Intro

This chapter explores the philosophical challenge of the problem of evil, questioning how a benevolent and omnipotent deity can coexist with the suffering in the world. The speakers reflect on the inadequacies of traditional theistic arguments and navigate their personal conflicts regarding faith amid evident moral chaos.

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Episode notes

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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