189. Ancient Humans | Becoming spiritual (Neolithic)
Jun 19, 2025
Explore the intriguing journey of early humans as they develop symbolic thought and spiritual awareness. Delve into the origins of cave art and the transition from shamanistic traditions to organized religion. Discover the architectural wonders of Neolithic sites like Orkney’s chambered cairn and reflect on ancient beliefs about the afterlife. The podcast highlights how spirituality shaped early communities through rituals, creativity, and awe. Join this fascinating exploration of humanity's quest for understanding the divine.
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Uniqueness of Symbolic Thought
Homo sapiens uniquely developed symbolic thought by combining separate real-life observations into new meanings.
This ability to create and manipulate symbols forms the foundation of human religion and spirituality.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Experience at Rouffignac Cave
Jim Stumpf visited the Grotto of Rouffignac cave where he witnessed ancient mammoth paintings deep underground.
These detailed artworks show early humans' focus on symbolic and spiritual expression 15,000 years ago.
insights INSIGHT
Spirituality Requires Self and Story
Spirituality emerges when humans recognize individual consciousness and create stories that connect selves.
These stories generate obligations, ethics, and form the core of religious experience, beyond just social utility.
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Adventures in Forty Thousand Years of Consciousness
Charles Foster
Charles Foster's "Being a Human" is a unique exploration of human consciousness across 40,000 years. Foster imaginatively inhabits three pivotal moments: the Upper Paleolithic, the Neolithic, and the Enlightenment. He examines how human consciousness evolved, changed, and the impact of these shifts on our relationship with the natural world and ourselves. The book blends scientific inquiry with personal experience, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to be human. Foster's narrative challenges conventional views of progress and encourages a deeper understanding of our place in the world. Ultimately, the book advocates for a more empathetic and interconnected approach to life.
Sapiens
A Brief History of Humankind
Yuval Noah Harari
This book surveys the history of humankind from the Stone Age to the 21st century, focusing on Homo sapiens. It divides human history into four major parts: the Cognitive Revolution, the Agricultural Revolution, the Unification of Humankind, and the Scientific Revolution. Harari argues that Homo sapiens dominate the world due to their unique ability to cooperate in large numbers through beliefs in imagined realities such as gods, nations, money, and human rights. The book also examines the impact of human activities on the global ecosystem and speculates on the future of humanity, including the potential for genetic engineering and non-organic life.
From the earliest bipedal ancestors to the dawn of spiritual awareness, we delve into the archaeological, anthropological, and theological questions surrounding our shared past. Join us over two episodes as we uncover the blurred lines between ancient hominins and modern humans, and ponder the moments that shaped our anatomy, behavior, and spirit.
Building on our journey through the Paleolithic, this second episode explores the profound spiritual developments that occurred as Homo sapiens became the sole surviving species in our genus. We seek to understand the emergence of uniquely human spiritual tendencies and our ongoing relationship with the Divine with some stops at ancient sites in Orkney, Scotland and the American Southwest, to examine the rise of symbolic thought, the earliest cave paintings, and the beginnings of agriculture in the Neolithic period. These sacred landscapes offer tangible glimpses into the spiritual lives of our ancient ancestors.
Theme song and credits music by Breakmaster Cylinder. Other music in this episode by Berry Deep, Babel, Vesper Tapes, Immersive Music, Oakvale of Albion & Harpo Marks, courtesy of Shutterstock, Inc.
Language of God 
