Let's Talk Religion

Long before modern horror imagined zombies or demons, ancient Arabic folklore spoke of the Ghoul (غول) — a terrifying shape-shifting creature haunting deserts, ruins, and graveyards. In this video, we uncover the true origins of the Ghoul: its roots in pre-Islamic Arabian mythology, its transformation through Islamic tradition, and its lasting influence on global horror culture.Find me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonateSources/Recommended Reading:Al-Rawi, Ahmed (2009). "The Mythical Ghoul in Arabic Culture". Article. The University of California.Al-Rawi, Ahmed (2009). "The Arabic Ghoul and its Western Transformation". Folklore 120 (December 2009): 291–306. Lebling, Robert & Tahir Shah (2014). "Legends of the Fire Spirits: Jinn and Genies from Arabia to Zanzibar. I.B. Tauris.Henninger, Joseph (2004). "Beliefs in Spirits among the Pre-Islamic Arabs". In "Magic and Divination in Early Islam". Edited by Emile Savage-Smith. Ashgate Publishing Company.Rašić, Dunja (2024). "Bedeviled: Jinn Doppelgangers in Islam and Akbarian Sufism". State University of New York Press."The Annotated Arabian Nights: Tales from 1001 Nights". Edited by Paulo Lemos Horta. Translated by Yasmine Seale. Liveright Publishing Corporation.Online version of Qazwini's "Wonders of Creation": https://shamela.ws/book/30006/310?utm_source=chatgpt.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Uncover the enigmatic Sabians of Harran, a group shrouded in mystery and known for their ancient star-worship. Explore their unique identity as both Mandaeans and Haranians, and discover how they secured legal protection by embracing the Sabian label. Delve into celestial devotion with insights from historical accounts and Maimonides, revealing their views on cosmology. Learn about their influence on Islamic thought, the role of Hermes in their traditions, and their ritual practices, which paint a vivid picture of a rich yet elusive spiritual legacy.

Who were the Sabians (Ṣābi’ūn) mentioned in the Quran? Were they a mysterious religious community, early monotheists, Mandaeans, star-worshippers, or something else entirely? In this video, we explore the fascinating question of the identity of the Sabians, drawing on Islamic sources, Quranic references, historical accounts, and scholarly debates.Music by Filip Holm (me)Find me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonateSources/Recommended Reading:Gunduz, Sinasi (1994). "The Knowledge of Life: The Origins and Early History of the Mandaeans and Their Relation to the Sabians of the Qur'an and to the Harranians". Oxford University Press.Van Bladel, Kevin (2009). "The Arabic Hermes: From Pagan Sage to Prophet of Science". OUP USA.Van Bladel, Kevin (2017). "From Sasanian Mandaeans to Sabians of the Marshes". Brill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who are the Druze? In this video, we explore the history, culture, and beliefs of the Druze people — a small but influential religious community mainly found in Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.Find me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonateSources/Recommended Reading:Betts, Robert Brenton (2009). "The Druze". Yale University Press.Daftary, Farhad (2007). "The Isma'ilis: Their history and doctrines". Cambridge University Press.Firro, Kais M. (2011). "The Druze Faith: Origin, Development and Interpretation". Arabica 58 (2011) 76-99. Brill.Hirschberg, H.Z. (1981). "The Druzes". In "Religion in the Middle East: Three Religions in Concord and conflict (ed. Arberry, A.J. & Beckingham, C.F.), vol 2. Cambridge University Press.Hitti, Philip K. (2007). "The Origins of the Druze People and Religion: With Extracts from their Sacred Writings." Saqi Books. Hodgson, Marshall G.S. (1962). "Al-Darazi and Hamza in the Origins of the Druze Religion". Journal of the American Oriental Society, Vol 82, No. 1.Walker, Paul E. (2010). "Caliph of Cairo: Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, 996-1021". The American University in Cairo Press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Jesuits, officially known as the Society of Jesus, are one of the most influential religious orders in the Catholic Church. Founded in 1540 by St. Ignatius of Loyola, they have played a central role in education, missionary work, science, and global history. This video explores who the Jesuits are, their origins, their impact on the Counter-Reformation, and their lasting influence on culture, politics, and spirituality.Find me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonateSources/Recomended Reading:Freidrich, Markus (2023). "The Jesuits: A History". Princeton University Press.Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.O'Malley, John W. (2014). "The Jesuits: A History from Ignatius to the Present". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the intriguing life of Thomas Aquinas, the Dominican friar who melded faith with reason. Discover his early struggles, family opposition, and the profound influences of Aristotle and Islamic thinkers. Delve into his monumental works, including the Summa Theologiae, where he defends Christianity and offers philosophical proofs for God's existence. Unpack his views on human nature, the soul, and how he navigated the complexities of faith and reason. His legacy continues to resonate in modern philosophy and theology, shaping the dialogue between science and belief.

Dive into the forgotten history of the Amalricians, a radical medieval sect branded heretical by the Catholic Church. Followers of philosopher Amalric of Bena, the Amalricians believed in a mystical union with God and a controversial idea: that God was not separate from creation. Discover how their daring pantheistic beliefs challenged Church orthodoxy — and led to their dramatic suppression in the early 13th century.Find me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonateSources/Recomended Reading:Angus Braid's Website "The Amalrician Heresy" is an excellent source on the Amalricians in particular: https://theamalricianheresy.wordpress.comCohn, Norman (1970). "The Pursuit of the Millennium: Revolutionary Millenarians and Mystical Anarchists of the Middle Ages". Oxford University Press.McGinn, Bernard. "The Presence of God" Series, in several volumes. Perhaps the best and most comprehensive introduction to Christian mysticism. Published by Crossroad Publishing Co. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the intriguing world of Pantheism, a philosophy that sees God in everything around us. Explore its ancient roots and modern interpretations, connecting spirituality with science and nature. Learn about the mixed reception of this belief, including criticisms from traditional viewpoints and its resurgence among intellectuals today. Delve into how this perspective fosters ecological awareness, and examine how embracing Pantheism could inspire a deeper connection with the natural world.

Dive into the multifaceted meaning of jihad, which extends far beyond mere violence. Discover how inner struggles and social justice play pivotal roles in this concept. Unpack the historical context of early Islamic expansion and the ethical guidelines that shaped warfare practices. Explore the impact of Salafism in modern Islamic thought, challenging common misconceptions about violence. This insightful discussion offers a nuanced perspective on a topic often misunderstood.

Find me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonateSources/Recomended Reading:Gutierrez, David (1984). "The Augustinians in The Middle Ages 1256-1356". In "History of The Order of Saint Augustine. Volume 1 - Part 1.". Augustinian Historical Institute. Villanova University.McGinn, Bernard. "The Presence of God" Series, in several volumes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.