Spencer Klavan, an author, podcaster, and editor, discusses neo-paganism, Apple's clean energy video, quantum physics, Galileo's challenge to theology, the hunger for philosophical truths, and an inappropriate incident at an AA meeting.
Neo-paganism idolizes nature and assigns moral character, punishment, and consciousness to it, connecting to pagan and idolatrous traditions.
Making nature the ultimate standard leads to a crisis of meaning, emphasizing the importance of infusing life with purpose and recognizing the moral character infused into nature from a higher source.
Deep dives
The dangers of idolizing nature in environmental eschatology
Environmental eschatology and its idolization of nature is discussed. The podcast episode explores the concept of neo-paganism and how it relates to climate change and energy. It delves into the metaphorical representation of Mother Nature in the Apple video and the theological beliefs embedded in the portrayal. The discussion highlights the moral character assigned to the natural world, the concept of punishment, and the belief that nature itself has a mind or soul. It connects this belief to pagan and idolatrous traditions and explores the consequences of placing ultimate meaning in a heartless and impersonal natural world.
The implications of making nature the ultimate standard
The podcast episode discusses the dangers of making nature the ultimate standard and replacing the founding beliefs of America. It examines the philosophical implications of making nature an idol and the shortcomings of locating ultimate truth and meaning in an impersonal and indifferent natural world. It explores the consequences of dissolving oneself into nature or technology and the need to recognize the moral character infused into nature from a higher source. The episode emphasizes the importance of infusing life with meaning, purpose, and the perception of a qualitative world.
The convergence of science and theology
The podcast episode delves into the convergence of science and theology, highlighting the need for a unified exploration of these realms. It emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between the sciences and humanities to tackle the current crisis of meaning in the modern world. The episode emphasizes the hunger among the younger generation for theological and philosophical truths, despite a lack of tradition or access to these sources. It calls for a greater unity between the two worlds and the recognition of theological and philosophical questions raised by science.
Young Heretics and the pursuit of meaning
The podcast episode explores the Young Heretics podcast and its role in guiding the younger generation in the pursuit of meaning. It discusses the hunger among young people for deeper truths and the challenges they face in a deracinated world. The episode emphasizes the importance of offering richer and deeper perspectives through discussions on the ancient world and the Western canon. It highlights the urgency of infusing life with purpose, values, and noble aspirations.
Spencer Klavan (author, podcaster, and editor) joined me to talk about that horrible Apple clean energy/Mother Nature video, neo-paganism as social and ideological force, quantum physics, epistemology, THE LORD, and more.