Podcasts about Religious experience

““Believest thou…?”: Faith, Cognitive Dissonance, and the Psychology of Religious Experience” by Wendy Ulrich at the 2005 FAIR Conference It's an old and frequent spiritual question, and it shows up […] The post Classic FAIR – Faith and Cognitive Dissonance – Wendy Ulrich, 2005 appeared first on FAIR.

What are Adverse Religious Experiences (AREs) and spiritual abuse? Aren't they the same thing as religious trauma? Join Andrew and Laura on this week's episode to discuss AREs, spiritual abuse, dynamics of power and control, how this relates to fundamentalism and how all of this…isn't religious trauma? You heard us correctly!  Andrew and Laura discuss all of this AND how these things can result in religious trauma on this episode of Sunday School Dropouts!This podcast is brought to you by the Center for Trauma Resolution and Recovery: an online trauma coaching company whose practitioners are trauma informed and trauma trained to work with individuals, couples and families who have experienced high control religion, cults, and religious trauma. For more information on the support that CTRR provides, for resources–including courses, workshops, and more–head to traumaresolutionandrecovery.com or follow us on Instagram: @traumaresolutionandrecovery The views and opinions expressed by Sunday School Dropouts are those of the hosts and not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Center for Trauma Resolution and Recovery. Any of the content provided by our guests, sponsors, authors, or bloggers are their own ideas and opinions.The Sunday School Dropouts podcast is not anti-religion but it is anti -harm, -power and control, -oppression and, -abuse and will speak to the harmful practices and messaging of fundamentalist groups. Follow Andrew on Instagram and TikTok @deconstruct_everything Follow Laura on Instagram and TikTok @drlauraeanderson or on her website: www.drlauraeanderson.com Hosts: Laura Anderson and Andrew KerbsMusic by Benjamin Faye Music @heytherebenji Editing and Production by Kevin Crowe

Archibald Alexander's Thoughts on Religious Experience stands as a classic in Reformed pastoral theology, offering a penetrating exploration of the inner dynamics of Christian life. Drawing from decades of ministerial experience, Alexander traces the spiritual journey from early convictions and conversion to the trials and consolations of aged believers. With careful attention to the work of the Holy Spirit and the role of Scripture, he examines the diverse patterns of growth, doubt, assurance, and sanctification that mark the believer's pilgrimage. The expanded 1844 edition includes pastoral letters that provide seasoned counsel across generational lines, enriching the book's enduring value for spiritual formation.

“All of this together shaped how I began to think about mind, not as something to be mastered, but as a landscape of the unspoken whether it was ghosts or griefs or desires that were hard to relinquish. I saw that the ghost was not always an ‘other'. It was often intimate, tied to lost ones, sometimes to unmet desires, to unbearable longings, but in some ways possession was an attempt to keep close what was slipping away. The ghost doesn't just haunt, it feels as if it wants something, and we just have to learn to develop ears to listen to what it wants.”  Episode Description: We acknowledge Loewald's concept of 'ghosts becoming ancestors' and consider the similarities and differences with those who hold 'ghosts' to be literal. Shalini shares with us her journey to open herself to the uncertainty and ambiguity of these externalized entities while appreciating both their cultural and intrapsychic sources. We learn of her family's involvement with exorcisms, especially her grandmother's "fearless warmth" and "empathy that saw beyond the terror of the ghosts." She considers the many facets of mind that are represented by 'ghosts' and the essential value of approaching them as guides to the "landscape of the unspoken." Shalini describes a long term engagement that she had with an individual who "taught me to receive the inchoate and horrific...to contain the brokenness and not interpret it away.. and to appreciate the glimpses of beauty in the most grotesque parts of self."   Our Guest: Shalini Masih, a psychoanalytic psychotherapist and writer, grew up in India amidst priests and healers, witnessing spirit possession and exorcism. Now based in Worcestershire, UK, she holds a Master's degree in Psychoanalytic Studies from Tavistock & Portman, London, and a PhD from the University of Delhi. Mentored by psychoanalysts Michael Eigen and Sudhir Kakar, she's an award-winning scholar of the American Psychological Association. She has taught and supervised psychoanalytic psychotherapists in Ambedkar University, Delhi and in Birkbeck, University of London. Her acclaimed paper, 'Devil! Sing me the Blues', was nominated for Gradiva Awards in 2020. Her debut book is Psychoanalytic Conversations with States of Spirit Possession: Beauty in Brokenness.  Recommended Readings: Kakar, Sudhir. Shamans, mystics, and doctors: A psychological inquiry into India and its healing traditions. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 1991.   Kakar, Sudhir. Mad and Divine. India: Penguin Books India, 2008.   Eigen, Michael. “On Demonized Aspects of the Self” In The Electrified Tightrope. Routledge. 2018.   Kumar, Mansi, Dhar Anup & Mishra, Anurag. Psychoanalysis from the Indian Terroir: Emerging Themes in Culture, Family, and Childhood. New York:Lexington Books, 2018.   Meltzer, Donald, and Williams, Meg H. The apprehension of beauty: The role of aesthetic conflict in development, art and violence. Karnac, London: The Harris Meltzer Trust, 2008.   Obeyesekere, Gananath. Medusa's Hair: An Essay on Personal Symbols and Religious Experience. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 1981.   Ogden, Thomas. This Art of Psychoanalysis—Dreaming Undreamt Dreams and Interrupted Cries. East Sussex: Routledge, 2005   Botella, Cesar, and Botella, Sara. The Work of Psychic Figurability: Mental States without Representation. Brunner-Routledge. Taylor and Francis Group: Hove and New York. 2005.   Winnicott. Donald W. “Transitional objects and transitional phenomena.”  International Journal of Psycho-Analysis, 34, (1953): 89–97

Andrew Callaghan opens up about faith, death, and the search for meaning with Patrick Bet-David. From childhood beliefs to losing a puppy, the conversation turns deep. They explore religion, Iran, dogs in heaven, and the evolving journey of finding your spiritual identity.

This series focuses on Harold Begbie's book Life Changers. Published in 1922 it describes key elements in Frank Buchman's program of radical change from which AA drew so many of its principles and practices. Studying the source material for the 12-Steps can give us insights into the transformational process the Group was trying to achieve both in individuals and in nations. They can prove invaluable to anyone whose recovery has lost its “zing” or to individuals unable to recover because of a “watered down” recovery approach. Fr. Bill focuses on chapters 3 through 9 of Life Changers drawing broadly from the stories of some who attended the 1922 house party and the elements that helped bring about their change. Show notes: Life Changers:https://www.amazon.com/Life-Changers-13th-Harold-Begbie/dp/1439232067War of the Gods in Addiction by David Schoen:https://www.amazon.com/War-Gods-Addiction-David-Schoen/dp/1882670574Varieties of Religious Experience by William James (free / pdf version)https://csrs.nd.edu/assets/59930/williams_1902.pdf

For our April episode on books, we, the CPT staff, have been reading:CR Wiley, In the House of Tom Bombadil (2021)Ryan Holiday, The Obstacle Is the Way (2014)Percival Everett, James (2024)Harold Netland, Religious Experience and the Knowledge of God (2022)Exiles in Babylon

This episode is a replay. In this preview of our Brave New World series, Evgeny talks to psychologist and researcher Bill Richards, whose book Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences is considered a seminal work in the field and is now in its 10th edition. To listen to the whole interview, and hear previous episodes, search 'Brave New World' in your podcast provider. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we drive into what we learned over the years in regards to our spirit and our religious experiences. My guest King Sha and I have a great conversation where we touch on catholic understanding, moorish learning and spirituality necessity to name a few. Let this episode make you think about your own beliefs and how they define you. Want to learn more about me. YouTube/ Facebook/ Instagram @elitemotivation411 Follow up with your own private unfoldment. Schedule a session below Scared Services or to get a copy of her ebook https://linktr.ee/EliteM411 Find out more about us on IG/FB @elitemotivation411 on YOUTUBE Learn more about King Sha find him on Instagram @king.shareef.el

In this episode we explore the fascinating world of neuroscience with Dr. Jeremy Teissere, Stanley Road Professor of Neuroscience at Muhlenberg College, who introduces us to the discipline's key questions and recent developments. Then, we turn to the enduring legacy of William James, the early 20th century thinker at the intersection of psychology, philosophy, and religion. We consider how James's pioneering insights into mystical states, consciousness, and conversion continue to resonate with modern neuroscientific understanding.Send us a text

Questions? Comments? Text Us!What happens when a philosophy professor, known for teaching logic and critical thinking, has an undeniable encounter with God? Dr. Jerry L. Martin was a lifelong agnostic until one day, to his great surprise, God spoke to him. As a philosopher, he had no choice but to investigate.In this episode of From God to Jerry to You, Jerry takes a deep dive into one of the most pivotal moments in spiritual history: Moses and the burning bush. He unpacks not just what happened, but what it means for all of us. Why did God choose a burning bush? What was significant about Moses' response? And what can we learn from this moment about how the divine reaches out to us today?With his signature curiosity and philosophical rigor, Jerry distills 9 key lessons from Moses' encounter- lessons that challenge us to pay attention, trust, and respond when something greater calls. Jerry also reflects on how his own encounter with God mirrored aspects of Moses' story, from the shock of the experience to the life-altering consequences of obedience and saying "yes" to the divine.This isn't just a story from ancient scripture- it's a blueprint for how spiritual awakenings unfold and an invitation to examine your own encounters with the unseen.Are you paying attention?Visit godanautobiography.com for more information and to get your copy of God: An Autobiography, As Told To A Philosopher—the true story of an agnostic philosopher who heard the voice of God and recorded their conversations.Other 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: "You Could Be Wrong."FROM GOD TO JERRY TO YOU PLAYLISTWould you like to be featured on the show or have questions about spirituality or divine communication? Share your story or experience with God!#fromgodtojerrytoyou #FGTJTY #godanautobiography #experiencegod #SpiritualAwakeningShare Your Story | Site | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

62: BREAKING DAWN | Hanan, the Tagalog Goddess of the DawnIt's a new day, a new episode, and finally time to talk about Hanan, the long-overdue Tagalog goddess of dawn! She's been there all along, ushering in the sunrise, bringing in the harvest, and very recently being recruited as the unofficial goddess of the New Year. But why do we know so little about her?Join us as we uncover Hanan's origins, from her celestial family (yes, she's sisters with Mayari and Tala) to her often-overlooked role in Philippine mythology. We take a deep dive into the myth where she blinds the Bakunawa in a cosmic battle to save the moon, a tale that somehow feels like The Nutcracker meets True Blood. We also discuss how modern Filipinos have unofficially assigned her the job of goddess of fresh starts, why her PR team (if she had one) is seriously slacking, and how this forgotten dawn deity deserves a Sailor Moon-style transformation sequence (artists, we need you on this). ✨ Start your day with us, a quiz, and a whole lot of mythological nerding out.—The Gods Must Be Crazy is a podcast on Philippine Mythology hosted by friends Anama Dimapilis and Ice Lacsamana, avid mythology nerds and semi-professional gossips. Follow us over at @godsmustbecrazy.pod on Instagram and Facebook for more good stuff. We welcome any suggestions on future topics or episodes.  You can also join us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thegodsmustbecrazypodcast.You can also find us on Youtube – Gods Must Be Crazy Podcast channel, where we post some of our episodes and interviews. For other inquiries, please email us at godsmustbecrazy.pod@gmail.comThe intro and outro music is by Brian O'Reilly (@dendriform on Instagram).—Sources:"Exploring the Tagalog Story of Hanan in Philippine Mythology." Wars and History. "Hanan: The Morning Goddess." Mythlok. "Hanan." Treasury of Tagalog. Accessed January 23, 2025. URL: https://tagalogmyth.wixsite.com/treasuryoftagalog/hanan. "Hanan, Tagalog Goddess of Dawn + Full Moon in Scorpio." Hella Pinay.  "Hanan (goddess)." EverybodyWiki Bios & Wiki.  "Philippine Mythology Gods and Goddesses: An Ultimate Guide." FilipiKnow.  "Exploring Philippine Mythology: Gods and Goddesses of Tagalog Pantheon." Yodisphere.  "Hanan | Facts, Information, and Mythology." Pantheon.org. URL: https://pantheon.org/articles/h/hanan.html. "Ancient Philippines: Rituals for Land, Weather and Sailing." The Aswang Project. URL: https://www.aswangproject.com/ancient-philippines-rituals/. "Religious Experiences and Spirituality: Indigenous Religions in Pre-colonial Philippines." Slideshare.net. URL: https://www.slideshare.net/indigenous-religions-philippines. "PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD: Philippine History." StudyLib. URL:  https://studylib.net/doc/pre-colonial-period-philippine-history. "Indigenous Religions of the Philippines: Preserving Ancient Beliefs." Pinas Culture. Accessed January 23, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annapurna_(goddess) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanan_(given_name)  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27929190/#:~:text=Inspired%20by%20Philippine%20mythology%2C%20the,create%20ripples%20throughout%20the%20universe. 

NB: Sign up for Alexis Sears's 92NY online poetry class now—deadline Wednesday, Feb 26!SLEERICKETS is a podcast about poetry and other intractable problems. My book Midlife now exists. Buy it here, or leave it a rating here or hereFor more SLEERICKETS, check out the SECRET SHOW and join the group chatLeave the show a rating here (actually, just do it on your phone, it's easier). Thanks!Wear SLEERICKETS t-shirts and hoodies. They look good!SLEERICKETS is now on YouTube!Some of the topics mentioned in this episode:– Sign up for Alexis Sears's 92NY online poetry class now—deadline Wednesday, Feb 26!– The Shape that Am I by Patricia Lockwood– COINTELPRO: The FBI's Secret War on Political Freedom by Nelson Blackstock– Dan Deacon– Antichrist (2009)– Immersion (Piss Christ) by Andres Serrano– The Motte-and-Bailey Fallacy– The Varieties of Religious Experience by William James– The God Delusion by Richard DawkinsFrequently mentioned names:– Joshua Mehigan– Shane McCrae– A. E. Stallings– Ryan Wilson– Morri Creech– Austin Allen– Jonathan Farmer– Zara Raab– Amit Majmudar– Ethan McGuire– Coleman Glenn– Chris Childers– Alexis Sears– JP Gritton– Alex Pepple– Ernie Hilbert– Joanna PearsonOther Ratbag Poetry Pods:Poetry Says by Alice AllanI Hate Matt Wall by Matt WallVersecraft by Elijah BlumovRatbag Poetics By David Jalal MotamedAlice: Poetry SaysBrian: @BPlatzerCameron: CameronWTC [at] hotmail [dot] comMatthew: sleerickets [at] gmail [dot] comMusic by ETRNLArt by Daniel Alexander Smith

Bible Camp, The Holier People, Jealousy (looking back on weird religious experiences)

Questions? Comments? Text Us!In this episode of What's On  Your Mind we explore two powerful listener stories that highlight the theme of obedience, faith, and divine encounters. Raymond shares an unexpected moment of overwhelming emotion and spiritual awakening while listening to a song, leading him to an intense experience of seeking forgiveness and hearing a divine voice. Meanwhile, Beverly reflects on her lifelong spiritual journey beyond traditional religion, searching for a deeper connection with the ‘God force' in unexpected places.Dr. Jerry L. Martin and Scott Langdon discuss these profound experiences, exploring the significance of divine nudges, obedience, and personal faith transformations. How do we recognize and respond to moments of spiritual awakening? What does it mean to ‘get up' after encountering God?Join us for an inspiring conversation on the personal and institutional aspects of faith, and share your own story at questions@godanautobiography.com.Subscribe and listen now!Discover the InspirationExplore the book that sparked it all: God: An Autobiography, As Told to a Philosopher. Get your copy on Amazon.Other Series:Life Wisdom Project- How to live a wiser, happier, and more meaningful life with special guests.From God To Jerry To You- A series 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: "Everything God Has Spoken, We Will Do"WATCH: From God To Jerry To You - Steps to God-Centered PrayerWHAT'S ON YOUR MIND PLAYLISTHashtags: #whatsonyourmind #godanautobiography #experiencegodWould you like to be featured on the show or have questions about spirituality or divine communication? Share your story or experience with God! We'd love to hear from you!Share Your Story | Site | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

On this episode of Crazy Wisdom, Stewart Alsop speaks with Dimetri Kofinas, host of Hidden Forces, about the transition from an "age of answers" to an "age of questions." They explore the implications of AI and large language models on human cognition, the role of narrative in shaping society, and the destabilizing effects of trauma on belief systems. The conversation touches on media manipulation, the intersection of technology and consciousness, and the existential dilemmas posed by transhumanism. For more from Dimetri, check out hiddenforces.io (https://hiddenforces.io).Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast00:10 The Age of Questions: A New Era00:58 Exploring Human Uniqueness with AI04:30 The Role of Podcasting in Knowledge Discovery09:23 The Impact of Trauma on Belief Systems12:26 The Evolution of Propaganda16:42 The Centralization vs. Decentralization Debate20:02 Navigating the Information Age21:26 The Nature of Free Speech in the Digital Era26:56 Cognitive Armor: Developing Resilience30:05 The Rise of Intellectual Dark Web Celebrities31:05 The Role of Media in Shaping Narratives32:38 Questioning Authority and Truth34:35 The Nature of Consensus and Scientific Truth36:11 Simulation Theory and Perception of Reality38:13 The Complexity of Consciousness47:06 Argentina's Libertarian Experiment51:33 Transhumanism and the Future of Humanity53:46 The Power Dynamics of Technological Elites01:01:13 Concluding Thoughts and ReflectionsKey InsightsWe are shifting from an age of answers to an age of questions. Dimetri Kofinas and Stewart Alsop discuss how society is moving away from a model where authority figures and institutions provide definitive answers and toward one where individuals must critically engage with uncertainty. This transition is both exciting and destabilizing, as it forces us to rethink long-held assumptions and develop new ways of making sense of the world.AI is revealing the limits of human uniqueness. Large language models (LLMs) can replicate much of what we consider intellectual labor, from conversation to knowledge retrieval, forcing us to ask: What remains distinctly human? The discussion suggests that while AI can mimic thought patterns and compress vast amounts of information, it lacks the capacity for true embodied experience, creative insight, and personal revelation—qualities that define human consciousness.Narrative control is a fundamental mechanism of power. Whether through media, social networks, or propaganda, the ability to shape narratives determines what people believe to be true. The conversation highlights how past and present authorities—from Edward Bernays' early propaganda techniques to modern AI-driven social media algorithms—have leveraged this power to direct public perception and behavior, often with unforeseen consequences.Trauma is a tool for reshaping belief systems. Societal upheavals, such as 9/11, the 2008 financial crisis, and COVID-19, create psychological fractures that leave people vulnerable to radical shifts in worldview. In moments of crisis, individuals seek order, making them more susceptible to new ideologies—whether grounded in reality or driven by manipulation. This dynamic plays a key role in how misinformation and conspiracy theories gain traction.The free market alone cannot regulate the modern information ecosystem. While libertarian ideals advocate for minimal intervention, Kofinas argues that the chaotic nature of unregulated information systems—especially social media—leads to dangerous feedback loops that amplify division and disinformation. He suggests that democratic institutions must play a role in establishing transparency and oversight to prevent unchecked algorithmic manipulation.Transhumanism is both a technological pursuit and a philosophical problem. The belief that human consciousness can be uploaded or replicated through technology is based on a materialist assumption that denies the deeper mystery of subjective experience. The discussion critiques the arrogance of those who claim we can fully map and transfer human identity onto machines, highlighting the philosophical and ethical dilemmas this raises.The struggle between centralization and decentralization is accelerating. The digital age is simultaneously fragmenting traditional institutions while creating new centers of power. AI, geopolitics, and financial systems are all being reshaped by this tension. The conversation explores how Argentina's libertarian experiment under Javier Milei exemplifies this dynamic, raising questions about whether decentralization can work without strong institutional foundations or whether chaos inevitably leads back to authoritarianism.

A new Craftwork episode featuring a conversation with John Kaag, a philosopher and author who is also now the co-founder and chief creative officer of Rebind, a company that creates interactive reading experiences using AI and featuring leading authors and scholars like Margaret Atwood, Clancy Martin, John Banville, Roxane Gay, Deepak Chopra, and others. Kaag is professor of Philosophy at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. Kaag specializes in American philosophy and is the Donohue Professor of Ethics and the Arts at UMass Lowell, External Professor at the Santa Fe Institute and Advisor at Outlier.org. In February 2023, Kaag delivered the lecture "William James and the Sick Soul" for Harvard Divinity School's William James Lectures on Religious Experience series. He lives in Carlisle, MA with his wife, Kathleen, and their two children. *** Otherppl with Brad Listi is a weekly literary podcast featuring in-depth interviews with today's leading writers. Available where podcasts are available: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Subscribe to Brad Listi's email newsletter. Support the show on Patreon Merch Instagram  TikTok Bluesky Email the show: letters [at] otherppl [dot] com The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Questions? Comments? Text Us!In this From God To Jerry To You, we explore the perplexing story of Abraham and Isaac to uncover deeper themes of obedience and spiritual growth. Join Dr. Jerry L. Martin as he shares his remarkable conversations with God, offering fresh insight into how a seemingly troubling biblical account reveals profound wisdom for modern seekers. Discover how divine will aligns with human fulfillment, guiding us toward greater harmony, transformation, and love. By challenging common assumptions about sacrifice and submission, we learn to see obedience in a more liberating light.Press play to hear the message: From God to Jerry, to you.Visit godanautobiography.com for more information and to get your copy of God: An Autobiography, As Told To A Philosopher—the true story of an agnostic philosopher who heard the voice of God and recorded their conversations.Other 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: "I Am Pulling Life Forward."FROM GOD TO JERRY TO YOU PLAYLIST#fromgodtojerrytoyou #FGTJTY #godanautobiography #experiencegodWould you like to be featured on the show or have questions about spirituality or divine communication? Share your story or experience with God!Share Your Story | Site | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Send us a textJoin me as I recount my profound religious experience story that led to my Protestant to Catholic conversion during my time at Oxford. This video delves into the significant religious paradigm shift and spiritual transformation that redefined my personal faith journey and understanding of Catholic doctrines. Witness how an unexpected moment at a Catholic mass prompted a deep reflection on my religious identity and beliefs.Support the show--------------------------If you would want to support the channel and what I am doing, please follow me on Patreon: www.patreon.com/christianityforall Where else to find Josh Yen: Philosophy YT: https://bit.ly/philforallEducation: https://bit.ly/joshyenBuisness: https://bit.ly/logoseduMy Website: https://joshuajwyen.com/

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Luke 4:14-22 - Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of Him spread throughout the whole region.  He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. He came to Nazareth, where He had grown up, and went according to His custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day.  He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah.  He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. Rolling up the scroll, He handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at Him.  He said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of Him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from His Mouth. Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2) California governor says Pacific Palisades wildfire has destroyed many structures as winds kick up https://www.yahoo.com/news/strongest-winds-over-decade-could-061003709.html 3) D.C. Cardinal Robert McElroy: Mass deportation of illegals is "incompatible with Catholic doctrine" https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2025/01/07/d-c-cardinal-mass-deportation-illegals-incompatible-catholic-doctrine/  4) Immanentism: Catholicism and Religious Experience, by Dennis Q. McInerny, Ph.D. https://fssp.com/immanentism-catholicism-and-religious-experience-by-d-q-mcinerny-ph-d/

In this compelling episode of the Soberoso Podcast, titled "Untold Faith: Finding God Through Addiction Recovery," host Dora invites her husband Fred to share his deeply personal journey with listeners for the very first time. Raised in a religious home as a preacher's kid, Fred opens up about his battle with alcoholism and the profound loneliness that accompanied hiding his struggles from the world. Despite possessing deep religious knowledge, Fred found his understanding of God truly stretched and reshaped only when facing the depths of his addiction and becoming willing to set aside everything he thought he knew about God.Set Aside Prayer Recently celebrating three years of being clean and sober, Fred recounts his transformative path to recovery and spiritual awakening. This first-time public sharing offers a raw and honest look at how Fred rediscovered God outside the traditional church setting.Join us for an inspiring and enlightening episode that uniquely explores the intersection of faith and addiction recovery, offering hope to those who feel lost. Whether you're journeying towards sobriety or searching for deeper spiritual meaning, Fred's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of finding untold faith beyond the pews.For anyone who would like to reach out to Fred and connect on his experiences and insights, please contact him at fmeyerroofing@gmail.comSoberoso Podcast Season 4 EP12Send Soberoso A TextSupport the showThank you for joining us on this episode of Soberoso. Remember, no matter where you are on your journey, you are not alone. Join us in "Sharing Our Passion For Recovery" one story at a time. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and don't forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories each week. Until the next time stay safe, stay sober and to thine ownself be true!Follow Soberoso Podcast on

In this episode I continue my exploration of William James' The Varieties of Religious Experience, with a focus on the conversion process and the subconscious mind.

In this episode I dive into the healthy mind and the sick soul, the foundational concepts of William James' masterpiece, The Varieties of Religious Experience. This is the first of a two-part series.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASFH_O4sDo4 Guest: Gary Dorrien is Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary and Professor of Religion at Columbia University.  He is the author of more than twenty books and three hundred articles that range across social ethics, philosophy, theology, political economics, social and political theory, religious history, cultural criticism, and intellectual history. He is the recipient of many awards including the Grawemeyer Award in 2017 for his book The New Abolition: W. E. B. Du Bois and the Black Social Gospel.  His latest book is Over from Union Road My Christian-Left-Intellectual Life. The post The Religious Experience & Social Movements appeared first on KPFA.

There can be no doubt that as a matter of fact a religious life, exclusively pursued, does tend to make the person exceptional and eccentric. I speak not now of your ordinary religious believer, who follows the conventional observances of his country, whether it be Buddhist, Christian, or Mohammedan. His religion has been made for...

What is the Heartbeat of Religious Experience?

In this episode of the Cold-Case Christianity Podcast, J. Warner examines the nature of religious experience. Can experiences such as these serve as an evidence for the existence of God? Can we trust our experiences? Is there some way to test test such experiences to make sure they are from God?

This is a crossover episode in which https://x.com/loubohan interviews me for his podcast Deus Ex Machina.I was obviously in an exuberant mood for this interview - it's one of my favorites!Deus Ex Machina podcast:https://open.spotify.com/episode/7mXUfNJdNnOjGfu6VGactr?si=Y3j1OZG4QsGdPhXd8dKsrw…Timestamps:(00:00) - Growing up in Iowa. Athletics, Chinese culture. KMT and military family background. (11:48) - Hearing about the Cultural Revolution from my dad: his family experienced it firsthand in Zhejiang. Meanwhile, US experts and academics were entirely deluded about reality in PRC (20:55) - "Experts" are often miscalibrated (35:03) - Physicists and finance. Was Charlie Munger right to say it's a waste of talent to channel top brains into finance? (45:15) - Hedgehogs, Foxes, and Eagles. Polymathy. (48:41) - Development of modern China as the greatest story of the last 50 years. My first visit to China: the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone in 1992. US-China competition and the future of Asian Americans. (56:52) - Genomic Prediction. Genomics of cognitive ability. Leftists holding back genetic science. PING = NIH-funded Pediatric Imagining, Neurocognition, and Genetics study. Stephen J. Gould was a fraud. Asian culture (pragmatic realism) and resistance to woken... (01:05:20) - Physics and Free Will. Meat machines programmed by evolution to have an illusion of self? (01:10:04) - Copenhagen Interpretation of QM: Is there true randomness in Physics? Many Worlds, Foundations of QM, and groupthink in modern physics. (01:19:09) - Christianity, raised as a Methodist by my mother, whose family has been Christian since the 19th century. Religious Experience vs Physics viewpoint. Meat machines programmed by evolution to have mystical religious feelings? (01:21:28) - Raising children, family, happiness, the meaning of life in view of my father's life (01:24:34) - The meaning of life, "All is Vanity" (Ecclesiastes), Religion Music used with permission from Blade Runner Blues Livestream improvisation by State Azure.–Steve Hsu is Professor of Theoretical Physics and of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering at Michigan State University. Previously, he was Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation at MSU and Director of the Institute of Theoretical Science at the University of Oregon. Hsu is a startup founder (SuperFocus.ai, SafeWeb, Genomic Prediction, Othram) and advisor to venture capital and other investment firms. He was educated at Caltech and Berkeley, was a Harvard Junior Fellow, and has held faculty positions at Yale, the University of Oregon, and MSU. Please send any questions or suggestions to manifold1podcast@gmail.com or Steve on X @hsu_steve.

When you learn the skills for super-communication, you can connect with almost anyone you meet. In the second part of this special episode, bestselling author Charles Duhigg shares more of what it takes to be a super-communicator in work and in life. YOU WILL LEARN:· How to recognize the 3 types of conversations that typically happen. · Why a conversation doesn't have to be perfect to be great.· Why you can disagree and still feel connected. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Charles DuhiggS1E14 An Interview with Daniel Goleman S2E125 How to Live the Good Life with Dr. Robert Waldinger The Peak Experience “The Varieties of Religious Experience,” by William James Die Hard NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE: “When someone expresses something to us and we match them, what we're really saying is, ‘I want to connect with you.'” – Charles Duhigg “If we get focused on trying to have the perfect conversation, we don't actually have a conversation.” – Charles Duhigg “We think that a great conversation is something where we sound so erudite and so perfect. It's exactly the opposite. A great conversation is a mess to everyone except the people in it, because you feel that sense of connection.” – Charles Duhigg “My hope is that when we become better communicators, when we learn the skills for super- communication…that all the people that we encounter in our lives we can have a connection with, without having to agree about everything.” – Charles Duhigg “This world has always been at its best when people can disagree with each other and still feel connected.” – Charles Duhiggitsagoodlife.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On "The Varieties of Religious Experience," the conclusion of lecture 15. Why do some saintly types engage in ascetic practices like voluntary poverty? James thinks we could all do with some self-discipline of this sort, as extreme as the examples of literary saints may be. Self-denial is a less destructive way of expressing a martial character than actually going to war. Read along with us, starting on p. 352 (PDF p. 369). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second episode of our "Shook by a Book" series, Kelly connects with Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and bestselling author Charles Duhigg about a century-old book assigned to him in college which influenced his thinking and life choices.  Charles is the author of Supercommunicators, and The Power of Habit.  (He and Kelly actually share the same editor at Random House.)  This book Charlie picked, William James's The Varieties of Religious Experience, gets at the psychological need for religion, the power of choice and how context influences our behavior.  It also serves as a springboard for Kelly and Charlie to go deep on their careers, families and life decisions.Special thanks to The Teagle Foundation for their generous support of this series. This episode was recorded at the Aspen Ideas Festival. 

Why do tech CEOs and visionaries use religious language—and what, if anything, does it have to do with organized religion? We talk Mary-Jane Rubenstein, Professor of Religion and Science in Society at Wesleyan, about unity, infinity, simulated realities, NASA, and how human beings have sought to make meaning of their world. Reading List: Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari Astrotopia by Mary-Jane Rubenstein Worlds Without End by Mary-Jane Rubenstein Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas by Ursula K. Le Guin The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin Penseés by Blaise Pascal Fear and Trembling by Søren Kierkegaard The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis The Varieties of Religious Experience by William James

I recently heard a friend of mine say, "Every Christian needs an Isaiah moment." This suggests a deeper experience with God than only knowing God through doctrine or creed. On Soul02, we explore the definition of a divine experience and its implications for both the individual and the world around us.  Connect with us: YouTube: YouTube.com/@soul02-oxygen Facebook: @LP.Oxygen https://www.facebook.com/LP.Oxygen Instagram: LP.Oxygen Twitter: @Soul025 Buzzsprout: Soul02-Buzzsprout Spotify: Soul02 - Spotify Apple: Soul02-Itunes Stitcher: Soul02-Stitcher

Abram Van Engen is the Stanley Elkin Professor in the Humanities and Chair of the Department of English at Washington University in St. Louis. He specializes in American literature, and is the author of City on a Hill: A History of American Exceptionalism. We talk with him about his latest book, Word Made Fresh: An Invitation to …

We sit down for a discussion about the futility of rationalism, by way of William James' Varieties of Religious Experience. We start with the question of utopias, and try to diagnose why, if they're doomed to fail, it's still worth trying to create them, and then move on to the question of the scientific project - which seems to be an attempt to create a rationalist utopia. James' take on mystical experiences - that they're nearly universally accessible, though rarely long dwelt in - seems to suggest that there is something about the tremulous experience of being alive that will leave us with the feeling of being part of something larger than ourselves no matter how rational we get. So, then, if we can never escape the mystical experience, is it worth trying? And if it is, and we take the project of science to be worthwhile, where does the mystic live? Sign up for our Patreon and get episodes early + join our weekly Patron Chat https://bit.ly/3lcAasB AND rock some Demystify Gear to spread the word: https://demystifysci.myspreadshop.com/ OR do your Amazon shopping through this link: https://amzn.to/4g2cPVV (00:00:00) Go! (00:08:52) Capitalism vs. Utopia (00:20:06) The Nature of Utopian Projects (00:23:16) The challenges of maintaining utopian communities (00:26:21) The importance of starting small for larger projects (00:30:30) Navigating local laws and governance in new communities (00:34:13) The inherent risks of utopian projects (00:39:05) Embracing flexibility for successful organizations (00:44:04) Exploring the interface of science and mysticism (00:46:48) Exploration of Mystical Experiences and Science (00:51:25) Science and the Unseen (00:59:04) The Challenge of Defining Consciousness (01:06:00) Technology and Labor Dynamics (01:10:52) Dealing with Technology's Impact on Human Experience (01:13:11) William James and the Nature of Poverty (01:16:27) The Relationship Between Mystics and Society (01:20:21) Personal Accounts of Mystical Experiences (01:25:15) Balancing Mystical Insights and Practicality (01:30:21) Critique on Integrating Mysticism into Science (01:34:08) The interplay of belief and the unseen in religious and scientific contexts (01:37:00) The mystical dimensions of quantum physics and human experience (01:39:38) Art and mysticism: the limitations of science in capturing experiences (01:45:09) The inadequacies of science in addressing consciousness and existence (01:50:45) The pursuit of knowledge and the limits of scientific authority #sciencepodcast, #longformpodcast, #UtopianVision, #ScienceVsMysticism, #WilliamJames, #Philosophy, #Mysticism, #Rationalism, #DavidGraeber, #Utopia, #Psychology, #PhilosophicalDebate, #DemystifyingScience, #PodcastDiscussion, #CulturalCritique, #HumanExperience, #ConsciousnessExploration Check our short-films channel, @DemystifySci: https://www.youtube.com/c/DemystifyingScience AND our material science investigations of atomics, @MaterialAtomics https://www.youtube.com/@MaterialAtomics Join our mailing list https://bit.ly/3v3kz2S PODCAST INFO: Anastasia completed her PhD studying bioelectricity at Columbia University. When not talking to brilliant people or making movies, she spends her time painting, reading, and guiding backcountry excursions. Shilo also did his PhD at Columbia studying the elastic properties of molecular water. When he's not in the film studio, he's exploring sound in music. They are both freelance professors at various universities. - Blog: http://DemystifySci.com/blog - RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/2be66934/podcast/rss - Donate: https://bit.ly/3wkPqaD - Swag: https://bit.ly/2PXdC2y SOCIAL: - Discord: https://discord.gg/MJzKT8CQub - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DemystifySci - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DemystifySci/ - Twitter: https://twitter.com/DemystifySci MUSIC: -Shilo Delay: https://g.co/kgs/oty671

I am thrilled to announce that our new book, the Kindness Daily Reader: Season One, is now available on Amazon. (See Link Below)  Secondly, we are embarking on a new chapter with Season Three of the One Kind Moment podcast. In Season One, we primarily focused on broad topics of kindness and compassion, while in Season Two, we explored areas such as self-compassion, self-help, and self-care. Now, in Season Three, we're shifting our focus to a specific area of self-care that we call Practical Spirituality for Everyone. We'll be delving into topics like spirituality in nature, spiritual intelligence, everyday mindfulness, the science of consciousness, the mystery of life, the science of awe, and managing uncertainty. We're excited to take this new direction and are grateful for your continued support and interest in the One Kind Moment podcast. EXPLORE OUR NEW BOOK! Kindness Daily Reader: Season One https://a.co/d/04RvXldy #onekindmoment #spirituality Yesterday by John Hobart - Music Design by Jason Inc. https://brucewaynemclellan.com/ “There are two lives, the natural and the spiritual, and we must lose the one before we can participate in the other.” William James, The Varieties of Religious Experience    

Continuing on The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902). Does James' claim that science and culture shouldn't ignore the subjective point of view really mean that the religious objects that motivate people are metaphysically real? Is the "unseen realm" part of our common world? Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion. Sponsors: Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/partially. Check out The Overwhelmed Brain podcast at theoverwhelmedbraincom. Check out Mark's Big Books in Continental Philosophy fall class at partiallyexaminedlife.com/class. Learn about our new book at partiallyexaminedlife.com/book.

On The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902), focusing on lectures 1-3 and 20. What is religion and how should philosophers study it? James describes it as a sincere, full-life reaction to the world, more emotional than intellectual, and conveys the experiences of the extreme "religious geniuses" that are merely received second or third hand by the believing masses. Get more at partiallyexaminedlife.com. Visit partiallyexaminedlife.com/support to get ad-free episodes and tons of bonus discussion. Check out Mark's Big Books in Continental Philosophy fall class at partiallyexaminedlife.com/class. Learn about our new book at partiallyexaminedlife.com/book.

Dr. Nathan S. French A school field trip to Washington, D.C. is a formative rite of passage shared by many U.S. school students across the nation. Often, these are framed as “field trips.” Students may visit the White House, the U.S. Capitol Building, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, Declaration of Independence (housed in the National Archive), the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Jefferson Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, or the Smithsonian Museum – among others. For many students, this is the first time they will connect the histories of their textbooks to items, artifacts, and buildings that they can see and feel. For those arriving to Washington, D.C. by airplane or bus, the field trip might also seem like a road trip. Road trips, often involving movement across the U.S. from city-to-city and state-to-state are often framed as quintessential American experiences. Americans have taken road trips to follow their favorite bands, to move to universities and new jobs, to visit the hall of fame of their favorite professional or collegiate sport, or sites of family history. As Dr. Andrew Offenberger observes in our interview, road trips have helped American authors, like Kiowa poet N. Scott Momaday, make sense of their identities as Americans. What if, however, these field trips to Washington, D.C. and road trips across the country might amount to something else? What if we considered them to be pilgrimages? Would that change our understanding of them? For many Americans, the first word that comes to mind when they hear the word, “pilgrimage,” involves the pilgrims of Plymouth, a community of English Puritans who colonized territory in Massachusetts, at first through a treaty with the Wampanoag peoples, but eventually through their dispossession. For many American communities, the nature of pilgrimage remains a reminder of forced displacement, dispossession, and a loss of home and homeland. Pilgrimage, as a term, might also suggest a religious experience. There are multiple podcasts, blogs, and videos discussing the Camino de Santiago, a number of pilgrimage paths through northern Spain. Others might think of making a pilgrimage to the Christian, Jewish, or Muslim sacred spaces in Israel and Palestine often referred to as the “Holy Land” collectively – including the Temple Mount, the Dome of the Rock, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (among others). Mark Twain's Innocents Abroad, is a classic example of this experience. Some make pilgrimage to Salem, Massachusetts each October. Others even debate whether the Crusades were a holy war or pilgrimage. American experiences of pilgrimage have led to substantial transformations in our national history and to our constitutional rights. Pilgrimage, as a movement across state, national, or cultural boundaries, has often been used by Americans to help them make sense of who they are, where they came from, and what it means, to them, to be “an American.” The word, “pilgrimage,” traces its etymology from the French, pèlerinage and from the Latin, pelegrines, with a general meaning of going through the fields or across lands as a foreigner. As a category used by anthropologists and sociologists in the study of religion, “pilgrimage” is often used as a much broader term, studying anything ranging from visits to Japanese Shinto shrines, the Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj, “birthright” trips to Israel by American Jewish youth, and, yes, even trips to Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee – the home of Elvis Presley. Arnold van Gennep (1873-1957) defined pilgrimage as one of a number of rites of passage (i.e., a rite du passage) that involves pilgrims separating themselves from broader society, moving themselves into a place of transition, and then re-incorporating their transformed bodies and minds back into their home societies. That moment of transition, which van Gennep called “liminality,” was the moment when one would become something new – perhaps through initiation, ritual observation, or by pushing one's personal boundaries outside of one's ordinary experience. Clifford Geertz (1926-2006), a contemporary of Turner, argued that a pilgrimage helps us to provide a story within which we are able to orient ourselves in the world. Consider, for example, the role that a trip to Arlington National Cemetery or the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier plays in a visit by a high school class to Washington, D.C. If framed and studied as a pilgrimage, Geertz's theory would suggest that a visit to these sites can be formative to an American's understanding of national history and, perhaps just as importantly, the visit will reinforce for Americans the importance of national service and remembrance of those who died in service to the defense of the United States. When we return from those school field trips to Washington, D.C., then, we do so with a new sense of who we are and where we fit into our shared American history. Among the many examples that we could cite from American history, two pilgrimages in particular – those of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X – provide instructive examples. Held three years after the unanimous U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, the 1957 “Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom,” led by Dr. King brought together thousands in order to, as he described it, “call upon all who love justice and dignity and liberty, who love their country, and who love mankind …. [to] renew our strength, communicate our unity, and rededicate our efforts, firmly but peaceably, to the attainment of freedom.” Posters for the event promised that it would “arouse the conscience of the nation.” Drawing upon themes from the Christian New Testament, including those related to agape – a love of one's friends and enemies – King's speech at the “Prayer Pilgrimage” brought national attention to his civil rights movement and established an essential foundation for his return to Washington, D.C. and his “I Have a Dream Speech,” six years later. In April 1964, Malcolm X departed to observe the Muslim pilgrimage ritual of Hajj in the city of Mecca in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Hajj is an obligation upon all Muslims, across the globe, and involves rituals meant to remind them of their responsibilities to God, to their fellow Muslims, and of their relationship to Ibrahim and Ismail (i.e., Abraham and Ishamel) as found in the Qur'an. Before his trip, Malcolm X had expressed skepticism about building broader ties to American civil rights groups. His experience on Hajj, he wrote, was transformational. "The holy city of Mecca had been the first time I had ever stood before the creator of all and felt like a complete human being,” he wrote, “People were hugging, they were embracing, they were of all complexions …. The feeling hit me that there really wasn't what he called a color problem, a conflict between racial identities here." His experience on Hajj was transformative. The result? Upon return to the United States, Malcolm X pledged to work with anyone – regardless of faith and race – who would work to change civil rights in the United States. His experiences continue to resonate with Americans. These are but two stories that contribute to American pilgrimage experiences. Today, Americans go on pilgrimages to the Ganges in India, to Masada in Israel, to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, and to Bethlehem in Palestine, and to cities along the Trail of Tears and along the migration of the Latter-Day Saints church westward. Yet, they also go on pilgrimages and road trips to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, to the baseball hall of fame in Cooperstown, to the national parks, and to sites of family and community importance. In these travels, they step outside of the ordinary and, in encountering the diversities of the U.S., sometimes experience the extraordinary changing themselves, and the country, in the process. * * * Questions for Class Discussion What is a “pilgrimage”? What is a road trip? Are they similar? Different? Why? Must a pilgrimage only be religious or spiritual? Why or why not? How has movement – from city to city, or place to place, or around the world – changed U.S. history and the self-understanding of Americans? What if those movements had never occurred? How would the U.S. be different? Have you been on a pilgrimage? Have members of your family? How has it changed your sense of self? How did it change that of your family members? If you were to design a pilgrimage, what would it be? Where would it take place? Would it involve special rituals or types of dress? Why? What would the purpose of your pilgrimage be? How do other communities understand their pilgrimages? Do other cultures have “road trips” like the United States? Additional Sources: Ohio History and Pilgrimage Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve, Ohio History Connection (link). National Geographic Society, “Intriguing Interactions [Hopewell],” Grades 9-12 (link) Documentary Podcasts & Films “In the Light of Reverence,” 2001 (link) An examination of Lakota, Hopi, and Wintu ties to and continued usages of their homelands and a question of how movement through land may be considered sacred by some and profane by others. Melvin Bragg, “Medieval Pilgrimage,” BBC: In our Time, February 2021 (link) Bruce Feiler: Sacred Journeys (Pilgrimage). PBS Films (link) along with educator resources (link). The American Pilgrimage Project. Berkley Center, Georgetown University (link). Arranged by StoryCorps, a collection of video and audio interviews with Americans of diverse backgrounds discussing their religious and spiritual identities and their intersections with American life. Dave Whitson, “The Camino Podcast,” (link) on Spotify (link), Apple (link) A collection of interviews with those of varying faiths and spiritualities discussing pilgrimage experiences. Popular Media & Websites “Dreamland: American Travelers to the Holy Land in the 19th Century,” Shapell (link) A curated digital museum gallery cataloguing American experiences of pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Israel, and Palestine. LaPier, Rosalyn R. “How Standing Rock Became a Site of Pilgrimage.” The Conversation, December 7, 2016 (link). Talamo, Lex. Pilgrimage for the Soul. South Dakota Magazine, May/June 2019. (link). Books Grades K-6 Murdoch, Catherine Gilbert. The Book of Boy. New York: Harper Collins, 2020 (link). Wolk, Lauren. Beyond the Bright Sea. New York: Puffin Books, 2018 (link). Grades 7-12 Chaucer, Geoffrey. The Canterbury Tales. New York: Penguin Books, 2003 (link). Malcolm X. The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley. New York: Ballantine Books, 1992 (link). Melville, Herman. Clarel: A Poem and Pilgrimage in the Holy Land. New York: Library of America, n.d. (link). Murray, Pauli. Song in a Weary Throat: Memoir of an American Pilgrimage. New York: Liveright, 1987 (link). Reader, Ian. Pilgrimage: A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford University Press, 2015 (link). Twain, Mark. The Innocents Abroad. New York: Modern Library, 2003 (link). Scholarship Bell, Catherine. Ritual Theory, Ritual Practice. New York: Oxford University Press, 2009. Bloechl, Jeffrey, and André Brouillette, eds. Pilgrimage as Spiritual Practice: A Handbook for Teachers, Wayfarers, and Guides. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2022. Frey, Nancy Louise Louise. Pilgrim Stories: On and Off the Road to Santiago, Journeys Along an Ancient Way in Modern Spain. First Edition. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1998. Lévi-Strauss, Claude Patterson, Sara M., “Traveling Zions: Pilgrimage in Modern Mormonism,” in Pioneers in the Attic: Place and Memory along the Mormon Trail. New York: Oxford University Press, 2020 (link). Pazos, Antón. Redefining Pilgrimage: New Perspectives on Historical and Contemporary Pilgrimages. London: Routledge, 2014 (link). Reader, Ian. Pilgrimage: A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford University Press, 2015 (link). Van Gennep, Arnold. The Rites of Passage. Translated by Monika B. Vizedom and Gabrielle L. Caffee. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1960 (link)

Questions? Comments? Text Us!Join Jerry as he converses with God to explore how the divine manifests in polytheistic beliefs. Welcome to God: An Autobiography, The Podcast. This week Dr. Jerry L. Martin and Scott Langdon revisit the dramatic adaptation of " God Explains Polytheism in a Way I Understand," exploring polytheism and its reflection of an ever-evolving divine presence.God reveals that polytheistic beliefs reflect the diverse ways He presents Himself across cultures and times, emphasizing a single spiritual reality uniting these manifestations.Discover how Jerry's experience with Andrew Wyeth's paintings inspired his understanding of civilizations' perception of God in natural phenomena. From experiencing the divine in art and nature to understanding its significance in different cultures, Jerry wrestles with complex theological insights, learning that polytheistic elements capture genuine responses to divine manifestations.Join us for this enlightening conversation, and prepare for next week's discussion with Abigail Rosenthal and Jerry in the Life Wisdom Project. Tune in for an insightful journey through theology, philosophy, and personal revelation- bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary reflections.Relevant Episodes:[Dramatic Adaptation] God Explains Polytheism In A Way I UnderstandOther Series:The podcast began with the Dramatic Adaptation of the book and now has several series:The Life Wisdom Project- How to live a wiser, happier, and more meaningful life with special guests.From God To Jerry To You- a brand-new series 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 episodes. What's On Your Mind- What are readers and listeners saying? What is God sayingResources:READ "Putting Me first Rather than Last"DRAMATIC ADAPTATION PLAYLISTLIFE WISDOM PROJECT PLAYLISTHashtags: #godanautobiography #experiencegodWould you like to be featured on the show or have questions about spirituality or divine communication? Share your story or experience with God! Share Your Story | Site | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube |

Part 2 of Episode 150! Yay!! And now for something completely different. This episode is a bit of a departure from our regular show. We invite Alex Criddle and Cody Noconi, researchers into the psychedelic origins of Mormonism, to respond to the recent debate on the Mormon Book Reviews channel between ourselves and Mormon apologist, Brian Hales. Brian attempts to provide the apologetic response to the theory that Joseph Smith utilized psychedelics (entheogens) in the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in order to facilitate visionary experiences for the early Saints. Disinformation requires much greater effort than simply stating information so we do our best to debunk his debunking (rebunk the theory?). This one is a long haul so we split it into 2 episodes to make it a little more digestible.   Show notes: Video version: https://youtu.be/3l0L1EHtQOo Support our research and outreach: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions Original here: Psychedelics & Early Mormonism Theory Brian Hales Responds on Mormon Book Reviews https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE7J0y_cPpg   Further information: “The Higher Powers of Man” - Frederick M. Smith was a prophet of the RLDS Mormons and paternal grandson of the founder Joseph Smith. In 1918 Frederick published this Ph.D. dissertation breaking down altered states of consciousness from an early psychologist's perspective, specifically, religious states of ‘ecstacy' as he called it. A lengthy chapter devoted to peyote is particularly worth reading. “The Higher Powers: Fred M - Smith and the Peyote Ceremonies” - Shelby Barnes' 1995 paper highlighting the curious psychedelic interests of Frederick M. Smith. While Barnes does not make any direct connections to Joseph Smith and psychedelics, Barnes does note that Frederick's interests were an attempt to find the reliable keys to visionary revelation that his grandfather Joseph had demonstrated. “Restoration and the Sacred Mushroom”  - Dr. Robert Beckstead's seminal research paper presented at the August 2007 Sunstone Symposium. Beckstead's paper was the first to propose the possibility that Joseph Smith used psychedelics to facilitate visionary experiences. “A 1920's Harvard Psychedelic Circle with a Mormon Connection: Peyote Use amongst the Harvard Aesthetes” Alan Piper's 2016 paper highlighting Frederick M. Smith's interest in psychedelics, and how as a standing Mormon prophet Fred was funding a 1920s group of Harvard students with peyote. “Revelation Through Hallucination: A discourse on the Joseph Smith-entheogen theory” - Bryce Blankenagel and Cody Noconi's 2017 follow-up paper further explores the hypothesis originally put forward by Dr. Robert Beckstead a decade earlier. “The Entheogenic Origins of Mormonism: A Working Hypothesis” - Dr. Robert Beckstead, Bryce Blankenagel, Cody Noconi, and Michael Winkelman's paper published in the Journal of Psychedelic Studies in June 2019. This was the first paper on the subject published in an academic journal. “Visions, Mushrooms, Fungi, Cacti, and Toads: Joseph Smith's Reported Use of Entheogens” Brian Hales' 2020 response paper to the one published in the Journal of Psychedelic Studies. As a believing Mormon engaged in academic apologetics, Hales details what he perceives to be holes in the proposed hypothesis. “The Psychedelic History of Mormonism, Magic, and Drugs” - Cody Noconi's book published in 2021. “Psychedelics as a Means of Revelation in Early and Contemporary Mormonism (Part 1)” Alex Criddle's 2023 paper that was originally presented at the Forms of Psychedelic Life conference at UC Berkeley (April 14-15, 2023). “Psychedelics as a Means of Revelation in Early and Contemporary Mormonism (Part 2)” A continuation of Alex Criddle's 2023 paper. “A Real Spiritual High: In Defense of Psychedelic Mysticism” An enlightening philosophical essay from Alex Criddle. Bibliography and further reading: The Varieties of Religious Experience, by William James The Higher Powers of Man, by Frederick M. Smith The Magus, by Francis Barrett  A Key to Physic, and the Occult Sciences, by Ebenezer Sibly Hearts Made Glad: The Charges of Intemperance Against Joseph Smith the Mormon Prophet, by Lamar Peterson The Seven Sisters of Sleep, by Mordecai Cubitt Cooke The Encylopedia of Psychoactive Plants: Ethnopharmacology and Its Applications, by Christian Rátsch Plants of the Gods: Their Sacred, Healing, and Hallucinogenic Powers, by Richard Evans Shultes, Albert Hoffman, and Christian Rátsch The Dictionary of Sacred and Magical Plants, by Christian Rátsch Witchcraft Medicine: Healing Arts, Shamanic Practices, and Forbidden Plants, by Claudia Muller-Ebeling, Christian Rátsch, and Wolf-Dieter Storl Sex, Drugs, Violence and the Bible, by Chris Bennett and Neil McQueen Liber 420: Cannabis, Magickal Herbs and the Occult, by Chris Bennett Cannabis: Lost Sacrament of the Ancient World, by Chris Bennett Plants of the Devil, by Corinne Boyer The Immortality Key: The Secret History of the Religion with No Name, by Brian C. Muraresku Veneficium: Magic Witchcraft, and the Poison Path, by Daniel A. Schulke Thirteen Pathways of Occult Herbalism, by Daniel A. Schulke The Botany and Chemistry of Hallucinogens, by Richard Evans Shultes and Albert Hoffman Where the Gods Reign: Plants and Peoples of the Colombian Amazon, by Richard Evans Shultes Vine of the Soul: Medicine Men, Their Plants and Rituals in the Colombian Amazonia, by Richard Evans Shultes and Robert F. Raffauf Ethnobotany: Evolution of a Discipline, Richard Evans Shultes and Siri von Reis Persephone's Quest: Entheogens and the Origins of Religion, by Jonathan Ott, R. Gordon Wasson, Stella Kramrisch, and Carl A. P. Ruck Pharmacotheon: Entheogenic Drugs, Their Plant Sources and History, by Jonathan Ott Plant Intoxicants: a Classic Text on the Use of Mind-Altering Plants, by Ernst Bibra and Jonathan Ott Age of Entheogens & the Angels' Dictionary, by Jonathan Ott Drugs of the Dreaming: Oneirogens: Salvia Divinorum and Other Dream-Enhancing Plants, by Jonathan Ott, Gianluca Toro, and Benjamin Thomas The Road to Eleusis, by R. Gordon Wasson, Albert Hofmann, Carl A. P. Ruck, Huston Smith Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences, by William A. Richards Entheogens, Myth, and Human Consciousness, by Carl A.P. Ruck and Mark Alwin Hoffman Mushrooms, Myth and Mithras: The Drug Cult that Civilized Europe, by Carl A.P. Ruck, Mark Alwin Hoffman and Jose Alfredo Gonzalez Celdran Sacred Mushrooms of the Goddess: Secrets of Eleusis, by Carl A.P. Ruck The Apples of Apollo: Pagan and Christian Mysteries of the Eucharist, by Carl A.P. Ruck, Clark Heinrich, and Blaise Daniel Staples Psychedelic Mystery Traditions: Sacred Plants, Magical Practices, Ecstatic States, by Thomas Hatsis The Witches' Ointment: The Secret History of Psychedelic Magic, by Thomas Hatsis Alchemically Stoned: The Psychedelic Secret of Freemasonry, by PD Newman Angels in Vermillion: The Philosophers' Stone: From Dee to DMT, by PD Newman Theurgy: Theory and Practice: The Mysteries of the Ascent to the Divine, by PD Newman The Psychedelic History of Mormonism, Magic, and Drugs, by Cody Noconi Magic Mushrooms in Religion and Alchemy, by Clark Heinrich Psychedelic Medicine, by Richard Miller Mushroom Medicine: The Healing Power of Psilocybin & Sacred Entheogen History, by Brian Jackson The Religious Experience: It's Production and Interpretation., by Timothy Leary Cleansing the Doors of Perception: The Religious Significance of Entheogenic Plants and Chemicals, by Huston Smith The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide, by James Fadiman Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World: An Identification Guide, by Paul Stamets Soma: divine mushroom of immortality, by Robert Gordon Wasson The Philosophy of Natural Magic, by Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa Dwellers on the Threshold; Or Magic and Magicians, with Some Illustrations of Human Error and Imposture, by John Maxwell The History of Magic, by Eliphas Levi Encyclopedia of Freemasonry and Its Kindred Sciences, by Albert Mackey The German Sectarians of Pennsylvania, by Julius F. Sachse God on Psychedelics: Tripping Across the Rubble of Old-Time Religion, by Don Lattin The Peyote Effect: From the Inquisition to the War on Drugs, byAlexander Dawson The Psychedelic Experience: A Manual Based on The Tibetan Book of the Dead, by Timothy Leary, Ralph Metzne, and Richard Alpert Entheogens and the Future of Religion, by Robert Forte How To Change Your Mind, by Michael Pollan The Harvard Psychedelic Club: How Timothy Leary, Ram Dass, Huston Smith, and Andrew Weil Killed the Fifties and Ushered in a New Age for America by Don Lattin Psychedelic Drugs Reconsidered, by James B. Bakalar and Lester Grinspoon The Peyote Cult, by Weston LaBarre DMT: The Spirit Molecule: A Doctor's Revolutionary Research into the Biology of Near-Death and Mystical Experiences, by Rick Stassman A Hallucinogenic Tea Laced With Controversy, by Marlene Dobkin de Rios and Roger Rumrrill Occurrence and Use of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms Containing Psilocybin Alkaloids, by Jakob Kristinsson and Jørn Gry Psychedelics Encyclopedia, by Peter G Stafford Neuropsychedelia: The Revival of Hallucinogen Research Since the Decade of the Brain, by Nicolas Langlitz Stairways To Heaven: Drugs In American Religious History, by Robert W. Fuller Mescaline: A Global History of the First Psychedelic, by Mike Jay DMT and the Soul of Prophecy: A New Science of Spiritual Revelation in the Hebrew Bible, by Rick Strassman Liquid Light: Ayahuasca Spirituality and the Santo Daime Tradition, by G. William Barnar Distilled Spirits: Getting High, Then Sober, with a Famous Writer, a Forgotten Philosopher, and a Hopeless Drunk, by Don Lattin The Mystery of Manna: The Psychedelic Sacrament of the Bible, by Dan Merkur Psychedelic Sacrament: Manna, Meditation and Mystical Experience, by Dan Merkur LSD and the Divine Scientist: The Final Thoughts and Reflections of Albert Hofmann, by Albert Hoffman The Doors of Perception, by Aldous Huxley Changing Our Minds: Psychedelic Sacraments and the New Psychotherapy, by Don Lattin LSD: Doorway to the Numinous: The Groundbreaking Psychedelic Research into Realms of the Human Unconscious, by Stanislav Grof LSD and the Mind of the Universe by Christopher Bache Plant Teachers: Ayahuasca, Tobacco, and the Pursuit of Knowledge by Jeremy Narby and Rafael Chanchari Pizuri Visionary Vine: Psychedelic Healing in the Peruvian Amazon by Marlene Dobkin de Rios The Antipodes of the Mind by Benny Shannon Ancient Psychedelic Substances by Scott Fitzpatrick Psychoactive Sacramentals: Essays on Entheogens and Religion by Stan Grof, Huston Smith, and Albert Hofmann  The Shaman and Ayahuasca: Journeys to Sacred Realms by Don Jose Campos The Religion of Ayahuasca: The Teachings of the Church of Santo Daime by Alex Polari de Alverga  Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod  Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/glassboxpodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/GlassBoxPod  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/  Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com   

Part 1 of Episode 150! Yay!! And now for something completely different. This episode is a bit of a departure from our regular show. We invite Alex Criddle and Cody Noconi, researchers into the psychedelic origins of Mormonism, to respond to the recent debate on the Mormon Book Reviews channel between ourselves and Mormon apologist, Brian Hales. Brian attempts to provide the apologetic response to the theory that Joseph Smith utilized psychedelics (entheogens) in the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in order to facilitate visionary experiences for the early Saints. Disinformation requires much greater effort than simply stating information so we do our best to debunk his debunking (rebunk the theory?). This one is a long haul so we split it into 2 episodes to make it a little more digestible.   Show notes: Video version: https://youtu.be/3l0L1EHtQOo Support our research and outreach: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions Original here: Psychedelics & Early Mormonism Theory Brian Hales Responds on Mormon Book Reviews https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE7J0y_cPpg Further information: “The Higher Powers of Man” - Frederick M. Smith was a prophet of the RLDS Mormons and paternal grandson of the founder Joseph Smith. In 1918 Frederick published this Ph.D. dissertation breaking down altered states of consciousness from an early psychologist's perspective, specifically, religious states of ‘ecstacy' as he called it. A lengthy chapter devoted to peyote is particularly worth reading. “The Higher Powers: Fred M - Smith and the Peyote Ceremonies” - Shelby Barnes' 1995 paper highlighting the curious psychedelic interests of Frederick M. Smith. While Barnes does not make any direct connections to Joseph Smith and psychedelics, Barnes does note that Frederick's interests were an attempt to find the reliable keys to visionary revelation that his grandfather Joseph had demonstrated. “Restoration and the Sacred Mushroom”  - Dr. Robert Beckstead's seminal research paper presented at the August 2007 Sunstone Symposium. Beckstead's paper was the first to propose the possibility that Joseph Smith used psychedelics to facilitate visionary experiences. “A 1920's Harvard Psychedelic Circle with a Mormon Connection: Peyote Use amongst the Harvard Aesthetes” Alan Piper's 2016 paper highlighting Frederick M. Smith's interest in psychedelics, and how as a standing Mormon prophet Fred was funding a 1920s group of Harvard students with peyote. “Revelation Through Hallucination: A discourse on the Joseph Smith-entheogen theory” - Bryce Blankenagel and Cody Noconi's 2017 follow-up paper further explores the hypothesis originally put forward by Dr. Robert Beckstead a decade earlier. “The Entheogenic Origins of Mormonism: A Working Hypothesis” - Dr. Robert Beckstead, Bryce Blankenagel, Cody Noconi, and Michael Winkelman's paper published in the Journal of Psychedelic Studies in June 2019. This was the first paper on the subject published in an academic journal. “Visions, Mushrooms, Fungi, Cacti, and Toads: Joseph Smith's Reported Use of Entheogens” Brian Hales' 2020 response paper to the one published in the Journal of Psychedelic Studies. As a believing Mormon engaged in academic apologetics, Hales details what he perceives to be holes in the proposed hypothesis. “The Psychedelic History of Mormonism, Magic, and Drugs” - Cody Noconi's book published in 2021. “Psychedelics as a Means of Revelation in Early and Contemporary Mormonism (Part 1)” Alex Criddle's 2023 paper that was originally presented at the Forms of Psychedelic Life conference at UC Berkeley (April 14-15, 2023). “Psychedelics as a Means of Revelation in Early and Contemporary Mormonism (Part 2)” A continuation of Alex Criddle's 2023 paper. “A Real Spiritual High: In Defense of Psychedelic Mysticism” An enlightening philosophical essay from Alex Criddle. Bibliography and further reading: The Varieties of Religious Experience, by William James The Higher Powers of Man, by Frederick M. Smith The Magus, by Francis Barrett  A Key to Physic, and the Occult Sciences, by Ebenezer Sibly Hearts Made Glad: The Charges of Intemperance Against Joseph Smith the Mormon Prophet, by Lamar Peterson The Seven Sisters of Sleep, by Mordecai Cubitt Cooke The Encylopedia of Psychoactive Plants: Ethnopharmacology and Its Applications, by Christian Rátsch Plants of the Gods: Their Sacred, Healing, and Hallucinogenic Powers, by Richard Evans Shultes, Albert Hoffman, and Christian Rátsch The Dictionary of Sacred and Magical Plants, by Christian Rátsch Witchcraft Medicine: Healing Arts, Shamanic Practices, and Forbidden Plants, by Claudia Muller-Ebeling, Christian Rátsch, and Wolf-Dieter Storl Sex, Drugs, Violence and the Bible, by Chris Bennett and Neil McQueen Liber 420: Cannabis, Magickal Herbs and the Occult, by Chris Bennett Cannabis: Lost Sacrament of the Ancient World, by Chris Bennett Plants of the Devil, by Corinne Boyer The Immortality Key: The Secret History of the Religion with No Name, by Brian C. Muraresku Veneficium: Magic Witchcraft, and the Poison Path, by Daniel A. Schulke Thirteen Pathways of Occult Herbalism, by Daniel A. Schulke The Botany and Chemistry of Hallucinogens, by Richard Evans Shultes and Albert Hoffman Where the Gods Reign: Plants and Peoples of the Colombian Amazon, by Richard Evans Shultes Vine of the Soul: Medicine Men, Their Plants and Rituals in the Colombian Amazonia, by Richard Evans Shultes and Robert F. Raffauf Ethnobotany: Evolution of a Discipline, Richard Evans Shultes and Siri von Reis Persephone's Quest: Entheogens and the Origins of Religion, by Jonathan Ott, R. Gordon Wasson, Stella Kramrisch, and Carl A. P. Ruck Pharmacotheon: Entheogenic Drugs, Their Plant Sources and History, by Jonathan Ott Plant Intoxicants: a Classic Text on the Use of Mind-Altering Plants, by Ernst Bibra and Jonathan Ott Age of Entheogens & the Angels' Dictionary, by Jonathan Ott Drugs of the Dreaming: Oneirogens: Salvia Divinorum and Other Dream-Enhancing Plants, by Jonathan Ott, Gianluca Toro, and Benjamin Thomas The Road to Eleusis, by R. Gordon Wasson, Albert Hofmann, Carl A. P. Ruck, Huston Smith Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences, by William A. Richards Entheogens, Myth, and Human Consciousness, by Carl A.P. Ruck and Mark Alwin Hoffman Mushrooms, Myth and Mithras: The Drug Cult that Civilized Europe, by Carl A.P. Ruck, Mark Alwin Hoffman and Jose Alfredo Gonzalez Celdran Sacred Mushrooms of the Goddess: Secrets of Eleusis, by Carl A.P. Ruck The Apples of Apollo: Pagan and Christian Mysteries of the Eucharist, by Carl A.P. Ruck, Clark Heinrich, and Blaise Daniel Staples Psychedelic Mystery Traditions: Sacred Plants, Magical Practices, Ecstatic States, by Thomas Hatsis The Witches' Ointment: The Secret History of Psychedelic Magic, by Thomas Hatsis Alchemically Stoned: The Psychedelic Secret of Freemasonry, by PD Newman Angels in Vermillion: The Philosophers' Stone: From Dee to DMT, by PD Newman Theurgy: Theory and Practice: The Mysteries of the Ascent to the Divine, by PD Newman The Psychedelic History of Mormonism, Magic, and Drugs, by Cody Noconi Magic Mushrooms in Religion and Alchemy, by Clark Heinrich Psychedelic Medicine, by Richard Miller Mushroom Medicine: The Healing Power of Psilocybin & Sacred Entheogen History, by Brian Jackson The Religious Experience: It's Production and Interpretation., by Timothy Leary Cleansing the Doors of Perception: The Religious Significance of Entheogenic Plants and Chemicals, by Huston Smith The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide, by James Fadiman Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World: An Identification Guide, by Paul Stamets Soma: divine mushroom of immortality, by Robert Gordon Wasson The Philosophy of Natural Magic, by Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa Dwellers on the Threshold; Or Magic and Magicians, with Some Illustrations of Human Error and Imposture, by John Maxwell The History of Magic, by Eliphas Levi Encyclopedia of Freemasonry and Its Kindred Sciences, by Albert Mackey The German Sectarians of Pennsylvania, by Julius F. Sachse God on Psychedelics: Tripping Across the Rubble of Old-Time Religion, by Don Lattin The Peyote Effect: From the Inquisition to the War on Drugs, byAlexander Dawson The Psychedelic Experience: A Manual Based on The Tibetan Book of the Dead, by Timothy Leary, Ralph Metzne, and Richard Alpert Entheogens and the Future of Religion, by Robert Forte How To Change Your Mind, by Michael Pollan The Harvard Psychedelic Club: How Timothy Leary, Ram Dass, Huston Smith, and Andrew Weil Killed the Fifties and Ushered in a New Age for America by Don Lattin Psychedelic Drugs Reconsidered, by James B. Bakalar and Lester Grinspoon The Peyote Cult, by Weston LaBarre DMT: The Spirit Molecule: A Doctor's Revolutionary Research into the Biology of Near-Death and Mystical Experiences, by Rick Stassman A Hallucinogenic Tea Laced With Controversy, by Marlene Dobkin de Rios and Roger Rumrrill Occurrence and Use of Hallucinogenic Mushrooms Containing Psilocybin Alkaloids, by Jakob Kristinsson and Jørn Gry Psychedelics Encyclopedia, by Peter G Stafford Neuropsychedelia: The Revival of Hallucinogen Research Since the Decade of the Brain, by Nicolas Langlitz Stairways To Heaven: Drugs In American Religious History, by Robert W. Fuller Mescaline: A Global History of the First Psychedelic, by Mike Jay DMT and the Soul of Prophecy: A New Science of Spiritual Revelation in the Hebrew Bible, by Rick Strassman Liquid Light: Ayahuasca Spirituality and the Santo Daime Tradition, by G. William Barnar Distilled Spirits: Getting High, Then Sober, with a Famous Writer, a Forgotten Philosopher, and a Hopeless Drunk, by Don Lattin The Mystery of Manna: The Psychedelic Sacrament of the Bible, by Dan Merkur Psychedelic Sacrament: Manna, Meditation and Mystical Experience, by Dan Merkur LSD and the Divine Scientist: The Final Thoughts and Reflections of Albert Hofmann, by Albert Hoffman The Doors of Perception, by Aldous Huxley Changing Our Minds: Psychedelic Sacraments and the New Psychotherapy, by Don Lattin LSD: Doorway to the Numinous: The Groundbreaking Psychedelic Research into Realms of the Human Unconscious, by Stanislav Grof LSD and the Mind of the Universe by Christopher Bache Plant Teachers: Ayahuasca, Tobacco, and the Pursuit of Knowledge by Jeremy Narby and Rafael Chanchari Pizuri Visionary Vine: Psychedelic Healing in the Peruvian Amazon by Marlene Dobkin de Rios The Antipodes of the Mind by Benny Shannon Ancient Psychedelic Substances by Scott Fitzpatrick Psychoactive Sacramentals: Essays on Entheogens and Religion by Stan Grof, Huston Smith, and Albert Hofmann  The Shaman and Ayahuasca: Journeys to Sacred Realms by Don Jose Campos The Religion of Ayahuasca: The Teachings of the Church of Santo Daime by Alex Polari de Alverga Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod  Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/glassboxpodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/GlassBoxPod  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/  Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com   

You may not think of your work as your religion, but for many, it's trying to become exactly that! Without us even realizing it. Question is – is that a good thing? A bad thing? Or just a thing? Today's guest, sociologist, Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley, and Co-Director of the Berkeley Center for the Study of Religion, Carolyn Chen, has a lot to say about this silent, yet deeply impactful, phenomenon. She spent years studying workplace culture, with a focus on the near-religious cultures of Silicon Valley. As home to startups, major tech companies, and some of the world's most innovative and, arguably, faithful entrepreneurs and professionals, she noticed the lines between doing meaningful work and religion have not only been blurred, but work has, in many ways, squeezed out and even become employees' religion. Problem is – the goal is not personal and societal betterment, but rather in service of one central purpose: working harder and smarter, and generating innovation and profit. In our conversation, we explore big questions like why are so many people leaving traditional religion? How do religion and spirituality meet our needs in the first place, and what are the ways big tech or corporations are filling those gaps? What does it look like for us to choose what we want to worship and find meaning and belonging in healthy, nontraditional spaces? And, is this conversion of work into faith, actually a societally destructive phenomenon, even while organizations benefit from it?  We're in conversation with: SPARKED GUEST: Carolyn Chen | Website | Instagram Carolyn is the author of Getting Saved in America: Taiwanese Immigration and Religious Experience and co-editor of Sustaining Faith Traditions: Religion, Race and Ethnicity among the Latino and Asian American Second Generation. Her latest book, Work Pray Code: When Work Becomes Religion in Silicon Valley, is an account and exploration of her time spent interviewing the best and the brightest in the tech world to unfold how tech giants are reshaping spirituality to serve their religion of peak productivity.   YOUR HOST: Jonathan Fields Jonathan is a dad, husband, award-winning author, multi-time founder, executive producer and host of the Good Life Project podcast, and co-host of SPARKED, too! He's also the creator of an unusual tool that's helped more than 650,000 people discover what kind of work makes them come alive - the Sparketype® Assessment, and author of the bestselling book, SPARKED. How to submit your question for the SPARKED Braintrust: Wisdom-seeker submissions More on Sparketypes at: Discover Your Sparketype | The Book | The Website Find a Certified Sparketype Advisor: CSA Directory Presented by LinkedIn.

I recently returned to my old hometown, Winston-Salem, NC, for a live podcast at Lot63 in Old Salem. There, I was joined by two of my old Profs at Wake Forest University Divinity School, Dr. Bill Leonard and Dr. Craig Atwood,  the brand new Dean of the Divinity School, Dr. Corey Walker, and music from a fellow alum Kyle Caudle. In this half of the live show, I talk with my former Church History Professor, Bill Leonard, and the new Dean of Wake Forest University Divinity School, Corey Walker. It was one epic live show and a powerful and provocative conversation! Corey D. B. Walker is Dean of the School of Divinity at Wake Forest University. As a scholar, he's committed to a broad vision of human flourishing. His research, teaching, and public scholarship span the areas of African American philosophy, critical theory, ethics, and religion and American public life. An accomplished scholar and academic leader, Dean Walker has held faculty and academic leadership appointments at Brown University, University of Virginia, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University and visiting professorships at Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Union Presbyterian Seminary, and the University of Richmond. Dean Walker is the 2023-2024 Phi Beta Kappa Frank M. Updike Scholar. He is author and editor of several books and has published over sixty articles, essays, and book chapters in a wide variety of scholarly journals and publications. A much sought after speaker, Dean Walker engages congregations and communities across the nation and has appeared on a variety of media programs in the United States and abroad. Bill Leonard is the Founding Dean and Professor of Divinity Emeritus at Wake Divinity. Leonard's research focuses on Church History with particular attention to American religion, Baptist studies, and Appalachian religion. He is the author or editor of some 25 books including Christianity in Appalachia (1999); Baptist Ways: A History (2003); The Challenge of Being Baptist (2010); Can I Get a Witness?: Essays, Sermons and Reflections (2013); and  A Sense of the Heart: Christian Religious Experience in the U.S., (2014). In March 2015 he delivered the William James Lecture on Religious Experience at Harvard Divinity School and in February 2017 he gave the William Self Lectures on Preaching at McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University. His newest book, The Homebrewed Christianity Guide to Church History: Flaming Heretics and Heavy Drinkers, was  published by Fortress Press in July 2017. Leonard is on the board of the Journal of Disability and Religion, The Baptist Quarterly (England), the Day1 Preaching Network, the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, and the Governing Board of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Leonard writes a twice-monthly column for Baptist News Global, is an ordained Baptist minister, and a member of First Baptist Church, Highland Avenue (American Baptist Churches, USA) in Winston-Salem. If you live in Winston-Salem, you can join us LIVE at Lot 63 for a zesty podcast recording. Info here. If you're considering a future in theological education, Wake Forest University's Divinity School is a top choice. My family and I are proud alumni, and we all cherish the education and experiences we gained there. With the dynamic leadership of Corey Walker as the new Dean, the future of the school is bright! If you live in Winston-Salem, you can join us LIVE at Lot 63 for a zesty podcast recording. Info here. JOIN our current class, GOD AFTER DECONSTRUCTION with Thomas Jay Oord Come to THEOLOGY BEER CAMP. Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Laura Anderson is a psychotherapist, trauma resolution coach and consultant, writer and educator specializing in complex and developmental trauma, dynamics of power and control and religious trauma based out of Nashville, TN. ✖️✖️✖️Resources Mentioned:–  https://amzn.to/3TQgdso✖️✖️✖️If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help✖️✖️✖️CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:preacherboyspodcast.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoyshttps://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/https://twitter.com/preacherboysdochttps://www.instagram.com/preacherboysdoc/https://www.tiktok.com/@preacherboyspodTo connect with a community that shares the Preacher Boys Podcast's mission to expose abuse in the IFB, join the OFFICIAL Preacher Boys Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1403898676438188/✖️✖️✖️**DISCLAIMER: I may receive affiliate commissions through some links shared in these show notes.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Special guest Jordan Castro joins Shadi and Santiago to talk about his novel, The Novelist, internet culture, his religious conversion, drug addiction, love and, of course, literature. It's a rich conversation and we are leaving out the paywall, so that everyone can have a listen.Required Reading:* The Novelist by Jordan Castro* Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry on René Girard* New anthology of Girard's essential writings* Varieties of Religious Experience by William James* The Present Age: On the Death of Rebellion by Søren Kierkegaard* Dante: “I found myself within a forest dark …”* Plato's Myth of the Cave in the Republic* Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert* The Perpetual Orgy: Flaubert and Madame Bovary by Mario Vargas Llosa* Maxime du Camp* Substance Abuse National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wisdomofcrowds.live/subscribe

What would a wormhole actually look like? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice break down a grab bag of questions about nothingness, the nature of miracles, the role of AI in scientific discovery and more!NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free.Thanks to our Patrons Alan j weiner, Eric DeCarlo, Christian Sava, Joseph Eugene Renner, Nathan Neal, Chandra Cirulnick, and Craig I Hounsell for supporting us this week.

Artificial intelligence can feel abstract, so we've come to depend on certain narratives to try and make sense of it all. Some of the language we use to describe AI and our interactions with it is rooted in religious ideas. Are you bracing for the apocalypse? Have you been blessed by the algorithm or consulted with a Robo Rabbi lately? The deification of AI, whether it's done consciously or not, is something Beth Singler studies as a professor of digital religions at the University of Zurich in Switzerland. Marketplace's Lily Jamali spoke to Singler about religious tropes in the narratives we consume and share about AI.

Artificial intelligence can feel abstract, so we've come to depend on certain narratives to try and make sense of it all. Some of the language we use to describe AI and our interactions with it is rooted in religious ideas. Are you bracing for the apocalypse? Have you been blessed by the algorithm or consulted with a Robo Rabbi lately? The deification of AI, whether it's done consciously or not, is something Beth Singler studies as a professor of digital religions at the University of Zurich in Switzerland. Marketplace's Lily Jamali spoke to Singler about religious tropes in the narratives we consume and share about AI.

Get the full 2 hour interviews with THC+ Sign-Up Options: Subscribe via our website and get the Plus show on your usual podcast apps. Subscribe via Patreon, including the full Plus archive, a dedicated RSS feed, Spotify, & payment through Paypal. Subscribe via check, cash, money order, or crypto with the information at the bottom of the page. About Today's Guest:Jeffrey J. Kripal holds the J. Newton Rayzor Chair in Philosophy and Religious Thought at Rice University, where he served as the Associate Dean of the School of Humanities (2019-2023), chaired the Department of Religion for eight years, and also helped create the GEM Program, a doctoral concentration in the study of Gnosticism, Esotericism, and Mysticism that is the largest program of its kind in the world. He presently helps direct the Center for Theory and Research at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, where he served as Chair of Board from 2015 to 2020. Jeff is the author or co-author of thirteen books, nine of which are with The University of Chicago Press. He has also served as the Editor in Chief of the Macmillan Handbook Series on Religion (ten volumes, 2015-2016). He specializes in the study of extreme religious states and the re-visioning of a New Comparativism, particularly as both involve putting “the impossible” back on the academic table again. He is presently working on a three-volume study of paranormal currents in the history of religions and the sciences for The University of Chicago Press, collectively entitled The Super Story. Dr. Kripal's Website: jeffreyjkripal.com Dr. Kripal's Books: jeffreyjkripal.com/body-of-work The Archives of the Impossible: impossiblearchives.rice.edu THC Links: Website Proper Watch Video Clips Twitter MeetUps Calendar THC T-shirts & Merch Store  Leave an iTunes review THC Communities:  Telegram Subreddit To get a year of THC+ by cash, check, or money order please mail the payment in the amount of $96 to: Greg Carlwood PO Box 2738 Zephyrhills, FL 33539 Cryptocurrency If you'd like to pay the $96 for a year of THC+ via popular Cryptocurrencies, transfer funds and then send an email to support@thehighersidechats.com  with transaction info and your desired username/password. Please give up to 48 hours to complete. Bitcoin: 1AdauF2Mb7rzkkoXUExq142xfwKC6pS7N1 Ethereum: 0xd6E9232b3FceBe165F39ACfA4843F49e7D3c31d5 Litecoin: LQy7GvD5Euc1efnsfQaAX2RJHgBeoDZJ95 Ripple: rnWLvhCmBWpeFv9HMbZEjsRqpasN8928w3 Solana: FvsBazMY9GAWuWqh5RH7musm9MPUw7a5uF6NVxxhNTqi Doge: D7ueXbfcKfhdAWrDqESrFjFV6UxydjsuCC Monero: 4ApmFHTgU72QybW194iJTZHZb6VmKDzqh5MDTfn9sw4xa9SYXnX5PVDREbnqLNLwJwc7ZqMrYPfaVXgpZnHNAeZmSexCDxM