Is Spirituality A Greater Threat Than Atheism? With Michael Horton
May 13, 2024
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Author Michael Horton delves into the origins of 'spiritual but not religious' beliefs, drawing parallels to shamanism. The discussion explores the rejection of monotheism, rise of pantheism, and clash between light and darkness in contemporary spirituality. The podcast also touches on the relevance of ancient spiritual practices in modern trends and the interplay between Christianity and modern spirituality.
Shift towards spiritual but not religious ideology leads to interest in magic and superstitions.
Historical patterns show cyclical movements between locative and utopian spiritual practices.
Deep dives
The Rise of Mysticism and Pantheism in History
Throughout history, there has been a surge of mysticism and pantheism that erupts at various points. This surge represents a rejection of monotheism, where God is distinct from the world. The rejection of a transcendent God leads to a pantheistic or panentheistic approach, blurring the line between divinity and creation. As people gravitate towards identifying divinity within themselves instead of an external deity, superstition rises, even among scientists.
Shift from Christianity to Broader Spirituality
In the current trend of secularization, more individuals are leaving Christianity for a broader, amorphous spirituality. This shift is characterized by rejecting Christianity's monotheistic beliefs in favor of a divine force within everything. This shift is not towards atheism but towards a spiritual but not religious ideology. The rejection of a transcendent God leads to an increased interest in witchcraft, sorcery, superstitions, and alternative spiritual practices.
The Allure of Magic and Spiritual Technology
As people distance themselves from Christianity, there is a growing attraction towards magic and spiritual practices. Belief in luck, astrology, and magical rituals gains popularity as alternatives to traditional religious beliefs. This shift towards magic represents a desire for control and understanding of the universe through spiritual technologies, diverging from a Christian worldview of divine authority and submission.
Ancient Roots of Spiritual Movements
The sixth century BC marked a significant turning point in human religious history known as the Axial Age. During this period, philosophical religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Zoroastrianism emerged, challenging traditional ritual-based Bronze Age beliefs. This shift led to reflections on divine principles and a move towards utopian and reflective spiritual practices. The Axial Age initiated a cycle of alternating movements between locative and utopian spiritual approaches throughout history.
Gavin Ortlund and Michael Horton explore the origins of "spiritual but not religious" as an ideology.
See Dr. Horton's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Shaman-Sage-Spiritual-Religious-Antiquity/dp/0802877117
Truth Unites exists to promote gospel assurance through
theological depth.
Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is
President of Truth Unites and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.