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Mere Fidelity
Spiritual-Not-Religious: Orphic Mysteries and Modern Attitudes, with Dr. Michael Horton
Sep 10, 2024
Dr. Michael Horton, a scholar of historical spirituality, dives into the ancient roots of the 'spiritual but not religious' trend. He connects Orphic mysteries to early Christianity, revealing how shamanism influenced spiritual practices. Horton discusses the tension between ancient beliefs and theological developments, particularly regarding afterlife views and divine providence. He highlights the philosophical intersections of ascension themes in Christianity and ancient myths, illustrating their ongoing relevance in today’s culture and spirituality.
55:44
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Quick takeaways
- The historical roots of the 'spiritual but not religious' movement trace back to ancient cultures like Orphism and shamanism.
- Early Christians navigated Hellenistic thought to distinguish their faith from prevailing mystical ideas, informing modern spiritual practices.
Deep dives
The Rise of Shamans and Spiritual Movements
In the sixth century BC, a cultural trend emerged across the Persian Empire where shamans began to gain prominence, becoming figures of interest in society. This marked a shift from traditional religious practices, with priests maintaining distance from the spirit world, to a fascination with magic, spirits, and seances often facilitated by shamans. As social and spiritual life evolved, early philosophers began to adopt shaman-like qualities, blending ideas from newly established religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism with philosophies like Zoroastrianism and ancient Greek thought. This historical shift highlights the roots of 'spiritual but not religious' sentiments that continue to resonate in contemporary culture.
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