Gospelbound Michael Horton Finds Ancient Origins for New Age Spirituality
4 snips
Nov 19, 2024 
Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics at Westminster Seminary, dives into his book, Shaman and Sage. He reveals how modern 'spiritual but not religious' movements link back to ancient practices and philosophies. Horton discusses the impact of the Axial Age, critiques secularism through Charles Taylor's lens, and explores how Gnostic traditions influence contemporary spiritual individualism. The intersection of ancient belief systems and modern technology also highlights a fascinating evolution in the spiritual landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Spiritual-But-Not-Religious Has Ancient Roots
- Michael Horton argues New Age 'spiritual but not religious' has deep ancient roots, not just a modern invention.
- He traces recurring eruptions of pagan/Orphic outlooks through Western history that resurface periodically.
Project Sparked During PhD Lectures
- Horton recounts researching this topic since his PhD and attending lectures that argued mystical cores unify world religions.
- That academic exposure sparked his decades-long project culminating in this book.
The Divine Self Frames Modern Spirituality
- Horton identifies the 'divine self' idea as central: authority and truth come from within the individual.
- He links this inner-divinity notion to recurring Gnostic/Orphic patterns that persist today.
