Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal

Diana Pasulka on Religion, Atheism, Heidegger, Jung, and the Dark Night of the Soul #DisTOEsure

19 snips

May 19, 2022

Diana Pasulka, a Professor of Religious Studies and author of *American Cosmos*, dives into the fascinating intersection of religion and technology, particularly examining contemporary UFO phenomena. She shares her journey from atheism to agnosticism, linking belief systems with historical and spiritual experiences. The conversation explores how UFO encounters can be akin to religious experiences, the ethical dilemmas in UFO research, and the mystical traditions influencing modern thought. Pasulka challenges listeners to reconsider beliefs and the essence of spirituality in a technological age.

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ANECDOTE

Diana's Shift in Belief

Diana Pasulka initially scoffed at UFOs but changed her stance after finding strange reports in Catholic archives.
These reports, dating back hundreds of years, described orbs of light, aerial phenomena, and other unexplained events witnessed by nuns, scholars, and town mayors.

INSIGHT

Defining Beliefs

Beliefs are practices, behaviors, and expectations of phenomena, not always corresponding to objective reality.
One can hold unconscious beliefs, influencing actions without conscious awareness.

ANECDOTE

UFOs and Religious Conversion

Diana noticed similarities between UFO experiencers and religious converts, noting transformative experiences and life changes.
She observed that belief in UFOs often involves transcendent beliefs and behavior changes, mirroring religious conversions.

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