Exploring the Intersection of Suffering, Resurrection, and Stoic Thought

This chapter examines the complexities of consciousness and the problem of evil through personal stories of chronic pain. It also contrasts the historical survival of early Christianity with other messianic movements while integrating Stoic philosophy for a deeper understanding of spiritual interpretations.

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David Bentley Hart is a renowned author, philosopher, religious studies scholar, and theologian. In today's episode David explores the problem of evil, labeling it the most compelling argument against theism due to the undeniable suffering of innocents. David candidly acknowledges the dilemma, finding it intellectually irresolvable, yet juxtaposes this with the profound hope and transformative significance of Christ’s resurrection. Drawing on Stoic metaphysics, David explores the concept of a spiritual body and its philosophical ties to early Christian thought, all while challenging conventional Trinitarian interpretations of texts like John 1:1. This conversation is a rich tapestry of theology, philosophy, and personal insight, inviting listeners to reconsider foundational beliefs about faith, suffering, and the nature of reality.

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Evil

08:50 - New Testament

15:02 - Stoic Metaphysics

24:51 - The Spirit

31:12 - Books of the Bible

39:24 - John 1:1

47:55 - Jesus

54:14 - Language

01:02:45 - Neo-Platonism

01:08:53 - Self Awareness

01:14:35 - Consciousness

01:18:05 - God

01:19:51 - Spirituality

01:27:36 - Perennialism

01:36:55 - Belief

01:39:44 - Episode Recap!

01:50:50 - Outro

Links Mentioned:

•⁠ ⁠Johnathan Bi’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@bi.johnathan/featured

•⁠ ⁠David Bentley Hart’s bibliography: https://amzn.to/3C9vIqA

•⁠ ⁠The Experience of God: Being, Consciousness, Bliss (book): https://amzn.to/3DOuNMO

•⁠ ⁠The New Testament: A Translation (book): https://amzn.to/427Dzzv

•⁠ ⁠All Things Are Full of Gods: The Mysteries of Mind and Life (book): https://amzn.to/4h525pm

•⁠ ⁠A Conversation Between Iain McGilchrist and David Bentley Hart (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vooDJQ3fdug&pp=ygUjaWFpbiBtY2dpbGNocmlzdCBkYXZpZCBiZW50bGV5IGhhcnQ%3D

•⁠ ⁠Curt’s OSV profile: https://www.osv.llc/fellows-grantee/curt-jaimungal-95763

•⁠ ⁠Michael Levin’s blog: https://thoughtforms.life/

•⁠ ⁠The Atheist’s Guide to Reality (book): https://amzn.to/4h4U97n

•⁠ ⁠Psychology from An Empirical Standpoint (book): https://amzn.to/3DHRzWA

•⁠ ⁠Iain McGilchrist on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9sBKCd2HD0

•⁠ ⁠Donald Hoffman on TOE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmieNQH7Q4w&t=7139s

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