Jason Storm: Myth of Disenchantment
Homebrewed Christianity
Intro
This chapter examines the interplay between disenchantment and personal growth, framed within the realms of myth and spirituality. It invites listeners to reflect on cultural narratives and personal experiences, urging a reevaluation of enchantment's significance in the modern world.
In this episode, Dr. Jason Storm returns to explore the relationship between science, religion, and meaning in the modern world. Starting with Storm's work on The Myth of Disenchantment, they discuss how the conventional narrative of modernity leading to widespread secularization and loss of magical/spiritual thinking is largely inaccurate. Storm explains how this narrative emerged in the 19th century while spiritualism and occult movements were actually flourishing. They examine the fragmentation of belief systems, the historical transformation of faith and epistemology, and how various "meaning crises" arise in contemporary society. The conversation touches on capitalism's relationship with environmental degradation, our connection to nature as a source of meaning, and the limitations of postmodernism. Storm advocates for a metamodern approach that encourages epistemic humility, community engagement, and brave spaces for meaningful dialogue to address complex social problems. You can read more about it in Metamodernism: The Future of Theory and check out his previous visit to the podcast, where we discuss it here.
You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube
Jason Ananda Josephson Storm is chair and professor of religion and chair of science and technology studies at Williams College. He is a scholar and author whose work focuses on the intersection of religion, science, and meaning in modern society. He has written several influential books including The Myth of Disenchantment, which challenges conventional narratives about secularization and modernity, and Metamodernism and the Future of Theory, which proposes new frameworks for moving beyond postmodern skepticism. Storm teaches courses on philosophy and meaning, including a popular class on "The Meaning of Life," where he introduces students to diverse philosophical and religious traditions. His research examines how individuals navigate belief systems in a fragmented cultural landscape, the relationship between institutional authority and personal meaning-making, and constructive approaches to addressing contemporary social crises. Storm advocates for epistemic humility, community engagement, and creating "brave spaces" for meaningful dialogue across differences.
THEOLOGY BEER CAMP | Oct 16-18, 2025 | St. Paul, MN
3 Days of Craft Nerdiness with 50+ Theologians & God-Pods and 600 new friends.
ONLINE CLASS ANNOUNCEMENT: The Many Faces of Christ Today
The question Jesus asked his disciples still resonates today: "Who do you say that I am?"
Join our transformative 5-week online learning community as we explore a rich tapestry of contemporary Christologies. Experience how diverse theological voices create a compelling vision of Jesus Christ for today's world.
Expand your spiritual horizons. Challenge your assumptions. Enrich your faith.
As always, the class is donation-based (including 0), so head over to ManyFacesOfChrist.com for more details and to sign up!
_____________________
This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity, Theology Nerd Throwdown, & The Rise of Bonhoeffer podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com
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
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
