Podcasts about Polytheism

Send us Fan MailJoin Fr. Aaron & Marissa Burt to discuss the readings for Trinity Sunday: Genesis 1:1-2:3; Psalm 150; 2 Corinthians 13:5-14; Matthew 28:16-20.Notes:Check out Marissa's Spiritual Treadmills survey hereThe quote Aaron mentioned: "Polytheism, therefore, was really a sort of pool; in the sense of the pagans having consented to the pooling of their pagan religions. And this point is very important in many controversies ancient and modern. It is regarded as a liberal and enlightened thing to say that the god of the stranger may be as good as our own; and doubtless the pagans thought themselves very liberal and enlightened when they agreed to add to the gods of the city or the hearth some wild and fantastic Dionysus coming down from the mountains or some shaggy and rustic Pan creeping out of the woods. But exactly what it lost by these larger ideas is the largest idea of all. It is the idea of the fatherhood that makes the whole world one."- G.K. Chesterton, The Everlasting Man--Dwell App--2019 Book of Common PrayerThe Bible ProjectPentecost: A Day of Power for All People, by: Emilio AlvarezOrdinary Time: A Season of Growth, by: Amy Peeler1:11 Collect1:58 Answering questions about the preaching team14:33 Genesis 1:1-2:333:50 Psalm 15036:14  2 Corinthians 13:5-1448:13 Matthew 28:16-20 Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

Many of the segments of society who are aware of Paganism, Heathenry, and Witchcraft treat it as a curiosity at best.  Join your host for a walk through why Paganism makes the world better by being a part of it, how it improves our lives & society, 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 in Heathen spirituality!  You can find out more and sign up at www.onblackwings.com/classes

Send us Fan MailJanuary 16, 2021Dr. Bart Ehrman.  Why do we suffer?  The canonical gospels.  Who wrote them?  When?  Quelle (source).  Problems of translation such as "logos".  Meaning of Messiah.  Gospels as credos, not historical records.  No record of Jesus in documents written in the 1st century.  James, brother of Jesus, was the first "pope";  he was Jewish, not Christian.Dr. Robert Wright:  A History of God.  Starting with spiritual origins with hunter-gatherers. Reassurance of survival especially on a planet where volcanoes, earthquakes, and famines threaten survival.  The idea of fairness--does it pre-date religion?  God--a concept to discourage theft.  Polytheism--monolatry--monotheism, a transition during Israelite history.  Polytheism and monolatry encourage peaceful trade and discourage wars.  Monotheism encourages warlike behaviors.Emperor Constantine.  Not really a Christian himself but encouraged it to tighten control over the Roman Empire.Dr. Reza Aslan.  "Zealot, the Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth".  See highly cringeworthy Lauren Greene-Aslan interview on Youtube.  He has chosen history over theology.  10 facts that I learned from the book, Zealot.Again, ignore the statements about the bars.  I am making the bars here in France from chocolate made in the village of Lakota.  If you want some bars, please contact me.Thanks.  Tom Support the showWrite to me at  twneuhaus@gmail.comTo learn more, visit  http://www.projecthopeandfairness.org

View this sermon (with video and/or audio recording) on our website: https://www.lordoflords.org/sermons/blind-and-deaf-polytheistic-believers/Joseph was a farmer near Hebron in the hill country of Judea. He heard the prophet Isaiah was traveling through the Judean countryside sharing God's message of judgment and promise.When Isaiah stopped in Hebron, Joseph invited Isaiah to have dinner with his family in his home. After their meal, they sat together in Joseph's family room to talk.As Isaiah looked around the room, he noticed the polished stone idol set prominently on the mantle. It had been cut and shaped and polished in the shape of a man. Earlier, Isaiah had noticed there was a wooden statue of a woman that had been carved and sanded and stained out of a wooden log.Joseph had seen Isaiah's eyes drift toward his stone and wooden idols. Joseph had carefully done the work himself to create these icons for his household. He believed his stone male deity protected his home from disease and enemies. He believed his wooden female deity blessed his crops with productivity and his herds with fertility.Though Joseph believed in the Lord, he kept his other deities around, too. He prayed to the Lord for salvation, but he prayed to his other gods for good weather and bountiful harvests. He trusted his Creator for everything ... mostly. He reserved some trust for the idols he created out of one of the rocks he picked in his wheat field and out of one of the logs he cut to build his barn. ... Just in case.But Joseph's prayers and priorities changed as soon as Isaiah began speaking.Isaiah had never been shy about sharing God's message. He boldly told his host, "Thank you for inviting me into your home and offering me dinner with your family. I couldn't help but notice your wooden and stone icons. You seem very proud of them. ... But God humbles the proud."Isaiah continued, "You shared your generosity with me. I want to share God's generosity with you. That generosity comes in a gentle, but stern warning. Please take it to heart. The Lord will not give his glory to another or share his praise with idols" (Isaiah 42:8).Then Isaiah gave a brief history lesson, "God blessed our ancestors by keeping them safe from the famine by bringing them out of Canaan into Egypt. Four hundred years later, he rescued them from slavery in Egypt and brought them back to the Promised Land of Canaan. The Lord expanded Israel's kingdom through David and Solomon. Those blessings were visible to everyone. If that wasn't enough, the Lord spoke clearly his message of judgment and grace through prophets like Elijah, Jeremiah and myself.""But the people became deaf to the Lord's words. They became blind to his blessings. They didn't see. They didn't listen. Because of this, this is what the Lord says to all Israel, 'You see many things, but you do not observe. He opens his ears, but he does not hear' (Isaiah 42:20). They fashioned their own gods."Isaiah pointed directly at Joseph and said, "You, Joseph, fashioned your own gods!""This is what the Lord says to you and all Israel, 'They will be turned back and be completely disgraced--- those who trust in an idol, those who say to molten images, 'You are our gods.' You deaf ones, listen! You blind ones, watch carefully so you can see' (Isaiah 42:17-18)! With your false gods, you have blinded yourself to the one true God."Then Isaiah's voice softened, "Still the Lord is gracious. He is merciful. He continues to reveal his salvation in the coming Messiah. Because of his righteousness, the Lord is pleased to share his Word with you, which is always great and glorious" (Isaiah 42:21).Isaiah paused to take a breath. Joseph used that time to get up and walk around the room. He sheepishly removed the stone statue off the mantle and the wooden carving from the kitchen counter.After he returned, Isaiah continued speaking, "Blind, deaf Israel will not return to the Lord on his own. So the Lord sends his prophets to open your ears. He renews his promises to open your eyes. The Messiah is coming. He will be the Light of the world that shines salvation in the darkness. He is the Word of the Lord that called the world into existence. The coming Messiah will rescue you, Joseph, the nation of Israel, and all nations. He will rescue you from the dark and deafening dungeon you have created for yourselves."Isaiah is preaching to blind and deaf polytheistic believers. Joseph and the Old Testament Israelites were polytheists. Polytheism is the worship of many gods. "Poly" means "many." "Theism" is "the worship of a god." The Israelites put their faith in the Lord, plus other deities of their own making. They had faith in the one true God. He was God 1A in their hearts. But they also put their faith in numerous false gods. These became gods 1B, 1C, and so on in their hearts.Generations later, we are no different. We, too, are blind and deaf polytheistic believers.Who are these gods? Martin Luther wrote in his Large Catechism: "That to which we look for all good and in which we are to find refuge in all need. Therefore, to have a god is nothing else than to trust and believe in that one with your whole heart."Sunday mornings we might recline ourselves before the great and comfortable pillow god. On the weekends, we will set up our collapsible thrones before the altar of our children's and grandchildren's athletics. Every day, each of us spends an average of over 3 hours exalting the deity of social media, games, and time-wasting on our phones.Work, overtime pay, recreation -- wherever we spend our time away from God and his Word -- these can become gods. When things interrupt our time fulfilling our Christian vocations as parents, grandparents, spouses, children, students, citizens, employers or employees, then these things become gods 1B, 1C, and so on in our hearts.Money, work, video games, TV binging, music, vacations -- these are our gods. These are the deities we have fashioned with our own hands. They are the idols we can hold in our own hands. These are the polytheistic gods we still worship and hold dear.At our Super Bowl party, one of the Teens asked me, "Pastor, what is your biggest sin?" That's a big question to contemplate. Thankfully, I could concentrate on it since the football game was boring. I told him, "My biggest sin is breaking God's First Commandment. It's not putting God first in my life." Luther says something similar, "Anything on which your heart relies and depends, that is really your God."God has given us his Ten Commandments. But there is really only one commandment and only one sin. That one commandment is, "You shall have no other gods." That one sin is idolatry. If we could keep this one commandment, if we could fear, love and trust in God above all things -- then we would never break the other commandments. But because we do fear, love and trust in things above God -- because we are blind and deaf idolaters -- we break every other commandment. Because our hearts are idol factories whose doors never close, our lives are full of repercussions from other gods. For they will always bring disappointment.Isaiah warns that judgment will come on those who have been blind and deaf to the true God. "Those who trust in an idol ... will be turned back and be completely disgraced" (Isaiah 42:17). Because the Israelites had been carried away by their spiritual blindness and deafness, they would be literally carried away by the Babylonians.Is it possible that things are happening right now as a result of our country's and our world's collective spiritual blindness and deafness? Unrest in our cities' streets, terrorist attacks in New York City, Austin, Old Dominion University, and a Michigan synagogue, plus military strikes on Iran. Could these things be a result of God's judgment on peoples and nations who have forsaken the Lord as the one true God?Isaiah describes the Lord as a woman in labor. "I have been silent for a long time. I have kept still. I have restrained myself. Like a woman giving birth, I will scream. I will gasp and pant" (Isaiah 42:14). This is bold imagery where the Lord compares himself to a pregnant woman about to give birth. This verse means that God has been silent and patient for a long time. He restrained himself. But there will come a time when he allows the judgment he's been holding back to come upon people in full screaming force.God allowed his judgment to come upon his people in various times in their history. The Assyrians carried away the ten northern tribes of Israel in a diaspora of the Jews. The Babylonians carried away the remaining two tribes of Judah into captivity for 70 years. The Romans destroyed and dismantled Herod's Temple in 70 A.D. God may allow his judgment to fall upon people who have become blind to his graces and deaf to his mercies.The Lord may allow calamities like job loss, car accident or health issues. The Lord may permit catastrophes like damage from severe winds, terrorist attacks here in our homeland or war away from our homeland. These may happen to get our attention. So we stop what we are doing. So we break our bad habits. So we reexamine our priorities.So our spiritual blindness is discovered by us. Our spiritual deafness is heard by us. We see the false gods we have created for ourselves. We hear the praise we have offered to our idols. Our polytheistic tendencies are revealed to us. Our gods 1B, 1C, and so on can be smashed into oblivion. Then we repent of our polytheistic worship. We see the true God with the eyes of faith. We hear God's voice in worship and his Word. We pay attention to the Lord alone.Imagine hiking the Bridle Trail. That's a tough, steep trail. Now, imagine hiking it while being blind ... and deaf! Could you hike that trail safely without sight or hearing? Not a chance! God steps in to act. God leads you up and down the trail. He does even more for us as we attempt to hike through the trail of life.The Lord says, "I will lead the blind on a way they do not know. Along paths they do not know I will direct them. Ahead of them I will turn darkness into light and rough places into level ground. These are the promises I will accomplish for them. I will not abandon them" (Isaiah 42:16). God leads his people on a path that is unfamiliar to them because it is a path only God can lead them through. He guides us spiritually blind sinners down the path of salvation using his Word and Sacraments.God did not remain silent or turn a blind eye to the plight of this world. Nor did he sit in heaven and bark down orders that we must trust him. God entered this dark, noisy world of sin as the Christ.On a dark, spring Friday afternoon, it appeared as if the darkness had won. It looked like the Light of the world had been extinguished on the cross and buried in the tomb. But the Light of the world defeated the darkness of sin and Satan on that dark cross. The Light of the World shattered the darkness of death when it burst forth from the tomb on Easter dawn.It seemed as if the Word of the Lord had been silenced on Good Friday. But the voice of the Lord was never stronger or bolder then when Christ comforted the thief, "Today you will be with me in paradise," or when he breathed his last calling out, "It is finished!"By his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus has proven that he is the Light of the world. He is the Word incarnate. He is the one true God. Put him as God 1A in your life. He doesn't want to share any of his glory with any other gods. Destroy them.Fellow blind and deaf polytheistic believers, open your eyes. See Christ as your only Savior. Open your ears. Hear the voice of the Lord in his Word. Amen.

Joseph was a farmer near Hebron in the hill country of Judea. He heard the prophet Isaiah was traveling through the Judean countryside sharing God's message of judgment and promise.When Isaiah stopped in Hebron, Joseph invited Isaiah to have dinner with his family in his home. After their meal, they sat together in Joseph's family room to talk.As Isaiah looked around the room, he noticed the polished stone idol set prominently on the mantle. It had been cut and shaped and polished in the shape of a man. Earlier, Isaiah had noticed there was a wooden statue of a woman that had been carved and sanded and stained out of a wooden log.Joseph had seen Isaiah's eyes drift toward his stone and wooden idols. Joseph had carefully done the work himself to create these icons for his household. He believed his stone male deity protected his home from disease and enemies. He believed his wooden female deity blessed his crops with productivity and his herds with fertility.Though Joseph believed in the Lord, he kept his other deities around, too. He prayed to the Lord for salvation, but he prayed to his other gods for good weather and bountiful harvests. He trusted his Creator for everything ... mostly. He reserved some trust for the idols he created out of one of the rocks he picked in his wheat field and out of one of the logs he cut to build his barn. ... Just in case.But Joseph's prayers and priorities changed as soon as Isaiah began speaking.Isaiah had never been shy about sharing God's message. He boldly told his host, "Thank you for inviting me into your home and offering me dinner with your family. I couldn't help but notice your wooden and stone icons. You seem very proud of them. ... But God humbles the proud."Isaiah continued, "You shared your generosity with me. I want to share God's generosity with you. That generosity comes in a gentle, but stern warning. Please take it to heart. The Lord will not give his glory to another or share his praise with idols" (Isaiah 42:8).Then Isaiah gave a brief history lesson, "God blessed our ancestors by keeping them safe from the famine by bringing them out of Canaan into Egypt. Four hundred years later, he rescued them from slavery in Egypt and brought them back to the Promised Land of Canaan. The Lord expanded Israel's kingdom through David and Solomon. Those blessings were visible to everyone. If that wasn't enough, the Lord spoke clearly his message of judgment and grace through prophets like Elijah, Jeremiah and myself.""But the people became deaf to the Lord's words. They became blind to his blessings. They didn't see. They didn't listen. Because of this, this is what the Lord says to all Israel, 'You see many things, but you do not observe. He opens his ears, but he does not hear' (Isaiah 42:20). They fashioned their own gods."Isaiah pointed directly at Joseph and said, "You, Joseph, fashioned your own gods!""This is what the Lord says to you and all Israel, 'They will be turned back and be completely disgraced--- those who trust in an idol, those who say to molten images, 'You are our gods.' You deaf ones, listen! You blind ones, watch carefully so you can see' (Isaiah 42:17-18)! With your false gods, you have blinded yourself to the one true God."Then Isaiah's voice softened, "Still the Lord is gracious. He is merciful. He continues to reveal his salvation in the coming Messiah. Because of his righteousness, the Lord is pleased to share his Word with you, which is always great and glorious" (Isaiah 42:21).Isaiah paused to take a breath. Joseph used that time to get up and walk around the room. He sheepishly removed the stone statue off the mantle and the wooden carving from the kitchen counter.After he returned, Isaiah continued speaking, "Blind, deaf Israel will not return to the Lord on his own. So the Lord sends his prophets to open your ears. He renews his promises to open your eyes. The Messiah is coming. He will be the Light of the world that shines salvation in the darkness. He is the Word of the Lord that called the world into existence. The coming Messiah will rescue you, Joseph, the nation of Israel, and all nations. He will rescue you from the dark and deafening dungeon you have created for yourselves."Isaiah is preaching to blind and deaf polytheistic believers. Joseph and the Old Testament Israelites were polytheists. Polytheism is the worship of many gods. "Poly" means "many." "Theism" is "the worship of a god." The Israelites put their faith in the Lord, plus other deities of their own making. They had faith in the one true God. He was God 1A in their hearts. But they also put their faith in numerous false gods. These became gods 1B, 1C, and so on in their hearts.Generations later, we are no different. We, too, are blind and deaf polytheistic believers.Who are these gods? Martin Luther wrote in his Large Catechism: "That to which we look for all good and in which we are to find refuge in all need. Therefore, to have a god is nothing else than to trust and believe in that one with your whole heart."Sunday mornings we might recline ourselves before the great and comfortable pillow god. On the weekends, we will set up our collapsible thrones before the altar of our children's and grandchildren's athletics. Every day, each of us spends an average of over 3 hours exalting the deity of social media, games, and time-wasting on our phones.Work, overtime pay, recreation -- wherever we spend our time away from God and his Word -- these can become gods. When things interrupt our time fulfilling our Christian vocations as parents, grandparents, spouses, children, students, citizens, employers or employees, then these things become gods 1B, 1C, and so on in our hearts.Money, work, video games, TV binging, music, vacations -- these are our gods. These are the deities we have fashioned with our own hands. They are the idols we can hold in our own hands. These are the polytheistic gods we still worship and hold dear.At our Super Bowl party, one of the Teens asked me, "Pastor, what is your biggest sin?" That's a big question to contemplate. Thankfully, I could concentrate on it since the football game was boring. I told him, "My biggest sin is breaking God's First Commandment. It's not putting God first in my life." Luther says something similar, "Anything on which your heart relies and depends, that is really your God."God has given us his Ten Commandments. But there is really only one commandment and only one sin. That one commandment is, "You shall have no other gods." That one sin is idolatry. If we could keep this one commandment, if we could fear, love and trust in God above all things -- then we would never break the other commandments. But because we do fear, love and trust in things above God -- because we are blind and deaf idolaters -- we break every other commandment. Because our hearts are idol factories whose doors never close, our lives are full of repercussions from other gods. For they will always bring disappointment.Isaiah warns that judgment will come on those who have been blind and deaf to the true God. "Those who trust in an idol ... will be turned back and be completely disgraced" (Isaiah 42:17). Because the Israelites had been carried away by their spiritual blindness and deafness, they would be literally carried away by the Babylonians.Is it possible that things are happening right now as a result of our country's and our world's collective spiritual blindness and deafness? Unrest in our cities' streets, terrorist attacks in New York City, Austin, Old Dominion University, and a Michigan synagogue, plus military strikes on Iran. Could these things be a result of God's judgment on peoples and nations who have forsaken the Lord as the one true God?Isaiah describes the Lord as a woman in labor. "I have been silent for a long time. I have kept still. I have restrained myself. Like a woman giving birth, I will scream. I will gasp and pant" (Isaiah 42:14). This is bold imagery where the Lord compares himself to a pregnant woman about to give birth. This verse means that God has been silent and patient for a long time. He restrained himself. But there will come a time when he allows the judgment he's been holding back to come upon people in full screaming force.God allowed his judgment to come upon his people in various times in their history. The Assyrians carried away the ten northern tribes of Israel in a diaspora of the Jews. The Babylonians carried away the remaining two tribes of Judah into captivity for 70 years. The Romans destroyed and dismantled Herod's Temple in 70 A.D. God may allow his judgment to fall upon people who have become blind to his graces and deaf to his mercies.The Lord may allow calamities like job loss, car accident or health issues. The Lord may permit catastrophes like damage from severe winds, terrorist attacks here in our homeland or war away from our homeland. These may happen to get our attention. So we stop what we are doing. So we break our bad habits. So we reexamine our priorities.So our spiritual blindness is discovered by us. Our spiritual deafness is heard by us. We see the false gods we have created for ourselves. We hear the praise we have offered to our idols. Our polytheistic tendencies are revealed to us. Our gods 1B, 1C, and so on can be smashed into oblivion. Then we repent of our polytheistic worship. We see the true God with the eyes of faith. We hear God's voice in worship and his Word. We pay attention to the Lord alone.Imagine hiking the Bridle Trail. That's a tough, steep trail. Now, imagine hiking it while being blind ... and deaf! Could you hike that trail safely without sight or hearing? Not a chance! God steps in to act. God leads you up and down the trail. He does even more for us as we attempt to hike through the trail of life.The Lord says, "I will lead the blind on a way they do not know. Along paths they do not know I will direct them. Ahead of them I will turn darkness into light and rough places into level ground. These are the promises I will accomplish for them. I will not abandon them" (Isaiah 42:16). God leads his people on a path that is unfamiliar to them because it is a path only God can lead them through. He guides us spiritually blind sinners down the path of salvation using his Word and Sacraments.God did not remain silent or turn a blind eye to the plight of this world. Nor did he sit in heaven and bark down orders that we must trust him. God entered this dark, noisy world of sin as the Christ.On a dark, spring Friday afternoon, it appeared as if the darkness had won. It looked like the Light of the world had been extinguished on the cross and buried in the tomb. But the Light of the world defeated the darkness of sin and Satan on that dark cross. The Light of the World shattered the darkness of death when it burst forth from the tomb on Easter dawn.It seemed as if the Word of the Lord had been silenced on Good Friday. But the voice of the Lord was never stronger or bolder then when Christ comforted the thief, "Today you will be with me in paradise," or when he breathed his last calling out, "It is finished!"By his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus has proven that he is the Light of the world. He is the Word incarnate. He is the one true God. Put him as God 1A in your life. He doesn't want to share any of his glory with any other gods. Destroy them.Fellow blind and deaf polytheistic believers, open your eyes. See Christ as your only Savior. Open your ears. Hear the voice of the Lord in his Word. Amen.View this sermon (with video and/or audio recording) on our website: https://www.casperwels.com/sermons/blind-and-deaf-polytheistic-believers/

Welcome to Day 2816 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – Monotheism Redefined: Returning to the Biblical View. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2816 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2816 of our Trek.   The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled:  Monotheism Redefined: Returning to the Biblical View. What we today call biblical monotheism did not deny the existence of other spiritual beings. Instead, it affirmed that only one God, Yahweh, is uncreated, eternal, and supreme over all. The biblical writers used the Hebrew word elohim to refer to beings who inhabit the spiritual realm. In English Bibles, elohim is most often translated as “God” when referring to Yahweh. However, the same word is also used in the Hebrew text for other beings, such as angels, foreign gods, and even the spirits of the dead. What makes Yahweh unique is not the term itself, but His nature. He alone is the Creator, and He alone possesses ultimate authority. The other elohim are real, but they are created beings whose existence does not diminish His supremacy. Worship belongs to Yahweh alone, not because no other spiritual beings exist, but because only He is worthy of it. Scripture presents a consistent picture of a populated spiritual realm. Psalm 82 depicts God standing in the divine council, judging other elohim. Deuteronomy 32:8–9 reveals that the nations were divided among the sons of God, while Israel was kept as Yahweh's own inheritance. In Job 1, heavenly beings present themselves before God. These texts are not metaphorical. They reflect a worldview in which Yahweh reigns supreme among many spiritual beings, none of whom share His nature or authority. This understanding of monotheism is relational and covenantal. It is not about counting spiritual beings, but about recognizing who is worthy of worship. Biblical monotheism is the exclusive devotion to the Most High Creator, not a claim that all other spiritual beings are imaginary or irrelevant. The first segment is: How the Definition Changed in the 19th and 20th Centuries. During the 19th century, scholars in Europe began applying evolutionary models to religion. They proposed that belief systems advanced in stages: from animism, to polytheism, to henotheism, and eventually to monotheism. According to this framework, biblical faith was not divinely revealed but merely the latest and most refined stage of human religious development. Thinkers like Max Müller and Julius Wellhausen categorized biblical texts in ways that supported this theory, suggesting that Israel's monotheism did not emerge until the prophetic or exilic period. This idea undermined the consistency and unity of the biblical witness by treating it as a collection of competing theological layers. In the 20th century, the redefinition continued. Monotheism came to be seen not as exclusive worship of one God, but as the belief that only one divine being qualifies for the category of “god.” Other spiritual beings were still acknowledged, such as angels, demons, and Satan, but they were reclassified into separate categories and stripped of any language that could associate them with divine authority or rulership. Terms like gods, elohim, or sons of God were either translated away or explained in ways that avoided conflict with the modern framework. As a result, the rich biblical portrayal of a divine council, spiritual rebellion, and cosmic hierarchy was flattened into a safer, more abstract system. The supernatural world remained populated, but only with beings understood as radically different in nature from God. They were no longer referred to as elohim in any meaningful sense. The Bible's spiritual structure was preserved in part, but its vocabulary and implications were domesticated. This shift had enormous consequences. It obscured the spiritual conflict that runs throughout Scripture and made it harder for modern readers to grasp the true stakes of idolatry, false worship, and divine judgment. It also reinforced the mistaken idea that the Bible evolved from polytheistic origins, when in fact its authors consistently proclaimed the supremacy of Yahweh while acknowledging the reality of other divine beings. The second segment is: Why This Is Not Polytheism. Polytheism is not simply the belief in many spiritual beings. It is a system in which multiple gods receive worship and exercise competing or overlapping authority. In polytheistic systems, gods can rise or fall in prominence. They may be born, die, or change form. Power is distributed across a pantheon, with no single deity holding permanent and unrivaled rule. Worshipers often align themselves with whichever god best serves their needs or offers the most favorable outcome. This stands in stark contrast to the biblical view. Yahweh does not rise or fall. He was not born, and He cannot be overthrown. His dominion is eternal, and He alone is the Creator of all things. The existence of lesser spiritual beings does not diminish His sovereignty. On the contrary, it highlights His role as the one who delegates authority, holds court over the divine council, and ultimately judges all rebellion. In passages like Psalm 82, the other elohim are real, but they are held accountable by the Most High. Their downfall is certain, and their authority is temporary. The key difference is that biblical monotheism calls for exclusive worship of Yahweh, not because others do not exist, but because only He is worthy. Polytheism distributes power and loyalty across many gods. The Bible calls for undivided allegiance to the one who created everything. The third segment is: Why Recovering the Biblical View Matters. Restoring the biblical definition of monotheism helps us recover the Bible's original supernatural worldview. It makes sense of otherwise puzzling passages and clarifies the nature of spiritual warfare. It also refutes the claim that Israel's faith evolved from earlier polytheistic traditions. From the earliest texts, the Bible presents Yahweh as supreme, surrounded by other spiritual beings, but ruling over them with absolute authority. Understanding this framework allows Christians to better grasp the cosmic conflict behind idolatry, the mission of Jesus to reclaim the nations, and the destiny of believers to share in His rule. It also exposes the false systems of worship that mimic divine hierarchy but are rooted in rebellion. True monotheism is not a denial of spiritual reality. It is a declaration of loyalty to the one true God. In Conclusion. Modern theology often acknowledges the existence of angels, demons, and other spiritual beings, but it tends to avoid describing them in the biblical language of gods or elohim. This narrowing of categories flattens the supernatural world of Scripture and redefines monotheism in a way that disconnects it from the biblical authors' intent. The Bible never asks readers to believe Yahweh is the only spiritual being in existence. It calls them to worship Him alone because He is the uncreated Creator and sovereign King. The other elohim, while real, are created, limited, and ultimately subject to judgment. Recovering this vision restores clarity to the biblical narrative and reminds us that monotheism is not about spiritual math—it is about loyalty to the Most High. For further study consider the following DISCUSSION QUESTIONS. How does the biblical use of the term elohimchallenge modern theological categories of angels, demons, and gods? Why is it important to distinguish between the existence of other spiritual beings and the exclusive worship of Yahweh? In what ways did 19th- and 20th-century scholarship alter the way people read the Bible's portrayal of the spiritual realm? How does recognizing a divine council and spiritual hierarchy enhance our understanding of passages like Psalm 82 or Deuteronomy 32:8–9? What are the dangers of reducing monotheism to a purely philosophical idea rather than seeing it as a call to covenantal loyalty? Join us next Theology Thursday to learn Our Rights Come from Yahweh, Not Government: Remembering Our Identity as His Imagers If you found this podcast insightful, please subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of  ‘Wisdom-Trek,  Creating a Legacy.'                  Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly,   I am your friend as I serve you through this...

Dr. Feryl Badiani, Lecturer at Sophia College, Mumbai, India and Researcher at Masaryk University, Czechia delves into the complexities of Hinduism, exploring its resilience in the face of monotheistic religions, the cultural and linguistic diversity within Hindu practices, and the role of rituals in shaping identity. Feryl shares her journey into studying Hinduism, particularly in the Marathi and Gujrati communities in India. The discussion also touches on the impact of diaspora on religious practices, the intersection of gender and religion, and some of the misconceptions surrounding Hinduism.Support the showSupport us and reach out!https://smoothbrainsociety.comhttps://www.patreon.com/SmoothBrainSocietyInstagram: @thesmoothbrainsocietyTikTok: @thesmoothbrainsocietyTwitter/X: @SmoothBrainSocFacebook: @thesmoothbrainsocietyMerch and all other links: Linktreeemail: thesmoothbrainsociety@gmail.com

Send us a textThis time in the Magick Kitchen Podcast, Leandra Witchwood and Elyse Welles are joined by bestselling author and beloved witchcraft teacher Deborah Blake for a grounded, practical conversation on respectful, responsible deity work for witches and pagans.Together, they explore what changes when deity isn't “a box you visit,” but part of everyday life, and why cultural context matters when working with ancient pantheons in the modern world. Deborah shares how her upcoming book, Everyday Witch's Book of Deities (out in April and currently available for preorder), approaches deity work with both historical background and real-world practice. You'll also hear thoughtful discussion on syncretism (when gods and goddesses overlap across cultures), what “perfect love and perfect trust” can mean in lived experience, and how to start small if you think a deity may be reaching out, including the physical signs both hosts and Deborah notice in their own work.Find Deborah at deborahblakeauthor.comLoose-leaf Tea and Sacred Apothecary The Healing Our Feminine Wounding Immersive is a sacred retreat devoted to untangling inherited shame, silence, and survival patterns carried in the feminine body. Through ritual, reflection, and land based temple arts, we work gently and honestly with what has been passed down so that a truer, steadier way of being can emerge. The Rebel Mystic Witchcraft Skill Trees are a modular, intentional way to learn witchcraft without overwhelm. Each tree is a focused path of study, designed to give you clarity, confidence, and embodied understanding of a single magickal topic — while gently guiding you toward more profound mastery when you're ready.Learn more at LeandraWitchwood.com  Sacred Wild Wednesdays is a live weekly gathering with Elyse Welles featuring tarot readings for participants, magickal musings, and grounded spiritual teaching. Held in real time, this space offers guidance, perspective, and connection for those walking the Path of the Sacred Wild.Support the Podcast!

This lecture discusses key ideas from the 18th century philosopher and essayist David Hume's essay The Natural History Of Religion. It focuses specifically on sections 9-15, where Hume brings his work to a close by comparing polytheism and monotheism, as he understands them, against each other, not just in terms of their belief systems but their effects upon cultures and societies in which they play important roles. To support my ongoing work, go to my Patreon site - www.patreon.com/sadler If you'd like to make a direct contribution, you can do so here - www.paypal.me/ReasonIO - or at BuyMeACoffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/A4quYdWoM You can find over 3,500 philosophy videos in my main YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/gbisadler You can get Hume's Natural History Of Religion here - https://amzn.to/49oomNH

This lecture discusses key ideas from the 18th century philosopher and essayist David Hume's essay The Natural History Of Religion. It focuses specifically on the development of what he classifies as "polytheism" (contrasting that with "theism", i.e. monotheism). Hume provides an account that views all of the ancient and contemporary polytheistic religions as derived from natural psychological processes of human beings, developed within their cultures. To support my ongoing work, go to my Patreon site - www.patreon.com/sadler If you'd like to make a direct contribution, you can do so here - www.paypal.me/ReasonIO - or at BuyMeACoffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/A4quYdWoM You can find over 3,500 philosophy videos in my main YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/gbisadler You can get Hume's Natural History Of Religion here - https://amzn.to/49oomNH

Send us a textIn this landmark episode of the Magick Kitchen Podcast, hosts Leandra Witchwood and Elyse Welles sit down with spiritual teacher, psychic healer, and bestselling author George Lizos to explore the modern revival of Hellenic polytheism — the living religion of the ancient Greek gods.George shares his groundbreaking experience performing the first Hellenic polytheist wedding in Cyprus, what it means to practice an evolving ancient faith, and how community, ritual, and activism are helping restore sacred traditions to modern life. Together, they dive deep into the real essence of the Greek gods — beyond myth — and explore how these deities represent universal laws, virtues, and living forces that guide us today.From the mysteries of Zeus and Aphrodite to the misunderstood roles of Hekate and Dionysus, this conversation bridges witchcraft and religion, exploring how the old ways are alive, evolving, and deeply needed in our world.

This is part two of our conversation with software engineer, former Hindu and former atheist Ganesh Vankataramanan. Here on part two Ganesh shares how certain aspects of physical creation helped lead him out of atheism to Jesus. Ganesh Vankataramanan is a graduate from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology.He works as a Vice President at a software technology company. With his background in science and experience in working with highly analytical teams, Ganesh found that scientific explanations, while fine in themselves, lacked depth and human meaning. In his attempts to better understand life, he stumbled across religion and then Jesus. Ganesh in social media:YouTube - @geevesofficial - https://youtube.com/@geevesofficial?si=5mXsz7HiA720ua8YInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/geevesofficial?igsh=dWxkeXQxczNzdmR2&utm_source=qr - @geevesofficial X-https://x.com/cause_first - @cause_firstWebsite https://www.letmeintoheaven.com Free Resources from Watchman Fellowship: Hinduism Profile https://www.watchman.org/staff/jwalker/ProfileHinduism.pdfInternational Society of Krisha Consciousness Profile https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/iskconprofile.pdfAdditional Resources from Watchman: FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

Born into the Brahmins, the highest caste class in India, Ganesh began doubting Hinduism while in college and eventually turned to atheism. While in the United States, the hospitality of a Christian family eventually led to the foot of the cross. Come and see. Ganesh Vankataramanan is a graduate from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology.He works as a Vice President at a software technology company. With his background in science and experience in working with highly analytical teams, Ganesh found that scientific explanations, while fine in themselves, lacked depth and human meaning. In his attempts to better understand life, he stumbled across religion and then Jesus. Ganesh in social media:YouTube - @geevesofficial - https://youtube.com/@geevesofficial?si=5mXsz7HiA720ua8YInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/geevesofficial?igsh=dWxkeXQxczNzdmR2&utm_source=qr - @geevesofficial X-https://x.com/cause_first - @cause_firstWebsite https://www.letmeintoheaven.com Free Resources from Watchman Fellowship: Hinduism Profile https://www.watchman.org/staff/jwalker/ProfileHinduism.pdfInternational Society of Krisha Consciousness Profile https://www.watchman.org/profiles/pdf/iskconprofile.pdfAdditional Resources from Watchman: FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

The functional path of oneness is not an abstract unity but a lived encounter of utter dependence. Western thought, enslaved by the grammar of the Anglo-Saxons, treats the human as an individual: a self-contained atom, an object unto itself. It imagines freedom as isolation, and isolation as freedom. But this supposed independence becomes sterility: the atomized person, cut off from the Shepherd's breath, is lost in a sea of thorns, choked by its own irrelevance.True independence lies not in the language of atoms but in the biology of divine anatomies, in the irreducibility of God's living functions. The Semitic root does not define a solitary “one” but a functional, dependent, and connected one. Every creature is undoubtedly one, yet cannot sustain itself any more than a cell can live apart from the body.As the body cannot live without its head, the tree without the earth withers.The triliteral root—three consonants binding the Tree of Life to the Master who gives it breath—embodies this living unity. Each consonant functions only in relation to the others; none can speak alone. Like branches drawing life through hidden roots, utility flows from dependence on him, not autonomy.In this linguistic body, the Semitic scrolls convey the unity of divine oneness: connection without possession, coherence without control. To be yaḥid is to be fragile, dependent, and open without self-reference: the earthen vessel through which the breath of ha-ʾEḥad flows.Western language, by contrast, breeds an unconscious polytheism of the self. When every person becomes an independent atom, the world fills with gods. Each will asserts its own dominion; each word competes for sovereignty. Polytheism, at its base, is war: the multiplication of possessive wills in endless collision. The Lukan crowd becomes a pantheon of thorns, a battlefield of competing gods. The soil of faith is twisted into a field of confrontation, where the multitude gathers against the Lord and his Christ to suffocate the one who brings the life-giving breath of his instruction.Yet within that suffocating crowd stands the yaḥid, Jairus, whose “only daughter”—his yeḥidah—lies dying. His lineage collapses; his name withers. Yet in this desolation, he does not press or grasp; he kneels before the “one.” There, in the stillness of dependence, the breath returns, and the Shepherd that the cares of this life cannot choke breathes life into the earthen vessel that has ceased to strive.μονογενής (monogenes) / י־ח־ד (yod-ḥet-dalet) / و-ح-د (wāw-ḥāʾ-dāl)One and only; single of its kind; only-born; only, only one, solitary, unique.“She was his only one [יְחִידָה (yeḥidah)]; he had no other son or daughter.” (Judges 11:34 )Here יָחִיד (yaḥid) expresses the fragility of the earthen vessel. In verse 34, the human line rests upon a single, irreplaceable life. Jephthah's entire legacy depends on his yeḥidah; when she is offered, the limits of family and human continuity are laid bare. The father's grief, bound to his only daughter, exposes the futility of lineage and the inevitability of dependence on God. The yaḥid becomes the mirror through which the insufficiency of man encounters the sufficiency of God.“Deliver my life from the sword, my only one [יְחִידָתִי (yeḥidati)] from the power of the dog.” (Psalm 22:21) LXX 21David cries from the edge of annihilation. His yeḥidati (“my only one”) refers to his only life (nefeš). He stands surrounded by predators, stripped of every defense, holding nothing but the breath that God alone can sustain. In that setting, ha-yaḥid encounters ha-ʾEḥad; the singular human breath encounters the One God who gives it breath. The weakness of the individual, the threatened “only life”, is the functional context of י־ח־ד (yod-ḥet-dalet) where triliteral replaces human vulnerability with God's sufficiency.“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am alone [יָחִיד (yaḥid)] and afflicted.” (Psalm 25:16 ) LXX 24Here, yaḥid is not emotional loneliness but martial isolation: the condition of a soldier or supplicant with no human ally, no support, no constituency. The psalmist is cut off from every network of defense; he stands as the yaḥid before ha-ʾEḥad. His solitude is not inward melancholy but strategic exposure. He is a man encircled and undone, left with no strength but God's. In that position, the oneness of God supplants the weakness of the individual, and dependence itself becomes the ground of divine action.“Rescue my life from their ravages, my only one [יְחִידָתִי (yeḥidati)] from the lions.” (Psalm 35:17) LXX 34The psalmist again names his life (nefeš) his yeḥidah: his one, irreplaceable self surrounded by devouring forces. This cry is not heroic but helpless; the yaḥid has no shield, no strength, no tribe. He stands as the fragile earthen vessel awaiting rescue from the ʾEḥad who alone grants and restores the breath of life.“They have taken their rabbis and monks as lords besides God and the Messiah, son of Mary; yet they were commanded to worship One God [إِلَـٰهًۭا وَاحِدًۭا (ʾilāhan wāḥidan)]. There is no god but he. Glory be to him above what they associate with him.” (Qurʾan, Surat al-Tawba سورة التوبة “The Repentance” 9:31)The yaḥid stands before al-Wāḥid as a fragile vessel, emptied of pretense, whose worth lies not in possession or inheritance but in exposure. To be yaḥid is to stand alone—not because one has chosen solitude, but because every other support has failed. It is the state of Jairus in Luke 8:42, David in Psalm 22:21, and Jephthah in Judges 11:34—each reduced to dependence, each holding a single, irreplaceable life before the one who gives it.Yet the religious mind, ancient and modern alike, mistakes the vessel for the seed. It clings to fleeting human breath instead of to the one who gives breath. This is what Qurʾan 9:31 exposes in its indictment of clericalism: those who mistake the earthen vessel, which passes away, for the words of God, which do not.This is also the folly of the crowds in Luke 8. They gather not to hear the divine instruction but to choke it—to smother the seed because it threatens their economy of possession. They are the ʿedah, the swarm around death. They handle Jesus like a toy, fascinated with what can be held, pressed, traded, and measured; they prefer the earthen vessel to the living seed. They worship the perishable container rather than the imperishable Word, the finite dust rather than הָאֶחָד (ha-ʾEḥad), the one from whom all life flows.But the yaḥid—the one left with nothing—sees through the mirage. Standing before al-Wāḥid, Jairus discovers that what endures is not clay but command. The earthen vessel passes away; but the Word of God abides forever.συμπνίγω (sympnigo)To press in so tightly that one can barely breathe; to crowd around or press hard against; to suffocate.“The one sown among the thorns, this is the one who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke [συμπνίγει (sympnigei)] the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” (Matthew 13:22)

In this episode I return to The New Polytheism by David Miller, focusing exlusively on the the essay in the appendix by James Hillman called Psychology: Monotheistic or Polytheistic. This essay discusses how our theological inclinations affect our approach to psychoanalysis.

In this episode I look at David Miller's insightful examination of polytheism in sociology, psychology, and philosophy. I focus on his discussions of Niebuhr, Cornford, and Heidegger.

Tracing Truth | From Worldviews to the Risen Christ Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Dan McClellan is an American biblical scholar and author of The Bible Says So: What We Get Right (and Wrong) About Scripture's Most Controversial Issues. Timestamps: 0:00 Why Does God Say “We”?14:36 Does God Create the Universe From Nothing?28:43 Is This Explained By The Trinity?34:32 Is There Only One God?47:39 Fake Idols or Gods?1:02:50 How English Translations Mislead Us Into Monotheism01:11:02 The Elevation of YHWH to God of the Universe1:20:36 Polytheism in the New Testament01:24:14 The Strongest Case For Monotheism in the Old Testament Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WAS THE LORD SAYING WE ARE GODS?DOES PSALM 82 TEACH "THE COUNCIL OF THE GODS" (POLYTHEISM)?The cults and the liberal theologians would have you believe that's the case! Thanks for listening!www.divinenature.net

In this episode of Hellenic Polytheism 101, we explore the foundational myth of Zeus and the defeat of Kronos, examining how this story shapes divine kingship, succession, and order in ancient Greek religion.We then turn to the epithets of the gods, titles that reveal their functions, localized cult worship, and depth.Using examples such as Apollo Smintheus ("Mouse Catcher") and Hekate Propolos ("Guide"), we uncover how epithets served as vital keys to understanding the gods in their many aspects across time and place.We close with a thought-provoking question: Are the gods bound to prophecy? Drawing from myth and philosophical tradition, we consider the role of fate in the lives of the Olympians themselves.Chapters:Intro: 0:00July Patreon - Altars to the Gods, Zeus + Justice and Book Recs: 2:48Epithets of the Gods, Hades and Poseidon: 4:18 Zeus vs. Kronos, Rhea and the Olympians: 11:05Epithets Continued Apollo, Zeus and Hekate: 35:09Are the Gods Bound to Prophecy?: 55:07Check out our Patreon, Styx and Bones Temple's Store, Blogs and more! ⁠⁠https://beacons.ai/styxandbonessFOLLOW STYX AND BONES ON SOCIAL MEDIA⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/styxandbonespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/styxandbonestemple⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@styxandbonestemple ⁠⁠FOLLOW HIGH PRIESTESS CHELSEA⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/highpriestesschelsea⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@highpriestesschelsea⁠⁠FOLLOW DR. K⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dirtdiaries_⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@dirtdiaries_

Send us a textIn this episode we are joined by Angelica Merritt, author of 'Womb Witch', the first and only inclusive book on menstrual cycles and connecting to them on a spiritual level. A trained herbalist, her work is holistically engaged with the ways we can connect to our cycles. Learn more about Angelica and purchase Womb Witch here.

What does Genesis reveal about humanity's early relationship with other gods?Were gods like Zeus and Artemis based on real figures or imagined ideals?Did the Tower of Babel mark a turning point for the rise of global religions?Support this show!! : https://www.bibspeak.com/#donateGrab your free gift: the top 10 most misunderstood Biblical verses https://info.bibspeak.com/10-verses-c...Join the newsletter (I only send 2 emails a week): https://www.bibspeak.com/#newsletterShop Dwell L'abel 15% off using the discount code BIBSPEAK15 https://go.dwell-label.com/bibspeakDownload Logos Bible Software for your own personal study: http://logos.com/biblicallyspeakingSign up for Riverside: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig...Use Manychat to automate a quick DM! It's great for sending links fast.https://manychat.partnerlinks.io/nd14879vojabStan.Store—way better than Linktree! It lets me share links, grow my email list, and host all my podcast stuff in one place.https://join.stan.store/biblicallyspeakingSupport this show!! : https://www.bibspeak.com/#donate James E. Sedlacek, holds a PhD in Biblical Studies that focused on Greek Language and Linguisticsfor New Testament, and an MDiv in Biblical Studies that focused on both Hebrew andGreek languages and text interpretation. James teaches the Hebrew and Greeklanguages along with the Bible for Israel Institute of Biblical Studies. James alsoteaches Greek Exegesis and Textual Criticism at God's Bible School and College.James has scholarly interest in many aspects of interpreting the Bible and isknowledgeable about the history of its interpretation. Several areas that James hasfocused on are Jewish Interpretation of the Bible, 2 nd Temple Jewish Literature,Grammar, Environment and Theology, Human Nature, and Sanctification. James likesto do woodworking, gardening, and exploring the outdoors as hobbies.Recommended reading from Dr. Sedlacek:

Psalm 138 (ESV)Andrew and Edwin consider the statement about singing praises to YHWH before other gods. What are those other gods? They highlight the courage of the worshiper and how we need to mirror that today.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=21683The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." What a majestic opening to the Word of God! With ten simple words, the Bible shatters every false philosophy! Atheism is silenced--for there is a God. Polytheism is refuted--for there is but one God. Materialism is exposed--for matter is not eternal, but created. Evolution is denied--for creation was by divine fiat, not blind chance. Pantheism is dismissed--for God is distinct from His creation. "In the beginning God…"--this is where all true knowledge must begin. Before time, before space, before anything that is seen--there was God. He is self-existent, eternal, and independent. He needs nothing, but out of His own sovereign pleasure, He spoke the universe into being! Everything that exists--every atom, every planet, every creature--owes its existence to Him. The psalmist declares, "By the Word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of His mouth!" (Psalm 33:6) This first verse of Scripture is foundational. If we do not believe that God created the heavens and the earth, then we will not rightly understand the rest of Scripture. Hebrews 11:3 reminds us: "By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command." God alone is the Creator, and the Owner, and the Sustainer, and the Ruler--of all things in His creation. This verse also sets the tone for worship. If God is the Creator, then we are His creatures. We are not our own--we belong to Him. We are not the center of the universe--He is. We did not bring ourselves into being--we were made for His glory. "You are worthy our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and

Statius has sung his (first!) hymn of praise to Virgil without knowing that the old poet is right in front of him. Dante the pilgrim is caught between them in this most human episode with his master, Virgil, demanding silence and his new friend, Statius, wanting to know why the pilgrim is smiling.Which means Dante is also caught on his emotions which seem to be overriding his will . . . in a canto about the will's primacy.Join me, Mark Scarbrough, for the very human ending to his surprising and comedic canto in PURGATORIO.If you'd like to help out with the many fees associated with this podcast, for streaming, hosting, editing, and more, please consider a one-time donation or a very small monthly stipend, using this PayPal link right here.Here are the segments for this episode of WALKING WITH DANTE:[02:25] My English translation of the passage. If you'd like to read along or continue the conversation, please find the entry for this episode on my website, markscarbrough.com.[05:33] The curious inelegance of the poetry in this passage.[08:31] The welling up of emotions into the eyes.[11:50] Virgil's curious reticence.[13:21] The will v. the emotions--ever the human dilemma.[17:43] The dramatization of the anxiety of influence--and of the divided will.[19:56] The revelation of Virgil on this road to Emmaus.[22:46] Polytheism in this monotheistic poem?[24:10] Statius' error and apology.[29:12] The imperfections of the perfected.[31:03] Rereading the passage: PURGATORIO, Canto XXI, lines 103 - 136.

Happy Going! We're all getting punchy heading into the weekend, as if the weekend will be a breather for any of us. David Waldman effectuates our weekending KITM, and I facilitate that with this summary, I hope. Donald K. Trump pardoned a corporation, yet has not appointed a horse to Senate, which might be more of a late term thing. Polytheism seems to be wearing thin in Trump/Musk circles, with Elon Musk's pride goething before his fall. Thou shalt bow down thyself only onto Trump in Cabinet meetings. (Graven images available at the door.) Two people guilty of not praising Donald enough are being investigated for treason, while Trump shops for his presidential Luger. Marco Rubio is punishing the country of South Sudan for not accepting the Democratic Republic of the Congo citizen he sent there by mistake. The commander of a Greenland military base was ousted when she failed to rattle her saber loudly enough for JD Vance. US tells Greenland “I see you have Injuns! We have Injuns!” Kennedy Center president Richard Grenell believes people boycotting the Kennedy Center hate Republicans, when mostly they hate Richard Grenell. What happens when the courts can't trust the Executive Branch? Well, we are about to find out, because the courts can't trust the Executive Branch. Learn more about courts of equity, such as the Court of Chancery. Kash Patel plans to work remotely in his FBI position but wasn't remotely working in his ATF job. Hey now… there's no proof that Marjorie Taylor Green participated in insider trading this week, or placed pipe bombs prior to Jan 6… It just looks like that. RFK Jr. will discover the cause of autism by this fall, but if you have cancer, you'll need to wait a little longer.   It's only TLDR if you don't take the time to read it! How did the President lose and when did he lose it in the SCOTUS Alien Enemy Act case? Curtis Yarvin always wanted to destroy the United States and the global economy, yet somehow still feels empty inside.

(0:00) morning routine, chit chat, cozy games + burnout(8:17) aphrodite, persephone and hekate offerings + journaling(21:17) yoga, showing up for yourself + spiritual advice(28:35) the truth about the worship of king hades(32:28) my vision board, evil eyes(34:43) filming styx and bones podcast(35:53) mediumship reading + lighting candles to the chthonicbook a reading with me (mediumship, tarot, and more)https://tinyurl.com/4c399c9smy tarot and oracle decks, books recs and more:https://tinyurl.com/yw8rtrxdmy store:styx and bones temple (greek gods, mythology)https://tinyurl.com/ywn7h2uffollow me on socials:https://www.instagram.com/highpriestesschelseahttps://www.tiktok.com/@highpriestesschelseabusiness inquiries:chelseatheghostwhisperer@gmail.com

Greeting's heathens and witches, Welcome to Pub Chat! These episodes are for us to have a more free-form way to discuss listener questions, shorter subjects, as well as magical happenings, musings, and of course, go off on tangents. In this week's Pub Chat we answer a question from one of our Patrons! Did ancient peoples worship gods from different pantheons at the same time? So grab up your favorite bev and join us for a fun discussion on worship and practice throughout history. ===== Social Links ===== Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NerdJive Website: https://www.nerdjive.com/ Etsy Shop: https://norgroveenterprises.etsy.com Other Channels: https://www.nerdjive.com/links Jon's Social: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@NerdJive Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NerdJive Twitter: https://twitter.com/NerdJive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NerdJive Julie's Social: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@goddessjuless Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goddessjules/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/goddessjuless

ஏகத்துவமும் இணைவைப்பும்மவ்லவி S.H.M. இஸ்மாயில் ஸலஃபி | Ismail Salafi21-02-2025, Jummaமுஹம்மதிய்யா ஜும்மா மஸ்ஜித், கல்முனைhttps://www.facebook.com/share/v/1As7ZJZGof/

Support Midgard Musings By Clicking Here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/MidgardMusings⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠Click here to visit Fjallvaettir Workshop:⁠https://fjallvaettir.com/⁠⁠Here is the link to Eric's video:https://youtu.be/akkzERyvnL4?si=jq5aLu4batHnMwLFHere is the link to my video with Bradley. Check the comments section of that video to see what one viewer thinks:https://youtu.be/rbnjAj7QkwgFind a copy of the book "A World Full of Gods: An Inquiry into Polytheism" by John Michael Greer at the below Amazon link.https://www.amazon.com/World-Full-Gods-Inquiry-Polytheism/dp/1801520801/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1O3ZH423DAUV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2g1EnjTGOGC-y3Fo8wmoUx_WiQxjjTwdaRfHJskqg8A8vivLZl3kPZ1rPzivDqTRrGxxN8BYsJmWtD2TNpOleZdV6PPlfit5CnI9lBM-BiE.oiQ1iD9g1Co3SqQyvIU4RsL9wAw4iOf-kYvgFH9XI88&dib_tag=se&keywords=a+world+full+of+gods+john+michael+greer&qid=1739294845&sprefix=a+world+full+of+gods%2Caps%2C341&sr=8-1

Yahweh: The Evolution of the God of Solomon's Temple | History of the PapacyIn this episode, we delve into the historical and theological journey of the God who was worshipped in Solomon's Temple, Yahweh. We'll explore the evolution from polytheism to monotheism in ancient Israelite religion, the significance of Yahweh, and the cultural and historical contexts that shaped this transformation. We also touch on the Mesha Stele, Ugaritic texts, and the role of Yahweh in the Canaanite pantheon. Join us as we unravel the complex history and speculations surrounding the God of the First Temple period in Jerusalem.00:00 Introduction to the First Temple of Jerusalem02:25 Yahweh: The God of Israel04:04 Polytheism to Monotheism: The Evolution of Israelite Religion10:38 Historical and Archaeological Evidence of Yahweh19:18 The Baal Cycle and Canaanite Influence24:03 The United Kingdom and the Temple of Solomon26:33 Iconoclasm in Israelite ReligionYou can learn more about the History of Papacy and subscribe at all these great places:https://atozhistorypage.start.pageTo Subscribe: https://www.spreaker.com/show/history-of-the-papacy-podcast_1Email Us: steve@atozhistorypage.comSupport Us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyofthepapacyParthenon Podcast Network: parthenonpodcast.comThe History of the Papacy on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@atozhistoryHelp out the show by ordering these books from Amazon!https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1MUPNYEU65NTFMusic Provided by:"Sonatina in C Minor" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"Funeral March for Brass" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"Crusade Heavy Perfect Loop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Agnus Dei X - Bitter Suite Kevin MacLeaod (incomptech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southeast Baptist Podcast features the preaching and teaching of Pastor John Ray, the senior pastor of Southeast Baptist Tabernacle in Indianapolis, IN. His preaching is biblical, conversational, and encouraging as you pursue a Christlike walk.

Southeast Baptist Podcast features the preaching and teaching of Pastor John Ray, the senior pastor of Southeast Baptist Tabernacle in Indianapolis, IN. His preaching is biblical, conversational, and encouraging as you pursue a Christlike walk.

The Big Picture of the King and His Kingdom I want you to recall the five meta-narratives of the entire Bible from my previous sermon: God is completely unique; God gave us dominion of the Earth; we have rebelled against God and are in exile; God has been and will continue to repair the fix we are in; God will reestablish our place in Eden and on Earth. I also want you to think about how the Kingdom of God stretches out into eternity past and eternity future. In our own human history, the Kingdom of God started in a garden that resided in the land of Eden. The Garden of Eden was a real and specific location on Earth where Heaven and Earth co-existed. Isaiah and Ezekiel talk about this location being not only a garden but also a mountain (Isaiah 14:13-14 and Ezekiel 28:13-14). In Eastern and Mesopotamian cultures, a garden was where the king would spend leisure time with his family. It was also where kings met with their cabinet members. The garden inside the land of Eden then was a place created by God where Adam and Eve had fellowship with their heavenly Father. This is also where God met with His council members. These were angelic authorities, celestial beings, who were administrative rulers in God's kingdom. No doubt, Adam and Eve would have had multiple interactions with these beings while they lived in the Garden of God. This is why Eve did not freak out when the serpent spoke to her in Genesis 3. She had seen these beings before. Remember, there is no snake mentioned in the text of Genesis 3. In Hebrew, he is called the nachash [1]. The being that talked with Eve was a supernatural, ancient, super intelligent, celestial being, probably a seraph.  A seraph was one of the highest orders of throne guardians that surrounded God's throne. He may have been one of God's council members in the past. Once Adam and Eve agreed to follow the nachash, they sabotaged their relationship with God and their ability to spread the dominion of Eden to the rest of the globe. Nonetheless, God has been moving forward to correct this dilemma for thousands of years. He is still using His heavenly and earthly councils to redeem the earth. The King and His Council All nations have kings or some sort of leadership that resembles kingship. Even our own Democratic Republic has fallen under the rule of people acting like kings. All kings have council members to help them administer their rule over the affairs of their kingdom. Human leaders did not make this concept up. It existed long before the Earth was created. The first council is the one that God established before the creation week of Earth. It's called the Divine Council. Now, even though God does not need help ruling over His universe, He insists on sharing responsibilities with the beings that He has made. Whether they are human or celestial. The problem is that among the celestial beings, certain council members rebelled against God. You may want to call them the infernal council. They absolutely hate God's human children and all righteous celestial beings who have remained loyal to God. Just as the Divine Council existed before the creation week, so too do I believe this rebellion occurred before the creation week. Others believe that it occurred possibly on Day 2 or 4 of the creation or soon after. Which ever position you take, it was a horrendous betrayal towards God and His remaining loyal family members. The King Delegates Responsibilities to His Divine Council Consider this: although Yahweh is supreme over His council, He allows them to discuss solutions. He then delegates to them authority for particular assignments. However, Yahweh is unique and superior to His council members. Scripture is full of examples where Yahweh is shown to rule among His council members. One example is Psalm 89:5-7: Let the heavens praise your wonders, O LORD (Yahweh), your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones! For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD (Yahweh)? Who among the heavenly beings [2] is like the LORD (Yahweh), God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him?   Some argue that the “holy ones” are human leaders, human “saints.” But the context proves otherwise because the residence of these council members is “in the skies.” Another example is in Daniel 4:17. Although Yahweh is supreme over His council members, He allows them to form and implement their own solutions: The sentence is by the decree of the watchers (council members), the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men. The council formed the solution for Nebuchadnezzar's arrogance and then they carried out the sentence. This resulted in the humbling of Nebuchadnezzar and the declaration of God's ultimate power over all nations. This is similar to 1Kings 22. A heavenly council meeting was called to determine the fate of Ahab, the wicked king of Israel. God allowed His divine council to deliberate Ahab's demise. Here are verses 19-23: And Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the Lord (Yahweh): I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven (council members) standing beside him on his right hand and on his left; and the Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?'And one said one thing, and another said another. Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, saying, ‘I will entice him.' And the Lord said to him, ‘By what means?'And he said, ‘I will go out, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.'And he said, ‘You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.' Now therefore behold, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these your prophets; the Lord has declared disaster for you.” Both stories are about kings who have ignored warnings from Yahweh. Notice also that in both cases God allowed His celestial council members to deliberate the solution and then implement the punishment.   The Infernal Council Moses warned Israel not to worship the “host of heaven” in Deuteronomy 4:19 because of the Tower of Babel affair. After the Tower of Babel event occurred, celestial authorities were assigned to govern the nations and then shepherd them back into a right relationship with God. This is Moses' point in Deuteronomy 32:8-9: When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when he divided mankind, he fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God [3] (angelic authorities). But the LORD's portion is his people, Jacob his allotted heritage. At some point, these heavenly shepherds became corrupt and received the worship of men. This is the point Moses is making in all of Deuteronomy 32: worship belongs to Yahweh only; do not worship the gods of the nations because they are rebel council members. This relates to Psalm 82, where Yahweh crashes a council meeting among the fallen heavenly shepherds and rebukes them for their rebellion. Verses 1 through 4 say: God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 58:1-2 captures this same idea: Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? Do you judge the children of man uprightly? No, in your hearts you devise wrongs; your hands deal out violence on earth. Some argue that these passages do not support the Divine Council worldview. They see Psalm 82 as an event where God enters a council meeting of earthly kings and judges. I would respectfully push back – verse 7 proves that God is not angry at mere humans in this scene. He is rebuking fallen entities when He says that they will die like mere men. This would not be a punishment if God were rebuking human rebels. Again, it is important to understand that this passage is not talking about humans who have offended God; it is talking about fallen angelic authorities. These beings were once righteous participants of Yahweh's council. Everything God creates is good and perfect. They began their journey in agreement with the plans and purposes of God. I don't accept the theological concept, as some do, that Yahweh created them as evil entities to begin with; or that He created them with the idea that they would one day rebel in order to advance His own glory. Nevertheless, they did rebel. And since they had once been part of God's kingdom, they naturally formed their own authority structures based off of the kingdom they rejected. So, I believe that the infernal council is an imitation of what they once experienced in the Kingdom of God.   This is not Polytheism, This is not Mormonism In the last sermon, I covered several attributes that prove that Yahweh is completely different than all other elohim, or the “sons of God” that He created to operate in His council. God is omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient, eternal, and immutable. He is the creator of all other heavenly beings; He existed before them. He can strip them of their immortality, and no heavenly being can outmaneuver Him. This is important to know because of the resistance you will get from those who are unfamiliar with this subject. People will want to categorize you as a polytheist or a Mormon. Neither of these are true. Most ancient cultures were polytheistic in nature. They believed in many gods. Often there was a chief god ruling the lesser gods and demigods. They often incorporated succession stories where one chief god was defeated in battle by a lesser god, who then became the leader. But what I am teaching is that our God is different. He is not a leader among a group of gods who are similar in nature; He is infinitely higher in supremacy. Again, He is the uncreated Creator. There is no being equal to Him. However, as I have already outlined, He assigns authority and responsibility to the heavenly sons of God, which He created. He also expects us to occupy our territory while expanding His kingdom.   I am also not teaching Mormonism. Mormons teach that you can become a god; in fact, they claim that God was once like us. Joseph Smith said: “It is the first principle of the Gospel to know for a certainty the Character of God. . . . He was once a man like us; . . . God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus Christ himself did” [4]   But I insist that Mormonism is incorrect. I teach that God was never a created being. John 4:24 says, God is spirit (not a man), and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” Again, as I outlined in the last sermon, there are unique attributes that belong only to Yahweh and no other being. Conclusion The Divine Council worldview has solid biblical backing. First, we see in several places that God is supreme yet also delegates His authority to a celestial council of lesser beings. These council members are called the “sons of God” in the Old Testament. Second, we see that certain members of this council rebelled against God and formed their own wicked authority structures. The Divine Council worldview that I am advocating is not a salvation issue. Those who disagree are not my enemies; however, without it, I believe you will have a truncated understanding of the spiritual realm. Some simply see the spiritual realm as more of a fairy tale than a reality. To them, heaven is nothing more than an eternal vacation spot where you sit on clouds and play harps. This kind of thinking is childish; there is so much more going on. One of my biggest complaints about modern Christianity is that it refuses to leave elementary school, so to speak. Many churches teach superficial concepts, and as a result, their congregations are withering in the shallow soil of mediocrity. And so, over the last several generations, the church has raised a gaggle of believers who barely understand their Bible and their God. The Divine Council worldview has helped me back up and look at the whole tapestry of Scripture. When I read a passage, I find threads that move in multiple directions and create larger ideas. For me, understanding the Bible through the Divine Council worldview has been as stunning as going from a black and white TV to the brilliant colors of plasma TV. It's like watching an action movie with a pair of good 3-D glasses. JCN 7/24 [1] In the Hebrew text, this rebel being is called han nachash, the nachash (Gen.3:1,2,4,13,14). As a noun, nachash means serpent (think more of a dragon rather than a snake); as a verb, it means a deceiver or a diviner; as an adjective, it means bronze or an object that is brazen or a radiant being that glows from within. All three meanings are at play here. The ideas of luminosity, serpentine features, and divine wisdom all relate to a divine throne guardian being. Both Hebrew and Gentile readers would have instantly understood this concept. Both seraphim and cherubim are known as guardians around God's throne. The Hebrew word seraph (Is. 6:2) especially relates here because its meaning derives from a burning, fiery serpentine being.   [2] In Hebrew: ben el the “sons of God,” the celestial beings of heaven.  [3]Some translations render the phrase as “sons of Israel,” while others render it “sons of God.” I believe that translations like KJV, NIV, and NASB are misinformed to render the phrase as “sons of Israel.” The phrase “sons of Israel” follows the Masoretic Texts, which were edited by Jewish scholars in the middle ages who were hostile to Christianity, and the supernatural appearances of the 2nd person of the Trinity (Jesus) throughout Old Testament passages. The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls uphold the phrase “sons of God.” Both of these sources were penned by Jewish scholars about 1000 years before the Masoretic Texts were collated. [4]Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith, 1976, pp. 345 –46.

The Big Picture of the King and His Kingdom I want you to recall the five meta-narratives of the entire Bible from my previous sermon: God is completely unique; God gave us dominion of the Earth; we have rebelled against God and are in exile; God has been and will continue to repair the fix we are in; God will reestablish our place in Eden and on Earth. I also want you to think about how the Kingdom of God stretches out into eternity past and eternity future. In our own human history, the Kingdom of God started in a garden that resided in the land of Eden. The Garden of Eden was a real and specific location on Earth where Heaven and Earth co-existed. Isaiah and Ezekiel talk about this location being not only a garden but also a mountain (Isaiah 14:13-14 and Ezekiel 28:13-14). In Eastern and Mesopotamian cultures, a garden was where the king would spend leisure time with his family. It was also where kings met with their cabinet members. The garden inside the land of Eden then was a place created by God where Adam and Eve had fellowship with their heavenly Father. This is also where God met with His council members. These were angelic authorities, celestial beings, who were administrative rulers in God's kingdom. No doubt, Adam and Eve would have had multiple interactions with these beings while they lived in the Garden of God. This is why Eve did not freak out when the serpent spoke to her in Genesis 3. She had seen these beings before. Remember, there is no snake mentioned in the text of Genesis 3. In Hebrew, he is called the nachash [1]. The being that talked with Eve was a supernatural, ancient, super intelligent, celestial being, probably a seraph.  A seraph was one of the highest orders of throne guardians that surrounded God's throne. He may have been one of God's council members in the past. Once Adam and Eve agreed to follow the nachash, they sabotaged their relationship with God and their ability to spread the dominion of Eden to the rest of the globe. Nonetheless, God has been moving forward to correct this dilemma for thousands of years. He is still using His heavenly and earthly councils to redeem the earth. The King and His Council All nations have kings or some sort of leadership that resembles kingship. Even our own Democratic Republic has fallen under the rule of people acting like kings. All kings have council members to help them administer their rule over the affairs of their kingdom. Human leaders did not make this concept up. It existed long before the Earth was created. The first council is the one that God established before the creation week of Earth. It's called the Divine Council. Now, even though God does not need help ruling over His universe, He insists on sharing responsibilities with the beings that He has made. Whether they are human or celestial. The problem is that among the celestial beings, certain council members rebelled against God. You may want to call them the infernal council. They absolutely hate God's human children and all righteous celestial beings who have remained loyal to God. Just as the Divine Council existed before the creation week, so too do I believe this rebellion occurred before the creation week. Others believe that it occurred possibly on Day 2 or 4 of the creation or soon after. Which ever position you take, it was a horrendous betrayal towards God and His remaining loyal family members. The King Delegates Responsibilities to His Divine Council Consider this: although Yahweh is supreme over His council, He allows them to discuss solutions. He then delegates to them authority for particular assignments. However, Yahweh is unique and superior to His council members. Scripture is full of examples where Yahweh is shown to rule among His council members. One example is Psalm 89:5-7: Let the heavens praise your wonders, O LORD (Yahweh), your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones! For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD (Yahweh)? Who among the heavenly beings [2] is like the LORD (Yahweh), God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him?   Some argue that the “holy ones” are human leaders, human “saints.” But the context proves otherwise because the residence of these council members is “in the skies.” Another example is in Daniel 4:17. Although Yahweh is supreme over His council members, He allows them to form and implement their own solutions: The sentence is by the decree of the watchers (council members), the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men. The council formed the solution for Nebuchadnezzar's arrogance and then they carried out the sentence. This resulted in the humbling of Nebuchadnezzar and the declaration of God's ultimate power over all nations. This is similar to 1Kings 22. A heavenly council meeting was called to determine the fate of Ahab, the wicked king of Israel. God allowed His divine council to deliberate Ahab's demise. Here are verses 19-23: And Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the Lord (Yahweh): I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven (council members) standing beside him on his right hand and on his left; and the Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?'And one said one thing, and another said another. Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, saying, ‘I will entice him.' And the Lord said to him, ‘By what means?'And he said, ‘I will go out, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.'And he said, ‘You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.' Now therefore behold, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these your prophets; the Lord has declared disaster for you.” Both stories are about kings who have ignored warnings from Yahweh. Notice also that in both cases God allowed His celestial council members to deliberate the solution and then implement the punishment.   The Infernal Council Moses warned Israel not to worship the “host of heaven” in Deuteronomy 4:19 because of the Tower of Babel affair. After the Tower of Babel event occurred, celestial authorities were assigned to govern the nations and then shepherd them back into a right relationship with God. This is Moses' point in Deuteronomy 32:8-9: When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when he divided mankind, he fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God [3] (angelic authorities). But the LORD's portion is his people, Jacob his allotted heritage. At some point, these heavenly shepherds became corrupt and received the worship of men. This is the point Moses is making in all of Deuteronomy 32: worship belongs to Yahweh only; do not worship the gods of the nations because they are rebel council members. This relates to Psalm 82, where Yahweh crashes a council meeting among the fallen heavenly shepherds and rebukes them for their rebellion. Verses 1 through 4 say: God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 58:1-2 captures this same idea: Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? Do you judge the children of man uprightly? No, in your hearts you devise wrongs; your hands deal out violence on earth. Some argue that these passages do not support the Divine Council worldview. They see Psalm 82 as an event where God enters a council meeting of earthly kings and judges. I would respectfully push back – verse 7 proves that God is not angry at mere humans in this scene. He is rebuking fallen entities when He says that they will die like mere men. This would not be a punishment if God were rebuking human rebels. Again, it is important to understand that this passage is not talking about humans who have offended God; it is talking about fallen angelic authorities. These beings were once righteous participants of Yahweh's council. Everything God creates is good and perfect. They began their journey in agreement with the plans and purposes of God. I don't accept the theological concept, as some do, that Yahweh created them as evil entities to begin with; or that He created them with the idea that they would one day rebel in order to advance His own glory. Nevertheless, they did rebel. And since they had once been part of God's kingdom, they naturally formed their own authority structures based off of the kingdom they rejected. So, I believe that the infernal council is an imitation of what they once experienced in the Kingdom of God.   This is not Polytheism, This is not Mormonism In the last sermon, I covered several attributes that prove that Yahweh is completely different than all other elohim, or the “sons of God” that He created to operate in His council. God is omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient, eternal, and immutable. He is the creator of all other heavenly beings; He existed before them. He can strip them of their immortality, and no heavenly being can outmaneuver Him. This is important to know because of the resistance you will get from those who are unfamiliar with this subject. People will want to categorize you as a polytheist or a Mormon. Neither of these are true. Most ancient cultures were polytheistic in nature. They believed in many gods. Often there was a chief god ruling the lesser gods and demigods. They often incorporated succession stories where one chief god was defeated in battle by a lesser god, who then became the leader. But what I am teaching is that our God is different. He is not a leader among a group of gods who are similar in nature; He is infinitely higher in supremacy. Again, He is the uncreated Creator. There is no being equal to Him. However, as I have already outlined, He assigns authority and responsibility to the heavenly sons of God, which He created. He also expects us to occupy our territory while expanding His kingdom.   I am also not teaching Mormonism. Mormons teach that you can become a god; in fact, they claim that God was once like us. Joseph Smith said: “It is the first principle of the Gospel to know for a certainty the Character of God. . . . He was once a man like us; . . . God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus Christ himself did” [4]   But I insist that Mormonism is incorrect. I teach that God was never a created being. John 4:24 says, God is spirit (not a man), and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” Again, as I outlined in the last sermon, there are unique attributes that belong only to Yahweh and no other being. Conclusion The Divine Council worldview has solid biblical backing. First, we see in several places that God is supreme yet also delegates His authority to a celestial council of lesser beings. These council members are called the “sons of God” in the Old Testament. Second, we see that certain members of this council rebelled against God and formed their own wicked authority structures. The Divine Council worldview that I am advocating is not a salvation issue. Those who disagree are not my enemies; however, without it, I believe you will have a truncated understanding of the spiritual realm. Some simply see the spiritual realm as more of a fairy tale than a reality. To them, heaven is nothing more than an eternal vacation spot where you sit on clouds and play harps. This kind of thinking is childish; there is so much more going on. One of my biggest complaints about modern Christianity is that it refuses to leave elementary school, so to speak. Many churches teach superficial concepts, and as a result, their congregations are withering in the shallow soil of mediocrity. And so, over the last several generations, the church has raised a gaggle of believers who barely understand their Bible and their God. The Divine Council worldview has helped me back up and look at the whole tapestry of Scripture. When I read a passage, I find threads that move in multiple directions and create larger ideas. For me, understanding the Bible through the Divine Council worldview has been as stunning as going from a black and white TV to the brilliant colors of plasma TV. It's like watching an action movie with a pair of good 3-D glasses. JCN 7/24 [1] In the Hebrew text, this rebel being is called han nachash, the nachash (Gen.3:1,2,4,13,14). As a noun, nachash means serpent (think more of a dragon rather than a snake); as a verb, it means a deceiver or a diviner; as an adjective, it means bronze or an object that is brazen or a radiant being that glows from within. All three meanings are at play here. The ideas of luminosity, serpentine features, and divine wisdom all relate to a divine throne guardian being. Both Hebrew and Gentile readers would have instantly understood this concept. Both seraphim and cherubim are known as guardians around God's throne. The Hebrew word seraph (Is. 6:2) especially relates here because its meaning derives from a burning, fiery serpentine being.   [2] In Hebrew: ben el the “sons of God,” the celestial beings of heaven.  [3]Some translations render the phrase as “sons of Israel,” while others render it “sons of God.” I believe that translations like KJV, NIV, and NASB are misinformed to render the phrase as “sons of Israel.” The phrase “sons of Israel” follows the Masoretic Texts, which were edited by Jewish scholars in the middle ages who were hostile to Christianity, and the supernatural appearances of the 2nd person of the Trinity (Jesus) throughout Old Testament passages. The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls uphold the phrase “sons of God.” Both of these sources were penned by Jewish scholars about 1000 years before the Masoretic Texts were collated. [4]Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith, 1976, pp. 345 –46.  

Pastor Dru discusses how early Christians faced persecution for boldly proclaiming Jesus as Lord over all, despite the Roman Empire's polytheistic beliefs. He emphasizes the significance of this claim, as it challenged the established religious hierarchy and worldview.

Dust off your halo and flap your wings, dearest ravens, as today we're rejoicing in the absolutely bonkers history of Angels, following up on last year's "Haunting Season" episode about Demons.Part of the "Three Ravens Bestiary" series, we start by discussing how words for things like "angels" and "God" in ancient texts have created a mess of confusions across the ages. Then we leap straight down from heaven (or out of a hidden dimension, at the very least) to discuss how ancient ideas like Animism and Polytheism laid the foundations that enabled the introduction of Angels into early Abrahamic religious texts.Through discussions of Zoroastrianism, Yahwism, and ancient apocryphal mystic writings, we dig into some fascinating stuff, including 'Guardian Angels' in general, specific Angels, like Michael, Gabriel, Samael, and Metatron, and chat about how a proliferation of esoteric writings throughout the Dark Ages and Medieval Era spun 'Angelologies' out in some pretty weird directions.From the mysteries of Gnosticism and the Kabbalah to descriptions of what Cherubum, Seraphim and Elohim actually look like (which is not as you might expect) it's an episode of big ideas and bizarre truths that might just change how you think about Angels. And likely modify how you describe your loved ones. Because if your children or significant other really are "angels" then, frankly, you should be cowering in terror!The Three Ravens is an English Myth and Folklore podcast hosted by award-winning writers Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon.Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays (Magic and Medicines about folk remedies and arcane spells, Three Ravens Bestiary about cryptids and mythical creatures, Dying Arts about endangered heritage crafts, and Something Wicked about folkloric true crime from across history) plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?Learn more at www.threeravenspodcast.com, join our Patreon at www.patreon.com/threeravenspodcast, and find links to our social media channels here: https://linktr.ee/threeravenspodcast Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We discuss how Platonist philosophical teaching played out at Alexandria before Justinian's edict of 529 and in its aftermath. Featuring cameo appearances from the fall of the western Roman empire and Horapollo's Hieroglyphika.

Ralston College Humanities MA   Dr Paul Epstein is a distinguished classicist and Professor Emeritus of Classics at Oklahoma State University, renowned for his extensive knowledge of Greek and Latin literature.  In this lecture and discussion—delivered in Savannah during the x term of the inaugural year of Ralston College's MA in the Humanities program—classicist Dr Paul Epstein considers how Sophocles's tragedy Women of Trachis and Aristophanes's comedy Frogs arise from—and reflect upon—the polis-centered polytheism of ancient Greece as it appeared during the Athenian flourishing of the fifth century BC. Professor Epstein explores how these Greek dramas articulate the relationship between human beings, the gods, and the community. Tragedy, in Professor Epstein's account, is about the overall structure of the community, while comedy starts with the individual's exploration of that community. Yet both forms ultimately reveal an understanding of the individual that is inseparable from the polis in which he or she lives. Professor Epstein argues that our contemporary notion of the self as an entity fundamentally separate from context would be entirely alien to the ancient Greeks. Grasping this ancient understanding of the individual is vitally necessary if we are to correctly interpret the literary and philosophical texts of Hellenic antiquity. *In this lecture and discussion, classicist Dr. Paul Epstein considers how Sophocles's tragedy Women of Trachis and Aristophanes's comedy Frogs arise from—and reflect upon—the polis-centered polytheism of ancient Greece during the Athenian flourishing of the fifth century BC. Professor Epstein explores how these Greek dramas articulate the relationship between human beings, the gods, and the community. Tragedy, in Professor Epstein's account, is about the overall structure of the community, while comedy starts with the individual's exploration of that community. Yet both forms ultimately reveal an understanding of the individual that is inseparable from the polis in which he or she lives. Professor Epstein argues that our contemporary notion of the self as an entity fundamentally separate from context would be entirely alien to the ancient Greeks. Grasping this ancient understanding of the individual is vitally necessary if we are to correctly interpret the literary and philosophical texts of Hellenic antiquity.   —   0:00 Introduction of Professor Epstein by President Blackwood 6:25 The Polytheistic World of the Polis 01:09:35 Dialogue with Students on Polytheism and the Polis 01:22:40 Sophocles's Women of Trachis 01:44:10 Dialogue with Students About Women of Trachis 01:56:10 Introduction to Aristophanes' Frogs 02:24:40 Dialogue with Students About Frogs  02:49:45 Closing Remarks for Professor Epstein's Lecture   —   Authors, Ideas, and Works Mentioned in This Episode:    Athenian flourishing of the fifth century BC  Sophocles, Women of Trachis  Aristophanes, Frogs William Shakespeare Plato, Symposium Aristophanes, Lysistrata Homer, Odyssey  Aristotle, Poetics Peloponnesian War   Plato, Apology nomizó (νομίζω)—translated in the talk as “acknowledge” nous (νοῦς) binein (Βινέω)  Johann Joachim Winkelman  Nicene Creed  Titanic v. Olympian gods  Hesiod  Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility  Sigmund Freud  Existentialism  techne (τέχνη) logos (λόγος) eros (Ἔρως)  hubris (ὕβρις) Philip Larkin, “Annus Mirabilis”  Athansian Creed psuche (ψυχή)—translated in the talk as “soul” thelo (θέλω)—translated in the talk as “wishes”  Aristophanes, Clouds mimesis (μίμησις)  —   Additional Resources    Dr Stephen Blackwood    Ralston College (including newsletter)   Support a New Beginning    —   Thank you for listening!  

Did Muhammad initially allow for the intercession of pagan idols in Mecca? Islamic sources say yes. Michael Lofton examines these sources and then considers various Islamic responses that are made to confirm the reliability of Muhammad – despite this incident.

Send us a Text Message.Grab your broomsticks and join Laylla and Chelle for an enlightening conversation with special guest George Lizos, spiritual teacher, intuitive healer, and author of "Secrets of Greek Mysticism: A Modern Guide to Daily Practice with the Greek Gods and Goddesses" and "Be The Guru".In this episode, we dive deep into the realm of personal deity and divine connections. George, a priest of Greek Paganism, shares his unique insights on why having a personal relationship with the Gods is vital, as well as:The recent legalization of Greek polytheism in Greece (2017) and its implicationsUnderstanding gods and goddesses as extensions of universal lawsMoving beyond gender in our perception of deityThe purpose and power of prayer in connecting with divine energiesHow to discover and connect with your guardian god or goddessHis idea of a Greek Polytheist Wheel of the YearHow Xena: Warrior Princess got things wrong about Hellenic Polytheism but was still a fabulous show!We also explore fascinating topics like past life regression, finding spiritual balance, and nurturing your connection with the divine feminine.Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your spiritual journey, this episode offers a fresh perspective on personal deity and how to fearlessly follow your purpose.So light a candle, settle in, and let's embark on this illuminating journey with George Lizos. It's time to elevate your spiritual toolkit!Grab George's FREE Life Purpose Workbook at http://georgelizos.com/lifepurposeWebsite: www.georgelizos.comFacebook Group: www.yourspiritualtoolkit.comInstagram @georgelizosTikTok: @iamgeorgelizosYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GeorgeLizosTVSupport the Show.Email: backonthebroomstick@gmail.comYoutube FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

Questions? Comments? Text Us!Embark on a profound journey with God: An Autobiography, The Podcast in the newest What's On Your Mind series episode.Dig into themes of divine communication, the essence of prayer, and living authentically. Discover the transformative power of integrity and discernment. Learn of the liberating freedom of surrendering to God's will while uncovering spirituality and self-discovery.Join us on a journey through God: An Autobiography as we explore faith, embrace a deeper connection with purpose and personal growth, and discover insights that will encourage your spiritual journey and living in tune with God.Relevant Episodes:[What's On Your Mind] God's Autobiography: Revealing Life's Dramas Through Faith[Life Wisdom Project] Polytheism and Living Honestly | Special Guest: Dr. Abigail L. Rosenthal[Special Episode] Revisiting God Explains Polytheism in a Way I Understand[From God to Jerry to You] God-Centered PrayerOther Series:The podcast began with the Dramatic Adaptation of the book and now has several series:Life Wisdom Project: How to live a wiser, happier, and more meaningful life with special guests.From God To Jerry To You: Calling for the attention of spiritual seekers everywhere, featuring breakthroughs, pathways, and illuminations.Two Philosophers Wrestle With God: Sit in on a dialogue between philosophers about God and the questions we all have.What's On Our Mind- Connect the dots with Jerry and Scott over the most recent series of episodes.What's On Your Mind: What are readers and listeners saying? What is God saying?Resources:READ: “Death and the Hope of Immortality . . .”WHAT'S ON OUR MIND EPISODE PLAYLISTYOUTUBE CHANNEL: NEW VIDEOS#whatsonourmind #godanautobiography #experiencegodWould you like to be featured on the show or have questions about spirituality or divine communicShare Your Story | Site | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Angelica @angelicascresci talks to George Lizos @georgelizos about greek mysticism and paganism, working with the greek pantheon and so much more. Find George on Instagram at @georgelizos to learn more about their new book Secrets of Greek Mysticism and other offerings. GEORGE'S LINKS Find Angelica @angelicascresci on Instagram.  Join the Palace Coven, Angelica's membership group for all upcoming events and classes including the Beltane Group Ritual class - held tomorrow May 2nd in the Stars tier.  JOIN THE PALACE COVEN - HERE angelicacresci.com

Happy 2024! While the show is still on a break, I'll be releasing bonus episodes speaking with devotees of various deities and spirits. Today, I share what led me to become a devotee of the Filipino (Visayan) goddess Dalikamata, and I speak with Angelica Cresci, a devotee of Hades, King of the Underworld in the Greek pantheon.Angelica Cresci: https://www.angelicacresci.com/

Today we'll be looking at the basic premise of Paganism – why Polytheism, animism, spiritualism, even if they have been at times very popular in history, and seem to be trendy now, simply don't make sense to the reasonable person. We'll see how, based on logic, the ideas inherent in Hinduism, Buddhism, and native or aboriginal spiritualities simply won't match up to reality.