Dr. M. David Litwa, an expert on deification in the Hermetica, discusses the concept of becoming divine in hermetic literature. Topics include translation of the Hermetica, different interpretations and methods of achieving divinity, and comparisons to Christian views of deification. The chapter also explores Clement of Alexandria's ideas on the evolution of the universe and the role of Hermes in Christian discourse.
Deification in the Hermetica involves gaining virtue on Earth, visionary experiences, and post-mortem ascent through cosmic levels.
The Hermetica emphasizes cognitive self-realization, imagination, divine bodies, and the love for creation.
Deep dives
Different Perspectives on the Hermetic Corpus
The nature of the Hermetic corpus is a topic of debate. While some argue for a unity in the writings, the speaker believes that the only common factor is the attribution to Hermes Trismegistus. According to the speaker, the diverse collection of texts spanned various topics and time periods, making it unlikely to find an overarching unity in theology or subject matter.
The Various Forms of Deification in the Hermetica
Deification, or the process of becoming a divine being, is explored in different ways throughout the Hermetica. The speaker highlights distinct versions of deification in the Corpus Hermeticum treatise, the Discourse on the Eighth and Ninth, and the Kory Kasmu. These versions involve gaining virtue on Earth, engaging in temporary visionary experiences, and undergoing a post-mortem ascent through cosmic levels. The speaker emphasizes that deification in the Hermetica is a mode of self-realization and the realization of one's divine identity.
The Role of Knowledge and Imagination in Hermetic Deification
In the Hermetic texts, cognitive terms such as gnosis, epinosis, and knowing are used to describe the process of cognitive self-realization. The speaker emphasizes that there is a wide variety of cognitive terms in the Hermetica, reflecting different aspects of knowledge and realization. The Hermetic writers value the imagination and the exploration of the cosmos, including matters related to science and nature. They view the material world as a reflection of the divine, and the soul is described as a divine mixture of breath and fire. The speaker highlights the concrete and material nature of the Hermetic understanding of divine bodies and the love for creation found in the texts.
Interactions between Hermetic and Christian Thought
The interaction between Hermetic and Christian thought is examined, focusing on the silence of early Christian writers like Clement of Alexandria and Origen on the subject of Hermes. However, later Christian thinkers like Cyril of Alexandria integrate Hermetic ideas into their theology, presenting Hermes as a forerunner of Christian theology. The speaker suggests that the Egyptian background of the Hermetica is significant, with Hellenized Egyptian priests writing the texts as a means of preserving Egyptian lore. The speaker also notes the distinction between the Hermetic perspective of the literature as Egyptian and Festugier's interpretation of it as Greek.
We discuss the important Hermetic idea (or should that be ‘practice’?) of becoming divine with Dr M. David Litwa, who has devoted considerable thought to the matter of deification. A fascinating conversation emerges, and Litwa blows our mind.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode