

202. Meaning, Awe and Conceptualization of God - pt. 2
Nov 18, 2021
Join cognitive scientist John Vervaeke, known for insights on meaning-making, and theologian Jonathan Pageau, who explores theology and iconography. They dive deep into the complex relationship between meaning, values, and God, contrasting abstract vs. personal interpretations of the divine. The conversation highlights the paradox of joy in faith amidst suffering and the significance of storytelling in the Christian narrative. They also delve into the cognitive evolution behind Christian symbolism, emphasizing the role of love and connection in understanding human purpose.
01:03:46
God and the Cosmos
- The concept of God represents an aspect of human experience that requires naming.
- This "divinity" is in a dynamic, evolving relationship with the cosmos, where the outcome is unknown.
Negative Theology
- Negative theology defines God by what God is not, acknowledging the inadequacy of human categories.
- God is present within categories but cannot be fully captured by them.
Icons and Idols
- In the absence of God, the lines between icons and idols blur.
- Art serves as an icon, while propaganda functions as an idol.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Exploring the Divine: Concepts and Complexities
02:14 • 28min
Navigating Pain and the Paradox of Joy in Faith
30:00 • 5min
Exploring the Intersection of Christian Symbolism and Cognitive Evolution
34:56 • 5min
The Power of Story in Faith
40:01 • 14min
Sparring: The Dance of Dialogue and Competition
54:22 • 2min
Love, Truth, and the Philosophy of Connection
56:01 • 10min

Aion
Carl Gustav Jung
Aion is a major work by Carl Jung that explores the concept of the Self through the lens of Christian, Gnostic, and alchemical symbolism.
It delves into the symbolism of the fish and its association with both Christ and the devil, examining the problem of opposites, particularly good and evil.
The book is part of Jung's Collected Works and complements his other works on archetypes and the collective unconscious.

Kierkegaard
the difficulty of being Christian
Søren Kierkegaard
Either/Or is a foundational work by Søren Kierkegaard, exploring the search for a meaningful existence through two distinct characters: the aesthetic and the ethical.
It delves into themes of boredom, romance, meaning, and culture, offering a profound philosophical and literary analysis.

Meister Eckhart
Meister Eckhart
Meister Eckhart's writings, including sermons and treatises, explore themes of divine essence, the relationship between God and humanity, and the path to spiritual enlightenment.
His teachings emphasize detachment and the unity of the soul with God, influencing both Christian mysticism and broader spiritual traditions.

A Vision
None
W.B. Yeats
W. B.
Yeats's "A Vision" is a complex and mystical work that presents a system of symbolic thought and philosophy.
The book explores themes of history, mythology, and the cyclical nature of time.
Yeats developed a unique system of symbols and imagery, drawing from various sources, including his own spiritual experiences and occult studies.
The work is structured around a complex system of gyres, representing the cyclical patterns of history and individual lives.
"A Vision" is a challenging but rewarding read for those interested in Yeats's mystical thought and its influence on his poetry.

Deceit, desire, and the novel
René Girard

Tolstoy
Leo Tolstoy

C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis

Alexander Pushkin's Works
A Collection of Poetry and Prose
Alexander Pushkin
Alexander Pushkin's works are foundational to Russian literature, encompassing masterpieces like 'Eugene Onegin', a novel in verse, and 'Boris Godunov', a historical drama.
His writing often explores themes of love, society, and historical context.

Karl Barth
Karl Barth

Chekhov
null
V.S. Pritchett

Jean Piaget
Selected Works
Jean Piaget
Julian Jaynes
Julian Jaynes
Julian Jaynes

The red book = Liber novus
Carl Gustav Jung
The Red Book is a large, illuminated volume created by Carl Jung between 1914 and 1930.
It documents his experiments with active imagination and his encounters with figures from his unconscious, including his soul, Salome, and other mythic beings.
The book is a central source of Jung's inspiration for his theories on the collective unconscious, archetypes, and the process of individuation.
It reflects Jung's attempt to reconcile the scientific with the mythic and spiritual, and it is considered a profoundly personal and influential work in the history of psychology.

Hitman
Garth Ennis

The Prophet
Kahlil Gibran
Written by Kahlil Gibran, 'The Prophet' is a book of prose poetry that explores themes such as love, marriage, children, giving, eating and drinking, work, joy and sorrow, and more.
The story follows the prophet Almustafa, who, before departing from the city of Orphalese, shares his wisdom with the people on a range of subjects.
The book emphasizes the importance of freedom, self-knowledge, and the interconnectedness of all life.
It has been widely acclaimed for its profound insights and has been translated into over 100 languages, making it one of the most translated books in history.

Nietzsche
Friedrich Nietzsche

Interdependence
Kriti Sharma

Sacred Mushroom and the Cross
Judith Brown
Jan Irvin
John Allegro
Carl Ruck
This book, written by John M. Allegro, argues that Christianity originated from an Essene clandestine cult centered around the use of psychedelic mushrooms.
Allegro suggests that the stories of early Christianity and the New Testament are coded records of this shamanistic cult, and that the authors of the Christian gospels misunderstood the Essene thought.
The book explores the role of ancient fertility cults, cultic rites and symbols, and the sacred mushroom as an emblem of divinity.
The 40th anniversary edition includes a 30-page addendum by Carl Ruck.

Harry Potter Series
A Series of Seven Fantasy Novels
J.K. Rowling
The Harry Potter series chronicles the adventures of Harry Potter, a young wizard who discovers his magical heritage on his eleventh birthday.
Along with his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry navigates the magical world, attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and confronts the dark wizard Lord Voldemort.
The series spans seven years, each book set over the course of one school year, culminating in a final battle against Voldemort in the seventh book.
The series explores themes of friendship, courage, and the struggle between good and evil, set against a richly detailed magical backdrop.

The Bible
Various Authors
The Bible is a comprehensive collection of texts that form the central religious text of Christianity and Judaism.
It is divided into the Old Testament, which includes books such as Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and others that narrate the creation of the world, the history of the Israelites, and the prophetic messages.
The New Testament focuses on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, along with the early Christian church and its spread.
The Bible contains a wide range of genres, including historical narratives, poetry, wisdom literature, prophetic writings, and epistles.

Awakening from the Meaning Crisis
A Deeper Understanding of Meaning and the Meaning Crisis
John Vervaeke
In "Awakening from the Meaning Crisis," John Vervaeke explores the pervasive sense of meaninglessness in modern society.
He delves into the cognitive and philosophical roots of this crisis, examining how our understanding of the world contributes to feelings of emptiness and disconnection.
Vervaeke offers a framework for understanding meaning, proposing that it's not a singular entity but a multifaceted concept encompassing purpose, significance, and mattering.
He challenges readers to re-evaluate their values and find meaning in their lives through self-reflection and engagement with the world.
The book provides a blend of philosophical insights and scientific research, offering a comprehensive approach to navigating the meaning crisis.

Socrates
Socrates
In *The Apology*, Plato recounts the speech Socrates delivered at his trial, where he was charged with impiety and corrupting the youth.
Socrates defends his actions and philosophy, emphasizing his duty to seek truth and wisdom as directed by the oracle at Delphi.
He argues that his mission is to awaken the Athenian state from its ignorance and that he is willing to face death rather than abandon his philosophical pursuits.
The dialogue is a cornerstone of Western philosophy, highlighting Socrates' method of questioning and his commitment to ethical living.

Paul Tillich
Paul Tillich

The Tibetan Book of the Dead
Timothy Leary
This episode is comprised of multiple Season 4 episodes from the podcast, specifically, Jonathan Pageau, Randall Wallace, Iain McGilchrist, Bishop Barron, Stephen Fry, and John Vervaeke.
We have paired this compilation with some exciting upcoming episodes in the form of next Monday’s podcast which is a conversation between Jordan, Jonathan Pageau, Bishop Barron, and John Vervaeke where they discuss many of the same concepts you will hear about today - as well as the role of the psychedelics in religious tradition.