Inner Life, Talks and Thoughts
Christ the turning point. Owen Barfield in a secular age. A conversation with Ashton Arnoldy
Mar 21, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Ashton Arnoldy, a scholar on Owen Barfield, dives into the relevance of Barfield's ideas in our secular age. They explore the integration of spirituality with modernity and discuss the challenges posed by dualism. Arnoldy shares poignant insights from a transformative ayahuasca experience, reflecting on consciousness and the divine power of language. Additionally, they address the importance of a moral ecological framework and reinterpretations of faith, highlighting Barfield's influence on contemporary spirituality and our understanding of identity.
01:32:04
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Owen Barfield's insights into consciousness reveal a transition from a buffered self to a porous identity that embraces diverse beliefs.
- The discussion on psychedelics emphasizes responsible navigation of altered states while maintaining a connection to transcendent experiences.
Deep dives
The Secular Age and Transcendence
Charles Taylor's concept of a secular age reshapes the understanding of modernity, suggesting it is not a mere loss of transcendence but rather a complex evolution of consciousness. This transformation reflects a shift away from a buffered self to an appreciation of a porous identity that allows for greater engagement with diverse beliefs and experiences. The emergence of a secular environment presents opportunities for individuals to redefine their relationships with the divine without being confined to traditional structures. This aligns with Owen Barfield's narrative of an evolving consciousness where the Christian experience or transcendent elements can coexist with secular perspectives.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
