!

On today's episode, Lawfare Managing Editor Tyler McBrien sits down with Joseph Kellner, an assistant professor of history at the University of Georgia to discuss his latest book, “The Spirit of Socialism: Culture and Belief at the Soviet Collapse,” which examines the millions of Soviet people who embarked on a “spirited and highly visible search for new meaning” during the dissolution of the U.S.S.R.They discuss the questions of epistemic authority, of cultural identity, and of history's ultimate meaning that drove people to seek new spiritual meaning during this period, as well as the era's many colorful characters, including Hare Krishnas, astrologers, doomsayers, and neo-Pagans who pushed bio-healing, folk baths, and other answers to these questions. They also talk about why, when a superpower declines, shared reality dissolves.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The post Pagans Cry out to Yahweh and Jonah is Hurled into the Sea appeared first on Waukesha City Church.

Passing 1%ers Goes Horribly Wrong — 2 Pagans Charged for Highway Bullying! Today on Black Dragon Biker TV, we're diving into a chilling reminder of what can go wrong when you decide to pass a 1%er motorcycle club on the highway. Two Pagan Motorcycle Club members have been charged after a terrifying highway confrontation that left two bikers run off the road, one with life-threatening injuries. What started as an everyday ride turned into a nightmare — and it all stemmed from a decision to pass a 1%er pack. For years, I've warned riders about MC protocol and respect on the road. Some said, “I'll do what I want — nobody owns the highway!” Well, this story is a harsh reality check on how that mindset can go wrong — fast. We'll Discuss: How the incident unfolded and what led to the violent crash Why passing 1%ers can be viewed as disrespect in certain settings What charges the Pagan members now face The fine line between freedom of the road and club territory What lessons every biker — club or independent — can take from this Plus a Busy Biker News Day: Off-duty cop ends 150 MPH chase for a California biker accused of killing a sheriff's deputy E-biker causes $20K in damages tearing up a North Salt Lake golf course Careless biker on phone narrowly escapes a high-speed crash in Bengaluru Man charged after hurling the N-word and hitting a Black biker with a metal chain — hate crime charges pending This one's packed — from biker politics to road rage, club protocol to criminal mayhem — so don't miss it. Join Black Dragon, Lavish T. Williams, and Logic as we unpack the chaos, the code, and the consequences. Catch the show on: Black Dragon Biker TV – /blackdragonbikertv Lavish T. WiBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-dragon-s-lair-motorcycle-chaos--3267493/support.Sponsor the channel by signing up for our channel memberships. You can also support us by signing up for our podcast channel membership for $9.99 per month, where 100% of the membership price goes directly to us at https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-.... Follow us on:Instagram: BlackDragonBikerTV TikTok: BlackDragonBikertv Twitter: jbunchiiFacebook: BlackDragonBikerBuy Black Dragon Merchandise, Mugs, Hats, T-Shirts Books: https://blackdragonsgear.comDonate to our cause:Cashapp: $BikerPrezPayPal: jbunchii Zelle: jbunchii@aol.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BlackDragonNPSubscribe to our new discord server https://discord.gg/dshaTSTSubscribe to our online news magazine www.bikerliberty.comGet 20% off Gothic biker rings by using my special discount code: blackdragon go to http://gthic.com?aff=147Join my News Letter to get the latest in MC protocol, biker club content, and my best picks for every day carry. https://johns-newsletter-43af29.beehi... Get my Audio Book Prospect's Bible an Audible: https://adbl.co/3OBsfl5Help us get to 30,000 subscribers on www.instagram.com/BlackDragonBikerTV on Instagram. Thank you!We at Black Dragon Biker TV are dedicated to bringing you the latest news, updates, and analysis from the world of bikers and motorcycle clubs. Our content is created for news reporting, commentary, and discussion purposes. Under Section 107 of the Copyright

Wait, what's so gay about witches, you ask?First of all — sit down.When I was a young f/hag in the late '90s, Wicca was having a moment. The Halliwell sisters ruled the WB, Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock were burying men in their back gardens, and I gobbled the GAGathon down with glee.Only later did I realize what made these witchy bitchies so alluring: it wasn't (just) that they were different — it was that they were powerful.Outsiders who could fight back. Like the X-men...or democratic socialists.But were they always outsiders? No! In the ancient world, everyone dabbled in magic. Pagans love a hag with a herb garden.Then Christianity came along and ruined everything. AS ALWAYS.By the 20th century, witchcraft was beginning to mean "freedom" to a lot of repressed Westerners. Which might explain why nearly half of Wiccans today identify as queer.Join us for this Halloween special as we trace The Craft™ from ancient love spells to Victorian occultists, with brilliant guest Professor Marion Gibson.Together we ask:

And we're back with more of "The Pagan Threat." In this segment, Ryan and El wade through Lucas Miles' takes on UFOs, trans people, how Pagans are taking over Christianity, and more! Listen to Part 1 https://www.spreaker.com/episo... /> You can help support Cassandra Snow, one of the authors singled out by Lucas Miles, by going to their Patreon and signing up https://www.patreon.com/cassan... /> Want to support this podcast and my other work?  Sign up for my Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/c/wayw... or contribute to my KoFi here: https://ko-fi.com/ryansmithwfi

In episode THREE HUNDRED AND FORTY-NINE, Mike, Jason, and Wade discuss the history and value of All Hallow's Eve (Halloween) and All Saints Day. We hope you enjoy the episode! For more about the show and the hosts, visit the Let the Bird Fly! website. Thanks for listening! Attributions for Music and Image used in this Episode: “The Last One” by Jahzzar is licensed under an Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 International License. “Gib laut” by Dirk Becker is licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (aka Music Sharing) 3.0 International License. “Whistling Down the Road” by Silent Partner.

What does the Bible say about Halloween? Is the holiday just harmless fun? Why do Christians celebrate it?According to the National Retail Federation, seven in ten Americans (who live in a country that still marginally believes in the Bible) now celebrate Halloween. Total spending on the holiday is in the billions of dollars. Foods that are often associated with it include Bonfire toffee (Great Britain), candy and toffee apples (Great Britain, Ireland), caramel apples and candy corn, candy shaped like skulls, bats, and so on, as well as pumpkins (a Halloween tradition).Everyone knows the celebration of Halloween, All Hallowed's Ev'n, involves witches, warlocks, jack-o-lanterns, and an odd little phrase, “trick or treat.” They feel it's innocent, and all about pretending as they teach their little ones to dress up and join in the fun.  Is our Creator fond of us doing this, or are we practicing something originating in darkness that is absolutely evil in His eyes?  The word “Halloween” is a hybridization of the phrase “All Hallow's Eve,” or All Hallowed's Ev'n.  The Catholic Circus had made November 1st "All Saints' Day" in order to re-invent the pagans' festival of death. The night before became known as All Halloweds' Evening." “Hallowed” means “Holy,” and is a word derived from “halo,” a nimbus, hoop, or glowing emanation around the head of a deity such as Krishna (India).  Buddha is often depicted with a hoop or glowing orb around his head, as is “Jupiter” of the Romans, and Ceruiden of the Druids.  This practice of relating a round glow to the heads of deities or “enlightened ones” was adopted by Catholicism from the Romans, stemming from even more ancient Pagans.  The statue of Jupiter has a halo, and was re-named Peter.  The Catholics adopted the halo from Paganism to indicate that a person was a saint, so their images of dead “saints” could be properly venerated.  The idea of being “haloed” meant the person was “holy,” and this idea is conveyed in the term “hallowed”, pertaining to veneration / worship, or "sacred."  Whatever Yahweh declares set-apart (qodesh) is set-apart; what man declares set-apart, unsupported by the Words of Yahweh, is an abomination to Him. Autumnal Equinox - 13 weeksa. September 21Mabon - one of the Illuminati's Human Sacrifice Nights  b. September 21 -22 - Autumnal EquinoxFrom this date through Halloween, occultists believe the veil separating the earthly dimension from the demonic realm gets progressively thinner, with the thinnest night being October 31; this thinning of the separating veil makes it easier for the demonic realm to enter the earthly dimension. Thus, on Halloween, evil spirits, ghosts, witches, hobgoblins, black cats, fairies, and demons of all sorts were believed to be running amok across the land. They had to be back in their spiritual dimension before midnight, Halloween, for the separating veil would then get thicker. c. October 31 - SamhainAlso known as Halloween, or All Hallows Eve as designated by the Catholic Church. This date is the Illuminati's highest day of human sacrificeNorth of Georgetown DE, we have a 102-acre pagan witch camp called Seelie Court.One of these covens is called Coven of the Rowan Star, listen to what they state, “As the year wanes, the Veils between the Worlds become thin. It is a time for introspection and self-evaluation. It is a time to reconnect with that which has gone before us, to our Ancestors. It is the time of Samhain, the Witches New Year, when the gates between the Dead and the Living are open wide, and the voices of the past speak to us. We prepare ourselves to face the end of the Harvests of the Fall and enter once more into the Winter of death and repose.Have any questions? Feel free to email me, keitner2024@outlook.com

A Sermon for the Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity St. Matthew 22:34-46 by William Klock Who is Jesus?  It's important.  It's why we have the creeds that put so much emphasis on who Jesus is.  Because if you get Jesus wrong, you won't get anything else right.  Someone knocks on your door and wants to start talking theology and it sounds weird.  Ask them who Jesus is and you'll immediately get to the root of everything.  Ah!  Mormon…or Jehovah's Witness.  What they say about Jesus lays everything bare.  The last few days I've been watching videos from a conference that's held annually down in Oregon.  I've wondered whatever happened to all the big-name people from the Emergent Church movement of fifteen to twenty years ago.  This week I found out.  They've moved on from just kind of being theology sketchy to holding annual conferences and seminars to help people deconstruct their faith—which is just the new, trendy way to talk about apostasy.  And in what I listened to, it was all about Jesus.  Except it wasn't the Jesus revealed in scripture.  It was part of the Jesus revealed in scripture.  It was the warm-fuzzy Jesus.  But they've left out the Jesus who called people to repentance, the Jesus who talked about sin and judgement, the Jesus who stands alone and apart and above every other god and king.  They've built a false religion around a false Jesus.  Brothers and Sisters, it's imperative that we get Jesus right.  Christians have known this since the beginning.  Again, it's why we have the creeds.  Faith itself doesn't save.  Faith itself doesn't forgive sins.  Faith itself won't set the world to rights.  It's the object of our faith who forgives sins and saves us from death and fills us with God's Spirit and promises we'll be raised to new life as he has been. As the Gospels reach their climax with the crucifixion of Jesus, they bring this to the forefront.  Who is Jesus?  That's what's going on in our Gospel today from Matthew 22.  All these last months our Gospels have been from early in Jesus' ministry, but today we jump almost to the end and to two questions.  The first is about the law—asked by the Pharisees.  “Which is the most important commandent?”  And Jesus gave the right answer and left them fuming and with no grounds on which to challenge him.  At the same time, his answer was so correct that it left them and everyone there utterly challenged.  And then Jesus turned the tables and asks them a question: “Is the Messiah David's son or David's lord?”  “Or is he both?”  And you can just picture them totally flabbergasted.  No one had ever even thought to ask that question.  They had no idea how to answer even though the answer—Jesus—was standing right there in the middle of them. And that was the end of Jesus' confrontations with the leaders of the Jews.  The next time he'll see them is when they have him arrested in the garden and then when they drag him before the Jewish council to make their accusations, and later as he hangs on the cross while they laugh and insult him.  But hanging over those three scenes, will be the knowledge that Jesus knows the answers to these two all-important questions and that they do not.  The very basis of their charges against him hangs on the answers to these two questions that they can't even begin to answer.  And Jesus wants them to know (and Matthew wants us to know) that it is precisely in his arrest and trial and crucifixion that Jesus is fulfilling the two great commandments of the law.  And it's precisely in his arrest, his trial, and his crucifixion that Jesus is taking his throne as Lord—as the King of the Jews and as David's lord.  This is who Jesus is and this is how he's come to rescue his people—from their sins, from death, and to bring them into God's new world. So that first question.  This is Matthew 7:34.  Matthew writes, “When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they got together as a group.  One of them, a lawyer, put him on the spot with a question: ‘Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law?'”   The Lord gave Moses 613 commandments and everyone knew which was the most important.  It was so important that it had become Israel's “creed” and part of their daily prayer.  (It still is today.)  Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”  And it goes on, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”  It wasn't just something you did.  The fact that it was every observant Jew's daily prayer meant that it was deeper than just doing.  Loving God was supposed to be something that made its way deep, into your very being.  It was a heart thing. But the big question is: Did this all-consuming love for God really capture Israel's heart?  The Pharisees, of all the people in Israel, knew that it hadn't.  They, of all people, not only knew the struggle personally, they knew how Israel on the whole had failed and failed and failed.  That was their “thing”.  They knew that Israel was still basically in exile despite having returned from Babylon five hundred years before.  The Lord's presence had never returned to the temple.  Pagans still ruled them.  And no one had heard the Lord's voice in centuries.  And the Pharisees knew it was because God's people hadn't kept his law, because they hadn't loved him with all their being. Jesus knew this too.  A big part of his teaching—think of the Sermon on the Mount or we could go back to Matthew 15 where Jesus talked about cups that are outwardly clean, but filthy on the inside—a big part of Jesus teaching was that Israel was desperately in need of a renewal of her heart.  Outward keeping of the law?  Awesome!  Keep it up.  But what God's most concerned about is a keeping of the law—of a love for God and a love for neighbour—that goes deeper than externals—that grows out of a heart that truly loves God above everything else. But how is that even supposed to happen?  Before he died, Moses reiterated the law to the people a second time—deuter-onomy, second law.  And when he was finished, he exhorted them in Deuteronomy 30:11: “You can do this.  It's not too hard.  It's not far off.  It's not up in heaven.  You don't need anyone to bring it down to you.  It's in your mouth and it's in your heart so that you can do it.”  Neither Moses nor the Lord expected perfect sinlessness.  That's why the Lord had made provisions for atonement in the law.  The Lord simply expected them to follow his law, to be the holy people he had made them and for whom he'd made provision to stay holy.  All they needed to do was to keep their eyes on him, to remember all he'd done for them, to know his word, to live in his grace. And I read that passage from Deuteronomy and I think: Okay.  Being faithful to the law wasn't too hard, but that doesn't mean it was easy.  If it had been easy, Israel wouldn't have failed over and over and over.  Living on this side of the cross.  Living as someone into whom God has poured his Spirit to fulfil his Old Testament promises of heart renewal, I still struggle to love God with all my being and to love my neighbours as myself.  We all do.  Sanctification is a process.  The Spirit doesn't change our hearts all at once, although it's often the case—especially with new believers—that the Spirit will do some amazing things to jump start the process.  I've been at it fifty-three years and there's still lots to do to dig out and uproot the darkness that lurks in my heart.  Every time I think I've cleaned house and then sit down with the scriptures again, I hear God speak, and I find there's always something I missed: the baseboard behind the couch needs dusting, I forgot to scrub that invisible spot under the rim of the toilet bow, or—sometimes—there's a giant pile of garbage in the middle of the living room that I've somehow not noticed all this time.  It takes work and prayer and scripture and counsel—and most of all the Spirit—to root all that darkness out and to replace it with love.  Really, if I'm honest, I'm kind of sympathetic with the Israelites when they shared their skepticism with Moses.  Really, Moses?  This isn't too hard?  I'm fighting to do it and I'm living in the fulfilment of God's promise of the Spirit to renew my heart?  How were they supposed to do it? But maybe that's just it.  Too often we think of the law as commandments to be obeyed—mostly in our own strength.  Even Israel wasn't expected to do that.  That's why God lived in the middle of their camp.  He wasn't going to leave them alone to be holy all on their own, because that is impossible.  But more importantly, what Jesus says here about loving God and loving each other really starts to come into focus as we see Jesus on the cross, dying for the sins of his people, his enemies, and then rising from death to bring to life God's new creation.  Jesus forgives our failures and he invites us into this new life.  God even comes to dwell in us—not just in our midst, but in us to renew our hearts.  And we start to realise that these commandments aren't orders to be obeyed in our own power and strength.  Instead, they're invitations into a whole new way of life—an invitation into new creation.  They're a hope that looks forward to the day when God finally sets everything to rights.  On that day there will be no more hate and no more pride and no more selfishness and no more sin.  We'll be full of love for him and for each other.  And so, in light of that invitation and that hope, in the power of the Spirit, we just start to live it now, day by day, bit by bit, welcoming God to expose the darkness and the dirt in our hearts and then gladly cleaning it out and letting light and love and life fill us—day by day and bit by bit, a little at a time as we live in hope—knowing for sure that one day it'll all be done.  This is why we live, not only looking back to the cross in gratitude, but also looking forward in a hope made sure and certain by the cross. But wait, there's more.  That's only half today's Gospel.  That was the first question.  The Pharisees asked it.  And now Jesus turns the tables (verse 41): “While the Pharisees were gathered there, Jesus asked them, ‘What's your view of the Messiah?  Whose son is he?” That probably seems like a weird question to us, but it probably wasn't for them—although they wondered where Jesus was going with it.  They knew the answer.  It was an easy one.  Just as easy as the question they'd asked him.  “He's David's son,” they said to him.  Nothing controversial there.  In fact, Matthew's made it clear right from verse 1 of his Gospel: “The book of the family tree of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham.”  That's how Matthew's Gospel starts.  But, of course, it can't be that easy.  So Jesus follows up in verse 43, saying, “Why then does David (speaking by the Spirit) call him ‘Lord' when he says, ‘The Lord says to my Lord, sit here at my right hand, until I place your enemies down beneath your feet.'  If David calls him ‘Lord,' how can he be his son?” What?  I should spell that like the Internet meme: “Wut?”  I can only imagine how they looked around at each other confused.  No surprises when Matthew says, “Nobody was able to answer him a single word.  From that day on nobody dared ask him anything anymore.” This one would take some time to sink in.  I kind of suspect they never did figure it out—at least most of them.  Maybe some of them did eventually figure it out in the weeks, months, and years after Jesus rose from the dead.  Maybe they believed the stories—or maybe they saw him—and it finally clicked and they believed.  But even a lot of Christians who do believe don't understand what Jesus is getting at.  So here's his point: Just saying that Jesus is the son of David doesn't give the whole picture.  For most of the Jews in those days, “Son of David” brought to mind images of a coming great warrior king.  Like a literal David, only greater.  And he would restore the kingdom of Israel over which David had once ruled at its height, only greater.  The Son of David would expand the borders.  He would utterly destroy every one of Israel's enemies.  And there would be no end to his kingdom or his reign.  He would put Israel at the top of the heap forever.  No Solomon with his idolatry and foreign wives would mess it up.  No royal rivalries would split it up.  No foreign power would ever bring it down.  This was their vision of the world set to rights. And we can probably forgive them, because it's easy to read God's promises that way.  Just like it's easy for the folks in that deconstruction conference to read all the warm-fuzzy passages about Jesus and to forget the ones about repentance and judgement.  The passage Jesus quotes is the first verse of Psalm 110—the psalm quoted more than any other by the writers of the New Testament.  It's a psalm attributed to David and it goes like this.  Again, Psalm 110 if you're following along: The Lord says to my Lord:          “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” The Lord sends forth from Zion          your mighty scepter.          Rule in the midst of your enemies! Your people will offer themselves freely          on the day of your power,          in holy garments; from the womb of the morning,          the dew of your youth will be yours. The Lord has sworn          and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever          after the order of Melchizedek.” The Lord is at your right hand;          he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath. He will execute judgment among the nations,          filling them with corpses; he will shatter chiefs          over the wide earth. He will drink from the brook by the way;          therefore he will lift up his head. It's right there.  The Lord will shatter kings on the day of his wrath. He will execute judgement among the nations, filling them with corpses; he will shatter chiefs over the wide earth.”  Again, I can't blame them for expecting the Son of David to come and smash Gentile heads.  I can't…except that there's still the two greatest commandments in the law: love God with all your being and your neighbour as yourself.  You have to account for both.  Like our Article XX says, “It is not lawful for the Church to ordain any thing that is contrary to God's Word written, neither may it so expound one place of Scripture, that it be repugnant to another.”   If the Son of David was just coming to crush and shatter Israel's enemies, how would that encourage the people, how would that help the people learn to love God with all their being and (especially) their neighbours as themselves?  One of the things we see in Jesus, not least as he goes to the cross to give his life for his enemies, is that when we say that word, “God”, we're talking about the almighty Creator who not only loves his own people, but who loves the whole world.  He loves his enemies enough to humble himself, taking on their—our—flesh, so that he could die the death that their—that our—sins deserve, all to reconcile us to himself and to set right the creation we have broken.  And he does it all so that we can have a share in, so that we can once again live in his presence in that new creation. And so Jesus' point here is that, if David's son is also David's lord, then the great warrior-messiah the Jews hoped for will, in the end, bring the saving, healing, restoring, setting-to-rights rule of this loving Creator God not only to Israel, but to the whole world.  And, yes, there will come a day when the last rebellious enemies of his people who remain, when the last rebels against the Gospel will be crushed and wiped from his creation so that it can finally and fully be set to rights, but in the meantime it means that Jesus the Messiah has not come to bash heads.  He will indeed put his enemies—and kings and nations—under his feet, but he will do that as the power of the Gospel goes out to the nations—as the good news of the servant king who gives his life for the sake of his enemies turns their hearts to this God who is unlike any god they've ever known and as Jesus' new creation gives them a glimpse of and hope for a world to set to rights the likes of which they never imagined.  And that good news will go out and it will go out and it will go out until the glory of the Lord covers the earth as the waters cover the sea and when it has done its work, then the Messiah will defeat even death itself. Brothers and Sisters, hear the scriptures and let this Jesus sustain you.  The Jesus who, like David, has gone to battle—who has done single combat against our enemies, against sin and death at the cross.  The Jesus who teaches us by his death what it looks like to truly love God with all our heart and life and mind and strength and to love our neighbours as ourselves.  The Jesus who has risen from death and who has poured his Spirit into our hearts so that we can know God's life and God's new creation and live in hope of the day when he will finish what he has started.  Not some other Jesus.  Not a Jesus we build like a Mr. Potato Head, picking and choosing the parts we like, but this Jesus: the Jesus who is both loving shepherd and warrior king; this Jesus who ate with sinners and condemns sin and calls us to repentance; this Jesus who loves his enemies so much that he gave his life for our sake, but who will also one day wipe from his creation ever last remaining bit of rebellion and darkness and sin; this Jesus and only this Jesus who truly reveals the glory of God and moves our hearts to worship and to love and to loyalty. Let's pray: Almighty God, gracious Father, we give you thank for your promises and for your faithfulness to them.  We think today especially of your promises to David and the Prophets that gave them a hope for your Messiah.  He is both David's son and your own son, the true Israel, and in him we have forgiveness of sins and the life of your kingdom.  We pray that as we live the life he gives, we would also live in hope, knowing your faithfulness and trusting in your promises, and joyfully expecting—and participating in—the work of your Church, empowered by Jesus and the Spirit as we look forward to your renewal of all things.  Amen.

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Open calls on any topic! (Except TAG). Calling all libs, Mormons, cults, Catholics, Calvinists, etc. - AND geopolitics topics! Conference: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/athens-jerusalem-orthodox-art-philosophy-life-tickets-1598008298839?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm-source=cp&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing Tix for film festival https://flowood.legacytheaters.com/movie/Esoteric%5FHollywood%5Fwith%5FJay%5FDyer%5FFATMF Scream queens event: https://tampabayscreams.com Send Superchats at any time here: https://streamlabs.com/jaydyer/tip Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnt7Iy8GlmdPwy_Tzyx93bA/join PRE-Order New Book Available in Sept here: https://jaysanalysis.com/product/esoteric-hollywood-3-sex-cults-apocalypse-in-films/ Get started with Bitcoin here: https://www.swanbitcoin.com/jaydyer/ The New Philosophy Course is here: https://marketplace.autonomyagora.com/philosophy101 Set up recurring Choq subscription with the discount code JAY44LIFE for 44% off now https://choq.com Subscribe to my site here: https://jaysanalysis.com/membership-account/membership-levels/ Follow me on R0kfin here: https://rokfin.com/jaydyer Music by Amid the Ruins 1453 https://www.youtube.com/@amidtheruinsOVERHAUL Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnt7Iy8GlmdPwy_Tzyx93bA/join Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnt7Iy8GlmdPwy_Tzyx93bA/join #comedy #podcast #entertainmentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jay-sanalysis--1423846/support.

If you enjoy this episode, we're sure you will enjoy more content like this on The Occult Rejects.  In fact, we have curated playlists on occult topics like grimoires, esoteric concepts and phenomena, occult history, analyzing true crime and cults with an occult lens, Para politics, and occultism in music. Whether you enjoy consuming your content visually or via audio, we've got you covered - and it will always be provided free of charge.  So, if you enjoy what we do and want to support our work of providing accessible, free content on various platforms, please consider making a donation to the links provided below.  Thank you and enjoy the episode!Links For The Occult Rejects and The Spiritual Gangsters https://linktr.ee/theoccultrejectsOccult Research Institutehttps://www.occultresearchinstitute.org/Cash Apphttps://cash.app/$theoccultrejectsVenmo@TheOccultRejectsBuy Me A Coffeebuymeacoffee.com/TheOccultRejectsPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/TheOccultRejectsEvents The Occult Rejects will be atOctober 4 - Bigfoot Comicon, The Fun Factory 1024 Georgia Rd, Franklin, NC 28734October 18th - Charlies Beyond Belief at Tropical Lodge 56 F & AM Fort Myers, FLhttps://www.charliesbeyond.com/October 25-26, ARKANSAS PARANORMAL EXPO,at 503 East Ninth, Little Rock, ARhttps://www.arkansasparanormalexpo.com/November 1 Greenville SC TBANovember 22 - UFO Comicon, N Broad St,US Army National Guard Armory, Mooresville, NC 28115 Mooresville, NC December 5-6 - ArtComicon, Mt. Airy, GA (Authors, Artists, Filmmakers) TBAHeadless Gianthttps://linktr.ee/headlessgiantpodcastEvents The Occult Rejects will be atOctober 18th - Charlies Beyond Belief at Tropical Lodge 56 F & AM Fort Myers, FLhttps://www.charliesbeyond.com/October 25-26, ARKANSAS PARANORMAL EXPO at 503 East Ninth, Little Rock, ARhttps://www.arkansasparanormalexpo.com/

It's Fuck Yeah Friday, and Lesley is back with wins and wisdom to brighten your week. She shares a surprising story about how time was once measured, highlights an inspiring Pilates win from listener Lisa MacDonald, and reflects on her 10th wedding anniversary with Brad. Along the way, she reminds us that noticing even the smallest victories—like making it through a tough day—can transform how habits take root.If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co mailto:beit@lesleylogan.co. And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.In this episode you will learn about:How ancient calendars connected women's cycles with timekeeping.The role of daily recognition in building lasting habits.Lisa MacDonald's Pilates win and how she reframed a setback.The significance of celebrating milestones like anniversaries.Why the mantra “I do not rise and fall for another” fosters self-trust.Episode References/Links:Submit your wins or questions - https://beitpod.com/questionsStella Porta's Instagram Post - https://beitpod.com/13month If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSIDEALS! DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentCheck out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper's Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentBe in the know with all the workshops at OPC https://workshops.onlinepilatesclasses.com/lp-workshop-waitlistBe It Till You See It Podcast Survey https://pod.lesleylogan.co/be-it-podcasts-surveyBe a part of Lesley's Pilates Mentorship https://lesleylogan.co/elevate/FREE Ditching Busy Webinar https://ditchingbusy.com/Resources:Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gLesley Logan website https://lesleylogan.co/Be It Till You See It Podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjogqXLnfyhS5VlU4rdzlnQProfitable Pilates https://profitablepilates.com/about/Follow Us on Social Media:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lesley.logan/The Be It Till You See It Podcast YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gFacebook https://www.facebook.com/llogan.pilatesLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-logan/The OPC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnlinePilatesClasses Episode Transcript:Lesley Logan 0:00  It's Fuck Yeah Friday. Brad Crowell 0:03  Fuck yeah. Lesley Logan 0:04  Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started.  Lesley Logan 0:48  Hello, Happy FYF. Happy Friday. Happy Fuck Yeah Friday, where we get some inspiration, we have a little bit of fun, we celebrate your wins and mine, and we leave with a little affirmation or mantra or just something to kick our weekend off. Thank you so much for being here. If you're new to the Be It Till You See It Podcast, we do interviews on Tuesday, recaps on Thursday, and this is my time to share a win of yours. You can send your wins into beitpod.com/questions as we can send your questions as well, but you can also send your wins. And I want them. I want more wins from you. Lesley Logan 1:15  So something that inspired me, or like sometimes I feel like it can be educational. So they erased the 13th month because it was ruled by women. So this is from Stella Porta on Instagram. And this is interesting because I definitely had done some research and learned how, like, we got the Roman calendar, which is, like, makes no sense, and we have winter starting the new year off in the middle of winter, which makes zero sense. We should start the middle. We should start the year off at Spring, right? I just think so. But okay, here we go. Before the church ruled time, women followed a different calendar, one based not on the sun, but on the moon. It had 13 months of 28 days, mirroring the menstrual cycle. This wasn't just myth. It was math, 13 times 28 equals 364. Plus one holy day equals 365, Brad just walked in and I just blew his mind. So by the way, the Instagram has sources. So if you're like, this is baloney. No, it's not. There's like little sources. This lunar calendar shaped everything. It had four sacred weeks per month, New Waxing, Full and Waning. Sabbaths were tied to moon phases and a full year, called a year and a day, a phrase still found in spells and folklore. I have seen that in some stuff, and I was like, whoa, that's interesting. So a year and a day, right? Cultures around the world honored it. Maya, Maya women said that their calendar came from menstruation. Chinese women divided the sky into 28 lunar mansions, and in Gaelic words for menstruation and calendar are the same, miosach and miosachan. I don't know, M-I-O-S-A-C-H and M-I-O-S-A-C-H-A-N. So there you go. The Romans used the word menstruation for measuring time. It comes from mensura, measure, from the same root, we get mensis, month and the word menses, the monthly cycle. So one is mensis, maybe, and menses. A woman's body was the first clock, mind blown. But this body-based time was slowly erased. The church replaced the 13-moon year with a 12-month solar one. They called 13 unlucky, moon rites became witchcraft, even menstruation became taboo. Still the signs survived. Witch covens honor the number 13, The 13 Treasures of Britain. Sow with 13 teats in Malta's temples, Twelfth Night fires, 12 small flames, plus one large one to represent the 13th moon of the new year. So lots of little people, just like keeping that history around. I love it, generations, hundreds of years later, right? The church flipped time inside out. Pagans began their days at sunset. The Saxon word for day actually meant night. Good night was once good den or good moonday. Christianity didn't release the goddess calendar. It was rebranded. Christmas Eve equals the pagan night of the mother. Easter equals set by the first full moon after the spring equinox. May Eve, Midsummer Eve, Llamas Eve, All Hallow's Eve, all began as a lunar right. This is interesting. This source that's here I started on another podcast. Pretty much every amazing holiday used to be a pagan holiday, and then the church just rebranded it. So anyways, always good to know where these things came from because I just think you should know. I think you should know what things really are. Alright. They tried to rewrite time, to flatten her curves into straight lines, but the moon cycles never left. They pulse in the mirror of stories and the tides of women in the hush between full moons. And now she's being remembered, not as superstition, but as origin. So hopefully I can get this girl who posted this on the pod. I really. She was cool. And I thought this information is cool. And ladies, we need to know. Right? Time was actually all about us. And I just think that's amazing. Lesley Logan 5:08  So okay, a win of yours. Lisa MacDonald, had a summer cancelation hole on my schedule, but turned what could be considered a negative to a positive, and did Boom Boom Pow! with Lesley on the Reformer, finished with my boomerang on the mat, stood up and said awesome out loud, it felt great. Such a win. Coming off my duet session with Lesley and Melissa Hargrove last night, I felt strong, connected and fabulous. Thank you, Lesley, for inspiring me to look for a win and celebrate. Lisa MacDonald, of course, of course. Lisa is an OPC member. She's done my mentorship program, and so the Boom Boom Pow! was one of the OPC classes. And at OPC, we have a name for every class you have access to it for two weeks. And it's really fun when you get, if you're a teacher, you get a cancelation and you take class because then you get to have extra time with your Pilates practice, which I love. Lesley Logan 5:57  Okay, my win didn't get celebrated last week. We were out of town, and I wanted to make sure I told you, Brad and I celebrated 10 years of being married last week, which is insanity. It's so crazy. I don't know if you maybe this is maybe I'm not the only one, but please let me know if you feel like you are. Like, hold on, how long I've been with this person, or how long I've been doing any anniversary, right? Like, how long have I been doing this? Like it felt like we just got married, and actually, obviously we haven't, but, like, doesn't feel like it's been 10 years, which I guess is great, but then I look back and I'm like, wow, we have done so much in 10 years, like, an insane amount in 10 years. And it's really cool, because this is, like, the first time we have so much more to go and so much more to grow, but just really grateful that we got to celebrate that together, because sometimes our anniversaries line up where we are on a plane and we're together, but like, one of us probably sleeping, and also several times it's happened where we've, like, taken off on a flight on the second, we've landed on the fourth, because we lost today. So it's really nice that we were around together in the daylight hours, not on a plane, able to actually celebrate our 10 year anniversary, which is really, really great. So normally, the wins are something that you want to celebrate. Sometimes they're big, like a 10 year, you know, I'll celebrate 11 as well, but I think it's important that, you know, we celebrate wins, big or small. In the coming months, we're going to have a Habits Series on the program, and one of the biggest things you can start doing to big habits happen is start to notice the things that you actually are getting done, the wins that are actually happening in your life. All right, there's little ones every single day, and we are just not taking enough time to celebrate what we did do. And you know what? Maybe you've got a lot going on in your life, and the only thing to celebrate is that you took a shower and you put on a different change of clothes. That's a huge win. If that was the hardest thing you could do in the day. You know, like, I think you I think we have to start giving ourselves credit for what we have done. And I really, I interviewed someone to be on the pod, and I really like what they're saying. There's so many people who are doing outward actions to get outward affirmation, versus looking and glowing from within, and you can only do that if you're actually recognizing that you're doing really great stuff based in grace, babe. Lesley Logan 8:13  All right, your mantra. You ready for it? I do not rise and fall for another. I do not rise and fall for another. I do not rise and fall for another. No, you don't. You rise. You rise for you. Got it? So easy to do it for other people, and it hurts because it's hard that way. So I do not rise and fall for another. Lesley Logan 8:39  You guys, have an amazing week. We've got a great guest coming up next week. Can't wait for you to hear it and until then, Be It Till You See It. Lesley Logan 8:46  That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.Brad Crowell 9:28  It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan 9:34  It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.Brad Crowell 9:38  Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.Lesley Logan 9:45  Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.Brad Crowell 9:49  Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/be-it-till-you-see-it/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Historically speaking, it goes without saying that Europe is a Christian continent. But prior to the arrival of this monotheistic faith from the Middle East, its various cultures and peoples had their own gods and religious practices. Still, the conversion of the continent from paganism to Christianity didn't occur overnight and there were indeed a few holdouts, though perhaps none quite as late, if you will, than the subject of this week's episode. Join me on a trip to 14th Century Lithuania for a look at Europe's last pagans!

A – About: Jeremiah 40 recounts the aftermath of Jerusalem's fall. Jeremiah is freed and Gedaliah becomes governor over the remnant in Judah. Despite devastation, a small community remains under Babylon's rule. Even pagan voices recognize Judah's sin and God's justice. B – Best Verse: Jeremiah 40:2 – "The Lord your God has pronounced this doom on this place." C – Call to Action: Be humble and receptive to conviction, even when truth comes through unexpected voices. Repent when your life contradicts God's Word. Seek a tender heart that responds to Scripture with obedience, not pride.

Father Edward Looney reads and comments on The Life of Jesus Christ and Biblical Revelations: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich.Day 132Volume 2JESUS' TEACHING MISSION IN THE COUNTRY OF GENESARETH AND ON THE BANKS OF THE JORDANChapter 19: Jesus in Dion and JogbehaLEARN MORE - USE COUPON CODE ACE25 FOR 25% OFFThe Life of Jesus Christ and Biblical Revelations: From the Visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich Four-Book Set - https://bit.ly/3QVreIsThe Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich - https://bit.ly/4bPsxRmThe Life and Revelations of Anne Catherine Emmerich Two-Book Set - https://bit.ly/3yxaLE5The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich - https://bit.ly/3wTRsULMary Magdalen in the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich - https://bit.ly/4brYEXbThe Mystical City of God Four-Book Set - https://bit.ly/44Q9nZbOur Lady of Good Help: Prayer Book for Pilgrims - https://bit.ly/3Ke6O9SThe Life of Jesus Christ in a Year: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich is a podcast from TAN that takes you through one of the most extraordinary books ever published. Follow along daily as Father Edward Looney works his way through the classic four-volume set, The Life of Jesus Christ and Biblical Revelations, by reading a passage from the book and then giving his commentary. Discover the visions of the famous 19th-century Catholic mystic, Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, a nun who was privileged by God to behold innumerable events of biblical times.Anne Catherine's visions included the birth, life, public ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the founding of His Church. Besides describing persons, places, events, and traditions in intimate detail, she also sets forth the mystical significance of these visible realities. Here is the infinite love of God incarnate and made manifest for all to see, made all the more striking and vivid by the accounts Blessed Anne has relayed.Listen and subscribe to The Life of Jesus Christ in a Year: From the Visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich on your favorite podcast platform or at EmmerichPodcast.com.And for more great ways to deepen your faith, check out all the spiritual resources available at TANBooks.com and use Coupon Code ACE25 for 25% off your next order.

In this episode of the Greyhorn Pagans podcast, host StijnFawkes welcomes Sophia Demas, an author known for her books on miracles and synchronicities. Sophia shares her journey of discovering miracles in her life, starting from a young age, and how these experiences led her to write her books. The conversation delves into the concept of divine intelligence, the role of coincidences, and the power of faith and spirituality. Sophia also discusses her personal experiences with spontaneous healing and after-death communication, offering insights into the mystical aspects of life.Takeaways:Miracles often begin with small coincidences that lead to significant outcomes.Divine intelligence communicates through dreams, strangers, and coincidences.Taking action on coincidences can lead to receiving exactly what you need.Spontaneous healing and after-death communication are real experiences.Faith and spirituality play a crucial role in understanding life's mysteries.Obstacles can be meaningful and lead to positive outcomes.Listening to your gut and taking action can bring about miracles.Science is beginning to explore and validate spiritual experiences.Open-mindedness and acknowledging unseen beings can enrich life.Personal stories of miracles can provide comfort and hope.Where to find the Tribe of the Greyhorn Pagans:https://www.greyhornpagans.com/https://linktr.ee/firefaePodcast recorded with Riverside Studios:https://www.riverside.fm/?via=stijnfawkesMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://share.uppbeat.io/3sdb032die4gMusic used:Intro: Runes of the Ancients by Queen of blades -- https://www.bandlab.com/roamingdarkness_Outro: Viking/Medieval Theme by M-Murray -- https://freesound.org/s/723202/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/greyhorn-pagans-podcast--6047518/support.Make sure to share this podcast and subscribe to our Patreon for bonus content and more

As the nation moves farther away from God, the U.S. military seems to be as well. Norse paganism, also known as heathenry, is a polytheistic religion focused on the worship of Norse gods like Odin and Thor. The trends we are seeing in the military leave us troubled, and we caution our armed service members to stay away from this false religion. This week we also hear letters from the audience that detail demonic oppression in the form of dreams. How should Christians deal with these attacks? Hear the biblical truth as Rick Burgess uses the power of the Bible to win the spiritual war going on around us on this episode of "Strange Encounters." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lucy Ash is a British documentary-maker, journalist, broadcaster and author, and has done extensive work for the BBC. Much of it focuses on former Soviet countries, indeed her work in radio started in Russia, as producer in the BBC's bureau in Moscow from 1990. From March 2023 until May 2025, Ash held a fellowship at Institut für die Wissenschaften vom Menschen (Institute for Human Sciences), during which she examined the Russian Orthodox Church under President Vladimir Putin. And these topics are explored in her book from 2024, The Baton and the Cross: Russia's Church from Pagans to Putin. ----------LINKS: https://www.lucyashjournalism.com/abouthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucy_Ashhttps://x.com/LucyAAshhttps://www.themoscowtimes.com/author/lucy-ashhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-ash-491b825/----------BOOKS: The Baton and the Cross (2024)----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------This is super important. There are so many Battalions in Ukraine, fighting to defend our freedoms, but lack basics such as vehicles. These are destroyed on a regular basis, and lack of transport is costs lives, and Ukrainian territory. Once again Silicon Curtain has teamed up with Car4Ukraine and a group of wonderful creators to provide much-needed assistance: https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtainAutumn Harvest: Silicon Curtain (Goal€22,000)We'll be supporting troops in Pokrovsk, Kharkiv, and other regions where the trucks are needed the most. 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalionhttps://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/autumn-harvest-silicon-curtain----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------

Rachel and Simon speak with the screenwriter and novelist James Alistair Henry. James first started writing while working as a bookseller. He joined the writing team for Channel 4's "Smack the Pony" and went on to write the BAFTA-award winning "Green Wing", ITV comedy "Delivery Man" and sitcom "Campus" as well as episodes for the children's television shows "Bob The Builder" and "Hey Duggee". His Radio 4 sketch show, "Wosson Cornwall", was selected as BBC Radio Comedy of the Week and his newest sitcom, "Piglets", has been commissioned for a second series. James's recent debut novel, "Pagans", set in an alternate 21st-century Britain where Christianity, the Norman Conquest and the Industrial Revolution never happened, has been optioned for TV by production company Media Res. We spoke to James about comedy writing, his children's TV work, and his new novel. We've made another update for those ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠who support the podcast on the crowdfunding site Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. We've added 40 pages of new material to the package of successful article pitches that goes to anyone who supports the show with $5 per month or more, including new pitches to the New York Times, the Washington Post and the BBC. The whole compendium now runs to a whopping 160 pages. For Patreons who contribute $10/month we're now also releasing bonus mini-episodes. Thanks to our sponsor, Scrivener, the first ten new signs-ups at $10/month will receive a lifelong license to Scrivener worth £55/$59.99 (seven are left). This specialist word-processing software helps you organise long writing projects such as novels, academic papers and even scripts. Other Patreon rewards include signed copies of the podcast book and the opportunity to take part in a monthly call with Simon and Rachel.A new edition of “Always Take Notes: Advice From Some Of The World's Greatest Writers” - a book drawing on our podcast interviews - is available now. The updated version now includes insights from over 100 past guests on the podcast, with new contributions from Harlan Coben, Victoria Hislop, Lee Child, Megan Nolan, Jhumpa Lahiri, Philippa Gregory, Jo Nesbø, Paul Theroux, Hisham Matar and Bettany Hughes. You can order it via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waterstones⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.You can find us online at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠alwaystakenotes.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, on Twitter @takenotesalways and on Instagram @alwaystakenotes. Always Take Notes is presented by Simon Akam and Rachel Lloyd, and produced by Artemis Irvine. Our music is by Jessica Dannheisser and our logo was designed by James Edgar.

In party conference season, we look at what bonds party members and what it means to create a new network with its own shared beliefs and rituals. What light can the big thinkers from the worlds of anthropology and sociology shed? From political tribes to criminal gangs, from social media to social class - how do shared beliefs, rituals, rules and values bond us together - and pull us apart?Anne McElvoy is joined by Kit Davis, emeritus professor of anthropology at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London; Lynsey Hanley writer and author of Estates and Respectable: The Experience of Class; Adele Walton, Journalist and author of Logging Off; Alistair Fraser, professor of criminology at Glasgow University; assistant editor of The Spectator and political journalist and Isabel Hardman; and, Rebecca Earle, Professor of History and Chair of the British Academy Book PrizeShortlist for the British Academy Book Prize announced on October 22nd: The Burning Earth: An Environmental History of the Last 500 Years by Sunil Amrith The Baton and The Cross: Russia's Church from Pagans to Putin by Lucy Ash The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World by William Dalrymple Africonomics: A History of Western Ignorance by Bronwen Everill Sick of It: The Global Fight for Women's Health by Sophie Harman Sound Tracks: Uncovering Our Musical Past by Graham LawsonProducer: Ruth Watts

September 26th, 2025:  The North American Martyrs; Cosmas & Damian - Brother Martyrs; Ss Justina & Cyprian - God Will Make You a Saint; Doctors & Saints - Cosmas & Damian; The North American Martyrs - Convert the Pagans

The Pagan, Heathen, and Witch movements may now be facing the greatest challenge in our young, vibrant history.  Join your host for a journey through why our movements have always been a challenge to Christian hegemony, how we might now be an explicit target for persecution, The Pagan Threat, and more.Sources:The Pagans & the Christians - https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-37-the-pagans-and-the-christians--60874790Number of Pagans in the US - https://www.newsweek.com/witchcraft-wiccans-mysticism-astrology-witches-millennials-pagans-religion-1221019Pew Forum on Religion - https://www.pewresearch.org/religious-landscape-study/The Federalist - https://thefederalist.com/2019/09/26/climate-worship-is-nothing-more-than-rebranded-paganism/Charlie Kirk on Maui - https://www.mediamatters.org/charlie-kirk/charlie-kirk-blames-maui-wildfires-pagan-hawaiian-cultureThe Pagan Threat - https://wildhunt.org/2025/09/the-pagan-threat-is-talking-about-us.htmlMegyn Kelly - https://www.megynkelly.com/2025/09/23/megyn-kelly-reveals-erika-kirk-reaction-to-jezebel-curse-story-about-charlie-kirk/Want to support this podcast and my other work?  Sign up for my Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/c/wayw... or contribute to my KoFi here: https://ko-fi.com/ryansmithwfi

In this episode, Adam talks with Ivo Domínguez, Jr., our keynote guest at this year's TempleFest, and longtime friend of the Temple community. Ivo Domínguez, Jr. has been active in Wiccan and the Pagan community since 1978. Ivo is a founding member and former High Priest of Keepers of the Holly Chalice, the first Assembly of the Sacred Wheel coven. He currently serves as one of the Elders of the 15 ASW covens. Ivo has been published in numerous periodicals and is the author of The Four Elements of the Wise; Keys to Perception: A Practical Guide to Psychic Development; Practical Astrology for Witches and Pagans; Casting Sacred Space; and Spirit Speak, among other works. He is the anchor author for the new twelve-book Witch's Sun Sign Series. In his mundane life, he has been a computer programmer, the executive director of an AIDS/HIV service organization, a bookstore owner, and many other things. He is queer, poly, and lives in the woods of Southern Delaware with his family of choice.

Spirit Speak presents a unified system for understanding the broad range of nonphysical beings that we call spirits. Ivo Dominguez Jr is able to make complex ideas accessible, through analogy and example, without oversimplifying. This comprehensive book can be understood and appreciated by readers from all different faiths, backgrounds, and levels of experience. It explores concepts such asspiritual lineagethe assumption of God-Formsthe mindset needed for proper spirit workdivine embodimentthe limits and potential for many spiritual practices This new edition of Spirit Speak contains a new foreword by Mat Auryn, fresh updates, and new chapters on plant spirits and aspecting.Find the book and Ivo:Book: https://redwheelweiser.com/book/spirit-speak-9781578638888/?srsltid=AfmBOoqnGWZJPg3_bK6z4_w-ofW7a4AUf2nUpJzxSbnyHYxyc5Grmui1Website: www.ivodominguezjr.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/ivodominguezjr/Ivo Domínguez, Jr. has been active in Wiccan and the Pagan community since 1978. Ivo is a founding member and former High Priest of Keepers of the Holly Chalice, the first Assembly of the Sacred Wheel coven. He currently serves as one of the Elders of the 15 ASW covens. Ivo has been published in numerous periodicals and is the author of The Four Elements of the Wise; Keys to Perception: A Practical Guide to Psychic Development; Practical Astrology for Witches and Pagans; Casting Sacred Space; and Spirit Speak, among other works. He is the anchor author for the new twelve book Witch's Sun Sign Series. 

Episode 432, including tracks from Hearing Tests, Silver Screams, Maggot House, Bridge The Gap, The Phosphorus Bombs, Boot Boys, Brigata Vendetta, A.S.O.P., Pagans of Northumberland, 66 Aces, Gales Forces, and Virginia Sweet. Eric is unable to make it this episode but this episode is loaded with a bunch of new music shared with us, a great albums and a great compilation, and wrap up the show with an hard rock and alternative track.

Christianity came to dominate Europe in the Middle Ages. However, some parts of Europe remained pagan until very recently. So how did non-Christian peoples survive, and prosper, in parts of Europe for centuries after most of the continent had adopted the Church? Francis Young, folklorist and historian of religion and belief, explains all to David Musgrove. (Ad) Francis Young is the author of Silence of the Gods: The Untold History of Europe's Last Pagan Peoples (Cambridge University Press, 2025). Buy it now from Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silence-Gods-History-Europes-Peoples/dp/1009586572/?tag=bbchistory045-21&ascsubtag=historyextra-social-histboty. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Men's History super chats. News… Drinking is bad for you. 17 seconds of a thought attracts more of the same. FE space denial. 2015 Gaza soccer: Uncivil language!The Hake Report, Friday, August 15, 2025 ADTIMESTAMPS* (0:00:00) Start / Disclaimer / Spilled milk* (0:06:39) Hey, guys!* (0:08:46) Super/Coffee: Francis Marion, Swamp Fox; Pagans* (0:17:43) CANDY, CA, 1st: Electrolytes, staying hydrated; Clean up before* (0:21:23) WILLIAM III, CA: Pete Rozelle, Pistol Pete Maravich, Robert Redford* (0:26:50) W III: Ronnie's ancient gods* (0:28:03) W III: News… DC* (0:33:01) News: DC, Alaska,* (0:36:10) Drinking story* (0:46:03) Scared illegal* (0:51:15) ROBERT, KS: School dumbs you down; Park, trees* (0:53:59) ROBERT: Donyale moon landing; Working* (1:00:49) Supers/Coffees…* (1:05:32) 17 seconds of a thought attracts more…* (1:13:37) ALLEN, MI: Punchie's Coffee. Electrolytes. Op Paperclip* (1:19:30) ROB, NorCal: Bubbles in Space* (1:32:58) ROB: Space, not profitable — yet!* (1:37:36) Super: Nuggetman's hero Léo Major* (1:50:57) Soccer in Gaza … EndBLOG https://www.thehakereport.com/blog/2025/8/15/thenbsphakenbspreport-fri-8-15-25PODCAST / Substack HAKE NEWS from JLP https://www.thehakereport.com/jlp-news/2025/8/15/jlp-fri-8-15-25–Hake is live M-F 9-11a PT (11-1CT/12-2ET) Call-in 1-888-775-3773 https://www.thehakereport.com/showVIDEO: YT - Rumble* - Pilled - FB - X - BitChute (Live) - Odysee*PODCAST: Substack - Apple - Spotify - Castbox - Podcast Addict*SUPER CHAT https://buymeacoffee.com/thehakereportSHOP - Printify (new!) - Cameo | All My LinksJLP Network: JLP - Church - TFS - Nick - PunchieThe views expressed on this show do not represent BOND, Jesse Lee Peterson, the Network, this Host, or this platform. No endorsement or opposition implied!The show is for general information and entertainment, and everything should be taken with a grain of salt! Get full access to HAKE at thehakereport.substack.com/subscribe

We're back talking punk and hardcore. This time we're going way back to almost the beginning, 1978. You know what that means: The Misfits, The Germs, The Weirdos, The Buzzcocks, The Saints, The Bags, The Clash, The Zeros, The Pagans, etc. It's an all out THE assault.Check the website for playlists, our links, and SMASH that Patreon button:https://185milessouth.comhttps://patreon.com/185milessouthWe are on Substack (sometimes) writing about punk and hardcore:https://185milessouth.substack.comGet at me: 185milessouth@gmail.comCheck out Zack's band, SUBVERSIVE INTENT:https://camelclutchrecords.bandcamp.com/album/subversive-intent-demohttps://music.apple.com/us/album/demo-ep/1823370186https://open.spotify.com/album/5d7NaNwXOspPkPMYwOMeWj?si=KxD-XS2dRM-wbtZYeomNpABUY THE DEMO:https://rebirthrecords.bigcartel.com/product/subversive-intentIntro song: The PagansOutro song: The KidsSupport the show

Paganism was the set of original ancient religions around the world. They all had plenty of gods, loved nature, sometimes sacrificed things, and so on. Then the Big Three religions came along and took over. But today paganism has come roaring back!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.