The Westminster Confession of Funk

* Machiavelli's ideas led to a paradigm shift from philosophical realism to political realism, prioritizing power and pragmatism over traditional moral frameworks* This shift redefined societal values, emphasizing security and success over virtue, and viewing leadership as productive knowledge rather than theoretical or practical wisdom* The widespread adoption of Machiavellian principles has fundamentally altered our understanding of governance and morality in politics, potentially to civilization's detriment Get full access to Jason Farley's Substack at jasonfarley.substack.com/subscribe

* Aristotle defines 3 main knowledge types: theoretical, productive, and practical* Theoretical knowledge subdivides into epistemae, nous, sophia, and gnome* Knowledge integration (theory, production, application) was historically prioritized* This framework helps identify where modern thinkers deviate from integrated knowledge Get full access to Jason Farley's Substack at jasonfarley.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Jason Farley's Substack at jasonfarley.substack.com/subscribe

* "Overlapping spheres of authority" are nested (like Russian dolls), not 2D overlapping circles* Liberal arts education, especially astronomy, cultivates 3D thinking crucial for understanding complex societal structures* Modern education shifted from fostering free thought to emphasizing obedience, limiting our ability to conceptualize complex ideas* Sphere sovereignty involves nested authorities providing checks and balances, distinct from the modern equation of authority with power Get full access to Jason Farley's Substack at jasonfarley.substack.com/subscribe

* Maximus the Confessor's vision of a "cosmic liturgy" portrays the universe as a grand, unified act of worship moving towards God* This theological perspective influenced medieval thought, scientific revolution, and cathedral architecture* The concept reframes individual purpose within creation as participating in ongoing worship and transformation* Maximus's creator-creature divide concept significantly impacted theological understanding of reality Get full access to Jason Farley's Substack at jasonfarley.substack.com/subscribe

* Medieval thinkers, contrary to popular belief, had a sophisticated understanding of gravity and Earth's spherical nature* Dante's Divine Comedy demonstrates advanced grasp of gravitational concepts, using them as allegory for spiritual truths* Medieval worldview integrated physical properties with allegorical and theological meanings, influencing architecture (e.g., cathedrals)* The Divine Comedy portrays gravity shifts as metaphors for spiritual reorientation, culminating in a profound perspective change in Paradiso Get full access to Jason Farley's Substack at jasonfarley.substack.com/subscribe

* The medieval worldview saw reality as interconnected spheres of authority, each with distinct jurisdictions under God's reign* Four main jurisdictions were recognized: self, family, civic realm, and church, each with specific God-given responsibilities* Modern society has shifted towards individualism, losing the concept of harmonious, overlapping jurisdictions* Christians are encouraged to use their given jurisdictions well to work towards cosmic restoration Get full access to Jason Farley's Substack at jasonfarley.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Jason Farley's Substack at jasonfarley.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Jason Farley's Substack at jasonfarley.substack.com/subscribe

Having a clear understanding of metaphysics makes all the difference for a societies understanding of itself. Get full access to Jason Farley's Substack at jasonfarley.substack.com/subscribe